On February 28th City Council Committee #1 met in City Hall’s large conference room to discuss several matters. The committee is chaired by Iris Isaacs and members Ron Brill and Jeff Gieseke. On this day the entire council and department chairs joined in the meeting.

First on the days agenda was a discussion on personnel issues. The issue was tabled until another date is set.

Next on the agenda was the approval of a motion to put before the full council at the next meeting, for approval of the 2023-2024 budget. Following the motion it was added that departments should be cautious with remaining funds for the current budget year.

City employee’s insurance rates was the next subject of discussion. Council Person Isaacs gave a detailed report on the cost increases over the next five years. Isaac’s projections reveal the total cost of health insurance at a rate of 15 percent will be $2,547,274.87 in five years. At 10 percent an increase of $1,596,225.36. And at a five percent increase the cost will be $659,759.36. In addition to the insurance increase Council Person Isaacs presented a general fund report of employee’s expenses. Utility Office- $335, 084.93 in wages. Mechanic $58,906.06 in wages. Street Department wages $ 393,421.21. Police full time wages, $833,421.21. Police overtime costs $158,385.18. Police part time $19,502.00. Building inspector wages, $97,216.34. Parks wages, $232,478.62. Parks Kids wages summer, $216,861.78. Total wages paid, $2,345,181.70. Health care cost out of general fund, $900,660 annually. Total expenditures $3,245,841.70.

Each firefighter in the city is required to have 4 to 5 certifications. The city has at present, 22 volunteers. Annual cost to keep certification current is $1,743. Per individual.

Next on the agenda was a discussion on the city policy of vehicles being taken outside city limits. The policy is to be reinstated and those individuals are required to contact city dispatch to report their leaving and return.

Beverly Gibbs requested the council give her clear direction as to a grant they wish her to pursue. One item Ms. Gibbs is looking to gain grant money for is the installation of electric charging stations in city parking lot. She estimates she needs $6,000 to have Swiss Valley designed and bid on the project.

A discussion was held trying to determine the leasing or purchasing of city police cruisers.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Immediately following the Committee #1 meeting, the full New Martinsville Council went into a public meeting.

First on the agenda was approval to extend sick leave pay. It was determined that at this time the Item will table for another meeting. No further discussion was held.

The committee motion made in the previous #1 committee meeting, was put up for a vote before full council on a motion to approve the 2023-2024 budget. Motion was made seconded and approved by full council. No further discussion was held.

Next a move was made to accept a motion from previous #1 committee meeting to approve remaining 2022-2023 budget monies. Motion was accepted, moved and approved with no questions or discussions.

A request to approve a two-way radio policy was made and approved by full council. No discussion was offered from the floor.

The request to approve volunteer firefighter certification pay was made and motion was approved by full council. No discussion was offered.

The request from Municipal Court Judge Couch to put forth an amnesty program for past violations was approved by full council. A 50 percent reduction in fines will be offered to those who wish to make their record clear. Court cost and Fines are not included.

Council made a motion to approve a contract with Swiss Valley to bid and designed the charging stations in city parking lot. Council gave full approval of the grant proposal. No discussion from floor.

Full council gave approval to enter into a lease/purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango with Country Roads. Motion was approved.

The city vehicle policy concerning use of vehicles was approved by full council. No discussion from the floor.

In the month of April, the city will undertake a campaign to remove abandoned vehicles around the city. The motion was approved by full council.

Special Council Meeting Adjourned.