MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
November 25, 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
Ed Dahlem, Commissioner
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. Brian Evans of Jefferson Development was present to discuss and answer questions about their proposed apartment complex and other activity at the Vinings property. He explained that they have already started the process for the apartment complex with Louisville Metro, and they hope to return to Hurstbourne in a few weeks for final approval. Commissioner Wagner asked if a new traffic study has been made, and Mr. Evans replied that a new study has not been made but he would send to Hurstbourne the initial traffic study. Mr. Evans and Attorney Singler will keep in contact regarding the development progress.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Jackson made the motion to approve the minutes of November 11, 2014; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Bennett
Commissioner Jackson asked a couple of questions about the monthly Financial Report, and C.A.O. Leidgen said he would get back to him after discussing them with Treasurer Bennett.
BUSINESS ITEMS
Municipal Order 14-19 Relating to Check Register Approvals for October 2014. Mayor English made the motion to approve MO 14-19; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Motion carried.
Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to cancel the second Commission meeting in December which is scheduled for December 23. His motion was seconded by Mayor English. Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Wagner made the motion that the Commission go into Executive Session to discuss a matter of pending litigation; her motion was seconded by Commissioner Hubbuch. Motion carried. On their return from Executive Session, it was stated that no official action had been taken during that session. Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion that the Commission go back into Regular Session; his motion was seconded by Mayor English. Motion carried.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney Singler
No report.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – C.A.O. Leidgen
C.A.O. Leidgen reported that the City Auditors will return to work on the City audit next week.
C.A.O. Leidgen presented the Call Traffic Log and noted the number of complaints that have been received in the City Office about trash pickup. It was decided that Commissioner Jackson and Mr. Leidgen will meet with Rumpke regarding these issues.
Mr. Leidgen reported that the City automobile needs new tires. Mayor English made the motion to approve that expenditure; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Wagner. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor English
Mayor English noted that this would be Commissioner Dahlem’s last meeting, and wanted everyone to know what a valuable asset he has been to the City and to him personally. Commissioner Dahlem expressed his appreciation to all and said it has been a pleasure to serve the City of Hurstbourne. Mayor English will be at one more meeting, but Commissioner Hubbuch wanted to also express his appreciation to him for the way he has conducted meetings and for a job well done.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –Commissioner Wagner
Commissioner Wagner reported that Landscape Lighting Company did a good job with the holiday decorations and on November 26 the lights will be turned on.
The tree plantings in the medians and yards of those residents who purchased trees are almost finished.
Commissioner Wagner discussed the possible creation of a City Tree Board and asked for recommendations of individuals to serve on the Board, which would be a requirement of a Tree Ordinance. The Ordinance would qualify the City of Hurstbourne to be classified as a “Tree City.” A draft of the Ordinance shall be presented at a future meeting.
She stated that there are many problems with the aging irrigation system in the City. A contract to upgrade the system should be placed for bid in the near future. Commissioner Hubbuch also suggested a long range plan be developed for the entire irrigation system.
There are banners placed at the Ken Towery store on Hurstbourne Parkway which are in violation of the Binding Elements for that property. A letter will be sent advising them of that violation.
There was discussion about the new regulations for to take place in January regarding the disposal of leaves and other yard waste.
Commissioner Wagner asked the Commission if the residents who live near the proposed apartment complex should be notified of those plans. A public hearing held for all residents who wish to attend was also discussed. Commissioner Wagner expressed concerns with increased traffic generated by this development. City Engineer Crumpton and C.A.O. Leidgen will get in touch with Mr. Evans of Jefferson Development to address both issues.
Commissioner Wagner reported that the state tax on gasoline is expected to be reduced by 4.3 cents per gallon on January 1. This would reduce the amount of road funds received by Hurstbourne. Wagner and C.A.O. Leidgen will investigate the potential financial impact.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/SANITATION REPORT – Commissioner Jackson
Commissioner Jackson referred to an article in the Courier Journal referring to a sample bag for yard waste that will be distributed to residents whose trash is picked up by Louisville Metro. Residents may also go by the Hubbards Lane Recycling Center to get a sample bag, and C.A.O. Leidgen will pick up one of those to determine the type of bag that should be used.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – Commissioner Hubbuch
Commissioner Hubbuch said he has talked with representatives of other suburban cities about the number of drug problems and break-ins, and reiterated that Hurstbourne is a very safe City in which to live.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT – Commissioner Dahlem
Commissioner Dahlem again expressed his appreciation to members of the Commission and wished them all good luck in their future endeavors.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:05 p.m. Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to adjourn; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Jackson. Motion carried.