There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, June 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Annex.  Council members present were Ricky Hurst, Scott Manning, Georgianna Sparks, Meredith Story, and Van Alexander.  Marty Voiers was absent.  Mayor Louie Flanery presided.

 

            Councilman Story led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Minutes of the May 14th and May 31st meeting were presented.  Councilman Story noted a correction to the May 14th minutes; comments noted in the next to last paragraph were made by Councilman Hurst not Councilman Voiers.  Councilman Hurst moved to approve the minutes with the noted corrections.  Councilman Story seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Greg Blanton addressed Council regarding speeding on Stockwell Ave.  A resident for fourteen years, Blanton stated that speeding on Stockwell had been an on-going problem.  Former Police Chief Danny Carpenter had addressed the issue and it had stopped for a while.  But recently Blanton’s four-year-old child was nearly hit by a speeding car and the driver didn’t slow down until Blanton yelled at him. Blanton requested speed bumps and more signage, noting that signs at the beginning of the street were not visible from all directions.  Mayor Flanery said the sign issue would be addressed, but speed bumps would be more difficult due to snow and ice removal.  Councilman Hurst, who also lives on Stockwell Ave., agreed more signs were needed.  There are a lot of children currently living on that street. Councilman Manning stated that the Safety Committee discussed lowering the speed limit from 25 to 15.  Mayor Flanery assured Blanton the Safety Committee would address this matter fairly quickly.

 

            Joe and Kenny Crawford addressed Council on behalf of their mother, Maude Crawford, who was having right of way issues regarding her property.  Joe Crawford stated that he obtained a right of way two years ago from the state to put a bridge in to his mother’s property.  At one time Mrs. Crawford’s drive was part of an alleyway, but according to Daniel Suit (State Highway Dept) it became a private drive when Hwy 57 was built.  Property joining Mrs. Crawford’s recently sold and the new owner claimed he had right of way to his property by using her driveway, but Crawford presented a copy of his mother’s deed noting it did not call for any right of way to the adjoining property.  Crawford stated that the new owner had hauled rock across the bridge causing damage so he had blocked the bridge to prevent further usage.   City Attorney Tom MacDonald stated that this was a civil matter.  There was nothing the city could do.  Crawford stated that they needed to know if there was any record of the alleyway being closed before they proceeded with legal action.  Councilman Story stated that he didn’t recall any roads being closed over the past twenty years, but suggested the Crawfords go through the old minute books at city hall, which are public records.

 

            Council discussed the insurance renewal for property, liability and worker’s comp.  Councilman Story noted that the city has had coverage through KLC for at least fifteen years.  KLC had reviewed the city’s rates and adjusted them accordingly, submitting a final quote for $155,832.  Neace-Lukens submitted a quote for $150,836.  It was noted that the main difference between the two was claims made verses occurrence.  Tail end coverage could be fairly expensive and the exposure might be more than the savings.  Carpenter Insurance has provided excellent service and the city has been well satisfied with coverage through KLC.  Councilman Story moved to retain Carpenter Insurance as the local agent and renew coverage with KLC.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Council discussed accepting Birch Street into the city.  Councilman Story commented that he would like to see more development in that area before the street was adopted.  There didn’t appear to be much happening there at the moment and he didn’t feel it would be good use of public funds to maintain the street.  Councilman Hurst agreed, noting that the street was in rough shape.  Councilman Story also commented that the street needed to be separated from the parking lot.  Councilman Alexander questioned why the area had not been developed; he would also like to see it developed before it is adopted.  Councilman Hurst moved to deny acceptance of Birch Street into the city.  Councilman Alexander seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Mayor Flanery reported that he had discussed the contract with Fleming-Mason Service with their attorney, Marvin Suit.  Some of the language needs to be changed.  Flanery asked City Attorney Tom MacDonald to review the changes with Suit and report back at the next scheduled meeting on June 18th.

 

            City Clerk Joy Roark presented the second reading of Ordinance No. 6-07-1 regarding the utilities budget for fiscal year 2007-2008.  Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  A roll call was given with all voting in favor.

 

            City Clerk Joy Roark presented an amended first reading of Ordinance No. 6-07-2 regarding the general government budget for fiscal year 2007-2008.  Councilman Story reviewed the following recommended changes:  add $1,800 training for city attorney and elected officials, $1,000 equipment for police dept., $3,500 fuel for street dept. to cover added expense for recycling pick-up, and $900 increase for fire chief’s salary.  Story noted the budget also allows for an across the board pay increase of 2.5%.  Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve.  Councilman Hurst seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Council discussed accepting the extension of Frazier St. and By-Pass Blvd in By-Pass Plaza.  Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton stated that the streets were in good shape.  Gene Schwartz stated that they were two years old and had an extra heavy base.  The bad spots had already been reworked.  Councilman Story moved to accept these streets into the city.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Councilwoman Sparks reported that American Ramp Company was doing a road tour and would be in Flemingsburg Wednesday, June 13th, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. to demonstrate their equipment.  This will give the city an opportunity to see the product before they buy and put the city’s money to good use.  Youth may try out the equipment.  Helmets will be required and may be rented for a $5.00 refundable deposit.  Participants must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian and notarized.  Sparks noted that the company’s insurance would cover participants during the demonstration.

 

            Mayor Flanery reported that he, Councilman Voiers, and Assistant Police Chief Randy Sergent have interviewed applicants for police officer and testing has been done.  He and Voiers have also interviewed applicants for chief of police and recommend that Randy Sergent be appointed to that position.  Councilman Story moved to accept their recommendation.  Councilman Hurst seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Joy Roark reported that open house for the new police department was successful with over sixty people attending.  Chief Sergent thanked everyone who assisted with preparations, the remodeling crew, and all those who attended.  Councilman Story stated that he had heard a lot of positive comments from the community about the remodeling work done on all the city buildings.

 

            Councilman Story reported that Penny Stanfield, C.P.A., had done the annual audit last year and was willing to do the audit this year for $8,500.  Story noted that Stanfield had done a great job last year and usually the city retains the same auditor one-three years based on their satisfaction with the audit preparation.  Story moved that the city hire Stanfield to do the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 for a fee of $8,500.  Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Councilwoman Sparks reported that the Parks Committee has been looking at different types of play area equipment for both parks.  Jim Compton has measured the areas.  The committee will meet again and make a final decision on one piece for each park.

 

            Jim Compton reported that 7,140 lbs of recycling had been picked up in May.  Sign-up for bins has slowed down; recycling may need to be made mandatory to be worthwhile.  Mayor Flanery stated that storage for the unused bins needed to be discussed.  The bins are currently stored in a building owned by Councilman Story and family.  Mayor Flanery recommended that a rental fee be negotiated with Councilman Story to leave the bins where they are.  City Attorney Tom MacDonald objected stating it was illegal for the city to do business with a council member.  Story stated that he agreed to allow the city to use the space at no charge for a period of three months, but the bins have been stored there for nearly seven months.  He does not want to rent the space to the city; he just needs the space vacated so it can be rented. 

 

            Councilman Manning questioned the status of the noise ordinance.  Tom MacDonald stated that he had a rough draft prepared.  Manning reported that the Safety Committee had discussed making Garr and Ingram Avenues one-way, but decided to go door-to-door and get the residents’ opinions.  Chief Sergent suggested that Mills Ave. and Dairy Queen Street also be considered.  Patrolling private parking lots was discussed.  Fire lanes and handicapped parking must be posted.  MacDonald stated the owner cannot be forced to post private property, but if the owner has it posted and wants the police to patrol the area then the law can be enforced.  Reducing the speed limit from 25 to 15 on close streets was discussed.  More streetlights in older subdivisions are needed.  Chief Sergent said any council member was welcome to ride with him and check the streetlights.  Councilman Manning volunteered for a Saturday night.  Sergent stated that the ordinance pertaining to riding bicycles on the sidewalk needed to be amended to include skateboards.

 

            Councilman Manning thanked the city for mowing the lots on Amanda Brook.  Gene Schwartz said a community service worker had done the mowing.  Mayor Flanery said Barry Story had done a good job every day while doing community service so he hired him as summer help.  So far he has proven to be a good worker.

 

            Chief Sergent reported on the Police Department’s activities.  Sergent stated he planned to add more information to the monthly report noting the number of warnings was not listed.  Officers give as many if not more warnings than they do citations.

 

            Jim Compton reported that they were about ready to start blacktopping and wanted to get the job done before July 1st so they may get last year’s pricing.  Councilman Manning asked them to look at resurfacing Highridge Dr.

 

            Utilities Superintendent Kenny Dearing reported that new water lines had been laid on Pumphrey Ave. and Weddle St.  Thompson Bros. had been contracted to do the work.  Mayor Flanery said the project had been funded through a grant.  Another grant has been applied for to lay water lines from the stop light to School Street.

 

            Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary stated that Thompson Bros. had started on the Cherry Grove Sewer Project.

 

            Councilman Hurst reported a complaint about the law requiring that dogs be kept on a leash while cats are not.

 

            There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:18 p.m.  Councilman Alexander seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

 

 

                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                     Louie K. Flanery, Mayor

 

 

ATTESTED:

 

____________________________

Joy Story Roark, CKMC

 

Date approved:  _______________