January 26, 2016

REGULAR MEETING

January 26, 2016

4:30 PM

CITY OF HURSTBOURNE

200 WHITTINGTON PARKWAY

LOUISVILLE, KY

Mayor Mary Schneider called the meeting to order.

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 Faye Tanner, Recording Secretary

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Schneider.

Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator Tony Lindauer and Chief of Staff Colleen Younger were present to discuss and answer questions pertaining to properties to be reassessed for 2016, including homes in the City of Hurstbourne.  Mr. Lindauer explained that all assessments by law are based on sales, and he gave the Commission a map of all the valid 2015 home sales in Hurstbourne.  He explained that the PVA office is aware the condition of homes in an area may differ significantly and therefore the assessment should reflect those differences.  These new assessments will be mailed sometime between April 18-25 and appeals or extensions should be made within thirteen (13) days, although that deadline could be extended.  Mr. Lindauer and Ms. Younger explained the process that residents should take if they are planning to appeal their assessment, which can be done on-line in the home or at a public library.  The first step is a conference with the PVA and substantiating evidence, including pictures, should be presented.  The web site is jeffersoncountypva.ky.gov.

Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 12, 2016; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Wagner.  Motion carried unanimously.

Municipal Order 16-11 Relating to Check Register Approvals for December 2015.  Commissioner Jackson made the motion to approve MO 16-11; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch.  Motion carried unanimously.

C.A.O. Leidgen distributed a preliminary draft of the next Hurstbourne Herald and asked the Commission to present their input as soon as possible.

Mr. Leidgen went through his latest Management Report.  Part of the report included his recommendation for painting the first and second floor tenant entry and common areas of the City Hall building.  His estimate for this expenditure was $2,600.  After discussion, Commissioner Wells made the motion to approve this expenditure; motion seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch.  Motion carried unanimously.

The transmission of the 2003 City vehicle has failed, and C.A.O. Leidgen asked that it be considered surplus since the expense would be too much compared to the actual value of the car. Attorney Singler advised the Commission of an avenue they can follow to sell the vehicle.  After discussion, Commissioner Wells made the motion to declare the vehicle as surplus; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch.  Motion carried unanimously.

There were two separate snow events on January 20 and January 22.

C.A.O. Leidgen and Engineer Crumpton will meet with a representative of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to discuss the Linn Station Road entrance and the required permit.

A City resident contacted the LMPD regarding individuals asking to use their phone because of a stranded vehicle, and they in turn contacted Hurstbourne.  C.A.O. Leidgen located these individuals and talked with them until the police arrived.  They were in fact felons who were arrested by LMPD.  Mr. Leidgen stressed how much difference it can make if residents will contact the police when they have doubts about individuals in situations such as this.

Mr. Leidgen and Attorney Singler are looking at options for on-street parking violations, including warning stickers and towing options.

Recycling post cards were mailed by Rumpke and extras are at City Hall.  Commissioner Jackson stated that he will contact the company that did the shredding last year to see if they might do that again.

Attorney Singler reported on the Hess case, including that the insurance company has denied defense because there are no damages being sought.

At Commissioner Jackson’s request, Attorney Singler had drafted a municipal order pertaining to Mr. Jackson acting as a licensed real estate agent to represent prospective clients he brings in for the purpose of renting office space in the City Hall building.  Commissioner Jackson explained the existing agreement with the listing agent. He also thought someone else should be marketing more aggressively to fill the vacant office space.  Commissioner Wagner stated that she was not in favor of the M.O. and this proposed action. After additional discussion, it was decided to table the matter for the time being.

Commissioner Hubbuch referred to certain “yard art” in the City that residents have contacted him about and asked if the City could have it removed.  Attorney Singler explained it is difficult to regulate this because what is offensive to some is art to others.

Treasurer Bennett presented the financial report for December 2015 and referred to the new format which had been requested. There were differing opinions on the type format that should be used because much of the income and many of the expenses (such as snow removal) are only significant during 1-2 months of the calendar year.  Mr. Bennett stated that dividing the budgeted expenses and income by certain fixed periods does not always provide an accurate depiction of actual activity. After much discussion, it was decided to leave the reports in the current format.

A draft of the 2014-15 audit should be presented in the near future.

No report.

Mayor Schneider had recently attended a meeting of the Jefferson County League of Cities Board and the Metro Solid Waste Ten-Year Master Plan Project was discussed. They also discussed where plastic bags are no longer allowed for yard waste.  She will bring more information about this project to the Commission in a future meeting.

Commissioner Wells asked the Commission to continue to look for potholes which need to be filled.

Engineer Crumpton is working on a cost estimate on a proposed retention basin.  Once he receives that, they look at options with Hurstbourne Country Club. He also does not have pricing on the Linn Station project from Lawrence and Associates.

Bids will be received for Phase 2 of the irrigation project which should start in March.

Work on the City Hall parking lot should begin in the spring.

Commissioner Hubbuch distributed a December year-to-date police activity report for Hurstbourne.

Commissioner Hubbuch complimented C.A.O. Leidgen for his assistance with the activity reports and also for his quick action in detaining the two felons recently caught in the City.  He also said that the personal reviews between the Commissioners and the C.A.O. have also been very helpful.

Lights are now installed at the City Hall parking lot.

Commissioner Jackson said there are still a number of complaints regarding Rumpke’s service.  C.A.O. Leidgen and Commissioner Wagner will again discuss these issues with Rumpke.

Commissioner Wagner also complimented C.A.O. Leidgen for his assistance and the quick response by the police in the incident regarding the two individuals who were arrested.

At 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to adjourn; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Wagner.  Motion carried unanimously.