The Flemingsburg City Council held their regular
monthly meeting Monday, January 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Annex. Council members present were Ricky Hurst,
Marty Voiers, Scott Manning, Georgianna Sparks, Meredith Story, and Van
Alexander. Mayor Louie Flanery
presided.
Councilman Voiers led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the December meeting were
presented. Councilwoman Sparks moved to
approve. Councilman Manning seconded
the motion. All were in favor.
David Graham addressed Council regarding his
water. Councilman Story stated that
testing would begin Wednesday, December 10th. Graham stated that his water was getting
better. Utilities Superintendent Kenny
Dearing reported on testing his department had done throughout the city. Areas tested included Elizaville Ave,
Tollgate Subdivision, Greenway, Stewart St., Crestview Mobile Home Park, Indian
Fields, and Fleming County Hospital.
Dearing stated that water hardness was consistent throughout and ran 8-9
grams, which is within state guidelines.
Each week it is getting better.
Graham stated that his water is not as hard, but is a dirty
reddish-brown color. Dearing stated the
well water had also been tested for hardness.
It was 21 grams, but is now 17.
Lines haven’t been flushed since the first of November. Mayor Flanery stated that the chemical used
to treat the water is for hardness and also to aid in recoating the lining of
the pipes over time, which could take 18 months to 2 years. Councilman Story said Gary Crabtree with
Microbac Lab in Louisville will be testing for chemical compatibility, how
different sources of water react when combined, and hardness. Fleming County Water Association and Western
Fleming will each do their own tests and then combine the results with the
City’s.
City Clerk Joy Roark presented Resolution No. 07-1-1
stating City Council’s support for the proposed new justice center being
located in downtown Flemingsburg.
Councilman Manning moved to adopt.
Councilman Hurst seconded the motion.
All were in favor.
Penny Stanfield, CPA presented the audit report for
fiscal year ending June 30, 2006 on behalf of James Smith, CPA. Stanfield reported that the city was in a
very good financial position and noted that there were no management points for
improvement. Stanfield stated that this
is very unusual, but noted that the Administrative staff does a good job of
record keeping. Councilman Story moved
to approve the audit as presented.
Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Stanfield stated that, effective January 1, 2007, she had taken over the
practice of Mr. Smith, who is retiring.
She would be submitting a bid on the next audit.
Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary reported on
the sewer lines and pump station in the new subdivision where the library is
being built. Clary stated that the
lines have been in for about 2 years and he feels confident everything is
working okay. The owner has requested
that the city take over the lines and station and maintain them. Clary stated that the owner had agreed to
build a gravel road to the pump station and recommended that the City accept
the lines and station. Councilman
Voiers moved to accept the sewer lines and pump station at By Pass Plaza on the
recommendation of Dale Clary contingent on the gravel road being built as
agreed. Councilman Manning seconded the
motion. All were in favor.
Mayor Flanery presented an Executive Order regarding
the Fleming County Emergency Operations Plan.
Flanery explained that the plan was already in place and the manual was
available at City Hall. Every four
years after the election the City must approve a continuity of government plan,
emergency operations plan, and a hazmat affiliation agreement per Duane Price,
Fleming County Emergency Management Director.
Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve.
Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Mayor Flanery presented the Continuity of Government
Resolution. Flanery designated City
Clerk Joy Roark to temporarily perform the duties of mayor in his absence. In the absence of both the mayor and city
clerk, Flanery designated council members in the following order: (1) Story (2)
Voiers (3) Sparks (4) Manning (5) Hurst
(6)
Alexander. Councilman Hurst moved to
approve. Councilman Manning seconded the
motion. All were in favor.
Mayor Flanery presented the HAZMAT EIGHT-WMD, INC.
agreement. There was a brief discussion
regarding a cash contribution to HAZMAT-EIGHT.
Councilman Voiers stated that this was a state mandated agreement and
HAZMAT-EIGHT received both state and federal funds. He was not in favor of making a contribution. Councilman Voiers moved to approve this agreement
with a zero contribution on page 4, paragraph 6. Councilman Story seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Councilman Story suggested that policy regarding
health insurance for employees who retire and are rehired be changed. Story felt that it was not favorable to
taxpayers to pay insurance for employees that retire and are rehired since
insurance is available to them through the retirement system at no cost. The City pays into the retirement system for
both hazardous and non-hazardous. The
contribution rates increase each year; budgeted expenditures for retirement in
2008 will increase by $25,000. Story
noted that the City currently pays $466 per month for single coverage, about
$5,600 per year. With expenses for
salaries and benefits increasing each year Story did not feel it was a wise use
of taxpayer money to provide insurance coverage to an employee who had coverage
available elsewhere at no cost. There
was some concern that coverage through the retirement system might not be as
good as the City’s current plan. It was
the consensus of Council that no employee should go without coverage or be
forced to take a lesser plan.
Councilman Alexander moved to table this matter until it could be
determined if the plan through the retirement system was equal to or better
than the City’s plan. Councilman
Manning seconded the motion. All were
in favor.
Mayor Flanery reported that he, Dale Clary, and City
Attorney Tom MacDonald had reviewed bids from engineering firms for the Waste
Water Plant Project. They narrowed
their choices to two firms and selected Quest Engineering as their
recommendation. Flanery stated that Quest
would solicit funds, grants, and low-cost dollars for the project. They understood that they would not be paid
until funds were received, which could be a long process. Flanery stressed the need for them to be
involved in discussions with Ewing and Hillsboro, which have both already
obtained engineers. Councilman Story
reported on the sewer meeting at Hillsboro in December noting that it would be
mid 2008 or later before their system would be built. Story stated that he told Hillsboro residents the City welcomed
them to use the city sewer system.
Story pointed out that the more users on the system the lower the costs
to each user.
Dale Clary reported that he had heard no bad
comments from other clients of Quest.
Their fees were reasonable. They
provided equipment that was budget minded, not the Cadillac version, but good
enough to do the job. Clary stated that
seven members of the firm attended the interview. Each took a part and was very impressive. Clary had visited one of their plants in Springfield,
which was similar to the Flemingsburg plant, and also a plant in London.
Councilman Voiers questioned what the City would be
committing to. Mayor Flanery stated
that Quest would represent the City at meetings and give the City
direction. Flanery reaffirmed that
Quest would receive no pay until financing for the project was found. Councilman Story asked if there was any
indication about the percentage of funding that would be available. Flanery stated that it would depend on the
source, but felt that obtaining funding would be easier since the state had
recommended regionalization three to four years ago. Before breaking ground for a new plant the City will have to know
what Ewing and Hillsboro are going to do and be in agreement and have funding
in place. Expanding the current
location is being considered. Mayor
Flanery has discussed with Judge Foxworthy about buying the county barn to make
room. Councilman Voiers moved to accept
the recommendation of Quest Engineering for the Waste Water Plant Project. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. Councilman Story questioned if Quest would
expect any money up front. Mayor Flanery
said no. Councilman Voiers asked if
that would be stated in an agreement.
Mayor Flanery stated yes. All
were in favor.
Crystal Ruark, Chamber Director, reviewed
information regarding membership, Chamber activities, phone log, welcome
baskets, and meetings she had attended.
Ruark reported that “Swing on Main” profits were used to purchase
banners for downtown and thanked City employees for putting them up. The Chamber will be offering computer
classes over spring break. The school
volunteered the use of the school computer lab. Tourism is working on signage for the county. The museum will open as soon as the state
approves the plumbing. Ruark presented
an informative brochure the Chamber sends to inquirers and a calendar of
events. Council noted that Ruark had
been busy and complimented the good job she had done.
Councilman Story reported that the Finance Committee
had met to review the audit report.
Story stated that Penny Stanfield had done a good job on the audit. The mayor had asked the committee to look
into the recycling program and also look into employee salary pay plan and
compare it to other cities. The City
does not want to spend a lot of dollars training employees and then loose them
to other cities. Story also reported
that an independent insurance agent had asked to quote the City’s property,
liability, and worker’s compensation insurance for the next fiscal year. The committee had recommended getting
independent quotes last year and requested that Carpenter Insurance be
contacted for an independent quote as well as one from KLC. Story reported that he and Tom MacDonald had
been working on the utility ordinances and MacDonald had a draft prepared to
present at the next meeting.
Members of the Finance Committee are Meredith Story,
Marty Voiers, Georgianna Sparks, Joy Roark, and Tom MacDonald. Mayor Flanery appointed the same members to
serve another term.
Danny Carpenter reported that he and Tom MacDonald
had met regarding the safety committee.
MacDonald was working on a draft; it should be ready by the end of the
week. The committee will meet to review
the draft once it’s completed. Mayor
Flanery appointed Danny Carpenter, Gene Schwartz, Randy Sergent, Scott Manning,
and Van Alexander to serve on the Safety Committee.
Carpenter reported that the new sheriff had
remodeled his office. The Police have
limited access and very limited space to hold prisoners at the sheriff’s
department now. Carpenter stressed that
remodeling on the police department needed to be finished as quickly as
possible so the officers could move.
Carpenter presented a report on the department’s yearly activity and
confirmed that parking problems on Garr Ave. and Mt. Sterling Ave. have been
resolved.
Codes Enforcement Officer Gene Schwartz reported
that the State had inspected his record of permits and everything looked
good. Councilman Voiers questioned
complaints from the health department regarding the daycare. Mayor Flanery stated that the building had
been inspected and some maintenance items were noted, which are being
addressed.
Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton reported
that he had a new employee, Gary Roberts.
Dale Clary reported on the damage done by
contractors at the new library site.
Clary stated that the contractor doesn’t want to pay. He wants the City to forgive the debt. Clary thinks the City should stand their
ground. Clary had no plans at the time
the damage was done. Councilman Story
asked who was responsible in this case.
Clary stated that the developers should have given the plans to the
contractors. Currently the site does
not have any sewer service and Clary has refused to hook them up until the debt
is paid. Clary noted that they had not
paid the sewer connection fee either.
Mayor Flanery stated that the City could not continue to fix damage like
this at the taxpayer’s expense.
City Clerk Joy Roark presented the Finance Committee
with a list of items to address to bring the City into compliance with IRS
regulations. Roark also reported that
the City once had an agreement of confidentiality with the Kentucky Revenue
Cabinet and she had obtained an application to renew that agreement. Roark is currently auditing payroll tax and
net profit files. The Finance Committee
had also requested that Insurance Companies be reviewed. Those to be verified with the Revenue
Cabinet will be selected at random.
Councilman Voiers questioned the status on the
skateboard park. Mayor Flanery stated
that the surface had been blacktopped, but nothing else had been done. Voiers requested information on recycling
from Vanceburg. Voiers also questioned
a letter on sewer and gas service for the Industrial Park II. Flanery stated that he had met with
Cann-Tech on Thursday. The City had
been awarded $100,000 for design, which became available the first of the
year. Flanery stated that no easements
had been signed. Consents to annex had
to be done first, but engineers needed to establish where to annex and a design
was needed to show the property owners.
Approximately eight properties are being considered. Flanery stated that the funding wasn’t
earmarked. Design, sewer lines, and installation of a
new lift station are projected to cost $792,000. Flanery was unsure about the cost of the gas lines. Both lines could be laid in the same
easement, but in different trenches.
Councilman Story questioned if the Industrial Authority had applied for
funding. Flanery stated no, but they have talked to Geoff Davis’ office about
funding. Councilman Story questioned if
the City’s funding could be tied into funding for Ewing and Hillsboro. Flanery stated that both Mike Denham and
BTADD have lists for consideration at the General Assembly in Frankfort. The City, County, and Industrial Authority
are all seeking grant funds. Councilman
Story said he couldn’t justify getting a loan for this project because the City
has no guarantee that any businesses will locate in the new Industrial Park.
Councilman Voiers inquired about a written policy
for the City’s Utility budget pay plan.
City Clerk Joy Roark stated that she had checked into the matter and
there was no written policy; it was concluded that the City followed a standard
policy used by most utilities. Voiers
felt that the City needed a written policy and suggested it be included in the
utility ordinance. Councilman Voiers
also asked if the city had anyone to write grants on their behalf; if not,
would there be an interest in someone to write solely for the city. Mayor Flanery stated that the city depended
on BTADD. It would be very costly to
hire someone solely for that purpose.
Councilman Hurst questioned why there were no
streetlights in Barbour Doyle’s subdivision.
Councilman Story stated that this had been brought up previously. Per Mark Doyle wiring for services to the
homes is underground. Hurst stated that
the RECC would put poles up at no cost.
Hurst suggested a minimum of 15 poles and recommended using cobra
headlights, noting it wouldn’t take as many and they do a better job. Gene Schwartz stated that it had been the
subdivision owner’s responsibility to put in streetlights since 1997. Mayor Flanery will work with Councilman
Hurst on this matter.
Councilman Hurst reported that he had been
approached about the park on Foxspring Ave. and asked if the city took care of
that park. It was requested that the
basketball court be repaved. Hurst
stated that he inspected the court and it was in bad shape. He had spoken with Judge Foxworthy, who
agreed for the county to lay rock and flatten the area if the city would lay
the blacktop. A change in the
direction of the court was also requested.
In addition, Hurst stated that plaques honoring some of the citizens had
been removed from the shelter. It was
requested that these plaques be replaced and additional ones added. Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton
reported that only a few years ago the city spent $10,000 fixing the basketball
court and within a few weeks he found cars driving on it and abusing the
park. Councilman Story noted that a lot
of people have done things for the city, but he couldn’t justify spending
taxpayer dollars for plaques for everyone.
The city has money budgeted for blacktopping, which can be done when
weather permits. Mayor Flanery stated
that not long ago the city had cleaned up the park, done a lot of work, and
spent a lot of money. Flanery
questioned how the city could justify spending any more tax dollars. Councilman Hurst commented that the citizens
using that park pay taxes too.
Councilman Manning and Councilwoman Sparks both agreed that someone
needed to govern the park.
Mayor Flanery appointed Marty Voiers, Jim Compton,
Joy Roark, and Georgianna Sparks to the Recycling Committee.
There being no further business Councilman Manning
moved to adjourn at 9:45 p.m.
Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.
______________________________
Louie K. Flanery, Mayor
_______________________________________
Joy
Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer
Date
Approved: __________________________