City of Mount Washington
Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting
May 12, 2003
City Hall Annex Building, 186 Branham Way
Mayor Frank Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:40 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 Rodney Burress.
The invocation was given by Larry Porter.
Larry Porter also led the pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Sullivan announced that the ordinance regarding liquor by the drink in restaurants will not be discussed until the Council has time to review the information discussed at the caucus. Sid Griffin made a motion to table the first reading of the ordinance regarding liquor by the drink in restaurants. Due to the fact the ordinance is not on the agenda, the motion did not receive a second, and was withdrawn.
Rick Clements and Terry Sollberger were presented with certificates of commendation for their work in the City Park. Gail Clements was given a certificate of appreciation for her work in the concession stand. Mayor Sullivan thanked them all for their service to the City.
Minutes
Joetta Calhoun made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 28, 2003 meeting as written. Ralph Lutes seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
The Council reviewed a request by the police department to move $43,000 from salaries to capital to purchase two new police cruisers. Chief Oliver addressed the Council regarding the age and state of repair of the vehicles in the current fleet. Sid Griffin made a motion to approve the request and move $43,000 from salaries to capital to purchase two new police cruisers. Larry Porter seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
Ordinances
The Council held second reading of an ordinance proposing annexation of the Ed Berger property consisting of 40 acres located on Bethel Church Road. Larry Porter made a motion to pass the ordinance annexing the Ed Berger property. Sam Beichler seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
The Council held first reading on an ordinance annexing the tract 3 of the Frank Cornell property consisting of 79.553 acres located on Kentucky 660.
Sid Griffin made a motion to table the second reading of the ordinance annexing the Thomas Givhan property consisting of 243.501 acres located off Bogard Lane. Sam Beichler seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Sullivan thanked Joetta Calhoun for her work on the beautification committee. He also stated that after the recent heavy rains, they City has not received any complaints on Winchester regarding sewer issues.
Guests to Address the Council
Brother Mark Wilson said he felt that based on the discussion that took place with the State Alcohol Beverage Control at the caucus, there is no need for the Council to pass an ordinance regarding liquor by the drink in restaurants. The community should make that decision.
Diane Burgin of 977 Waterford Road stated her opposition of the City developing a park on 25 of the 79.553 acres donated by Frank Cornell.
Joyce Herth of 360 Forrest Hill Drive stated her opposition of the City developing a park on 25 of the 79.553 acres donated by Frank Cornell.
Bill Thixton asked the Council to use a speaker system at any future caucuses.
David Echsner of 121 Oak Leaf Court stated that if the Council would pass an ordinance allowing liquor by the drink in restaurants that would eliminate a majority of the people that would sign a petition that could place this issue on the ballot.
Report from the Council
Sid Griffin would like the public to design a flag, either by a contest or another means. He also stated his dissatisfaction with the enforcement of the high grass and weeds ordinance. In addition, he reported that a resident is constantly burning trash on Lakeview Drive. Discussion followed. He asked the police department to increase patrols for speeding on Lakeview Drive. Sid Griffin made a motion to have another Council meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 in lieu of the cancelled meeting on Monday, May 26, 2003 due to Memorial Day. Motion failed for the lack of a second.
Ralph Lutes stated his gratitude to the people in attendance that are opposing the liquor by the drink in restaurants issue.
Lloyd Dooley asked if curbs should be placed around the City Plaza next to the churches. Brent Wheeler stated that the City could never reach an agreement with both churches.
Joetta Calhoun asked if the City could adopt a different procedure to read the ordinances instead of reading them out loud to the Council and audience. Rodney Burress stated that the ordinances could be read aloud quietly in another part of the room for anyone who wishes to hear the reading. She also thanked Frank Cornell for donating 25 acres for the new park.
Sam Beichler reported that KIPDA will be holding a meeting on May 29th at Bullitt County Fiscal Court to discuss widening Highway 44 from Preston Street to the 31 By-pass to include turn lanes at major intersections. The 10:00am meeting is for public officials and the 1:00pm meeting is open to the public.
Larry Porter thanked the City, police department, and all volunteers that helped to make the Spring Festival a success. He also said that the information given at the caucus was very informative and thanked the community for their patience.
Larry Porter made a motion to enter into executive session at 7:47pm for the purpose of the sale of land and pending litigation. Sam Beichler seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
Sid Griffin made a motion to reconvene at 8:30pm. Sam Beichler seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
Rodney Burress reported that no action was taken as a result of the executive session.
Sam Beichler asked what the procedure is for handling petitions. Discussion followed.
Adjourn
There being no further business before the Council, Larry Porter made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35pm. Sam Beichler seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.