MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
December 9, 2014
4:30 PM
CITY OF HURSTBOURNE
304 WHITTINGTON PARKWAY / SUITE 100
LOUISVILLE, KY
Mayor Bob English called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
C.A.O. Leidgen conducted the roll call. A quorum of the Commission was present.
Present: Bob English, Mayor
Earl Hubbuch, Commissioner
Ben Jackson, Commissioner
Lois Wagner, Commissioner
Others: Jim Leidgen, C.A.O.
John Singler, City Attorney
Chris Crumpton, City Engineer
Faye Tanner, Recording Secretary
PLEDGE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor English.
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS
Mr. Don Lawson, Jr., Managing Director of Stephens & Lawson, Certified Public Accountants, presented the completed audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. He noted that total revenues for the City had increased while expenses had decreased, creating an excess of $134,754 with each department of the City stayed within their departmental budgets. Mr. Lawson also stated that the City of Hurstbourne is fiscally strong and the audit contained no exceptions or comments that needed attention; which is exceptional when compared to other municipalities. Commissioner Jackson recommended that the Commission not vote to officially accept the audit report until the next meeting to allow everyone time to review the report. It was agreed to table that vote until the January 13, 2015 meeting.
Commissioner-Elect Rusty Wells commended the current Commission for their service.
Mayor-Elect Mary Schneider also expressed her appreciation to the current Mayor and Commissioners.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Jackson made the motion to approve the minutes of November 25, 2014; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Bennett
Treasurer Bill Bennett reported that 98% of the current year’s taxes have been paid. He stated all departments stayed within their budgets, and the City did a great job in managing expenses.
BUSINESS ITEMS
No Business Items.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney Singler
Attorney Singler reported that the newly elected Mayor and all Commissioners would take the Oath of Office immediately after this Regular Meeting has adjourned.
Mr. Singler gave an update on tax delinquencies and the process used for collecting those taxes.
To a question from Commissioner Hubbuch regarding the Alcoholic Beverage Control fees, Attorney Singler said he would report back on those fees at the next Commission meeting.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – C.A.O. Leidgen
C.A.O. Leidgen asked the Commissioners to file their Ethics Statements pertaining to finances which is required by Kentucky State Statutes.
C.A.O. Leidgen referred to training for municipal officials which is offered by the Kentucky League of Cities. One of those sessions will be held in Jeffersontown and others around the state. He highly recommended that newly elected officials attend one of these sessions, and also suggested that it would be advantageous for other officials to attend a session as a refresher course.
C.A.O. Leidgen recommended to the Commission that the two members of the office staff receive a Holiday bonus of $100. Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to approve this expenditure; his motion was seconded by Mayor English. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor English
Mayor English expressed his thanks and appreciation to everyone for their support during his tenure as a Commissioner and Mayor.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –Commissioner Wagner
Commissioner Wagner reported that the streets, medians and gutters have all been cleaned.
Eco-Tech presented a tree to the City and that tree will soon be planted after consultation with the horticulturist.
As part of moving forward with the Tree City project, she distributed a draft of a sample Ordinance establishing a Tree Board and Relating to Planting, Maintenance and Removal of Trees and Shrubs within the City of Hurstbourne. She asked the Commissioners to look this over before first reading is given at a future meeting.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/SANITATION REPORT – Commissioner Jackson
Commissioner Jackson reported that the resident on Whitegate where leaves were being blown into the drainage ditch was notified by C.A.O. Leidgen of the violation and replied stating that the issue will be corrected.
There was discussion regarding the house on Nottingham that has no landscaping.
Commissioner Jackson talked with a representative from Rumpke regarding the number of calls the office has received about trash that wasn’t picked up. This problem has improved, but the City will continue to monitor this matter.
C.A.O. Leidgen had samples of the type of bag that can be used for disposal of yard waste after January 1.
Commissioner Jackson noted that Hurstbourne resident Sam Swope had passed away a few hours before the meeting. Mr. Swope was a local businessman who had helped many charities in the area and was recognized across the state for his philanthropic actions. It was agreed that the City would issue a Proclamation in his honor.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – Commissioner Hubbuch
Commissioner Hubbuch said there are no major crime issues in the City and he is pleased with the agreement with Kentuckiana Law Enforcement and their use of LMPD off-duty uniformed Officers for police protection services.
Commissioner Hubbuch referred to the tree which Eco-Tech is presenting to the City. He then made a motion that a plaque be placed on that tree which recognizes Mayor English and the contributions he has made to the City of Hurstbourne. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Jackson; motion carried.
Street lights will be updated on Leesgate and Wessex. Leesgate will get three standard street lights and Wessex will get two box lights.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT – Commissioner Dahlem
No report.
ADJOURNMENT
At 5:25 p.m. Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to adjourn; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Jackson. Motion carried.