For now Paden City will remain mute on a pending lawsuit against the city concerning a property line dispute.

The lawsuit involves the issuance of a permit to allow a trailer to be placed too close to a property line, in violation of a city ordinance. City Attorney Carolyn Flannery said at the March 3 council meeting that she felt it was more of a dispute between property owners and she didn’t feel the city needed to do anything at this time. She said it looked like the attorney representing the city was going to file a motion to dismiss. Mayor John Hopkins said he felt the city may need to require a survey be done by anyone building or putting up a structure or trailer, to insure they meet the footage requirements of the ordinance.

Recorder Tammi Billiter said the permit was issued based on the recommendation of the city employee who went up and inspected the site. She said he found an old marker and measured off of it. She went on to say that a year-and-a-half went by and nothing was said until the adjourning property owners appeared before council wanting the trailer moved. It was decided there was no action necessary to be taken at this time.

The second reading of amendments to ordinance 153.03 dealing with the appointment, terms, removal, and vacancies of board members of the development authority and the amendment to ordinance 154.04 dealing with the qualifications of board members both passed by unanimous vote of those present. Councilman Rick Casteel was absent from the meeting

Council unanimously approved burning season to start in mid-March and close at the end of April.

A special meeting was set for March 17 at 5 p.m. to approve the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget. Motion was also made and seconded to approve the ballot commissioners for the coming election. Motion passed unanimously.

No action was taken on a building permit ordinance that was on the agenda.

Under the committee reports: No financial report was given. Approval was given to pay the bills. Under the heading of water, Mayor Hopkins asked council for permission to use one lab for water testing instead of three. He said it would be a cost saving measure and would still be effective. He said under the current system they have experienced problems getting samples to the lab, and this would make it easier to do and save on postage.

The sewer report was scheduled to have Tim Meeks of the Mid Ohio Valley Regional Council address council concerning sewer rehabilitation issues, but he was unable to be there. Mayor Hopkins stated that with the new storm sewers, water is getting to the plant more quickly, but there are still problems that have to be addressed.

The street department has been busy clearing the streets and patching holes. Mayor Hopkins said he spoke to Terry Wade of J&J Paving and was told it is hard to get the patch to stick in this kind of weather. He said when the weather breaks they will try and get the patching taken care of. Councilman Tom Trader brought to council’s attention a culvert that had broken loose and was laying in a ditch at the top of Work Street. Mayor Hopkins said he would bring it to the attention of the street department. Councilman Dan Probst, mentioned the need for a crossing guard at the elementary school highway site, due to an accident to the crossing guard, who fell and broke her leg. It was agreed the job, which pays $250 per month and requires an hour a day, could be filled temporarily. Anyone desiring to fill the job may do so by contacting the city building.

The fire department report showed five motor vehicle assists, one service call, and three mutual aid calls.

The next regular scheduled meeting of the Paden City Council will be April 7, at 7 p.m.