City of Mount Washington
Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting
March 10, 2003
City Hall Annex Building, 186 Branham Way
Mayor Frank Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. with the following Council members present: Sam Beichler, Joetta Calhoun, Lloyd Dooley, Sid Griffin, Ralph Lutes, and Larry Porter.
Also present were City Clerk Christi Franklin, City Treasurer Peggy Brinkman, City Engineer Dave Derrick and City Attorney Joe Wantland.
The invocation was given by Barry Perkins, Minister of Music for Kings Baptist Church.
Mr. Perkins also led the pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes
Ralph Lutes made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 24, 2003 meeting with changes. Joetta Calhoun seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
Resolution
The Council discussed a resolution that solidifies a prior verbal agreement with the State Highway Department stating that the City will make improvements to Bardstown Road at Landis Lane after an additional 20 acres is sold in the business park. Sam Beichler made a motion to pass this resolution regarding road improvements to Bardstown Road. Larry Porter seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously with the “yes” votes for Council Members Joetta Calhoun and Sid Griffin having the provision that the cost of the road improvements come back to the Council.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Sullivan stated that the City paid $8,053 for lighting the baseball fields at the City Park. This is done for the children of the community.
Discussion was led by Mayor Sullivan regarding the utility cut off fee. Sixty two (62) City utility customers were on the list to be cut off last week, which is a fairly typical number each month. The City’s cost per month to handle the cut offs is $265 to $350 not including overtime and equipment. The cut off fee of $30 does not cover the City’s cost to handle the cut offs. Mayor Sullivan recommended raising the cut off fee to $50 and hopes the Council will consider this issue.
Mayor Sullivan reported that Ronnie Fick and Paul Stallings attended a conference that covered safety issues, trenching, and emergency action plans. Also, Chief Oliver and Officer Carter attended classes in domestic violence.
Due to a registration deadline, Mayor Sullivan approved the City to have a booth at Kidsfest, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce on March 22nd. Officer Hockenbury will be performing magic for the kids, and the City will give away water bottles, calendars, and plastic goodie bags. The City will also have information regarding the pavers available.
Joetta Calhoun accepted the appointment of Beautification Chairman by Mayor Sullivan.
City Clerk’s Report
Christi Franklin discussed the alcohol licensing status for the City and what steps would need to be completed to change the status.
Guests to Address the Council
Resident Frank Turner of 152 Oak Run Road, and Chapter President of the AARP updated the Council regarding the dispute over the use of the Senior Citizens Building. He stated that in an effort to resolve the issue, the AARP sent a letter on February 29th to John Settles of the Mt. Washington Senior Citizens Association. To date, the AARP has not received a response. Mr. Turner also thanked the City for the use of the Annex building for Senator Tapp to speak to senior citizens in the City.
Report from the Council
Sid Griffin complemented the police department for their speed control on Lakeview Drive.
Sam Beichler said that the City’s ordinance regarding new development states that the City can charge the applicant a fee for the City Engineer to review the drainage plans. Discussion followed. Joe Wantland would like to explore the options with the City Clerk, City Engineer and the City Council.
Joetta Calhoun asked if all known businesses in the City are paying occupational taxes. Christi Franklin responded that all visible businesses in the City are currently paying occupational taxes. She also updated the Council regarding the issue of Base Court Revenue in the current legislative session. Ms. Calhoun discussed bringing in Ron Crouch from the Kentucky Data Center at the University of Louisville to address the Council regarding demographic information in Mt. Washington to help with long term planning issues. Also, she asked if the City should look into a chamber of commerce for the City only. Mayor Sullivan stated that she should contact Beth Cassity at the Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce, because they are working closely with the cities.
Lloyd Dooley said that the City Park needs to be cleaned up. He also reported that he is working with someone local to possibly make the trash cans for the City for less money than they can be purchased for through a catalog.
Dave Derrick stated that the bids for the Landis Lane Phase II road improvement project will be opened next week and will be reviewed by the Council at the March 24th Council meeting.
Joe Wantland reported that he is working with LG&E regarding the state of their sub station property on Gene Street, including some severe drainage problems. He also reported that the County has asked the cities to pass an ordinance that requires fire hydrants in new developments and assure adequate water for the hydrants. This has been reviewed by the City and Dave Derrick feels that the City’s regulation is more stringent than this proposal, but will meet with the fire department and report back to the Council.
Executive Session
Sam Beichler made a motion to enter into executive session at 7:41 p.m. for the purpose of the future sale of real property and personnel. Ralph Lutes seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Sid Griffin made a motion to reconvene open session at 8:26 p.m. Joetta Calhoun seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Joe Wantland stated the Council gave Sam Beichler directions regarding the future sale of real property.
Adjourn
There being no further business before the Council, Sam Beichler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm. Sid Griffin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.