Tuesday January 3, the New Martinsville City Council met for the first time in the New Year. Mayor Sandy Hunt called the meeting to order by declaring a quorum present. Next, a motion was made to approve Decembers council minutes. That was followed by approval of regular city invoices and financial reports.

Next on agenda was the approval of Water Distribution License certification pay for Tim Hammel. Following that motion, a Class 1 Waster water and Lab Certification for Harold Wright was made into a motion. Both recommendations were approved by full council.

Chairwoman of committee # 1, Iris Isaacs put forth a motion to include language in the employee policy manual regarding the police academy. Reimbursement of cost would be added in the event new officers fail to complete or leave prior to joining the department. Also: It was recommended for approval, employees submit to an exit interview for all departments. Both motions were approved by full council.

Committee # 4, Chairman Joe Smith reviewed an offer from the Wetzel County Sheriff department to accept a 2016 Chevy Tahoe. After council discussion it was decided to reject the offer from the sheriff’s department. Cost of repair to the vehicle was a factor in the decision.

After three readings by council the electric rate increase received final approval and will be reflected in the January 19 billing cycle

New Martinsville Fire Chief, Rick Myers reported the communities visit by Santa Claus on December 19 and 20th was very well received. Each area visited had children eagerly waiting for the visit from Santa. Chief Myers committed, âBest Year Ever.ã

Tim Cecil reported that in December his department made 139 arrests. Three of those were drug dealers. He also reported that the previous weekend his department responded to a 2 hour standoff with an individual with a gun. The weapon turned out to be a toy and the individual was taken into custody with no one being harmed. Chief Cecil commended his department for its responses and the professional way they handled the incident preventing harm to anyone. Cecil also reported that recently his department had assisted with a lady who had over dosed, ceased 640 stamps of heroin worth an estimated street value of $16,000 and $3000 in cash.

Kevin Marciniak, manager of the Hydro Power plant. Reported that last year the plant met 80% of its capacity to produce power. He explained that weather, water levels and maintenance played a part in the 20% loss of production. He also explained that work was done to remove lime scale and inspect the water turbines governor control system.

Tim Chickick, City Building Inspector reported that his office issued 17 building permits in December and collected $3000.00 in fees. He also reported on the new pharmacy building be built on the location of the former Chinese restaurant near the Villas Apartments.

Council also discussed the Wal-Mart Corporationás notice in the near future they intend to install recharging stations for their truck fleet. In addition to fleet charging, they will install charging stations for customers with electric powered automobiles. Council explained that whatever measures Walmart take to serve their fleet is entirely up to them. But charging stations for automobiles is a different situation. New Martinsville is the provider of electrical service for the city’s customers. Its power charter states, power supplied by the city cannot be resold. Council will research and resolve the question in the future.