On Monday evening the December 1, at 6:45, the members of the Paden City Council met for a special meeting concerning the closure of West Tyler Street. One member of the public, Ron Cain spoke about the change to the street’s designation hoping council would approve the closure. He pointed out that he has granted an easement to the city in the event they would need to access the street to service the fire hydrant in the future. The members of the council spoke on the positives and negative possibilities of the closure.

Following the special meeting the regular December council meeting began with words of inspiration followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

A roll call of members was made and one member of the council Don Dillaman was not present at the meeting.

The minutes of the November 4 regular council meeting and the November 11th and 17th along with a working meeting on November 24, 2025 were approved.

The second reading of an ordinance was read along with a first reading of ordnance 755 License and Taxes.

Under Citizens Comments, Citizens requested lighting at the corner of Tyler and Route 2 be put in place. A resident of Mills Street questioned parking on the street and difficulty some vehicles are causing others on the street. Council will investigate.

Danny Gilbert requested that the city make corrections to the storm sewer that runs across his property causing damage. Josh Billiter stated he will review it for possible correction.

Under the Finance section of the meeting. All bills were recommended for payment. Josh Billiter expressed concerns regarding council accepting applications for new police officers and not allowing him to seek new candidates for the city’s maintenance crew. A lengthy discussion followed in which the members of council stated for reasons that were unclear as to why they made this decision. Billiter explained the amount of work that needs to be completed, and his shortage of personnel hampers the department’s ability to complete necessary work in a timely manner.

The members of Council approved the purchase of needed safety equipment at the water plant at a cost of $4200.

Mayor Clyde Hochstrasser explained to members of the council that in January, a company will begin testing different types of equipment to remove PFAS and Microplastics from the city’s water supply. The testing will take six months and cost $20,000. He also explained the testing for microplastics is an effort to get out ahead of new regulations coming in two years. He believed that it would be cost effective to do both test projects at the same time.

The council members returned to the subject of Tyler streets closure. After lengthy discussion the motion to close the street with the provision for a city easement to enter the property was put to a vote. Shawn Kendle, Linda Duke, Mike Turner, Ken Stead voted in favor and Jon Baker voted not to approve the closure, citing it may come back in the future as a problem. The motion was approved.

Council approved the rental of a lift device to aid in the installation of five hundred feet of wire for the Christmas lights.

Council Accepted Justin Bowman’s Resignation from the police department. They also authorized the payment of his remaining vacation days.

Mayor Hochstrasser presented the first reading of an ordinance for failure to appear in court.

Citizens asked if the community swimming pool was going to be opened and what measures need to be taken to ensure it is open to the public. Councill stated at this time plans are to open, but a sewer line needs to be replaced.

City Attorney Carloyn Flannery gave a report as to her review of the changes to the employee’s handbook prior to its printing. She suggested four changes. The mayor referred it back to the committee to make necessary changes.

Penny Baker was approved to be added to the signature card at the bank.

Council approved the purchase of two new computers for the city offices.

A committee was selected to choose an auditor.

The Paden City Police Department reported no citation issued for the month of November. One case brought to court was Samantha Riggenbach of 28 Rose St. Lot 5 N, New Martinsville failed to appear to answer a citation for no proof of insurance. Bond was set at $127.00

Tyler County 911 reported the following calls for PCPD for November:

Hang ups two; animal complaint 1; back up officer 1; disturbance 1; harassment/threat; misc-notification 1; officer out 3; speak to an officer 2; suspicious 1; suspicious person 2; suspicious vehicle 1; traffic stop 11; vin verification 1.

The next regular scheduled meeting of Paden City Council will be held on January 5, 2026.