Eminence Kentucky-Minutes

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, August 11, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Doug Bates and the following members present: Howard Roberts, Drane Stephens, Tom Ferguson, Leeroy Winburn, Kelly Shannon and Laura Whitney. Absent was none.

Mayor Bates called the public hearing portion of the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Subject: Public Hearing - Façade Grant - In addition to Mayor Bates and the above listed council members, the following individuals were present for the public hearing: Mary Jane Yates, Mike Patterson, Rick Schultz, Jerry Davis, Randy Smith, Brooke Melville, Robin L. Mullins, Rhoda Arington, William Smith, William Brammell, Rick Simmons, and Sandy Doane. Main Street Coordinator Mary Jane Yates reviewed the proposal previously approved by the renaissance committee to re-classify part of the direct appropriations funds ($19,500.00) to a local façade grant program. We would be changing the budget and requesting Frankfort to make this portion into a local façade grant program. The money was originally budgeted $10,000 to do a feasibility study on the old bank building and $9,500.00 was to be put toward the City Hall renovations. The money is no longer needed for these purposes. Council asked several questions including what types of items would be eligible, whether there is a limit on the amount of money per individual, whether this is matching funds, who determines the money and if there is a time limit to spend money. Some of the items eligible are windows, awnings, signage, etc. There is no limit on the amount of money at this time and it has not been determined if it will be matching funds or not. The Board would determine the award amount with the same time limit for the entire project of two years, which ends this October. We will probably need to get an extension. Six to eight property owners are interested in applying at this time. Ms. Yates stated, if council wishes to pursue this local façade grant project, the City would need to approve a resolution requesting a budget change.

Mayor Bates asked for further comments from the public regarding the local façade grant proposal. No comments, written or verbal, were given.

The minutes of the previous regular session held on July 10, 2003 were reviewed. Motion made by Member Winburn and seconded by Member Ferguson to approve the minutes as presented. All members present voted "Yea".

Subject: Garbage Franchise - Mike Patterson and Rick Shultz with Industrial Disposal were present to discuss their alternative bid with council. Stated that even though their bid was accepted under the standard contract proposal, they would really like the City to consider the alternative bid utilizing the mandatory automated pickup using the 65 or 90-gallon carts. Either size cart can be used and must be located at the curb with the hinge to the back. They will accommodate the elderly and handicapped. They will probably be using the front load truck, which will allow them to physically dump cans if necessary. They would probably commit to 10% for back door service. They prefer no voluntary back door service unless handicapped or elderly. They will consider the special service needed at the bank of coming inside to pickup the garbage. Rick Schultz stated that even if we do not go to the automated system their company would discontinue charging lease on the carts currently being used by customers.

Mayor Bates scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, September 4, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. to make a decision on which alternative to proceed with for garbage collection.

Subject: Main Street Director's Report - Attorney Brammell held the reading of a resolution amending the direct appropriations grant budget to move $19,500.00 to a local façade grant program as discussed in public hearing. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Ferguson to adopt the resolution as read. Motion carried unanimously.

Mary Jane reported that we have been awarded $250,000.00 in Phase III of the downtown streetscape funding. Our matching portion would be $62,500.00. The grand total of all phases is $812,500.00 with $650,000 being grant and $162,500 being match. Mary Jane reported, however, that the transportation dollars could be allocated different in the future which could change the awards to the City.

Ms. Yates reported that the state advised they should have the contract for the $400,000 grant to us next week. We will then be able to put the project out to bid if we want.

Ms. Yates reported that she be hosting a State Main Street Coordinator Board Training session on Thursday, August 28th for Eminence, New Castle and LaGrange representatives. Roger Stapleton will do the training.

It was reported that Katie Crotzer is working on the old bank building interior with the copper roof creating a holdup.

Subject: West Owen Street Project - Kriss Lowry reported that most of the offers to purchase property on West Owen Street have been accepted. She still has a couple of properties she needs help on locating the heirs. If unable to locate them, we may have to condemn. Kriss reviewed the financial reports with council. Reported that we will probably need to come up with the City's $30,000.00 portion of the demolition costs in late August or September.

Subject: Loud Music Complaint - Randy Smith of Stumble Inn Liquors was present asking council to give him a definition of what constitutes loud music and who makes that determination. Reported that he has had complaints made against his establishment for loud music and didn't feel it was too loud when the complaints were made. Attorney Brammell stated that the first level of enforcement is with the police department. If taken further, the next level would be in court for their decision. No decibel unit has been assigned to loud music within our ordinance.

Subject: County Business - Magistrate Wayne Gunnell reported on his attendance at the local issues conference where the announcement of our $250,000 streetscape award was made. We were one of five cities to get the full $250,000. Reported that some Homeland Security Act monies should be available through Kentucky League of Cities on October 1st that we may want to look into.

Reported that the fiscal court is looking into adopting an insurance premium tax for the County between 6-7%. They have sent up three different meetings throughout the County so that residents will have an opportunity to attend and express their opinions and offer suggestions. The first is scheduled for August 19th at the courthouse, the second for August 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the community center, and the third for September 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Subject: Lousiville/Saydah - Council questioned whether they shouldn't have been involved in the previous discussions concerning Louisville/Saydah's leaving town. Felt they are being kept in the dark and cannot even answer questions from the public if they are not involved. Mayor Bates reported that he had been asked by Saydah to keep everything quiet and felt he needed to abide by their wishes. Zoning will determine what type of business can go back into the building. Any zone change request would have to come to council.

Subject: Garbage Pickup Ordinance - Council opted to forgo the second reading of the garbage pickup ordinance pending the special meeting.

Subject: Police Department Activity Report - Major Rick Simmons reviewed the police department activity report with council.

Subject: Public Works Report - Public Works Director William Smith reviewed the activity report with council. Reported that he has met with Engineer Dave Derrick concerning expanding the plant who recommends we proceed with a new 201 study. The cost is $25,000.00 or he will do this on a time basis if we prefer. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Shannon to authorize Dave Derrick to proceed with a 201 study on the sewer plant expansion for the amount of $25,000.00. All members present voted "Yea". An official contract will need to be prepared.

Mr. Smith reported he has received a call from a plumber on the Seven Gables project. The plumber was not aware of any issues with this project. Attorney Brammell stated this still has not come before planning and zoning as required.

Mr. Smith reported that he has recently discovered that 5848 South Main Street (Jerry Hoagland property) is not connected to the City sewer. He wants to hook on and was sold the property with the assumption it was hooked on. Mr. Smith asked council to consider waiving the tap-on and impact fees. Motion made by Member Ferguson and seconded by Member Whitney to waive the sewer tap-on and impact fees for Jerry Hoagland at 5848 South Main since it has been assumed since the 1950's that the property was on sewer and sewer has been paid for at this address since that time also. Motion carried unanimously.

Member Stephens stated that rain water is missing the grate and going across the road beside House Calls on East Broadway. The owner, Kevin Harris, is interested in replacing the sidewalk so perhaps we could fix the problem then. Bill stated that the new sidewalk is not in this area but perhaps we could tie this improvement into the Renaissance project.

Mayor Bates discussed a plant and water conservation grant, which we received information on. We received it the end of July with an August 15th deadline. We probably won't be able to apply this year due to time restrictions. He gave the information to Sandy Rhoades who may help us with this.

Subject: Community Center Report - The community center activity report was reviewed. The new siding on the center was discussed with a few areas mentioned that need repairs. It was discussed that Harvest Community Church is still using the center, even though the arrangement was supposed to be temporary. Member Stephens stated that they are starting a land purchase campaign next month. Council requested that the Board meet with the Church to see what their plans are for the future and report back to council.

Subject: Administrative Office Report - City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed the administrative office report with council.

Subject: Property Tax Rates - City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed the property tax rate calculations with council. The calculated rates allowing the 4% allowed increase are 23.64 cents per $100 assessment for real property and 35.72 cents per $100 assessment for personal property. The maximum rate for motor vehicles and watercrafts is 26.6 cents per $100 assessment. Discussion held especially concerning the personal property rate. Last year's rates were 23.3 on real property, 29.5 on personal property and 24.0 on motor vehicles and watercrafts. The decrease in assessment each year on personal property and that fact that we did not raise the personal rate last year are the contributing factors to the rate continuing to rise drastically on the personal property calculation. Last year's rates lowered the property rate, maintained the personal and vehicle/watercraft rates from the previous year. Consensus of council, pending any changes, is to set the rates at 23.64 cents per $100 assessment on real property, 32 cents per $100 assessment on personal property and 26.6 cents per $100 assessment on motor vehicles and watercrafts. Attorney Brammell held the first reading of the ad valorem tax ordinance. The second reading and public hearing will be held at the September 4th special meeting.

Subject: Fire Department Report - The fire department activity report was reviewed. Member Roberts reported that the fire board has met twice since we have new membership.

Subject: Warrants - The warrants presented for payment were reviewed. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Shannon to approve the warrants for payment as presented with the exception of the warrant to CMW, Inc. for work related to the bidding of the streetscape project. CMW, Inc. acted too quickly on this and was not supposed to put this to bid yet.

With no further business to discuss, motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Ferguson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

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