The Flemingsburg City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, July 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Annex.  Council members present were Marty Voiers, Carl Haight, Nancy Suit, Georgianna Sparks, Meredith Story, and Scott Manning.  Mayor Louie K. Flanery presided.

 

            Councilwoman Sparks led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Minutes of the previous meeting were presented.  Councilman Story noted two corrections: Pg 1, paragraph 6, Mayor Flanery reported that there would be a public hearing on the grant applied for pertaining to Land and Water Conservation; and Pg 2, paragraph 3, Kenny Dearing reported that the road bore on the Maysville Road, which had been discussed at a previous meeting, was now on hold.  Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve the minutes with the noted corrections.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Mayor Flanery recognized guests Bobby and Robbie Cropper.  Robbie addressed Council regarding the lot across from his property, stating that the grass and weeds had grown up and were now a fire hazard.  He stated that it was his understanding the property owner, Ronnie Keeys, had been notified twice by the City to mow the lot.  Keeys has not complied so Cropper requested that the City mow the lot.  Codes Enforcement Officer Gene Schwartz stated that it was a construction site and the construction had been stopped.  The lot would have to be mowed with a weed eater.  Mayor Flanery consulted with City Attorney Tom MacDonald about starting proceedings against the property owner; and stated that the lot would be mowed this week.

 

            There was no old business.

 

            John Sims addressed Council regarding a federal grant in the amount of $450,000 for the Fleming-Mason Airport.  Sims stated that the total grant was $600,000 with 95% coming from federal funds, 2˝% from state, and 2˝% from the airport.  The funds will be used for ten new T hangers.  The airport will generate revenue from the hangers so he was not asking the City to contribute towards the match.  Councilman Voiers moved to approve the grant agreement.  Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion.  All were in favor. 

 

            Sims stated that the airport was in need of an industrial mower and asked the City to contribute $2,000.  The County will also be asked to contribute $2,000.  Councilman Story noted that an additional $4,000 had been included in the budget for the airport and moved to approve the $2,000 contribution.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Sims also noted that he had been to Frankfort to request funds for ramp extension at the airport and, within a few days, he received notice that the State has approved $194,000 for this project.

 

            Mayor Flanery reported that the County had already appointed members to the Board of Ethics.  To represent the City Mayor Flanery recommended Scotty Mitchell for a two-year term and Gordon Peratt for three years.  Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve.  Councilwoman Suit seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

            Gene Schwartz reported that the Planning Commission would have to disband as it stands now before officially becoming a Joint Planning Commission.  The next meeting will be July 24th.  Councilman Story questioned the status of the Vacant Property Review Board.  Schwartz stated that there was currently only one member.  He had asked eleven people to consider serving, but no one would commit.  Warder Boggess had resigned from the Planning Commission, which has seven members, three from the City, three from the County and one from Ewing.  Recommendations for his replacement were requested.  Schwartz noted that the Planning Commission could charge companies with cell towers in the county and use those funds for the Commission’s expenses.

 

            Councilman Story reported that he and Tom MacDonald are working on the Utility ordinance changes recommended by the Finance Committee.

 

            The Safety Committee, Building and Grounds, and the EDC had nothing to report.

 

            Police Chief Danny Carpenter presented a handout of new laws taking effect July 12th.  There have been two good applicants for police officers.  Carpenter stated it would take eighteen weeks to go through the academy.  The investigation on recent vandalism is ongoing with one already in jail.  The new police cruisers are in, but materials and equipment have not all arrived.   There maybe two cruisers for surplus.  Remodeling the new police offices is slow.  Wiring for the security system is complete.  Carpenter reported that new handguns had been ordered, which would be the same as used by the State Police.  The current handguns are fifteen years old.

 

            Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton reported that 800 ton of blacktopping had been done.  The cost for extra garbage pick-up week was approximately $1,000.

 

            Gene Schwartz reported that construction on the new library started July 10th.  The City would have a role in site development only.  There are two new businesses also coming on the by-pass.  Councilman Haight questioned the status of the easements on Cherry Grove Rd.  Schwartz stated that the consents to annex had to be signed first and all but one had signed.  Mayor Flanery commented that they could work around that one property.  The project has been awarded $265,000 from KIA.  Engineers have sent plans to Frankfort.  When approved the project will be ready to bid.

 

            City Clerk Joy Roark reported that the natural gas winter storage was nearly full and the City had been able to purchase gas at a good price.  Auditors have already started the preliminary work for the audit.  Councilman Story questioned why KLC was paid over $175,000 at one time.  Roark explained that the payment was for insurance for the fiscal year July 2006-June 2007 and was paid in a lump sum to obtain the 2% discount for early payment.  KLC charges a high interest rate if the insurance premium is paid in payments.  Story also questioned why the Ambulance Service had not been paid their contribution.  Roark stated that they had not complied with the requirements for the contribution.  Mayor Flanery noted that it was the City’s agreement with the Ambulance Service that the contribution of $5,000 for three years would be made if they furnished their financial information.  They have not.  Roark stated the City has made only one contribution.  Councilman Story commented that, even after deducting depreciation, it appeared the City was in better standing financially than the previous year.  Story commended the Mayor and his staff for operating within the budget.

 

            Mayor Flanery reported that a new Utility pick-up truck had been purchased.  He and Judge Executive Larry Foxworthy had agreed to use ADF funds to blacktop the Rec. Park.

 

            Councilman Voiers reported that the Dispatch Board would be having an assessment in August or September.  Upgrading could be a big project, but would make the operation more efficient. 

 

Councilman Story questioned Councilman Voiers about the status of the new fire truck.  Voiers stated that the chief, Jerry McCloud, had looked at a truck and was talking with company reps to come up with final specs for bid.  Jim Compton stated that the mini pumper was in Cincinnati being repaired. 

 

Councilman Haight asked if the Fire Department had resubmitted their grant application.  Voiers stated the grant was for equipment, not a truck, and they were still waiting for a response.  Haight also questioned if anything had been done on the recycling program.  Mayor Flanery stated that he was waiting on prices for the bins from Vanceburg.  Jim Compton had suggested starting out on a small scale, using the City’s trailer and the bins from Vanceburg.  Educating the public will be the key to the success of the program.

 

Councilman Voiers requested an update on City board members.  Voiers reported a problem with the cable access channel and taped programs from his church.  Mayor Flanery stated that his church was experiencing the same problem.  Councilman Manning, who is the City’s representative on the board, stated he had gone to meetings and no one would show up.  Meeting dates would be changed and no notice sent to members.

 

Councilman Manning also reported weeds grown up behind the church on Crest Ave.  Jim Compton stated that he was short-handed, but would mow as soon as possible.

 

Councilman Story commented that the City was fortunate to be in a financial position to buy natural gas for winter storage using cash reserves and the credit line.  Last year rates were around $18; this year rates should be about $12.25 during January, February, and March making it much easier on City gas customers.  A few years ago the City was not in a financial position to purchase winter storage early and take advantage of such savings.

 

There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:07 p.m.  Councilman Haight seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

 

 

                                                            ________________________________

                                                            Louie K. Flanery, Mayor

 

 

 

ATTESTED:

 

 

 

________________________________

Joy Story Roark, CKMC

 

Date Approved:  __________________