EMINENCE, KENTUCKY  JULY 11, 2005

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, July 11, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Doug Bates and the following members present: Kevin Harris, Laura Whitney, Howard Roberts, Drane Stephens, Tom Ferguson, and Leeroy Winburn. Absent was none.

Mayor Bates called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Subject: Minutes - The minutes of the previous regular session held on June 13, 2005 were reviewed. Motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Ferguson to approve the minutes as presented. Member Roberts stated that he did not remember saying at the last meeting as pertains to the annexation ordinance that he had been lied to and that part of the information being given is still a lie. Council was in agreement that it was said by Member Roberts. Member Roberts stated he wanted to go on record and apologize for his remarks. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Special Minutes – The minutes of the previous special called session held on June 23, 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: Loading and Unloading Sign @ Business – Doug Kemp of the Used Furniture Store at the Corner of South Main Street and Depot Avenue had requested to be on the agenda to request a loading and unloading sign for his business, however he was not present. No action taken.

Subject: West Owen Street Project – Mayor Bates stated he has spoken with Project Manager Kriss Lowry with no changes to report on the West Owen Street Project. Mayor Bates stated that we do need to get Ron Wright to go by Bill Ivers’ office and sign the deed of correction if anyone knows how to contact him. Attorney Brammell stated he has a phone number for him.

Subject: Eminence Tomorrow Report – Mayor Bates stated that officially we do not have a Main Street Director at this time due to John Scharfenberger’s resignation. Mayor Bates read a letter from the GOLD Office (Governor’s Office for Local Development) announcing our selection as a Renaissance on Main “Certified II” City. This certification makes us eligible to apply for up to $75,000 in funding during the 2005-2006 funding cycle. Areas of deficiencies were reviewed, that once corrected would allow us to reapply for “Certified I” designation in January of 2006. If we receive the Certified I designation we would be eligible to apply for funding during the 2005-2006 funding cycle for a maximum allotment of $150,000. A public announcement of our designation will be made on August 4, 2005 at the Governor’s Local Issues Conference. One basic requirement for certification is having a full/part time Main Street Manager. Mayor Bates stated that he has spoken with Ginger Wills concerning our not having a Director at present and also about the deficiencies in our certification. Per Ms. Wills we must have a director in place within three months or we will become non-eligible. The Mayor cannot serve as the interim director but a normal employee could serve. Mayor Bates stated he has also spoken with Sandy Rhodes about how to correct the deficiencies and will be working on getting the “Certified I” designation. Member Ferguson asked if we still had a Board of Directors. Mayor Bates stated that we have the same Board, but that they have not met recently. Member Ferguson stated we should hire someone and get the Board active again. Member Stephens asked what procedure was used when we hired John. It was stated that we advertised the position. Member Roberts asked if we could use a police clerk in that position. Mayor Bates stated it was a possibility. Chief Hadden explained how the Main Street person originally ended up in his office assisting his Department. When the Main Street office was in need of moving from former Mayor Shroyer’s office to a city building, his office was offered with the stipulation that the Director would assist them as time was available answering the phone, typing, etc. They average 42 calls within an eight hour day and their paperwork requirements have greatly increased. Chief Hadden stated that his initial budget request included a clerk with law enforcement background at the salary of $8.00 per hour. He does not have a problem with sharing a person but would like to have input on who is hired. Clerk Doane stated that no funds were left in the budget under the Police Department for a clerk with all the funds being in the Main Street Department for a Director. Motion made by Member Ferguson to authorize the advertising for and hiring of a Main Street Director/Police Clerk with the hourly wage to be determined based upon the experience of the person. Member Whitney seconded the motion. All members present voted “Yea”. Member Ferguson stated he would like to see the advertisement prior to it going in the paper and that he would like the Board of Directors to be active.

Subject: Yearly Salary Adjustments – The yearly salary adjustments were discussed. Attorney Brammell stated that even though the adjustments are in the budget a separate motion needs to be made to give the adjustments. Motion made by Member Ferguson and seconded by Member Roberts to authorize the salary increases as requested in the individual department budgets retroactive to July 10, 2005. All members present voted “Yea”.

Mayor Bates referenced the revised general fund line item budget and indicated that he believes the $10,000.00 park reserve amount has been left out. City Clerk Doane stated she would research this and get back with council.

Subject: Police Department Report – Chief Hadden reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Mayor Bates stated he is appreciative of the high percentage of closed cases at 77.77% and that this demonstrates a lot of initiative on Detective Kemper and the entire Police Department’s part.

Mayor Bates stated that if there are complaints on the property ordinance enforcement to contact him or Chief Hadden. Mayor Bates stated he has a new contact on the KP Bulk Oil Plant on Owen Street and will be contacting them. Member Stephens asked about the King Lumber property on Depot Avenue and the T.K. Koenigstein property on King Street. Mayor Bates reported that the King Lumber property is scheduled for demolition with a Family Dollar Store and strip mall to be located there. Attorney Brammell stated that Mr. Koenigstein is scheduled for release in November and if we want to do something prior to that time we can proceed with a civil action to demolish or repair the property; however we will have to front the money to do so. Attorney Brammell stated he has researched another statute which would allow for higher taxation of blighted properties which we may want to look into at tax time. The property across from the Shell Station on South Main was discussed. It was advised this belonged to Johnny Reynolds and that letters have been sent to him. Mayor Bates stated that Tom Wathen continues to not do anything with his property (the old Chevron Station) on North Main Street. Council requested that Chief Hadden proceed with citations to Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Wathen for violation of our property ordinance for their respective locations of 5596 South Main Street and 4860 North Main Street.

Subject: Public Works Report – Public Works Director William Smith reviewed the monthly activity report with council.

Attorney Brammell and Mr. Smith reported that the new contract for water purchase has been received; however some changes are needed with Attorney Brammell to receive a revised contract soon.

Mr. Smith stated that he will be reviewing the Highway 22 West development plans this week with them to go to the Division of Water next.

Mr. Smith reported that two teenagers have been hired for the summer to paint the fire hydrants.

Mr. Smith reported that we have had our engineers working on the plans for the North Main Street pump station upgrade. We have been approved for the grant to upgrade this station. This project requires a 50% match which we have budgeted at $90,000.00.

Subject: Police/Fire Department Roof Replacement – Public Works Director William Smith reported he received four estimates to replace the roof on the police/fire department building. The bids included taking the old shingles off and installing dimensional shingles. The estimates are as follows:

Thomas Paul – 344 Hillcrest Drive, Eminence, KY - $11,680.00
Dwayne Brumley Const. Co. – 243 Boardwalk Ave., Shepherdsville, KY-
$12,000.00
High Point Roofing, LLC – 3382 Sunnyside Road, Smithfield, KY - $21,375.00
Blair’s Roofing & Const. – 428 Bethlehem Road, Pleasureville, KY - $13,215.22

Council discussed the bids. Member Harris suggested a metal roof as it will last longer, even though the metal roof may be more expensive. Member Stephens asked if the roof was currently leaking. Mr. Smith stated no but that there are damaged shingles. Consensus of council was for Mr. Smith to get quotes before next month’s meeting for a metal roof from the individuals above and any others he might know using 28 gauge metal and standard colors.

Subject: Revised Water & Sewer Ordinance – Mayor Bates stated that the second reading of the revised water and sewer ordinance has been postponed pending needed changes.

Subject: Administrative Office Report - City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed the monthly administrative office report with council. Clerk Doane reported that the total transfer of occupational tax/net profits to the general fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005 was $138,796.86. This amount is more than we anticipated.

Subject: Libraries & Archives Grant Approval – City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed with council a grant she has received in the amount of $1,518.00 for new shelving and micro-filming of records. Attorney Brammell stated he has reviewed the paperwork and that some of the requirements seem a little strict such as notification to them on taking any equipment out of service, etc. but that basically he has no concerns with the grant agreement. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Winburn to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to accept the grant on behalf of the City and sign any and all documents necessary. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Pool/Parks Report – Mayor Bates reported the committee has not met yet. The individuals assigned to this committee are Members Winburn, Whitney, and Stephens.

Subject: Fire Department Reports – Member Roberts reviewed the May and June activity reports with council. Member Roberts also presented council with the fiscal year financial information. Member Roberts stated it is 99% complete with some revisions necessary as some items came in for payment after the report was done. He stated that we will be receiving the report quarterly from now on. The Fire Board will meet on August 4th. Council addressed several questions as pertains to the yearly report. Member Roberts stated he will find out and get back with them.

Subject: Homeland Security Grant Resolution – Mayor Bates reported that he has attended a meeting regarding the Homeland Security Grants and that we have to have a resolution in place by August 1st to qualify. All our departments will have to do online paperwork as pertains to this grant. Attorney Brammell read the resolution regarding our participation in the NEMS Program. Motion made by Member Stephens and seconded by Member Roberts to approve the resolution as read. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Community Center Report – Mayor Bates reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Mayor Bates stated that Sandy Rhodes is leaving the center to go to the state for a position there.

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

With no further business to be discussed, motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Ferguson to adjourn. All members present voted “Yea”. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

DOUGLAS M. BATES, MAYOR
CITY OF EMINENCE, KENTUCKY

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

BACK TO PAST MINUTES