Matewan became the first municipality in Mingo County to join the Coal Vendors Association and the Friends of Coal organization Tuesday, after the town council approved a motion during its regular meeting.

“With Matewan’s history, who better to become the first ‘Friends of Coal’ community?” said Mayor Sheila Kessler. “None of us would be here now if it weren’t for coal and we’d like to show that we support the industry.”

The coal organizations promote coal advocacy, education, and development. Matewan officials said they believe they are the first municipality to become a member of either pro-coal mining group.

Regarding the rest of Aug. 18 meeting, the council primarily discussed issues and planning for the Red Jacket Water Project.

Randall Lewis of E.L. Robinson Engineering presented the council with the grant of $335,000 from the Rural Utility Services for the project.

The deed for the Red Jacket Water Plant was presented to council members, who approved it pending changes regarding specific parts of the area surrounding the plant that were not included in the original deed. Kessler signed the deed pending those changes.

Jason Allen of Veolia Water presented FEMA worksheets to the council in order to estimate the cost of repairing the pumps at the Red Jacket Water Plant, which currently has only one pump operational. The council approved the motion to replace the pumps.

A motion to perform an engineering study for the water and wastewater plants to coincide with the Red Jacket Water Project was also approved by council members. The study is to prepare for the increase of use brought on by the Red Jacket Water Project and the increase of use incurred by the consolidated high school near Red Jacket after its completion.

Mayor Kessler presented a letter of resignation from Councilwoman Sandy Coll-ins to the quorum. Collins cited personal issues for the resignation, which was accepted by the council.

A motion was made and seconded to appoint Pat Garland as a replacement for Collins. The motion passed with a majority of the vote. Councilman Gar-land was sworn in the following morning on Aug. 19.

The council tabled discussions of park renovations and scheduled a special meetings for disaster recovery and the Matewan Homecoming to take place at Matewan Town Hall on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m .

The next regular meeting of the Matewan Town Council is Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. in the town hall.