The Elkton City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 9, 2006 with Mayor John E. Walton presiding. Mayor Walton called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the pledge to the American flag.

City Council members present: Brad Shemwell; Nancy Camp; David Powell; Greg Allen; Eugene Jefferson; and, Danny Laster.

Others present: City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Brock; City Attorney John P. Kirkham; Utility Superintendent Terry Frogue; Sergeant Bruce Marklin; Ryan Craig, Todd County Standard; Pauletta Harrell; Deborah Mae Johnson; and Don Laster.

After reviewing the minutes of the December 12, 2005 council meeting, financial reports and bills payable, Mrs. Camp motioned to approve the minutes, financial reports and pay the bills. Motion seconded by Mr. Shemwell and carried unanimously by the council.

Clerk Brock read second reading of Ordinance 2005-20, "AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATIONS REGARDING CELLULAR ANTENNA TOWERS." Mr. Jefferson motioned to adopt the ordinance after second reading and seconded by Mr. Shemwell. Motion carried by unanimous show of hands.

Clerk Brock read second reading of Ordinance 2005-21, "AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AN UNNAMED AND UNIMPROVED ALLEY OR STREET, RUNNING BETWEEN ALLEN STREET AND AN UNNAMED UNIMPROVED ALLEY, RUNNING PARALLEL WITH ALLEN STREET, SAID ALLEY TO BE CLOSED BEING A 16.5 FT. ALLEY RUNNING THROUGH THE PROPERTY OF GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TABERNACLE CHURCH THROUGH LOTS 73 & 74 OF THE JOHN GRAY PLAT OF THE CITY OF ELKTON." Mrs. Camp motioned to adopt the ordinance after second reading and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried by unanimous show of hands.

The Council was presented with an agreement with Pennyrile RC & D in return for a contribution of $200.00 for FY 2006. Mayor Walton reminded the Council Pennyrile RC & D has written several grants in the past for the City and is currently working on a flood prevention grant to clean out Elk Fork Creek. After brief discussion, Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve the agreement and seconded by Mr. Shemwell. Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution 2006-1, "RESOLUTION APPROVING SUPPORT OF AND APPLICATION FOR WASTE TIRE MARKET DEVELOPMENT CRUMB RUBBER GRANT INCLUDING EXPENDITURE OF MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT," was presented to the Council. The total Crum Rubber Grant Project Application if for $9,592.65 with the City responsible for 25% of the project, or $2,398.16. The majority, if not all, of the City’s expenses will be in-kind match of labor and equipment. After brief discussion, Mrs. Camp motioned to adopt Resolution 2006-1 and seconded by Mr. Jefferson. Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution 2006-2, "RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND APPROVING APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $99,280," was presented to the Council. Clerk Brock explained the proposed project is to remove and replace deteriorating sidewalks around Weathers Drug Store and around the Old Jefferson Davis Hotel building. The project also includes installation of historic lighting in these areas and in areas that already have new sidewalks. The total cost of the project is $124,100.00 with the City required to contribute 20% of the project, or $24,820.00. Therefore, the Transportation Enhancement Funding would contribute the remaining 80%, or $99,280.00. There was discussion of where the money for this project would come from considering the loss of revenue to the City in recent months. Clerk Brock stated there was money in savings for capital projects. After some discussion, Mrs. Camp motioned to adopt Resolution 2006-2 with the understanding that it does not obligate the City to spend the money if the grant is awarded. Motion seconded by Mr. Shemwell and carried unanimously.

Clerk Brock updated the Council on the Old Courthouse Landscape Project. The Project is not complete, as some minor work still needs to be done. The City is holding a ten percent retainer on the Contractor until it is completed. Also, the total cost of the project may be under budget by approximately $5-$6,000. If so, the City may purchase some street furniture for the sitting areas.

Mayor Walton welcomed the guests to the meeting. The guests presented the Mayor and Council with a "petition" from former employees of Flynn Enterprises. The petition appealed to the City to do everything possible to help locate a business in the empty Flynn Enterprises building and bring jobs to the City. The guests did not wish to comment but just wanted to make sure everything is being done to locate industry in Elkton. Mayor Walton assured the guests that he and the City Council were doing everything in their power to locate jobs in Elkton. Also, Mayor Walton will be in Frankfort later this week to meet with the Economic Development Council.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mr. Laster stated he met with Mr. Frogue and reported some of the activity in the Utility Department. Mr. Laster informed the Council the Beckham Road water line extension was almost complete. Also, Mr. Laster reported water loss in the City was about 29% last month. The staff is continually working on finding the source of the loss.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Walton reported the current animal control officer is interested in quitting the position. Scott Osborn is paid $500 a month per contract to remove stray animals in the City. However, he has to drive from Clarksville, Tennessee and the cost of travel is beginning to be too much. Therefore, Mayor Walton proposed hiring John Service on an hourly basis at $9.00 per hour starting February 1^st. It is expected to possibly save the City money as well. After brief discussion, Mrs. Camp motioned to hire John Service for animal control at $9.00 per hour. Motion seconded by Mr. Powell and carried unanimously.

Mayor Walton informed the Council he and Mr. Jefferson met with Sergeant Marklin regarding his possible appointment as Police Chief after Chief Barnett’s retirement becomes effective on March 31, 2006. Mayor Walton recommended appointing Sergeant Marklin as Chief of Police to be effective April 1, 2006. Mrs. Camp motioned to accept the Mayor’s recommendation and seconded by Mr. Allen. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Walton congratulated Sergeant Marklin and asked for any comments. Sergeant Marklin thanked the Council and expressed that he would do the best job he could as Police Chief for the City.

Mayor Walton reported he would be in Frankfort on Wednesday and Thursday this week to meet with the Economic Development Cabinet and the Governor’s Office.

Mayor Walton and the Council expressed their condolences on the recent passing of William "Bill" Harris. Mr. Harris will be truly missed by the City and it’s residents.

Mr. Laster motioned to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Jefferson. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.