The Members of Paden City Council met for their January meeting on the 5th in council chambers of the city’s municipal building.

A roll call of members was taken with all members present.

Mayor Clyde Hochstrasser called for the members to review and approve the minutes of the December 1, 2025, council meeting. A motion was made and seconded, with council voting unanimously for approval.

The first reading of an ordinance to close and vacate West Tyler Street was also approved.

The second reading of ordinance 171.13; failure of accused person to appear for court was unanimously approved by council members.

Next Mayor Hochstrasser read a proclamation declaring the 2026 municipal elections to be held on June 4th. Positions up for election and filing fees include Mayor with a registration fee of $20.00, and all council wards with a fee of $10. Submissions for each position must be filed by March.

Mayor Hochstrasser commended the city’s residents for placing their house numbers in sight, stating, “By city ordinance it is required and in the event of an emergency it helps responders to locate the correct house.”

Under committee reports, Hochstrasser made a recommendation for all bills and payments to be paid. The council members unanimously approved a motion for such.

Jason Yost, Superintendent of the city’s water, Street and maintenance department reported that the piping and materials for the repairs to Broadway Street will be arriving on site in a couple days. He also reported that following that repair, Work Street is next on the city maintenance crews work agenda.

After a lengthy debate, Mayor Hochstrasser stated the pilot project for a testing program to evaluate the proper method to remove PFAS from the city’s drinking water should move forward. He was adamant that to get ahead of the upcoming regulations, the members should approve the cost of $30,000 for a six-month project to evaluate both a carbon filter system and an ION filter system. However, councilman Mike Turner questioned the cost. “I believe the original cost was to be $20,000, and now we as council members are being asked to approve $30,000,” stated Turner.

That statement led to a debate among council members with the issue being tabled on recommendations from Council lady Linda Duke.

(In conversation during an executive session, Jason Yost explained that he, along with those who met with the representative from Birch-tech were told in a preliminary question-and-answer session, a ballpark estimate for the work was in the $20,000 before site assessment. After the walk through and a visual assessment in the field, the representative from Birch tech gave him and the others a complete estimate of $30,000.)

Mayor Hochstrasser addressed parking problems on Helen and Leon Streets. Council will also address parking problems occurring on both sides of a dead-end street, causing difficulty with those wishing to travel the street. They will review a possible ordinance making it one side only parking.

Jon Stump, a representative from the law firm of Steptoe and Johnson gave an in-depth report on the financing package the city is entering into to purchase a filter press to better deal with solid wastewater material from the city’s treatment plant. The cost of the unit is $386,175, with funding coming in part from grants, and bonds.

Moving forward the city council approved a Rules of Procedure Resolution and a Supplement Resolution relating to Bonds. Also approved was a Draw Resolution for payment of invoices from bonds, and a Sweep Resolution pertaining to the automatic payments of bonds to the Municipal Bond Commission beginning on March 1 , 2026, with a repayment plan of 30 years. Council unanimously approved all necessary resolutions for the project.

The city maintenance department will evaluate a possible storm sewer project at 101 Mill Street.

Council Approved $2060 to repair the Police Department’s Chevy Tahoe.

In an executive session, members of council approved a temporary promotion of Officer Coby Cecil to Police Chief until July 1, 2026. During the temporary promotion period Cecil will be under the guidance of the city’s police committee.

Kelly Sine, speaking for PCDA President Cork Bowen, requested that Kevin Yoho and Kenny Cline be placed on the membership roll of the Development Authority. Council unanimously approved the move.

Under unfinished business: Councilman Don Dillaman stated the employee handbook has been reviewed with more updates later.

Under new business: Harold Fortner was approved as auditor for FY-25 and FY26.

Discussion on the new hiring process took place among council and It was explained that seven applicants have been through Workforce WV with further testing and interviews to take place in the future. It was decided the issue will be reviewed in a committee meeting on January 13th.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned.