Eminence Kentucky-Minutes

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, May 10, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Doug Bates and the following members present: Laura Whitney, Tom Ferguson, Drane Stephens and Leeroy Winburn. Absent were Members Kelly Shannon and Howard Roberts.

The minutes of the previous regular session held on April 12, 2004 were reviewed. Motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Ferguson to approve the minutes as presented. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: County Government Update – Magistrate Wayne Gunnell presented an update on County business. Mr. Gunnell reported that the County has approved bidding for the purchase of a new ambulance for the paid service. Bids will be opened May 17 with a thirty day delivery date if approved. The purchase of this ambulance was made possible through contributions of all the County EMS Squads, Jewish Hospital Shelbyville and Tri-County Baptist Hospital. Mr. Gunnell reported that a litter machine, with a hose that goes in the ditch to pickup trash and requires two to three men to operate, is being looked at for purchase for the sum of $18,995.00. He suggests a possible interlocal agreement so the City can utilize this also. Magistrate Gunnell reported that the first reading of the county budget in the amount of $3,937,630.28 has been held with the second reading scheduled for May 17th. Reported that Love’s Truck Stop Plaza has been approved for location in Pendleton by a Judge tie-breaker. They have since been sued for allowing this business to locate there. Mr. Gunnell reported that the solid waste program is showing an 83% rate of collection as of April 20th. The countywide dump cleanup is going well. Magistrate Gunnell reported that he is working with Mayor Bates on various highway projects with a meeting set for Tuesday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m. with state highway personnel at Frankfort. They will ask, among other things, to have Highway 55 between Rose Hill Florist and the cemetery evaluated for milling and paving.

Subject: Complaint on Sulphur Avenue – Mayor Bates reported he has looked into the complaint on the condition of a property at 415 Sulphur Avenue and hopes to be able to handle this himself.

Subject- Proposed Development North Main Street – Mayor Bates reported that he has not heard anything from the developer on the project. Bill Smith reported he talked with the person who made contact with us who stated that he has not heard from the main owner.

Subject: West Owen Street Redevelopment Project – Project Manager Kriss Lowry reviewed the monthly activity report with council. The status of several of the properties we are trying to purchase was discussed. Reported she has received a verbal agreement not to acquire the trailer at 15 Jennifer Lane from Michael Thomas. Nothing has been received in writing. All of the necessary requirements have been explained to him including the need for a conditional use permit to replace the trailer. The four houses bid for demolition are down with final grade work needed. The Fire Department is scheduled to burn the other four houses and that they are waiting on permits from Frankfort. We will need to move on these right away.

Kriss reported that the Edna Fisher home is virtually complete. Roderick Miles has not moved yet. George Owens has moved back into his new home with some final yard work and the completion of the storage building still needing to be done. The Rupert Hayden house appears done inside, but it was locked so she could not get inside. None of the current house plans will work on the Dortha Beach lot. She has found one that Ms. Beach approves of that will work. Kriss reported that her letter on the project amendments to the state has been verbally approved except for a little verbage change. The HOME funds will now allow up to $14,999.00 for relocation activities associated with rebuilding of homes for dislocated persons. We may need to apply for these funds to finish the last house. The grant agreement requires that we offer vacant lots for sale to low to moderate income persons for the first six months prior to offering for sale to anyone else. There should be four suitable lots for building. Sources of low income funding to build homes on the available lots were discussed. Kriss informed council that they would have to maintain any property already transferred to us until something is done with it.

Kriss reviewed the financial report. The City’s required balance left to pay is $19,696.00.

Subject: Litter Abatement Program – Mayor Bates asked for suggestions from the council on ways to spend the litter abatement funds and provide our match. Clubs or groups to assist with this were suggested.

Subject: Eminence Tomorrow – Main Street Director’s Report – Main Street Director Mary Jane Yates reviewed the status of the Main Street projects. Reported that the Board met with the architect last Monday night to discuss problems and concerns over the daily problems due to design flaws. Reported we have also been waiting since January on a Phase III price quote from MAC Construction. If feasible we may use them versus bidding. The utility fees are still an issue. The engraved bricks as a fund raiser are still being considered. We are working toward having the landscaping complete and lamp-posts up at City Hall by May 22nd. Wednesday, May 12th at 9:00 a.m. is set for participation for in-kind labor on this landscaping if anyone wants to participate. The blacktopping is set for Thursday, but the rain may delay this.

Mary Jane reported that everyone involved knows the façade work deadlines. Ray DeVary knows that he needs to give notice on closing the street prior to working on his building.

Subject: Subway – Mayor Bates reported that Bellsouth has required additional work at the Subway. Bill Smith did most of the work to accomplish this for them. The entrance should be in within two weeks, the cost for which will be borne by the developer. A meeting is set for Thursday at 9:00 a.m. with all the utility people for the next work phase on this. Mayor Bates thanked Bill for all his work on this project. Once the new services are in the old poles will be moved from Mason Alley.

Subject: Police Department Report – The Police Department activity report was reviewed. Chief Hadden reported he will now be reporting on meetings and/or requests for service and will be including a list of individuals arrested for council information.

Chief Hadden reported that Sandy Rhodes and Mary Jane Yates have been assisting the department with grant requests.

Subject: Property Ordinance Enforcement Report – It was reported that several requests have been made to have properties mowed. Letters have gone out on most of these. Attorney Brammell reported he has been asked to get the Koenigstein property mowed and that some of the plywood is missing on the windows. Hopefully the Master Commissioner can give us some assistance on this property.

Subject: Police Department Merger – Mayor Bates and Chief Hadden reported on discussion which has been held between the City of New Castle and themselves concerning the merger of the two police departments. The main areas that this could address are elimination of duplication process in paperwork; availability of more federal and state funds; better coverage; and a positive economical impact for both cities. Chief Hadden gave council a copy of a newsletter from Versailles/Woodford County where this is already being done. Consensus of council for Attorney Brammell to assist with negotiating the terms of a merger and to draft the paperwork for both to approve. Several questions asked including jurisdiction concerns. Council was in agreement that we would not commit to covering the school traffic.

Subject: Public Works Report – Public Works Director William Smith reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Member Stephens asked when the contractor was going to return and put in the expansion joint on the Elm Street work at Mike Bunt’s house. Mr. Smith reported that the contractor has completed the work he contracted with the City to do and that this must be on the separate agreement Mr. Bunt has with the contractor.

Mr. Smith reported that he has had a complaint on a buzzard roost in town between Maple Avenue and Elm Street and asked what we could do. Buzzards are a protected species. Attorney Brammell stated that this is not a city problem and is not something we can handle.

Member Stephens thanked Bill and this department for all the quick response and work over the last few weeks.

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

Ms. Doane reported on the new hardware, software and training. Reported that some of the new software and training has been re-scheduled until the new fiscal year. Broadband internet services will be installed tomorrow by Insight at City Hall.

Ms. Doane reported she is continuing to work on the budget including obtaining quotes and bids on the City’s health and other insurance coverages.

Subject: Community Center Report – Mayor Bates reviewed the monthly activity report with council. The attendance for the exercise equipment is down this month which is probably due to more people exercising outside now that the weather is good. Dr. Rhodes has applied for a COPS grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $125,000.00. This is a three year grant. The fourth year would require a 50/50 match. The school and the City would share this officer.

The rent for the vacant office at the Center was discussed. Consensus of council to offer this for rent for $150.00 per month with a minimum twelve month lease.

Subject: Eminence Day Update – Mayor Bates reported that Eminence Day is scheduled for May 22. Information concerning the proposed activities was reviewed. The activities start at 9:00 a.m. Currently fifteen venders have signed up to participate in the flea market. Seven kids are working on this project.

Motion made by Member Ferguson to authorize the purchase of a plaque and/or certificates for the SPIRIT Group not to exceed $100.00. Motion seconded by Member Winburn. All members present voted “Yea”. Member Shannon has volunteered to present this on behalf of the City if the Mayor cannot attend awards night on June 3rd.

Subject: Citizen Complaint – Margie Bailey of 556 Sulphur Avenue was present to discuss concerns she has with her neighbor who has a home based CB unit. She cannot enjoy her own television or phone because the CB interferes with her reception. He has it on all the time and basically makes a mockery of any requests to turn it down or off. Attorney Brammell stated he has talked with the Mayor and Chief Hadden and has researched this and there is nothing we can do. This is covered under FCC rules and regulations. Chief Hadden stated he has spoken with FCC and that they were extremely rude and nasty and basically do not care. Attorney Brammell informed Ms. Bailey that she could file a civil action suit for a nuisance against her neighbor if she wants.

Subject: Holloway Annexation – Attorney Brammell stated he needs authorization to spend the money for the surveyor on this annexation. The estimated cost is $8,200.00 maximum with the possibility of the scope of work being limitable somewhat. The surveyor, Marty Bright, would not be able to start until June 21st. City Clerk Doane mentioned a new law she has been informed of which could help reduce the required information now necessary to satisfy the State on annexations that could in turn lower the cost of the survey. She will get this to Attorney Brammell.

Motion made by Member Whitney and seconded by Member Winburn to authorize Attorney Brammell to proceed with the necessary survey and annexation paperwork not to exceed $8,200.00 in cost. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Elmcrest Subdivision Street Dedication - Nothing new to report on this project.

Subject: Fire Department Report – Council reviewed the monthly activity report.

Subject: Warrants – The warrants presented for payment were reviewed. Member Whitney moved to approve the warrants for payment as presented. Motion seconded by Member Ferguson. All members present voted “Yea”.

With no further business to discuss, motion moved by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Ferguson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

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