New Cumberland City Council declined to purchase a Certificate of Deposit at Hancock County Savings Bank at Monday’s meeting. Mayor Will White approached Council with the proposal saying that the bank is offering 2 percent interest on a 30-month CD. Council was swift to express their displeasure at Hancock County Bank closing the walk-in portion of the bank and now offering only drive through service to New Cumberland residents. Council members stated that while New Cumberland is the County seat it no longer has a bank and that residents now have to drive to either Weirton or Chester to do their banking.
“We need to get a new bank,” said Councilman Dick Blackwell.
The purchase of a new electric sign which will be used to post town activities and information was approved. Mayor White told Council the sign is expected to run between $3,100 and $5,000 and asked for the flexibility to select the model which best meets the needs of the community. The sign is to be located near Hines Park in the northern end of the town.
Approval was given to advertise a public auction of three of the City-owned properties. Mayor White said that he had been contacted by the owner of the Staley (Graham) building, Bryce Custer, who wanted to purchase the two adjacent lots beside his building for parking. White said the City is required to hold a public auction on any City-owned property. Council also agreed to auction off a segment of land on Newman’s Hill located between the Rich Zumer and Toni Love property.
In other business, Council:
**Learned the West Virginia Dept. of Highways will be conducting a walk through of the new path of Rt. 2 in coming weeks;
**Approved monthly invoices of $60,697.26;
**Approved a draw of $10,438.85 for the sewer project;
**Approved a draw of $71,752,15 for the water project;
**Agreed to pay $875.00 for an electric line to Hines Park;
**Agreed to rent a float for the Dec.10th Christmas Parade for a cost of $1,000.00
**Agreed to an upgrade of the surveillance service that will tie in the park, gazebo and various areas of town to the system in the City building;
**Authorized the signatures on a WV Development Authority Economic Enhancement Grant of $1 million to pave roads in town;
**Congratulated Dick and Cookie McSwegin on their yard being named “Yard of the Month” and approved an award of $100 to them.
