The Flemingsburg City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, March 14, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall.  Council members present were Marty Voiers, Carl Haight, Scott Manning, Meredith Story, and Robbie Graham.  Councilwoman Nancy Suit was absent.  Mayor Louie K. Flanery presided.

 

Councilman Story led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Minutes of the previous were presented.  Councilman Manning moved to approve.  Councilman Graham seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Brian Clark, Rotary Club President, addressed Council regarding a scholarship program the Rotary Club was considering.  Clark stated that the Rotary Club would offer a $500 scholarship to a Fleming County High School student and asked if the City would offer a matching scholarship.  After reviewing the scholarship guidelines, Councilman Story suggested that the recipient be a citizen of the city.  Councilman Graham asked if a council member could be a judge during the selection process.  Councilman Voiers suggested that the name of the scholarship be changed to Flemingsburg/Fleming County Founder’s Day Scholarship.  Clark had no objection to these requests.  Councilman Haight suggested that the matter be referred to the finance committee.  It was noted that the scholarship would be awarded this year on Founder’s Day.  However, the funds would not be disbursed until the new fiscal year.  Clark noted that the scholarship funds would be payable to the school, not the student; and would be refunded if the student did not attend.  Councilman Manning moved that the Council approve whatever the finance committee recommended regarding this matter.  Councilman Haight seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

The following sealed bids were opened and presented to Council by Mayor Flanery:

 

1993 Chevy 4 wheel drive – Thurman Paige $954, Glen Robinson $871.25, Chris Hickerson  $450;

1994 ˝ ton pick up – Glen Robinson $462;

1994 Crown Vic police cruiser – Darrell Compton $100;

Boat with motor and trailer – Charles Alvin Hunt $150, Dennis Masters $76, Glennis Thompson $60, Darrell Compton $25.

 

Mayor Flanery recommended that Public Works Supervisor Jim Compton review these bids and determine whether to accept the highest bid or advertise for rebids.

 

City Attorney Tom MacDonald presented a draft ordinance adopting the provisions of 2004 H.B. 373, which would allow for a higher tax rate on abandoned urban property.  MacDonald reviewed the draft and explained that there were still some revisions needed before the ordinance would be ready for Council’s approval.  He plans to review the draft with Bill Thieland (KLC) and compare it with ordinances from other cities.

 

Mary Jo Litton addressed Council regarding the 2005 Renaissance on Main Certified City application.  Litton reviewed the guidelines and stated that an annual letter of commitment was needed from the City. Upon certification, the City would be eligible to compete for funds for downtown revitalization and development of jobs.  Councilman Haight moved to approve the letter of commitment.  Councilman Story seconded the motion.  All were in favor.  Litton noted that there were no longer levels of certification.  The City had formerly been recognized as Silver Medallion, but will now be designated as a Candidate City and will have to advance to Certified Renaissance on Main City status upon completion of the certification criteria.

 

The Dispatch Committee had nothing to report.  City Attorney Tom MacDonald noted that the Fiscal Court would be having a second reading of the E911 Dispatch ordinance.  From there the ordinance would be sent to the Attorney General for approval.

 

Police Chief Danny Carpenter reported on behalf of the Safety Committee.  A draft of the noise ordinance was presented.  It was noted that the draft was in line with the ordinance used by Maysville and Morehead.  Once the ordinance is passed a board of 3, 5, or 7 members will have to be in place.  The members may or may not be compensated.

 

Councilman Story reported for the Finance Committee.  An Energy Efficiency Program to promote natural gas usage was presented.  Story noted that it was a basic program.  The committee recommended that this program be used for one year on a trial basis.  Changes could be made later if needed.  Councilman Haight moved to adopt the Energy Efficiency Program.  Councilman Graham seconded the motion.  Councilman Story noted that gas logs would be added to the list with a $50 incentive; and also clarified that a City Utility employee would do the home inspection.  All were in favor.

 

Councilman Story presented the Committee’s recommendation for renewal of the City’s health insurance.  Two plans through United Healthcare would be offered, an upgrade and a basic.  The City would pay 100% of the single basic plan and 80% of the single upgrade plan plus 65% of additional coverage for either plan.  Story noted that insurance rates had increased 20% and total costs to the City would be an additional $20,000 per year.  Councilman Story moved to approve these plans.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

City Clerk Joy Roark addressed Council on behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.  Roark stated that the Committee had been considering the City’s buildings and the best use for the space.  Recommendations were to move City Hall to the Depot building, which would allow for a drive-through window to accommodate customers; move the Police Department downstairs in the current City Hall building, which would meet one of the requirements for accreditation; and move the Council Chamber to the Newman building, which would accommodate more people.  Councilman Story noted that the Newman building is handicapped accessible, has a front and rear exit, and has good parking.  Mayor Flanery stated that the Police Department would receive a 10% discount on liability insurance if they were accredited.  Both buildings are in need of some maintenance, but funds had been included in the budget for these repairs and costs to the City would not be significant.  Councilman Story moved to approve these recommendations.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Mary Jo Litton reported that the first phase of the Museum project was 80% complete.  The Covered Bridge Festival will be held at the RECC outside the city limits.  Litton noted that the festival would not be held in the city limits because vendors could not afford to pay the $25 license fee.

 

Utilities Superintendent Kenny Dearing reported a potential line extension out the Strodes Run Road.  The GFCRWC has made the line tap on the new line at Palm Harbor.

 

Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary stated that there would be a public hearing March 31st on the 201 Study.  Mayor Flanery noted that there would be

$165,000 in the state budget for the sewer extension on Cherry Grove Road and $100,000 for the lift station.

 

Councilman Haight questioned if anyone had expressed an interest in court day.  Concerns were expressed over confidentiality regarding the net profit tax.  Haight reported complaints of a vicious dog on Garr Avenue.  Mayor Flanery stated that no one had shown an interest in court day.  The City Clerk will be the only one with access to the net profit tax information.  Other complaints about a vicious dog on Garr Avenue had already been reported.  Residents complained of the dog being loose.  However, the owner keeps the dog in a pen and on a leash, which is within the law.

 

Councilman Manning questioned when surveying work could be done on Highland and Crest Avenue.  Codes Enforcement Office Gene Schwartz stated that the work could begin soon.

 

Councilman Graham reported a complaint from Glenda Potts of Cullen Street stating that people were using her yard as a turn about.  The street is a dead end.  Police Chief Danny Carpenter suggested putting up a “no turn around” sign.

 

Mayor Flanery stated that Jim Compton was building the bridge, which will go behind the Strawberry Methodist Church.  The costs will be paid from FEMA funds.

 

Councilman Haight moved to go into executive session on a personnel matter at 8:55 p.m.  Councilman Manning seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Councilman Story moved to go out of executive session at 9:08 p.m.  Councilman Haight seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

No action was taken.  There being no further business, Councilman Manning moved to adjourn.  Councilman Haight seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

 

 

                                                                        ____________________________

                                                                                 Louie K. Flanery, Mayor

 

 

 

ATTESTED:

 

 

 

___________________________

Joy Story Roark, City Clerk

 

 

 

Date Approved:  _____________