Eminence Kentucky-Minutes

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, February 11, 2008 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. Absent was Member Drane Stephens.

Subject: Henry County High School Project Graduation – School Resource Officer Mike Lucas was present to discuss Henry County Project Graduation and to ask for a donation. Mr. Lucas stated he is the coordinator for this project and this tradition has been going on for several years in an effort to provide a safe environment for the graduates after graduation. Several students who live in Eminence attend Henry County High School. Attorney Brammell stated that we cannot make a monetary donation, but could possibly purchase some items as long as it is determined to be a benefit to the City. Motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Browning to pay an invoice in the amount of $100.00 toward Henry County High School Project Graduation as it is a benefit to the City to keep the graduates in a safe environment. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Presentation by Smithfield Mayor Kenny Baker – Mayor Kenny Baker addressed the council stating his appreciation for our efforts and especially Ms. Gingrich toward getting the Eminence Pool open. Mayor Baker, along with Commissioner Les Bryant, presented Eminence a check in the amount of $1,000.00 as a donation from the City of Smithfield to assist with our efforts of fund raising to get the pool open. Mayor Baker stated he hopes this will be a challenge to other cities in the County to make a donation as well. Mayor Petitt thanked Mayor Baker for this generous donation.

Subject: Making Waves Update – Manda Gingrich presented a verbal report on the Making Waves fund raising efforts to date. Stated she is amazed by the Smithfield donation as they are a city of only 150 people.

1. A quarter drive in pre-school through eighth grade through February 20, 2008 with the winner getting a build your own banana split party;
2. An art auction in April at the Renaissance Faire which will be free of charge with the location and food being donated by the Renaissance Faire;
3. A concert at the Renaissance Faire which is also doubling as a senior project for Craig Meadows;
4. A walk-a-thon to raise funds through the school; and
5. Donation jars are at the businesses that, with the exception of one, have been very supportive.

Ms. Gingrich reported that two grants have been applied for online including the Hamburger Helper and the Jenny Jones Foundation.

Ms. Gingrich reported that the sign located at Browning’s has been donated by Highway Safety Signs (normally $1,200.00 per month), which has created numerous phone calls inquiring about the project.

Cheryl Tingle – $500.00 in the names of her grandchildren, Nicholas & Matthew Hamilton and Trinity Ramey;
Eminence Bar & Grill - $190.00 (has previously donated and plans to donate again);
Eminence Beverage Shoppe - $100.00;
Mayor & Mrs. Jim Petitt - $1,000.00;
Estes Pawn Shop - $1,000.00; and
Cook’s Pharmacy, Inc. - $3,000.00.

Reported that Reverend Robert Fields is approaching the Council of Churches about donating and that she (Ms. Gingrich) is going to a knitting club to make a presentation. Arvin Sango through Greg Smith will be making a $10,000.00 donation and she has been invited to attend the Fiscal Court meeting on February 19, 2008 by invitation from Judge John Brent. The Fiscal Court will be donating the use of their equipment and personnel when construction begins.

Emma Jean Thomas presented $1,000.00 to the Making Waves project on behalf of Council Member Richard Thomas. Ms. Gingrich reported that we now currently have over $8,000.00 in donations.

Subject: County Business – Magistrate Wayne Gunnell reported on County business. Mr. Gunnell reported that the Humane Society was to be present tonight but couldn’t make it and would like to come next month.

Magistrate Gunnell reported that Wildcat Tractor has been purchased by a company named Emeco. They intend in increase the business threefold within the next five years. They currently have offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe. They will continue as a heavy equipment business with Tracey Cloakley as the plant operator.

Magistrate Gunnell reported that he has met with Representative Rick Rand and Senator Ernie Harris concerning the Henry County Industrial Access Road and that we need to get this on the six year road plan. This is 3-1/2 million dollar project and is needed badly since we will be seeing more heavy equipment business in this area. Use of the current Mulberry Road for heavy equipment transfer will see this road deteriorate quickly.

Magistrate Gunnell reported that staff from Geoff Davis’s office will be at the Fire Department Board meeting on February 25, 2008 to assist with an application for funds for a new fire house. Mr. Gunnell reported he has talked with our representatives about this project which is projected to cost $300,000.00. The increased traffic at the current location is one of the driving factors in trying to relocate the Fire Station.

Subject: Minutes – The minutes of the previous regular session held on January 14, 2008 and the minutes from the special called session held on February 6, 2008 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: Cost Recovery Corporation Ordinance – Attorney Brammell held the second reading of an ordinance implementing a program with Cost Recovery Corporation to recover user fees for motor vehicle accident services on behalf of the Fire Department and the Police Department. Attorney Brammell stated this ordinance was modified slightly from the first reading to add the Police Department along with the Fire Department for participation in the program. Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Armstrong. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Police Department Report – Police Chief Carey Duncan reviewed the monthly activity report with council.

Subject: Property Ordinance Enforcement Report – Police Chief Carey Duncan reviewed the monthly ordinance violation report with council.

Subject: Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director William Smith reviewed the public works department monthly activity report with council. Mr. Smith reported that he has two employees out tonight working on snow removal and street cleaning.

Subject: Administrative Office Report - City Clerk Sandra Doane reviewed the monthly administrative office report with council. Clerk Doane reported that a delinquent property tax letter was sent in late January to all taxpayers still owing taxes reminding them of the 10% penalty and 1% per month interest which was added on February 1st. This letter resulted in approximately $12,000.00 collection. Member Bright thanked Clerk Doane for her assistance this past month with additional requests for information from some of the Council.

Clerk Doane presented the quarterly financial statements and budget comparisons and asked if anyone had any questions to let her know.

Clerk Doane presented council with copies of some research and documentation as pertains to the interlocal agreement with Pleasureville

Subject: Fire Department Report – Member Meadows reviewed the monthly activity report with council.

Subject: Community Center Report – The January Community Center report was presented to council.

Subject: Mayor’s Update – Mayor Petitt stated that he has received numerous sample dog ordinances from other cities per the Clerk’s global e-mail request sent by Clerk Doane and has been reviewing them. He has sent one over to Attorney Brammell’s office from the City of Alexandria which he likes for his review.

Mayor Petitt asked Member Bright to report on the Music on Main. Member Bright asked when the council would like to start this up again. Consensus of council to start the second Friday in May. Member Bright stated that he would like to obtain some type of stage or trailer for the City to have rather than having to borrow one each month. He has received one estimate from Don Wise for a 12’ X 20’ X 3” stage which would be in two halves and bolted in the middle with steps going up. Public Works Director Smith stated storage and moving will probably be a concern and perhaps we should try to find a trailer which can be pulled where we need it to go. Member Bright stated we have approximately $4,000.00 left in this year’s budget for Music on Main.

Mayor Petitt stated he would like for us to start work on bidding the City’s insurance package (not health) and asked council to pick a due date for bids.

Mayor Petitt stated he has received the annual recommended pay increase from the Department for Local Government for the Mayor and Council. The recommended increase is 4.081% which would increase the Mayor salary by $62.78 per month and would increase the Council salary by $13.25 per month. Discussion held. Attorney Brammell stated that the statute says we shall not exceed the recommended percentage and that all the Council must be the same. Motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Thomas to decline any increase in the Mayor and Council salaries. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Pool Renovation Bid Opening – Mayor Petitt stated only one bid was received which was from American Leak Detection. After review by the committee, it is their recommendation not to accept this bid. Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Bright to reject the bid and to re-bid the project with a February 21, 2008 due date and to advertise in the Kentuckiana Classified and the Courier Journal. Clerk Doane questioned if we would be able to meet the advertising deadlines with this quick of a new bid due date. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Family Dollar Store Opening - Mayor Petitt reported that the Family Dollar Store is currently planning to open on February 22nd or 23rd and he has no information on the hiring process yet. Mayor reported that the developers are planning on building 24 two bedroom apartments on the back of this property.

Subject: Bellsouth Sub-Station Location – Mayor Petitt stated that Bellsouth has built a sub-station on our property and actually paid Crutcher Realty for the easement. Attorney Brammell stated he has sent a letter to the engineers and Bellsouth Communications on January 17, 2008 and received a call from a Mr. Sharp today inquiring if the location of the sub-station is alright with Council with him proposing the same amount as paid erroneously of $6,000.00 for the easement. Discussion held. Council asked if we had to accept the same amount. Attorney Brammell stated we can ask for anything we want, but we will have to show the value through disposition of surplus property guidelines with an appraisal probably needed. Public Works Director Smith stated this has been built on top of a service line easement for Deli-Plus as well as having crossed our easement. Smithfield Mayor Baker stated they had a similar situation which resulted in an individual being paid $20,000.00 along with a monthly fee. Member Bright stated he would like to know how the $6,000.00 figure was arrived at. Attorney Brammell will proceed with discussions with Bellsouth concerning this issue.

Subject: Ordinance Amending the 2007/2008 Budget – Attorney Brammell held the first reading of an ordinance amending the 2007/2008 budget ordinance.

Subject: Transfer of Funds – After review of several areas of the current budget by Mayor Petitt, Clerk/Treasurer Doane and Council Members Meadows and Bright, some areas of possible reallocation were found that might be transferrable to fund the pool renovations.

Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Armstrong to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to close the City of Eminence Depreciation Fund – Fire Truck account with a January 31, 2008 balance of $9,611.50 plus any accrued interest at the time of the transaction and to transfer said money to the Parks and Recreation account as needed for expenses to be used for the pool renovation. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Browning to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to transfer $50,000.00 from the KIA Replacement & Maintenance Reserve account to the Parks and Recreation account as needed for expenses to be used for the pool renovation. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Browning to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to transfer $50,000.00 from the Water and Sewer Reserve account to the Parks and Recreation account as needed for expenses to be used for the pool renovation. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Public Works Director William Smith reminded council of the pending sewer plant expansion and that the funds transferred from the KIA Replacement & Maintenance Reserve account and the Water and Sewer Reserve account were to be part of this project if needed for a match.

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

Member Meadows presented a recommended document listing the Functions of the Pool Commission stating that this would centralize the work of getting the pool open. Motion made by Member Armstrong and seconded by Member Meadows to adopt the recommendations as presented. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Member Bright stated he has had complaints about limbs on the bike trail which we need to get picked up.

Member Bright stated he has had complaints about individuals running the stop sign at Zelcova Drive as it goes back into Arbor View Subdivision beside Arvie Case’s house. Member Bright recommended removing some of the fence or putting up more signs or maybe both. We cannot do speed bumps as the streets in Arbor View are not our streets yet. It was discussed as to who owns the fence and stated by Attorney Brammell that each section is owned by the individual property owner. Mayor Petitt stated he has had complaints on the real estate sign also blocking the view. Consensus of council to put up more signs at this time.

With no further business to be discussed, motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Armstrong to adjourn. All members present voted “Yea”. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

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