City of Mount Washington

Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting

February 12, 2007

City Hall Annex Building, 186 Branham Way

 

Mayor Calhoun called the meeting to order at 6:30pm with the following Council members present:  Lloyd Dooley, Greg Gentry, Gary Lawson, Emily Rucker, Brent Wheeler and Barry Armstrong.

 

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

 

Gary Lawson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Mayor Calhoun asked those present to take a moment to reflect according to their own beliefs.

 

Minutes

Christi Franklin read the minutes of the January 22, 2007 Council meeting.  Brent Wheeler made a motion to approve the minutes as written.  Barry Armstrong seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

 

Police Report

Chief Hockenbury presented the police report for January 2007 and answered questions from the Council. 

 

Property and Liability Insurance Bids

Christi Franklin stated the property and liability bids received are as follows:  St. Paul $81,247 and the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) $122,220.  Melinda Lewis from Public Entity Insurance representing both bidders discussed the bids and answered questions from the Council.  Barry Armstrong made a motion to accept the bid from St. Paul of $81,247.  Emily Rucker seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.

 

Wholesale Water Rate Increase

Bob Miller, Treasurer for the Louisville Water Company, discussed the proposed wholesale water rate increase of 4.9% effective May 1, 2007 and the key drivers for the increase.  He estimates the increase for 2008 to be no more than 6.4% and answered questions from the Council.  Mr. Miller also offered to come back and discuss the details of their rate making process and answer any other questions regarding that process.

 

Ordinances

Annexation of Harrod Property

Lloyd Dooley introduced and the Council held first reading of an ordinance annexing 2.903 acres, known as the Darrell and Sandy Harrod property located at 8206 Highway 44E.  Brent Wheeler made a motion to allow the ordinance to be read and published in summary format as prepared by the City Attorney.  Greg Gentry seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.    Darrell Harrod, property owner and owner of Showtime Cars, said he requests annexation because he will have muscle and antique cars on his lot and would like to have the police services and would like to be more involved with the City from a business aspect.  He answered questions from the Council and discussion followed.

 

 

Annexation of Deweese Property

Barry Armstrong introduced and the Council held first reading of an ordinance annexing one lot containing 1.5 acres, known as the Garry M. and Cheryl Deweese property located on Barbara Sue.  Brent Wheeler made a motion to allow the ordinance to be read and published in summary format as prepared by the City Attorney.  Barry Armstrong seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.  Christi Franklin explained the reasons for the annexation request.  Discussion followed.  Brent Wheeler made a motion to table the first reading of the ordinance until the next meeting because the applicant was not present to answer questions and asked that the applicant be notified to attend the next meeting.  Lloyd Dooley seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.

 

Code of Ordinance Supplement

Greg Gentry introduced and the Council held first reading of an ordinance enacting and adopting a supplement to the Code of Ordinances.  Christi Franklin said she reviewed the supplement and stated it is correct.

 

Exotic Animals

The Council discussed an ordinance regulating the keeping or exhibiting of wild, exotic, venomous or poisonous creatures with the City of Mt. Washington.  Jim Winchell discussed the draft ordinance before the Council.  Discussion followed.  Several members of the audience made comments and discussed their concerns about the ordinance.  Mayor Calhoun asked if the Council had any interest in pursuing this ordinance further.  Further discussion followed and several members of the Council were hesitant to pursue this ordinance.  Jim Winchell said if a Council member wants to sponsor an ordinance, to contact him and he will prepare it.

 

Guests to Address Council

Eric Hayden, 9050 Highway 44E, discussed a drainage ditch that adjoins his property and Greg Lambright’s property (Lambright’s Body Shop).  The ditch is approximately eight (8) feet off from the location approved by the City Engineer and is causing his parking lot to wash away when it rains hard.  He wanted to know what can be done to move the ditch or to see what steps he needs to take to fix this.  Dave Derrick reviewed the plan with Mr. Hayden.  Discussion followed.  Mr. Hayden will contact the developer.

 

Roger Kersey, 631 Flatlick Road, addressed the ongoing speeding on Flatlick Road by his house.  He asked for police presence on Flatlick Road.  Chief Hockenbury said that will be done.

 

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Calhoun gave an update on the financial situation and said she and Peggy Brinkman have been working on ways to balance the budget prior to June 30th.  She outlined steps that have been taken in the City and water and sewer budgets.  The mayor also discussed a grant to receive body armor.  Discussion followed. 

 

Ronnie Fick reported that he will meet with the State next week regarding the guard rail at Todd and Old Bardstown Road.

 

Adjourn

Brent Wheeler made a motion to adjourn at 7:37pm.  Barry Armstrong seconded the motion.  Motion carried.