There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City
Council Monday, April 9, 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 Story led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the previous meeting were
presented. Councilman Manning moved to
approve. Councilwoman Sparks seconded
the motion. All were in favor.
Mayor Flanery recognized Loretta Boggess, whose
residence joins the old reservoir. Ms.
Boggess questioned what was included in the plans for the walking trail around
the reservoir. She was concerned about
a drop off at the edge of her property.
Boggess was also concerned about a lack of restroom facilities and noted
that there were concrete blocks at the far end of the dam in a good location
for such a purpose. Mayor Flanery
reviewed the items included in the application for funds. Restrooms had not been addressed, but agreed
there was a need and it would be a good idea to include them in the plans.
David Graham asked for an update on his water
situation. Mayor Flanery stated that he
had discussed the matter with engineers and was told that digging up the line
and cutting out a section would be a big inconvenience to others who would be
left without service for some time.
However, Flanery did not rule out this option. DOW has been contacted several times to come and test the
water. Graham stated they have never
come and will not return his calls.
Mayor Flanery said he would contact them again tomorrow (Tuesday). Graham commented that he’s not saying his
water is not safe; it’s not usable except for flushing the commode. If the State does test his water they will
say nothing is wrong; it’s potable.
Mayor Flanery questioned Superintendent Dearing
about the costs involved to remove a section of pipe and put it back. Dearing was unsure, but pointed out that a
lot of people and some businesses would be without service. Councilman Story suggested putting in a
temporary line so service would not be interrupted. There was discussion about what would be learned by removing a
section of line. Mayor Flanery thought
it could be tested for health related issues.
Graham stated that he had never mentioned any health concerns. Councilman Story commented that there was
concern about a build up of germs in the line over a period of time. Councilman Voiers pointed out that the
previous month’s minutes stated that Cann Tech would remove a section of line
for testing when weather permitted.
Mayor Flanery said he had talked with them about it, but nothing
definite had been decided. Voiers
suggested that maybe the engineers needed to come to a meeting and address some
of these concerns. The Council can’t;
they don’t have the expertise. The same
issues are addressed every month and they are getting nowhere. Mayor Flanery will talk to different ones
regarding this matter.
Mayor Flanery recognized Mark Leet, Civics teacher
at SMS, and students Jacob Creecy, Chip Clark, and Allison Conley.
Mayor Flanery also recognized Bill Tom Cooper, with
Congressman Geoff Davis’s office.
Cooper announced that Congressman Davis would be at Twin Pin Lanes
Wednesday evening and encouraged everyone to attend. It would be a good opportunity to talk with Davis about grant
opportunities and the needs of the city.
The Quest Engineering contract was presented for
approval. Councilman Story questioned
page 7, item 5.3. Bob Sturdivant
explained that it had nothing to do with funding. If the contract time lapsed and no work had been done, which was
unlikely, the contract would have to be renegotiated because costs would go
up. Councilman Voiers moved to approve. Councilman Story seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Councilman Story reported some concerns he had heard
regarding the walking trail around the old reservoir. Story said residents wanted assurance that the property would be
monitored. They have concerns about
trash, partying, and lighting. Mayor
Flanery said monitoring the park and fencing the area had already been
discussed. Story commented that the
trail at Old Washington was nice.
Flanery said the old reservoir park should be similar. It was suggested that the trash cans be
chained to avoid removal. Flanery said
if the park is funded he sees it as a positive for the whole community. Story said the city doesn’t want it to be a
negative for the residents around it.
The Municipal Aid contract for $28,529 and
resolution for the fiscal year 2007-2008 were presented for approval. Councilman Voiers moved to adopt the
resolution. Councilman Manning seconded
the motion. All were in favor.
Mayor Flanery presented the Comprehensive Plan
update. The contract submitted by BTADD
totaled $11,500 with the city being responsible for 21%, Ewing 2%, and Fleming
County fiscal court 77%. City Attorney
Tom MacDonald explained that the comprehensive plan was a statutory
requirement, which applies to every entity that has planning and zoning. Bob Sturdivant added that it was also
required to apply for funding and must be up to date. Gene Schwartz stated that the last plan was done in 1997 and
upgraded six years later for the entire county. BTADD will establish a timeframe for completion of the update
after all agreements are approved.
Councilwoman Sparks asked if a public hearing is required that it be set
later in the day to accommodate the working public. Councilman Story moved to enter into the agreement to begin the
comprehensive plan update and pay the city’s pro rata share along with the
county and city of Ewing. Councilman
Hurst seconded the motion. All were in
favor.
Council discussed sources of funding for replacement
of old waterlines. Mayor Flanery stated
that BTADD had been looking into funding and found loan money available at
1%. Kenny Dearing said the oldest lines
were installed in 1937. Bob Sturdivant
advised it would be a good idea to get on the list for funding through DOW and
KIA. Councilman Story moved to apply
for the 1% loan funding and also for any grant funds available. Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Police Chief Danny Carpenter reported that Dr.
Womack had requested the police department enforce the fire lanes and
handicapped parking at his shopping center.
Tom MacDonald will research the legal issues involved since it is
private property.
Councilman Voiers reported that the recycling
program has 152 participants. The city
will continue to publicize the program.
A lot of the public is still not aware.
The committee is looking for other ways to promote the program including
displays at local businesses, participating in the Little League parade, and
making decals for city vehicles.
Chief Carpenter reported that the Police Department
had been notified of approval for a $38,000 grant from homeland security. Funds will be used for equipment including a
wireless video on vest and training.
Carpenter thought there could be grant opportunities for the fire
department as well and noted that Geoff Davis’s office has always been
supportive of small communities.
Carpenter asked council to sign a letter of support for the Law
Enforcement Service Fee grant. This is
the third and final year they can apply for the grant funds. The application is for around $14,000, which
will cover overtime, mileage, and equipment.
Focus will be on DUI’s in and outside of the city limits. Councilman Voiers moved that council support
the grant application and sign the letter of support. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor. Councilman Alexander asked how the grant worked. Chief Carpenter stated it didn’t cost the
city anything and the city was not left unprotected. The Police Department works with the State Police and patrol
areas that are known trouble spots.
Greg Boling, Robert Storey, and Jim Solter have
committed to serve on the Codes Enforcement Board. Gene Schwartz stated that three members and two alternates were
needed. The board will have to go
through a month of training and he would like for the alternates to go at the
same time. Councilman Story moved to
accept all three initial members of the Flemingsburg Codes Enforcement Board. Councilman Alexander seconded the
motion. All were in favor.
Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton said there
would be streets to blacktop this year.
Mayor Flanery stated that BTADD just had bid openings for blacktop; he
will check with them on pricing.
Utilities Superintendent Kenny Dearing reported he
was in the process of getting bids to paint the water tower on Mills Ave. It was inspected in 2005. The Utilities Department has a new employee,
Mike Brown, bringing the work force back to 100%.
Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary reported that
the contract on the Cherry Grove Road project had been awarded to Thompson
Brothers. Construction, which will run
to the county barn, should begin in mid May.
Clary stated he also has a new employee, Jason Watson.
City Clerk Joy Roark reported that she was obtaining
quotes for health insurance coverage and had already received one from Kentucky
League of Cities. The current policy
with United HealthCare is up for renewal May 1st. Renewal rates from United HealthCare were
unacceptable. Once all quotes are in
from other companies a special meeting will be called prior to the May 1st
deadline.
Councilman Hurst reported a truck that was
completely straddling the sidewalk on East Water St. and two cars on Garr
Avenue. Gene Schwartz said he has
already contacted the owners.
Councilman Voiers reported a complaint about cars
that were purchased for resale being parked on the lot below Quality
Appliance. Mayor Flanery stated that
Quality Appliance owns the lot, but the City leases and maintains it for off
street parking. He was already aware of
the situation and had been trying to get the matter resolved. Tom MacDonald is checking into the legal
issues for removing the cars. Voiers
stated the owner of the cars was obviously operating a business and should be
issued a license.
Mayor Flanery reported on the public hearing
regarding the park on Foxspring Ave.
Flanery stated that everyone attending understood that the City had made
application for grant funds, but would have to wait and see if the funds were
awarded. A plan for the park had been
laid out in three tiers. Improvements
to the basketball court, fencing, and playground equipment were included in the
plan. Councilman Voiers suggested
having a parks committee to oversee the parks within the city limits. Members of the FC Rec. Board are not
interested in the additional responsibility.
Councilwoman Sparks questioned what could be done if the grant funds
don’t come through. Mayor Flanery
stated that existing park funds could be used, but improvements would be
minimal because funds are limited. Councilman
Hurst, Councilman Voiers, and Councilwoman Sparks volunteered to serve on the
Parks Committee. Mayor Flanery
appointed Councilwoman Sparks chairperson.
Councilwoman Sparks reported that she had received
only two calls against the walking trail around the old reservoir. Most of her calls had been favorable.
Councilman Story questioned the status of
streetlights in Country View Hts. Mayor
Flanery stated that he and Councilman Hurst would look at the area tomorrow
(Tuesday).
Councilman Alexander reported a government housing
property near Foxspring Ave. that was trashy and needed to be cleaned up. Gene Schwartz said the Housing Authority
would have to be notified. They have
their own set of rules.
Mayor Flanery asked for an opinion on setting a
flagpole with the Kentucky and U.S. flag at City Hall. Council agreed it was a good idea. Mayor Flanery reported that GFCRWC would be
hosting an open house June 2nd at 10:00. Transportation will be available at City Hall for tours of their
facilities.
Clean up week will be June 11th-15th.
There being no further business, Councilman Manning
moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.
Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. All were in favor.
_______________________________________
Louie Flanery, Mayor
ATTESTED:
______________________________________
Joy
Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer
Date
Approved: ________________________