KINGWOOD — A discussion about transporting prisoners led to the decision to only transport those arrested by city police officers.
“The municipal judge believes we should not transport,” Mayor Jean Guillot said. “That’s up to the county and state. The judge said if he sends someone to jail, we transport them.”
City Police Chief Charlie Haney agreed. “We transport from the municipal court unless something dire happens,” he said.
Councilwoman Tina Turner asked if the city’s officers volunteer to transport county or state prisoners, or whether they are asked to do so. Haney said city officers shouldn’t be volunteering.
There has also been a change in personnel. Guillot said Chief Doug Montague has moved into the captain slot and Haney became chief on May 16.
Montague joined the department in 2020 after retiring from the Morgantown Police force. He replaced Haney as chief when he retired.
“While we’re reorganizing our police department maybe we should hire an individual to enforce the junk ordinance,” councilman Bill Robertson said.
Guillot said if they hire someone to enforce the junk ordinance that person would have to have some kind of authority to enforce it and have an identification.
No action was taken.
In other business, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Stiles told council members the pool will open June 5. He said hours will be noon-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Night swimming will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Lifeguards are on duty during all operating hours, and concessions are available.
Stiles said he also has 18 pool parties booked. The parties cost $225 and can be booked by calling 304-329-0856 for more information.
The next meeting of the Kingwood City Council will be at 6:30 p.m. June 13.
