Eminence Kentucky-Special Minutes

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a special called session on Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Doug Bates and the following members present: Kevin Harris, Howard Roberts, Tom Ferguson, and Drane Stephens. Absent were Members Laura Whitney and Leeroy Winburn. Also in attendance were City Clerk Sandra Doane, Public Works Director William Smith, Police Chief Mount Hadden, Tamara Dowden, Donald Dowden, George McDannold, Brad Puckett, Joyce Puckett, Donald Young, J. Michael Ray, Sharla Clubb, Josh Clubb, Adam West, Sharon Aynes, Ed Frederick and Henry County Local Representative Brooke Melville.

The purpose of the special meeting being called was to review a presentation and discuss the possible location of a Highland Renaissance Festival in the City of Eminence.

Mayor Bates called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Mayor Bates explained that this is an information only meeting with no business to be discussed.

Subject: Presentation – Ed Frederick with Highland Renaissance Festival expressed his appreciation to everyone in attendance. Mr. Frederick explained that the proposed medieval/renaissance fair is a living history village with semi-permanent structures that represent an 800 year old English village. They will have various games, activities and theater groups. The actual fair would be around June 1st through the second weekend in July with other specific weekends in October, December and possible other events throughout the year. The fair will not be in operation except for these designated times. No trees will be removed with the land being kept rustic. The University of Kentucky, College of Design, Department of Historic Preservation has designed this project attempting to address all matters of concern such as traffic flow, security, safety and land preservation. They have also contracted with a geographer from the University of Kentucky to conduct a market study. Eminence and Henry County’s location in proximity to three large metropolitan areas make this the best potential site for economic success while allowing Henry County to expand its agri-tourism sector. Mr. Frederick has already met with the Transportation Cabinet with an entrance change being recommended to assist with the traffic flow.

Tammy Dowden asked why this is being located in her backyard when they have 117 acres to choose from. Mr. Frederick stated that the site had been chosen by UK as the best site. They will be putting a privacy fence along the entire length of the property.

The public and council asked additional questions of Mr. Frederick including what his intentions were as pertains to the sale of alcohol. Mr. Frederick stated that they do intend to sell beer and wine. Council informed Mr. Frederick that as the current ordinance stands he cannot sell wine at all and would not be able to sell beer on Sundays. Mr. Frederick stated he did not know this and assumed he could due to us already having a winery in the County and already allowing the sale of beer in Eminence. Mr. Frederick stated that no beer would be allowed in/out of the area with it to be served in cups only. Mr. Frederick stated that he, in fact, has already spoken with Mr. Smith at the winery about purchasing wine from them for sale as he did not know it wasn’t allowed in Eminence.

Mr. Frederick was asked about cleanup and security. He stated that they have a cleanup crew and will have security available. In addition, he has already discussed with Chief Hadden that they will pay if any additional overtime is created by them for our department.

Member Roberts asked Mr. Frederick how long he had been working on purchasing this land for the Renaissance Fair. Mr. Frederick stated that about the first of April was when he contacted Mr. Holloway, the owner of the property. His agreement with Mr. Holloway is contingent on the property being annexed and his receiving the conditional use permit.

The hours of operation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. They intend to have twenty original booths with twenty-five possible by the end of the year and hopefully will grow from there. He anticipates offering the twenty booths free the first year with leasing of the booths the second year and either leasing or selling the booths after that, depending on the need. Any animals used in the fairs would be taken in and out and not kept on the property long term. The vendors would be allowed to stay overnight.

Chief Hadden stated he has spoken with three different communities who have fairs with no problems encountered. Chief Hadden stated that the only thing he can see as a possible problem might be the traffic, but in reality he doesn’t see everyone arriving at the same time or leaving at the same time. Mount was asked what questions he asked of these three communities. He stated he asked about traffic problems, alcohol related problems and if any other problems. All three cities indicated that none of these problems existed.

Mr. Frederick stated that they would have a $70,000-75,000 advertising budget the first year. Every advertisement will say Eminence. He feels that this will be an economic advantage for Eminence. San Bernardino County in California, albeit much larger than we are, will acknowledge if you ask them that their fair has brought $10 million into their community.

Mr. Frederick was asked about job possibilities. Mr. Frederick stated that there would be approximately ten year round employees with 30-50 seasonal employees. The wages will depend on the job but will probably range from $8.00 an hour for ticket sales and more for skilled workers. Two of his permanent employees will be from other places, but the rest will be local individuals.

Mr. Frederick stated that he will also be working with the UK Fine Arts Dept. concerning a possible Dickens Christmas Play presentation at the pavilion.

Tammy Dowden stated that she did not see how eating and drinking at the fair would help the City in any way. Mr. Frederick stated that the people coming and going would be purchasing gas, other food, etc. as well as the property and occupational taxes that would be paid to the City. Mr. Frederick stated that the Renaissance Fairs have never had a negative impact on a community and has in fact always been an economic plus for the communities.

Mr. Frederick stated that the study done by UK indicates that the normal fair attendees will be upper middle class married professionals.

Member Stephens stated he is surprised about the doubt of the positive impact on the City of Eminence as it has to create a positive rather than a negative one. He stated that he feels good about the proposal and that he would rather have this than what could possibly develop on this property later.

Donald Dowden stated that they have lived in Henry County all their lives and if we allow this fair, heaven forbid if we need anything from them. He stated he would rather have 150 homes locate beside him than this fair.

Council briefly discussed beer sales on Sunday. It was discussed that there are several stipulations on the businesses if we allow this such as 70% of the business sales would have to be from food versus beer and wine which would limit what types of businesses could offer beer and wine.

The noise factor was discussed. Mr. Frederick stated that there would be practically no noise as all the music would be acoustic.

Utilities for the proposal were discussed. It was stated that a six inch water line is available at Steel Technologies and that they will pay to extend this line to them with fire hydrants to be located on the property. They will be putting in a grinder pump station for the sewer.

Member Harris asked if the layout would accommodate location of the activities on the other side of the property. Mr. Frederick stated no it would not due to the gulleys and the need to keep the trees. The plan was reviewed with the suggestions to move the parking and change the access road. Public Works Director William Smith stated that we have a fifteen foot easement off the property line. Mr. Frederick was agreeable to moving the parking and access road if feasible with the UK design individuals. Hopefully this change will help the Dowdens to feel better about the proposal.

Member Roberts stated for the record that he has had two people for this proposal and 25-30 against and that he personally will not support it or any change in the City’s alcohol ordinance to allow beer sales on Sunday.

Mayor Bates reminded council that the Board of Adjustments will be meeting on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. at the courthouse to discuss the conditional use permit for this property.

With no further business to discuss, motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Ferguson to adjourn. All members present voted “Yea”. Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

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