MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
CITY OF HURSTBOURNE
200 WHITTINGTON PARKWAY
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Mayor Mary Schneider called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
C.A.O. Leidgen conducted the roll call. A quorum of the Commission was present.
Present: Mary Schneider, Mayor
Ben Jackson, Commissioner
Earl Hubbuch, Commissioner
Norb Hancock, Commissioner
Lois Wagner, Commissioner
Others
Present: John Singler, City Attorney
Chris Crumpton, City Engineer
PLEDGE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Mary Schneider.
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS
Mr. Patrick Murphy, 9216 Marlboro Circle, addressed the Commission regarding the parking at Lowe Elementary around Oxfordshire and the surrounding streets. He asked about the actions taken by the City regarding parking and questioned the spirit and legality of the enforcement. He praised Lowe Elementary as a good neighbor and stated there needs to be a better method than what was used. C.A. O. Jim Leidgen explained that over a period of time complaints have been registered at City Hall regarding the parking at the school and there needs to be a resolution. After much discussion and numerous questions from Mr. Murphy, City Attorney John Singler explained the proper decorum in these proceedings where guests are allowed to speak but not engage in a question and answer format. He recommended that the meeting move forward and others be allowed to speak.
Katie Gilbert, 535 Leicester Circle, addressed the Commission regard the parking at Lowe Elementary. She stated that she has worked in different capacities at the school and hopes the City can find a middle ground for enforcing the law. She stated that there needs to be signage for guidance at the school and she offered her assistance in ongoing dialogue between the City and the school. She added that the school wants to have a good community relationship.
Principal Austin Allain of Lowe Elementary addressed the Commission regarding parking at the school. He stated that he has been at the school for five years and they have approximately 580 children attending. He said the school’s first priority is the student’s safety and to always be respectful to the residents. After much discussion between Principal Allain and the Commission, he requested that they devise a plan to better facilitate a compromise.
Commissioner Hancock responded that there had been at least two meetings during his time on the Commission and both meetings were lengthy. He stated that the Commission is not taking this situation lightly, and it is imperative to be able to get police and fire into that area to take care of the citizens. All the meetings have been cordial and he wanted to refute the statement made by a guest resident that the Commission had not acted on this issue.
Deanne Goertz, 700 Bedfordshire Road, addressed the Commission regarding the parking at Lowe Elementary. She read aloud the e-mail she had sent to the City and the Commissioners. She also stated that those residents that are affected by the parking maybe shouldn’t have purchased a home so close to the school. She added that it is unlawful to place stickers on cars that may impede their driving and cause vandalism to the cars. This incident has saddened her for the school and she was embarrassed by the City of Hurstbourne. She stated that the City should partner with Lowe Elementary, and at the very least should propose a plan that would place “No Parking” on the opposite side of the school.
Larisa Gilbert, 8507 Cheltenham Circle addressed the Commission regarding the parking at Lowe Elementary. She stated that she is a tax payer of the City and helps to pay for the city attorney. She assumes that the City did not consult with him regarding these stickers. She added that Lowe Elementary has been an excellent community partner and as a citizen of this community she expects our elected officials to follow the law. Since there is no ordinance that parking there is a violation but the law that was broken was vandalism and if it was done by the direction of any elected official then shame on you. She suggested that in the future if the Commission wants to enforce a law then consult the city attorney who will give good advice.
Commissioner Jackson stated the following—”I am opposed to the stickers, as they are stronger than using post-it notes. I am also opposed to any additional signs because we have purged a lot of signs in the city over the last couple of years and to add more back is in contrary to what we have done before. People have called me and I have responded expressing my opinion. I also told them to check the minutes and they will see I am not giving them flack. I am giving them my honest opinion. I had a son to go Lowe Elementary for a short period of time and he is grown now. I don’t drive that area anymore, so I don’t see the problem but people who have talked to me have said they agree that it is illegal to park on both sides of the street so you can’t get through. That’s not appropriate and could create a safety issue. Lowe is a good school and a great asset to our City. Several of the people who have emailed or called me said Lowe was the reason they moved to Hurstbourne. We want people to want to live here as opposed to moving out to other developments.
So, I think the City does understand and appreciate the importance of Lowe Elementary. Several years ago, the City invested thousands of dollars for the new playground at Lowe. That may be before Austin’s time, but I remember it occurred during my earlier years of serving as a Commissioner.
I was also told that a coach parked in front of the school for only thirty minutes and got a sticker. They volunteer their time to help these kids. So, I think the Commission got the message and I don’t think the stickers will be an issue ever again. The Commission will be addressing the parking and traffic issues in the near future to develop a best case solution.”
Mayor Schneider concluded the discussion by stating there will be no more stickers and the City will meet with Principal Austin Allain to discuss high traffic days and address any issues that may come up. She emphasized that she didn’t want this incident to cloud the City’s support for Lowe Elementary.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Jackson made the motion that the minutes of the August 28, 2018 regular meeting be approved; his motion was seconded by Commissioner Wagner. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS ITEMS
None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
HSWAC
No report. Commissioner Hubbuch asked if anyone had heard of damage due to the latest rains and no one on the Commission had received any reports. Mayor Schneider asked City Engineer Chris Crumpton if he was aware of any pipes in the City that are a risk because they have no grates. He replied that he was not aware of any and he added that the creek clearing should begin within the next two weeks.
INVESTMENT REPORT
Commissioner Jackson reported that investments are finally completed. He asked that a list of the laddered certificates of deposit including their due dates be complied. He added that he is proud of what we have done to increase revenues from investments.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Schneider reported that the annual Kentucky League of Cities meeting will be held starting on September 17, 2018 at the Louisville Marriott. The Jefferson County League of Cities is hosting the opening night with a reception at the Old Forester Distillery at 119 West Main Street from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. She asked the Commissioners to contact Jack Will if they are interested in attending.
PUBLIC SAFETY – Commissioner Hancock
No report.
PUBLIC WORKS—Commissioner Hubbuch
Commissioner Hubbuch reminded the Commission to submit any decorating ideas they may have for the upcoming Christmas season by the next meeting. County Squire will charge $8,000 for the decorating and will honor that for the next two years.
City Engineer Chris Crumpton reported that Marlboro and Tillman had been paved. He then presented a picture of Nottingham from Chadwick to South Lyndon Lane which was milled down to a customary two inch depth. However, the milling revealed another layer of asphalt that is coming apart. Mr. Crumpton recommended that the next logical step is to remove the entire asphalt layer because of these base failures. The estimated cost to perform the additional work is between $120,000 and $140,000. He offered three options: 1) Simply pave over what has been milled. 2) Mill the additional layer off and perform base failure repairs as described. 3) Mill the 1 ½” to 2” off and pave over that without repairing the base failures for approximately $60,000. Mr. Crumpton recommended to fully fix the problem while it is possible. Commissioner Hubbuch added that this problem was not anticipated and if financially possible the Commission should make the proposed repairs right away. Commissioner Jackson added that the City does have a contingency fund that could be transferred to Public Works. After much discussion about funding the additional paving, Commissioner Hubbuch made a motion for a change order not to exceed $130,000 for undercutting and reconstruction for the paving contract currently being done by Hall Contractors. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Jackson. After additional discussions, Commissioner Hubbuch clarified his motion to “approve $130,000 for a change order where Hall Contracting shall perform roadway repairs on Nottingham upon the direction of the City Engineer.” The re-stated motion was seconded by Commissioner Jackson. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Hubbuch also added that the ADA money has been approved and the irrigation has been repaired and is fully functional. At the next meeting, a letter of recommendation from Andrea Hanlon for tree plantings in medians on Linn Station as well as removal of certain trees will be discussed.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT – Commissioner Jackson
Commissioner Jackson had no report but asked City Attorney John Singler about the road closures. Mr. Singler stated that the request was sent to the Planning Commission but there was no response.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/SANITATION REPORT – Commissioner Wagner
No report.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney Singler
Attorney Singler had no further report.
CITY ENGINEER—Chris Crumpton
City Engineer Crumpton reported that the North Western Mutual building across the street from City Hall had been approved on July 18, 2018 and they submitted their plans for a construction permit.
As a follow up to the Lowe Elementary on street parking issues, Commissioner Jackson recommended that C. A. O. Jim Leidgen e-mail residents that contacted the City and make a statement on our position and mention that Lowe Elementary is a valuable asset to this community. He further stated that time is of the essence. Mr. Jackson also proposed a meeting with Lowe Elementary administration, PTA, and the Commission. He also suggested a Special Commission meeting to invite all that are affected by this issue and have the meeting start at 6:00 p.m. so those that work may attend. Mayor Schneider added that all residents that live on the streets near the school need to be in attendance. City Engineer Chris Crumpton added that someone from Jefferson County School system traffic and transportation should be there for the meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Bennett
No report
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – C.A.O. Jim Leidgen
Mr. Leidgen distributed a draft copy of the upcoming fall issue of the Hurstbourne Herald for review. He then displayed a wood color sample board and asked that each Commissioner to pick their favorite color for the wood barrier fence located off Linn Station Road. The selected and approved color is dark green. He presented a picture of the boundary wall between City Hall and the adjacent building where the wall is failing. City Engineer Chris Crumpton reported that the owner responded to an email from C.A.O Leidgen stating that they are going to take responsibility and will get back to the City to co-ordinate the repair. Mr. Leidgen also discussed City Hall roof replacement. Commissioner Jackson replied that he didn’t want to wait any longer and have the job done before winter. Commissioner Jackson made a motion to re-bid the roof replacement with the newest membrane product TPO His motion was seconded by Mayor Schneider. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Jackson asked about rescheduling the City picnic and after discussion the Commission agreed to wait until next year. Commissioner Hubbuch suggested that the City consider changing the format for future events where bands are scheduled to perform and residents are encouraged to bring blankets and folding chairs to the events. Commissioner Jackson added the City should consider building a gazebo to facilitate the events rather than renting tents. C.A.O. Leidgen stated that tens of thousands of dollars have been spent on tent rentals over the years.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:38 p.m. Commissioner Hubbuch made the motion to adjourn. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Jackson; motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Mary Schneider James E. Leidgen, City Clerk