NEW HAVEN — The Town of New Haven has recently looked into taking over the garbage pick-up for Mason and Hartford.

At the most recent council meeting, New Haven Mayor George Gibbs informed the council that he had recently attended council meetings for the Towns of Mason and Hartford regarding garbage pick-up. Gibbs continued, stating he has more work ahead of him and will keep council informed. As reported in Wednesday’s edition, Mason Mayor Mindy Kearns stated the Town of Mason hasn’t committed to anything yet and that Gibbs would most likely have to check with the Public Service Commission. It may be something the other towns will consider, and more information on the subject is sure to come.

Also taking place at the meeting, as previously reported, was the certification of the election results. A motion carried to certify the results with a first from Councilman Jim Elias and a second from Councilwoman Dorothy Roush. Gibbs also acknowledged Mason County Clerk Diana Cromley for attending the canvassing of the town on June 8.

Public speakers attending the meeting were Walter Frazier and Dave Hall. Frazier, who is with Appalachian Software, spoke to council about attending one to three days of training with Janet May. Roush made a motion to allow the training with a second from Elias. Motion carried.

Hall spoke to the council regarding easement paperwork. Mayor Gibbs stated the council is waiting on one more signature is needed and then they will move forward. Chief Hardwick also acknowledged Hall for donating concrete for the town.

Concerning the police department, it was reported at the meeting that Officer Kyle McCormick has been accepted into the academy and will be gone for four and a half months. It was also stated there was recently an accident in of the of the police vehicles, in which the driver backed up and hit a fence. Estimates for repairs have been received and turned into the insurance company. Elias made a motion, with a second from Roush, to accept the estimate from OBS in Gallipolis, Ohio, to make the repairs. Chief Hardwick also asked permission to get the Impala fixed, which insurance previously paid for, but repairs have yet to be made.

From the street department, it was stated the concrete on Lewis Street has been completed, and from the recreation department, it was stated the town’s pool has opened and swimming lesson began on June 18.

There was also a discussion regarding the meeting of the zoning board, debating if zoning board members should meet once a week to view building permits or if the office should call the board with each permit. Mayor Gibbs polled the council at this time, with Elias and Councilwomen Francis Taylor abstaining. Motion carried and the zoning board will meet once a week.

James McCormick was also present at the meeting, stating that the Veteran’s Assistant Program will be held the second Wednesday of every month from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bend Area Community Center. This program is for veterans and their families to receive help applying for benefits, or those who need information. It was also reported that a discussion on program “Hire our Heroes” took place and Mayor Gibbs asked that it be put on the next agenda. There have also been dedication signs placed at each end of the town.

In other council news, Supervisor Johnny Oldaker has ordered weed killer to apply to the sidewalks and around the fence at the sewer plant. Council members approved the weed killing. Recorder Roberta Hysell also asked for permission to work on an end of summer event for area children. There were no verbal objections and Hysell will bring her plans to the council. Mayor Gibbs also asked council members if they would like to remove the changed that were previously made on the budget. Each member was given a handout with the changes and it will be discussed at the next council meeting.

The following building permits were also presented to the council: #652-Brenda Merritt-14 X 16 deck on the back of home, #669-Patti Amos-Remodeling, outbuilding, fence and sewer, #668-John Arnott-Privacy Fence. A motion was made to accept permits #652 and #669 with a first from Elias and a second from Roush. One member abstained due to being on Zoning Board. Motion carried. #668 was not approved due to being on the right a way.

A concerned citizen also offered a suggestion to the council, stating a packet of information could be given out with each building permit to help citizens understand the process better. Chief Hardwick stated also discussed getting a copy of the previous newsletter from the library to possibly send out again, which informed town’s people that a permit is need when making changes to their homes.

The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved with a first from Councilwoman Sarah Gibbs and a second from Roush. The financial report was also read and approved with a first from Roush and a second from Elias. Accounts payable were also accepted with a first from Roush and a second from Elias. All three motions carried.

In addition to Mayor Gibbs, council members present were Frances Taylor, Sarah Gibbs, Jeff Russell, Jim Elias, Dorothy Roush, and Recorder Roberta Hysell.

The Town of New Haven Council will meet again at 6 p.m. on June 26.