The City Council of Paden City held its regular monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the City Complex located at 208 West Main Street in Paden City. Mayor Steve Kastigar chaired the meeting. Also at the council table were First Ward Council Members Jim Richmond and Earl Kendle, Second Ward Council Member Rick Bertozzi, Third Ward Council Members Scott Dalrymple and Don Dillaman, and City Recorder Sheila Ervin. Also present were legal counsel for the city Carolyn Flannery, Police Chief Anthony Lauer, three members of the public and two representatives of the press.

Following a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, roll call of officers, and the approval of the minutes of the January 9, 2023, regular Council meeting, Mayor Kastigar opened the floor for citizens comments. Two West Madison Street residents, Keesha James and her daughter, Nevoeh Sweeney, spoke to Council concerning municipal sewer work which commenced in June of 2022 and the ongoing circumstances of the associated street disruption which that work precipitated in their neighborhood. Sections of pavement have been removed rendering the street much narrower, resulting in traffic problems as well as leaving a sharp drop off along about one hundred feet of roadway, the drop off posing a potential damage threat to the undercarriages of automobiles. Additionally, there are ongoing issues with mud and gravel in the street. Council was receptive to the citizens’ comments and will address the issue.

Seventh Avenue resident Charlie Duke came before Council with the results of work he and Public Works Superintendent Josh Billiter had recently performed regarding sediment in the municipal water supply. Mr. Duke had appeared at the January 2023 Council meeting with samples of water he had collected from municipal water coming into his home and with those samples showing evidence of sediment. At that January meeting, Mr. Duke had expressed his willingness to participate in addressing and seeking resolution in the matter. Subsequently, Mr. Duke and Superintendent Billiter had obtained samples from several places within the municipal water system and have concluded that the bulk of the sediment is coming from the old south tanks which are scheduled to be permanently retired just as soon as the electrical work is completed on the new north tanks. Additionally, Mr. Duke stated that a slight amount of sediment is coming from #5 Well, which is scheduled for cleaning soon. Samples were sent to a testing facility to determine the character of the sediments.

Two general discussions then ensued: the first about rental properties and the second about dogs and cats running loose within the city. Concerning rental properties, a primary concern is drug related activity. Such activity can lead to a property being determined to be a nuisance property. An ordinance which is in effect in Wheeling, and the elements therein, were discussed. Concerning the dogs and cats, Police Chief Lauer stated that his department receives lots of complaints regarding dogs and cats. Citations have been issued for dogs and cats running loose, with mixed results. There was general agreement that the message from city government to the citizens should be a message to take responsibility for your pets.

Fire Chief and First Ward Council Member Jim Richmond reported on behalf of the Fire Department that the Department’s January 2023 activities included responses to four motor vehicle accidents, four emergency medical assists, and one mutual aid action.

Police Chief Lauer stated that a Paden City Police Cadet is currently in training at the West Virginia State Police Academy and is expected to graduate in April 2023. With that cadet’s successful graduation and return to Paden City, the Police Department will be fully staffed. Additionally, Chief Lauer requested funding for rocker panel repair on one of the police vehicles. By unanimous vote, Council approved the measure.

Mayor Kastigar gave a report on behalf of the Paden City Development Authority (PCDA). The Parkersburg engineering and architectural firm of Pickering Associates is reviewing the REM building in preparation for what work needs to be done to prepare the building for its transition to a WVU Medicine affiliated facility.

By unanimous vote, Council approved the renewal of pest control contracts for City Hall and the Fire Department buildings.

At 7:36 PM, Council entered into Executive Session for a personnel matter. Council returned to regular session at 8:00 PM. No action was taken and Council adjourned.