Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Allen Company snags Wilderness Road Project

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: November 10, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden
 
Convened 9:35 a.m. at Madison County Fiscal Courtroom.  All present.
 
Minutes were approved.
 
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer was absent; report will be given next meeting
 
Order of Business:
 
1. Proclamation - Diabetes Month - Paula Hollan, Kim DeCosta: November is designated as Diabetes Month with Nov. 14 as World Diabetes Day. The emphasis is on making people aware of the disease, one half of those that have it do not know it, and having people take control of it. 
 
2. Appointment - Road Commissioner -  Jimmy Marcum reappointed.
 
3. Appointment - Valley View Ferry Board - Roger Barger reappointed.
 
4. Appointments - Nuisance/Grievance Board - Dr. Paula Mionchi reappointed.
 
5. 2010 Calendar - List of holiday days county offices will be closed. Dr.Tudor brought up the fact that this equates to a half month of paid vacation for county employees. The Court struck Columbus Day.
 
6. Judge’s Report - A bid for work on the Wilderness Road Project was awarded to the Allen Company.
 
7. Comments from Department Heads -  The Sheriff explained that the deputies people see directing traffic in the area around the Depot are off duty and being paid $40/hour by the Depot and his office is receiving $20/car.
Planning issued permits for $8.3M in construction projects, $1.9M in single family dwelling starts and 120 building permits in the third quarter.
 
8. Comments from Magistrates - Dr Tudor referred to the $87K grant from the state for litter pick up, mentioned at the last meeting, and expressed concern that this money will eventually dry up. He emphasized the need for our citizens not to litter. He requested a report from KY River Foothills and Hopes Wings at the next meeting.
Roger Barger brought up the fact that the new I-75 exit 95 exchange is still 5-7 years down the pike. He reemphasized that the age for fishing at the Whitehall Lake is 13 and under and must be accompanied by an adult.
Harold Botner reported that the College Hill boat ramp is being used.
Larry Combs stated that the KY River Foothills bus program needs more publicity. 
 
9. Comments from the Audience- None
 

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Court orders park equipment for White Hall

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: October 27, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden


Convened 9:33 a.m. at Madison County Fiscal Courtroom. All Present.

Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Given at the first meeting of the month

Order of Business:

1. EMS Update - Jimmy Cornelison. This update is a result of Dr Tudor’s request that all taxing districts report to the Fiscal Court, at least annually, as to how their share of the tax monies are used. The EMS mission, to provide the best prehospital care, is met by 60 employees, 38 of whom are full time and an annual budget of $4.6M. A majority of the recruiting is done through a pool of EKU, Emergency Medical Care graduates. EMS has made 11,670 emergency runs to date. In the future they will be able to provide facilities for student interns, through a property trade made with EKU.

2. Appointments - Board of Adjustments - Jimmy Rogers and May Kirby reappointed.

3. Appointments - Airport Board - Clifford Kirby reappointed.

4. Appointments - Madison County Board of Health - Dr. Tudor reappointed.

5. Battlefield Golf Cart Agreement - Four utility golf carts which were left off the original lease were added.

6. White Hall Park Agreement - Permission to enter into a $40K agreement with the Department for Local Government was granted to the Judge Executive, for the purchase of playground equipment and to pave the parking lot at White Hall Shrine. The possibility of limiting fishing at the lake to 16 year olds and under was discussed.

7. CSEPP Open Bids - The County Attorney opened the sealed bids in front of the Fiscal Court. The bids were to remodel the old 911 space which will be used to increase the size of the present CSEPP operations room. The Department of the Army (FEMA) will fund the $6K project.

8. Executive Session - The court went into session to discuss litigation concerning a circuit court ruling that firefighters incentive pay for training should include overtime pay. The County along with other counties will enter a suit appealing the ruling.


9. Judge’s Report - The judge and magistrates toured the Depot and were impressed by the progress of the weapons destruction project. There are 1,300 employees working there with an average yearly salary of $45K. The Feds have allocated $245M in project funds for 2010.

A State project, to move waste runoff from the wells at the old landfill at Box Angle along 4mile Road to the Richmond Regional Sewer System, required the County to step in. The path of the sewer line was being run to accommodate the State and not the citizens along the route. The Judge and Magistrate Botner met with state officials and got the situation corrected.

10. Comments from Department Heads - CSEPP will be conducting a disaster exercise on 10/28 and a recovery exercise on 10/29. There will be over 30 critiquers. Solid Waste Coordinator stated that the County is scheduled to receive $83K next year for litter pick up. Comments were made concerning the apparent lack of responsibility of some citizens to not litter our community.

11. Comments from Magistrates - Dr. Tudor has asked the Health Department if they had funds that could be used to help pay for the dead livestock removal program. They replied that they weren’t sure if the law would allow them to use funds for that. He then wrote to the State Attorney General in December 2008 requesting clarification. He has not heard anything to date. Master Barger and Botner praised the Depot tour and the fine work that the Solid Waste Coordinator is doing. Magistrate Coombs was glad to be here.

12. Comments from the Audience- None

13. Pay Claims and Approve Transfers

Adjournment: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Court says 30 minutes of barking equals 'nuisance'

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: September 22, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden
 
Convened 9:34 a.m. at Madison County Courtroom.  All Present.
 
Minutes were approved.
 
Treasurer’s Report: The fund balance on 07/31/09 was $6,042,028.09.This included the original budget plus surplus from prior year and amendments. On 09/22/09 it is $6,014,728.51. The total receipts received since July for all  funds is $11,471,880.46, which is 20.6 percent of the original budget. The total appropriations since July are $5,457,151.95 which is 9.8 percent of the original budget. From July to September, we are 16.6 percent through the budget year.
 
Order of Business:
 
1. 2nd Reading Ordinance 09-08 KADD Financial Agreements:  Fifth Third Bank has opted out of holding any financial paper for the County. This agreement is to renew with a new financial institution at no additional cost to the County.
 
2. 2nd Reading Ordinance 09-07 Budget Amendment - Battle of Richmond - Tea Grant: accept $440K to be used for interior of Pleasant View House, split rail fencing and six cannon. The County’s match is $110K.
 
3. Pay Resolution- Northern Madison County Sewer District for the last draw for $12,849 on the Executive Park Sewer Project.
 
4. Proposed Amendment - Ordinance 01-04 decreases the time a dog barks consistently from one hour to 30 minutes to be declared a nuisance.
 
5. Proposed Amendment - Madison County Subdivision Regulation - adds the definition “Public Street or Roadway - Any street or roadway that is maintained by the County, City, or State Road department using public funds”.
 
6.Resolution 09-07 Kentucky Economic Development - County to provide a letter of support for Sherman Williams application to increase the size of their facility. Will provide 20 to 30 new jobs.
 
7. Road Department #2 Agreement - The County is leasing a presently unused office space for $150/month.
 
8. Judge’s Report - The County magazine will be out September 30; Barnes Mill Road is still being held up by utility company’s failure to move lines; Whitehall Shrine- 1.3 miles of walking/biking trail is completed; tax bills will be mailed out end of September.

9. Comments from Department Heads - None
 
10. Comments from Magistrates -Dr Tudor encouraged people to contribute to Hope's Wings noting the apparent increase of abuse during financially difficult times. Mr. Botner reported that the paving of College Hill Road and boat ramp have been completed. Mr. Coombs proposed paying the copay for County employees flu shots and the possibility of free shots.
 
11. Comments from the Audience- None
 
12. Pay Claims and Approve Transfers
 
Adjournment: 10 a.m.
 

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Court honors Madison County's drug fight

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: September 8, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden

Convened 9:47 a.m. at Berea Police & Municipal Building. All Present.

Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Due to the holiday report will be given at the Sept. 22 meeting.

Order of Business:

1. Madison County Youth in Action Team: Jennifer Webb and members of her team presented awards to Detectives Bruce King and Richard Johnson for their outstanding work in the “Reach In Teach In”, which provides education in drug prevention to students. Deputy Joey Borbeck received his award for work with the “Ticker Sticker” program, which places warnings on cases of alcohol in liquor stores. To round out the awards, Sheriff O’Donnell was praised for his involvement and support in the entire program. A representative from Kentucky MADD praised Madison County for their true involvement in these preventative programs, not just lip service.

2. Battle of Richmond: Phillip Seyfrit reported that 3,000 folks from throughout Kentucky and 15 other states attended the reenactment of the Battle.

3. KADD Financial Agreements: Fifth Third Bank has opted out of holding any financial paper for the County. This agreement is to renew with a new financial institution at no additional cost to the County.

4. Wilgreen Lake Agreement: The Fish and Wildlife Service has been monitoring the lake for years with no formal agreement. This will enable them to formally monitor and make recommendations to the Fiscal Court, who makes the final decisions.

5.Set Date for Trick or Treat as Saturday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

6. Land Use Change Request - Gene Smith Heirs - 2702 Lancaster Road from R-7 Agricultural to RC-3 Neighborhood Commercial for 2.5 acres was denied.

7. Accept Tax Rates: Berea Community School

8. Ordinance 09-07 Budget Amendment - Battle of Richmond - Tea Grant: accept $440K to be used for interior of Pleasant View House, split rail fencing and 6 cannon. When the entire Battle of Richmond is complete it will be $6.5M investment. Presently the Park receives 40 visitors/week.


9. Judge’s Report: The Judge reminded the audience about the Hazardous Household Waste disposal Program scheduled for Sept. 12


10. Comments from Department Heads:
CSEPP: The 2010 calendar bid from Thoroughbred Printing was accepted. Nine emergency Towers have been constructed and are in the process of being equipped with communication gear.

11. Comments from Magistrates: Dr. Tudor recommended that the County road information be put on CD and the original paper documents be stored in a fireproof safe. Magistrate Barger praised all aspects of the Battle Reenactment. Magistrate Combs encouraged all to attend the September program of the LWVBMC “Long-Term Trends & Public Policy: Are we prepared for the future?

12. Comments from Audience: Howard Bowden embellished the comment on LWVBMC program giving date, time, and location.

Adjourned: 10:31 a.m.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

County continues to lose money on Battlefield Golf Course

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: August 11, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden 
 
Convened 9:31 a.m. at Courthouse in Richmond.  All Present.
 
Minutes were approved.
 
Treasurer’s Report: The largest expenditure of funds in July went to paying workmen‘s comp and county employees’ insurance for the coming fiscal year. The County received 100% reimbursement for the Barnes Mill project; $162K from FEMA and State; and 100% of the ice storm debris removal has been paid.  
 
Order of Business:
 
1. Proclamation- MCHS Distinguished Student: A proclamation was read by Judge Clark honoring Jacob Welch, a student at Madison Central High School for his role as President of the Kentucky Junior Classical League and editor of the organization’s national publication.
 
2. Bluegrass Chemical Agent Pilot Plant Briefing- Craig Williams began by giving a brief history of the weapons demilitarization project from 1991 with the opposition to incineration and the Bluegrass depot being the last scheduled for disposal, through the adoption of the 2003 alternative of Super Critical Water Oxidation. He explained the vacillation in completion dates has been due to financial shortfalls and that the $400M/year necessary for the project was not approved till 2008. As of now the project should be completed by 2021, but may be 2015 based on 2010 funding. However, public law states that it must be completed no later than 2017. Disposal of the byproduct will be accomplished at the Depot and will generate 600 jobs, Williams said. As of now there are 400 workers employed on the project.  
 
3. Battlefield Golf Report - Golf pro Clay Hamrick reported the club now has 184 members. The Golf Club has not shown a profit since the County bought it, and this year according to the 2009-2010 budget it is projected to have estimated receipts of $475,000 and appropriations of $553,500—a shortfall of $78,500. (Editorial comment by LWV Observer Howard Bowden: Especially during these hard financial times it is hard to justify the taxpayers of the County subsidizing a voluntary, pleasurable, activity for 184 out of 81,000 citizens of the County.) 
 
4. 2009 Taxing District Rates: Madison County Health Department- $.05/$100; Madison County 2010 Motor Vehicle & Watercraft- $.10/$100; Madison County Library- $.035/$100.
 
Judge’s Report: A “Walk of Fame” with interpretive signs is scheduled to be constructed in front of the courthouse honoring Madison County historical figures. Also noted that in addition to the 600 acres that presently make up the Richmond Civil War Battlefield,  400 more acres will  eventually be added from the Depot.
Comments from Magistrates: Dr Tudor requested that the taxing districts report their justification for tax rates. Larry Combs thought the Library tax rate should be lower.  
 
Comments from Audience: None
 
Adjournment
 

Fiscal Court explores Wilderness Trail road

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: July 29, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden 

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. with all present.
 
ORDER Of BUSINESS
 
Madison County Homemakers Happy Hands presented the Court with a quilt of barn blocks. There are 50 barns in the county displaying the quilt patterns. (To view the patterns online, go to http://ces3.ca.uky.edu/madisonquilttrail/patterns.html)
 
The Court approved Order #09-01 authorizing the Treasurer to use an Electronic Signature to sign payroll checks. She had been signing them by hand.
 
A number of actions were taken to purchase, deed, bid and rebuild a right of way along the Wilderness Trail. The Fiscal Court will act as fiscal agent in administering a $1.7 M grant. The trail will provide a means of ingress and egress for the new school complex.
 
Judge reported that a litigant on the cell tower construction has requested all county records. The County is going to give them all those they need concerning the law suit. The Judge congratulated Chuck Hardin, assistant county attorney, on his appointment to the bench as District Judge, replacing William Clouse who was elected circuit court judge in November.
 
Department Head Comments: CSEPP is upgrading emergency radios and installing new siren towers. Planning and Development has available, for those interested, comparisons of residential building and development over the past years. Home building is down about half of  what it was in 2007.
 
Magistrates Comments: Dr. Tudor asked the question: Where are today’s heroes and who do young people have to look up to? Roger Barger commented that going green is going to be expensive initially. Harold Botner reported that the County Fair was a success. 

County gets grant money to fight drugs

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: July 14, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden 

The meeting was called to order at 9:33 a.m. with all present.
 
ORDER Of BUSINESS
 
1. Robin Moreland, director of Hope Wings — Madison County's domestic violence shelter, reported that 83 women and children have received services since the shelter opened. The facility can accommodate up to 16 persons. The average stay is 10 days, Moreland reported with one day being the shortest stay and 83 days the longest. Through its outreach/education program, the staff have had direct contact with 1,600 people, Moreland said.

2. Bids were opened to remove debris and to chip fallen trees and brush at the US 421 Cemetery. A little history on the cemetery - 5 acres were originally dedicated for the burials of whites and 7.9 acres for the burials of people of color.

3. Road Department bids for fuel, oil. and culverts were awarded to two local contractors.

4. The County attorney returned $3,320 in excess funds.

5. The Fiscal Court will act as the fiscal agent  for a $150,000  drug task force grant received by the sheriff’s department, a $7,500 dead animal disposal grant received by the solid waste Department and a community development block grant of $319,000 for God’s Food Pantry.

6. Larry Todd was appointed to the Southern Madison Water Board.
 
Department Head Comments: Duane Curry reported that the county received a piece of property from a bank due to foreclosure and after paying $1,300 to clean it up sold it at auction for $15,500. The money was put into the solid waste budget.  
 
Magistrates Comments: Dr Tudor reminded the Court and audience that there are going to be desperate needs facing the community as society continues to change and commented that the American male is not used to physical work. Roger Barger noted that the churches are helping to meet many of these needs.