Mayor
Flanery recognized Steve Dobson with River Valley Agritourism. Dobson addressed Council regarding the newly
formed alliance, which covers eight counties including portions of Ohio along
the river. The purpose of the Alliance
is to benefit area farmers by providing alternative sources of income to
replace the loss of tobacco money.
Dobson noted that Fleming County businesses, which have benefited from
agritourism, are Stockton Station Inn, Hutton/Lloyd Tree Farm, and Browning
Orchard. The Alliance is seeking
funding of $70,000 from the Agritourism Commission with a cost share of
50%. The funding would be used for a
marketing plan, hiring a marketing director, and Alliance website, and a show
display. The Alliance would also
address issues such as skyrocketing insurance costs, which are forcing small
businesses to close. Dobson requested a
$250 contribution from the City this year and $750 in 2006. Dobson explained that he had been working
with Steve Miller on the funding request and the amount was based on $.25 per
capita. The Alliance was formed last
November.
Councilman Voiers moved to approve
the $250 contribution and consider the $750 contribution in next year’s
budget. Councilwoman Suit seconded the
motion. Councilman Story asked where
the funding would come from. It was
suggested it be taken from community development. All were in favor.
Councilman Story reported on
behalf of the Dispatch Committee.
Changes to the interlocal agreement under General Functions of the
Board, paragraph E, were noted.
City Clerk Joy Roark presented the
second reading of Ordinance No. 02-05-1 regarding the interlocal agreement
relating to the establishment and operation of an enhanced 911 emergency
telephone service system. Councilman
Story moved to approve. Councilman
Voiers seconded the motion. A roll call
was given with all voting in favor.
City Attorney Tom MacDonald
reviewed HB 373 regarding abandoned urban property. MacDonald explained that an agency could be set up to control
abandoned urban property. A committee
would make the determination whether a property in question met the
criteria. The property would have to be
vacant at least one year, unfit for use, or infested, or have delinquent taxes
for three years.
Gene Schwartz, Codes Enforcement Officer, could work with
the committee, but could not be a member.
Councilman Story was in favor of an ordinance to address abandoned
property. Councilman Voiers stated that
this would provide a good tool for controlling this problem and moved to pursue
an ordinance regarding this matter. Councilman
Manning seconded the motion. All were
in favor.
Mayor Flanery stated that there
was a vacancy on the EDC Board left by former Councilwoman Sparks. Councilman Haight moved to appoint
Councilwoman Suit to the EDC Board.
Councilman Graham seconded the motion.
All were in favor.
Due to the recent illness of
Police Chief Danny Carpenter, the Safety Committee had nothing to report.
Councilman Story reported on
behalf of the Finance Committee.
Several issues were discussed.
Marketing natural gas was addressed, but the committee had no
recommendations at this time. Story
noted that changes to employee health insurance benefits had created
significant savings to the City. Buying
property insurance through KLC seems to be the best option. The City needs to prepare for buying water
from the GFCRWC. Mayor Flanery stated
that the City would have to pay for the water connection to the new line and is
looking for ways to cut costs.
The Buildings/ Grounds Committee
had nothing to report. A meeting was
scheduled for Tuesday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m.
Mary Jo Litton reported that
Renaissance is now called Renaissance on Main.
There will be a meeting Tuesday, February 22nd at 8:00 a.m.
in Florence. The City will have to
reapply for certification. Renaissance
funds must be tied to job creation.
Litton stated that she had an
architect look at the old Kozy Nook and Helphenstine properties. The architect said the buildings are in good
shape but need to be stabilized as soon as possible. She will send photos of the properties to an engineer for review
at no cost to the City.
Work on the museum is
progressing. She is waiting for budget
approval on the second phase. Another
grant application for streetscape T21 funds had been submitted, but the City was
turned down. The City can reapply for
these funds at a later date.
The Police department had nothing
to report.
Utilities Supervisor Kenny Dearing
stated that the natural gas line in May’s Lick had been extended to the Joel
Segal property, which is being developed.
Set up of the new auto meter reader system will begin February 22nd. There was a major water leak behind Ken’s
New Market.
Councilman Graham reported a
strong gas odor in the Cullen St. area.
Waste Water Supervisor Dale Clary
reported that Sonny Kegley would be off work 1-3 months due to knee
surgery. Other departments were picking
up the slack in his absence. Councilman
Story questioned the status of the treatment for the sewer station near
McDonald’s. Clary stated that the odor
problem had disappeared during the colder weather. If it reoccurs he will treat it.
Clary reported that a gearbox was going out on the primary clarifier. The cost to replace it would be $2,800. Clary reported that his department had no
violations on limits last year.
Councilman Story questioned the status of the 201 study. Mayor Flanery stated that the engineer sent
it to the Division of Water. Councilman
Voiers questioned the procedure for going onto private property. Clary stated that he usually contacts the
owner first, unless it is an emergency.
Public Works Supervisor Jim
Compton reported the following items to be declared as surplus: 1993 Chevy 4
wheel drive, 1994 ½ ton pick up, 1994 Crown Vic police cruiser stripped, a boat
with motor, and a jackhammer.
Councilman Voiers suggested that the old police cruiser be used as a
decoy. Councilman Story moved to
advertise these and any other miscellaneous items as surplus. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Gene Schwartz reported that he was
working on annexation on the Maysville road.
He also has drawings of the streets that need to be widened and will
work with Tommy Carpenter on this matter.
Councilman Story questioned the five-year comprehensive plan. Schwartz stated that the plan would need
major renovation in two years. Mayor
Flanery estimated the cost would be $5,000 - $7,500.
City Clerk Joy Roark presented an
update on delinquent property taxes for the past three years. Roark reported that work would soon begin on
upgrading the City’s website.
Councilman Haight questioned the
status of court day since the Rescue Squad had been disbanded. Mayor Flanery said no one had expressed an
interest. The Rescue Squad stated that
vendors who have prepaid would be refunded. Complaints on the amount of rent for the Fischer Building were
discussed. Mayor Flanery said ways to
lower the rent were being considered as well as a marketing program.
Councilman Story questioned the
status of the parks grant and the Homeland Security grant. Mayor Flanery stated that there had been no
response from the parks grant; the Homeland Security grant would be
resubmitted. Georgianna Sparks has been
appointed to the BTADD area committee formed to bring money into this
area. Story reported complaints from
citizens of police patrolling outside the city limits and questioned the need
for a policy to set limits on the patrolling area. Mayor Flanery commented that there were occasions when City
officers had to patrol outside the city limits. This matter could be addressed internally; an additional policy
would not be necessary. Story
questioned if another police cruiser was going to be purchased this fiscal
year. Mayor Flanery stated that it was
being considered if cash flow was sufficient.
Councilman Graham asked if the
City was going to recognize Black History month. Graham suggested putting an ad in the newspaper and offered to
assist with writing an article.
Mayor Flanery announced that
Founders Day would be April 16th.
There being no further business,
Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Councilman Haight seconded the motion. All were in favor.
______________________________
Louie K. Flanery, Mayor
ATTESTED:
______________________________
Joy Story Roark, City Clerk
Date approved:
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