The Elkton City Council met in regular session on Monday, September 11, 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. Mayor Walton stated that all the victims and families of the tragedy of September 11, 2001 are in our thoughts and prayers.

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

City Council members absent: Eugene Jefferson.

Others present: City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Brock; City Attorney John P. Kirkham; Utility Superintendent Terry Frogue; Police Chief Bruce Marklin; Evelyn Boone, Todd County Standard; and Skip Ray.

After reviewing the minutes of the August 14, 2006 council meeting, financial reports and bills payable, Mrs. Camp motioned to approve the minutes, financial reports and pay the bills. Motion seconded by Mr. Powell and carried unanimously by the council.

Mayor Walton stated Brigette Bishop had requested to be on the agenda, but is not in attendance. Also, Mike McGhee had to attend the Trenton City Commission meeting tonight, therefore the sewer plant project bids will be discussed when he arrives later in the meeting.

Clerk Brock read second reading of Summary Ordinance 2006-6, "SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CITY PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY AS REQUIRED BY KRS 61.870-61.884." Mrs. Camp motioned to adopt after second reading and seconded by Mr. Shemwell. Motion carried by unanimous show of hands by the Council.

Mayor Walton called for comments from Skip Ray, owner of "Skip’s on the Square." Mr. Ray commented that when he started "Bike Night" at his restaurant that he never knew it would grow to be such a large event. He apologized for not attending a council meeting sooner to inform the council of this event. Mr. Ray thanked the police department for their work and commented that the people attending Bike Night are good people and enjoy coming to Elkton. Mr. Ray stated he would like to do more special events in the future. He also requested that the lights in the Old Courthouse be turned on for a few hours during each Bike Night. After some discussion, Mr. Ray thanked the mayor and Council and left the meeting.

Clerk Brock informed the Council that she has not received the property tax assessment from the Property Valuation office yet and therefore the tax rate can not be set at this time. There will need to be at least two special meetings to pass the tax rate when the information is received.

Mr. Powell presented the Council with a proposal from Scotty’s to resurface Leavell Lane at a cost of $2,390.00. Mr. Powell stated that the road was in terrible condition and needs repair. After brief discussion, Mrs. Camp motioned to accept the proposal and authorize David Powell and the Mayor to work with Scotty’s to resurface Leavell Lane. Motion seconded by Mr. Allen and carried unanimously.

Mayor Walton informed the Council that Kevin Harris has resigned his position on the Recreation Commission effective at the end of his current term. Mayor Walton requested a recommendation from the Commission. Mr. Allen stated the Commission is meeting this Thursday and will discuss a replacement.

Mayor Walton stated Marvin Davidson has resigned his position with the Code Enforcement Board upon the completion of his term. Mayor Walton recommended appointing Matt Nittler to the Board. After brief discussion, Mr. Allen motioned to accept the recommendation to appoint Mr. Nittler to the Code Enforcement Board. Motion seconded by Mr. Laster and carried unanimously by the Council.

Mayor Walton informed the Council that through the Homeland Security Office, various public buildings, including City Hall and the Police Department, were inspected and assessed for vulnerability to threats. Upon completion of the assessment, recommendations were made for solutions to the vulnerabilities found in each building. All buildings assessed in the County are now eligible for up to $10,000 in funding to initiate these solutions. As a result, City Hall will install a tv system to monitor and record activity at the entrance to City Hall. Also, panic buttons will be installed. Chief Bruce Marklin stated that the new Emergency Services building will also be installing monitoring equipment.

Mayor Walton called for Mike McGhee to give a report on the Wastewater Plant Expansion and Sewer Improvements Bids. Mr. McGhee reported that bids were advertised and accepted for this project on September 7, 2006, with the following bids received:

    1.  W. Rogers Company - $2,081,000
    2.  Building Crafts - $2,114,112
    3.  Robinson Construction - $2,211,000

Mr. McGhee stated that after receiving the bids, the total cost of the project was over the original budget by approximately $500,000. Mr. McGhee reviewed several scenarios with the Council, including cutting out repairs to the Todd Central Lift Station, obtaining additional grant funds and various loan scenarios. Mayor Walton stated that he and Mr. McGhee will meet with officials from various agencies later this week to try to come up with additional grant funds. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to pursue additional funding while leaving the entire project in place, including repairs to the lift station. The bids received are good for 90 days from the date they were submitted. This item will be discussed further at a future meeting when more information about possible additional funding is known.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mr. Allen reported the Park is in good financial shape at this time. Also, Chairman Jim Rundall has announced his resignation as Chair of the Recreation Commission. Mr. Allen reported the Commission is still in the process of putting together a budget.

Mr. Laster commended the Utility Department for finding and repairing several leaks in the City that will contribute to the water loss reduction. Mr. Frogue reported that one major leak of approximately 16 gallons per minute has been repaired. Mr. Frogue reported that 60% of the City sill needs to be examined for leaks.

Chief Marklin gave a report of activity for the month of August. Also, Mayor Walton reported that although Officer Joey Johnson was retiring at the end of this month, the City will send him to training to maintain his certification. Officer Johnson has agreed to work part-time if the City needed.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Walton reported that he and Mr. Kirkham are still working on the paperwork for the Elk Fork Creek Debris Removal Project. The project is expected to begin this Fall.

Several council members questioned the progress on the removal of the dilapidated house on Jefferson Street. Mr. Frogue reported he has been working with Mr. Jason Petrie, attorney for the Code Enforcement Board. Mayor Walton stated there is also an option to declare the house a fire hazard. After discussion, Mrs. Camp motioned to authorize the Mayor, Mr. Kirkham, Larry Threlkel and Clerk Brock to pursue this issue. Motion seconded by Mr. Laster and carried unanimously.

Mayor Walton expressed his gratitude to the Council for their words of sympathy after the recent loss of his mother.

Clerk Brock stated that the annual leaf pickup would need to be discussed at the next meeting.

Mr. Allen motioned to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Laster. Motion carried unanimously and meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 PM.