New Cumberland Council learned of the plans underway for the May 13th Municipal election. While all council positions are uncontested, the Mayor’s race is contested. Incumbent Mayor Will White will be challenged by Councilman Michael Watkins.
City Clerk Tammie Jenkins reported that the last day to register to vote will be April 22 with early voting to begin April 30 through May 10. Weekday early voting will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, May 3 and 10. Council voted to increase the poll workers payment from $25 to $100.
Council approved the second reading of ordinance 25-001 raising the incoming Mayor’s salary from $200 to $400 and ordinance 25-002 raising Council members salary from $100 to $200.
Mayor White conveyed a letter received from the Dept. of Transportation informing Council that construction is expected to begin this summer. Council members observed that demolition of the houses in the route of the new road have yet to occur.
The chipping and sealing of the alleys will begin when the weather cooperates. The cost is $99,280.66. The original estimate was in the $70,000.00 range. Council voted to approve the cost of $99,280.66
In other business, Council:
**approved monthly invoices of $83,583.89
**Announced Dorothy and Bob Swearingen were the winners of the Yard of the Month. Council approved a check of $50 to be presented to them.
**Hired a new part-time street employee, Isiah Varner, at $15/hr;
**Approved the fence quote for the Municipal Garage from Lee Cain Fencing for $3,700.00;
**Reinstated drug testing for all employees. New employees will be drug tested prior to starting employment while existing employees will be subject to random drug testing;
**Discussed plans to make the City Building more secure. A key fob will be installed on both the front and back door and cameras will be installed so employees can see who is requested entry into the building.
Council’s next regular meeting will be May 5.
apri
