MINUTES
Elkton City Council Meeting 
Monday, January 14, 2008
7:00 PM

The Elkton City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 14, 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; Brent Traughber, Logan-Todd Regional Water Commission; Tracy Robinson and "Boogie" Oliver, Silver Triangle Main Street; and, Stephanie Craft, Todd County Standard.

Mayor Camp called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mr. Danny Laster led invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Camp stated that since Mike McGhee was not in attendance, we would move down on the agenda to hear from Brent Traughber regarding the proposed Amended Water Purchase Contract. Mr. Traughber explained that in the original contract, the City has a minimum amount of water they are supposed to purchase. The Commission has decided to not enforce the minimum purchase, which is good for the City, because we are currently using about half of the minimum set in the contract. The amended contract removes the minimum amount and inserts a clause that the city will only pay for the water that it actually uses. The amendment also includes a clause stating that LTRWC will be the "sole and exclusive wholesaler or retailer or distributor of potable water for the Purchaser during the term of the contract." Mr. Traughber was questioned regarding the current wholesale rate of $3.31 per thousand gallons. Mr. Traughber stated that, if anything, he saw the rate decreasing in the future due to growth and possible expansion by selling water to other entities. There was considerable discussion concerning the city not being able to purchase water from anyone else, even in an emergency. Mr. Traughber assured the council the Commission is required to provide water to each entity. The water purchase contract has about 47 years remaining. After discussion, Mr. Traughber thanked the council and left the meeting.

Mayor Camp introduced Rick Davis, Thurman, Campbell and Company, to present the audit report for FY 2007. Mr. Davis stated the financial statements were given an unqualified opinion, the cleanest report possible. Also, it was their opinion that the general purpose financial statements present fairly the financial position of the City of Elkton as of June 30, 2007. Mr. Davis reviewed financial highlights of the report and answered questions from the council. Mrs. Sidebottom motioned to accept the audit report and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously.

Clerk Brock informed the council that applications for Transportation Enhancement funding are now being accepted. Mayor Camp and Clerk Brock have discussed applying for funding to install curb and gutter and new sidewalks along South Streets Avenue. Clerk Brock estimates this project will cost approximately $245,000. TE funding would reimburse the City for 80% of the cost, leaving the City an expense of $49,000. The City could use the Revolving Fund to cover this expense. After brief discussion, Mr. Laster motioned to approve applying for the funding for this project. Motion seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom and carried unanimously.

Tracy Robinson and Boogie Oliver with Silver Triangle Main Street addressed the council regarding their work plan for 2008, which includes working with the Elkton Planning Commission to develop a historic preservation ordinance for the historic district in downtown and other historic landmarks. Also, the City of Elkton must submit a letter of commitment to Main Street in order to be recertified for 2008. Mayor Camp presented an agreement with Silver Triangle for the contribution of $6,000 for 2008. Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve the agreement and contribute $6,000. Motion seconded by Mr. Powell and carried unanimously. Mr. Oliver and Mrs. Robinson thanked the council and left the meeting.

Before moving on to Council Reports, Mayor Camp asked the council what action, if any, they would like to take on the LTRWC Amended Water Purchase Contract. There was considerable discussion regarding LTRWC enforcing the minimum purchase of 11,021,000 gallons at $25,348.30. After considerable discussion, Mr. Laster motioned that Mr. Kirkham contact Brent Traughber at LTRWC to discuss the concern that the amended contract does not clearly state that the minimum purchase is waived and to negotiate changing the exclusive purchase clause to allow purchase from another entity in case of an emergency. Motion seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom and carried unanimously.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mr. Gibson reported he inspected the water problem at the Elkton Bank drive-thru and South Main Street. The water is not flowing to the drain on South Main and is standing in Washington Street. Mr. Gibson stated that a channel needs to be made to get the water to flow to the drain.

Mr. Jefferson called for a report from Chief Marklin. Mr. Marklin passed out a report of all police incidents for 2008. There were a total of 2,894 incidents, including 223 criminal cases and 105 drug cases. Chief Marklin also distributed a report on estimated monthly vehicle expenses.

Mr. Scott reported that there was not a park meeting last month, but they were scheduled to meet this week.

Mr. Laster reported the new fencing and gate at the sewer plant have been installed. Mr. Frogue also reported that lids for all the sewer manholes have been ordered.

Mr. Powell reported he spoke with Fire Chief Larry Threlkel, who reported a few fire runs last month.

Mrs. Sidebottom reported new fencing is needed in Elkton Cemetery. Also, several old headstones are in need of repair. This work will be done when the weather gets warmer.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Camp reported some members of the Planning Commission will be meeting tomorrow, January 15^th at 2:30 PM at City Hall, to discuss proposed subdivision regulations. Following that meeting, the Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at 5:00 PM to discuss the new Riverbend Subdivision.

Mr. Laster motioned to adjourn and seconded by Mrs. Sidebottom. Motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 PM.