Chief Tim Cecil nominated to Medal of Valor

The New Martinsville City Council met Monday evening April 4, 2022, at the City Municipal Building to address recognitions, agenda items, and updates on upcoming events. Scout Troop #128 led the Pledge of Allegiance with all council members present. Mayor Sandy Hunt called the meeting to order entertaining the motion of previous meeting minutes which was given by a unanimous vote by the council. Also approved unanimously by the council, the city invoices and financial report.

Mayor Hunt introduced Senator Charles Clements, who nominated Chief Cecil to the state board for the Medal of Valor selection board. Senator Clements said that the 17 senatorial districts were nominating two members each to make up the board.

Clements said he selected New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil to serve on a new board that recognizes first respondersá efforts throughout the state.

âYou might call it the Hall of Fame of first responders here in the state of West Virginia,ã Clements said.

Senators from each district in the mountain state appointed first responders of their area to be overseers for those worthy of receiving the Medal of Valor. Police Chief Tim Cecil will be one of the founding members of this newly-created board.

âThis is an honor because this is for a medal of valor, which Iáve already won,ã Cecil said. âSo now, I get to sit on a board for the state of West Virginia to see other officers that go above and beyond who also are recognized for their work and for the jobs theyáve done.ã

It was noted that the opportunity to share experiences with other helping hands across the state will only branch the knowledge Cecil brings back to Wetzel County.

âBetween doctors, police chiefs, nurses, fire chiefs, and sheriffs, thereás just many different people Iáll get to meet and kick stuff around with,ã Cecil said.

The Medal is awarded to those who go the extra mile among response units. Cecil was selected as one of the best fits to help determine who deserves such an honor.

âHe is an example of the kind of people that we need,ã Clements said. âHeás always available. First to go in and the last to come out. He has done an admirable job as the chief of police. He will do a wonderful job serving on this board to see what people do and see those who go above and beyond the call of duty.ã

Cecil will take his new position immediately and will hold it until at least 2025.

The council also recognized Boy Scouts Pack #128 who are working on the citizenship and leadership of the county government and were present at the meeting to ask questions and learn more about city council.

The Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month for the month of April was read and adopted by Mayor Hunt and council.

Laura Weigel of the YWCA WIND (Women Inspired in New Directions) was present to speak to council about possibly coming aboard in the program which covers Ohio and Marshall counties currently. Weigel said that their program aims to provide support to women committed to beginning their journey to a substance-free life and have 24/7 assistance to help. Upon graduation of the WIND program, participants have employment, a financial plan, and a recovery support system in place.

Holly Morgan, CVB Director, updated council on the Back Home Festival this year and asked for use of the marina, WVNCC grounds, and streets for the festival. Morgan said that because of less revenue from the hotel taxes this year, they will only be able to have a two day event instead of three.

Councilman Jeff Gieseke updated the Hydro Electric plant, saying Kevin Marinack and his employees removed mega tons of trash from above the dam and disposed of it. âThe plant employees really work hard cleaning up the mess from flooding and the trash that accumulates at the dam,ã said Jeff.

Councilman Ron Brill opened bids on a 97 GMC Sonoma and a 900 lb. vehicle lift which was awarded to the highest bid.

Councilman Joel Potts opened the bids for a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2014 Chevy Tahoe that was recently wrecked but waiting to hear from the insurance company to move forward before awarding the bid. Mike White bid $801 on the Crown Victoria and was the highest bidder.

Councilman Joe Smith made a motion for D & J Contractors to power wash and paint the city complex in the amount of $21,375. Council approved the request by a unanimous vote.

Steve Pallisco, councilman made a motion for the fire department to purchase new radios and equipment in the amount of $69,582 from ARPA Funds. Also, councilman Pallisco asked council to approve the purchase agreement to lease a new fire truck for the department. The council approved both requests unanimously.

Tim Chicick recently completed his 10 of 10 requirements to become a certified building inspector.