New Cumberland City Council received an update on the Water Project at Monday’s meeting.  Randy Watson of Thrasher Construction told Council that the contractor for the first phase has a supply chain issue and is awaiting the delivery of materials to begin “turning dirt.”   He noted the contractor, who is  currently  finishing up work in McMechen, is already 33 percent into the contract time, but does not want to do the meter wells without the lids.  Watson expects work to begin at any time.

           Council voted to not participate in the Northern Panhandle Business Development Corporate membership.  Incoming Mayor Will White said he had received a call from BDC Director Marvin Six telling him “we need to meet and you owe us money.”    Council members said the decision to not renew the $1,400 fee for BDC membership had been made several years ago by Council after a controversy arose over the property next to Graham’s store.  The town currently did receive the title to the property and maintains that property.   Council members noted that New Cumberland has not benefitted from past  BDC memberships  in regards to economic development. Currently Chester, New Cumberland and Follansbee have all opted out of BDC membership.

           Action to resolve a $1,600.00 bill owed by the Oak Glen Jr, Bears for use of the multi-purpose room for basketball was discussed.  Multiple calls for payment have been made to coach  Jason Wiley and have not been returned for the past three months.    Prior to taking the bill to Magistrate Court, Chief of Police Lester “Chickie” Skinner suggested contacting the current Jr. Bear organization leadership to see if the issue could be resolved.

In other business, Council:

**Learned that Michael Maxwell of Troop #38 was in attendance and was working on his Merit Badge;

**Approved monthly invoices of $54,968.98;

**Accepted the resignation of City Judge John Ashcraft effective July 1, 2021;

**Learned that attorney Dean Makricosta has an interest in the Judge’s position;

**Learned that Mayoral Candidate Dave “Beo” Cline had expressed an interest in any Council seats which may come open;

**Voted to use “One Call” for notification by phone of water outages, boil orders, etc.    The cost for 1,000 credits is $150.00;

**Approved the launch of a military pictures on polls through the town.    The project will be coordinated through the New Cumberland Garden Club and the VFW.  Those wishing to remember their loved ones who served in the military will pay $130.00 for the signage.  George Hines will act as the contact for the Garden Club.  The only cost to the City will be the labor costs associated with hanging the banners;

**Gave the go-ahead to a Yard of the Month contest which will run June through September.  Each month’s winner will receive $50 and the judges will be the New Cumberland Garden Club;

**Approved a Memorial Day Parade for 2022.   The project will be coordinated through the Riverfest Committee;

**Agreed to put a “No Through Traffic” sign on Blackhorse Road.