The Elkton City Council met in regular session on Monday, February 11, 2008 with Mayor Nancy T. Camp presiding.

City Council members present: Doug Gibson; David Powell; Cindy Sidebottom; Eugene Jefferson; Danny Laster; and, Jimmy Scott.

Others present: City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Brock; City Attorney John P. Kirkham; Utility Superintendent Terry Frogue; Police Chief Bruce Marklin; and, Ryan Craig, Todd County Standard.

Mayor Camp called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Terry Frogue led invocation.

After reviewing the January 14, 2008 regular council meeting minutes, bills payable and financial reports, Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to approve the minutes, bills payable and financial reports. Motion seconded by Mr. Gibson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp presented Construction Funds Request No. 12 for the sewer renovation project, which includes payment to W. Rogers Company in the amount of $73,258.88. After brief discussion, Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve payment and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously.

In the absence of Mr. McGhee, Terry Frogue updated the council on the progress of the sewer project. Mr. Frogue reported the new gate has been installed. He also reported some issues with new pumps that have been installed. The issue is mostly caused by the need to replace the headworks at the plant, but there was not enough money to do those repairs in this project. Mr. Frogue passed around pictures of the pumps, which are stopping up with debris. The pumps have to be pulled out manually and cleaned every few days. Mr. Frogue also reported that they are installing the caps on the sewer manholes. As they install the caps, they are smoke testing the lines as well. Also, Mr. Frogue had the new pumps at the high school lift station tested. Each pump is rated at 300 gallons per minute, however they tested around 125 gallons per minute. After some debris in the lines was removed, the pumps tested about 165 gallons per minute. Mr. Frogue will look into this problem further.

Mayor Camp presented an Amendment to the Water Purchase Contract with Logan-Todd. Mr. Kirkham worked with Brent Traughber and Logan-Todd attorney’s to come up with agreeable language as requested by the council last month. The Amendment clearly states there is no minimum purchase and also allows the city to purchase water elsewhere if Logan-Todd is not able to furnish the City water. After reviewing the Amendment, Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to approve the Amendment as presented. Motion seconded by Mr. Scott and carried unanimously.

Clerk Brock read first reading of Ordinance 2008-1, "AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING 25.445 ACRES INTO THE CITY OF ELKTON, KENTUCKY." Mr. Laster motioned to approve after first reading and seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom. Motion carried unanimously by show of hands.

Mayor Camp presented a request for a contribution to Project Graduation. Mayor Camp stated the City usually donates $250.00 and we will need to enter into an agreement with the Board of Education for the contribution. Mr. Laster motioned to enter into the agreement and contribute $250.00 for Project Graduation. Motion seconded by Mr. Jefferson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp presented a request from Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force for the annual contribution of $608.50. Chief Marklin stated that the Task Force recently lost half its federal funding, however they anticipate maintaining their current personnel and continuing to assist the City with drug raids and investigations. Mr. Jefferson motioned to contribute $608.50 to the Task Force. Motion seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom and carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp requested a motion to approve amending the agenda to include going into executive session. Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve amending the agenda and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Powell motioned to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing proposed or pending litigation against the City (KRS 61.810(1)(c)). Motion seconded by Mr. Scott and carried unanimously. The doors were closed to the public and Mr. Frogue, Chief Marklin and Mr. Craig left the meeting.

Upon return from executive session, Mr. Frogue, Chief Marklin and Mr. Craig retuned to the meeting. There was no action taken as a result of the executive session.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor Camp called for a report from Mr. Frogue. Terry informed the council that he would like his department to take over mowing the right-of-ways and other city property for the City and utilize the jail inmates for labor. Currently, the City is contracting with two individuals at a cost of approximately $6,500.00 per year to mow these areas. And, there are many more areas in the city that need to be mowed regularly. Mr. Frogue proposed the City purchase a tractor, tiller and mowing equipment to do this work ourselves. Jail inmates will be utilized to pick up trash, push mow and weed eat in these areas. Mr. Frogue has worked with three companies to find good equipment and pricing. The tractor Mr. Frogue would like to purchase will last the City 20-30 years. He would like to purchase a Kubota tractor and equipment for just under $20,000. Clerk Brock stated the budget will need to be amended for this purchase. After discussion, Mr. Laster motioned to approve the purchase of the tractor and equipment at a cost not to exceed $20,000.00, to amend the budget as necessary and approve the use of jail inmates for the labor as stated. Motion seconded by Mr. Jefferson. Those voting in favor of the motion were Gibson, Jefferson, Scott and Laster. Voting opposed were Sidebottom and Powell. Motion carried.

Mr. Laster reported there are several improvements that need to be done at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, including the headworks as Terry discussed before. Terry will work with Mike McGhee to discuss proceeding with another phase of improvements at the plant.

Chief Marklin thanked the utility department for their help with a parking situation on the Square. Also, Chief Marklin presented a report of activity in the department for January 2008. Chief Marklin reported that one of the 2000 Ford Crown Victoria cruisers is having engine problems and is not running. After reviewing various solutions, Chief Marklin suggested not repairing the vehicle, but keep it for parts for the other 2000 Ford. Chief Marklin then requested the purchase of a new vehicle be placed in next year’s budget. Mr. Scott suggested calling Ford to see how much a replacement engine would cost. Mrs. Sidebottom motioned for Chief Marklin to contact Ford on the new engine and to hold off making a decision until the next council meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Gibson and carried unanimously.

Mr. Scott reported that ball fields number one and two are being totally reworked and outfields reseeded. Also, applications for park director and concessions manger were accepted through January 31^st and a decision on those positions will be made by the Administrative Council shortly.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Camp reported the new senior housing apartments will be called Landmark Apartments. Applications for renters are now being accepted.

Mayor Camp stated that we were very lucky during the recent severe storms and thanked the police and utility departments for all their hard work and overtime.

Mr. Jefferson motioned to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.