There was a special meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, November 30, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Annex. Council members present were Marty Voiers, Scott Manning, Georgianna Sparks, Meredith Story, and Van Alexander. Ricky Hurst was absent. Mayor Louie Flanery presided.

Councilman Voiers led the Pledge of Allegiance. The lone item on the agenda was discussion on installing a natural gas line to the new Farm Bureau building. Ricky Lewis, Billy Grannis, Ralph Owens, Wayne Grannis, Anthony Marshall, and Randy Barker were present on behalf of Farm Bureau. Wayne Grannis stated that Farm Bureau had purchased the land for their new building with the understanding that utilities were already on the property and assumed that included natural gas. They already have plans drawn to use gas as back up heat.

Mayor Flanery stated that the Finance Committee had met to discuss the matter. Utilities Superintendent Joe Dunaway had calculated the costs to install the line at approximately $8700. The line would be installed along the City’s right of way to be accessible to other properties. With natural gas only being used as back-up heat Farm Bureau would only be paying a minimum bill; it would take over one hundred years for the City to recover its initial investment at that rate.

Grannis stated that they had chosen a high efficiency electric unit with gas backup because it was the most efficient method for heating their building. Anthony Marshall stated that he thought the architect had called all the utilities and confirmed that services were available. Mayor Flanery said Flemingsburg Utilities was not contacted. Marshall also assumed that the Planning Commission would not approve their plans unless gas service was there and thought the city would have to provide it. Council said no, the City does not have to provide gas.

Grannis asked if there was any way to recoup their costs if Farm Bureau incurred all or at least half of the costs to install the line. Mayor Flanery said they could look at tap fees and other costs from customers who hooked on later.

Councilman Story said that with no guarantee of other customers hooking on and Farm Bureau only using natural gas as backup heat the City couldn’t justify the expense to their other customers for installing the line.

Grannis asked about other options such as having another contractor install the line. In that case the Mayor said they would have to obtain the proper permits and easements and the contractor must be qualified. The line could be turned over to the City for maintenance once it passed inspection. If they choose to use propane they can switch to natural gas later. There was discussion about the minimum bill. Grannis said the gas would kick on any time the temperature dropped below 32 degrees so they would actually use more than a minimum during the winter. He will check with the HVAC person about the estimated usage per year and bring that info back to the finance committee prior to the next monthly meeting.

There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Councilman Story seconded the motion. All were in favor.

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Louie Flanery, Mayor