City of Mt. Washington

Minutes from the Caucus

August 14, 2006

City Hall Annex Building, 186 Branham Way

Mayor Sullivan called the caucus to order at 6:00pm with the following Council members present:  Joetta Calhoun, Sid Griffin, Larry Porter, Ralph Lutes, and Lloyd Dooley.

Also present were City Clerk Christi Franklin, City Attorney Jim Winchell, City Treasurer Peggy Brinkman and Utility Superintendent Ronnie Fick.            

Ruth Chowning from the Bullitt County Extension Office discussed the benefit of walking and biking trails in Bullitt County and discussed some concerns by business owners in the Mt. Washington Business Park.

Steve Henry, representing Future Fund presented a map of the Floyds Fork Park and Trail project and discussed the preliminary plan in Mt. Washington.  He indicated the intent is to use the old road by the fork for a bike and walking trail and an entrance to this would be behind the business park and not in the business park.

Pete Marillia said visitors would still have to come down Landis Lane toward the business park and this is not a place for bicycles due to the large trucks entering the business park. 

Mr. Henry said the City may want to build a bike path to the trail.  Also, the park will be open all the time, similar to Cherokee Park, and parking will be at the bottom of the hill.

Discussion followed between Mr. Henry and the business owners regarding the exact location of the access road to the parking and trail and the topography of the land. 

Several business owners discussed liability issues regarding potential bike and pedestrian traffic around the business park. 

Larry Porter stated he is not opposed to the park and trail, but does have a problem with running traffic through the business park.

Carl Marillia said that inviting people into the business park defeats the purpose of the business park.  Most businesses close at 5:00pm and he discussed the liability concerns if someone comes onto his property.

Jeff Frank, Executive Director of Future Fund, said they already have access to the Day property next to the business park and discussed the preliminary plan. 

Mayor Sullivan said when Future Fund has an actual plan, to come back to the City Council. 

Ruth Chowning asked that design options be brought back to the City and/or to allow the City’s concerns to be brought to the planners.

Mr. Frank said they want to be good neighbors and will coordinate the options and bring it back to the City.

The caucus adjourned at 6:40pm.