Minutes: City Council Meeting
January 10, 2011
7:00 PM
The Elkton City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 10, 2011 with Mayor Nancy T. Camp presiding.
City Council members present: Eugene Jefferson; Jimmy Scott; Danny Laster; David Powell; and, Cindy Sidebottom.
City Council members absent: Doug Gibson.
Others present: City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Brock; Utility Superintendent Terry Frogue; Police Chief Bruce Marklin; Brad Powell, Todd County Emergency Management; Joey Wells; and, Jenni Osborne, Todd County Standard.
Mayor Camp called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Danny Laster gave invocation.
After reviewing the minutes of the December 13, 2010 meeting, bills payable and financial reports, Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve. Motion seconded by Mr. Powell and carried unanimously.
Mayor Camp welcomed Joey Wells to the meeting to discuss the extension of sewer to the lot he recently purchased on B. White Road to build a home. Mr. Wells stated he would not object to being in the city limits, but that is not what he anticipated when he purchased the lot. He understands it would be a lot of money to run the sewer line for just one house and would hate the city to spend that much money for him. He just wants to know he is going to have sewer or be accepted for a septic tank. Terry Frogue explained that the health department is beginning to enforce a state law that says if the city believes it is feasible to extend sewer to a customer within a mile of the city then they will deny the septic system permit. If the city decides it is not feasible, then the customer would be allowed to install the septic system. Mr. Frogue stated the city could extend the sewer line on Commerce Street, which has potentially eight more residential and commercial lots and then up B. White Road to Mr. Wells’ home and other potential houses in the area. The engineer’s estimate for this extension is about $48,000. Clerk Brock explained that this project has been added to the KIA 1% interest loan application in case the city desires to complete this project. The application was mailed last Friday. Clerk Brock explained that KIA would review the application and the city’s financial records and could come back with conditions including a rate increase. At this time, the council can review the conditions and decide how much money to borrow and even look at other potential income like raising the sewer tap fee instead of a rate increase. There was discussion from Mr. Powell and Mr. Laster that the city needed to focus on the water loss in the city. There was also discussion that many landowners just outside the city limits basically get the protection of the city police and fire department but do not contribute financially to the city. And, that the city needs to pursue potential growth and sewer service is really one of the only tools for this potential growth. After discussion, Mr. Jefferson motioned to extend the sewer line down Commerce Street to B. White Road and seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom. Voting in favor of the motion were Jefferson and Sidebottom. Voting opposed were Scott, Laster, and Powell. Motion failed.
Clerk Brock informed the council that the bid opening for the West Main Street and Highway 68/80 extensions will be held on January 14th. Mr. Frogue stated we are still waiting on approval of the plans from the Division of Water and the loan application review from KIA in early February, but we will be ready to go with construction as soon as approval from both agencies are received.
Mayor Camp introduced Brad Powell, Todd County Emergency Management Director, and informed the council that he has asked the city to appoint him Emergency Management Director for the city. Mr. Powell explained that in the past he was appointed by the Todd County Judge and worked for the entire county. However, he stated under KRS 39F, the Mayor needs to appoint him Emergency Management Director for the city. He believes this is to help improve communication with the city during emergencies and so that he will work directly for the city in these situations instead of the county. There was concern that the county would ask the city to contribute for his salary, however Mr. Powell spoke with the Judge and some magistrates and they stated they were not interested in pursuing money from the city. The city would also develop an emergency plan with him instead of relying on the county. He invited everyone to attend an Emergency Responders Alliance meeting on February 17th, where a representative from Hemlock will be present to discuss their available resources to help the city and Todd County. There was no decision made by the council regarding the appointment.
Clerk Brock read first reading of Ordinance 2011-1, “AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING PROPERTY OF SHANE HESSEY (TODD CO. FUNERAL HOME) LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF US 68 W (TWO LANE) CONTIGUOUS TO THE PRESENT CITY LIMITS, AND A PORTION OF BECKHAM ROAD ADJOINING THE HESSEY PROPERTY, CONSISTING OF A TOTAL OF 2.398 ACRES INTO THE CITY OF ELKTON, KENTUCKY.” Mr. Scott motioned to adopt after first reading and seconded by Mr. Jefferson. Motion carried unanimously by show of hands.
Mayor Camp reported Todd Rager has resigned from the Recreation Commission. Mr. Powell motioned to accept the resignation and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Camp recommended the appointment of Leona Bockweg to the Planning Commission to fill the term of a vacant position. Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve the recommendation and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Jefferson called for a report from Police Chief Marklin. Mr. Marklin reported department activity in December.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Camp recommended the appointment of Bryan Jones to the Recreation Commission to fill a vacant position. Mr. Scott motioned to accept the recommendation and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Camp reported that Dale Wheeler has resigned from the Planning Commission. Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to accept the resignation and seconded by Mr. Laster and carried unanimously.
Mayor Camp reported that the Elkton Community Alliance is beginning their membership drive. The ECA has agreed to help organize events for the city. Clerk Brock also reported ECA is in discussions to develop a website sponsored by ECA to promote Elkton and Todd County businesses, tourist and historic sites to draw people into Elkton and Todd County. Mayor Camp recommended the city become a member of the Alliance at the platinum level at a cost of $1,000 in return for the ECA organizing events and promoting Elkton. Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to join ECA at cost of $1,000 and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Camp reported that the unemployment rate for Todd County last month was 10.5%, second highest in the Pennyrile Region.
Mr. Laster motioned to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously and meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.