The City of Cynthiana Board of Commissioners met in a special session on June 12, 2003 at 3:00 P.M.  Present were Mayor Wells,

Attorney Lair, Commissioners Clayton, Conner, and Doan.  Commissioner Martin was absent.

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

meeting was:

1.     Ordinance 1368 (2^nd Reading)

2.     Ordinance 1369 (2^nd Reading)

3.  Discussion of Baptist Church Parking Lot 

AGENDA

Attorney Lair read Ordinance #1368.  Commissioner Clayton made a motion to accept the second reading of Ordinance #1368 amending the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003.  Commissioner Conner seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Conner:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #

1368 –AMENDING

BUDGET

(2^ND Reading)

Attorney Lair read Ordinance #1369.  Commissioner Doan made a motion to accept the second reading of Ordinance #1369 adopting the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004.  Commissioner Conner seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Conner:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none.  Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #

1369 – ADOPTING

BUDGET

(2^nd Reading)

Commissioner Doan cautioned the Board to practice total frugality since this is a very tight budget.

Mayor Wells recognized representatives of the Cynthiana Baptist Church:  Joe Judy, Andy Peak, and Curtis Reeves.

CYNTHIANA BAPTIST CHURCH

LOT – W. G.

WIGLESWORTH

LOT – CITY LOT

Mayor Wells stated the City of Cynthiana had attempted to purchase the Tate McBee property, but the  Cynthiana Baptist Church was the successful bidder.  Mayor Wells stated that she was delighted they had cleared the property which certainly enhanced the area.

The Cynthiana Baptist Church would like for the City of Cynthiana to

become partners in a venture to extend the City’s E. Pike Street parking lot through a parcel of land belonging to W. G. Wiglesworth to the newly purchased lot making an exit onto E. Pleasant Street.

Mr. Judy advised they were at the meeting to find out what the City of

Cynthiana would like to do or can do regarding this project.

Mayor Wells stated she was informed that there was no money budgeted for this project, but she also stated that sometimes the City can provide services that would supply the City’s contribution.

Commissioner Doan advised it was his understanding that consideration was being given to closing the exit from the E. Pike St.

lot onto S. Walnut Street.  This would eliminate a very hazardous exit.

Commissioner Conner stated that he had heard that Johnson-McDaniel Furniture Store did not want the alley closed.   Mr. Reeves stated that some people just use that exit as a short cut, and it is a very dangerous exit.  Commissioner Clayton commented that this should not affect them because the alley would only be closed 50 ft. off Walnut and particular business enters their building from the back.

Mr. Peak stated he had heard the City was not interested in pursuing this project.  He estimated the cost of paving the lot with a 2-1/2”

base coat would cost $10,000.00.  A year later a topcoat of 1-1/2” would cost another $6,000.00.  He stated that in the lease with W. G.

Wiglesworth, the Cynthiana Baptist Church lot will pay for the blacktop in order to use the lot.

Mayor Wells receives many complaints from business owners such as

Curtis Reeves and Suzanne Taylor that Walnut Street is too narrow for parking on both sides of the street.  Dave Kennedy agreed that Walnut Street is too narrow for 2-way parking..  Thirty-six feet is needed for 2-way parking; Walnut Street is only thirty-four feet.  Mayor Wells stated she would like to spend $5,000.00 to make downtown businesses happy.

Commissioner Doan stated Mayor Wells is not the only one who hears complaints, but the City must be cautious of our dollars.  City is

in a very tight situation now and there is no money budgeted for this project.

Commissioner Clayton inquired about the existing arrangements on the public lots.  Mayor Wells advised the City is allowed to utilize the

Baptist Church lot , the Presbyterian Church lot, the Railroad Avenue

lot during the week in exchange for maintenance on these lots.

Commissioner Doan stated he had heard the Mayor’s plea, and he agreed that we could go the maintenance agreement route again.  Commissioner Doan asked if the Board could revisit this project next year when preparing the budget since the Church cannot pave until next year.

Mr. Peak replied that they have a congregation and W. G. Wiglesworth that they can go back to. Also, the City has a need for employee parking spaces.  The paving of this lot would also enhance

all property in this area and make a nice pedestrian pathway to Pike St.

Mr. Judy said if the City Public Works crew could help with the removal of trees, brush, and fence perhaps the Church could go ahead and open up the area.  He cautioned that a fiber optic cable is located in this area.  The penalty for cutting this cable is $100,000.00.

Commissioner Conner stated he was in favor of trying to work together to accomplish this project.  He knows that money is tight, but he feels this is a worthwhile project.  Mr. Reeves concurred that the Baptist Church is looking for a partnership to make things better for the entire City.

Mayor Wells commented that the City hopes to get Renaissance funds, but this lot is not included in the Renaissance area.  She suggested the Renaissance area be expanded to include E. Pleasant St.

Commissioner Clayton stated elevations and drainage must be investigated before paving can be considered.

Mayor Wells questioned how long the lease the Church has with Mr. Wiglesworth.  Rpresentatives replied that the Cynthiana Baptist Church has agreement with W. G. Wiglesworth to lease through his lifetime.  Upon his death, they would have first option to buy lot and his building.

Attorney Lair stated from a legal stand point things get “muddied” when there is a third party property owner.  The City nor the Church owns the property.  The City of Cynthiana cannot invest money into property that could evaporate upon death of an individual at any time.  Attorney Lair stated this would have to be worked out before City could invest in this property or any property.  Attorney Lair inquired if lease with Mr. Wiglesworth could be negotiated for a more favorable time.  Commissioner Doan clarified that Attorney Lair’s concerns were based upon the involvement of a third party.  Attorney Lair stated that Mr. Wiglesworth has an agent so he should approach Mr. Wiglesworth directly about this issue.

Attorney Lair advised the representatives of the Cynthiana Baptist Church that the City of Cynthiana could not do any work or spend any funds on a lot owned by W. G. Wiglesworth until the agreement was such that lot could not be taken away.  City of Cynthiana could not make a thoroughfare  without Mr. Wiglesworth’s approval.

There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Clayton made a motion to adjourn.  Commissioner Doan seconded.  In favor:  Commissioner Clayton:  yes;  Commissioner Conner:  yes;  Commissioner Doan:  yes;  Mayor Wells:  yes;  Opposed:  none. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT