MIDDLEPORT —Another step toward establishing a village-operated vehicle impound lot was taken by Middleport Village Council at its Monday night meeting.

Council approved a second reading of the ordinance setting forth operational procedures, and set a third and final reading for the Oct. 8 meeting.

The lot to be used for storage of vehicles is located at the rear of Middleport Village Hall. Currently, Mike Hendrickson, village building inspector, is in the process of securing fencing for the three open sides of the area to be used for storage.

The ordinance sets forth regulations regarding the seizing of vehicles, holding and storing them, and costs to be levied to the owners when retrieving vehicles.

At the request of Faymon Roberts, village administrator, Council approved the purchase of a used, one-ton four -wheel pickup truck. Roberts gave a lengthy report on the deteriorating condition of some village trucks and other equipment and the necessity for some repair work on a dump truck before winter sets in.

The repair and paving project of streets damaged during the $7 million sewer project, done at no cost to the village, got under way this week on North Second Avenue, Mayor Michael Gerlach reported. He also discussed the digging going on in town by Columbia Gas which includes the replacement of lines, and he reported conflicting information regarding completion — one saying there will be no more digging up of streets until 2014, while another indicated more work to be done now.

Jail Officer Mony Wood reported that Farmers Bank had purchased an animal at the Meigs County Fair and donated it to Middleport to be used for meat for jail prisoners. The only cost to the village for the meat is the processing fee of $50 which Council agreed to pay.

The need for identification cards for police and other village personnel having regular contact with the public was discussed at the meeting. It was the general consensus that such cards are needed. Clerk/Treasurer Susan Baker reported on costs for a photo identification card system would be about $1,000. She was authorized to check the cost and get back to Council. Approved by Council was the purchase of two regular jackets for jail personnel who would then give the protective jackets with logos which they now have to active police officers.

Council members Rae Moore and Sandy Brown reported on the recently held public Neighborhood Watch meeting handled by Officer Frank Stewart. Both reported on the impressive presentation and the community interest and noted that at the next meeting there will be program on meth labs. Date for that meeting has not been announced.

Councilman Craig Wehrung reported on plans for two meet-the-candidates’ sessions to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 and 23, at the Senior Citizens Center. Candidates with opposition in the November election will be invited to participate in the question and answer session, Wehrung said.

Councilman Roger Manley was reported on vacation. Council members attending were Moore, Brown, Wehrung, Penny Burge and Emerson Heighton.