There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, August 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Annex. Council members present were Ricky Hurst, Isaac Sapp, Scott Manning, Georgianna Sparks, Meredith Story and Van Alexander. Mayor Martin L. Voiers presided.
Councilman Alexander led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the July 11th meeting were presented. Councilman Hurst moved to approve. Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Mayor Voiers reported that, following the July Council meeting, a letter was sent to the treasurer of the Cable Board requesting that all records including the checkbook be turned in to City Hall. The treasurer has not responded. Per approval of Council the mayor did retrieve the FCA-TV funds at the Peoples Bank. The old account was closed and a new account opened. A check register for the fiscal year July 2010-June 2011 was presented. Another letter will be sent to the treasurer seeking receipts and all records and equipment. Mayor Voiers plans to meet with Mary Honacker and Andrea Frazier to discuss scheduling and the future direction of the access channel.
The following surplus property list was presented for approval: 1994 Chevrolet Truck C1500 ½ ton, 2002 Silverado 3500 1 tone dump truck, jackhammer, Runabout boat with trailer, two post vehicle lift, and 1999 Crown Vic. Councilman Manning moved to approve all as surplus property. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Mayor Voiers noted that David Doyle had expressed interest in the 1994 ½ ton truck for the Rec. Park. Councilman Manning moved to transfer the truck to the Rec. Park as a show of support for the park. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Resolution No.11-8-1 was presented authorizing approval of DLZ as architects for the new fire station project. Mayor Voiers reported that DLZ had worked on the Tilton, Dover, Lewisburg, and May’s Lick fire station projects and made the best presentation of all firms interviewed as far as helping the city meet their needs with the funds available. Councilman Story moved to adopt. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee met to review grant applications to fund the new fire station project. Mayor Voiers anticipates the project will be around $1,000,000. As a Priority Two project, it will probably not get funded this year but should rank higher for consideration next year. Priority Two projects require a 15 % match; the land already purchased for the new fire station can be applied. The City can proceed with the process to obtain funding for a new fire truck.
Ben Moran reported that the Property Maintenance Committee had met to discuss demolition of the property located at 252 E. Water St. and also the former Cozy Nook and Helphenstine properties. Due to the construction of the Cozy Nook and Helphenstine properties, Moran noted there may be issues with the demolition process and an engineer would be needed. It was recommended that other cities be contacted for recommendations on companies that do both large and small demolition jobs. Councilman Story noted that demolition of the property at 252 E. Water St. could be justified due to the poor condition of the building being a safety hazard. Part of the building has already fallen into the creek; if more should fall it could cause flooding. The condition of the building is also an attraction for rodents, creating a health hazard; and demolition of the building would improve the overall appearance of the area. The former Cozy Nook and Helphenstine properties are neither safe nor useful. Once demolished the land could be used for a green space. Moran estimated the cost of demolition to be $12,000. Councilman Story moved to proceed with the demolition process. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
City Clerk Joy Roark reported on the tax rate calculations for all property except motor vehicles for year 2011. The compensating tax rate is $14.08 per $100 with the absolute maximum tax rate being $14.14 per $100. Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve the compensating rate of $14.08. Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve the motor vehicle tax rate of $19.77 per $100 for 2012. Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Roark reported that the audit was underway with no issues.
Ben Moran reported that the Planning Commission had met to discuss subdivision regulations and standards. Ron Shrout, Dept. of Agriculture, came July 12th to investigate the mosquito problems reported. The causes of the problems were easily found; Shrout will send brochures on dealing with problem areas. Moran stated that he had not heard from DS2 engineers who were to report on the two buildings donated to the city. He will contact them again. The preliminary design for the Streetscape Project is ready to review and report changes back to the architects.
Police Chief Randy Sergent reported that the paint on the 2008 cruiser was coming off. It is being repaired at no cost to the city. Officer Garrett Ingram graduated from the Academy and doing a good job. The Police Dept. has been utilizing the speed trailer, moving it to different problem areas around town.
Public Works Superintendent Dennis Masters presented his monthly report including an inspection of the city parks as recommended by KLC.
Utilities Superintendent Joe Dunaway reported that the Thompson Bros. are completing the waterline project. He has submitted two new projects for consideration, one for more waterline improvements and one for a telemetry system for the water tanks. There will be a sanitary inspection at the water plant. This is done every three years.
Dunaway is filling in temporarily at the Waste Water plant until a new superintendent is hired. Mayor Voiers noted that a full-time employee had also resigned and that position would be filled with a seasonal worker for the time being. Dunaway reported that the Waste Water plant received a surprise inspection by the State Tuesday morning. The inspection went really well with only 3-4 minor write ups.
City Attorney Tom MacDonald reported that he was working on easements for Industrial Park II. He’s also working with the County Attorney on the contract for the purchase of the property for the sewer plant project.
Councilman Story reported a complaint about potholes in the curve by Ken’s. Dennis Masters stated his department had worked on the street several times, but the property actually belongs to Ken’s. He will discuss the matter with Allen Ray Argo, store manager. Councilman Story suggested the Finance Committee meet before the next council meeting to discuss using reserves to pay off some City debt.
Mayor Voiers reported on the neighborhood walk around on Crest Ave., Highland and High Ridge Dr. Not many residents came out to talk due to the excessive heat, but the group noted several things that needed to be addressed. Those things have been taken care of. The next neighborhood walk around will be Wednesday, August 31st at 6:00 p.m. in Indian Fields.
Mayor Voiers asked Council for recommendations to fill a vacancy on the ambulance board. A letter was sent to the director of the ambulance service requesting minutes and financial reports. He has not responded.
Mayor Voiers reported on the progress on the walking trail. Joe Dunaway noted that if the grass gets worn down to a dirt trail across the dam they will have to put blacktop that area.
There was a complaint of horse droppings in public parking areas and city streets. Council discussed requiring owners to use bags on their horses to catch the droppings.
There being no further business, Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion.
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Martin L. Voiers, Mayor
ATTESTED:
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Joy Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer
Date Approved: ______________________
