CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Don Kirby called the Regular Business Meeting of the Union City Commission to order at 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2005.
Present: Mayor Don
Kirby and City Commissioners: Gary McCormick, Wayne McClellan, Greg T.
Lloyd. Absent: Warren Moore. Also
present were Greg D. Voss (City Attorney),
Kathy Porter (City Clerk/Treasurer)
and Barry Burke (City Engineer).
Visitors signing the
attendance list were: Carrie Depue, Janet Beck and David Whithouse.
MINUTES:
After reviewing the
past minutes presented, Mayor Kirby asked for comments or corrections. Mr.
McClellan moved to dispense with reading of the minutes and accept as
presented. Mr. Lloyd seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Mr. McCormick moved
to accept the Treasurer's Report as of March 31, 2005 as presented. Mr. McClellan seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
BILLS FOR PAYMENT:
The bills for payment
were reviewed. Mr. McClellan made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Dr.
Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
Kevin Costello,
Executive Director of the Boone County Planning Commission, introduced David
Whitehouse, the new Boone County Parks Director. Mr. Costello presented the U.S. 42 Landscape
Master Plan, which he stated he was pleased to announce the adoption of by the
Boone County Urban Forest Commission.
Mr. Costello drew attention to the three (3) overall zones within the
study area, which were the Central Zone where the city building is located, the
Northern Zone, which is the transition zone, and the Southern Zone, which
includes the Ryle Campus. The most
important points Mr. Costello wanted to communicate were (1) this will take
some time to implement and (2) it will involve a partnership between the
private sector and the city (perhaps the county, also). The Urban Forest Commission did a strategic
plan where they identified certain corridors in
Mr. Costello pointed
out that with all the landscaping features, the total estimated cost for the
project, which is almost three (3) miles in length, will range between $1-1.5
million. He thinks this figure is rather
high, but once the bidding process is prioritized, the numbers should be lower.
Mayor Kirby asked if
any recommendations were made as to the priority of the phases of the work. Mr.
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– April 11, 2005 – Page 2
Costello stated that
the Northern Zone would be the critical area.
Mr. McClellan stated
that on the north end, we are locked in.
We are asking Dr. Wright to come into the city, which is opposite Ryle
High School. Mr. McClellan suggested
that we might be able to do a temporary city sign near the Presbyterian Church
and the connector to Old Union Road.
Mayor Kirby made reference to the triangle on the north side, in working
in a monument with the new city logo as a way of presenting the city. Mr. Costello stated that he could recommend
someone to assist with designing the new logo; in the meantime, he would have
the Boone County Public Works Department proceed with temporary signage.
Mayor Kirby stated
that it would be appropriate to have a sign on Mt. Zion Road, as you cross over
the Gunpowder Bridge. Mr. Costello also stated that there is a piece of land
near the Wright property which is state owned that would be a great site for
the city to acquire for a sign; perhaps discuss this with the state.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mr. McClellan discussed the two (2) proposals
for sealing the parking lot and cemetery road.
He also mentioned the deterioration of the entry to the city parking lot
where cars have cut short the turns, causing holes that hold water. He has asked the city clerk to add these
repairs to the sealing contract, which would include digging out the area,
adding six (6) inches of asphalt, widening and sealing.
There was a $5.00 difference between the two
companies that submitted proposals, Hatton Blacktop Maintenance and Len Riegler
Blacktop, Inc. Since we have not had
experience with Hatton Blacktop in the past, Mr. McClellan recommended that the
city accept the proposal of Len Riegler Blacktop. Mr. McClellan made a motion to accept the bid
of Len Riegler Blacktop. Mr. McCormick
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
CITY ENGINEER REPORT:
Mr. Burke’s monthly report had been given to Commissioners and he
discussed and improvised on several items:
Mr. Burke stated that Item #12 and Item #18
appear another place in the agenda and will be discussed later. Mr. Burke asked if anyone had questions that
needed to be answered. In response, Dr.
Lloyd stated that he would like to provide information regarding the retention
pond in Union Village. He had a conversation approximately a month ago with a
homeowner about getting this issue resolved.
From the reports, Dr. Lloyd believes that the homeowners and the City of
Union are not on the same page. The city expects that the homeowners will bear
some of the cost of the repairs. They feel they have been wronged, not by the
city but by the retail developers because this retention pond is servicing a
lot of areas other than their subdivision, yet the burden of further
maintenance will fall to the homeowners themselves, although they will not let
that happen. This will go to court
because the homeowners are unwilling to contribute any funds toward this
project. With input from City Attorney, it was acknowledged that the city and
county have provided a lot of assistance concerning this project; however, the
next steps (i.e., a closer disposal site for the muck, costs, partnering, etc.)
may have to be provided by others. Litigation may be necessary.
Mayor Kirby asked Mr. Burke to do a quick overview of Item #18
– The Littlest Angels Learning Center.
The city board of adjustment, county planning commission and building
inspector have approved a Site Regular Business Meeting of Union City
Commission
Minutes – April 11, 2005 – Page 3
Plan for the construction of a new building addition. Final approval by the State Fire Marshall is
pending.
As understood, based upon the size of the new building and the number
of children, an internal sprinkler system is not required. Further, since the
project is not covered by the county’s subdivision regulations, the spacing of
fire hydrants may not be applicable. Mr. Burke stated that the focus here is
actually fire protection. Chief Michael
Morgan had some good suggestions in terms of improving the fire protection, in
relation to location of fire hydrants without having to extend fire hoses
across Mt. Zion Road. We are also
speaking in terms of interior fire protection in the form of sprinkler systems
as well. The fire department has a
concern that the hydrants are a bit far away along Mt. Zion Road; Mr. Burke has
measured the distance and it is roughly 520 feet. Mr. Burke suggested that it would be
practical for the highway department to give permits for a line to go
underneath Mt. Zion Road and position a new hydrant on the other side of the
road. He has also spoken to the Boone
County Water Commission about the matter and they are of the opinion that a
commercial meter would be required, the cost of which was estimated at
$6000-$7,000, for a private fire line, plus $350 month for the meter. Another option is to consider the fire
department accessing the property from the rear, which would require a private
water main to be extended to a hydrant that would be a private system. Another option considered would be an
interior sprinkler system, which would still cost $350 a month for the meter
and duration. However, in spite of all
the suggested improvements, which should be applauded, the bottom line gets
back to the Center’s internal ability to get the children out of the buildings,
the primary factor in child safety.
Ms. Janet Beck, the owner, stated that Chief Morgan’s recommendation
was for the Center to put a fire hydrant in the front corner of the building,
at their expense. They would be willing
to do this, but the problem would be that, according to Boone County Water, if
it were on private property, they would not maintain it. This is where the $350/month fee comes in for
commercial meter. Having heard all of
the discussion, the city commission concurred that the extra costs may exceed
the benefits and chose to defer any action to the State Fire Marshall, where
final plans are pending. At the end of this discussion, Ms. Beck, in all due
respects to the Fire Department and child safety, complimented the thoroughness
with which Mr. Burke presented the Center and fire protection issues.
In response to Mayor Kirby’s inquiry as to any other major issues in
regards to the city’s infrastructure or the Town Plan, Dr. Lloyd had a question
concerning issues pertaining to the Raycon or Racon Condominium Development and
sewerage treatment availability. His
concern was, once they complete the new plan, is the city going to be
restricted as to how much capacity we are allowed. Mayor Kirby replied, “yes, unless agreements
dictate otherwise.” Mr. Burke stated that Sanitation District #1’s Western
Regional plant is due to be completed in 2010 or later.
PLANNING & ZONING:
Mr. Randy Barlow,
Planning & Zoning Representative, was not present.
OLD BUSINESS:
Second reading of ORDINANCE NO. 2005-003 – AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ORDERLY
SUCCESSION OF OFFICE OF MAYOR IN THE EVENT OF THE ABSENCE OR DISABILITY OF THE
MAYOR. Mr. McClellan made a motion to approve the Ordinance and
Dr. Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
Minutes
– April 11, 2005 – Page 4
NEW BUSINESS:
First reading of ORDINANCE
NO. 2005-004 - AN ORDINANCE
ESTABLISHING AN AD VALOREM TAX RATE OF $0.75 PER $100.00 OF ASSESSED VALUE FOR
ABANDONED URBAN PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY. Mr. McCormick made a motion to
approve the Ordinance and Mr. McClellan seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Mayor Kirby stated that there were two young men who had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, being Kevin Yates and Robert Feather. The parents had asked for a letter or certificate from the city, acknowledging their achievement. They were not present but Mayor Kirby read the Proclamation, with plans to contact the families to see if they would like to attend the next city business meeting.
Mr. Burke opened discussion on the Landscape/Mowing Services. The bid opening was Thursday, April 7, 2005. A total of six (6) bids were read aloud – Ground Masters, Adams Landscaping & Lawn Care, Spillman Lawn Care LLC, Affordable Lawn Care, Baker Mowing Service and Clip “N” Grass. The bids ranged from a low figure of $28,755 by Affordable Lawn Care to a high bid of $79,740 by Baker Mowing Service. There was some concern about the extremely low bid by Affordable Lawn Care as well as the fact that they did not submit other required documents, such as Occupational License, Liability Insurance, and duplicate forms, a necessary qualifier. The second lowest bidder was Spillman Lawn Care LLC, who had been the contractor for the previous two (2) years. Mr. Burke suggested, and with input from city attorney regarding qualifications, the city commission agreed to accepting Spillman Lawn Care again, because of their reliability and service.
Mayor Kirby stated that everyone had been comfortable with Spillman in the past, and his total bid was reasonable. Mr. McClellan made a motion to award the contract to Spillman Lawn Care. Dr. Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Mayor Kirby read RESOLUTION NO. 2005-005 – A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF SPILLMAN LAWNCARE TO PROVIDE LANDSCAPE/MOWING SERVICES IN THE CITY OF UNION COMMENCING APRIL 11, 2005 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH SPILLMAN LAWNCARE.
David Whitehouse, Director of Boone County Parks and Recreation, who is new to this position, introduced himself and spoke briefly. He is originally from Georgetown, but had been employed in Memphis, Tennessee, for the past five (5) years. He offered to be of whatever assistance he could to the city. He also stated that the parks department might offer soccer events in the future at Big Bone State Park. They will oversee the boat ramp as well.
ADJOURNMENT:
No further business
came before the Commission. Dr. Lloyd moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10
p.m. Mr. McCormick seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
Minutes
– April 11, 2005 – Page 5
Signed this 9th
day of May 2005.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_____________________ _______________________________
Don Kirby, Mayor Kathy Porter, City Clerk/Treasurer