Councilwoman Eileen Smittle

Proclamations and resolutions dominated the agenda during Monday’s Paden City Council meeting. Among them was a resolution recognizing the lengthy contribution and recent birthday of Councilwoman Eileen Smittle.

Elected mayor for a total of six terms, Smittle has served the city in some capacity since 1970. She currently serves as council member for the third ward.

Mayor Bill Fox thanked Smittle for her years of dedicated service to Paden City. “You are an icon in your community,” he remarked.

Cork Bowen addressed the council on behalf of the Paden City Development Authority to give an update on the ongoing investigation into the dying expansion at Carter and Mayes, Inc.

In July 2009, Fox enlisted t he aid of Eric Peters from the Tyler County Development Authority who had been in contact and negotiation with the owners at Carter and Mayes, as well as top officials in Charleston. As a cut and sew operation, the company employs more than 30 employees. Currently, they are pursuing an expansion that would allow them to dye their own fabric-a move that has been impeded by a clause in an ordinance passed by the Paden City Council.

Back then, Peters relayed to the council his opinion regarding the ordinance. “In my humble opinion, the ordinance projects an attitude that Paden City does not welcome business and industrial development because of this restriction,” remarked Peters. “It’s important that Carter and Mays be able to secure their business here by being able to this and not be dependent on a company who decides it’s not worth it anymore because they do not have enough customers.”

On Monday, Bowen asked the council to support a resolution that would help provide an increased economic opportunity to the citizens of Paden City and urged the council to take all appropriate action to remove the impediments which prevent Carter and Mayes from pursuing the proposed expansion of its operations.

The council’s main concern with the expansion is introducing chemicals and visible dyes into the water that could damage the city’s sewer system. Further testing will be conducted in the future, though the process to gain approval for such testing will be lengthy.

Fox said, “We are calling for testing at this time…only testing.”

The council also accepted a resolution to authorize an application for West Virginia Community Participation Program funds in the amount of $48,000. The funds will be used to undertake the storm sewer improvement project.

Susan Wade represented the American Legion Auxiliary Post 86 to promote American Education Week, slated for Nov. 15-21. The fundamental objective of the program is to acquaint parents and citizens of the community with the aims and needs of area schools.

Wade’s resolution encouraged the council and the community to assist the American Legion by interfacing with the schools and volunteering to help where needed.

In answer to Wade’s request, the council adopted Nov. 15-21 as American Education Week in Paden City, recognizing the value of education, career development, and personal responsibility.