There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, February 14, 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.
Mayor Voiers recognized Simons Middle School students and their teacher, Mark Leet. The students led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the January meeting were presented. Councilman Manning moved to approve. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.
The first reading of Ordinance No. 02-11-1 regarding restrictions pertaining to vicious animals was presented. Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Council revisited discussion on four streets the State Highway Dept. asked the City to accept. Mayor Voiers recommended that no action be taken until the State has made needed repairs.
Council approved the following items for surplus property: Slide in Bed Salter (Meyer), Safe (Halls Standard), Antique Columns, Cardboard Baler, 7ft. Boss Blade, Old light bars, Case Backhoe, and Draimad Sludge Dewatering System. Public Works Superintendent Dennis Masters recommended advertising for bids and, if the bids come in too low, then auction the items. Dale Clary stated he had contacted a source to help dispose of the Sludge Dewatering System. Councilwoman Sparks moved to declare all items as surplus and dispose of as recommended. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Bill Boggs addressed Council on behalf of the Buffalo Trace/Gateway Narcotics Task Force. Councilman Story moved to continue supporting the Task Force and provide $1,938.90 in funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Bob Sturdivant with Quest Engineering reviewed the KIA financial analysis for the WWTP. Recommended rate increases to cover the costs of the project were discussed. The KIA board will meet the first Thursday in March to consider funding for the project. KIA will need to know the planned rate increases prior to meeting in March. Increases do not have to go into effect until July 1, 2011.
Utilities Superintendent Joe Dunaway reviewed a sample ordinance regarding interruption of service for natural gas and water customers. Dunaway will work with City Attorney Tom MacDonald on this matter.
Mayor Voiers presented a Resolution regarding application for $50,000 in funding for Phase II of the Walking Trail. Councilman Hurst moved to approve. Councilwoman Sparks 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 that the Buildings and Grounds Committee had met to discuss renovation of the two buildings donated by the Peoples Bank. A structural engineer inspected the condition of the buildings and the Committee recommended that no renovation be done until the results of that inspection have been received. The Committee also discussed renovation of the City Annex building to allow for a handicapped entrance and storage space for City records. It was recommended that this work be a priority and six qualified contractors were suggested for consideration. Security issues at City Hall and the Police Department were discussed. The Committee recommended installation of a safety glass across the front counter at both buildings, a steel door with steel frame coming into the office area at City Hall, and a new lock at the Police Department. The Committee suggested looking for a grant to upgrade the existing security system.
Councilwoman Sparks reported that the City had applied for a Crumb Rubber grant for the City’s parks. A Safety Grant through KLC had also been applied for. Funds would be used to replace park equipment for smaller children. The Parks Committee also discussed purchasing benches for the Walking Trail.
Chief Sergent reported that the Safety Committee had discussed parking issues on Mt. Sterling Ave. The State Highway Dept. has already restricted parking on one end of the street. Mayor Voiers recommended giving residents ample notice before restricting parking. Councilwoman Sparks suggested holding a public hearing.
Codes Enforcement Officer Ben Moran reported that the Board of Adjustments needs two more members. This Board only meets once or twice per year. Moran noted that the condition of the old Princess theatre is getting worse every day and deteriorating at a fast rate. It is a #1 safety concern.
Chief Sergent reported that Rev. Kent Wilson, pastor of the Unity Baptist Church, has volunteered to be a chaplain for Police Department. Officer Jeremy Meade resigned effective February 15th. Garrett Ingram has been hired as a Police Officer Recruit and will begin February 28th. Recruit Daniel Pollock is doing well at the academy and is half way through with his training.
Dennis Masters reported that he purchased all the salt allowed at the contract price with Central Salt and did not have enough. He partnered with the County to purchase more salt at a reduced price to get through the winter. The contract amount has been increased for next year and he has contacted three salt suppliers to assure the City has ample supply.
Joe Dunaway reported that he would be meeting with Kenvirons Engineers Friday, February 18th, to go over the details of the water plant renovation. The Thompson Bros. will finish working on sidewalk replacement on the East end of town once the weather warms up. Dunaway had to purchase emergency equipment, which costs approximately $10,000, to detect gas leaks. The new equipment replaces two old pieces of machinery and will work inside as well as out.
Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary presented the Land Farm consent agreement between the City and Mary Ann McCormack. Councilman Story noted that adjoining farms are willing to let the City use their land. Clary said the City would have to pay several thousands to get another farm permitted. Councilman Hurst moved to approve the contract agreement. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. Council voted as follows: Hurst-yes, Sapp-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes. Motion carried.
Clary reported that the County was getting an appraisal on the property joining the wastewater plant. Clary noted a sewer problem by Stockton Station Inn. BTADD said excess funds from the Cherry Grove Road Project can be used to repair this problem. Clary and MacDonald are reviewing the easements for Industrial Park II.
Tom MacDonald reported that he and Tommy Carpenter continue to work on the City’s boundaries map.
Councilwoman Sparks reported that she, Joy Roark and Mayor Voiers had attended KLC City Day and City night.
Councilman Hurst stated that he was glad to see reports from some of the City’s Boards. He would also like a report from the Rec. Board and the Cable Board. Mayor Voiers stated that he had a lengthy conversation with Mary Honacker regarding the Cable Board and the Access channel in particular. The Cable Company has no obligation to update equipment such as that used by the churches. Mayor Voiers is working with the Regional Cable Commission to see if they have any influence to get the equipment upgraded.
Mayor Voiers reviewed some of the City’s expenses noting electric and advertising costs in particular. The Mayor reported on information from ‘Faces of Coal’ which included a resolution asking for the City’s support. No action was taken.
Council discussed the sewer project for the new Ewing school. Councilman Story suggested the school seek grant funding for this project; possibly some funds would be available from the Ewing regional sewer project. No action was taken.
A working retreat for Council was scheduled for Saturday, February 19th, at the Fleming Co. Library from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In keeping with the Open Meetings Law, an agenda will be posted and the newspapers notified.
There being no further business, Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.
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Martin L. Voiers, Mayor
ATTESTED:
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Joy Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer
Date approved: _____________________
