There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, November 12, 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 Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the previous meeting were
presented. Councilman Hurst moved to
approve. Councilman Manning seconded
the motion. All were in favor.
Gerald Ballinger, President and General Manager of
PEAK (Public Energy Authority of Kentucky), addressed council regarding a
prepaid program to purchase natural gas.
PEAK is a non-profit joint action agency that provides gas supply,
interstate pipeline capacity management and related services at a discounted
rate. The agency was created by the
cities of Henderson and Carrollton in 1998 and is governed by a board of its
members. Ballinger has a strong
background in the natural gas business having worked in municipal utilities
since 1979 prior to PEAK. Ballinger
explained that PEAK offered a 10-year or 20-year contract. Gas would be purchased at a predetermined
discount using tax-exempt revenue bonds at a fixed or variable interest
rate. Pre-pay savings with a 10-year
contract are approximately $.22-$.24 per MMBTU. Savings with a 20-year contract are nearly double ranging
$.48-$.50. Ballinger stated that if
the current prepay transaction didn’t close until 2008 the city would be able
to join in. If it closed in 2007 they
would not. Ballinger noted that details
of prepay transactions can be complicated. There would also be liability issues
if the City entered into a contract and then withdrew before it was
completed. The City would not have to
be a member of the agency to receive the same savings, but would have to be a
member to have board membership. PEAK
has three employees including Ballinger.
It takes $.04 per MMBTU to run the organization. Excess funds are returned annually to its
members.
Councilman
Story felt it would make sense to allocate 35% of the City’s historical usage
through the pre-pay program. The City
could continue to purchase the balance of the City’s gas through Ken
Magyar. Mayor Flanery requested that
the Finance Committee investigate the program further.
Councilman Story reported that Marvin Suit had met
with the Finance Committee to discuss funding for the EDC director
position. The Industrial Authority has
not hired a director yet. Suit reviewed
what the position would require. The
Finance Committee recommended funding the position in the amount of $8,000 for
the remainder of the current fiscal year with the stipulation that the
Industrial Authority use normal hiring procedures during the selection
process. The Finance Committee will
look at funding for the next fiscal year when it’s time to prepare the
budget. Councilman Story moved to
authorize funding the EDC position with the stipulation noted. Councilman Voiers seconded the motion. All were in favor. The Fiscal Court has agreed to fund an equal amount.
City Clerk Joy Roark presented the second reading of
Ordinance No. 11-07-1 increasing the Insurance Premium Tax to 6%. Councilman Manning moved to approve. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with voting in
favor.
Mayor Flanery recommended that the 1965 F750 pumper
(fire truck) be declared as surplus property.
Councilman Hurst moved to approve.
Councilman Manning seconded the motion.
All were in favor. Notice to
accept bids will be published one time.
Chamber Director Crystal Ruark presented the
quarterly report of the Chamber’s activities.
Ruark relayed concerns about liability issues regarding the Friendship
Parade scheduled for December 7th.
The City had agreed to sponsor the parade instead of the Chamber due to
the liability insurance coverage.
However, the Chamber would still assist with organizing the event. Kim Razor, local attorney and Chamber Board
member, requested a statement that the Chamber would be held harmless if a
liability issue occurred. City Attorney
Tom MacDonald said he would discuss the matter with Razor.
City
Clerk Joy Roark stated that the City’s sponsorship of the parade had already
been discussed with KLC, the City’s insurance provider, and the City would be
covered in case of liability. KLC
provided guidelines for participants in parades. Roark noted that the list was too lengthy to copy, but was
available for review in City Hall.
City Attorney Tom MacDonald stated that he had
prepared a new Occupational Tax Ordinance to comply with the model set forth by
the State. Mayor Flanery scheduled a
special meeting for a first reading on November 19th at 6:00 p.m.
Council discussed the need for a new storage
building to store salt for the winter and City trucks and equipment. Mayor Flanery said that a building 50’ X
120’ with 8 bays would be needed; 2 bays for salt and the remaining to house
the garbage trucks, baler for recycling, the trailer and recycling bins. The building would be located on the hill
behind the City Park area. This would
allow for clean up in front of the garage.
Councilman Story commented that the building was needed and cleaning up
the garage area would enhance the overall appearance around City Hall. Story recommended that the Mayor put
together a plan and present it to the Finance Committee. However, Mayor Flanery said the existing
building was in such bad shape a new building was needed before any more salt
could be ordered. He had already been
getting bids and would like to start right away with Council’s approval. A new building could be built for around
$60,000 plus $5,000 for electrical.
Fifty percent of the cost could come from Municipal Aid money that the
City has in reserve. Council discussed
the need for a bigger building that would also house the Utility Department’s
equipment if the space permitted.
Councilman Voiers moved to authorize the mayor to spend up to $100,000
to construct a storage building for street maintenance and whatever additional
storage is necessary. Councilman Story
seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Councilwoman Sparks reported that the Parks
Committee recommended waiting until spring to work on blacktopping at the
Foxspring Ave. Park. Playground
equipment has been selected, but the Committee is waiting for confirmation from
Melissa Hardy (BTADD) that grant will cover the cost before placing the order.
Councilman Voiers reported that the Recycling
Committee had decided to implement an incentive program beginning in
December. The first 25 new customers
that sign up will get a voucher for $6.00 off their garbage bill. There are currently 275 customers
participating and the schools are now ready to participate. A bobcat and trailer have been ordered for
use in the recycling program.
Chief Sergent reported that the Safety Committee
didn’t meet this month, but will look at a curfew next month. Judge Walton had recommended Maysville’s
curfew plan.
Codes Enforcement Officer Gene Schwartz reported
that three cases could come before the Codes Board. The additional property tax fee has motivated some property
owners to comply.
Chief Sergent reported that Police Officer Recruits
Crawford and Rushing will graduate from the academy in January, Recruits Smith
and Thoroughman will graduate in March.
All officers have been trained on tasers and will be carrying them from
now on.
Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary reported that
his department had been busy trying to locate manholes for the mapping project
and working on easements for work on hwy 32.
Utilities Superintendent Kenny Dearing reported that
the Mills Ave. water tank had been drained.
The crew had started pressure washing the tank and may have it painted
in 4-6 weeks. Dearing stated that water
quality in the reservoirs was doing better.
City Clerk Joy Roark reported that the annual audit
was nearly complete and should be ready to present at the December council
meeting.
Councilman Story noted that January was city
government month and suggested working with the schools to promote it. Councilman Voiers stated that materials were
available on the KLC website. They
could be downloaded or ordered from KLC.
Mayor Flanery said he would like to pursue the matter and would discuss
it with (Superintendent) Kelly Crain.
Councilman Voiers will review KLC’s recommendations with the mayor.
Councilman Manning reported a street light out on
Highridge Dr.
Councilman
Voiers reported that the Fire Department needed a new door. Jim Compton said a new door would cost
$300. Voiers also questioned if a new
furnace was needed. Mayor Flanery
stated that he had talked to Rick Marshall (Heating and Cooling) about the
furnace last year, but would contact him again. If needed, there is a practically new furnace in the basement of
city hall that is not being used.
Councilman Voiers questioned the policy or procedure for patrolling
businesses after hours. Chief Sergent
said if the property is posted, then the police can make a list of violators
and ask them to leave. If they return,
then the police can issue citations.
This procedure will work if the businesses will back up the actions of
the police, but if not then it presents a liability to the police. Councilman Voiers asked who was responsible
for pop machines on the sidewalks and who received the money. Mayor Flanery said the business owners are
responsible and receive the money. The
City has an ordinance regarding sidewalks, but cannot enforce it where pop
machines are concerned. According to
the County Attorney it does not cover pop machines; it only says that the
sidewalk cannot be blocked. The City
may need to look at Maysville’s ordinance, which forced property owners to
remove pop machines from the sidewalks.
Councilman Hurst reported that after the water lines
on Pumphrey Ave. and Weddle St. were redone residents on Weddle St. complained
that water stands when it rains. Hurst
questioned if there was any way to divert the water. Mayor Flanery suggested that a low curb could be put in and asked
Jim Compton to check it out.
Mayor Flanery reported that work had started on the
sidewalk project. Local artist Pam
Bryant is painting a mural of the old train on the side of the Fire
Department. Three organizations are
donating toward the cost of the mural.
City Attorney Tom MacDonald thanked the mayor and
city council for budgeting money to allow him to attend the KLC
conference. The training sessions were
excellent and very beneficial to his work for the city.
There being no further business Councilman Manning
moved to adjourn at 9:13 p.m.
Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.
_____________________________
Louie
Flanery, Mayor
ATTESTED:
________________________________
Joy
Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer Date approved: ________________