By CHAD ABSHIRE

Staff Writer

GILBERT - The Gilbert Town Council met last night and made progress on a number of projects soon to begin in and around the area.

However, two people were absent from the meeting: Mayor Vivian Livingood and Councilwoman Sharon Murphy, with both either being ill or tending to those who were.

Jeff Neslon, from E.L. Robinson Engineering, spoke to the council regarding the Gilbert Sidewalk Project, and said that bids had come in from four companies: Asphalt Contract & Site Work, McClanahan Construction, Welding Inc., and Garcie R. Marker & Sons.

Asphalt Contract & Site Work was awarded the project, at a total of $197,67. Welding Inc. had the most expensive base bid with $322,000.

The council also heard from absolutely no one on the Horsepen, Browning Fork and Gilbert Creek water projects, as the final public meeting was held regarding them. Since no one had any issues, the projects will go on undeterred. Vivian Carter, an employee within Gilbert Town Hall, told the Gilbert Times that the city will be requested additional funding from Rural Utility Service and the West Virginia Infrastructure Council.

The council then heard from Gilbert Police Chief Mike Rasmussen on a need for new police cruisers. It was agreed upon, unanimously, by the council to purchase three cars from a Florida based company for a total of $30,500.

That company also sold a trio of cars to the Williamson Police Department, which have been well-received.

Soon, the GPD will have two 2009 Crown Victorias and a 2006 Ford Explorer K-9 unit added to its repertoire of vehicles.

The Gilbert Town Council meets each month on the second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for June 11.