CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY

Regular Business Meeting

MINUTES

Monday, July 11, 2005

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Don Kirby called the Regular Business Meeting of the Union City Commission to order at 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2005.

 

Present: Mayor Don Kirby and City Commissioners: Wayne McClellan, Greg T. Lloyd and Warren Moore.  Absent: Gary McCormick. Also present were Tom Miller representing Greg D. Voss (City Attorney), Kathy Porter (City Clerk/Treasurer) and Barry Burke (City Engineer).

 

Visitors signing the attendance list were: Joe Jones, Charlotte Woodward, Jeff Wallace, Larry Webster, Sherman Collins, Mike Trout, Karen & Steve Rymers, Barry & Sandy Schuster, Gregory Cheeks, Sean & Rani Peffer, and Jim & Judy Adams.

 

MINUTES:

Mr. McClellan made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Moore seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:

Dr. Lloyd moved to accept the Treasurer's Report as of June 30, 2005 as presented.  Mr. Moore seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

BILLS FOR PAYMENT:

The bills for payment were reviewed. Mr. Moore made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Dr. Lloyd seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

Mayor Kirby read an email from Roberto Henriquez, President of Center Stage Players, Inc. that is a community theatre that has been operating in Boone County for over a decade. They have done most of their productions at Ryle High School and the Florence Government Center. In his email, Mr. Henriquez stated that he was contacting the Mayor because they are looking to establish a permanent home for their theatre troupe. Their Board of Directors have expressed an interest in possibly establishing their home within the City of Union. This would become the first permanent live theatre in Boone County. They would like to open a dialogue with the city to discuss options and possible support for this venture. Mayor Kirby responded to Mr. Henriquez and invited him to attend the August 8 business meeting to talk more about what he has in mind.

Mayor Kirby acknowledged those in attendance and stated that he would proceed to address the issues those in the audience had come to discuss, which was Dr. Wright’s property, on the corner of U.S. 42 and Frogtown Road.  Mayor Kirby stated that he received some correspondence, which he will address at next month’s meeting. We have been asked to delay the annexation for another month in order for Dr. Wright to have his attorney to check into some matters as well as the fact that our regular city attorney was not in attendance.  At next month’s meeting, the commission will address both the zoning and the annexation issues.

 

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At this point, Mayor Kirby read a statement pertaining to the Wright property. This was done in hopes that the points he made would clear up some misconceptions; he wanted to make sure that we all are on the same playing field, so that others would understand where we are coming from, our motives, and make sure that we are not being calculating, or have intentions of hurting anyone.  After reading the statement, Mayor Kirby asked if the commission had anything to add, which they did not.

Mayor Kirby asked who in the audience would like to speak, at which time they would be given one (1) minute to make their statements. The first to speak was Jeff Wallace, who lives on Sedco Drive. He asked if Dr. Wright meets certain requirements, would Union annex the property.  Mayor Kirby clarified that the city wants to annex the property regardless of the zoning, that we have had one reading to annex the property.

Dr. Lloyd commented that the commission would like to see Union enlarged, not for the purpose of turning it into something other than what the Town Plan states, but when property changes hands, if it already borders the city line, we approach the owner to bring that property into the city.

Mr. Wallace stated that he has no problem with the annexation; he has a problem with the zoning.

Mr. Moore stated that in previous years, he had been asked numerous times the advantages of being in the City of Union; he has responded not much from the standpoint of infrastructure; what it does give is local control of zoning, which is a big thing.

Dr. Lloyd interjected that the Planning Commission decision was made solely on the facts and had nothing to do with the public input.

Mayor Kirby reinforced the fact that if the Planning Commission had been wholehearted behind this issue, there would not be an issue here. Some may not like it, but if they voted for it, we would back them on it. Mr. Wallace asked is it a technicality since Planning has voted against the rezoning; Mayor Kirby stated that he has serious concerns about overturning Planning. We did not see the final plan in front of the commission – we saw some of the preliminary and liked what was seen. At that point, we did not know what a lot of the concerns with Planning would be on that. We rely on them because they are our agent.

Mr. McClellan stressed the fact that when the Union Town Plan was done, he was an originator, along with twenty (20) other residents of the city.  We govern the City of Union and plan the city. There were other areas that fell within the Union Town Plan overlay, which was county area. We did not govern those. The county governed those within our plan. When the Union Town Plan was done in 2000, we had nothing but calls for commercial – every property owner that owned property anywhere near the road, or the old road, wanted commercial. We limited commercial to the center, the heavy commercial; on the end, both top and bottom, we allowed for some commercial and some residential. We did not get presented the plan that Dr. Wright gave to Planning and Zoning. He has not presented a plan to the city as a whole so we do not know what his plan is. Mr. McClellan stated that he would not upgrade his plan until he knows what Dr. Wright’s plan is. He stated that we have only seen a preliminary plan, and understands that from the original plan to where he is now, Dr. Wright has altered the plan tremendously. The City of Union will annex that territory because we need to protect ourselves as a city. At that time, the city will take a

 

 

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look at what Dr. Wright has and the city will decide. Right now, we have not had any input because it is not in the City of Union.

Shawn Peffer, from Pavalion Court, also spoke about his concern regarding the rezoning.

Barry Schuster expressed his reservations about the Wright project. He had suggested in an email to the Mayor that it did not seem to him that this particular development was in concert with the Union Town Plan, that in regard to density, the plan is not in agreement. He stated that the plans for 38 duplexes tend to reduce the property value of every family landowner, not only in the City of Union but all the community.

Dr. Wright spoke in reference to the type of structures that would be going up on his property, such as the $350,000 patio homes, as well as the 64 homes, with 1486-1890 square feet, with a cost of roughly $190,000-$210,000. As far a utilization of ground, this development will be only one of a few in Boone County that has more green space than hard surface. Dr. Wright stated that after he was turned down by Boone County, the county has since called to say that his project is one of the best they have seen in the last few years. Dr. Wright also stated that he now has the promise of sewers in writing. As far as motive, Dr. Wright stated that he has no agreement with the City of Union in any way. He also stated that it is not his intent to hurt anyone’s property value.

At this point, guest Sherri Collins asked Dr. Wright about his ownership of property in Richwood, and why he does not develop that property.  Dr. Wright stated that the location was too far out. Ms. Collins is against duplexes in her backyard. Mr. McClellan explained to her that where her development now is was once a beautiful horse farm and residents said at that time that that development would ruin the neighborhood; now this neighborhood is complaining about Dr. Wright’s development ruining the neighborhood. Ms. Collins stated that she has nothing personal against Dr. Wright or his development; she just does not want duplexes in her neighborhood.

 

CITY ENGINEER REPORT:

Mr. Burke’s monthly report had been given to Commissioners and he discussed and improvised on several items:

 

Item # 1 – Mr. Burke addressed the resurfacing in Gunpowder Greens Subdivision. There is a contract with Bluegrass Paving but construction is pending.

 

Item # 2 – Mr. Burke stated that Barrett Paving Materials has a contract for resurfacing of Whispering Trail. The problem with Eaton Asphalt not wanting to do the milling has moved us in the direction where we can see a savings for the repaving by the same contractor that is going to do Gunpowder Greens. 

 

Item # 8 – Mr. Burke stated that the Nantz property sanitary sewer project is complete. Heavy rains have caused the property to be reseeded a couple of times. At this point he feels comfortable that the work is all done, but recommended when invoiced paying Benchmark Excavating 90%, and hold 10% back, in the event the seed does not germinate, thus a need to have Benchmark return for reseeding.

 

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Items # 9 – Mr. Burke stated that the Storm Sewer Inlet catch basin along Double Eagle Drive has been

completed.  He recommended 100% payment when invoiced to JPS Construction.

 

Item # 12 – The trench drain issue has been completed at the intersection of Mt. Zion Road and Hempsteade Drive. Mr. Burke’s final inspection indicated that the work was acceptable, in that the re-enforcement and use of higher strength concrete would inhibit excessive cracking. When the invoice is submitted, it will be looked at in more detail, to measure against the actual work performed.

 

Item # 15 – Mr. Burke addressed the Whispering Trail open drainage structure problem. JPS Construction was approved to do the work not to exceed $5,600.00 for putting some low flow 2-3 foot wide concrete channels in. Specifications were forwarded to the contractor for acceptance. The agreement was faxed to the city attorney for a contract.  Upon completion of the contract, the work will begin.

 

Item # 17 – Mr. Burke has been in contact with Jack Hunt concerning the street under-drainage problem along Sycamore Drive West. Trademark Plumbing has completed the repairs and Mr. Burke recommended that the invoice for $2,250.00 be paid.

 

Item # 19 – Mr. Burke reviewed the Concept Development Plan for the Racon Development. The public hearing is upcoming for the 78 condominiums. Mr. Burke forwarded his comments to the Planning Commission for that public hearing.

 

Item # 21 – Mr. Burke addressed the issue of replacement fencing for Lassing Green. He has spoken with Thomas Jones’ representative, who indicated that Tom Schreiber would obtain estimates from Mills Fencing to replace the approximately 250 feet of fence that was taken out as the result of the widening of U.S. 42.  Mr. Burke has reviewed the letters and it has been indicated that the work would be done shortly to restore it to the way it was.

 

Item # 26 – In reference to the complaints from Hempsteade Drive residents regarding the safety fence area on a 72-inch storm sewer had collapsed. Mr. Burke stated that Spillman Landscaping had been contacted to inspect the situation and clear out the debris.

 

Item # 27 – Mr. Burke addressed the issue of an inventory of certain streets within Hempsteade Subdivision, as requested by the Homeowners Association.  From a conservative approach, it appears that we are ready to get some cost estimates for that portion of Hempsteade, from Mt. Zion all the way back past the entrance to the pools where concrete begins. The other portion is at the intersection of Burleigh Lane where it comes off of Hempsteade. The other areas are on Hempsteade, both north and south of the intersection with Bayswater Drive.

 

Item # 4   Union Sewage Plant Agreement. Mrrs. McClellan, Voss and Burke met with developers and Sanitation District #1 staff and presented an update on sanitary sewerage plans.  Mayor Kirby stated that we should not delay the plan anymore – that we need to get things rolling.

 

Item # 6Union Village Pond. Mayor Kirby opened discussion on the Union Village Pond. Mr. Burke stated that there was another meeting with the Planning Commission and several of the partners showed up. Mr. Voss also attended, as well as Krogers. Mr. Grammas was not present due to the fact that he was in route to Greece. However, before Mr. Grammas left, he indicated that he was more than willing to

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enable the hauler who ever that turned out to be, to utilize his commercial property alongside the west side of U.S. 42 and north of Mt. Zion Road. Per Mr. Burke, Kevin Costello had oral commitment from Mr. Grammas to use his property; we do not have anything yet in writing from him.  Also, Mr. Costello

was to pursue negotiations with Mr. Grammas on the site, get something from him confirming that; also, we should consider having a meeting with the residents at the city building to go over the plan of action, to discuss the depth of detail identified in Mr. Burke’s General Conditions and Specifications that could be authorized for advertising for bids at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Burke stated that the burden of cost at this point is going to be among the partners of the group and we have not really decided how much, if any, the property owners are going to give. It may figure out to be approximately $540.00 per resident; that is a way to accumulate the total amount, which will not be known until we advertise for bids. As far as the time frame we are working in, with the ideal time to do this kind of work being the hot season, if we are able to advertise, have a meeting with the residents, with a commitment from the partners, and awarding a contract, it would conceivably be the middle of August and hopefully this year.

 

Mayor Kirby made the statement that if the City of Union is going to be paying the tax dollars of all the citizens of the city, the residents who live around the pond should be willing to put something forth as well. Our goal is to try to keep this moving, although it is a legal matter between the residents, the builders and the other partners.  The city is just trying to help with getting this situation back to a normal state. 

 

Mayor Kirby asked for a motion to advertise for bids for the Union Village Pond Remediation.  Mr. Moore made the motion. Dr. Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

PLANNING AND ZONING:

Mr. Randy Barlow was not present; therefore, nothing was reported.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Mr. Moore made a motion to table the second reading of Ordinance No. 2005-005 until the August business meeting. Dr. Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

Second reading of ORDINANCE NO. 2005-006AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY ANNUAL BUDGET FO THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005 BY ESTIMATING REVENUES AND RESOURCES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE OPERATION OF CITY GOVERNMENT.  Dr. Lloyd made a motion to amend the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. Mr. Moore seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

Second reading of ORDINANCE NO. 2005-007 – AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2005 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2006, BY ESTIMATING REVENUES AND RESOURCES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE OPERATION OF CITY GOVERNMENT FOR THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY.  Mr. Moore made a motion to adopt the annual budget for fiscal year July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. Mr. McClellan seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

Second reading of ORDINANCE NO. 2005-008 – AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE BID OF RUMPKE OF KENTUCKY, INC. AS THE LOWEST, BEST AND MOST RESPONSIBLE BID

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FOR THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND FRANCHISE OF ENTERING IN AND UPON THE STREETS AND PUBLIC WAYS OF THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY, FOR

COLLECTING AND HAULING AWAY FROM BUSINESSES, HOMES, DWELLINGS AND

OTHER PLACES WHERE NECESSARY, GARBAGE, TRASH AND REFUSE, AND GRANTING AN EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE FOR SUCH PURPOSES, SUCH FRANCHISE HAVING BEEN ADVERTISED FOR BIDS, PROVIDING THAT SUCH BID, TOGETHER WITH THIS ORDINANCE AND THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SHALL CONSTITUTE THE FRANCHISE, AGREEMENT AND CONTRACT AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE EXCLUSIVE GARBAGE FRANCHISE GRANTED BY THE CITY.  Mr. McClellan made a motion to approve the ordinance and Dr. Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Mayor Kirby read RESOLUTION NO. 2005-008A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY DESIGNATING THE NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) AS THE BASIS FOR ALL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT AND REQUIRING THE USE OF THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM IN UNION, KENTUCKY.  Mr. Moore made a motion to adopt the resolution. Mr. McClellan seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

The recognition of Eagle Scouts Kevin Yates and Robert Feather did not take place due to the fact that they did not attend the meeting.

 

Dr. Lloyd addressed an issue pertaining to being unable to locate an ordinance to limit the number of trash receptacles being set out 24 hours before or after scheduled pickup.  People are placing receptacles out four or five days in advance and the trash gets knocked over, blown around, etc. He would like an ordinance to address this issue. Mr. Moore stated that the existing nuisance ordinance could be modified to include this issue. Mayor Kirby suggested that Dr. Lloyd present this at the August business meeting.

 

Dr. Lloyd’s other concern was a problem with motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles being used on residential property in subdivisions, with racing in the backyards. He stated that he has called the Sheriff’s department to enforce ordinances and wanted to know what can be done when there is no resolution. Mayor Kirby suggested to keep calling the Sheriff’s department, fax them the ordinance being violated and perhaps meet with them to review the ordinances.

 

The Mayor, City Commissioners and City Clerk decided on the design for the temporary signs for the City of Union on the new portion of U.S. 42.

 

City Clerk Kathy Porter spoke on behalf of Eddie Johnson, Cemetery Sexton, who was unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Johnson is seeking approval for permanent corner markers for the new section of the cemetery that was recently surveyed. The cost will be less than $1,000.00; the markers will be 4-5 inches in diameter. Approval was given to proceed.

 

Mayor Kirby stated that this month is City Clerk Kathy Porter’s ten (10) year anniversary with the city and that he had submitted her name for Northern Kentucky Outstanding Clerk of the Year, of which she

 

 

 

 

 

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is one of the three finalists.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

No further business came before the Commission. Mr. Moore moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.  Mr. McClellan seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Signed this 8th day of August 2005.

 

APPROVED:                                                              ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________                                          _______________________________

Don Kirby, Mayor                                                      Kathy Porter, City Clerk/Treasurer