The Flemingsburg City Council held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 8, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Annex. Council members present were Marty Voiers, Carl Haight, Nancy Suit, Meredith Story, and Scott Manning. Mayor Louie Flanery presided.

Councilman Manning led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the July 11^th and July 14^th meetings were presented. Councilman Manning moved to approve. Councilman Haight seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Councilman Voiers reported on behalf of the selection committee, which reviewed candidates to fill the vacancy of Councilman Robbie Graham. The committee recommended former council member Georgianna Sparks. Councilman Voiers moved to approve this recommendation. Councilwoman Suit seconded the motion. All were in favor. Council went out of session to swear in Councilwoman Sparks.

Council went back into session at 7:06 p.m. Councilman Story reported on behalf of the Finance Committee, stating that the committee had reviewed the pay scales of other cities and recommended that the current pay scale be adjusted by 5%, which is the approximate cost of living increase for the past two years. Story further recommended that the City adopt a cost of living increase to be added to the pay scale annually, noting that this would not be an automatic increase to employees but would be available in the pay scale if approved in the budget. Councilman Story moved to approve the committee’s recommendations as stated in Ordinance No. 8-05-1. Councilman Voiers seconded the motion. City Attorney Tom MacDonald explained that the cost of living increase was based on the COLA rate, which is usually provided by the state in February allowing enough time for consideration in the budget. All were in favor.

City Clerk Joy Roark presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 9-05-1 regarding the motor vehicle tax rate. Councilman Manning moved to approve. Councilman Haight seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Resolution 5-08-1 regarding sidewalk renovation was presented. Mayor Flanery stated that the City is a category two and eligible for $75,000 in grant funds. The grant does not require matching funds, but the City could specify a 20% match and use City employees for demolition of old sidewalks. This would give the City a better chance of receiving the funds. Councilman Story moved to adopt the resolution and allow the Mayor to apply for the funds in a way most acceptable by the state. Councilman Voiers seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Mayor Flanery reported on the work done on the utility storage building. A large tank was removed and Mayor Flanery requested that it be declared surplus. Councilman Haight moved to declare the tank surplus and advertise as such. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Former Mayor Woodie Todd addressed Council regarding a complaint about stray cats and asked if there were any regulations pertaining to this matter. Mayor Flanery stated he was not aware of any ordinance regarding cats, but would look into the situation further. Councilman Voiers suggested that Council take a broader look at an animal nuisance ordinance rather than limiting the regulations to dogs and cats. Tom MacDonald expressed concern over who would enforce the ordinance. Council decided to look at how other cities handled this problem before taking any action.

Councilman Story commented that sewer rates were increased this year to generate additional funds to replace the existing wastewater plant. Councilman Story moved to set aside excess wastewater funds, which were estimated to be $6,250 per month, in a replacement fund for a new wastewater plant. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Councilman Story also noted that the General Fund debt service only consisted of the two garbage trucks. Story noted the City’s financial position and recommended that the City consider paying off these debts and putting money aside for future purchases. City Clerk Joy Roark stated that, due to the terms of the loan on the newer garbage truck, early pay-off may not be possible. However, the older debt could probably be paid in full.

Councilman Story also questioned the status of the audit. Story noted that the City’s financial records were in good order and felt the audit could be completed and presented by the December meeting. City Clerk Joy Roark stated that she would inform the auditor’s of this request.

Police Chief Danny Carpenter had nothing to report for the Safety Committee. They are still waiting for a codes enforcement board to be put in place before they can act on a noise ordinance. Councilman Voiers requested a copy of the noise ordinance draft.

City Clerk Joy Roark reported on behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Roark noted that this was the first meeting held in the new City Annex. The Mayor’s office in the depot building has been painted and the floors redone; work will begin soon on the rest of the building. Shingles have arrived and a new roof will go on in a week or two. It was estimated that the building would be ready in two months. Council complimented the new facility and the hard work of the City employees.

Mary Jo Litton presented a resolution for a Community Economic Growth grant. Litton stated that the funds could be used to run sewer and natural gas to the new Industrial Park. It was recommended that local entities apply and pool their funds. There will be $10,000,000 in funds available and approximately 440 entities will apply. Litton estimated that the City could receive around $300,000. A match is not required, but recommended. Litton stated that the City would have fifteen months to complete the project once the contract with the state was signed. Concerns over annexation were voiced. Litton suggested adopting the resolution, but not proceeding with the project until the consents for annexation were in hand. The deadline to apply is September 30^th. Council wanted time to consider this matter. No decision was made.

Litton stated that, since the City has been named a Preserve America community, the City is eligible to apply for grant funds of $10,000 to $100,000. Litton will investigate the requirements for the grant. Workers are needed for the Pride of the County booth at the State Fair. Councilman Haight questioned the progress on the spec building. Litton stated that the Industrial Authority was negotiating with a company at the present.

Police Chief Danny Carpenter reported on the prisoner transport situation. Sheriff Wagner said each department should transport their own prisoners. The Fiscal Court put together a plan to keep the Sheriff’s department transporting prisoners until January 1. Carpenter stated that KRS says either the Jailer or Sheriff is supposed to transport prisoners. City Atto