MATEWAN – Plans to bring the Matewan Fire Department into compliance were discussed at Matewan’s town council meeting for the month of April Tuesday. Issues with some of the firemen not having proper training because of a high turnover rate along with issues with equipment were brought to the council’s attention. The council approved motions to allow the fire board to purchase what is needed for the station to be in compliance. The department will also take inventory of equipment as well as Mayor Shelia Kessler requested a report from the fire board at the next town council meeting illustrating the deficiencies that have been resolved and what issues need to be corrected.

Mayor Kessler addressed concerned Thacker residents about when the Thacker waterline extension project will be completed. The money received recently will not be available for use until July 1, 2010, the beginning of the fiscal year, but advertised bidding for the project will begin prior to the date.

“The project will not be delayed anymore than it has to,” assured Kessler who has been adamant about the project’s completion. The project had been delayed previously because of issues with the tank site location. Kessler said the project should begin during late summer or early fall.

The council has not received bids for various paving projects in and around Matewan after running two advertisements for the projects. The paving projects include: the tennis and basketball courts on Rt. 49 above Hatfield Bottom, Warm Hollow, and around Matewan Town Hall. These projects will be contracted out to ensure their completion.

A program by the Department of Energy to upgrade town halls and courthouses to be more energy efficient was brought to the attention of the council by Councilman Pat Garland. Approximately 1.2 million dollars in grant money will be given to West Virginia’s Region II to make government buildings energy efficient. The council agreed to allow Councilman Garland and local businessman Bill Sutterlin to begin work on the grant proposition.

The council addressed issues with unpaid business and occupation (B&O) taxes and hotel/motel taxes and discussed plans to take action on unpaid taxes. B&O taxes will now be due on the 15th day of the proceeding month.

Councilman Stevie Fullen reminded the council of the 2010 Special Olympics to be held at the Matewan High School football field Thursday, April 22 at 10 a.m. Fullen wanted to thank the town for its participation in the event.

The Matewan Town Council will hold its next meeting Tuesday, May 18 at 6 p.m. in Matewan Town Hall. The meeting is pushed back one week later because of Election Day on May 11.