MIDDLEPORT — The final action on two ordinances required to move forward on establishing a vehicle impound lot and removing junk vehicles from private property was taken by Middleport Village Council at Monday night’s meeting.

The emphasis will now be on getting the required fencing up around the lot and enforcing the ordinance requirements when vehicles are taken in and out.

At the request of Mony Wood, jail administrator, Council approved the employment of Christopher Sommers to be used only on a “call-in as needed” basis. His request for a small television monitor at an approximate cost of $150 for the jail was approved. As for the jail operation, Wood’s report showed increasing use of the Middleport facility by area law enforcement agencies. Since the jail opened in April, the income for housing prisoners has totaled $113,352. In August the income was $29,160, while in September it was $20,400.

It was noted that the first payment of $52,000 on the renovation of the school building into a village hall and jail is due this month with the next payment of $52,000 to be paid in March. The loan payments for the work on the building are to be paid over a 20 year period.

Wood noted that on Nov. 5 the jail employees will be attending a school at the Gallia County work release center to become certified corrections officers to work in a 12 day jail facility. Wood said the training is required of those who remain employed.

According to the report from Chief of Police Bruce Swift the cruiser laptops and mounts for all five cars have been received and installed and later this week the operating software for the laptops will be installed. Swift said this is some of the equipment that is coming free of charge to Middleport from Homeland Security. The equipment, he said, is valued at $14,600.

Swift also reported that at the next Homeland Security meting in Jackson which is Thursday night, there should be some decision on the Livescan fingerprint system for the jail which is also coming as free equipment to the village. It was also noted that trick or treat will take place on Oct. 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. and that the Feeney-Bennett Post will also be having its annual event at the Legion Park or in the Legion hall in the event of rain.

The September fire report showed response to 10 calls, two rescue motor vehicle accidents; two brush/trash fires, two structure fires, two mutual aid calls, one hazardous condition response, and a service run.

Mayor Mike Gerlach, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Baker, and Council members, Rae Moore, Sandy Brown Penny Burge, and Roger Manley attended. It was noted that Council members Craig Wehrung was hospitalized and that Emerson Heighton was out of town.