Home: Meeting Minutes List: Meeting Minutes

August 8, 2005

Mayor Sohm welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated he appreciated their attendance.

Bill Drake, an Elder from Divine Savior Lutheran Church gave the invocation.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said.

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

In attendance were Council members Stacey Cline, Margaret Moore, Faith Portman, Trina Summers and Alan Wetzel.

Trina Summers made motion to dispense with reading of 7/25/2005 regular meeting minutes. Stacey Cline 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Margaret Moore abstained).

Stacey Cline made motion to approve minutes as printed. Trina Summers 2^nd. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Margaret Moore abstained).

Mayor Sohm announced that the road that was built as a by pass from Highway 61 and the jail connecting to Cedar Grove Road has been named Charles Hamilton Way. He stated Mr. Hamilton was an important part of this community and deserving of this honor. Mayor Sohm stated he hopes to put up a sign at old Cedar Grove Road in his memory.

Mayor Sohm introduced Public Works Foreman Jesse Walls who introduced a new Public Works Employee, Christian Ramsey.

City Attorney Joe Wantland had second reading  and public hearing on Ordinance 005-(number to be assigned) on request by Patsy and William Coulter to rezone 159.30 acres, more or less, located at 2761 Cedar Grove Road from Agricultural to R-3 Residential. He stated this was approved by the Planning Commission with restrictions; 75’ lots, 2.79 units per acre, 20’ easement to State; no rental units. City Attorney Wantland also stated that the City is not bound by law to hold a public hearing but feels it is in the best interest to our citizens to do so. Attorney John Wooldridge was present on behalf of the applicant. He stated that this 159 acre farm was recently annexed into the City for development and it is located across the Heritage Hill. He stated the property will be served by City sewers and will have one entrance/exit. He stated the development would consist of single family homes and possibly some patio homes. The lot size is 75’ and if patio homes are used the limit of units will be 500 with curb and gutter. The minimum house size would be 1350 square feet. The patio homes will be all brick and 1100-1200 square feet. The single family homes will be brick, vinyl and stone. He stated if patio homes are not built the number of single family units will be 440. Lots will cost $45,000-$50,000; and homes will cost $150,000-$175,000 and up with a garage. He stated the homes in the front section will be all brick with underground utilities and the width on the boulevard will be 24’ curb to curb. He stated the majority of the drainage will go south and west to the Business Park.

David Bates, 401 Stoneyridge Wynde, spoke regarding the rezoning stating that he moved to Shepherdsville in 1998. He stated he sold his house on Beech Grove and bought property in Stoneyridge. He has a 2200 square foot house and in concerned about having 1300 square foot homes across from him. He would like the developer to take a look at what’s there now and make all brick, 1600-1800 square foot homes. He stated he doesn’t want the nicest part of Bullitt County to become another Beech Grove Road.

Stuart Price, 498 Quail Hollow Road stated he had two concerns. He is concerned about drainage. He would not want Lickskillet Creek to become a raging river. And his second concern is about traffic. He stated something needs to be done to ready the area for traffic. City Attorney Wantland stated that the Coulter’s are donating land for development of the road. Mayor Sohm stated the City is going to continue to work with the State on improvements to Cedar Grove Road and regardless of what happens with this request will continue to do so. He stated as far as drainage, the developer must submit plans for drainage for approval by the City’s engineer as part of the City’s Design Criteria Specifications.

Sarah McDade, 2185 Cedar Grove Road stated she has a concern on where kids are going to play on 158 acres with 500 homes. She is concerned about green space. She stated she does not think the lot size is big enough and is also concerned about reservoir runoff.

Steve Plenge, 2340 Cedar Grove Road stated he is one of the developers of Heritage Hill and two or three years ago stood in front of the Council and was asked the same questions. He doesn’t have a problem with developments as long as same standards are met as was placed on Heritage Hill. He is not opposed to 1600 square foot houses with all brick construction. City Attorney Wantland stated that this rezoning proposal far exceeds what the County R-3 restrictions are.

Buell Snyder, Stoneyridge Wynde, President of the Homeowners Association stated he hopes the restrictions put on this development are the same as Heritage Hill being all brick and 1600 square foot to stay in line with current development in the area.

David Cooper, 271 Foley Road, stated he has concerns. He stated he lives about two miles from the development and stated we’re in the position to really create an advantage in that we don’t have to any longer “take what we can get”. We need to ask how we can make this a unique development and what the affect will be by setting a precedence

Virginia Pombrowski stated she was from Columbus Ohio and moved into town eight months ago. She stated she is not against development but asked how this will affect Cedar Place in the future.

Jonathon Cooper, 271 Foley Road stated he sees two things here; the Coulter’s need to sell and the developer wants to build homes. He feels we should uphold the economy and society and that the current development does not meet these. He stated it could be counter-productive to society. He asked if there was enough water supply, sewer capacity. He stated that it was mentioned that the road would be broadened but feels more traffic would aggravate problems. He stated so many homes in such a small area with no dedicated green space would hard the environment. He would urge the development be revamped.

Deborah Cooper, 271 Foley Road stated she would like a win-win for everyone. She feels we should toss the ball in the developers lap and say change the development by making lots larger and homes comparable to other developments.

Attorney John Wooldridge stated he does not think the City has the right to require 1600 square foot homes.

Gobel Newsome Jr. stated the property is unique in that it lends itself to a different style of development.

Mayor Sohm asked Mr. Newsome if he would agree to 1600 square foot homes, all brick. Mr. Newsome stated that 1350 square foot is the minimum if the market goes that way. He stated he feels the market is much greater than that at this time. We agreed to build 8-12 lots with all brick façade. He also stated that the green space calculates to 5%. He stated he doesn’t feel people want to build a $300,000 home to look at the back of Gordon Food Service’s industrial building.

City Attorney Wantland stated this would be a tremendous financial asset to the City and that the new business has attracted several jobs to this area and people need a place to live.

Mayor Sohm asked if the City could have a commitment to lots 1 thru 20 all brick. Mr. Newsome stated he would go 12 lots all brick starting on lot 12, 1000 feet off the road in the first section.

Councilwoman Margaret Moore stated that widows and divorcees will be able to afford these homes.

Mayor Sohm asked Mr. Newsome if he will agree to 1600 square foot homes. Mr. Newsome stated he couldn’t agree to 1600 square foot because he would be unable to compete. He stated this is a totally different piece of property that backs up to an industrial park.

Ted Korfhage, developer of Heritage Hills stated they got a blanket R-3 from the County with no restrictions. He stated they were asked by the City Council for 1600 square foot homes, all brick; no apartments and at least 1100 square foot patio homes; which was agreed to. He stated he would like all developments in the area held to same standards as they were.

There were several other residents in attendance that spoke of concerns regarding the development.

(Tony Miller came in at this time.)

Mayor Sohm asked the Council on their thoughts. Councilwoman Trina Summers stated she does not doubt Mr. Newsome will put in a nice development but her concern is about density. She feels this development is just too dense. She feels we need to look at closer. Councilman Tony Miller stated he was late in arriving at the meeting so he would hold any comment. Mayor Sohm asked the Council if they felt they had enough information. Councilman Alan Wetzel stated he was concerned about drainage and asked what average of lot size is. Mr. Newsome stated the lot size was the minimum and the drainage has to be reviewed by the City’s civil engineer.

Stacey Cline stated she had no issues but thinks it would be better to table this discussion until the 8/22 meeting. Alan Wetzel 2^nd. Motion carried 3-1-1-1 (Margaret Moore abstained; Trina Summers voted no and Tony Miller recused himself). This closes the public hearing. The Council will discuss at the next meeting.

Mayor Sohm thanked everyone who came out to speak on this issue.

City Attorney Wantland had second reading and public hearing on Ordinance 005-(number to be assigned) proposing annexation of unincorporated territory adjoining the City of Shepherdsville (This is the Candle Shop located on Highway 44 East).  City Attorney Wantland stated this was a consensual annexation.

Karen Higdon, 2133 Highway 44 Ease addressed the Council stating in July 2004 she rented the property and have since bought the property. She stated if you look outside you can see the Shepherdsville City limits sign. She wants to rezone R-1 to B-2 and would like the property annexed so she can do so.

Anne McAfee, Attorney in Shepherdsville addressed the Council stating that this is 5^th generation property, Ina Bale and Tom Bridwell and Charlene Bridwell who owns the road that boarders the property of the Higdon’s. She stated she thinks there is a potential problem for the Higdon’s in getting in and out of the property. She stated the deed says “road that leads to the camps must never be closed”. She stated the camps also belong to Ms. Bail and if they wish they could put up a fence around the Higdon’s property. Mayor Sohm stated the legality of this was not before the Council. The only question is whether the City Council wants to annex this property or not. Mayor Sohm asked Mr. Higdon how wide his lot was. Mr. Higdon stated 80 foot. Mayor Sohm stated he has enough to make an entrance and this closed the public hearing. Councilman Tony Miller stated if we vote to not annex their property he thinks they should be able to withdraw their request. Councilwoman Moore stated this has been a business in the past and it is a good idea to annex. Alan Wetzel made motion to annex property. Faith Portman 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0. (This Ordinance will be numbered 005-669.)

City Attorney Wantland had second reading of Ordinance 005-(number to be assigned) providing for the closure pursuant to KRS 82.405 of a right of way known as Croan and Griffin Alley abutting Kentucky State Highway 44 and near Kentucky State Highway 61 within the corporate boundary of the City of Shepherdsville. Margaret Moore made motion to close alley. Faith Portman 2^nd. Motion carried 5-0-1 (Tony Miller abstained). (This Ordinance will be numbered 005-670.)

Further discussion followed on taking over streetlight on Heritage Hill Parkway. Mayor Sohm stated he had given a lot of thought to in the future meeting with developers to discuss streetlights and signage. He stated we need to work toward once streetlights are put in and the base is on the road the City, upon request from developer, will consider taking over streetlights. Mr. Korfhage stated there are ten houses under construction and 17 lights on Heritage Hill Parkway. Trina Summers made motion to take over streetlights on Heritage Hill Parkway. Stacey Cline 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0.

City Attorney Wantland stated that Attorney Eric Farris would like to be present for further discussion on the Hadley Building. Mayor Sohm stated we would pass on further discussion on the Hadley Building until the next meeting.

There was no report from the Sewer Committee.

Mayor Sohm stated he had attended the Morgan’s Raid Civil War re-enactment and burial ceremony at First Street Park and it was very entertaining. He stated he hopes they return every year. Mayor Sohm also stated that the Scottish Rite has done a wonderful job in cleaning up the cemetery on First Street and he complimented David Strange for the great job he is doing at the museum. He stated it’s good to connect with the past.

Mayor Sohm stated that he and Public Works Foreman Jesse Walls were going to meet on the list of paving and patching projects turned in to him by the Council.

Mayor Sohm stated the Recreation Committee had met and their focus will be on walking trails. He stated that the $50,000 in grant money would take the trail to the second fence (Phase 1). He stated they would work to contour the property to walk down to the River and if money is available will continue to work on connecting roads in parks. They also made a commitment to put play equipment in both parks.

City Attorney Wantland had first reading of Ordinance 005-(number to be assigned) confirming annexation of unincorporated territory adjoining the City of Shepherdsville (The Candle Barn located on Highway 44 East).

Planning Commission Appointee Ben Robards stated there was nothing new for Shepherdsville.

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

Mayor Sohm stated he was going to meet with PWF Jesse Walls to discuss advertising for the purchase of a batwing mower. He stated this has been budgeted to purchase for the last three years and the cost would be approximately $30,000-$40,000. He stated the Council would be copied on bids.

Stacey Cline thanked the City’s Code Enforcement Officer John Bradley for getting Lakeview cleaned up. She also stated she has received calls from residents on Old Ford Road inquiring to what was going on. Mayor Sohm stated that the City will send letters to engineers asking for their qualifications. Once an engineer is hired and we determine how much road we will take; we will talk with each property owner. Councilwoman Cline asked if we were going to have a special meeting with those residents affected. Mayor Sohm answered yes.

Faith Portman stated she has also received several calls from residents of Old Ford Road. She also asked PWF Walls about the brush by the old cemetery and stated she has received calls from several people in opposition of parking meters.

Trina Summers asked how much money the City receives from parking meters. Mayor Sohm stated several thousand dollars a year. Councilwoman Summers stated we need to look at pretty seriously, on the cost to maintain, how much we collect, time spent to empty, etc.

City Attorney Wantland stated the City may want some ability for people not parking on public right of ways. He stated he can see a problem when the new AOC building in functional.

Mayor Sohm suggested calling surrounding cities to see how much they collect and how much it takes to maintain. He stated the City has several lots to make into parking.

Faith Portman also commended Officer Proffitt for helping a family in need.

Alan Wetzel stated that regarding the Old Ford Road issue, the people are upset because they haven’t been kept informed on what’s going on.

Margaret Moore stated that the neighbors are again complaining about the vacant house on 4^th Avenue. They are concerned over high grass and they would like to City to spray for mosquitoes. She asked how someone would go about buying the property. Mayor Sohm stated the property would have to be condemned. Councilwoman Moore stated yes, she wants to condemn it and clean it up.

Mayor Sohm stated he would like the Council to think about in the future instead of bringing up questions during annexation requests instead of rezoning requests. He stated we want to know exactly what plans are for the property when it first comes before the Council.

Mayor Sohm also stated that he had met with the developers and engineers working on the update of the City’s Design Criteria Specifications. He stated he hoped by the end of August the Council would be able to look at.

Stacey Cline made motion to adjourn. Tony Miller 2^nd. Motion carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

ATTEST:                                                           APPROVED:

Tammy Owen, City Clerk                                   Joseph G. Sohm, Mayor