There was a regular meeting of the Flemingsburg City Council Monday, July 9, 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 Alexander led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the June meetings were presented. Councilman Story noted one correction to the minutes of June 18^th, page 3, paragraph 3: the approved audit amount was $8,750, not $8,500. Councilman Manning moved to approve with the noted correction. Councilman Hurst seconded the motion. All were in favor.

John Sims Jr. addressed council regarding diving equipment for the city and county fire departments. Sims reported that there had been a drowning in the county last month and divers were not equipped to dive. The equipment requested would be used countywide and would be enough for one diver. Total cost would be $1,560 plus $65 for two life jackets. The Fiscal Court agreed to pay half the equipment cost and the cost of one life jacket, a total of $812.50. Sims stated that the equipment would fit anybody. There are currently four certified divers, Sims, Pat Price, Anthony Denton, and Ray Denton. Councilman Story moved to match the county’s contribution to fully equip one diver. Councilman Voiers seconded the motion. All were in favor. Councilwoman Sparks noted that money had not been budgeted for this expense and questioned where the funds would come from. Mayor Flanery stated that contingencies such as this were allowed for in the budget. City Clerk Joy Roark noted that the city had estimated insurance costs through KLC to be much higher than actual after rates were adjusted, which also created excess funds.

City Attorney Tom MacDonald presented a draft of the agreement renewal with Fleming Mason Service.

City Clerk Joy Roark reported that most of the natural gas for the winter fill had been purchased and the City would need to set up a line of credit to pay for the gas. The total amount needed should not exceed $400,000. Councilman Story moved to authorize the mayor and city clerk to set up a line of credit at the Peoples Bank to pay for gas for winter storage. Councilman Alexander seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Councilman Voiers reported on the Enhanced 911 Interlocal Agreement passed a few years ago. Voiers said there were issues involving law enforcement that needed to be addressed. Currently there was a wait time for information that might put officers at risk. Recommended changes would alleviate that. The board was made up of five members, but would now have seven, four would come from law enforcement, two from the county and two from the city, a member from the Fiscal Court, a member from the City, and one member at large. The County has passed a first reading. After the second reading the document would be sent to GOLD for final approval. Tom MacDonald said the document covers all bases and he saw no reason why it would not be approved. Councilwoman Sparks moved to approve the first reading. Councilman Manning seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Finance Committee had nothing to report.

Councilwoman Sparks reported that the Parks Committee had met prior to the council meeting and reviewed the skateboard park equipment quotes. Sparks will contact American Ramp Company with the plans chosen and obtain a final quote. Fencing will need to be installed before delivery of the equipment. One side will be left open for easy installation. Jim Compton was asked to get other quotes on fencing.

Councilman Voiers reported that recycling had come to a stand still and not making much progress. Cost break down reflects about $2,000 per month in expense to the City. The Committee talked about ideas to generate more interest and involvement, house to house contact, and maybe hiring some people or using local organizations to promote the program. Voiers noted that the City of Lexington plans to have zero use of the landfill by 2020. Toyota is already there. The U.S. recycles 32% as a country, KY 21% as a state. The program is costing us now, so we need to contribute more to recycling and less to landfills. Mayor Flanery noted that the city does pick up recyclable cardboard and resale it to cover costs.

Police Chief Randy Sergent reported that he, Officer Paige and Officer Robinson had gone door to door on Ingram Ave., Garr Ave., Crawford Street, and Mc Mullin Ave. to discuss with residents making the streets one-way. Fifty-eight were contacted and twenty-six were not at home. Forty-eight agreed; ten did not. Based on this the Safety Committee proposes that Mc Mullin Ave. and Crawford St. remain two- way and Ingram Ave. and Garr Ave. be made one- way. Ingram Ave. would be accessed from Foxspring Ave. and Garr Ave. could be accessed from E. Main St. with right turns only. Sergent recommended having a public hearing. Mayor Flanery scheduled a special meeting for Monday, July 23^rd at 6:00 p.m. in the City Annex. In addition to a public hearing there will also be a second reading of the E-911 Interlocal Agreement.

Councilman Alexander reported that the committee recommended changing the lights in Indian Fields to future lights for better lighting. Councilman Hurst, an employee of Fleming-Mason Energy, said it would be no problem and the difference in cost would be minimal. Hurst will check with KU about changing to future lights on Crawford St. as well. It was also reported that a light was needed at the entrance of Bill Weaver’s apartment complex on Mt. Sterling Ave. Mayor Flanery stated there was a light at the Methodist Church that was not needed. It was suggested that the light be moved to Mt. Sterling Ave.

Mayor Flanery reported that the city was working on the parking lot behind the museum and the Fischer building trying to move water away from the buildings, adding more parking and landscaping.

City Clerk Joy Roark reported that Penny Stanfield had already started preliminary work on the audit. Councilman Story questioned the purchase of a new truck for Utilities. Roark stated the truck was budgeted for the Water Dept.

Councilman Voiers questioned the status of the Codes Enforcement Board. Codes Enforcement Officer Gene Schwartz reported that they had had two training sessions. Progress on annexation for Industrial Park II was questioned. Mayor Flanery stated that Tommy Carpenter was finalizing the surveying. Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary reported that all easements had been signed on the Cherry Grove Rd. Sewer Project, the surveying was done and everything was ready to be turned in to the State Highway Department.

Chief Sergent reported that Glen Robinson had been hired to work 24-32 hours a week starting June 26^th and it was working out good. He was grand fathered in through the academy. Sergent stated he had gone through all applications for officers and had two potential recruits, but noted that he may lose an officer to the state police, which would create another opening, and asked for permission to re-advertise.

Public Works Superintendent Jim Compton reported that some streets had been blacktopped and patch work done. Employee Gary Roberts, who is a member of the Army Reserves, will be leaving Monday for two weeks of training and expects to be sent for active duty after that.

Utilities Superintendent Kenny Dearing reported that the old reservoir had been treated twice and they were planning to treat it a third time as soon as possible, but didn’t know whether it would help. The reservoir has a lot of chickweed and algae. Councilman Story questioned the gas disconnects on Mills Ave. and Weddle St. Dearing stated they no longer used gas.

Waste Water Superintendent Dale Clary reported that he had been following the work done on the sewer projects by the Thompson Bros. Councilman Voiers noted that Clary had reported two employees attending Land farm School. Clary stated that employees have to be certified to buy sludge and spread it on McCormack’s farm. Training used to be four days, but is now two and employees have to pass a test after training to be certified.

Mayor Flanery reported the next Regional Sewer Project meeting would be Tuesday, July 17^th at 10:00 a.m. in the City Annex.

Councilman Voiers commented that the cars were gone from the Quality Appliance parking lot, but he noticed they were back again. Mayor Flanery said he might have an office established in the city to sell the cars. If so he will be billed for a business license. The Police Chief or Codes Enforcement Officer will visit him if he does not comply.

Mayor Flanery reported that Tom MacDonald was working on a bid advertisement for the sidewalk project. Several people have already expressed an interest in bidding on the project.

Councilman Voiers reported on Legislative updates sponsored by KLC. Two issues addressed were retirement costs and local options on funding. They are looking for ways to address health insurance costs. The KRS board mandates the retirement percentage and the people who pay into retirement have no representation on that board. School personnel don’t contribute as much into the fund because their work year is shorter, so people who work more are subsidizing them. They have some short term and long term to try and help resolve these issues. Local options for funding included a Constitutional Amendment for local governments to have a sales tax. Also tax increment financing, which can be used for new development or re-development.

Councilman Hurst asked Mayor Flanery if he wanted him to proceed with the upgrade to the lighting discussed. There would be a minimal increase in costs. Mayor Flanery agreed. Hurst was advised to check with Bill Weaver before putting a light on his property. If the pole were on the right of way it would be okay to proceed, but if it were on private property he would need permission first.

Councilman Alexander commented that the police were patrolling more and that several people had reported they felt safer.

Councilman Story asked when the bid opening would be for painting the water towers. Mayor Flanery said it had to be advertised two weeks and the bid would be for the Mills Ave. tower only.

Councilwoman Sparks questioned the status of the water problem at Ginn-Masengill property on Foxspring Ave. Dearing stated that no problems had been reported since the last time the lines were flushed.

There being no further business, Councilman Manning moved to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Councilman Hurst 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: ________________