The Elkton City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 8, 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: Eugene Jefferson; Nancy Camp; David Powell; Greg Allen; and, Danny Laster.

City Council members absent: Brad Shemwell.

Others present: City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Brock; City Attorney John P. Kirkham; Utility Superintendent Terry Frogue; Nancy Edmonds; Don Laster; and, Stephanie Craft, Todd County Standard.

After reviewing the minutes of the April 10, 2006 and April 12, 2006 council meetings, financial reports and bills payable, Mrs. Camp motioned to approve the minutes, financial reports and pay the bills. Motion seconded by Mr. Allen and carried unanimously by the council.

Clerk Brock read second reading of Ordinance 2006-4, "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 92.03 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING NUISANCES." There was considerable discussion that property owners should not be responsible for mowing the right-of-ways. It was the consensus of the Council that the exemption of crops and gardens needed to stay in the ordinance, but to remove the responsibility of mowing the right-of-way. Mrs. Camp motioned to direct the Mayor to take bids on mowing the right-of-ways. Motion seconded by Mr. Jefferson and carried unanimously. The Ordinance amending Section 92.03 was corrected to reflect the consensus of the Council and reread. After some discussion, Mr. Allen motioned to adopt the Ordinance with the corrections stated. Motion seconded by Mr. Laster and carried by unanimous show of hands.

Clerk Brock reviewed major changes and proposed amendments to the budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. After reviewing the changes, Clerk Brock read first reading of Ordinance 2006-5, "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ELKTON, KENTUCKY, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2005 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2006." Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve after first reading and seconded by Mr. Allen. Motion carried by unanimous show of hands by the council.

Mayor Walton presented his budget message and proposal for fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. Mayor Walton presented the following proposed highlights:

• This budget proposal contains a 1.5% cost of living salary increase to employees and elected officials. The street and volunteer fire department wages will remain frozen.
• The proposal includes maintaining six full-time police officers.
• The proposal contains $15,000 for the purchase of three new computers for City Hall and new computer software.
• The Elk Fork Creek Debris Removal Project, at a cost of $20,000, will remove logjams and flood hazards from Elk Fork Creek. The City will receive $17,000 in grants for this project.
• The Water Department is scheduled to receive approximately $231,000 in funding from the State to retire the debt owed to the Todd County Water District for the old water treatment plant.
• The Sewer Department will receive a $143,500 Community Economic Growth Grant to extend the sewer main line to the Coursey property along North Main Street.

After some discussion, Mr. Allen proposed the 1.5% raise not be given to elected officials to save money. The Mayor and Council were in concurrence. Also, there was considerable discussion regarding not cutting the annual leaf pickup in half as proposed in the Municipal Road Aid Fund budget. It was decided the Mayor would talk to Watson Ricchuite to discuss changes in the leaf pickup schedule. This will be decided at a later date. After discussion, Clerk Brock read first reading of Ordinance 2006-6, "AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY OF ELKTON, KENTUCKY, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2006 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2007." Mrs. Camp motioned to approve the ordinance with the proposed changes and seconded by Mr. Jefferson. Those voting in favor of the motion by show of hands were Camp, Powell, Allen and Jefferson. Voting opposed was Laster. Motion carried.

The annual residential spring cleanup of large trash items will be held Monday, June 5^th through Thursday, June 8^th.

Mayor Walton announced the Pennyrile Area Development District Annual Dinner would be held on Monday, June 12^th at the Convention Center in Hopkinsville. This date conflicts with our June council meeting. After some discussion, Mr. Powell motioned to reschedule the council meeting for Tuesday, June 13^th at 7:00 PM. Motion seconded by Mr. Laster and carried unanimously.

Mayor Walton presented a proposal to the Council for residential development incentives. The purpose of this proposal is to encourage residential growth, as well as annexation into the city. Basically, a residential development plat would be approved by the Planning Commission and all water and sewer lines would be approved by the appropriate state and local agencies. Once these plans are approved, the City Council could rebate 80% of all property taxes, occupational license taxes, building permits and utility tap on fees to help cover the cost of constructing public facilities, which includes streets, water lines and sewer lines, that would ultimately accepted by the city for maintenance. In total, the city could not reimburse the developer more than the total cost of constructing the public facilities. A formal agreement with recommended rebates would be presented to the City Council on an individual basis. After some discussion, Mr. Jefferson motioned to approve the proposal and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mr. Allen reported that Paul Young has been hired as a part-time park director. Also, Mr. Young will be leasing the concession stand from the Recreation Commission.

Mayor Walton reported that the City has invested approximately $151,000 in the park since fiscal year 2001. In total, approximately $105,000 in cash and $46,000 in grants.

Mr. Laster called for a report from Terry Frogue. Mr. Frogue reported on the activities of the Utility Department during the last month.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Walton called for any comments from guests. Ms. Nancy Edmonds complained about the tall weeds on the lot on the corner of Jefferson and Allen Street. Terry Frogue reported that he had not spoken with the property owner because he was waiting to see if the nuisance ordinance amendment was going to pass tonight. Ms. Edmonds also reported the new sign for "Children Playing" was too low to the ground and the weeds were blocking it. Mr. Frogue will look at the sign and adjust it as needed.

Mr. Jefferson motioned to go into closed session to discuss personnel. Motion seconded by Mr. Powell and carried unanimously. All guests exited the council room and the door was closed to the public. Those remaining for the closed session were Mayor Walton, council members, John Kirkham and Clerk Brock. Upon returning from closed session there was no action taken.

Mayor Walton reported on the status of the Community Development Block Grant to purchase the Flynn building. The City has completed its share of the paperwork and is waiting on a commitment from the company.

Mr. Jefferson motioned to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Powell. Motion carried unanimously and meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM.