Home: Meeting Minutes List: Meeting Minutes

JUNE 23, 2003

Mayor Sohm welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting.

Pastor John Lehenbauer, Divine Savior Lutheran Church gave the invocation.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said.

Mayor Sohm called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

In attendance were Council members Don Cundiff, Larry Hatfield, Margaret Moore and James Watkins.

James Watkins made motion to dispense with reading of 6/9/2003 regular meeting minutes. Don Cundiff 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0.

Don Cundiff made motion to approve minutes as printed. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0.

Mayor Sohm reminded everyone that the Waste Tire Amnesty Program has been rescheduled for July 10 through July 12, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the State Highway Garage.

Mayor Sohm reminded everyone about the July 4^th fireworks display and the Olde Tyme Homecoming festival from July 3^rd through July 6^th on First Street. He also stated that the YMCA is sponsoring the 13^th Annual Salt River Canoe Race on July 4^th at 10:30.

Mayor Sohm reported that if the weather holds the finish grade work on the sewer project should be complete in the next week and paving is scheduled to begin in July. Margaret Moore asked how much the paving would cost. Mayor Sohm stated that part of the City’s cost would be paid through the sewer budget and part would be paid through the municipal aid budget. He stated he would ask the engineer for a breakdown of the cost and have by the next meeting.

There was no report from the Historical Committee.

Mayor Sohm asked the Council if they had a list of roads that need to be fixed to let him know as soon as possible.

Mayor Sohm reported the Recreation Committee had not had a meeting recently but that we are still having vandalism at the park. Margaret Moore stated she would like to see it set up where the police department locks the bathrooms and gates at night. Police Chief Ron Morris asked if there was a certain time they should be locked up? Margaret Moore stated that if the police go to the park and no one is there to lock them up then. After some discussion it was decided that the bathrooms should be locked at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the summer and 6:00 p.m. in the winter (at dark) and the gates would be left open so that the police department can patrol at night.

City Attorney Joe Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) amending Ordinance 003-575 amending Ordinance 995-345 imposing a business license fee upon businesses, occupations, trades, and professions carried on, conducted or read within the limits of the City of Shepherdsville, Bullitt County, Kentucky, requiring all persons, firms, or corporations pursuing same to first obtain a license therefore and providing penalties for engaging in same without a license. Margaret Moore made motion to pass. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 3-1 (Larry Hatfield voted against.) (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-581.)

Mayor Sohm stated that the Council had received his 2003 budget message in their packets.

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) adopting the City of Shepherdsville, Bullitt County, Kentucky, annual budget for fiscal year July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004, by estimating revenues and resources and appropriating funds for the operation of City government. Larry Hatfield stated he would like to see the taxes done separately in the next budget. James Watkins made motion to approve. Margaret Moore 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-582.)

City Attorney Wantland held a public hearing on the proposed use of Municipal Road Aid and LGEA funds for fiscal year July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. There were no comments from the audience.

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) adopting the City of Shepherdsville, Bullitt County, Kentucky, Water and Sewer operation and maintenance budget for fiscal year July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 by estimating revenues and resources and appropriating funds for the operation of the Water and Sewer Department. Don Cundiff made motion to pass. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-583.)

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) repealing Ordinance 002-548 restricting signs and permitting the placement of political election signs 30 days before an election and requiring the removal of political election signs no later than ten days after the election. James Watkins made motion to pass. Don Cundiff 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-584.)

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) prohibiting signage within the public right of ways in the City of Shepherdsville and restricting the placement of any sign in any place in any public right of way. Don Cundiff made motion to pass. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-585.)

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) repealing Ordinance #78 providing for the public health safety and welfare requiring all persons, firms or corporations to cut weeds and bushes, and forbidding the dumping of trash, cans, bottles or garbage on public or private streets, ways or property. Don Cundiff made motion to pass. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-586.)

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) repealing Ordinance #1010.4 an ordinance to protect the health of the public, to enhance the beauty of the City, to maintain property values to persons owning land with the City and to promote the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants. James Watkins made motion to pass. Margaret Moore 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-587.)

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) providing and protecting the City of Shepherdsville’s health and the health of its residents, firms, and corporations by forbidding the dumping of any trash, in any place, under any condition and promoting the general welfare of the City by refusing to allow any discharge of any debris which also impedes the City’s property values. Don Cundiff made motion to pass. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 003-588.)

City Attorney Wantland had first reading and explanation of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) proposing annexation of unincorporated territory adjoining the City of Shepherdsville. City Attorney Wantland stated he would not read the whole ordinance but this is an ordinance annexing Valley View Farm east of Shepherdsville. Plans for the property are a golf community with homes ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 with an 18-hole golf course. He stated the public hearing would be July 14^th.

Mayor Sohm stated that the new budget reflects money to have the 100-foot aerial ladder fire truck (9252) refurbished. He stated after getting three quotes, GEM Capital Corporation had the lowest fixed interest rate at 3.87%. Don Cundiff made motion to pass. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0.

Don Cundiff made motion to pay June bills. Larry Hatfield 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0.

City Attorney Wantland read Resolution 03-23 acknowledging the need for recreational trails to promote good health and enjoyment for the members of the City of Shepherdsville. Mayor Sohm stated this resolution was needed for the grant application for trails. James Watkins made motion to approve. Don Cundiff 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0.

Planning Commission Appointee Ben Robards reported there was nothing new for Shepherdsville. The John Miller, George Dilley, Richard Haarman and Eugene Paul case was tabled until next month.

Board of Adjustments Appointee Scott Isert was not present at the meeting.

Police Chief Ron Morris reported that he has had some preliminary discussions on setting up an Explorer chapter in Shepherdsville.

James Watkins asked about the letter from County Attorney Walt Sholar regarding zoning map amendment applications and their analysis. Mayor Sohm stated this information provides for the opportunity to deny a rezoning. City Attorney Wantland stated that each piece of property stands on its own merits.

Don Cundiff asked about the status of the house on 44 West? Major Dannye Allen with Shepherdsville Fire & Rescue reported that they are waiting on a signature from the property owner on the paperwork to proceed with the demolition. Major Allen also stated he has received a request for a house to be burned down at Highway 61 and Cedar Grove Road. 

Mr. Cundiff also stated that the grass on Highway 44 behind Walt Sholar’s office is high. Mayor Sohm stated that a letter had been sent requesting the grass be mowed.

Mr. Cundiff also stated the grass behind the old Century 21 building on Highway 61 is high.

Larry Hatfield asked if there was a preliminary design of the road where Kroger is going that he could review? Mayor Sohm stated he would have it by the next meeting.

Mr. Hatfield also asked who is figuring the capacity charge amount developers are now required to pay? Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Mike Schroeder stated that with his guidance City Hall would be figuring that charge.

Margaret Moore asked if the City could look into having more streetlights on Highway 44 East from the railroad tracks to the Interstate? Mayor Sohm stated we would contact L G & E and set up a meeting to discuss this.

Ms. Moore also stated that the light on the pole at Roby School is shining on the school and not on the street. She asked that this be checked out and fixed to shine on the street if it is a City light.

Ms. Moore also stated that the light at the State Farm office on Grandview and Highway 44 was reflecting on the businesses and not on the street. She asked that this be checked out also.

Ms. Moore again stated that the sidewalk in front of Creations by Barbara needed to be repaired.

Ms. Moore also asked if there was any way the City could plant shrubs and flowers where the grass is on Paroquet Springs Drive where the street splits to enhance the area? Mayor Sohm asked the Council if they would like to do this and everyone was in agreement.

Mayor Sohm asked for a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss possible litigation.

James Watkins made motion to adjourn to executive session. Don Cundiff 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0.

Larry Hatfield made motion to return to regular session. Don Cundiff 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0.

Mayor Sohm stated that the City Attorney had informed them of current legal battles.

City Attorney Wantland stated he had been given instructions to go forth.

James Watkins made motion to adjourn. Don Cundiff 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

APPROVED:                                                                                       ATTEST:

Joseph G. Sohm, Mayor                                                               Tammy Owen, City Clerk