There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, March 12, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Annex.  Council members present were Ricky Hurst, Adam Hinton, Scott Manning, Georgianna Sparks, Meredith Story, and Van Alexander.  Mayor Martin L. Voiers presided.

 

Councilman Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the February meeting were presented.  Councilman Manning moved to approve.  Councilman Alexander seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Mayor Voiers recognized students from Simons Middle School.

 

Fleming Co. Chamber Executive Director Crystal Ruark presented the Chamber report.

 

Vaughn Williams with Kenvirons presented an update on the Water Plant Improvement Project.  Williams stated that the Flemingsburg plant had been chosen by Rural Development for the Earth Day Project.  Williams’ presentation included different scenarios for rate increases to cover the cost of the project.  Mayor Voiers called for a resolution to support proceeding with the project.  Councilman Story moved to proceed with the project and look at a rate increase that allowed for 50% of depreciation costs.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  Council voted as follows:  Hurst-yes, Hinton-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes.  Motion carried.  Williams will provide firm rates at the next regular council meeting.

 

Mayor Voiers opened the following bids for a new track hoe: Wilson Equip. - $57,380, Cahall Bros. - $55,500, Holbrook Implement - $54,400, Bobcat Enterprises - $53,779.02, and Southeastern Equipment Inc. - $63,700.  Councilman Alexander moved to allow the mayor, Dennis Masters, and Joe Dunaway to review the four lowest bids and select the best equipment for the price.  Councilman Hurst seconded the motion.  Council voted as follows:  Hurst-yes, Hinton-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes.  Motion carried.

 

Mayor Voiers presented a request from the Health Dept. for a street light.  Councilman Hurst will get a proposal.

 

Mayor Voiers reported that Regents at Morehead State University were asking for support from the City to oppose the University of Pikeville being added to the state system.  There was discussion that allowing the University of Pikeville to be added to the state system would reduce funding for all schools already in the system, Morehead State in particular, and would have a negative impact on our community. Councilwoman Sparks moved to support Morehead State University in their position of opposing the University of Pikeville being added to the state system.  Councilman Alexander seconded the motion.    Council voted as follows:  Hurst-yes, Hinton-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes.  Motion carried.

 

Mayor Voiers presented a resolution to approve an application for grant funds from Land and  Water Conservation.  The grant would be 50/50 for a total of $20,000 and would be used to purchase playground equipment for the City Park.  Councilman Story moved to approve.  Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion.  Council voted as follows:  Hurst-yes, Hinton-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes.  Motion carried.

 

Ordinance No. 4-12-1 regarding compensation for elected officials for the coming term was presented.  Councilman Story moved to set the compensation rate at $4,200 annually, the same as the current rate.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  Council voted as follows:  Hurst-yes, Hinton-yes, Manning-yes, Sparks-yes, Story-yes, and Alexander-yes.  Motion carried.

 

A meeting of the Finance Committee was scheduled for Monday, March 19th, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Annex.

 

Councilman Alexander reported on the Public and Personnel Safety Committee meeting.  Issues discussed were enforcement of the dog ordinance, lighting in the downtown area, security cameras for the city park, and an emergency operation center.   Mayor Voiers will check what is required of the dog warden per KRS.  It will cost approximately $12,000 to replace the head for all lights in the downtown area with brighter lighting. Funds may be included in the upcoming budget.  Mayor Voiers will meet with Dwayne Price regarding how the city can be better prepared for emergencies. It was recommended that the public be informed of shelter areas and made aware of what the sirens mean.  Alternative methods of warning the public were also suggested.

 

City Clerk Joy Roark reported that the City now has a Facebook page.  A report of delinquent property taxes was presented.  Roark reported that the City’s health insurance renewal increased 22%.  An alternative health insurance plan is being considered.  Roark met with Melissa Hinton regarding supplemental dental insurance for city employees through Delta Dental.  Coverage and rates were compared to the current plan through Aflac and found that Delta Dental provides better coverage for a lower rate.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Ben Moran reported that the Planning Commission had met in February to discuss subdivision regulations.  Kevin Cornette with BTADD said they would no longer be offering tech support for the planning commission.  Moran reported on upcoming training.  Work continues on the boundary maps.  A cost estimate to lay the conduit for a light on Amanda Brook was $150. 

 

Chief Randy Sergent presented the Police Dept. report.

 

Public Works Superintendent Dennis Masters reported on the walking trail project.

 

Utilities Superintendent Joe Dunaway reported the first round of fire hydrant flushing had been completed.  He, David Shrout and the mayor toured the Williamstown and Bath Co. Waste Water Plants.  The tours were very educational and helped with the plans for the new Flemingsburg Waster Water Plant.  Dunaway expects to hear from the DOW soon regarding approval on the plan for the new plant.

 

Councilwoman Sparks requested that the Circuit Clerk be asked to send letters to jurors regarding parking on the courthouse hill.  Business owners have complained that jurors are using all the parking leaving no place for their customers to park.

 

Mayor Voiers reported that Mayors for Meals would be March 22nd at the Nutrition Center.  HMB is taking care of closing out the project of removing old gas tanks at the street dept.  Funding for the new fire truck and fire house is moving along.  The City could possibly receive $40,000-50,000 in grant funds for the truck.

 

There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                Martin L. Voiers, Mayor

 

ATTESTED:

 

________________________________

Joy Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer

 

Date Approved:  __________________