CITY OF UNION,
KENTUCKY
Regular Business
Meeting
Monday, April 10,
2003
Mayor Don Kirby called the regular meeting of Union City Commission to order in the Union City Building at 7: 30 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2003.
The following members of the Commission were present: Ana Hitzel, Jonathan Jennings, Wayne McClellan and Gary McCormick.
Also present were City Attorney Greg D. Voss, City Clerk Kathy Porter and City Engineer Representative Mr. Jim Curry of David Estes Engineering, Inc. Several citizens were present including Don Harden, Mary Ann Harden, Jessica Harden, Dan Eglian, Nick Schneider, Michael Trout, Randy Barlow and Sharon Bellan.
Mayor Kirby asked for a motion to approve the minutes of March 10, 2003 as presented. Mr. McClellan so moved. Mr. Jennings seconded the motion. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Mr. Jennings moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Mr. McCormick seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
BILLS FOR PAYMENT
Mr. McClellan questioned the snow
removal. Motion to approve payment of
the bills was made by Mr. McClellan.
Motion seconded by Mr. Jennings.
Motion passed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Mayor Kirby read a letter received from Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore announcing the rally “Hometown Heroes” to be held at Turfway Park on April 19th, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. Boone, Campbell and Kenton are hosting a rally for our active and reserve troops and their families.
Mayor Kirby read a Proclamation proclaiming April 27 through May 3, 2003 as Municipal Clerk’s Week. This proclamation will recognize the accomplishments of the office of the Municipal Clerk. Mayor Kirby expressed that this Proclamation was an appropriate action to recognize Kathy as she was very instrumental in helping him in the mayoral transition. She also runs the city on a day to day basis, which sometimes is quite a task. It is a pleasure to recognize other municipal clerks serving in their respective cities.
PLANNING & ZONING
REPORT
No report.
Mr. Jim Curry of David Estes Engineering reported on the following:
1. Sewer is proceeding on Sycamore Drive, which is probably more than 30% finished. Project should proceed faster as we are having better weather.
2. Had received several phone calls concerning a pond behind Kroger. The problem is that Union Village and the Florence subdivision's storm water is draining into the pond and is filling up with silt. Citizens are having a terrible time and are asking me what the City of Union can do. There should have been an approved plan, I will be meeting with Willard Rusk on other matters and will check with him about his knowledge regarding this pond. At this time, Mayor Kirby introduced Don Harden of the Union Village Home Owners' Association Board. Mr. Harden said this has been a problem since 1997. Commissioners were presented with pictures taken of the pond to observe. Willard Rusk, former city engineer had been out to check this problem numerous times. Ron Vasko had made some progress with the County. Boone County is fully aware of the situation. There seems to be a problem determining who is responsible, City of Union or the developer. Scheben is the developer. The property owners' deeds do not record that they have this responsibility. Mr. Harden showed a map and also a history of actions taken and communications with engineers from Boone County, City of Florence, Scheben and the City of Union. There are six properties adjoining the pond. This is a man made pond. Natorps had the same problem and their pond has been dug up. Natorps threatened to sue the developer and got their problem solved. Mayor Kirby asked City Engineer Jim Curry to meet with Willard Rusk to obtain what information he has and to get whatever other information is available regarding this problem. After the Engineer's report, it will be decided what steps the city needs to take.
Mayor Kirby gave second reading of Ordinance No. 2003 – 001 – An Ordinance Authorizing The City Treasurer And The City Attorney To File An Action In The Appropriate Court To Collect Any Ad Valorem tax, Penalty, Interest Or Related Charges And To Recover All Court Costs An Reasonable Attorney Fees Incurred. Motion to accept on second reading by Mr. McCormick and seconded by Mrs. Hitzel. Motion passed.
The possibility of annexation of properties in the Charles Duncan Subdivision was dropped at this time and it was determined that there was little to gain by this action. Previously, Mayor Kirby had met with Boone County officials and was informed if the City of Union gets involved with the sewer project, they will withdraw their portion of financial support. Therefore, it would not be fair to our citizens to assume this responsibility.
An update was given on the 10.5 acre tract at 1056 Mt. Zion Rd.
Mayor Kirby had talked with department heads at Ryle High School Art Department about sponsoring a contest to design a new city logo. Commissioners agreed this would be a worthwhile project along with having a designated student attend city commission meetings as a Ryle High School Representative. It was discussed to have a student from the Social Studies class. Students would present a resume for consideration; this representative would not have a vote, but a voice in city business. It was the consensus that this action would provide a good relationship between the school and the city. This action would provide an excellent addition to our city website. Mrs. Hitzel elaborated on the advantages of communication between the city and its citizens. Mayor Kirby asked the audience if anyone read the "What's Happening in Boone County" and if it would be beneficial to have publications in the magazine. The website includes all information on the city, such as minutes, budget, complaint forms, Union Town Plan, calendar, e-mail addresses and will continuously be updated. Kathy will be providing via e-mail concerning current events, so anyone can sign up to receive that or a hard copy can be provided for persons without web access.
There were several issues regarding Golden Pond Drive such as parking close to a stop sign and speeding. The engineers are still working on the street study to determine what can be done legally as to placement of signs, condition of streets and other pertinent repairs to be made. Citizens can still file complaint forms.
The bid form for garbage pick-up is still being worked on. Consideration is to be given to the lowest and best bid. Advertisement will be ready in May and bids opened in June.
A complaint had been received from Doug and Doreen Wainscott, 9017 Richmond Rd. regarding their garbage not being picked up by CSI.
The split signal light at Mt. Zion and US 42 has not been installed. Mr. McClellan feels this will not happen as there is not enough room for what we want done.
Mr. Michael Trout resident of Whispering Trail announced that the Ryle High School FFA students have an excellent green house and will provide plants to the public. A great idea would be to advertise their Poinsettias at Christmas. Mayor Kirby said this was already communication from our citizens.
Mrs. Ana Hitzel announced that the May meeting would be her last meeting to serve as Commissioner as she is relocating to California.
Mr. Michael Trout asked if there was any recent information on the church that was to locate on Mt. Zion Road and if they would have to redo an application. No new information.
No further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Kirby asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Jennings so moved. Mrs. Hitzel seconded the motion. Motion carried.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
______________________ ______________________
Donald G. Kirby II, Mayor Kathy Porter, City Clerk
Date:
May 12, 2003