MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
July 22, 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. Present were: Mayor Bob English; Commissioners Ed Dahlem, Earl Hubbuch, Ben Jackson, and Lois Wagner; Attorney John Singler; City Treasurer Bill Bennett; and C.A.O. Jim Leidgen. A quorum of the Commission was present.

PLEDGE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor English.

RECOGNITION OF GUESTS

There were no guests in attendance who wished to speak with the Commission.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Jackson made the motion to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2014 regular meeting of the Commission after a few minor corrections were made to those minutes; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Bennett

Treasurer Bill Bennett reported that the City’s ad valorem tax bills have been mailed out and some of them have already been paid. There were no financial statements since he is waiting for all of the income and expenditures to finalize the end of the fiscal year.

BUSINESS ITEMS

None.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney Singler

Attorney Singler gave an update on several cases he is working on. There was discussion as to how to handle those individuals who are violating city ordinances.

Commissioner Jackson referred to a letter which the City received from Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) in response to issues Hurstbourne would like them to address. He said the letter does not address the drainage problem reported by residents on Whitegate Court. He suggested that another letter be
sent to MSD advising them that this specific situation had not been addressed with copies to the residents.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – C.A.O. Leidgen

C.A.O. Leidgen presented the Resident Call Log.

The wall between the new Panera Bread restaurant and Wessex Place is partially installed. He also reported that the wall meets the requirements in an agreement between the City and residents of Wessex Place regarding its location, height, composition and color.

C.A.O. Leidgen and Commissioner Wagner met with the City’s horticulturist for the annual inspection for hazardous and diseased trees. He reported that a number of trees, specifically along the bridle path, and Linn Station Road had to be removed. The Linn Station pear trees were diseased with fire blight. There is an on-going plan to replace all trees that are removed with a more diverse and more resilient stand. He also stated that many of the trees throughout the City are of an age where they may need to be replaced over the next several years.

MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor English

No report.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT – Commissioner Dahlem

No report.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – Commissioner Hubbuch

Commissioner Hubbuch reported that Eagle Signs will be working on the speed hump signs but it may take several weeks before the project is completed.

No specific incidents or complaints were reported during the recent swim meet at the Hurstbourne Country Club.

CODE ENFORCEMENT/SANITATION REPORT – Commissioner Jackson

Commissioner Jackson distributed a 20-year analysis projecting costs associated with purchasing the building located at 329 Whittington Parkway compared to staying at the current location – paying rent over the same period of time. He concluded that the analysis supports a purchase of a building. After which, he proposed a non-binding letter of intent be submitted to the seller with the understanding that any final agreement to purchase must be approved by the full Commission. After a discussion, Commissioner Jackson made the motion that Mayor English and Attorney Singler draft the contingent offer with copies to be distributed to the Commission. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Before a vote was called, Commissioner Dahlem said the Commission does not have enough information to make a decision that involves such a large amount of money. Commissioner Wagner also expressed concerns that there were not enough facts supporting the decision to make an offer to purchase a building. Commissioner Jackson said it isn’t financially prudent to continue paying rent. C.A.O. Leidgen offered a suggestion that the Commission seek an unbiased professional to review all of the information involved in the rent vs. own options for a municipality and specifically the City of Hurstbourne. After some additional discussion, Mayor English called for the vote on Commissioner Jackson’s motion. Motion carried 3-2.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Commissioner Wagner

Commissioner Wagner said a thank-you note has been received about the City’s removal of a large holly tree on Chadwick Court. A new and smaller tree has been planted in its place and the street light is now more visible.

City Engineer Chris Crumpton reported that the advertisement for bid to pave city streets will be in the Courier Journal on July 23.

Mr. Crumpton presented an updated estimate for Phase 4 of the ADA Ramps Improvement project.

Mr. Crumpton also presented his new drawings for the proposed entrance at Linn Station Road and Hurstbourne Lane. Several suggestions were made and he will come back to the next Commission meeting with new drawings incorporating those changes.

ADJOURNMENT

At 6:15 p.m. Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to adjourn; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Wagner. Motion carried.