New Martinsville City Council unanimously approved Monday a revised employee policy manual that changes the city’s policy on taking municipal vehicles home.

The primary change to the manual mandates that only one city vehicle per department can be taken home by a designated on-call employee. David White, head of the electric department, was unable to attend the meeting, but asked Parks and Recreation Director Bev Gibb to voice his opposition in his absence. She said White wants the vehicle clause to make vehicle use at the department head’s discretion.

“If gas was 80 or 90 cents per gallon, we probably wouldn’t be having this discussion,” said Councilman Keith Nelsen.

That was bolstered by Councilman Steve Pallisco saying he has heard citizens complaining about the city’s vehicle usage.

“There’s actually been a lot of talk about it,” echoed Nelsen. The change in that part of the manual also requires borrowed city equipment to be used by city employees on their personal property. Also, they must keep record of the use and pay for all fuel used.

Other changes in the manual include requiring all full-time employee candidates to take physical and department heads getting city council’s approval of part-time employee hirings. Recorder Bonnie Shannon presiding in Mayor Herrick’s absence due to outpatient surgery, said the discussion at a meeting to revise the manual held May 1 indicated council just wanted to be informed of such hirings.

“Really there wasn’t a lot of controversy about it,” Shannon said of the meeting held May 1 with city employee leaders.

Gibb, who was unable to attend that meeting, said she really thinks the city needs to include a general harassment policy in the manual. “If this is adopted tonight, a general harassment issue needs to be in here,” Gibb said emphatically.

While the one the committee looked at as an example was not found to be suitable, council did pass the adoption of the revised manual with the addition of a general harassment polity to be added as soon as an acceptable version is found or edited.

In another hot topic at Monday’s meeting, City Building Inspector Joe Hanna said a person wants to purchase the Ballouz property at the top of Paducah Drive and raise farm animals. However, half of the property lies in the city limits and city ordinance forbids farm animals. He suggests the city keep that in place there.

However, reportedly everyone in that neighborhood has signed a petition in favor of a variance, something that some fear would open the city up for other requests for special dispensations.

Patricia Eller, a close neighbor of the farm, spoke for the area’s residents. She has lived in the Paducah Farms area for 31 years. In fact, when she moved there farm animals still resided in the neighborhood. “We never smelled a thing,” she said, but continued, “This isn’t about smell or beauty.”

The residents’ major concern is drainage from the hillside and its natural springs. The neighborhood has been plagued with flooding problems and they fear any kind of housing development on the property. "You put asphalt. You put concrete. You put rain gutters. Where is it all going to come?” asked Eller.

“That has always been a farm. The people are definitely for keeping the farm as pristine as possible,” said Corliss. “I think we need to listen to the people.” She said she has had several residents say they will move from the area if a development is erected on that land.

The matter was referred to the city’s building committee. Hanna further noted in his monthly report that in the last four weeks he has issued building permits for three new constructions—two houses and Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union. He also said five properties deemed unacceptable are “heading in the right direction.”

Finally, he had said previously that he would research the possibility of raising building permit fees in New Martinsville. After finding that Wheeling’s permits were about in line with New Martinsville, he does not recommend a change.

Gibb reported that her department is getting ready for the busy season. They are currently interviewing for seasonal jobs and will send out letters of acceptance or rejection next week.

The paddle boats at Lewis Wetzel Park and miniature golf at Bruce Park will open May 24 and both pools will open May 31. Discounted tickets are now on sale at the city building.

The King and I is being staged this week at the Lincoln Theater, Thursday through Sunday. The contract to air condition the theater will be out for bid next week.

Also, Gibb noted that junior Olympics for kids ages eight to 13 will be held this weekend. The event is free. “We’re looking for as many projects like that as possible,” said Gibb. “I know my pocketbook doesn’t go as far as I need it to.”

Another cost-effective event will be held at Bruce Park July 26 in conjunction with the Festival of Memories. It will be 66-cent day at the park whose historic above-ground pool turns 66 years old in 2008. There will be various specials on things like pool admission, miniature golf, and food, for 66 cents.

Gibb confirmed that they are working with ArtsLink on the annual Arts in the Park. It is another free event held each Fourth of July.

If anyone has ideas for free events that the department can offer to help make the summer more enjoyable for the public, they are asked to let her know.

She also took a moment to thank all of the many volunteers who help keep the parks functioning and looking good. She said the ball league volunteers have kept the fields in great shape, scouts are planting trees and painting picnic tables at Lewis Wetzel Park, and the Magnolia High School tennis teams have cleaned up the tennis courts. “It’s making a world of difference,” said Gibb of the volunteers.