The Flemingsburg City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Annex. Council members present were Ricky Hurst, Marty Voiers, Scott Manning, Georgianna Sparks, Meredith Story, and Van Alexander. Mayor Louie Flanery presided.

Councilman Story led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Flanery welcomed Mr. Mark Leet, Civics teacher at SMS, and the following students and their parents: Cody Elliott, C.J. Vise, Joseph Wood, Lindsey McRoberts, Cassie Engle, Lauren Wilson, Trustan Humphries, Dakota Bolin, David Gillum, John Planck, Amanda Boyd, Morgan Jett, Alex James, Autumn Baker, Gena Hurst, Allison Lambert, Victoria McCord, Shad McCord.

Minutes of the January meeting were presented. Councilman Story noted the following correction: Page 4, paragraph 7, strike OAG 02-OMD-166 and insert section 1, subsection (b). Councilman Hurst moved to approve with the noted correction. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.

City Attorney Tom MacDonald expressed concern over the Evergreen provisions of the contract with Municipal Gas. MacDonald stated that he would contact the Attorney General this week for an opinion to make sure the provisions comply with Kentucky statutes.

Councilman Story reported on the unsolicited proposal from Atmos to acquire natural gas for the city. Atmos requires a three- year contract with cancellation notice 90 days prior to renewal. Story noted that gas purchased through the city’s current agent is usually $.20 over Nymex and felt that the Atmos prepay plan was no better than the city’s current plan, using a line of credit to buy during the summer when prices are lower. Story recommended that the city continue to buy natural gas through the current agent, Ken Magyar.

Council discussed putting a policy in place that establishes guidelines for use of city streets by individuals or organizations for fundraisers, festivals, etc. Tom MacDonald will work with the city clerk to develop a policy.

Councilwoman Sparks reported that the playground equipment for the Foxspring Ave. Park had arrived. The committee will review drawings of the park and needed site improvements before placing the equipment. Signs denoting LWC funds received for park improvements have been ordered. The committee is planning a grand opening for the skateboard park.

Mayor Flanery reported that more recycling was being collected and encouraged more citizens to get involved, even those not living in the city.

Ordinance No. 3-08-1 regarding loud noises was presented. It was noted that it would be illegal to use an engine brake device within the city limits. Hours of restrictions and penalties for not complying are also included. Council agreed that penalties be the same amounts as those stated in the Codes Enforcement Ordinance. Councilman Manning moved to approve. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Bill Tom Cooper addressed Council on behalf of Congressman Geoff Davis. Cooper encouraged the city to submit grants for needed project. Congressman Davis will give the city letters of support depending on how the grants are written.

T.J. Flynn, Chairman of the Tourism Board, challenged everyone to get involved in finding ways to bring people into the county.

Steve Donovan, newly appointed EDC director, commented that the Flynn’s had brought a lot of fresh ideas to promote Fleming County. He would like to figure out what attracted the Flynn’s and others who have recently relocated here. Donovan also expressed his appreciation for the Council’s confidence in the EDC position and for their support.

City Clerk Joy Roark presented an update on the House Bills currently being voted on by legislators. Councilman Voiers encouraged all city officials to call and voice their support or non-support of the House Bills. Their opinion has a lot of influence with the legislators.

Chief Sergent reviewed a resolution to establish a curfew for juveniles. It authorizes the police to stop people under age who are walking the sidewalks or are on commercial property after hours. Sergent stated that 98% of the kids are not out after curfew and often parents don’t know about ones that are out. Sergent also reported that Recruits Smith and Thoroughman would graduate from the academy March 21^st. The department still has a vacancy, but he is testing an applicant now.

Mayor Flanery stated that the city is still waiting on a permit from the state to begin working on the new storage building.

Councilwoman Sparks reported a complaint of the recycling truck picking up while kids are going to school and people are going to work causing the traffic to back up. Councilman Story also reported a complaint that early one morning the truck did not have flashers on and a person almost hit it.

Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary reported that the utility and wastewater department employees would be taking a random, door-to-door salary survey over the next two months. The survey is required to apply for $1,000,000 in block grant funds to upgrade the sewer system. All entities in the regional sewer project are doing surveys to obtain grant funds needed to keep sewer costs lower. The block grant funds will be used for construction. The project overall will costs $6-7 million.

Council discussed the speed limit on JB Shannon and Frazier Streets. The speed limit had been set at 15mph due to the day care located there, but council now feels that may be too low. Mayor Flanery asked the Safety Committee to review speed limits for the streets and make recommendations.

Councilman Voiers commented that he had brought up the issue of addressing trash on private property at the last meeting, but found that it was addressed in the nuisance ordinance. Voiers questioned if the public would have to complain or could someone within the city complain. Mayor Flanery said generally the public would file a complaint, and then the Codes Enforcement Officer would address it with the property owner. Tom MacDonald stated that if it was an obvious violation the Codes Enforcement Officer could identify and generate the complaint on his own.

Councilman Voiers asked if the city had utilized the training offered through KLC. City Clerk Joy Roark stated that she had checked the library on the KLC website, but a list of materials offered was not available. Voiers will follow up with KLC.

Councilman Manning requested that High Ridge Dr. be included on the list of streets blacktopped this year. Mayor Flanery indicated that it probably would be on the list this year; it was considered last year, but others needed resurfacing worse.

Councilman Story noted that council had voted to approve creation of the police sergeant position, but he believed it had to be done by ordinance and asked that the position not be filled until that was done. Tom MacDonald confirmed that an ordinance was required and he was waiting on another job description. Joy Roark stated that a position for assistant city clerk also needed to be added.

Councilman Alexander asked about the early warning system for tornados noting that there wasn’t any warning on the t.v. prior to the recent storms in the area. Mayor Flanery stated that the warning signal is set off by dispatch. Councilman Voiers stated that he would discuss the matter with Emergency Management personnel at the next meeting of the dispatch board.

Mayor Flanery reported that 67% of the funding for the narcotics task force had been cut from the upcoming federal budget, but letters of support were sent to U.S. legislators and part of the funding has already been added back to the budget.

There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.

____________________________

Louie Flanery, Mayor

ATTESTED:

_______________________________ Date Approved: ______________

Joy Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer