The City of Cynthiana Board of Commissioners met in a special session on May 8, 2003 at 5:00 P.M. in the Commissioner’s Room.

Present were Mayor Wells, Commissioner Clayton, Commissioner Doan, and Commissioner Martin.

Mayor Wells called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of the

Special Meeting was to discuss Project Grad request, Harrison Memorial Hospital, first reading of Ordinance #1365, and employee disciplinary action. 

Mayor Wells recognized Darwin Root of Harrison Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Root explained that HMH Board has discussed over the last several years if HMH would be better off to be part of a larger organization.  The hospital is fiscally strong, but they want a partner that will make them even stronger.  Three main criteria exist:

1.     A health facility maintained in the present facility for many years

to come.

2.     HMH must maintain local control of the facility.

3.     If a partnership is available with capital, that will be a plus as they see the need to grow.

Five proposals have been sent out.  Two to “for profit” and three to “not for profit” organizations.  These proposals are due back in July, and the Board will take 60 to 90 days to review.  The Board may decide not to pursue any of the proposals or may pursue one or two proposals.  Mr. Root advised that if a “for profit” organization is chosen, the hospital will be coming on the tax rolls.

Mr. Root advised there are many advantages to having a strategic partner, and HMH is one of a few hospitals not linked to a larger facility. 

Mayor Wells recognized Commissioner Doan who addressed the issue of a donation to Project Grad.   Mrs. Laura Gregg came before the Board several meetings ago and requested support from the Board of Commissioners.  At that time, Mayor Wells stated the Board would take under consideration.

Commissioner Doan advised he had concerns voiced about all of the other taxes paid by citizens:  utility tax, school taxes, 911 fees, etc. 

Commissioner Doan advised Department for Local Government was contacted about this matter.  DLG sent some information and Commissioner Doan read it to the Board.  DLG stated the issue is a legal one.  Commissioner Doan contacted Attorney Lair who advised this s a “gray” area concerning what the city can and cannot expense money for.  The question of is this “for a public purpose” would probably result in differing opinions.  Mayor Wells commented that 2002 was the first year the City had donated to Project Grad.  Commissioner Doan stated since we did not give Mrs. Gregg an answer the night it was requested, the matter has laid vile.  Commissioner Doan commented that he has been working on the budget, and he cannot see budgeting this item in 2003-2004 because City monies are going to be extremely tight.

Commissioner Clayton stated that perhaps the City could give a reduced amount.

Commissioner Doan made a motion to give Project Grad $1000.00.

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

City Clerk McIlvain read Ordinance #1365 establishing positions of Maintenance Worker I and II and E-911 Coordinator.  Commissioner Clayton made a motion to accept the 1^st reading of Ordinance #1365.  Commissioner Martin seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

Commissioner Clayton made a motion to move to executive session for the purpose of employee disciplinary action.  Commissioner Doan seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

Commissioner Doan made a motion to return to regular session.  Commissioner Martin seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried. 

While in executive session, Commissioner Martin informed the Board of disciplinary action he was taking in the Police Department and has instructed Chief Frazier to handle the matter. 

Commissioner Clayton made a motion to adjourn.  Commissioner Martin seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Commissioner Martin:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Meeting adjourned at 6:00 P.M.