EMINENCE, KENTUCKY  DECEMBER 10, 2007

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 6:15 p.m. at the Eminence City Hall Council Chambers with Mayor Jim Petitt and the following members present: George Armstrong, Richard Thomas, Jr., Shawn Bright, Treva Browning, and Danny Meadows. Arriving at 6:40 p.m. was Member Drane Stephens.

Pledge of allegiance held. Moment of silence held.

Mayor Petitt called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.

Subject: County Business Report - Magistrate Wayne Gunnell gave an update on County government activities as follows.

• Notified and invited Mayor/Council to the dedication for the new Henry County Senior Center to be held on Tuesday, December 18 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. with ribbon cutting ceremonies to be at 5:30 p.m.
• Reported that the new paid EMS & Paramedic Services was anticipated in the budget to have a deficiency, however they are actually $15,000.00 in the black.
• Reported that DES Coordinator Bruce Owens has requested a new countywide repeater system which has been funded by the County.
• Reported on the Oldham County Airport meeting held recently with 500-600 people in attendance. Approximately 90% of those attending opposed the airport for various reasons including the cost and environmental impact. Henry County has never been consulted about this airport even though 40% of the airport would be in Henry County if the Blakemore Lane site is chosen. They had 40 to 50 Henry County people at their last Fiscal Court meeting against the airport. Magistrate Gunnell read a resolution adopted by the Henry County Fiscal Court requesting that all the proposed locations in Henry County be removed from the selection process. Magistrate Gunnell reported that all other small airports lose money each year in excess of $90,000.00 and that Oldham County Fiscal Court would have to come up with the startup money so he doesn’t understand why they are pursuing this. Only a minimal number of jobs would be created so the reason cannot be economic.
• Reported that the County has bought an ATV for use by the EMS, County Coroner, Fire Departments, and Sheriff Department to assist them in having access to remote locations.
• Reported that Cindy Norton with the Friends for Michael group has committed $40,000.00 toward a handicapped playground if the County will donate $10,000.00 toward this project.
• Reported that the County Clerk and Sheriff’s budget reports are in and being reviewed.
• Reminded Mayor/Council of the inauguration festivities in Frankfort tomorrow for Governor Beshear.

Member Bright asked if the new repeater system would help Eminence. Magistrate Gunnell stated it should, but he could not make a guarantee.

Mayor Petitt reminded the public that they must be on the agenda in order to address the council or make comments.

Subject: Cost Recovery Corporation – Jason Long, Regional Manager with Cost Recovery Corporation was present to discuss the services his company can provide to the Fire Department and/or Police Department. Mr. Long reported that he also volunteers with the Milton Fire and Rescue Department and uses this service which has generated approximately $30,000.00 to $60,000.00 for his Department.

The service provided is to bill for motor vehicle accidents for non-residents only. This would be at no cost to the citizens, the Fire Department or the City as they add their fees on top of the run cost. They bill the “at fault” party’s insurance and can bill the person, if the City chooses should the insurance company not pay. Some other local groups using his services are Milton Fire & Rescue, Owen County Fire Department, New Castle Police Department, and McMahan Fire Department. The average collection per accident is $1,000.00. The New Castle Police Department has collected between $300.00 and $400.00 on fee accidents. Campbellsburg plans on switching to their company soon.

Mayor Petitt asked several questions including what would happen if the Fire Department is dispatched and not needed. Mr. Long responded that if anyone goes to the scene a charge is made for at least 15 minutes. Mr. Long pointed out that whatever is sent to them by the Fire Department is what gets billed.

The City of Eminence would be the one entering into the contract for the Fire Department. A one year contract is required. Cost Recovery Corporation handles everything with monthly reports sent out showing the billing and collections.

Mayor Petitt appointed a committee of Council Member Browning, Council Member Meadows and Fire Chief Lucas to develop the Ordinance/Resolution; set procedures and protocol on who and what should be billed; and review and make recommendations on the agreement between the City and Cost Recovery Corporation with a decision to be made next month by the Council.

Member Stephens arrived at this time (6:40 p.m.).

Subject: Minutes – The minutes of the previous regular session held on November 12, 2007 and the minutes of the special called session held on December 5, 2007 were reviewed. Mayor Petitt asked for any additions or changes to the minutes and with none forthcoming, stated they would stand approved as presented.

Subject: Garbage Franchise Ordinance – Attorney Brammell held the second reading of the garbage franchise ordinance awarding the contract to Industrial Disposal. Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Browning to adopt the ordinance as read. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Ordinance Allowing Liquor by the Drink – Attorney Brammell held the second reading of an ordinance amending the alcohol ordinance allowing liquor sales by the drink. Member Stephens suggested tabling this for now as there is no current business in town that would be able to sell liquor by the drink. Motion made by Member Thomas and seconded by Member Armstrong to adopt the ordinance as read. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, voting “Yea” were Members Thomas, Armstrong, Bright, Browning and Meadows. Voting “Nay” was Member Drane Stephens. Motion carried.

Subject: Occupational/Net Profits Ordinance - Attorney Brammell held the second reading of a summary of the revised occupational/net profits ordinance. Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Browning to adopt the ordinance as read. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, voting “Yea” were Members Meadows, Browning, Bright, Thomas and Armstrong. Voting “Nay” was Member Drane Stephens. Motion carried.

REPORTS:

Subject: Light Up Eminence – Member Shawn Bright reported that Light up Eminence was successful, but he would like to continue adding decorations each year and expand on this. Santa was present with a good turnout to see him. Santa will also be at his house from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. each Friday and Saturday night through December 21st for anyone who missed him during the light up festivities.

Subject: Police Department Report – Police Chief Carey Duncan reviewed the monthly activity report with council. Chief Duncan reported that he has been working on a new radio system with Fire Chief Lucas which would install a new control radio on the console at the State Police post which would greatly enhance our services and officer safety. This is pending approval and okay with the proper person at KSP.

Subject: Property Ordinance Enforcement Report – Chief Duncan reported they issued one ordinance violation notice with compliance pending and citation possible.

Subject: Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director William Smith reviewed the monthly activities with council.

Mr. Smith reported that Dave Derrick with Derrick Engineering, Inc. came out on December 5th to evaluate the Fowler sewer complaint at 408 Sulphur Avenue. Mr. Derrick could find no problem with the City sewer in the vicinity of the Fowler residence and no problem with the sewer from the North Main pump station nor any problem when that station is pumping into the sewer. He did suggest installing a check valve on the service line to the Fowler residence and cleaning out Mr. Fowler’s line at that time. Mr. Smith pointed out that Mr. Fowler’s bathrooms are approximately 3 inches in elevation lower than the street which would cause the sewer to overflow there first before it would overflow in the manhole. Discussion held including estimated cost. Mr. Smith stated he did not know, but it should be minimal. Attorney Brammell stated we would probably need an easement from the Fowlers to do the work. Mr. Fowler stated he does not have a problem with the check valve being installed, but pointed out that this would result in him not being able to use his bathrooms if there is a problem. He also stated he feels there is a 50 foot drop in elevation from the top of the hill to his house and feels the lines cannot handle the flow. Mr. Fowler also stated we would probably just be moving the problem down to the next person on the line. Mr. Smith stated that the lines were evaluated for handling of the flow which showed plenty of capacity and stated that we do get a lot of flow during heavy rains all over town. Council inquired why we have so much run-off water going into the sewer. Mr. Smith stated we have this problem all over town and have been working on trying to find the problems. We have found and fixed numerous broken lines throughout town. Mr. Smith stated that further down the sewer main, tiles were found broken with roots in the line previously which did cause problems in this area; however this problem has been fixed. Mayor Petitt inquired if a new station would have to be installed if the line was removed. Mr. Smith pointed out that this was a new station which was put in to eliminate the pumping of sewer three times before it arrived at the plant which in turn saves us money on pumping costs. Consensus of council to proceed with installing the recommended check valve and cleaning of the sewer line at Mr. Fowler’s house once the easement is prepared and signed by the Fowlers.

Clerk Doane reviewed an additional request for a second water leak adjustment for Mary Metts for property located at 4568 Jackson Road. Per current policy only one leak adjustment per year per meter is allowed which Ms. Metts had used earlier in the year. She asked if some of the sewer could be removed from this bill which totaled $241.43. Based upon her average usage, the recommended sewer adjustment if given would take $93.98 off her bill. Motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Thomas to allow this second leak adjustment for Mary Metts in the amount of $93.98. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Administrative Office Report - City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed the monthly administrative office report with council. Clerk Doane reported that the auditors have begun their on-site work for the FY ending 6-30-07 audit.

Subject: Fire Department Report – Member Meadows reviewed the monthly activity report with council. He also reviewed the year to date run information for 2007. Member Meadows stated that Fire Department would like to sell the old 1985 F-350 ambulance with the Board already approving this request. Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Armstrong to declare the 1985 F-350 Fire Department ambulance as surplus property and to authorize advertising for sale under sealed bids with a stipulation that the money received from the sale of the old ambulance only be used to purchase other Fire Department equipment. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Community Center Report – Mayor Petitt presented the November Community Center report to council. Mayor Petitt reported that the Harvest Community Church held their first annual Thanksgiving community meal at the center with approximately 100 people being fed. Member Stephens stated they were a little disappointed as they had planned for 300 with only 50 showing up and the other 50 eating being the volunteers; however that’s 50 individuals they assisted during the holiday.

Subject: Mayor’s Update – Mayor Petitt reminded council of the employee Christmas dinner tomorrow night, December 11th at 6:30 at the Eminence Christian Church fellowship hall.

Mayor Petitt reported that he has not been able to get any additional estimates on the City Hall roof repairs needed. He is working on one from Mike Bright, but probably won’t have much success until after the holidays.

Mayor Petitt presented council with a yearly maintenance quote for the City’s heating and air conditioning units for a price of $1,860.00 which would include two services a year – one in the spring and one in the fall with reduced pricing for parts and repairs if needed. Mayor asked council to review for a decision next month.

Mayor Petitt stated he is working on a pool grant resolution with the assistance of Member Meadows.

Subject: Warrants - The warrants presented for payment were reviewed. Motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Meadows to approve the warrants for payment as presented. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: New Office Configuration – Mayor Petitt reviewed with council the previous request that we check into getting bullet proof glass for the front office change. The quote was for $30,000.00 to 40,000.00 to put in bullet proof glass. Mayor Petitt stated we have the money in the budget to do the original estimate as discussed last month. Member Thomas stated he does not want us to lock the door with a buzz-in system and does not think we need to change the glass. Mayor Petitt stated keeping the door locked was a security recommendation from Homeland Security. Discussion held. Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Thomas to proceed with the changes in the front office omitting any glass changes, omitting the locking of the door with a buzz-in system and not to exceed the cost of $5,000.00. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

NEW BUSINESS – COUNCIL

Mayor Petitt asked if any council member had anything they wanted to discuss.

Member Bright offered his thanks to Manda Gringrich on her efforts with the “Making Waves” Project.

Member Meadows urged all the council and anyone present to assist with the needs of the kids in our community this Christmas.

With no further business to be discussed, motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Meadows to adjourn. All members present voted “Yea”. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

JIM PETITT, MAYOR
CITY OF EMINENCE, KENTUCKY

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

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