Policy changes and upcoming projects were discussed at Monday’s Paden City Council meeting.

The sewer board previously met with and interviewed different engineers about the storm sewer project, which involves the separation of the storm sewers from the sanitation sewers to decrease issues with influx and inflow. It is a part of the second phase of the sewer renovation project approved in 2010.

“By the next council meeting, we should know who they’re going to hire,” said City Recorder Tammy Billiter.

Given concerns voiced by the community over the continued absence of a council member due to reasons of health, the council has drafted an ordinance that would allow the temporary replacement of council members who are absent for 90 or more days.

The first reading of the ordinance will be held at a special meeting to be held Thursday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m.

The council approved June 6 as the date for City Municipal Elections. Positions for one council member in each of Paden City’s three wards, as well as the city recorder position, will be up for vote. Those interested in running can begin filing at any time from now until April 8 at 4 p.m.

Also at the special meeting, they will address a charter amendment for the chief of police, letting the qualifications for the position extend to officers living within 20 miles of the city.

Mayor John Hopkins explained that the drug test policy was sent to MedTox, a laboratory service, for review and determination of a testing price.

The council also approved the opening of a West Virginia Money Market Account in order to serve as a fund for the painting of water tanks.

Street paving is set to occur in May, with Paden City reportedly the first on the list for Klug Brothers Inc.

The council voted to hire Jason Utt as a full-time police officer.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved and bills were paid.