Eminence Kentucky-Minutes

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, April 11, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Doug Bates and the following members present: Kevin Harris, Howard Roberts, Drane Stephens, Tom Ferguson, and Leeroy Winburn. Absent was Member Laura Whitney.

Subject: Minutes - The minutes of the previous regular session held on March 14, 2005 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 Business – Magistrate Wayne Gunnell was present to give a County Government update. Mr. Gunnell reported that the County is working on next year’s budget with the major concerns being the jail and emergency medical services. They continue to house 40 prisoners a day on the average at a cost of between 32.00/35.00 a day. Only about 20% of these funds are reimbursed to the County. The EMS is still experiencing problems with having crews available after 6:00 p.m. The time frame from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. is still being served by the volunteer squads.

Mr. Gunnell reported that the County’s website is almost ready for launching with May 1st set as the date for it to be made live. The address will be www.henrycountygov.org.

Mr. Gunnell reported that he and Mayor Bates met two weeks ago to review the roads. They received a verbal commitment that South Main Street from the cemetery to Rose Hill Florist on North Main Street will be let the end of April. Highway 1899 (Mulberry Road) to Shawnee Industrial Park will be improved as soon as funds are available.

Mr. Gunnell reported that the transportation cabinet has approved a bond issue which will allow allocation of fifty million dollars to Kentucky Counties and fifty million dollars to Kentucky cities. Henry County is scheduled to receive $370,000.00 of these funds.

Subject: West Owen Street Re-Development Project – In Kriss Lowry’s absence, Mayor Bates reviewed the monthly progress with council. Mayor Bates reported that Dortha Beach’s house is complete with the exception of some yard work and that she is almost entirely moved in. Greg Wright is scheduled to demolish her old house soon. Mayor Bates reviewed the lots for sale and their established value and restrictions. These will be offered for sale on May 4th at 4:30 p.m. by written offer to purchase. Mayor Bates reported that we still have the blacktopping requirement on West Owen. We will not be able to close this project until we are able to show proof that the four bedrooms lost have been replaced for low to moderate income individuals. This does not have to be only in the West Owen Street area, but can be anywhere in town.

Subject: Eminence Tomorrow – Main Street Director, John Scharfenberger, reported that the façade grant work is now totally complete and reimbursed to all individuals. Mr. Scharfenberger reported that the streetscape is also complete with the exception of waiting on the phone company to move the poles so MAC Construction can do the patching.

Mayor Bates held the bid opening for requests for proposal to purchase the old Welch property located at 4881 North Main Street. Only one bid was received as follows:

Council inquired as to whether we needed any other information as pertains to compliance with our requirements for this property. Attorney Brammell stated that by signing the bid submittal form, Mr. Paul has agreed to all the stipulations and that most of the requirements will also be made a part of the deed. Council also inquired as to how much money we have spent on this to date. The only expenses we have had so far are for the advertising and transfer fees. Discussion held that we want the work completed in a timely manner on this renovation. Motion made by Member Ferguson and seconded by Member Stephens to accept the bid of $4,000.00 from Thomas C. Paul for purchase of the property located at 4881 N. Main Street. All members present voted “Yea”.

Main Street Director John Scharfenberger reported that Donna McClamroch is directing the Eminence Day festivities again this year with the date having been set as May 21st. We assisted them last year with a $200.00 donation and are being asked to contribute again this year. Motion made by Member Ferguson and seconded by Member Stephens to authorize up to $200.00 toward their expenses by way of actually paying an invoice for them or doing the mailing as we did last year. All members present voted “Yea”.

Mr. Scharfenberger reported that all Main Street applicants had to re-certify by April 1st, which required the Mayor, the Chairman and himself to sign off on a letter of commitment. John asked for council ratification of this action. John reported that two million dollars are in the state budget for streetscape projects. Discussion held. Member Roberts stated he would like to hold off until after the budget meetings prior to submitting our re-certification and voting on this as he is not sure we will even be keeping the program. Member Harris stated he would vote to keep the program and John. Various other discussions held. Motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Harris to authorize the letter of commitment for the Main Street program. Voting “Yea” were Members Ferguson, Stephens, and Harris. Voting “Nay” were Members Roberts and Winburn. Motion carried.

City Clerk Doane reviewed with council the interim financing note which had to be renewed by April 6th as discussed last month. The bank has asked that the council ratify the renewing of this note. Mayor Bates has renewed this 200,000 line of credit note for an additional year. Clerk Doane reported, however, that she anticipates being able to pay the bulk of note balance off prior to the new budget year. Motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Ferguson to authorize Mayor Bates to renew the interim financing line of credit at Central Bank in the amount of $200,000 for an additional year and to ratify his renewing of this loan which was necessary prior to the April meeting. All members present voted “Yea”.

Member Harris asked Mr. Scharfenberger how he felt we could best advertise the City. John reported that he feels word of mouth, through the newly formed business association, and continuing to do projects updating and renovating our city are some important ways.

John reported that the newly formed business association kick-off was a great success and promotion of the City. He especially thanked the Henry County Local for their involvement and coverage of the event. The brick sales were discussed with council being informed that another promotion is planned for Eminence Day.

Subject: Police Department Report – Chief Hadden reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Chief Hadden reported that there were 32 criminal cases opened this month with 31 of them being closed for a success factor of 96.88%.

Mayor Bates followed up on two of the properties (Kiel Brothers and WPB Oil) who were sent letters of non-compliance with the City’s Property Ordinance. Mayor Bates stated that he felt we should go ahead and issue a citation to Mr. Wathen (WPB Oil) if nothing happens on this property soon as no one seems to follow through with their promises. The Kiel Brothers property is in bankruptcy with no obvious avenue for us to pursue at this time. Chief Hadden reported that they are doing what they can on the property ordinance but pointed out that every case they have takes approximately 4 to 6 hours of work on a given day which leaves very little time for other work.

Subject: Public Works Report – In the absence of Public Works Director William Smith, Mayor Bates reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Mayor Bates reported that a regional water council meeting revealed that the funds for our North Main Street Pump Station Relocation Project are still allocated.

Mayor Bates reported that the state has not responded on our plans for the sewer treatment expansion project. The proposal would allow for covers for the lagoons which would increase the capacity from 500,000 to 750,000 and cost ½ million dollars versus the other way of expansion which would cost 1-1/2 million. We must have the state sign-off prior to proceeding.

Mayor Bates reported that Bill has not received a status report on the tower removal yet, but it is still anticipating that this will be complete soon.

City Clerk Doane requested transfer of $2,000 from the valve replacement project to install a new fire hydrant at the tank removal location. Motion made by Member Winburn and seconded by Member Ferguson to authorize transfer of $2,000 from the line item valve replacement to fire hydrant purchase. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Administrative Office Report - City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed the monthly administrative office report with council. Clerk Doane reviewed the interim financing and streetscape project financial status.

Clerk Doane reported that the 1976 loan on the water and sewer system has been paid off as authorized.

Clerk Doane reported that she had hoped to have the insurance renewal information for tonight but was unable to get it due to their need for additional information. This will be addressed next month.

Clerk Doane presented and reviewed briefly the third quarter budget comparison. A few clarifications were made with council being asked to get with her or the Mayor with additional questions or concerns.

Clerk Doane reviewed a request for a donation toward Henry County High School Project Graduation. She reported that she had already informed the committee that we could not make a monetary donation but could perhaps do something else for them. Discussion held. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Winburn to allow $50.00 to Henry County and $50.00 to Eminence toward purchase of items for Project Graduation or Project Prom. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Annexation Ordinance – Attorney Brammell held the first reading of an annexation ordinance annexing 116-3/4 acres on the east side of Highway 22 belonging to GHC, Inc. into the city limits.

Subject: Parks & Recreation Committee Report – Mayor Bates reported that the committee has not met so no report is available. It is too late to do anything specific toward the pool this year.

Subject: Fire Department Report – Council Member Roberts reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Member Roberts reported that the new grass truck has been put to use and did well. Reported that the department will be holding training on two Saturdays a month in addition to the Wednesday night trainings in an effort to increase the number of certified firefighters. This will better insure receipt of the state funding assistance.

Subject: Compensation Plan Update – Attorney Brammell held the second reading of an ordinance updating the compensation plan. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Stephens to adopt the ordinance as read. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Community Center Report – Mayor Bates reviewed the monthly community center activity report with council. Mayor Bates reported that the Board will be making recommendations for membership fees for use of the exercise equipment for council approval. This is being proposed due to the heavy use of the equipment and the need to be able to do repairs or replace the equipment as needed.

Subject: Warrants – The warrants presented for payment were reviewed. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Winburn to approve the warrants for payment as presented. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Closed Session – Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Stephens to go into closed session to discuss the possible sale of property. All members present voted “Yea”.

With no further business to be discussed, motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Roberts to adjourn. All members present voted “Yea”. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

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