NEW HAVEN — Concerns of several dogs running rampant and one dog killing a cat were addressed during the most recent meeting of the New Haven Council.

According to the meeting minutes, several New Haven residents expressed to council members concerns of several dogs running freely around town. It was also stated that the New Haven Chief of Police and dog catcher, as well as the Mason County Dog Warden have been working to solve the problem of other dogs running loose. Mayor George Gibbs also stated there is a leash law for dogs in the corporation limits.

Gibbs also stated there has only been one situation where a dog had killed another resident’s cat, which has been reported to the police department. Gibbs continued, saying the owner of the dog had stated they would soon be moving and taking the dog with them.

Also at the meeting, council members discussed looking at the town’s “Vicious Dog Ordinance” and the possibilities of revising it. Gibbs added that this ordinance was originally created regarding pit bulls in New Haven.

Another public speaker at the meeting address the council concerning gravel being put down due to the town’s sewer project.

Also at the meeting, council members discussed employee wages and a motion was made to give hourly employees a 25 cents per hour raise, with a first from Councilman Jim Elias and a second from Councilwoman Jessica Howard. Motion carried.

In other council news, council members were concerned about working with the Community Work Experience Program (CWEP), in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). A DHHR representative recently met with Mayor Gibbs, to answer and concerns from council members. Council also made a motion to allow one individual with this program to begin working earlier this week, with a first from Councilwoman Howard and a second from Councilwoman Amy Ferguson. Motion carried.

Concerning the police department, it was stated during the meeting that new tires were purchased from Sassafras for the police jeep, with a first from Councilwoman Ferguson and a second from Councilman Elias. It was also stated that Miller Communications is giving the town a refund on the recently purchased radios in order to allow the town to purchase the correct radios. Council members made a motion to purchase two mobile units for the police cruisers as well as to purchase a light bar for the jeep with a first from Councilwoman Ferguson and a second from Councilman Elias. Both motions carried.

Concerning the street department, it was stated that CJ Hughes was present earlier this month to look at road that had caved in, but no updated information was available. Also concerning garbage, Councilman Elias stated some of town’s dumpsters needed to be replaced or fixed. Council members also asked for some estimates on the cost of new dumpsters.

It was also stated that Supervisor Johnny Oldaker, Chief Hardwick, and Recorder Roberta Hysell were asked to do the weekly letters to the Mayor, but a motion died due to lack of interest. A budget revision was also discussed and approved with a first from Councilman Elias and a second from Ferguson. Motion carried.

Also concerning old business, an adjuster from Trident Insurance also had sent a note to the council regarding the structure of the Napa Building, stating the adjuster determined the building had no damages from the storm drain, but only normal wear and tear. The adjuster also stated in the note that he was waiting for the town’s engineering firm to possibly come up with a solution to correct the issue with the drain.

Also at the meeting, the following building permits were presented: Permit 716, for This and That Café, for a new roof; Permit 717, for Hogg and Zuspan, for construction of a new home. Councilwoman Sarah Gibbs made a motion to accept the permits with a second from Councilwoman Howard. Motion passed with one abstention due to being on the zoning board.

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

In addition to Mayor Gibbs, council members present were Jessica Howard, Kenneth Vickers, Jim Elias, Amy Ferguson, Sarah Gibbs, and Recorder Roberta Hysell.

The town of New Haven council will meet again at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29, in the town hall.