(Photo by Shelley Hanson) Paden City Recorder Sheila Ervin prepares for the May 5 City Council meeting during which council members heard the first readings of a few ordinances.

Paden City Council on May 5 heard the first readings of three separate ordinances related to vacation leave, sick leave and the tampering of water meters.

A proposed ordinance related to vacations calls for employees to give at least seven days notice if they want to go on vacation. It was noted if there are extenuating circumstances this notice could be shortened.

A proposed ordinance regarding sick leave calls for new employees who have worked at least a year with the city to receive five sick days to use. Employees who have worked less than a year will not receive sick days.

Employees who have worked more than five years with the city will be given six sick days to use.

“An employee hired before July 1, 2025, will freeze sick leave as earned by June 30, 2025,” according to the ordinance.

Meanwhile, council also heard the first reading of a proposed ordinance related to “tampering with obstructing water meters or hydrants.”

According to the proposed legislation, no one is permitted to tamper with, alter, remove or vandalize any water meter or fire hydrant belonging to the city or any utility.

“No person shall interfere with any employee of the city of Paden City in exercising his or her rights to inspect any meter or waterline or fire hydrant,” the proposed ordinance notes.

The legislation also calls for allowing the city to remove anything blocking a line, meter or hydrant during an emergency, or if termination of service is required or after giving three days’ notice.

“The city of Paden City may discontinue service after giving any required notice to any customer for theft of water or the appearance of theft devices on the premises of the customer.

“The city of Paden City may resume service with a reasonable bond or security deposit.

“No person may operate the water shutoff valve in the meter well without the express permission of the city of Paden City.

“In an emergency, licensed plumbers, with permission of the city of Paden City, may operate the city of Paden City’s shutoff valve with the proper tools in an emergency situation.”

The proposed ordinance also notes if the city must remove an obstruction, “the customer will pay all expenses.”