There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, October 8, 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 Alexander led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Minutes of the September 10th and September 20th meetings were presented.  Councilman Hurst noted a correction to the minutes of September 10th, page 1, and paragraph 4:  change the name from Doug Tumey to Eddie Tumey.  Councilman Manning moved to approve with the noted correction.  Councilman Hurst seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

City Clerk Joy Roark presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 10-07-1 raising the insurance premium tax rate to 6% and repealing all other ordinances regarding insurance premium taxes.  Councilman Story moved to approve.  Councilman Voiers seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Council discussed setting a standing date for Trick or Treat each year.  Mayor Flanery noted that people start inquiring about the date as early as July and recommended setting the date for October 31st as long as it falls on Monday through Thursday.  Councilwoman Sparks moved to observe Trick or Treat each year on October 31st as long as it falls on Monday through Thursday; if it falls on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday Trick or Treat will be observed on the prior Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Councilman Hurst seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Council discussed insurance liability for the Christmas parade sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.  In the past KLC has included the parade under the city’s umbrella coverage, but has stated for future reference that any organization sponsoring an event must carry it’s own liability insurance.  Due to the high cost of coverage for the Chamber, Mayor Flanery asked if the City would sponsor the event this year if the Chamber did all the work and reimbursed all expenses.  Clerk Roark confirmed that the City would be covered by their liability insurance if the City sponsored the event.  Councilman Voiers noted that it was a community event that brought people into the downtown area.  Councilman Voiers moved that the city sponsor the event and assure that the needed insurance coverage is in place.  Any restrictions noted by the insurance company will be reported to the Chamber.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Mayor Flanery reported that the Industrial Authority was asking for an additional contribution of $16,000 per year for economic development beginning in January 2008.  The city currently contributes $30,000 per year.  The additional money is needed to cover the salary and business expenses for a part-time EDC Director.  Steve Donovan is being considered for the position.  The county has been asked to contribute an equal amount.  Mayor Flanery felt the current budget could not stand the increased contribution and suggested the matter be referred to the Finance Committee.  Council recommended that a member of the Industrial Authority meet with the Finance Committee.  A tentative meeting date was set for Monday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall.  Thursday, October 18th was set as an alternative meeting date.

 

Resolution No. 7-10-1 regarding participating in a regional solid waste management area was presented.  Mayor Flanery recommended that Council adopt the resolution contingent on verification that it does not interfere with the city’s current recycling and sanitation program.  Councilwoman Sparks moved to adopt the resolution with the contingency that the mayor would not sign until the City Attorney and City Clerk verified it would not interfere with the existing recycling and sanitation program.  Councilman Voiers seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Councilman Story reported that the Finance Committee had discussed the insurance premium tax and a pre-paid natural gas program.  Peak (Public Energy Authority of Kentucky) was created by the cities of Carrollton and Henderson and has added several cities since 1998.  It is a non-profit organization and able to nominate gas at a cheaper rate.  It is recommended that 50-60% of historical usage be allocated through the pre-pay program.  Peak is offering a new program at $.55 less than market price with a guaranteed supply.  The balance of the city’s gas could still be purchased through Gasco.  Gerald Ballinger, Peak, offered to meet with the Finance Committee.

 

Councilwoman Sparks reported that the skateboard park equipment was scheduled to deliver October 22nd.

 

Councilman Voiers reported on the progress of the recycling program.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Gene Schwartz reported five properties that had been assessed an additional fee as abandoned urban properties.  The Codes Enforcement Board now has full membership.

 

Chief Sergent reported that two new officers had been hired, William Thoroughman, a 4- year veteran of the Navy and Timothy Smith who had just returned from Iraq.  Recruits Crawford and Rushing are both doing well at the academy.  Chief Sergent said he would like to see the Sergeant’s position approved as soon as possible.  Councilman Story said the Council would have to review the job description first. 

 

Superintendent Dale Clary reviewed the report for the Waste Water Department.

 

Superintendent Kenny Dearing reported problems with the reservoir, which were due mostly to a lack of rain.  It is a problem statewide.  Dearing stated that cooler weather and a lot of rain would help alleviate the problem.

 

Councilman Alexander presented a copy of the burn ordinance from the City of Maysville noting it had better coverage than Flemingsburg’s ordinance.  Tom MacDonald will look into.

 

There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.  Councilman Alexander seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

 

 

                                                                                    _______________________

                                                                                    Louie Flanery, Mayor

 

ATTESTED:

 

 

 

________________________

Joy Story Roark, CKMC                                             Date approved:  __________