Paden City Development Authority attorney Timothy E. Haught told members April 14 that Jeff Sprouse has not yet responded to PCDA’s counter-offer to accept his bid on the industrial park for $1,000,001.

Haught said a customary “walk-through” was scheduled with Sprouse at 2 p.m. April 15. PCDA President Ken Stead will represent the authority during the walk-through.

In a separate matter, the authority approved the transfer to the City of Paden City of 0.6 acres of land that runs through the city park from the railroad track to the river. The purpose of the transfer is to keep park property contiguous and intact.

Vice President Larry Doty reported that there has been no response to date from West Virginia state juvenile authorities on potential use of the health and education building, the former elementary school. However, use of that facility will not include the housing of juvenile offenders.

The structure is presently occupied by the Wetzel-Tyler Health Department; the Women, Infants, and Children program; Headstart; and the Paden City Boosters organization.

PCDA is attempting to secure funding from the Mollohan Foundation to refinish the building’s gym floor. Members approved Van Slider’s motion to request assistance from the Wetzel and Tyler County commissions in securing grant funds for that purpose.

Ed Marn told other members that the by-laws committee has requested city government to fix the number of members at 12-15, rather than the present 15-21 members.

He also said the committee has recommended that allowable absences from PCDA meetings be restricted to sickness or employment-related reasons. Members absent for other reasons could be subject to removal.

In response to questions from the floor, it was reported that the authority has two full-time employees and three part-time employees. The annual total cost of wages and benefits to those employees is $109,693. Haught explained that the City of Paden City could not be held liable for PCDA actions.

Before adjourning, PCDA approved the purchase of a tape recorder and related supplies for use by sight-impaired personnel. The device would be used at meetings and other authority purposes.

Members and guests at the meeting spoke approvingly of the authority’s efforts to stabilize and expand the local economy and called for greater cooperation and commitment to that purpose from both members and citizens.

The authority’s next regularly scheduled meeting is 7 p.m., May 12, in the Paden City Municipal Building.