NEW HAVEN — Council members for the town of New Haven recently approved the hiring of two new policemen.

It was reported that the two new hires in the police department are Jesse Cole Johnson and Kyle McCormick. A motion was made and carried for official approval to hire these two candidates. Also, concerning the police department, a citizen brought about some concerns regarding the curfew in town. It was reported that the Police Chief assured them that the curfew will begin being enforced.

The council also discussed purchasing another six yard dumpster for the town, and it was noted that WV Tractor has one in stock for $1300. A motion was made to purchase the dumpster, and motion carried.

Also concerning dumpsters, council discussed the dumpster of New Haven Elementary overflowing. Some thought a third dumpster is needed, but council discussed changing the days of the dumps, in attempts to see if this will remedy the overflowing dumpsters. It was reported that further discussion will take place on this matter if needed.

Council also discussed a garbage truck that recently backed into another parked car. Damaged was reported to be very minor. Police were called and a report was taken. There were no charges filed, however, the owner of the vehicle was asked to get estimate for the repairs, and bring them to city hall.

Concerning the street department, the council was polled about hiring E & R Excavating to finish the repairs on 7th Street. Motion carried. It was also reported that the dump truck is in need of a new transmission and the red Chevy is also not running properly. Members voted to let the supervisors explore lease options and the state surplus.

It was also reported that one of the John Deere lawn mower had a cracked frame. Mike Taylor presented from estimated on new and used mowers, and the council asked to repair the mower, since it was only a backup mower.

It was also discussed, for the safety of the workers, that the council chambers be moved to the front of the building, and then main office be moved to the back. Reportedly, this matter will be looked into further.

A citizen also asked about pools fill up for the summer, and council members reported that due to the PSC regulations, the town is unable to do this, which means residents will have to pay the regular bill when filling of their pools.

Council members also gave Johnny Oldaker the dates that that are being put on the new customer connection letter for the sewer. Customers wishing to connect to the sewer system have from March 1, 2012 to March 1, 2013 to do so. After which time, those not connected will still have to pay a minimum bill. It was also reported that the parts needed to properly monitor the water usage at sewer plant have been ordered and will be put in as soon as the parts are received.

It was also reported that the water checks done on weekends have been getting paid $50 for each day. This will now be paid as a two hour call out. Motion carried. It was also stated that all receipts will now go to the main office instead of the sewer plant to save on misplacing them. Motion carried.

In other council news, it was stated that the brush pile at the ball fields was a concern for some citizens, as they believe it may cause rats in the neighborhood. The fire department will burn these piles as soon as possible, weather permitting.

Sheila Roush also spoke to the council, in order to raise some awareness of how much the New Haven Library is used and the many services that are offered. Approximately 861 people reportedly use the library on a monthly basis, and Roush asked the council to keep the funding for the library the same as it has been in the past.

Council also discussed the Mary Phillips property, and whether or not the town would sell the property for revenue. This will be discussed at the next meeting. The zoning board will also be sending out three “second notice” letters in the next few days to citizens in town that have been ask to clean up property.

The following building permits were also granted. #641, William Bird, moving home from 148 Layne Street to Fifth Street. #645, Tim Stone, building of a pole barn. #644, Rebecca Reed, storage building.

Council members present were Frances Taylor, Sarah Gibbs, Jim Elias, Jeff Russell and Dorothy Roush. The next council will be held at 6 p.m. on March 8.