The New Martinsville City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on February 6 at 7:30. Mayor Sandy Hunt called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was the first time in a while, the public could see the meeting live on the cityás Facebook page. It is the desire of the council that this will bring more transparency to the business of the city to the public.

First item was the approval of the January minutes. Motion was made and the minutes were adopted into the record.

Next on the agenda was a member of the community, Mr. Robert Greathouse of Vine Street who asked the council to consider an ordinance restricting height of fences within city limits. Mr. Greathouse’s neighbor has constructed a 16 foot high fence restricting a view from his property. The council discussed the issue and some conversation revealed that other cities have a fencing height ordnance. The council decided to take it under review.

Next subject for the council’s consideration was a request from Council Person Isaacs to replace Harold McClain on the Parks and Recreation Commissions with Carol Burnside. The appointment would be for a term to end June 30, 2027. Council Person Joel Potts seconded the motion. Full council passed the motion.

On a motion from Isaacs, was a request to approve overtime policy. The city honors 15 holidays. In order to have consistency in how overtime is paid. All departments will pay time and half on holidays; eight hours will be paid for the holiday. Day workers, do not come in to work for the extra pay unless they are called in for emergency purposes. Employees coming to work on a holiday in order to gain extra pay will not be permissible.

Council person Steve Pallisco seconded Isaacs motion, and the council unanimously passed the policy.

Council Person Isaacs put forth a motion that, effective July 1, 2023, certification pay will be given only for the training required by state policy for a particular position. State-required certifications must remain valid/current to continue receiving certification pay; this does not affect any current pay. Certifications will be included in the job description.

Council Person Gieseke: seconded the motion and it was approved by full council.

Council Person Isaacs put forth a motion to approve the fiscal year 2023-2024 sick Leave pay for John Buegel to be used on approval of motion.

Council Person Gieseke seconded the motion and full council approved.

Council Person Isaacs: gave financial updates to council and citizens present. Beginning balance of $1,032,255.52, debits of $4,734,972.43, credits of $4,548,595.08 with an ending balance of $1,218,632.87.

Council Person Isaacs addressed items posted on Facebook. Isaacs pointed out council does not have secret meetings. She did how ever say that on occasions they may have one-on-one conversations, and those conversations are not meant to in any ways deceive the community of issues before council. Isaacs expressed that she believes the City Recorder, Mayor, and this council are the most ethical group she has ever worked with. Council works diligently to improve the town and services for it citizens.

Isaacs: The police department is having issues keeping a full staff, along with many other cities in the state. The city police force continues to lose officers to the Wetzel County Sheriff’s office. The city of New Martinsville cannot compete with the county pay. City officers have newer vehicles and the city purchased two new cruisers last year. A wage increase of $9,000 was given to officers last august. New hand guns have been ordered to upgrade officer’s weapons. Those weapons should be in their possession soon. New body vests are coming soon, along with body cameras. The city last fall installed new in-car cameras. No one can say that our officers are not given what they need.

Isaacs: The city received approximately $2 million in ARPA funds. NM council is the first city in the state to support our small businesses. Two grants were given out to assist our small businesses. We gave grant money to support the non-profits. Council purchased two-way radios for the utility/public works, fire department, and police department. Water and Sewer are facing millions of dollars in repairing old infrastructure, and $600,000 of ARPA funds will assist in those projects. The city has used these funds in the new Johnson Memorial Park engineering. We have updated and increased the security at city hall, and we gave to our local fairs and festivals in support of tourism. I am proud to be a part of this team.

Mayor Hunt thanked Council Person Isaacs for her words and service to the community.

Council Person Gieseke reported that the Hydro department has reported that maintenance items needing repair have been completed. He also reported that all safety meetings have been completed and are up to date.

Council Person Pallisco reported the fire department answered 25 calls last month. They have received a 2023 AFG grant for AEDs (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator) to be placed in the trucks and fire station. The ladder truck still needs to be repaired, but they are waiting on the parts.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50.