There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, June 6th, 2008 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. Also present were Tom MacDonald, City Attorney, Joy Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer, Police Chief Randy Sergent, Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton, Utilities Superintendent Kenny Dearing, Wastewater Superintendent Dale Clary, T. J. Flynn, Tourism, Steve Donovan, EDC, and John Sims Jr., guest. Mayor Louie Flanery presided.

Councilman Manning led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the May 12^th and May 28^th meetings were presented. Councilman Hurst moved to approve. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.

John Sims Jr. addressed Council regarding a contribution of $975 for diving equipment to be shared among the county fire departments. Sims stated that the additional funding was needed for equipment not purchased the previous year. The Fiscal Court had already approved a matching contribution. With this equipment the City and County would each own one complete diving set. Sims stated that currently there were four certified divers; two from Ewing, one from Tilton, and one from Mt. Carmel. The equipment would fit three of the divers and would be stored at the Tilton Fire Dept. with the boat. Chief Sergent commented that Police Officer Recruit Jeremy Meade was also training as a diver and would soon be certified. Mayor Flanery referred the request to the Finance Committee. Councilman Story moved to approve. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. Councilman Voiers asked who coordinates the call out for divers. Sims responded the Emergency Management Director, Duane Price. All were in favor.

T.J. Flynn, Chairman of the Tourism Board, reported that the Covered Bridge Festival budget was running close to $15,000. Last year the Tourism Board lost money primarily due to other fundraisers being down and they would not be having ‘Supper With the Spirits’ this year. Flynn asked the Council to think of ways the City could support tourism. The Board is working on obtaining a 501C status so they will be eligible for grants, but they won’t be approved in time to apply for funding this year. Councilman Story noted that funds have been budgeted for tourism in the coming year’s budget.

Steve Donovan reported on economic development efforts. Donovan noted that the U.S. was loosing industry to other countries such as China, but not all companies could relocate overseas. He is focusing on those companies primarily North of the Ohio River and East of the Mississippi. He is also checking into the possibility of Chinese companies coming to the U.S. and knows of prospects that are looking for smaller facilities such as ours. Hay is being cut at Industrial Park II and the revenues used to keep the front entrance groomed. Donovan stated that people are diversifying their operations throughout the state. There are new groups doing vineyards and dairies making ice cream on site for example. He is exploring options and trying to bring new ideas into this area.

Donovan also reported on a project sponsored by the Elizaville Christian Church for the local youth using the City Park. On occasion the church will supply soft drinks for the youth and the police will administer them to help build a relationship with the young people using the park. Ken’s is donating the ice. Donovan noted that the park is well used and they’ve already supplied soft drinks one Saturday night to around twenty youth.

The second reading of Ordinance No. 6-08-1 regarding compensation of elected officials was presented. Councilman Manning moved to approve. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. A roll call was given with all voting in favor.

The second reading of Ordinance No. 6-08-2 approving the General Fund budget for fiscal year 08-09 was presented. Councilman Hurst moved to approve. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. A roll call was given with all voting in favor.

The second reading of Ordinance No. 6-08-3 approving the Natural Gas, Water and Wastewater budget for fiscal year 08-09 was presented. Councilman Voiers moved to approve. Councilman Story seconded the motion. A roll call was given with all voting in favor.

Tom MacDonald reported that the City should be receiving a new contract from Municipal Gas with the changes requested. He will follow up with them.

Councilman Story reported that the Finance Committee met once to review the proposed budget for the upcoming year. The Committee’s recommendations were discussed at the special meeting May 28th.

Jim Compton reported on the work at the Foxspring Ave. Park. The blacktop has been removed and the ground leveled. The ball goals have also been removed and they hope to lay the wall this week. Once that is done the playground equipment can be put in place. Then the ball court can be redone. Councilman Hurst stated that Judge Foxworthy had agreed for the county to supply the rock. The county has also been hauling away the blacktop, etc. that has been removed.

Councilman Voiers reported that the backboard and rim were loose on one of the goals at the City Park.

Recycling - meet next Monday at 5:00 at City Hall

Ben Moran reported that he had sent letters to property owners regarding weeds and tall grass and had visited businesses with delinquent business licenses. Most have responded. The Maysville Codes department has assisted him when needed. Moran commented that Maysville has a good system and he would like to get Flemingsburg’ working as well. Councilman Voiers suggested that he introduce himself to the community and let them know he’s the person to contact for codes enforcement issues. Danetta Barker said the Fleming Gazette would do a story on him as well.

Jim Compton stated that construction on the new storage building was moving along and may be completed soon. There was a good response to clean up week. He will be looking at City streets soon to make a list for blacktopping, but has not been able to contact H.G. Mays to schedule a time to begin.

Kenny Dearing reported that the company had repainted the water tower on Mills Ave. and finished Friday. Dearing stated that the weather had been better this time and thought it looked like they had done a good job, but it would have to be inspected by an engineer. Dearing was questioned about a water quality report sent to Flemingsburg Utilities customers. Dearing stated that Maysville Utility Commission had a violation last year and, since the City purchases some water from them, all of the City’s water customers had to be notified. It used to be permissible to publish the report in the newspaper, but now they have to send a copy to each customer. Maysville has already taken care of the violation.

Dale Clary reported that his department had been running behind due to the weather, but was catching up. They are working on a sewer line extension on Cherry Grove Road, starting one on the Stockyards Road to the New Life Church of Christ, have a new sewer tap to do on Windsor Drive, one on Country Heights, and a crooked pipe across the creek at Jerry’s Gems that needs to be fixed before it breaks. Clary stated there was plenty of work for his small crew to do.

Mayor Flanery stated that Donnie Brooks had asked permission for his church to hold a tent revival in the ball field area of the City Park. Council discussed the liability issues and the need for a policy on use of city property. Councilman Voiers suggested that the Buildings and Grounds Committee develop a policy. Mayor Flanery stated that the new District Engineer at the State Highway now requires all permits to be in the City’s name for any function using City streets.

Police Chief Sergent reported that he had completed a week of orientation for chiefs. A group of administrators and chiefs from other areas will be coming in to do a survey of the police department at no cost and make recommendations to help the department with the accreditation process, which takes about eighteen months. KLC has a 50/50 safety grant that will become available July 1^st. It can be used to purchase up to $3,000 of ammo and equipment. A letter of approval from the Council is required to apply. Sergent introduced the newest officers to complete the academy; Tyler Rushing (103), Tim Smith (101) and William Thoroughman (102). Recruit Jeremy Meade is in his 5^th week at the academy and Recruit Chris Ingram has just started. Sergent stated that he has been taking the new officers around to local businesses in the community to get acquainted. Sergent also reported on the seatbelt campaign noting that Flemingsburg’s usage overall was 61% and usage by high school students was 72% when the campaign began, but is now up to 80%, which is higher than the state average.

Council discussed on-line classes offered through KLC. Councilman Story expressed interest in the classes for public officials. Several beneficial classes were noted and the cost for each was minimal. Councilman Voiers suggested that an incentive program could be developed to encourage employee participation. Councilman Hurst commented that Fleming-Mason employees are required to take certain on-line classes that pertain to their jobs.

Councilwoman Sparks asked about the light for the City Park shelter area. Mayor Flanery will check on the status with KU.

Councilman Manning asked about the building on E. Water St. that was falling into the creek. Mayor Flanery said the owner has been contacted. He will have the Codes Enforcement Officer to follow up on the matter.

Councilman Voiers questioned the status of the hazmat agreement discussed at the April meeting. Mayor Flanery said he would ask Duane Price to come to the next meeting to address their questions. Voiers asked if the City had a logo. Flanery stated that the bell had been used at one time as a logo for office uniforms. It was suggested that the City have a contest to select a logo. Then have banners made with the logo to display around town. Businesses could be asked to sponsor a banner and put the business name on the banner as advertisement.

The Mainstreet Board had talked about having a free concert one Friday or Saturday per month. Mayor Flanery said one band had offered to perform for free. Councilman Voiers suggested having the concerts once a month June through August. The Tourism Board is willing to help. T.J. Flynn said his business, ‘Doodles’, would stay open during the event and Danetta Barker offered to do advertising. Steve Donovan suggested asking businesses to sponsor the event. Councilman Voiers said the Fire Dept. might want to serve food as a way to give back to the community. Councilman Hurst suggested having open mike night. Mayor Flanery said there are a lot of people willing to help, but someone needs to take charge. Flynn said he would ask the Tourism Board if they’d like to coordinate the event.

Councilman Hurst asked Chief Sergent if he had addressed the loitering problem at the BP on the by-pass. Sergent said his department has dealt with this issue before, but when the time came to prosecute the owners wouldn’t do it. He told the manager that she and the owners would have to sign a statement, then support the police and be willing to prosecute. They have not signed a statement yet.

Danetta Barker asked if anything could be done about people riding lawn mowers on sidewalks. Mayor Flanery referred the matter to Chief Sergent.

There being no further business Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:30. Councilwoman Sparks seconded the motion. All were in favor.

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Louie Flanery, Mayor

ATTESTED:

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Joy Story Roark, City Clerk/Treasurer Date Approved: __________