REGULAR MEETING
December 8, 2015
4:30 PM
CITY OF HURSTBOURNE
200 WHITTINGTON PARKWAY
LOUISVILLE, KY
Mayor Mary Schneider called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
C.A.O. Leidgen conducted the roll call. A quorum of the Commission was present.
Present:Mary Schneider, Mayor
Earl Hubbuch, Commissioner
Ben Jackson, Commissioner
Lois Wagner, Commissioner
Rusty Wells, Commissioner
Others John Singler, City Attorney
Present: Bill Bennett, City Treasurer
Chris Crumpton, City Engineer
Faye Tanner, Recording Secretary
PLEDGE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Schneider.
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS
Steve Riggs, Debbie Alstead and Joan Peake representing Nelson Insurance Agency were present to discuss the renewal of health care benefits for City employees. Mayor Schneider had provided a spread sheet for the Commissioners to look at options, and also stated the City could save some premium expenses due in part to the Affordable Care Act legislation. There were a number of options for the Commissioners to discuss and to deliberate. These options were discussed in great detail with the positives and the negatives for the employees and the City noted, including benefits, deductibles, out-of pocket expense, and premiums paid by the City for employees and/or spouses. Commissioner Jackson stated that the days of the high premiums paid by the City for a “Cadillac” plan are gone. C.A.O. Leidgen said he understood that but also wanted the Commission to consider the increases in out-of-pocket expenditures for employees. He proposed that the City take some of the savings in the premiums and fund a savings account in each employee’s name that might fill this gap. After considerable discussion, the motion was made by Commissioner Hubbuch for the City to pay 100% of the premium for current administrative employees Jim Leidgen and Victoria Lempke for the renewal period of the Anthem Gold Blue Access PPO 500/20%/5500 employee-spouse plan through the calendar year 2016. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Wagner. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Commissioner Jackson abstaining.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wells made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 24, 2015 regular meeting of the Commission after a minor correction is made; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Motion carried unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Bennett
Treasurer Bennett reported that the City’s auditor will be coming by City Hall very soon.
BUSINESS ITEMS
Municipal Order 15-37 Relating to Investment of City Funds. At the recommendation of the Investment Committee, this MO approves the transfer of General Funds for investment to Central Bank and JP Morgan Securities. Commissioner Jackson made the motion to approve MO 15-37; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Wells. Motion was approved unanimously. Commissioner Jackson stated that this Committee will meet on a quarterly basis to keep up with the City’s financial position.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney Singler
Attorney Singler reported he has not heard from Mr. Hess or his attorney but the deadline for filing suit is December 24.
CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Crumpton
Engineer Crumpton distributed his estimation for the work to complete the final remaining ADA Improvements Projects for Fiscal Years ending 2016 & 2017. The estimate included $36,220 for sidewalk cuts by Precision Concrete and $79,000 for additional handicap ramps and major sidewalk work for a combined total of $115,220.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – C.A.O. Leidgen
C.A.O. Leidgen reported he will continue to try to chase down folks who are posting signs around the City – on street lights, entrances etc. This also includes those businesses that are posting signs, or allowing signs to be posted, on their property.
Mr. Leidgen distributed keys to the Commission for City Hall.
The Hurstbourne Herald will be ready for print in the near future.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schneider
No report.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Commissioner Wells
Commissioner Wells said he, Mayor Schneider and Engineer Crumpton had met with representatives of MSD about storm water problems. One of their suggestions was to look at individual residence flooding avoidance, such as berms, glass blocks, etc. and 4-5 houses on Colonel Anderson will be the first area to be considered. He will try to talk with individuals at Hurstbourne Country Club about a possible berm along the back portion of that property. Mr. Crumpton would be working with MSD and any residents who would be impacted. A cost-sharing program for residents is also being considered. However, details of such a program have not been worked out. Attorney Singler cautioned that the issue of on-going maintenance over time should be dealt with prior to any cost-share arrangement.
Commissioner Wells will receive an estimate for the concrete curb gutter repairs.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – Commissioner Hubbuch
Commissioner Hubbuch said a contract has been signed to have two street lights installed near City Hall.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT – Commissioner Jackson
To Commissioner Jackson’s question, C.A.O. Leidgen said the Hurstbourne Herald will be distributed by the end of the year.
Commissioner Jackson then made the motion that the second Commission meeting of the month, scheduled for December 22, be cancelled. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Motion carried unanimously.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/SANITATION REPORT – Commissioner Wagner
Commissioner Wagner stated she felt the entire Commission should be part of the process of the employee review of the C.A.O. This brought up the question as to whether this would create a quorum of the Commission and then whether this could be discussed in an executive session. Commissioner Jackson referred to the City’s ordinance which states the reviews will be conducted by Commission and shall be administered on behalf of the Commission by the Mayor and the General Government Commissioner.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:05 p.m. Commissioner Jackson made the motion to adjourn. His motion was seconded by Mayor
Schneider. Motion carried unanimously.