There was a regular monthly meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, August 13, 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 Voiers led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Minutes of the June meetings were presented.  Councilman Voiers noted the following corrections to the minutes dated July 9th.

 

(1) Strike the following statements on page 1, paragraph 6,  “Currently there was a wait time for information that might put officers at risk.  Recommended changes would alleviate that.” (2) Change wording on page 1, paragraph 6 to a member appointed by the Fiscal Court, a member appointed by the City (3) Change wording on page 2, paragraph 5 from “future lights” to high pressure sodium lights. (4) Change the wording on page 3, paragraph 5 from “buy sludge” to haul sludge. (5) On page 4, paragraph 1, insert ‘recommendations’ into the following statement: “They have some short term and long term recommendations to try and help resolve these issues”.   Councilman Story moved to approve the minutes with the noted corrections.  Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Donnie Carpenter addressed Council on behalf of residents from Ingram Ave. and Garr Ave.  Also present were Jim Mineer, Joan Harmon, Angie Lee, and Dickie Welch.  Carpenter stated he used to be a long-time resident of Garr Ave.  He has family and friends who still live there and he visits them often.  Most residents that attended the previous council meeting are unhappy with the decision to make Ingram Ave. and Garr Ave. one-way.  Making the streets one-way will not stop the problems and may make the situation worse by making it easier to speed.  Residents feel the decision was unfair and will only be a hindrance to them.

 

Mayor Flanery stated that the Safety Committee went through the process of a door-to-door survey and held an open meeting.  They were trying to ease the situation by making the streets one-way.  The City is open to suggestions.  If the majority of the people are against it then the City doesn’t want it.  Carpenter said a lot of people weren’t asked.  Chief Sergent said the survey was done after 6:00 p.m. and people who were not at home were left a note.  Sergent also noted that all the junk cars have been removed.  Carpenter stated that if the police could stop the extra curricular activity then the other problems would stop.  Mayor Flanery referred that issue to Chief Sergent and City Attorney Tom MacDonald.  Councilman Story recommended that 2-3 residents volunteer to work with the Safety Committee on recommendations.  Another survey was suggested.  Councilman Manning and Councilman Alexander volunteered to do the survey.  Joan Harmon said she and her husband, Earl, would help.  Councilman Voiers questioned the purpose of another survey, what would be addressed.  Mayor Flanery said it would address all the problems, not just making the streets one-way.

 

The Insurance Premium Tax was discussed.  City residents maybe exempt from the additional 1% being charged by the county.  Tom MacDonald will review the county’s ordinance.  Councilman Story noted that the newspaper reported the city’s rate as 5.75%.   The city’s actual rate is 5%.  Insurance companies are allowed to charge an additional percentage to cover administrative costs.

 

Mayor Flanery reported that some of the sites being considered for the new Justice Center included city property.  Flanery asked for direction from the council on how to proceed with setting a price and negotiations.  As a member of the selection board he felt he should stay neutral and asked for a member of council to be spokesperson if city property is considered.  Councilman Story abstained from participating in any discussion on this matter because he also has property being considered by the board.

 

  Councilwoman Sparks stated the City should do everything possible to keep the Justice Center downtown.  Mayor Flanery noted that parking is an issue, especially for employees.  Some sites being considered are the parking lot on the hill by the courthouse, land in the Drew neighborhood for over-flow parking, and some space behind the Fischer Building.  Mayor Flanery asked for authority to offer the property, get an appraisal and set a price.  Councilman Voiers moved to allow the mayor to do what is necessary to make the properties discussed available for use by the project development board including appraisals.  Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion.  All were in favor.  Councilman Voiers volunteered to represent the city in discussions regarding city property.

 

Resolution No. 07-8-1 regarding the Kentucky Body Armor Program was presented.  Chief Sergent stated that is was a re-occurring grant for body armor or ammunition.  Councilman Hurst moved to adopt the resolution.  Councilman Alexander seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

The following property was presented for surplus: 1996 Crown Vic, VIN# 5075; 1964 F-750 Pumper, VIN# 7617; 1993 Chevy 4X4, VIN# 5706; Reid 1990 R-610 trailer, serial # 11RF22204L1011812; and a generator, 220 volt 3 phase with Caterpillar V-8 engine.  Councilman Manning moved to approve all as surplus property.  Councilman Hurst seconded the motion.  All were in favor.  Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton will advertise for sealed bids.

 

Councilwoman Sparks reported that the Parks Committee had met prior to the Council meeting.  The final equipment quote from ARC was reviewed.  It was determined that there were sufficient grant funds to cover the cost of equipment so the committee approved placing the order.  The committee also discussed playground equipment for the Foxspring Ave. Park and concluded that purchasing individual pieces would be better than one large unit due to the space available. Site improvements including leveling the basketball court were discussed.

 

Councilman Voiers reported that he had discussed the recycling program with Karlyn Vice.  Mrs. Vice agreed to discuss ways to promote the program with the High School Leadership Team.  It was suggested that students go door to door or make contact by phone contact, educate the public through local media and through the school system.  Mayor Flanery stated that the city had advertised for bids on equipment.  A used packer is being considered instead of a trailer.  The city is also looking for a bobcat.  Bids will be opened August 20th

 

Chief Sergent reported that the recommended changes to lighting in Indian Fields and Weaver Apartments had been made.  Mayor Flanery stated that Chief Sergent and Codes Enforcement Officer Gene Schwartz had been addressing other problems reported to the Safety Committee.  Councilman Voiers noted that some of the problems being addressed have existed for a long time.  Not everyone may agree with the way they are being addressed, but at least some action has been taken to resolve the issues.

 

Mayor Flanery reported that a decorative wall had been built behind the Fischer Building and Museum.  The Garden Club is putting in plants and a gazebo.  The city will be blacktopping the street, but has to address the water run-off onto E. Water St. first.  Plans have already been sent to the State. 

 

Councilman Voiers asked if there were any plans for use of the old Kozy Nook building.  Mayor Flanery stated that a new business owner was interested in the building and was working on a grant.  There was also another possible prospect that was interest in renting it for office space.  Voiers reported the following maintenance issues at the firehouse: (1) the entrance door is rusting out and is difficult to open and close, (2) the heating system does not run properly.  Voiers thought it could be the original system installed in the building and estimated it to be about 40 years old.

 

Gene Schwartz reported that the Codes Enforcement Board had one more training session, which would be the last Wednesday of the month.  They have a couple of major issues to address that may go into litigation.

 

Chief Sergent announced that two new Police Officers had been hired, Brad Crawford and Tyler Rushing.  They will enter the academy August 20th.   The department still has two openings and has scheduled interviews. 

 

Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton reported that his department is doing patchwork.  He is working with Dollar General on collecting their cardboard and is already collecting cardboard from the Dairy Queen.  There are currently 230 recycling bins being used and collection amounts remain consistent.

 

Councilman Story questioned the status of the bids to paint the water tower on Mills Ave.  Mayor Flanery stated he had discussed the bids with the engineer who helped prepare the bid specifications.  The high bid was $74,000 with a ten- year guarantee.  The low bid was $58,000 with a guarantee of three years.  It would run $150,000 to $200,000 (the price of a new tank) to sandblast and paint the tank inside and out.  The engineer recommended the higher bid of $74,000; it was $16,000 higher but the guarantee was for seven more years. 

 

Councilman Story also asked for an update on the sewer project.  Mayor Flanery said there had been some confusion about where Ewing’s line would connect to the City’s system.  He met with the engineers and Steve Miller, B.T.A.D.D. to clarify any unresolved issues.  Doug Padgett is working on a survey of Flemingsburg’s sewer customers.  The City is trying to move forward with the sewer line project for Industrial Park II.  Surveying should be finished.  Annexation needs to be completed and a definite design determined. 

 

Councilman Voiers reported a lot bound by Amanda Brook that had an unsightly mound of dirt and weeds.  Gene Schwartz stated the owner had already been notified.  Voiers also reported a situation in Crestview where some homes are identified by lot numbers rather than their E-911 addresses.  It is difficult to locate the correct residence in an emergency situation.  Voiers questioned whom to contact regarding this matter.  It was suggested he contact the owners of the park.

 

Mayor Flanery reported that the City had been turned down on the grant application for Recreational Trail funds and also the Land and Water Conservation Grant funds for park improvements.  However, the City was awarded the Safe Routes to School Grant for $44,000.  Bids for the sidewalk improvement project are due August 20th. 

 

There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.  Councilman Alexander seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                ________________________

                                                                                                Louie Flanery, Mayor

 

ATTESTED:

 

 

 

___________________________

Joy Story Roark, CKMC                                                 Date approved:  __________