Regular Business Meeting
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Don Kirby called the Regular Business Meeting of the Union City
Commission to order at
Present: Mayor Don Kirby and City Commissioners
Gary McCormick, Greg T. Lloyd, Bob Kelly and Warren S. Moore. Also present were Greg D. Voss (City Attorney), Joyce Travis (Office Assistant) in absence of City
Clerk Kathy Porter, and Barry J. Burke P.E. (City Engineer).
Visitors in attendance were Tim Foster,
Engineer-Intern with Foppe Technical Group; Dave Geohegan, Boone County
Planning and Zoning; Melinda Gardt; Charlie Scroggin; Todd Sayers; Mike Trout
and Karen Franxman.
MINUTES:
Mr. McCormick made a motion to accept the minutes
of
TREASURER'S REPORT:
The Treasurer’s Report was not available due to
the absence of the city clerk, but the mayor stated that we are in balance.
BILLS FOR PAYMENT:
The bills for payment were reviewed. Mr. Moore
made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mayor Kirby read a letter from John P.
Walker, CPA, written as a confirmation that the Northern Kentucky Chamber of
Commerce’s Business/Government Exchange luncheon will be at the City of
Mayor Kirby read a notice from Mr. Warren
Moore, in which he stated that in order to accept the position of City
Administrative Officer for the City of
Mayor Kirby presented Ms. Myndi Gardt who
spoke about the Union Visioning Committee. Her topic was the
Mayor Kirby stated that PNC Bank has
indicated that since the city has been a long-term customer, they would be
willing to offer us favorable finance terms.
Ms. Gardt stated that she has done research
on the center, she has met with various people on the possibility of this
community center; there is a market for it and the city has a vested interest
in the development of this center. This community center can be Phase 1 of the
Union Town Plan. We expect it to be at the helm of this plan and lead us in the
direction we want to go with the Town Plan. Ms. Gardt sees the center as
offering outreach programs to the seniors of the community as well as the
youth. The Branch Manager of PNC Bank has offered, on a monthly basis,
MINUTES –
to cover the cost of seminars that he plans
to conduct at this community center for us, covering anything from
financial planning, presenting a college
education, to other seminars that speak directly to our senior citizens within
the area. Ms. Gardt included in her
packet a list of personal uses for the center, at a nominal cost, including such
functions as Rehearsal Dinners, Anniversary Parties, Family Parties, Showers,
First Communions, Christmas Parties, Sporting Event Banquets and other personal
needs. There would also be people outside the city who would have interest in
using the facility for their needs.
Ms. Gardt discussed the City of
Mayor Kirby questioned the square footage of
the bank property – Ms. Gardt referred to the square footage drawing in the
packet that stated the footage was 2,575 square feet. She also explained the
layout of the drawing, and explained where the glass walls were located. There
are two (2) bathrooms and a kitchenette. It was also explained that the drive-thru
area could be remodeled so that it could accommodate concrete picnic tables for
outdoor functions, or overflow from the center.
Mayor Kirby stated that one of the intriguing
aspects of this proposal is where the building is located, in that he has had
thoughts of having festivals in that area, and the center would be right on the
corner.
Mr. Dave Geohegan, Boone County Planning
Commission, stated that the site is ¾ of an acre and currently has 27 parking
spaces. He provided an ariel photo of
the property. He also feels it would be
a good location for festivals and arts and crafts events. He also stated that
the new bridge on Hathaway would connect this part of the city to other areas
in the community.
Mayor Kirby questioned if the facility would
be large enough for dances and receptions. Attorney Voss stated that the fire
marshal would make that decision.
Commissioner McCormick stated that he loved
the idea of the center and that it may encourage development. He also stated
that as the City of
Dr. Lloyd stated that from a business
standpoint, the center would be an asset for the community, and that it could
be made into an attractive place. He would be supportive of this project.
Commissioner Kelly stated that that area of
the city needs to be revitalized and the city needs to think about what we can
do to help this area.
Mayor Kirby stated that if we can make a
commitment to this project, and show that interest, we may be able to get a
developer or two to buy that block and redo that area to truly make it a viable
place in addition to this area of the city.
Myndi Gardt stated that Jeff Vuotto, Branch
Manager for PNC Bank, would like to coordinate his VIP branch opening in May
with the announcement of our community center at the old location, because they
have a vested
MINUTES –
interest in a community center; they have
offered to come in at least once a month to hold a community wide seminar.
Mayor Kirby inquired of Ms. Gardt what would
be included in the “full building contents.” Ms. Gardt stated that this
included all the furniture that matches the décor, chairs, etc. She has
informed the bank that she wanted everything to be included.
Attorney Voss inquired as to how the bank
arrived at their asking price. Ms. Gardt stated that the sale is listed with
Colliers International. She informed the commission that if the city does not
offer the full asking price, the property must be offered to the public, and we
do not want the sale to go public.
Attorney Voss stated that there is a lot of
homework to be done; it will take time to get everything together. He said he
would be willing to sit down with the bank officials and get more information
on cost, etc. We must have an independent appraisal.
Mayor Kirby asked for a motion to move
forward with the plans as stated by Attorney Voss. Mr. McCormick made a motion
to move forward. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion. Motion carried.
CITY ENGINEER REPORT:
Mr. Burke’s monthly report had been provided to the Commissioners prior
to tonight’s meeting. Mr. Burke discussed and improvised on several items.
At this point, Mr. Burke introduced an
associate that was recently hired by Foppe Technical Group, Mr. Tim Foster, who
is working out of the
Item # 1 (a) (2) – Mr. Burke made reference
to the Sanitation District letter, in which we had been requested from the
District to identify what is on the city table in terms of land development
within the community. We responded to that letter and received preliminary
information back from the District indicating that the Board may approve an
allocation of 20,000 gallons a day in the next two (2) year period for tying in
the unsewered residents within the city. When the Board meets, they are going
to divvy up that capacity. We are at the top of the line in terms of sewering
unsewered residents, so it should not be long before we receive the letter in
terms of capacity.
Item # 1 (b) (1) – Mr. Burke addressed Phase
B, stating that the total grants for sewers is $400,000. Phase B has been
reduced to exclude
Item # 5 – Mr. Burke addressed the
sump pump storm water problem for
Item # 7 – Mr. Burke stated that we
are in the process of getting costs for the missing sidewalk opposite
Item # 10 – Mr. Burke stated that
there have been a number of complaints along
Item # 14 – Mr. Burke responded to a
request from
Item # 16 – Mr. Burke addressed the
unfinished street issue near
Feathering the pavement was
the responsibility of the developer. The complaint hasn’t reoccurred.
Item # 17 – Mr. Burke stated that the
4-way stop sign at
Item # 20 – Mr. Burke stated that the
catch basin along
Item # 21 – Mr. Burke responded to a
request at
Item # 22 – Mr. Burke stated that the
“dead tree” issue at
Item # 29 – Mr. Burke stated that in
reference to 1915 Whispering Trail, the county’s zoning administrator indicated
that the driveway carport and off driveway parking has been removed.
Item # 30 – Mr. Burke addressed a
complaint from Union Village resident/HOA VP (Mr. Scroggin) regarding a storm
sewer discharge problem in Florence. Mr. Burke provided photos. The headwall
structure is missing causing embankment soil to erode toward the lower Savannah
Lakes Pond. The source of the discharge is generated from Richmond Road, a
Union city street. The pipe without a headwall was added later, more than
likely by the builder with some excavated soil. There was no dedication for
public use. It was recommended that a headwall structure be installed to meet
standards. The problem has been who will pay for it. The homeowners have been
encouraged to get together since it is a common problem relative to
ownership. It has never been dedicated
to public use, although approximately 15% of the water is coming from the city
street of Richmond Road. Mr. Burke stated that this does not appear to be a
City of Union issue and not our problem.
At this point, Mr. Scroggins
spoke and stated that the drainage problem has gotten much worse and had photos
of the soil running into the pond. Mr. Scroggin stated that the headwall had
been covered sometime in the past and a pipe was put in place for extension.
Mr. Scroggin questioned where the responsibility should be placed or where he
should go to get the issue resolved.
Mayor Kirby also questioned, that if the city is not responsible, who
is. Attorney Voss stated that Florence should deal with it, but the property
owners have responsibility because it is on private property. Dr. Lloyd stated
that his concern is that the homeowner association does not have the resources
to file a lawsuit; it sounds like the builder created this mess. Dr. Lloyd also
stated that he would not like to dump this on Florence even though the pipe
extends into Florence. It is possible that Florence could say that it was a
builder in Union who actually did this and the matter would come back to us
anyway. The water is from Union, coming off of Richmond Road, and going into
the Florence pond. Dr. Lloyd believes the city should find out who the builder
was and write them a letter to make them aware of our concerns and desire to
make this situation right. Attorney Voss stated that if the builder could be
determined, he would prepare the letter. Mayor Kirby stated that we should get
any information we could and Mr. Burke would work with Mr. Scroggins on this
situation. Mr. Scroggins said he would help provide us with the information
requested.
Item # 31 – Mr. Burke addressed a
complaint regarding storm water runoff in Hempsteade Subdivision at the end of
Bayswater Drive, where excessive storm water from at least two (2) lots via
sump pumps and roof leaders are overtopping the sidewalk. This overflow onto
the street causes an ice/safety problem during the winter. The residents have
indicated that this is an ongoing problem. The options for this problem are: a)
do nothing; b) evaluate
the feasibility of response
for addressing a letter to the developer/builder for extending a sump pimp line
within the tree lawn strip to the next catch basin a significant distance and
cost; or c) the city may want to cut the curb and install, a pipe under the
sidewalk of the street to improve safety. Mr. Burke stated that option “b”
would be the first step toward a solution. Mayor Kirby agreed to sign a letter
to the Drees Company for mailing.
Ms. Gardt spoke of her
personal experience with a similar problem in the area. She stated that her
sump pump runs all the time; after she had lived in her home for awhile, it was
determined that the home was built on a natural spring. A ten feet stretch of
her sidewalk would be covered with sludge. She first contacted Boone County,
who told her to call the builder. The builder re-routed her sump pump line
across her entire basement, across their property, into the woods. The Drees Company covered the cost, which was
four (4) years ago. Attorney Voss advised to proceed with sending the letter,
to Mr. Michael Schoettelkotte.
Item # 32 – Mr. Burke addressed a
flooding issue received via email from Jeff Wallace. The area is located along relocated U.S. 42
and Frogtown Road, opposite St. Timothy. To ascertain the size of the
watershed, there are three (3) large culvert pipes beneath the new access road
connecting the Cool Springs Subdivision near the Zaring Homes sign. When Mr.
Burke and Tim Foster observed the problem, it appeared that there is no culvert
pipe under the driveway at 1923 Frogtown Road. As a result, the driveway acts
as a dam. Mr. Burke shared photos to this effect. It appears that the owner of
the driveway should take care of the problem. Mr. Burke stated that he would
prepare a letter in response to Mr. Wallace with a copy to the property owner
recommending repairs.
PLANNING AND ZONING:
Mr. Randy Barlow, Planning and Zoning Representative, was not present
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no Old Business for discussion.
NEW BUSINESS:
Todd Sayers introduced himself and stated that he would like to offer
his time and services as Commissioner when the position presently held by
Warren Moore becomes available. Mayor expressed his appreciation for this
offer.
Mr. Scroggins spoke again about the Homeowners Association in Union
Village. He stated that they have a strong association there, thanks in part to
Dr. Lloyd who held the position of President a couple of years ago. Mr.
Scroggin addressed four (4) issues pertaining to Union Village: 1) speeding on
Richmond Road; since the Arlinghaus development ties into Richmond Road, it has
now become a mayor thoroughfare for people going from Mt. Zion Road to his
area. There is a considerable amount of speeding and drivers running stop
signs. He wanted to know if the area could be policed more for speeding 2) Mr.
Scroggin stated that with the Ordinance recently passed concerning garbage
cans, no change has taken place in that area in Union Village and wanted to
know what can be done to enforce that 3) He also expressed that there are
residents who park in the grass on a regular basis. He usually calls Planning
and Zoning; they send the residents a letter but there is no “teeth” in it to
stop the situation from happening 4) Mr. Scroggin stated that there is a
resident who is running a car repair business out of his home on Richmond Road.
No proof has been established, but it is very obvious that that is what is
going on.
Mayor Kirby asked Mr. Scroggins to keep the lines of communication
open, because a lot of times we do not know about the problems. Mayor Kirby
also stated that the speeding is an issue all over the city and county, even on
Hempsteade Drive, which is a thoroughfare in the area where he lives. What we
typically do in those cases is where there starts to be a lot of that activity,
we have the sheriff department concentrate on that area and write tickets. We
ask for extra patrols in those particular areas and enforce it.
Mayor Kirby asked Attorney Voss about the garbage ordinance. Attorney
Voss stated that it must be enforced by the sheriff’s department. If we have
the names of the persistent offenders, Attorney Voss stated that he would be
glad to
MINUTES – April 10, 2006
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write a letter to them.
Mr. McCormick questioned the use of speed bumps. Mr. Moore stated that
we must check with the state before speed bumps can be installed.
Mr. Scroggins thanked the council for their guidance and assistance.
Myndi Gardt stated that the Union Visioning Committee would like to
have a meeting next Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. (19th).
Mayor Kirby stated that he has been contacted recently by an
organization called “America Supporting Americans” and Linda Patterson has
called to ask if Union would participate in adopting a military squadron
stationed in Iraq. This particular squadron was supposed to be sponsored by
another city but they backed out. As a part of this, we want to have a
Resolution and send in the application. We will also coordinate as a community
doing things with the schools such as letter writing programs, just anything we
can do to get the information out to the citizens. Mayor Kirby stated that he
has gotten an email from the Captain over there. Those gentlemen serving in
Iraq are so appreciative of this type of effort, and to know that there are
people here thinking about them and supporting them, no matter your views on
the war.
Mr. Moore stated that he appreciated what the soldiers are doing in
Iraq.
Mayor Kirby read RESOLUTION NO. 2006-004 – RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY JOINING THE GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT OF AMERICA SUPPORTING
AMERICANS AND HEREBY ADOPTING THAT CERTAIN MILITARY UNIT KNOWN AS HHT
(HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS TROOPS) FIRST SQUADRON 32nd CAVALRY
REGIMENT 1 BCT, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT). Mr. Moore made a motion to approve the
Resolution. Dr. Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT:
No further business came before the Commission. Mr. McCormick moved to
adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Dr.
Lloyd seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
Signed this 8th day of May 2006.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_____________________ _________________________________
Don Kirby, Mayor Kathy Porter, City Clerk/Treasurer