January 28, 2003
 

The City of Cynthiana Board of Commissioners met in regular session on January 28, 2003, at 7:00 P.M.   Present were Mayor Wells, Attorney Lair, Commissioners Clayton, Doan, and Martin.  Commissioner Conner was absent due to illness.

 

 

 

Mayor Wells called the second meeting of 2003 to order.  The first order of business was the recognition of Glenn Whitaker upon his retirement on January 31, 2003.

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

 

 

Public Safety Commissioner James H. Martin introduced Representative Tom McKee who presented Mr. Whitaker with a Kentucky Colonel designation.  Congratulations and well wishes were expressed by Fred Morris, Steve Muntz, Ron Judy, and Mayor Wells.

GLENN WHITAKER HONORED

 

 

Mayor Wells read a letter for Glenn and a proclamation declaring January 31, 2003 as Glenn Whitaker Day in Cynthiana, Kentucky.  Commissioner Martin presented Mr. Whitaker with a Stihl leaf blower.  

Mr. Whitaker stated he had worked for five Mayors and five Police Chiefs, but had always gotten along well with all of them.  He expressed gratitude that he had been able to work for the City – it has always felt like home.  Mayor Wells commented that Glenn’s resignation was the end of an era in the City. 

 

 

 

Mayor Wells recognized Nell Anne Gossett, Renaissance Ky. Director.  Ms. Gossett advised that the City of Cynthiana was awarded Silver Status in the Renaissance Kentucky program.  This will enable Cynthiana to apply for grants.  Nell Anne thanked the Board for their support and remarked this Silver Status is a tribute to the community.

SILVER STATUS ACHIEVED IN RENAISSANCE KY. PROGRAM

 

 

Commissioner Martin thanked the City Clerk staff and the staff working under Asst. Chief Carson for preparing the reception for Glenn Whitaker.

 

 

 

Mayor Wells recognized Dr. Julia McKee, Director of WEDCO.  Dr. McKee explained to the Board of Commissioners that WEDCO is  part of a core group of people working in conjunction with the Emergency Management Service, schools, and first responders to formulate an emergency plan for smallpox vaccination of everyone in Harrison County.  A core group of individuals have been selected to receive the initial vaccination.  The balance of the serum can only be released by the President of the United States in the event of a breakout of smallpox.  A breakout would consist of one case – it would trigger mass immunization.

WEDCO REPORT ON SMALLPOX VACCINATION

 

 

WEDCO will be in need of about to 48 to 60 volunteers in the months ahead.  Some will vaccinate, some will park cars and control traffic, some will courier supplies from one location to another.  The vaccinators will become employees of WEDCO. 

 

 

 

Dr. McKee stressed that this vaccination is a voluntary issue.  The government cannot force anyone to take the vaccine, but there is only a 4-day period after exposure.   Persons under the age of 1 will not receive the vaccine because their immune systems are underdeveloped.  If you were vaccinated in the 1950’s, you will probably have a slight reaction.  This is the same vaccine that was used years ago.  Dr. McKee advised the core group will put the final touches on the plan within the next couple of weeks.  She will keep the public informed.

 

 

 

Mayor Wells advised the minutes of January 11, 2003 have been distributed for review.  Commissioner Clayton made a motion to approve the minutes of January 11, 2003 as written.  Commissioner Martin seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

MINUTES APPROVED

 

 

Mayor Wells recognized Attorney John Lair.

LEGALS

 

 

Attorney Lair read Ordinance # 1357 regarding a sewer rate increase.  Commissioner Clayton made a motion to accept the second reading of Ordinance #1357 relating to a sewer rate increase.  Commissioner Doan seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes; Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #1357 – (Sewer Rate Increase) (2nd Reading)

 

 

Attorney Lair advised Wayland Quisenberry had requested the City of Cynthiana waive the property taxes on the USA Casting property.  Commissioner Doan made a motion to deny the request to waive property taxes for USA Castings.  Commissioner Clayton seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

MOTION TO DENY WAIVER OF PROPERTY TAXES

 

 

 

Attorney Lair advised a contract for Police Department recruits is ready when the next officer is hired.

CONTRACT FOR POLICE RECRUITS

 

 

Attorney Lair was advised at recess that the County had failed to pass the rate increase for E-911.  Commissioner Clayton commented that he felt the City needed to look at coffers to see if they could come up with funds instead of putting a burden on the elderly citizens.  Commissioner Doan also stated that he had struggled with this decision since he had a lot of reservations about adding another expense to the people.

MOTION TO TABLE E-911 REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN RATE 

 

 

Commissioner Martin made a motion to table the E-911 rate increase.  Commissioner Clayton seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes; Opposed: none.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

The next item on the legal agenda was the annexation request of Ron and Nancy Kendall Brunker Garrison and Mary June Brunker.  They have tendered letters for the City of Cynthiana to consider annexation of their land on U.S. 62 East.  Attorney Lair advised he will contact  the landowners about legal requirements.  Sometimes additional surveys are required plus legal descriptions of the properties and plats.

ANNEXATION REQUEST – BRUNKER & GARRISON

 

 

Mayor Wells acknowledged Commissioner of Finance and Property Bill Doan.

Commissioner Doan made a motion to pay the bills as presented:

               General Fund               $52,777.95
                Water Fund                 $87,516.20
 

Cash-in-Bank General Fund       $477,493.65
Cash-in-Bank Water Fund          $201,568.21

Commissioner Clayton seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes; Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

BILLS

 

 

 

 

Commissioner Doan acknowledged with gratitude the $400.00 Wal-Mart has donated to the new recreation park. 

DONATION FROM WAL-MART

 

 

Mayor Wells recognized Commissioner of Public Utilities Tommy Clayton.

 

 

 

Commissioner Clayton advised his department has several projects in the works.  Public Utilities is working on water pressure problems. 

PUBLIC UTILITIES REPORT

 

 

Mayor Wells recognized Commissioner of Public Safety James H. Martin.  Mr. Martin stated he had received a letter of resignation from Jonathan Fields effective 1/20/2003.  Commissioner Doan expressed his regret on this resignation;  he felt Officer Fields had rendered good service to the City.

MOTION TO ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF OFFICER JONATHAN FIELDS

 

 

Commissioner Martin made a motion to accept with regret the resignation of Officer Fields from the Police Dept. effective 1/20/2003.  Commissioner Clayton seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Commissioner Martin made a motion to advertise for a certified Police Officer.  Commissioner Clayton seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER

 

 

Hopefully, the City will have a candidate able to attend school on March 24, 2003.

 

 

 

Commissioner Martin introduced Fire Chief Stinson.  Chief Stinson presented the annual report for 2002:

      Structure Fires                                  22
      Vehicle Fires                                    12
      Outside of Structure Fires                  2
      Brush Fires                                         3
      Refuse Fires                                       1
      Other types                                         2
     Estimated Dollar Loss       $141,135.00
     Total number of runs                       296
      Total number of lockouts               834

FIRE DEPT. REPORT

 

 

Commissioner Clayton questioned if a building burns can the Fire Dept. tear down.  Chief Stinson advised if the burned building has structural defects, the Fire Dept. can condemn.  Structural defect is the only reason the Fire Dept. can condemn.

 

 

 

Chief Stinson advised the Fire Dept. is starting an Explorer’s Group.  Interviews will be conducted just like a regular hiring process.  There have been three Fire Dept. personnel who have volunteered to work with this program.  They are Richard Schwartz, Ray Johnson, Jr., and Chief Stinson.

EXPLORER’S GROUP

 

 

Mayor Wells expressed sympathy to C. J. Current on the death of his father, James Current.  Mayor Wells also expressed sympathy to Ron England and Dale North on the death of Stanley England.

SYMPATHY EXTENDED

 

 

·        Mayor Wells announced Mr. James Adams of CSX will be at the meeting on 2/11/2003.

·        Mary Gregory of FEMA will attend a special meeting on February 5, 2003 at 2:00 P.M.  about the A. Keller Dam.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

 

 

Mayor Wells advised she had proclaimed the week of January 27 through February 2, 2003 as Catholic School Week.  A copy of the proclamation is hereto attached and made a part hereof.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

 

 

Mayor Wells advised William Penn and George Slade have co-authored a book entitled Cromwell’s Comments about the City of Cynthiana’s first Mayor.  The book is selling for $10.00 at the Museum.

CROMWELL’S COMMENTS

 

 

Mayor Wells wrote the following letters and memos:

·        Memo to Commissioner Clayton re:  water pressure

·        Letter to Charles Tribble, chairman of Salvation Army, regarding references for needy individuals

·        Memo to Board re:  Cable TV franchise ordinance.

·        Memo to Board re:  lighting of Business Park II.

·        Memo re:  Code Enforcement

·        Memo to Chief Stinson re:  a burned building left standing

·        Letter to R. J. Palmer and Rep. McKee on behalf of the issue of liability insurance for doctors and hospitals.

·        51 letters to Alice Lenox’s 5th grade students at Westside.

LETTERS WRITTEN

 

 

The following letters have been received:

·        Letter regarding Homeland Security from the White House

·        Letter from Quest Engineers advising three copies of Public Facilities update has been submitted for approval.

·        Memo from Kentucky League of Cities re:  health insurance.

·        A “thank you” letter was received from Linda and Carol Wasson re:  railroad gates on E. Pleasant Street.

LETTERS RECEIVED

 

 

Mayor Wells made the following announcements:

·        The Renaissance Kentucky Board meeting will be held January 31, 2003 at City Hall.

·        The Griffith property on U.S. 62 W is going to be preserved by the University of Kentucky.

·        The Kentucky League of Cities will host a reception in Frankfort on February 19, 2003.

·        The Reality Store will be held March 4, 2003.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

·        Audrey Moreland has faxed a report on the A. Keller Dam to the Mayor’s office.

 

·        A meeting of the Harrison County Conservation District will be held February 6, 2003 at the Extension Office.

·        The Market Review has a nice article about Harrison County in the current edition.

 

 

 

Commissioner Clayton made a motion to appoint Commissioner Doan to serve as the City’s representative on the Licking River Valley RC&D Board.  Commissioner Martin seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

DOAN APPOINTED TO LRVRC&D BOARD

 

 

Commissioner Martin stated he would like to have an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.  Attorney Lair advised general personnel questions could not be discussed in closed session.

Commissioner Doan advised the City of Cynthiana owns a tobacco allotment from the property on Cook Pike.  The owner of the allotment as of July 1, 2002, would be the recipient of any buyout money.  Commissioner Doan stated he believed the City should not do anything with this property until the City sees what will happen with the bill in this session.

TOBACCO ALLOTMENT

 

 

Attorney Lair advised he would be having surgery on Thursday.

 

 

 

Mayor Wells encouraged the Board to pull any information she has given them on Code Enforcement.  She would like for them to look at the material again before the next meeting.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

 

 

There being no further business to discuss,  Commissioner Clayton made a motion to adjourn.  Commissioner Doan seconded.  In favor: Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT

 

                                                             
Charleen McIlvain, City Clerk
                                                             
Virgie Florence Wells, Mayor