The Flemingsburg City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, March 12, 2007 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 Manning led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the February meeting were presented. Councilman Hurst moved to approve. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Mayor Flanery recognized Mark Leet, Civics teacher at Simons Middle School. Mr. Leet stated that his class was planning a trip to Washington, D.C. and students who wanted to go on the trip were required to attend fiscal court and city council meetings. Students present were: Dallas Cox, Sarah Boyd, Laura Stacey, Lauren Overbey, Derek Walker, Lucas Cannon, Hunter Daily, Zach Reeder, Clisty Ratliff, and Tanner Lee.

David Graham addressed council regarding his water. Graham requested an update on testing by the engineering firm. Mayor Flanery stated that the testing would be done by Cann-Tech. When weather permits they will be taking a section of his line out for testing. Councilwoman Sparks stated that she had asked Representative Mike Denham to contact the Division of Water regarding testing of Graham’s water. He should expect a call from Denham. Graham noted that he had requested the GFCRWC meeting time be changed so that working people could attend. Mayor Flanery stated that he had asked, but the meeting time was established when the commission was formed and members would not change it. Graham asked him to request a change again.

Rita Harris, with the Buffalo Trace/ Gateway Narcotics Task Force, presented a resolution requesting support from the City of Flemingsburg in the amount of $1938.90 for the fiscal year 2007-2008. Councilman Story commented that he had attended a recent seminar regarding the task force, which was very informative. Story felt the task force has done a lot to help our area and moved to adopt resolution no.07-3-1 for $1,938.90 to be included in the fiscal year budget 2007-2008. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Mayor Flanery presented Municipal Order No. 07-1 regarding changes to the employee handbook of policies and procedures regarding health insurance plans offered, health insurance for retire/rehires, uniforms, travel expense reimbursement, and cell phone policy. Councilman Voiers moved to approve. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all voting in favor.

City Clerk Joy Roark presented the second reading of Ordinance No. 3-07-1 regarding the Insurance Premium tax; setting a two-year limit from the time payment is made for insurance companies to request a refund. Councilman Voiers moved to approve. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all voting in favor.

Mayor Flanery presented the Quest Engineering contract for approval. City Attorney Tom MacDonald commented that their attorneys had worked very well with him and the contract reflects the agreement discussed by the Finance Committee. It was also noted that the contract follows the fees set by Rural Development, which are the industry standard. Councilman Story stated that council had not seen the contract and he was uncomfortable voting on something he had not seen. Mayor Flanery offered more time for council to review the contract. Councilman Voiers commented that he had attended a recent meeting with Quest and felt they were looking after and protecting the city’s interest. Councilman Story stated that he was concerned about over obligating the city. Tom MacDonald recommended the contract be approved and signed just as soon as council has reviewed it and is comfortable with its contents. Benton Hanson, with Quest Engineering, stated that they would be available for questions and could attend the next council meeting.

Resolution No. 07-3-2 regarding Land and Water Conservation was presented. Mayor Flanery stated that the grant application totaled $75,000 and would be used for improvements to city parks. Councilman Manning moved to adopt. Councilman Story seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Resolution No. 07-3-3 regarding a recreation al trail around the old reservoir was presented. Mayor Flanery stated that the grant totaled $100,000 with a 20% match. Funds would be used for a totally lit walkway around the lake, trash receptacles, picnic tables, benches, and a blacktopped road up to the area. Councilman Voiers moved to adopt. Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Resolution No. 07-3-4 pertaining to recycling was presented. Mayor Flanery stated that the grant application totaled $68,200 and would be used to purchase a bobcat, a recycling trailer, manpower for the grant period, and advertising and educational materials. Councilman Hurst moved to adopt. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Resolution No. 07-3-5 regarding improvements to downtown sidewalks was presented. Mayor Flanery noted that a resolution had been adopted in February for this grant application, but the dollar amount was incorrect. Councilman Story moved to rescind Resolution No. 07-2-1 for $228,000. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. All were in favor. Councilwoman Sparks moved to adopt resolution No. 07-3-5 for $128,000. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Resolution No. 07-3-6 regarding a grant application for Safe Routes to School was presented. Mayor Flanery stated that the application was for a 100% grant and funds would be used for walkway improvements from the Peoples Drive in bank to the Highland Dr. area. Council discussed safer ways to cross the street at the schools, walkways to the schools, and flashing yellow lights at the crosswalks. Mayor Flanery said the grant would be on going and the city could apply again next year to make additional improvements. Councilman Alexander moved to adopt. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Crystal Ruark, Chamber of Commerce Director, presented a report on behalf of the Chamber, Tourism, Museum and Mainstreet Boards. Ruark thanked the city for their support. Membership drives are continuing for the Museum and Chamber. Response has been positive. The Chamber office has received several calls regarding the Covered Bridge Festival and Founder’s Day/Old Fashioned Court Days. Ruark stated that vendors requested the Covered Bridge Festival be held at the RECC again this year. Accommodations were more comfortable. Councilman Hurst stated that road work would be in progress in front of RECC during the same time period. He suggested that another location be considered. Ruark reported Swing on Main would be held this year on September 22^nd. Ruark noted the additional tourism due to the barn quilts with 35 currently on display and more to come when weather permits. The Chamber is sponsoring free computer classes again this year, but students will not receive free refurbished computers as in the past. Ruark stated that the Franklin Sousley play was well attended. The Chamber breakfast is scheduled for April 12^th at Twin Pins with Carol Dozier and Jeff Spencer as guest speakers. Ruark announced that the Chamber had a new employee. Teresa Stamm will be working approximately thirty hours each week.

Councilman Story reported that Gerald Carpenter and Brenda Carpenter, with Carpenter Insurance Agency, had met with the Finance Committee. Also attending were Joe O’Nan and Linda Shearer with KLC and Ray Robertson, also with Carpenter Insurance. The city’s insurance coverage was discussed. It was noted that all property was insured at replacement cost. The committee suggested that the properties be reviewed. If some properties were lost the city might choose not to replace them. Shearer stated that worker’s compensation was the biggest portion of the city’s premium. KLC had paid out $315,000 in claims for one year and the city only paid $96,000 in premiums. Rates are based on three years of claims experience. KLC suggested that the city have the Safety Committee address issues to cut down on work related injuries. Councilman Story stated that it was prudent to get quotes from other insurance companies to make sure everyone involved is doing a good job.

Police Chief Danny Carpenter is chairman of the safety committee and offered to start a training program in safety. Carpenter also stated that he and Tom MacDonald would be reviewing the safety ordinance.

Councilman Voiers reported on the recycling program. Fifth graders from Flemingsburg Elementary will be participating in a poster contest. Letters have been sent to business owners, letters to residents have been placed in all three local papers, fliers are available at City Hall, and notices have been placed on the utility bills. Customers that wish to sign up can do so at City Hall. They will be notified when their container is ready and then sign an agreement before it is picked up or delivered. Each newspaper has also agreed to do a story on recycling. A Community meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 26^th, to display the containers and explain the recycling program. Passing out fliers door-to-door has also been considered.

City Clerk Joy Roark reported that she and Chief Carpenter had been working on the furniture and equipment list for the new police department. Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton stated that all work was complete except the front lobby and the upstairs bathroom.

Chief Carpenter stated that he would be speaking to Hillsboro Elementary students about city government on Wednesday. Morning and Evening traffic problems at Flemingsburg Elementary and Simons Middle School were discussed. A turning lane or a 4- way stop were suggested.

Codes Enforcement Officer Gene Schwartz reported that the Vacant Property Board had met two times. Owners of 6 houses and 6 lots were notified that their property would be certified as blighted. Schwartz stated that there were two definite commitments and two close to committing to serve on the Codes Enforcement Board. Councilman Voiers asked about the recent Flood Plain meeting Schwartz attended. In 1985 Schwarz explained that an ordinance was written enabling people to get flood insurance. There are guidelines for building in a flood plain per FEMA standards. FEMA is redoing their program and updating their maps. Schwartz reported that eight properties belonging to RECC and Bill Walton were about to be annexed.

Utilities Superintendent Kenny Dearing reported that natural gas usage was high during February due to the weather being cold for such a long period. The department encountered a lot of frozen water meters.

Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary reported on a rock- slide at the wastewater plant. Councilman Voiers questioned the cause of the slide. Clary stated that rain had caused the ground to erode over a period of years, which caused the rocks to slide. Currently only city property is affected, but the slide is moving closer to a neighboring property. Mayor Flanery explained the rock wall behind the plant is about 35’ tall. According to Clary, if a rock falls it could hit the electric pole leading to the plant and cause a power outage. The electric lines run underground. The pole needs to be moved, but Clary hoped it could wait until time to build the new plant. He has a generator for backup power.

City Clerk Joy Roark reported that she had visited Secret Crossing Christian Academy on Friday, March 9^th. The visit had been scheduled during January for city government month, but had to be rescheduled due to the weather and school closings. Roark used the opportunity to also inform the students about the recycling program. It was well received.

Councilman Story commented that the water tower on Mills Ave. needed to be painted. Mayor Flanery stated that money had been budgeted to paint the tower, but Dearing had not been able to find someone to do it for a reasonable fee. Story also reported complaints of no programming on the access channel. Councilman Voiers and Councilwoman Sparks also voiced complaints. Councilman Manning and Mayor Flanery both stated that they planned to attend the next meeting of the Cable Board. Councilman Story noted that Flemingsburg’s natural gas prices were lower than neighboring cities based on information obtained on-line. Even after lowering their rates they were still $1.00 or more higher per 1000 cubic feet than Flemingsburg. Story also pointed out that the cities listed only offered a flat rate where Flemingsburg’s rates are tiered.

Councilwoman Sparks questioned the plans for the Foxspring Ave. Park. Mayor Flanery said he was trying to get help with the design. Sparks questioned the status of the new Industrial Park. Flanery stated that Tommy Carpenter was working on the survey and Tom MacDonald was working on consents and easements. The city will need about $1,000,000 in for sewer lines to the park. Flanery has talked with legislators about funding.

Councilman Manning questioned the status of the blighted property on Mt. Sterling Ave. and E. Water St. (property hanging over the creek). Schwartz stated that the owners on Mt. Sterling Ave. had been notified. The property hanging over the creek was torn down after the owners were encouraged to do so.

Councilman Hurst referred to David Graham’s continuing water problems. Hurst stated that there was a filter that could be hooked on to the customer’s side of the meter and used to test the water before it goes into the customer’s line. The filter cost between $60 and $80. The city would need the owner’s permission before it was installed. Mayor Flanery stated that Cann-Tech would be doing a similar test. Councilman Story noted that Graham’s water was cleaner now. Story said his water was dirtier than Graham’s, but he doesn’t have a filter. Kenny Dearing stated that the filter Hurst had suggested would not work on Graham’s line because there was not enough space between the meter and the house.

Lighting at Country View was discussed. Mayor Flanery said he and Hurst needed to look at the site again. Councilman Story said the lighting was needed for safety. A lot of children live in that neighborhood.

There being no further business, Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.

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Louie K. Flanery, Mayor

ATTESTED:

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Joy Story Roark, CKMC

Date Approved: __________