The City Council of Paden City held its regular monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 9, 2023, in the Council Chambers within the City Complex in Paden City. Mayor Steve Kastigar chaired the meeting and was joined at the council table by First Ward Council Member Jim Richmond, Second Ward Council Members Bill Bell and Rick Bertozzi, Third Ward Council Members Scott Dalrymple and Don Dillaman, and City Recorder Sheila Ervin. Also present were legal counsel for the city Attorney Carolyn Flannery, Police Chief Anthony Lauer, Public Works Superintendent Josh Billiter, two members of the public and two members of the press.

Following a prayer delivered by the Mayor, the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, and a roll call of officers, the Mayor read an Election Proclamation, and it is reproduced here as presented:

By order of the Election Law of the City of Paden City, I herewith proclaim June 1, 2023, as the date for the next election for the City of Paden City, West Virginia. The following seats will be open, one member of council for each Ward. Any qualified person desiring to run for any office’s must file their intention by fill out the necessary eligibility forms and paying the filing fee, $10..00 for council at the Recorders office on or before March 17, 2023. This date is necessary for filing in order that the ballots may be prepared.

The minutes of the December 5, 2022, regular Council Meeting were approved.

Under the agenda item Citizens Comments, City resident Charlie Duke approached Council concerning an issue regarding the water he is receiving from the municipal water system; specifically an issue of sediment. The issue was vigorously discussed. Mr. Duke expressed his willingness to participate in addressing and seeking resolution in the matter. Public Works Superintendent Josh Billiter will further investigate the matter.

Council by unanimous vote approved to pay all bills.

Third Ward Council Member Don Dillaman spoke to the issue of storm sewers, with the stated concern that rainfall waters are not going where there are supposed to go for a variety of reasons. Because of storm sewers not properly carrying storm waters, there is the possibility of sinkholes being precipitated and streets and roads being undermined. There is the additional issue of mud and gravel being scattered onto streets and roads during periods of heavy rain. Discussion covered such items as grass clippings and leaves collecting in the storm sewer system, and the age of components of the system, including a plethora of old galvanized steel piping still in storm sewer service. Public Works Superintendent Josh Billiter stated that many years ago it was not uncommon for storm sewers to be installed by private landowners, and possibly without city oversight. The Superintendent cited an example of one of those old but still in use storm sewers being under a present day house. Additionally, Superintendent Billiter presented a detailed written summary of the storm sewer situation and his recommendations. There was discussion about potential funding for the resolution of the matter. Mayor Kastigar stated, “We need a plan for this storm sewer issue.” Superintendent Billiter will continue addressing the matter.

First Ward Council Member and veteran Firefighter Jim Richmond reported on the Fire Department’s activities for the previous month. The Department responded to two motor vehicle accidents, provided two Emergency Medical Service assists, responded to one service call, and rendered three mutual aid activities.

Police Chief Anthony Lauer reported the City’s Canine Officer has been properly and fully certified and work is progressing regarding the outfitting of vehicles to accommodate the officer. Chief Lauer also provided a summary of the Police Department’s issued citations for the previous month. They were as follows: Speeding, one; Defective Equipment, one; No Insurance, one; Expired Registration, two; Expired Operators License, two; Driving While Suspended, one; Barking Dog, one; and Possession of a Controlled Substance, one.

Superintendent Josh Billiter reported he anticipates that in the coming week two different companies will review the installation of inflatable pipe liner technology to address the storm drainage issue in the vicinity of Wissmach Glass. The current drainage issue adjacent to the facility places in jeopardy the facility’s rail line spur and with that the facility’s ability to unload raw materials.

There was discussion regarding the drafting of an ordinance, or perhaps the revision of a current ordinance, to provide and allow for the use of recreational vehicles (RVás) as residences within the City. The matter was listed on the meeting agenda as the camper ordinance. One detailed concern is the proper connection of utility services. Another concern is the placement of such purposed RV’s to be in properly licensed and designated locations.

The final matter taken up by Council consisted of multiple resident buildings in which the residents pay for their water as part of their rental payment but seemingly the landlord(s) is/are failing to pay the building’s water bill to the City. There are legal considerations attached to shutting off a tenant’s water service if the tenant has been keeping up their end of the bargain, that is, paying their landlord as they have agreed to. Requiring separate water taps for each residential unit within a building was discussed.

Council adjourned at 8:12 PM.