The Elkton City Council met in regular session on Monday, August 13, 2007 with Mayor Nancy T. Camp presiding.

City Council members present: Doug Gibson; Eugene Jefferson; Danny Laster; David Powell; Cindy Sidebottom; and Robin Snardon.

Others present: City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Brock; City Attorney John P. Kirkham; Utility Superintendent Terry Frogue; Police Chief Bruce Marklin; Mike McGhee, McGhee Engineering; Nina Francies, Community Education Director; and, Stephanie Craft, 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 July 9, 2007 regular council meeting minutes, bills payable and financial reports, Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve the minutes, bills payable and financial reports. Motion seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom and carried unanimously.

Mike McGhee updated the council on the progress of the sewer facilities project. The project has been under construction for 187 days. The project has used 62.3% of the time allotted and 56.4% of funds budgeted. Mr. McGhee reported that this month’s payment request is higher than normal because a lot of equipment was received last month. Mr. McGhee also informed the council that if the project goes as planned, there may be about $200,000 in grant funds available for expenditure at the end of the project. Several potential projects at the plant were discussed.

Mr. McGhee presented Construction Funds Request No. 7 in the amount of $ 380,712.38 with the following payment requests:

• McGhee Engineering        $   24,712.38
• W. Rogers Company          $ 356,543.63

Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to approve the construction funds pay request and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. McGhee thanked the council and left the meeting at this time.

Mayor Camp presented Resolution 2007-6, "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELKTON (GRANTEE) ACCEPTING THE GRANT, APPROVING THE GRANT AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF LOCAL BUDGET, AND AUTHORIZING A RESPRESENTATIVE TO SIGN ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS." Clerk Brock explained this is acceptance of an additional $200,000 in funding from KIA for the sewer project. These additional funds were awarded when the project bids came in over budget. After discussion, Mr. Jefferson motioned to adopt Resolution 2007-7 and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp presented a letter from Sarah Craig of Silver Triangle Main Street regarding the streetscape project. It was announced several weeks ago that the City would receive $300,000 in Transportation Enhancement funds for additional streetscape projects. Clerk Brock stated that after discussions with the Transportation Cabinet, Mayor Camp and Sarah Craig, it was decided it would be in the best interest of the City to combine the current TE funds with the funds just awarded into one project. Combining the two projects would probably give the city enough funds to replace all the sidewalks around Public Square and one block down.

Clerk Brock informed the council that the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the area that has been requested for annexation on Pond River Road owned by the Overholt family. As a result of the public hearing, the commission recommends the area be zoned R-1 Single-Family Residential upon its annexation. After brief discussion, Mr. Powell motioned to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and seconded by Mr. Jefferson. Motion carried unanimously. An annexation ordinance will be presented at a future meeting.

Amending the animal ordinance was discussed in detail. Many council members were concerned with public safety, but were also concerned with the rights of citizens to own animals. Clerk Brock stated that what brought this up were several pit bull attacks in the city as well as many questions about citizens keeping livestock in their yards. Mr. Kirkham suggested reviewing other city ordinances and preparing a draft for discussion at the next meeting.

Clerk Brock presented the council with an "Elkton Events Calendar." Clerk Brock explained that several local businesses annually donate money to sponsor HarvestFest, with proceeds donated to the City-County Park. However, this year the sponsors agreed to use the proceeds to have more events in Elkton. Therefore, Clerk Brock has scheduled several concerts on the Square and also movies in the park. All of these events will be free to the public.

Mayor Camp presented Municipal Order 2007-4, "MUNICIPAL ORDER ADOPTING THE CITY OF ELKTON INVESTMENT POLICY." After discussion, Mr. Powell motioned to adopt Municipal Order 2007-4 and seconded by Mr. Jefferson. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp and Clerk Brock presented a landscape plan for the Old Courthouse from Highlandbrook Nursery. The plan also included an estimate to install an irrigation system that would cover the landscaping and the courtyard. The total cost is estimated not to exceed $12,000.00. Clerk Brock stated that contributions from the Veteran’s Committee and other areas of the City’s budget would be sought. Mr. Laster requested additional estimates be taken and presented at the next meeting.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mr. Gibson reported the weather was too hot to discuss paving, but he will have suggestions for resurfacing at next month’s meeting. Also, Chief Marklin stated a decision needed to be made about the street that was temporarily closed for the jail construction. Mayor Camp suggested waiting on a decision until the County decided where the new justice center would be built.

Mr. Jefferson called for a report from Chief Marklin. Chief Marklin reported that the 1997 Blazer needs a new engine. Wayne Gibbs recommended a Grooms engine at a cost of $2,700.00 and includes a lifetime warranty. Chief Marklin also requested approval to purchase a new 2007 Ford Explorer 4 wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle can be purchased under state contract for $21,000.00. After discussion, Mr. Jefferson motioned to purchase the new vehicle under state contract through a municipal lease purchase agreement over five years. Motion seconded by Mr. Powell. Those voting in favor of the motion were Gibson, Jefferson, Snardon, Powell and Sidebottom. Voting opposed was Laster. Motion carried. There was considerable discussion regarding spending a large amount of money on a Blazer that is over ten years old. Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to repair the engine on the Blazer as specified by Chief Marklin only after the transmission has been inspected. Motion seconded by Mr. Laster and carried unanimously.

Mr. Laster reported the utility department has been working on sidewalks in the city and that there are quite a few places that need repair. Mr. Laster asked if grants were available for sidewalk repair. Clerk Brock stated that she would check to see if Transportation Enhancement funding could be applied for to repair sidewalks around the city.

Mr. Laster also reported that the break room at the sewer plant does not have an air conditioner. Mr. Laster stated he thought the City should buy an air conditioner. Mr. Frogue reported that Chris Orr has donated an old air conditioning unit, which will be installed shortly. Mr. Gibson reported his office just purchased a floor unit that heats and cools for about $2,000 to $3,000 and it works really well. After discussion, Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to authorize Terry Frogue to purchase a heating and air unit similar to the unit Mr. Gibson suggested if the donated air conditioner does not work effectively. Mr. Laster seconded the motion and carried unanimously.

Mr. Frogue reported that the utility department will be installing new street signs on the side streets in town in the next few months. Also, the County did some mowing and clearing of debris around the bridge at Elk Fork Road and did a really good job. Mr. Frogue also reported he is working with Donnie Owens of Natural Resources Conservation Services on the water drainage situation in Laster Trailer Park and the new Overholt property that will be annexed.

Mr. Powell reported the fire department would like to purchase 20 new flashlights that cost approximately $36.00 each. Mr. Powell motioned to approve this purchase and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Sidebottom reported that a fence in Elkton Cemetery has been cut and needs repair. The fence row also needs to be cleared out.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Camp reported that FLEXcon has officially opened operations on Elk Fork Road. Mayor Camp passed out a flyer with a history of the company.

Mayor Camp received a letter of resignation from Ed Broderick from the Planning Commission. Mr. Jefferson motioned to accept the resignation and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp recommended the appointment of Bryan Mason to the Recreation Commission. Mrs. Snardon motioned to approve the recommendation and seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp recommended the appointment of Skip Ray to the Elkton Planning Commission to fulfill the term of Ed Broderick. Mr. Jefferson motioned to accept the recommendation and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Camp introduced Nina Francies, Community Education Director at the Board of Education, and thanked her for attending the meeting.

Mr. Jefferson motioned to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:25 PM.