New Martinsville’s city council met on Monday, Oct. 2 at the municipal building for a regularly-scheduled council meeting. Mayor Steven Bohrer called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. with all council members present, with the exception of Councilman Jeff Wright.

The council unanimously approved the regular city invoices, following the department head approval. All approved budget reports are declared available upon request.

There were no guest speakers or special agenda items, however it was noted as a reminder to residents that trick-or-treat is to be held on Oct. 31, from 6-7 p.m.

A recommendation from Kathryn Goddard, in reference to a Social Media Policy, was unanimously approved. It was also mentioned that the city has two bids for the annual audit. Four companies responded but two were uninterested. The bids will be opened.

Iris Isaacs reported that five streets have been paved and there are two remaining to be paved. She also mentioned there will be another city cleanup on Oct. 20 and 21. Issacs also reported she has received several complaints from residents of the Neubaurer Section of town concerning unleashed dogs. She said the dogs are becoming a threat and many residents are unable to walk in the area. She noted the city has ordinances and the state has laws against allowing dogs to run loose. “There are leash laws and the city will be strickly enforcing them,” she added.

She also said violators will be brought in to city court and fined, and the dogs may be taken by the county dog warden.

Councilman Joel Potts called for a second reading of the competitive bidding revision. He put it in the form of a motion and it was unanimously approved. He also asked for approval of a recommendation in reference to a covert track group phone application, which will be police equipment and the money for such will come from their fund. It was given unanimous approval.

Potts also asked for approval on a recommendation of committee concerning a drug dog. The dog named Heidi is owned by Detective Donnie Harris and will be trained by Harris as well. Recommendation was approved.

Potts presented council with a recommendation for a new city service fee, for non-residents working here. He explained the fee would be $1.75 per week. If there is more than one resident living in a household, they can sign a waiver to avoid paying the fee. Council held the first reading of the new fee and it was approved unanimously.

Councilman Steve Pallisco reported on the success of the Regatta. He showed some pictures taken and spoke about the race course being declared one of the best in the country, according to the owners. He said everything he had heard was positive and that most said this is the race they enjoy coming to the most. According to Pallisco there were no serious injuries, although there were a couple of wrecks.

Mayor Bohrer, echoed Pallisco’s statements, saying he had heard nothing but good things about the event and wished to thank everyone involved with making it happen. Councilman Potts noted he was friends with a couple of the drivers and he had received good reports from them as well.

Bohrer also thanked street commissioner Gary Wiley for his work on the street patching and reported that Wiley will now be doing mostly paving instead of patching since it holds up much better. He again thanked Wiley for doing a good job.

There was no new or old business discussed and the meeting was adjourned.