The Elkton City Council met in special session on Monday, October 23, 2006 with Mayor John E. Walton presiding. Mayor Walton called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

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

Others present: City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Brock; Utility Superintendent Terry Frogue; Evelyn Boone, Todd County Standard.

The purpose of the special meeting was as follows:

1.   Future Projects Discussion and Prioritization

Mayor Walton discussed the following possible future projects with the City Council.

1.  Water Line Replacement

Replace old water lines in the City. Many of the water lines in the City are 50 to 60 years old and will need to be replaced. The City is not immediately eligible for CDBG funds, however a community survey could be performed to see if the City qualifies for 50% grant funds. Also, Rural Development could provide loans and grants for these projects. The City would have to procure an engineer, who would complete plans that would have to be approved by Division of Water before the CDBG grant can be applied for.

The water line on Goebel Avenue is in the worst condition. This line, as many other old lines, is located in the middle of the street. Therefore, the street would have to be torn up and replaced as well. McGhee Engineering estimates the cost of replacing the water lines and repairing the street to be about $35.00 per foot. The water line could also be replaced in the right-of-way, however road bores to each customer on the other side of the street would have to be done.

2.   Water Plant Debt Retirement

The principal balance owed on the old Todd County Water Plant was $403,383 on July 1, 2006. In February 2007, the estimated balance will be $100,000. Mayor Walton plans on asking for this amount to be included in the State budget, if money becomes available at the first of the year.

3.   Radio Read Meters and Wi-Fi

Installing radio read kits on all meters located in the City would cost approximately $112,000. This includes the transmitter, computer and software to read the meters. This would allow the meters to be read in a few hours by simply driving around town with a special computer. Currently, it takes two men about three days to read the meters. Also, the software includes tamper and leak detection programs. In addition, for $213,000 the City could install wireless routers in the City and read the meters wirelessly from City Hall. This would also make the entire City Wi-Fi capable and it might be a possibility to sell internet service to utility customers. A company that installs wireless routers will be giving a presentation at City Hall on Thursday. The total cost to do both would be approximately $325,000.

4.   Community Center

Construction of an indoor recreation center, including exercise equipment, basketball court, indoor pool, etc. Also, a public meeting facility could be included. Clerk Brock suggested doing a survey to see if there is interest in such a facility. The City can apply for CDBG grants that would pay for up to 75% of these type projects. Also, Rural Development has grants and loan packages available for public facility projects.

It was discussed that this would be a good community project if it was proven that people would use the facility. Also, management and maintenance costs must be taken into consideration.

5.   Ag Expo Center

Construction of an indoor facility to hold 4-H events, horse shows, concerts, fairs, etc. This project could also include an outdoor race track to hold events.

There was discussion that the high school holds cattle shows in a very small area, so a large facility would not necessarily be needed.

6.   Empty Building

Purchase an empty building on the Square and provide small rental space for start up businesses. This would provide low rental space for local businesses people looking to get started in the area.

7.   Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Study

Apply for grants to have a professional inflow and infiltration study performed on the City sewer system. This will allow a plan to be developed to be used to apply for grants to fix problem areas in the City.

8.   Transportation Enhancement Funds

After completion of the current streetscape project in the spring of 2007, the City will need to apply for another grant of about $200,000 to complete the streetscape project around the Square

9.   Other Projects:

After discussing the various possible projects, Mayor Walton asked the Council to look over and think about these projects and rank them in order of need and importance. These projects will be discussed at the next council meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:20 PM.