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CHESTER, W.Va. -- The city of Chester has a new deputy chief of police.
Council on Monday approved Mayor Ken Morris' appointee, Ethan Skolrud, to the position.
Police Chief Chuck Stanley had offered Skolrud as his choice for job earlier in the meeting. He explained that Skolrud, who is a five-year veteran of the department, has been an informal leader who is sought out for his experience and knowledge by other officers.
Morris concurred with his choice, and council members made it official with a unanimous vote. Councilman Jason Thorn was absent.
Stanley also detailed the department's 142 March calls for service in a monthly report that included 24 traffic stops, six crashes, 13 assists of medical and fire calls, five welfare checks and two calls of stolen property.
Members also agreed to purchase up to three tons each of stone and mulch for the Chester Beautification Committee's community cleanup day tentatively set for May 15.
Mayor Morris briefly asked council members if they were interested in him to continue investigating a possible lease-to-own agreement on a street sweeper.
The city paid $79,080 in bills from the general fund, including $14,963 into the West Virginia Risk Pool, $12,273 to Guardian Insurance and another $29,520 for payroll.
Members also agreed to purchase up to three tons each of stone and mulch for the Chester Beautification Committee's community cleanup day tentatively set for May 15.
Councilman Thomas Paisley also discussed a meeting being held in Wheeling regarding the American Rescue Plan, which Morris plans to attend. Not only do they expect to learn how much their community will receive, but what it can be used for.
City officials expect to get half of the disbursement this year with the remainder in 2022.
Council also agreed to pay a $7,391 bill for legal services from Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard and Smith.