EMINENCE, KENTUCKY  SEPTEMBER 4, 2003

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a special called session on Thursday, September 4, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Doug Bates and the following members present: Kelly Shannon, Laura Whitney, Howard Roberts, Tom Ferguson and Leeroy Winburn. Absent was Member Drane Stephens. Also in attendance were City Clerk Sandra Doane, City Attorney William Brammell, Main Street Director Mary Jane Yates, Police Chief Mount Hadden and Kriss Lowry.

The purpose of the special meeting being called was to hold a public hearing on the proposed property tax rates, to hold a first reading of the ad valorem tax ordinance, to discuss the streetscape project, to discuss the West Owen Street project, to discuss the garbage franchise and to hold a first reading of the ordinance relating to solid waste pickup and disposal services.

Mayor Bates called the public hearing on the proposed property tax rates to order at 6:10 p.m. The proposed tax rates were reviewed. City Clerk Doane reviewed a slight change in the proposed rates based upon the receipt of the actual tax roll, which varied a little from the totals given to her by the PVA last month. The proposed 4% allowed rate calculated to 23.7 cents per $100 assessment versus the previously discussed 23.64 cents per $100 assessment. Mayor Bates asked for comments and questions. Mayor Bates asked if any written or oral comments had been received from the public regarding the proposed tax rate. None had. With no further comments or questions, Mayor Bates closed the public hearing at 6:15 p.m.

Mayor Bates called the regular session to order at 6:15 p.m. with the same people as listed above in attendance.

Subject: Property Tax Rate Ordinance - Attorney Brammell held the first reading of the ad valorem tax ordinance. The proposed 2003 rates were set at 23.7 cents per $100 assessment for real property, 32.0 cents per $100 assessment for personal property and 26.6 cents per $100 assessment for motor vehicles and watercrafts.

Subject: West Owen Street Project - Kriss Lowry, Project Administrator, reviewed with council the progress on the West Owen Street Project. She reported that the location of heirs to property has created some problems. All of the offers to purchase have been accepted except one from Janet Timberlake for a very small lot measuring only about 35 by 75 feet. The lot cannot be used by itself due to its size. She would like permission to either negotiate with Ms. Timberlake on the price or permission to start condemnation proceedings. Discussion held. Motion made by Member Winburn and seconded by Member Roberts to authorize Kriss Lowry to negotiate up to 1/2 the amount that the Attorney William Ivers establishes as the cost for condemnation over and above the appraised amount. All members present voted "Yea".

Kriss reported that she is especially having trouble with the heirs to the Marie McGruder estate. She is going to try one more time and if unsuccessful she would like to proceed with condemnation.

Subject: Streetscape Project - Main Street Director Mary Jane Yates reported that we have finally received the fully executed contract on the first phase of the streetscape project which will allow us to bid the project. The architect met last night with the Board to review the project. The project will be advertised in next week's local with a September 30th bid opening. The Board recommended that the successful contractor do the work at Depot Street this fall and hold the balance of the work over until spring to alleviate having things torn up during winter. The architect indicated that the contractors usually will discount the first bid if we agree to use them in the spring. There are two contractors already interested in the jobs.

Mary Jane reported that the House of Representatives agreed today to continue the transportation enhancement funds. This is a good indication toward actually receiving the $250,000 recently awarded. They anticipate there will be about 120 Renaissance communities by January.

Subject: Garbage Franchise -Various aspects of the garbage franchise were discussed. Attorney Brammell held the first reading of an ordinance relating to solid waste pickup and disposal service and setting the rates therefore at Industrial Disposal's alternate bid amounts as outlined in the July 10th minutes.

With no further business to discuss, motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Shannon to adjourn. All members present voted "Yea". Meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.

DOUGLAS M. BATES, MAYOR
CITY OF EMINENCE, KENTUCKY

ATTEST:
SANDRA A. DOANE, CITY CLERK
CITY OF EMINENCE, KENTUCKY

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