Mayor Clyde Hochstrasser informed Paden City Council members on Feb. 3 that the swimming pool will not be opened for this coming summer season.

It was stated that last year the park had spent $40,000 for upgrades. Low attendance and needed repairs still exist. It was also suggested that perhaps a grant from the Port Authority may be available.

A discussion also took place among council members to address concerns at the city park. As in the past, questions of damage by individuals to the park occur mostly after dark and the council was seeking answers to combat the issue.

Meanwhile, council was asked to consider rate increases for Police Protection and Water and Sewer. Council is considering an ordinance to change water and sewer rates on an annual basis to cover repair and operational cost. The direction of the action would be to avert a large increase all at once and instead spread it out over an eight year period. It was noted that any action would require the approval of the PSC.

Discussion of a municipal fee increase was held when Police Chief Lauer proposed increasing the municipal fee to $7.50 a month per household. Other options discussed included having a percentage increase. Lauer said the goal of the increase will be for the hiring of a fourth officer for city protection. A new officer’s total cost for a full year of employment covering wages, benefits, and insurance is between $85,000 and $96,000. with the base salary at $54,080.00. It was noted the town citizens are expressing increased patrols and staff for property protection.

Also on the evening’s agenda was the approval of the January 13, 2025 meeting minutes. A motion was made and seconded and approved by the full council.

Mayor Hochstrasser took time to thank the town’s fire department along with New Martinsville and Sistersville in their efforts to fight a local fire of a two-story structure. He stated the structure was a complete loss and the two adjacent homes were saved by the efforts of the departments responding.

Under Finance the Mayor asked for approval of the town’s monthly bills and payment. The council members unanimously approved his request.

It was reported that the Water department is waiting on an engineering report from Thrasher.

Mayor Hochstrasser put forth the question of hiring a new maintenance employee. The main concern of the hiring would not be wages, but the increased cost of State PIEA insurance coverage. No decision was made and it will be revisited at the March meeting.

A brief discussion took place on new radios for the city maintenance trucks. No actions were taken, however new emergency lights for the maintenance trucks were discussed and unanimously approved.

Chief Lauer introduced his department’s newest officer Kobee Cecil. Officer Cecil was administered the oath of office by Mayor Hochstrasser and welcomed to the force.

Under Health and Sanitation, a question was asked about tagging the city’s fire hydrants for flow rates. It was stated that a map of the city’s hydrant is in place and shows the operational condition of each. Councilwoman Linda Duke questioned the location of hydrates and condition.

Paden City Development Authority President Mr. Cork Bowen gave a report that he is still working with the health department to find a suitable location in Paden City. He wants the department to relocate within the city limits.

Under Unfinished Business, Council members discussed the revision of the employee handbook. Councilman Don Dillaman gave an update concerning his ideas for some revised language. The topic will be revisited and discussed at next month’s meeting.

Council agreed to continue the contract with Pestec to protect the Fire department and City Hall with insect spray.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned. The next regular scheduled meeting of the city council is set for March 3, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.

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