Eminence Kentucky-Minutes

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, August 14, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Doug Bates and the following members present: Laura Whitney, Howard Roberts, Drane Stephens, Tom Ferguson and Leeroy Winburn. Arriving late was Member Kevin Harris.

Subject: Minutes - The minutes of the previous regular session held on July 10, 2006 were reviewed. Motion made by Member Winburn and seconded by Member Ferguson to approve the minutes as presented. All members present voted “Yea” except Member Roberts who abstained due to being absent last month.

Subject: County Business – Magistrate Wayne Gunnell was unable to be present to discuss County business. Magistrate Gunnell had indicated that he needed a letter of support for the County to get paramedics. Discussion held including what cost, if any, this would entail for the City. Consensus of council that more information is needed prior to a letter of support being authorized.

Subject: Status Report on Pool Hall Building – Mayor Bates reported that he left a message for Tommy Paul to call him back concerning the status of the renovation work on the old pool hall building and his attendance at the meeting, but did not receive a call back from Mr. Paul. The contract with Mr. Paul states he had twelve months to complete repairs on the building and that deadline has passed. Mayor Bates stated he will continue to try and contact Mr. Paul concerning his progress and attendance at our next meeting.

Subject: Mayor’s Update – Mayor Bates reported that Ed Frederick with the Renaissance Faire had notified him that approximately 12,000 people attended this year’s fair which is less than expected; however they are happy with this due to the delays they experienced and the amount of advertising they were able to do. They are currently working on the restaurant building. They will not be holding the Halloween Fest this year, but will be hosting an Irish-Celtic Festival from September 30-October 1, 2006. They are looking into having the Highlander Games here next year.

Mayor Bates reported on the initial meeting of the Henry County e-Community Leadership Team held on July 25, 2006. This was a grass roots meeting to evaluate where the County stands on internet use. Currently we are close to the bottom on the number of people connected to the internet. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Henry County Library.

Mayor Bates reported that the Homeland Security nimscast and training update has been performed by Police Chief Hadden, Fire Chief Lucas, Public Works Director Smith and himself.

Mayor Bates reported he is still working on getting the Saydah property under contract. Some asbestos in the floor has been found which will need to come out. The tentative date for a contract is tomorrow, August 15th. Council questioned what would be going into the building and how many jobs would be created. Mayor Bates stated he was not at liberty to discuss this but could say that this is an investor who will be leasing the property to other tenants.

Mayor Bates expressed his appreciation to those who served on the committee to review the zoning ordinance as pertains to signage. The committee recommends approving the ordinance amendment as presented.

Mayor Bates reported that we still have the lots for sale on West Owen Street. We have fulfilled our commitment to blacktop the street. The old bulk oil plant owners have until September 15, 2006 to get this property cleaned up.

Mayor Bates reviewed a meeting with Governor Fletcher where he announced funds for the County. Among the funds announced was our grant request awarded in the amount of $30,000.00 for Municipal Aid Discretionary Bond Funds to blacktop in the Housing Authority area. We applied for $46,500.00 and received the $30,000.00 so the scope of work will have to be reduced.

Subject: Resolution and Grant Agreement for Municipal Road Aid Discretionary Bond Funds – The grant agreement for acceptance of the Municipal Road Aid Discretionary Bond funds was reviewed. Attorney Brammell stated he had reviewed the agreement and corresponding resolution and has no problems with either. Attorney Brammell read the resolution accepting the $30,000.00 Municipal Road Aid Discretionary Bond award and authorizing Mayor Bates to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Motion made by Member Ferguson and seconded by Member Roberts to adopt the resolution as read. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Amendment to the Planning & Zoning Ordinance – Clerk Doane asked for direction on the zoning ordinance amendment adopted several months ago that pertains to Section 770. She explained that there has been confusion over the advertising of this ordinance amendment as the County did not adopt the same ordinance as the cities. Attorney Brammell advised we need to proceed with advertising the ordinance as we adopted it even if we cannot co-advertise on this particular amendment.

Subject: Amendment to the Planning & Zoning Ordinance – The committee assigned to review the proposed amendments to the planning and zoning ordinance Sections 390, 660 II C, 1100, 1110, and 1120 are recommending adoption as presented by the planning commission, Attorney Brammell held the second reading of the ordinance amendment. Motion made by Member Ferguson and seconded by Member Winburn to adopt the ordinance as read. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Planning & Zoning Zone Change Request – Council discussed briefly a zone change request made to the planning commission by John Coomes, II for property located at 6366 South Main Street. The request is to change 56.946 acres of the property from A-1 to B-2 and to change 37.688 acres of the property from A-1 to R-1. The public hearing was held on August 9th with no recommendation from planning and zoning being made yet. This will be moved to next month’s meeting.

Subject: Request to Name Street – Mayor Bates reported that William Peyton with Planning and Zoning has requested that we officially name the street beside Quality Heating and Air Conditioning. This street has had several names in the past including Mill Street, Jail Alley and Needmore Street, but was not officially set up when our 911 services went into effect. Suggestion was made to name the street after long-time business owner, James Willard Bell, who had a shoe repair business located on Main Street close to this street for years. Jennifer Watson stated that per preservation guidelines it is best to name streets after business owners that have been there for a long time. Mayor Bates reported that an automotive repair business is locating on this street and needs to have an official 911 address. Motion made by Member Winburn and seconded by Member Ferguson to name the street beside Quality Heating and Air Conditioning, Bell Lane. All members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Street Light Request – A request for additional street lights on Lakeview Drive were discussed. A recent break-in at a single woman’s home has prompted this request for additional lighting. Discussion held as to whether this would help or create more problems for other residents. Consensus of council to request that Kentucky Utilities evaluate the situation with the possibility of a directional light being installed.

Subject: Property Tax Rates for 2006/2007 – Clerk Doane reviewed the 2006/2007 property tax rate calculations with council. Once again this year the personal property assessment is down. This creates a much higher rate on personal property with the calculated rate on personal property using the 4% allowed rate being .5714 per $100 assessment. Clerk Doane recommended taking the 4% allowed rate on real property at .281 per $100 assessment but lowering the personal rate to the same as last year at .495 per $100 assessment and keeping the vehicle and watercraft rate at .266 per $100 assessment. Council discussed the impact on individual tax payers with the 4% allowed rate. The allowed 4% increase allows for a 4% increase in overall income. Attorney Brammell held the first reading of the tax rate ordinance setting the rates at .281 per $100 assessment for real property, .495 per $100 assessment for personal property and .266 per $100 assessment for vehicles and watercrafts. The public hearing will be held on September 11, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. immediately prior to our regular meeting.

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: Eminence Tomorrow – Main Street Director Jennifer Watson reviewed the monthly activity report with council.

Ms. Watson reported on the yard sale fundraiser held on August 5th. The amount of funds raised was $334.15 to go toward the park improvements. Cedar Lake Lodge picked up the items leftover. Cook’s Pharmacy donated two tools for a silent auction. Several volunteer hours went into this event.

Ms. Watson reported on the caboose/welcome center idea that was introduced last year as a grant project. She has been contacted by the person who owns the caboose with another purchase proposal. She would like a committee to review the possibility of looking into this proposal. Members Winburn, Whitney, and Stephens agreed to serve on this committee.

Ms. Watson reported on three events being planned for the remainder of 2006. A Battle of the Bands is being proposed for October 7, 2006 from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in the City parking lot. Auditions will be held the prior weekend. Hotdogs and drinks will be sold. Council questioned the noise factor, age of participants, etc. Council requested this be put back on the agenda next month.

The Trick or Treat on Main Street will be held again this year on October 31st from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with free hotdogs and drinks and spooky story telling in the park.

Light up Eminence will involve just night time events starting at 5:00 p.m. with a DJ and Santa. Stores will be encouraged to stay open later and food venders will be invited to set up. We will also be looking for a roaming Santa every Saturday in December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ms. Watson reported that the Main Street Board would like to develop a display site to honor the Eminence Fire Department and promote the history of Eminence. The Board would like permission to landscape the green curb lawn area in front of the station and install the bell with a plaque honoring Fire Chief Leslie Lucas and his wife, Patsy Lucas. Requesting permission to draw up design plans and submit them for approval as soon as possible. Council in agreement to consider this after the plans are reviewed.

Subject: Police Department Report – Chief Hadden reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Chief Hadden reported that the warnings are up due to the federal overtime grant now allowing seatbelt warnings due to the law going into effect January 1, 2007.

Subject: Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director William Smith, reviewed the monthly activity with council. Mr. Smith reported that Mago Paving Company has completed the blacktopping including our obligation on West Owen Street with the exception of the Housing Authority which will be done later in the year.

Mr. Smith reported that Jim Dobson wants the City to accept the streets in Arborview Subdivision. Attorney Brammell stated we need something in writing to verify the dedication of the streets to the City. This could be the plat or a letter requesting acceptance by the City. Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Ferguson to accept the streets into the City after receipt of the verification of dedication and approval by Public Works Director that they are up to standard for acceptance. All members present voted “Yea”.

Mr. Smith reported that the Housing Authority will need curb work prior to blacktopping. The Authority is currently replacing some appliances in the apartments and has dumpsters and semi trucks in our way. Once they are through with their work we will get the curb work done.

Mr. Smith reported that Quail Run Subdivision has completed pouring the curbs and it is anticipated that asphalt will be down by the weekend. The water and sewer testing has been completed for the mains. Member Ferguson asked what was next. It was discussed that this will be up to the developer and the weather as to what happens next.

Mr. Smith reported that the North Main Street Project is progressing with the first of the week being the possible changeover date to the new pump station.

Member Ferguson asked if the concrete pads behind Chat-N-Nibble could be gotten rid of to allow for more parking. Mr. Smith stated that they would take care of this.

Subject: Administrative Office Report - City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed the monthly administrative office report with council. Ms. Doane reported on the various receipts to date.

Ms. Doane reported that we still have $9,861.34 outstanding for 2005 property taxes. Two letters have been sent and liens have been filed on all delinquent property taxes.

Ms. Doane reported that the favorable ruling on HB 413 (law enforcement citation fees), has been appealed by one County Sheriff from Boone County who merged their County Police Department with the Sheriff’s Department and feel they should be entitled to the funds. This will delay the progress on the allocation of these funds back to the cities.

Ms. Doane reported that we have received additional pledges including one for $10,000.00 from Arvin Sango toward our Land and Water Conservation Grant project with the total pledges now being around $16,000.00.

Ms. Doane reported that the new copier/fax machine has been delivered with the old one being recycled to the Police Department.

Ms. Doane reported she has been working on getting all the end of fiscal year paperwork ready to go to the auditors.

Subject: Deferred Compensation Program – No report as the requested information has still not been received.

Subject: Fire Department Report – Member Roberts presented the monthly fire department report. Member Roberts stated that the department will have three people at school at the end of the month. It was noted that six firefighters had attended the NIMS training. Member Roberts asked City Clerk Doane if the required financial information had been received. Ms. Doane stated no and that she had contacted Missy Young after last month’s meeting to request this.

Subject: Closed Session – Motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Whitney to go into closed session to discuss the sale of West Owen Street lots, possible easement litigation, and possible litigation as pertains to a former employee. All members present voted “Yea”.

With no further business to be discussed, motion made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Whitney to adjourn. All members present voted “Yea”. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

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