Members of Middlebourne City Council gathered Monday evening to conduct its regularly scheduled meeting.

Council approved work to begin on water plant improvements. Mayor Gayla Fisher informed members the grant funds for the project had been applied for and requested work begin prior to receipt of the grant money. Council approved the request. Mayor Fisher also noted rate increases would appear on the Town’s June water bills.

A request to shut down part of Broad Street May 26 by Gary Rymer was also approved by council. Purpose of the request is due to a Barbecue Chicken Dinner to be held in conjunction with the Memorial Day weekend festivities.

Council discussed purchasing new bunting for the gazebo in time for the Memorial Day holiday. Members agreed to fund one half the purchase price, $70, and request the Parks and Recreation Commission fund the remaining half of the purchase price.

New marker signs for the town have been chosen by council members. The two signs are constructed of weather-resistant Corian material and are approximately the same size as the current signs. Total cost for the purchase and delivery of the two signs totals $7,515. Mayor Fisher and other council members are in the process of locating a brick mason to set the footers and build the fortifications for the signs.

A request from for a $50 sponsorship donation to Brock’s Benefit at Camp Copperhead was regretfully denied by council. “This could set a precedent,” remarked one council member, “although we’d like to help. It could cause a conflict.” Council suggested the donation would better be made on an individual basis, rather than coming from town funds.

Mayor Fisher noted that a final walk-through of the Main Street Revitalization project would be done Wednesday at 11 a.m. “Both the mayor of Pennsboro and Sistersville mayor Dave Fox have complimented the project,” said Mayor Fisher.

“We are looking into purchasing banners for the newly installed light poles,” Fisher added, “and are considering purchase of a planter for placement at the gazebo.;”

It was also noted that the Garden Club had been allocated $3,700 for upcoming Halloween, Christmas, and Easter events. Mayor Fisher told council the next meeting would be held June 11, and then adjourned.