Paden City Council Hears Dog at Large Complaint
The Paden City Common Council met for its regular session on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00pm in the council chambers of the municipal building. Mayor Clyde Hochstetler led the Pledge of Allegiance.
First order of business was the roll call of members. All were present. Next the mayor called for approval of the December 2, 2024 meeting minutes. Members approved.
An ongoing problem in Paden City was a topic of discussion at the town’s January 13, regular meeting. While the meeting was a week late due weather conditions, the ongoing battle to control vicious dogs in the community was still a hot topic. Long time resident Gary Snyder appeared upset and frustrated with efforts to control a neighborhood dog that he feels is a danger to him, his family and their dog. According to Snyder he has made numerous complaints to the city over the past five years and the problem still exists. He said he had been to council three times under the last administration and nothing has changed.
“I need something done, because someday I’m going to be gone. Thank God my wife and I have been there to keep that dog out of our doggy door, but yesterday he did it again,” said Snyder.
Snyder alleges the neighbor’s dog chases them into their home and he’s asking for help and protection.
Paden City Police Chief Anthony Lauer suggested Snyder get copies of the police reports and file a civil action against the neighbor that owns the dog. Lauer said he has reports dating back a few years.Council has a vicious dog ordinance on the books and there are also state laws prohibiting vicious dogs running at large. Town council has also passed an ordinance increasing fines for such. Mayor Clyde Hochstrasser said he will check with the county animal control officer.
A one dollar an hour pay increase was approved by council for city employee Jason Yost who passed the Class 2 water operator’s license and now holds the permit for Paden City.
Water, Street and Maintenance Superintendents Report: In the early morning of January 13th a water line break caused a water loss of 25 feet from the storage tank. The leak has been repaired. It was stated that some residents may experience stained water for a short time.
Citizens have expressed concern over lack of notification during the leak resulting in a boil order. City Recorder Shelia Ervin said she believes some residents failed to recognize the emergency alert number and deleted or blocked the call. She explained customers need to unblock the number to get the alert.
Mayor Hochstrasser announced the municipal election would be held on June 5, with a council seat up for election in each ward. The filing fee is $10 and must be filed in the recorder’s office by March 24.
Mayor Hochstetler explained to the council that on July 1st the cost of PEIA Insurance will rise 16%. He stressed the increasing cost needs to be addressed. This is the second year the insurance has increased. It was pointed out the cost to employees is not a problem, but when a family is added to policy it increases.
New Business: A discussion took place to link Facebook to the city’s new Web Page. Council moved to keep both separate.
All bills were recommended to be paid with councils’ approval.The City is still waiting on estimates for maintenance trucks and emergency lights for trucks.
The council members chose to go into executive session when it came to discussion of sewer projects. No explanation when they returned to the regular session.
Three candidates have applied for the vacant position. Officer Bowman was approved to attend K9 training.
Paden City’s next regular scheduled monthly meeting will be held on February 3, at 7 pm in the council chambers.