Eminence Kentucky-Minutes

The City Council of the City of Eminence, Kentucky met in a regular session on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. at the Eminence City Hall Council Chambers with the following members present: Danny Meadows, Polly Troxell, Shawn Bright, Drane Stephens, Lee Ann Armstrong, and Leo Mason. Absent were none.

Mayor Petitt reminded everyone to have their cell phones either off or on silent and not to ask to speak unless on the agenda.

Subject: Eminence Project Prom – Member Meadows stated that Guy Prewitt could not make the meeting and asked him to speak instead. Member Meadows presented a request from Eminence Project Prom for the City to assist with paying the Renaissance Fun Park lock in remaining balance of $1,085.00. Motion made by Member Armstrong and seconded by Member Bright to authorize the payment of $500.00 toward this invoice for Eminence Project Prom. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Request to Keep Bar Open Later on New Year’s Eve – Debbie Ball was present to request permission to keep Rhinestones’ Good Time Bar & Grill open two hours later on New Year’s Eve. She will have designated drivers to take individuals home who need a ride. Attorney Brammell stated that our current ordinance sets the closing time and would require an amendment ordinance with two readings to change anything. To have two readings prior to New Year’s Eve would require council to hold a special meeting to accomplish this change. Member Meadows inquired if a public hearing is required on this. Attorney Brammell stated no, but it would have to be done in an open meeting. Discussion held. Attorney Brammell stated that any ordinance change could allow for a special waiver for special events per business if council adopted the ordinance in this manner. Consensus of council was to holdup making a decision on this, but stated they would review the ordinance and consider the change, if not for this year, then for next.

Subject: Water/Sewer Bill Payment Extension – Mayor Petitt addressed the unfulfilled agreement made last month between the City and Peggy Smith for payment of her water/sewer bill. Motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Meadows to disconnect Ms. Smith’s service tomorrow (November 10, 2009) due to default on the payment agreement. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Subject: Minutes – The minutes of the previous regular session held on October 12, 2009 were reviewed. Mayor Petitt asked for any additions or changes to the minutes. With no additions or changes forthcoming, Mayor Petitt stated they would stand approved as presented.

Subject: Community Center Transfer Status Report – Mayor Petitt reported he has spoken with Board Chairperson, Brenda Chism, and that she has not heard from anyone from the state on the Superintendent’s revised agreement. Attorney Brammell reviewed with council the differences in his latest draft and the Interim Superintendent’s draft which basically means that everything has been taken from our draft agreement with the City only to use the center when the school doesn’t want to. His opinion is the school draft is saying thanks for the gift, but we will use the Center as we want. Member Meadows expressed concern how we would maintain the center if the school loses their grant. Attorney Brammell stated he feels we must have a joint meeting with School Board representatives to work all this out. Attorney Brammell stated he made the changes to the original agreement that the State School Board recommended and now the School is making additional changes. Mayor Petitt stated he would be contacting one or two council members to serve as advisors with him and Attorney Brammell as they meet with representatives from the School to work through these current problems.

Subject: Police Department Report – Police Chief Carey Duncan reviewed the monthly activity report with council which showed total contacts of 249 for October. Chief Duncan reported that 34 individuals were arrested on 18 charges.

Subject: Property Ordinance Enforcement Report – Chief Carey Duncan stated there were two new ordinance violation notices issued in October.

Subject: Public Works Department Report – Public Works Employee Tim Fitzgerald reviewed the monthly activity report with council in the absence of Public Works Director William Smith. Mr. Fitzgerald reported that they have cleaned out a clogged sewer main on Merriweather Avenue, but feels additional professional clean out services will be needed for this area.

Mr. Fitzgerald reported that the new bucket truck is great and has been used almost daily for some job or another.

Mr. Fitzgerald reported that they continue to have to repair lights at the Community Center with one being totally destroyed. These lights weigh probably 40+ pounds and if it had fallen on someone they would have been hurt. Council expressed concern with the lack of supervision at the Center and would like to know the person responsible for destroying this light so further action can be taken.

Mr. Fitzgerald requested approval to purchase the new pickup truck which is budgeted from the Interlocal Agreement Depreciation Fund. We currently have two trucks which are getting in bad shape. The maximum price for a new Ford truck would be $19,686.00 with Mr. Smith is looking into purchasing a 1,500 series four wheel drive. The 2,500 series will be around $3,000.00 more. Member Meadows stated he feels we need to purchase the 2,500 series rather than the smaller truck. Discussion held. Motion made by Member Meadows and seconded by Member Mason to authorize the purchase of a new truck, to the Public Works Director specifications, not to exceed the budget amount of $25,000.00. 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 reporting that her office has already collected 73.5% of the 2009 property tax billing and that allowing the 2% discount has saved our citizens approximately $4,745.00 collectively . Clerk Doane reported that we have received the Homeland Security Grant reimbursement in the amount of $58,875.00. This grant is complete with the exception of $125.00 which is an outstanding check from the Sheriff’s office.

Subject: Quarterly Budget Comparison – Clerk Doane reviewed in summary the first quarter budget comparison for July 1, 2009/September 30, 2009, requesting council contact her should there be any questions.

Subject: One Call Now Weather Alert – Clerk Doane reviewed a free trial weather alert feature of our current service. The free service would be offered thru February 1, 2010 and after that time could cost approximately 25% more per customer than we currently pay. The alerts would be sent to a select number of individuals of our choice. Discussion held with council deciding not to participate in this service feature.

Subject: Fire Department Report – Member Meadows reviewed the September and October monthly reports with council.

Subject: Financial Statement Thru 6-30-08 for Fire Department – Member Meadows stated he does not understand the financial statements as presented to the council and asked Clerk Doane for an explanation. Clerk Doane responded that she does not work with the Fire Department books at all, but would attempt to get clarification for the Council. Member Meadows requested he would like to have the auditor meet with the Fire Department each year to review the financial statements.

Subject: Community Center Report – Member Bright presented the Community Center activity report.

Subject: Festivals Update – Member Bright reported that the Halloween party at the Renaissance Faire was a huge success with over 2,000 people in attendance. Approximately 2,000 cans of food were collected for the food pantry. Member Meadows suggested that the City sponsor the haunted forest with a set amount of money to be given to the Senior Class with no charge at all to the kids to get in. Discussion held. The suggestion was made to get more committee assistance next year.

Member Bright stated the Light up Eminence festivities will be held on December 5th with Santa arriving at 6:00 p.m. to start the activities. Possible singing groups were discussed.

Subject: Codification Ordinance – Attorney Brammell held the first reading of an ordinance updating the City of Eminence’s Code of Ordinances.

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 Business/Council – Mayor Petitt asked if any council member had anything they wanted to discuss.

Member Meadows reported that a light is staying on all night at the park due to security and vandalism concerns. He stated he has been told that the floor is being used for a bathroom, the electrical outlets are being torn up and that broken beer bottles are everywhere. Discussion held including that the bathrooms are closed for the winter and that the park may not be getting locked and unlocked daily. Consensus of council to get a port-o-potty for the park off season, if the price is feasible. Chief Duncan stated for the public works employees to let him know if the park is not locked and unlocked as previously discussed.

Subject: Mayor’s Update – Mayor Petitt reported we have received a signed copy of the sidewalk grant agreement back which allows us to proceed. Mayor Petitt stated he would get the original grant application sidewalk list to each council member so they can check the sidewalks and set up a priority list.

Mayor Petitt presented council with a letter from a group of interested citizens concerning the condition of the Eminence cemetery and requesting that the City find a way to serve the town in improving the cemetery facility.

Mayor Petitt stated that Reverend Robert Eades' term on the ethics committee expires on December 31, 2009 with his agreeing to serve another three year term should the council wish him to stay on the committee. Motion made by Member Troxell and seconded by Member Meadows to approve the appointment of Reverent Robert Eades to another three year term on the ethics committee. On a call of vote by Clerk Doane, all members present voted “Yea”.

Mayor Petitt reminded council of the Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Community Center being hosted by the Harvest Community Church at the Community Center.

With no further business to be discussed, motion made by Member Bright and seconded by Member Stephens to adjourn. All members present voted “Yea”. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

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