All members of council were present on Monday evening, as the governing body convened at the Paden City Municipal Building to discuss the city’s business.

Following the agenda, the quorum approved the minutes from the September regular and special sessions, as well as bills received for payment.

Under streets, the councilmen discussed a request from the citizens residing on Stephen Street in Paden City to keep parking the same, year round. “It’s one of those streets, where every six months, we rotate or change sides,” Mayor Bill Fox explained. “We have a petition signed by all the people on that street.”

Councilman Larry Potts investigated the request. “The petition was signed by everyone on the block, so there is no disagreement.”

Councilman Bob Casteel recommended an amendment to the request, pointing out the street in question runs from 1st Avenue to W.Va. 2, near Paden City High School. “I think we should approve this from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue,” he said. “The high school sits from 3rd Avenue to Route 2 and it’s already painted yellow near the school. There’s not supposed to be any parking on that side.”

“Do you want to take another look at it?” Mayor Fox asked.

“I don’t think we need to take another look at it,” Potts answered. “Bob (Casteel) said we could amend that and just go to 3rd Avenue.”

Councilman Matt Ferrebee interjected, “I just want to make sure it’s not going to interfere with any of the buses.”

Having discussed the request, the council unanimously approved the request, with the suggested amendment.

The group then moved on to discuss installing street lights on the South 200 block of 1st Avenue and the North 300 block of 8th Avenue.

Councilman Tom Trader presented a petition from the residents on First Avenue. “I have a petition from all the residents in that area for a light.”

Mayor Fox informed the councilmen the cost to the city would be minimal.

“It’s dark down there,” Trader explained. “This adds to the security in that area. The section of 8th Avenue I’m talking about is black. It’s really dark up there.”

Both requests were approved with no opposition.

As a final matter of business regarding streets in Paden City, Mayor Fox informed council that a “slow, children playing” sign has been erected on Wetzel Street as per a citizen’s request.

Applications were received in response to an advertisement for a full-time police officer. The applicants took a physical agility test on Saturday, and nine applicants have met the requirements. Interviews will be conducted today. “We hope to hire an officer after the interviews. We will call a special meeting to approve the hire, so he can start next Monday,” Casteel stated.

“We are currently operating with two police officers,” Fox remarked.

The schedule is augmented by five certified part-time officers who are available on an as-needed basis. “We certainly need the help,” Fox said.

Recorder Tamara Billiter reported that a quote has been received from Thom’s Computer Repair to install laptop mounts in the police cruisers. “This is what is recommended,” she expressed.

The quote for the mounts, plus a universal cell phone mount, totaled $1,629.94. An additional charge of $100 per cruiser was listed for network cards which would provide Internet access for the officers while patrolling, making it possible for them to issue electronic citations. This service would cost the city $40 per month.

“If we get the network cards, they (the officers) can be as far away as Moundsville and still access things here at the office,” Billiter explained. “They can send tickets down here and they can send things to the printers down here.”

Mayor Fox added, “We are eventually going to have to go to electronic tickets, anyway.”

Ferrebee asked, “Do we have the money in the budget?”

“Yes, I think we do” Fox replied. “And, I think this is a wise investment.”

Councilman Richard Wright said he would approve the installation of the mounts in the new police cruiser, noting that one of the cars was “on its last leg.”

“Let’s put it in the Crown Victoria, the newer car, and wait for the other vehicles,” he suggested.

Ferrebee agreed with the suggestion, making the motion. Council approved the installation of the equipment in one vehicle.

The Park and Pool Board has set the date for the Haunted Trail as Oct. 24, with Oct. 25 as the rain date. It will be held from 7- 9 p.m. The admission price is $2. Council then moved to set the date for trick-or-treat from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. Susan Wade informed the council the American Legion will be passing out treats to children in front of the City Building beginning at 5:30 p.m. that night.

Moving on to other business, the councilmen voted to set the burning season to coincide with the state guidelines.

West Virginia’s fall forest fire season began Oct. 1, and will run through Dec. 31. During these three months, daytime burning is prohibited from the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor burning is permitted only between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.

State law requires a ring or safety strip around outdoor fires to keep the fire from spreading into the woods. This safety strip must be cleared of all burnable material and be at least 10-feet wide completely around the debris pile. Additional requirements of the state’s fire laws include staying on-site until the fire is completely extinguished, and only burning vegetative materials like leaves, brush and yard clippings.