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APRIL 28, 2003

Mayor Sohm welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting.

Pastor Gary Hardin, First Baptist Church of Shepherdsville gave the invocation.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said.

Mayor Sohm called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.

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

James Watkins made motion to dispense with reading of 4/14/2003 regular meeting minutes and 4/16/2003 special meeting minutes. Tony Miller 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0.

Tony Miller made motion to approve minutes as printed. Stacey Cline 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0.

Mayor Sohm announced that the May 26^th Council meeting would fall on Memorial Day and asked for a motion to cancel the meeting. Don Cundiff made motion to cancel the May 26^th meeting. Stacey Cline 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0. Mayor Sohm stated if we needed to have another meeting in May we could call a special meeting for that purpose.

Mayor Sohm reminded everyone that Bullitt Derby Days would be held May 2^nd and 3^rd at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre and invited everyone to attend the festivities.

Mayor Sohm introduced Don Lawson Jr. with the accounting firm of Stephens & Lawson to present the 2002 Audit.

Don Cundiff asked Mr. Lawson what the City would have to do to become low risk? Mr. Lawson answered that the high risk rating related to federal money awarded to the City.

Mr. Cundiff also stated he feels the Council should be informed when funds are borrowed from one account and put into another. Mayor Sohm stated that a copy of all transactions would be given to the Council if this happens.

Larry Hatfield asked about the GASB 34 regulations? Mr. Lawson stated there would be no change in reporting for 2003 Audit. The change would occur in 2004. At that time there will be more work involved in conducting an audit.

Mr. Lawson stated he did not issue a management letter with this audit. He stated with the change in personnel he has several suggestions to make things easier for the City and for the auditor. The next audit will start in the next couple months and he will work with us on changes.  He stated that if anyone had any questions regarding the Audit not to hesitate to call him.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Mike Schroeder reported that the new plant start up should be within the next two weeks.

There was no report from the Historical Committee or Transportation/Beautification Committee.

Mayor Sohm reported that he received a call from Tom Taylor, Chairman of the Recreation Committee and he would like to meet at the park to select a picnic site. Mayor Sohm asked Margaret Moore for any input and she stated that all the Committee members present agreed on the site selection for the picnic area.

Sharon Klosterman addressed the Council about the “Beautify Buckman Street” project. She stated the Bullitt County Women’s Club would like to plant a tree in the park. She requested that the City Works Department maintain, feed and water the planters and that the City purchase the plants for the barrels and hanging baskets. She stated the total cost for the plants and baskets would be $573.00

Mayor Sohm stated this is the third year for the “Beautify Buckman Street” project and he would like a motion to continue it. Don Cundiff made motion to continue with this project. Tony Miller 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0.

City Attorney Lemme had first reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) amending Ordinance 995-343 relating to the imposition of an occupational license tax upon the privilege of engaging in any trade, occupation or profession within the City of Shepherdsville. He stated the second reading would be May 12^th.

City Attorney Lemme had first reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) 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 requiring all persons, firms or corporations pursuing same to first obtain a license therefore and providing penalties for engaging in same without a license. He stated the second reading would be May 12^th.

City Attorney Lemme stated that he had prepared two Ordinances on the sewer rate increase based on the information given by the engineer and the rate study performed. One Ordinance calls for a $12.00 minimum bill (based on 2000 gallons) and the other Ordinance calls for an $11.18 minimum bill (based on 2000 gallons) with the rates being reviewed annually and adjusted based upon the Consumer Price Index.

After some discussion the Council decided to read the Ordinance with the one-year increase and look at the rates again next year and change if necessary.

City Attorney Lemme had first reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) amending Ordinance 000-493 establishing all fees for the City of Shepherdsville’s wastewater treatment facilities.

Larry Hatfield asked when this Ordinance passed would developers pay a capacity charge? Mayor Sohm answered yes. There would be a one time capacity charge.

Mr. Hatfield stated he would like to get something from MSD on how their charges are calculated. WWTPS Mike Schroeder stated that he had gotten that information and the Ordinance is set up to reflect how MSD calculates their capacity charges.

Mayor Sohm stated that tap on fees should pay for maintenance on the sewer lines and the capacity charge should pay for any improvements to the sewer plant.

City Attorney Lemme had first summary reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) rezoning real property of Thomas B. Givhan, containing 0.3 acre, more or less, located at the northeast intersection of Cherry Street and Plum Street to R-3 Residential. City Attorney Lemme stated there were no restrictions placed on this rezoning request.

City Attorney Lemme had first summary reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) rezoning real property of P.I.E. Inc., containing 8.61 acres, more or less, located on the west side of Coral Ridge Road, 200’, more or less, north of 301 Coral Ridge Road from R-2 Residential to B-1 Highway Business. He stated restrictions had been placed on this rezoning request.

City Attorney Lemme had first summary reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) rezoning real property of Able, LLC, containing 3.88 acres, more or less, located at the intersection of Highway 44 East and Houston Drive from R-3 Residential to B-2 Central Business. He stated that the Planning Commission had approved this request with restrictions.

City Attorney Lemme has first reading of Ordinance 003-(number to be assigned) amending Ordinance 982-82 establishing the position of building inspector and alcoholic beverage control commissioner.

City Attorney Lemme read a Proclamation proclaiming May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Don Cundiff made motion to pay April bills. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0.

James Reading addressed the Council stating that during construction of the sewer plant he built his driveway so trucks could get down Old Ford Road. Recently there has been a problem with dead tree limbs falling onto the road. He stated he picked up the dead limbs and placed them on the property they were falling from. He stated there are four dead trees on this property and if something is not done they are going to fall and hurt someone. Mayor Sohm stated the City cannot go onto private property and cut down trees, however we could cut the limbs that are hanging over on City property. He stated the City would send a letter asking that the trees be cut down and the limbs cleaned up. Mr. Reading also stated his concern over a hole on Old Ford Road that needs repair. Mayor Sohm stated that he has tried several times to help with this problem but the property owner says no. He stated that if the Council is willing to condemn ten foot of the property we could fix the problem.

Mayor Sohm asked Public Works Foreman Jesse Walls how much property the City needs to widen the road to the sewer plant? PWF Walls stated that Engineer Maxie Armstrong did the survey and has that information.

Don Cundiff stated he feels we’ve done all we can do we need to proceed.

George Blevins who lives on Highway 44 addressed the Council stating he thinks the City should have a full time fire department and a new building. He voiced his concerns over the current problems and feels if the City had a full time fire department these problems would go away. Mayor Sohm stated the City is working to get the problems resolved.

Planning Commission Appointee Ben Robards reported there was nothing new to report for Shepherdsville. He stated that the revisions to the residential zoning regulations are complete.

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

Fire Chief Robbie Spriggs stated that the department had a busy week. He also reported that the City had received a bill from Okolona Fire Department for covering the City when Shepherdsville was dispatched to the fire on Highway 44 East.

Police Chief Ron Morris stated he wanted to thank City Attorney Lemme for all his help since he’s been here and wished him luck.

Tony Miller stated that he was at the fire on Highway 44 East and everyone did a good job.

Stacey Cline also thanked City Attorney Lemme for all his work for the City.

James Watkins also thanked City Attorney Lemme and asked PWF Walls about the ditch behind Bobby Stottman’s house. PWF Walls stated he would check it out.

Don Cundiff stated the property behind Hardy Mooney (NAPA) needs a letter to mow and move the trailers stored there. He also thanked City Attorney Lemme and wished him happy trails.

Larry Hatfield stated he enjoyed working with City Attorney Lemme and looked forward to working with Joe Wantland. He also asked about the sewer line on Mr. J.E. Lee’s property. Mayor Sohm stated the engineer is contacting the other utility companies, Louisville Gas & Electric, Louisville Water Company, and Alltel asking that they sign off on the easement. He stated that he has spoken with Mr. Lee about this matter.

Mr. Hatfield stated he also had a question concerning the City Limits Bar and Grill. Mr. Hatfield stated the owners talked to PWF Walls and he told them they would have to put in a pumping station and pump up the hill. Mr. Hatfield asked if that is right? PWF Walls stated the owners asked him if they could hook on to sewers yet. He told them as far as the City was concerned no. We have not taken that line over. We are waiting on a request from Happy Cahoe to take over the sewers. And whenever they are taken over by the City there won’t a problem with them hooking on. He stated he has never looked at it. Mr. Hatfield asked if Mr. Cahoe asks us to take the lines over do they become the City’s lines? Mayor Sohm answered yes. He stated if they hook to those lines whether we have taken them over or not they still have to pay a tap fee to the City. 

Margaret Moore thanked City Attorney Lemme and stated she has enjoyed working with him.

Mayor Sohm stated it has been a pleasure working with City Attorney Lemme and wished him luck.

City Attorney Lemme swore in Joe Wantland.

Mayor Sohm announced that on May 1^st at 12:00 noon the National Day of Prayer would be observed at First Street Park.

Don Cundiff made motion to adjourn. James Watkins 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.

APPROVED:                                                                                       ATTEST:

Joseph G. Sohm, Mayor                                                               Tammy Owen, City Clerk