John Sims Jr. addressed Council on
behalf of the Rescue Squad requesting permission to hold court day October 9 –
11. Sims stated that vendors would be
in the same area as last year. An
antique tractor show on the courthouse hill was planned for Saturday and a car
show on Sunday. Council pointed out
that the City’s ordinance had changed and vendors would now be required to pay
a $25 fee. Sims stated that he would
work with the City regarding the fees.
Councilman Haight moved to approve the Rescue Squad’s request. Councilman Story seconded the motion. All were in favor. Councilwoman Sparks made a request that vendors not set up until
after 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
Layne Wagner addressed Council on
behalf of Fleming Mason Internet service to request renewal of their contract
for the existing location on Dye St. Wagner also requested consideration for
use of the City’s other towers. Mayor
Flanery instructed Wagner to come back to Council with a plan when they were
ready to use the other towers. Tom
MacDonald stated that a new contract would have to be drawn because the current
one only covered the Dye St. location.
Councilman Story moved to renew the existing contract. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Mary Jo Litton reported that the
museum bid had come in $55,695 higher than the first grant. The Museum Society had decided to 1) have
architect Rex Cecil prioritize the list of work to be done with the money
available and check with the contractor about eliminating anything unnecessary;
and 2) consider putting money for the current building into another building
which might not require as much work.
Litton was going to check with Frankfort to see if this was
possible. They currently have a
$200,000 grant including the match, and will have additional grant funds for
$150,000 which the City will have to match 20%.
Resolution No. 04-02-01 regarding
a TEA-21 grant was presented. The
funding would be for sidewalks in the historic district downtown up to one
block outside the district. The City
can apply for up to $300,000 and the application deadline is February 16th. This would also be an 80/20 grant. The City’s match could be in-kind labor for
demolition of existing sidewalks.
Councilman Haight questioned the legal issues, since the sidewalks are
the responsibility of the property owners.
Mayor Flanery commented that most owners couldn’t afford to maintain the
sidewalks. This funding is available. If our City doesn’t apply, another City
will. Councilman Story questioned the
City’s chance of getting the funds.
Litton stated that the City’s chances are better than usual. Federal funds are more plentiful. Councilman Haight questioned when the City
would know if the grant had been approved.
Mayor Flanery stated it could take six months so it might in the next
budget year. Councilman Voiers moved to
adopt this resolution. Councilwoman
Suit seconded the motion. All were in
favor.
Mayor Flanery reported that the
City had applied for gold, but had been refused. However, the City was awarded the silver medallion status, a new
intermediate level. The City will have
five more years in the renaissance program.
Mary Jo Litton asked for an evaluation of the City’s application so the
City would know what areas to improve on to reach the gold level.
The Finance Committee reported to
Council. It was recommended that
Council’s pay remain the same. The
Committee requested that the Mayor have budget recommendations to them by May 15th
for review. Insurance policies are
currently being reviewed. The committee
will also be reviewing the pay plan; and plan to review health insurance before
the next regular council meeting. Councilman Story noted that the City’s
contribution is up 23% over last year.
This is first reading of council pay.
Councilwoman Sparks moved to
approve Ordinance No. 3-04-1 regarding Council pay. Councilman Story seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Police Chief Danny Carpenter
reported on the Safety Committee.
Parking ordinances from Maysville, Morehead, and Mt. Sterling have been
reviewed and compared to the City’s.
The Home Fleet Ordinance was discussed.
The Committee recommended that the mileage limit be changed from 2 to 8
miles. This would be a good recruitment
tool; 8 miles should still allow for a 10-minute response time. Councilman Haight moved to amend the
existing ordinance. Councilman Manning
seconded the motion. All were in
favor. The committee is scheduled to
meet again Thursday, February 12th at 4:00 p.m.
Councilman Story questioned the
progress on the Mt. Sterling Ave. properties.
Gene Schwartz, Codes Enforcement Officer, reported that County Attorney
John Price was not favorable of the City’s ordinance on blighted property. He should have a progress report in about
two weeks. Councilman Voiers questioned
the problem with the existing ordinance.
Schwartz stated that it dealt with the grounds, not the house. He had a copy of a better ordinance for
City Attorney Tom MacDonald to review.
Mayor Flanery reported that BTADD
was working on the details for the grand opening of the Lerman Building. There had been public concern about the
amount of money spent on this project.
Mayor Flanery stressed how funding works and the need to make the public
more aware.
Councilman Haight questioned the
progress of organizing the dispatch board.
Tom MacDonald stated that he and John Price had agreed to meet, but had
not set a date.
Councilman Story suggested that
the new budget allow for vehicle rotation for the police department and a new
truck for the fire department. Mayor
Flanery reported that the City was currently advertising for a salt truck and a
police cruiser through the KLC bid program.
Councilwoman Sparks thanked the
police department and the mayor for beefing up patrol at the health department
and the car wash. Vandalism has
reduced.
Mary Jo Litton questioned a good
location for a farmer’s market. Council
discussed the City Park and Electric Ave.
Litton, Mayor Flanery, and Tom
MacDonald are working on a committee
to preserve the downtown.
The Rotary Club is planning a
Founder’s Day project for April.
Councilman Manning moved to
adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Councilman Haight
seconded the motion. All were in favor.
______________________________
Louie K. Flanery, Mayor
ATTESTED:
_________________________________
Joy Story Roark, City Clerk
Date Approved:
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