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The Henry County Fiscal Court met in a regular session on August 21, 2007 at the Courthouse in New Castle, Kentucky with the following in attendance:

Honorable John L. Brent, Judge Executive
Honorable Peggy V. Bryant, Deputy Judge
Honorable Virginia Harrod, County Attorney
Esquire Jerry Beasley
Esquire David Brown
Esquire Guy Coombs
Esquire Mike Fisher
Esquire Wayne Gunnell
Esquire Nick Hawkins

RE: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Judge Executive John L. Brent led the Court in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

RE: PRAYER & PREPARATION

Silent prayer was observed in preparation for the meeting.

RE: CALL TO ORDER

Judge Brent called the meeting to order and noted everyone was present.

RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Upon motion by Esq. Beasley and seconded by Esq. Fisher, it is ordered by the Court to approve the minutes from the July 19, 2007 regular meeting.

Motion carried unanimously

Upon motion by Esq. Coombs and seconded by Esq. Beasley, it is ordered by the Court to approve the minutes from the August 10, 2007 special meeting.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: OLD BUSINESS

Their being no old business the meeting proceeded with new business.

RE: NEW BUSINESS

RE: ROADS

1. Supervisor’s Update-Glenn Baxter

Glenn noted the road department hoped to finished the blacktopping within the next six working days. Esq. Gunnell and Esq. Fisher thanked Glenn and the road department for a job well done. Judge Brent noted the blacktopping had been finished earlier this year too.

2. Discussion of Bolin Branch Road-Resident Reba Rye

Henry County resident Reba Rye came before the Court to discuss her concerns with Upper Bolin Branch Road. She gave a history of the road noting around 1991 the residents had requested the County to stop grading and maintaining the road, as it was getting lower than the creek. In 1996, the County spent three thousand dollars to hire a private contractor to do work on the creek next to the road. She noted the County has not worked on it since this time and it is rough and not passable. She stressed when the creek gets up or the backwater from the river is over the bridge there are five families that are unable to get out. She would like to see the County repair and maintain the section of the road that connects Upper Bolin Branch to Hickory Corner Road that goes into Franklinton. She stressed the resident’s only want it to be passable so it can be used in case of an emergency. The Court heard comments and concerns from other family members and residents. Glenn Baxter informed the Court that the road is approximately two miles long. He estimated it would take at least $10,000.00 to get the road passable. After questions and discussion Judge Brent called for a vote.

Upon motion by Esq. Fisher and seconded by Esq. Brown, it is ordered by the Court to open this section of Upper Bolin Branch Road to make it passable.

When comments where taken before the vote Esq. Hawkins wanted to table the issue until next month giving Glenn Baxter time to do research to get a detailed cost estimate.

Upon motion by Esq. Hawkins and seconded by Esq. Coombs, it is ordered by the Court to table the decision on Upper Bolin Branch Road giving Glenn Baxter time to do research to get a detailed cost estimate.

Yes-Hawkins, Coombs, Beasley, Brent
No- Fisher, Gunnell, Brown
Motion carried

RE: EMS

1. Supervisor’s Update –Scott McClamroch

Scott reassured the residents on Bolin Branch Road that the ambulance would reach them if needed. He reviewed the employment applications for new part-time EMT’S.

2. New Hire Requests

Upon motion by Esq. Brown and seconded by Esq. Gunnell, it is ordered by the Court to approve the hiring of Joseph Bradley Woods and Robert R. Goss as part-time EMT’S.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: FIVE YEAR SOLID WASTE PLAN REVIEW

Judge Brent informed the Court that the Division of Solid Waste requires a five- year waste plan. He noted this plan is much smaller than the one before due to all of the dumps that were cleaned. This year’s plan has 3 illegal dumps. Esq. Gunnell suggested a committee be formed to evaluate the plan and report back to the Court at next month’s meeting for final changes and approval. Esq. Gunnell, Esq. Brown and Solid Waste Coordinator Greg Derossett will serve on this committee.

Upon motion by Esq. Gunnell and seconded by Esq. Brown, it is ordered by the Court to approve the first reading of the five year solid waste plan allowing that changes might be made during public comment at next month’s meeting.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: VERIZON CELL PHONE TOWER DISCUSSION & CONTRACT APPROVAL/DENIAL

Tammy Smith with Verizon came before the Court to discuss the possibility of Verizon installing a cell phone tower at the road department. They will either attach on to the existing structure or put up a new tower. Verizon would want a 5 year lease and would pay the County $800.00 a month rent. After questions and discussion a committee of Judge Brent, Esq. Hawkins, Esq. Gunnell, Virginia Harrod, Glenn Baxter, and Scott McClamroch will review the site and contract.

Upon motion by Esq. Hawkins and seconded by Esq. Brown, it is ordered by the Court to move forward with the cell tower project and to allow the committee of Judge Brent, Esq. Hawkins, Esq. Gunnell, and Virginia Harrod the authority to sign the contract with Verizon.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: HENRY COUNTY COMMERCE PARK CONGRESSIONAL FUNDING UPDATE-CHRISTINA POOLE

Christina Poole, Field Representative for Congressman Geoff Davis, introduced herself to the Court. She discussed internships and scholarships that can be obtained through her office. She brought the good news that $300,000.00 for the Henry County Commerce Park has passed the House. She is hopeful it will be approved in the Senate.

RE: 1ST READING OF 2007/2008 COUNTY TAX RATES

Upon motion by Esq. Hawkins and seconded by Esq. Brown, it is ordered by the Court that the County tax levy remain the same as last year at 11.7 per hundred dollars on all real property in Henry County, 15.9 per hundred dollars on all personal property in Henry County, and 11.9 per hundred dollars on all vehicles and watercraft for 2007. A public hearing for the tax levy will be held on September 18, 2007 at 6:00 P.M.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: TREASURER’S SETTLEMENT-COUNTY TREASURER MARY SCRIBER

Upon motion by Esq. Brown and seconded by Esq. Fisher, it is ordered by the Court to approve the treasurer’s settlement pending audit.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: CRUISER REQUEST-SHERIFF DANNY CRAVENS

Sheriff Cravens came before the Court to request the County lease two new cruisers to replace older vehicles. He reviewed the terms on the leasing agreement, noting it was a three-year lease with no payoff penalties, no maintenance or mileage restrictions. The vehicle lease would be for 2 vehicles with an annual payment of $14,333.00.

Upon motion by Esq. Brown and seconded by Esq. Hawkins, it is ordered by the Court to enter into a leasing contract for a term of 3 years for the 2 vehicles and to equip them.

Yes-Brown, Beasley, Coombs, Fisher, Hawkins
No- Gunnell
Motion carried

RE: PARKS UPDATE

1. Seniors Center

Judge Brent noted the Seniors Center is going well. The building is going up and he encouraged the Court to go by to see it. He thanked Glenn and the road department for doing a good job laying the lines and working with the electric company.

2. Recreational Trails Grant

Judge Brent informed the Court that we had been denied the Recreational Trails Grant, but we can reapply next year.

3. Sewer Extension Discussion

Judge Brent noted the City of New Castle has not embraced the County’s idea of partnering together to extend the sewer to the new County Park Site. He noted Cedar Lake Lodge is still interested in the park. Esq. Hawkins discussed several meetings he has had with the City Council Members and he is still hoping to get sewers.

RE: COURTHOUSE AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE HIRE REQUEST

Judge Brent informed the Court that Bobby Robinson was injured after a fall at the Henry County Fairgrounds where he dislocated his shoulder. He had surgery and his doctor said he would be off work for 6-9 months. Judge Brent had temporarily hired 2 part-time people to clean and maintain the Courthouse and Annex, but now that Bobby will be out for an extended time he request the County hire one full time employee. Judge Brent recommended the Court hire Randel Rodgers as a full-time employee at the County starting rate of $9.00 an hour. He noted Randel has been working part-time and is doing an excellent job.

Upon motion by Esq. Beasley and seconded by Esq. Fisher, it is ordered by the Court to hire full-time Randel Rodgers at $9.00 an hour for Courthouse/Annex cleaning and grounds maintenance. The Court will discuss issue the upon Bobby’s return.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE & RECOMMENDATION

New Castle Fire Chief Gene Raake addressed the Court. He noted the fire service is dwindling as there is a need for more volunteers. He encouraged the County to develop a plan for the future.

Esq. Hawkins gave a report from the fire department committee. The committee recommends the Court not increase the deed fee on residential property tax bills.  They suggest the fire chiefs look at redistricting their fire districts to address there financial problems.

Upon motion by Esq. Hawkins and seconded by Esq. Fisher, it is ordered by the Court to not increase the deed fee on residential property tax bills and suggest to the fire chiefs that they should look at redistricting there fire districts as a way to address their financial problems.

Yes-Beasley, Brown, Fisher, Gunnell, Hawkins
Abstain-Coombs
Motion carried

RE: INSURANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE

Esq. Gunnell informed the Court that the insurance committee had met with Joe Greathouse with KACO. The Committee will continue to meet to clarify the events that are presently covered at the park and fairgrounds. The only recommendation from the committee at this time is that all special events turn in proof of insurance to the Judge Executive’s Office 2 weeks before the event.

Upon motion by Esq. Gunnell and seconded by Esq. Hawkins, it is ordered by the Court to obtain proof of insurance for events no later than 2 weeks or 10 working days before any event.

Motion carried unanimously

RE: OLDHAM COUNTY AIRPORT UPDATE

The Oldham County Judge Executive had informed Judge Brent by the end of September they will have chosen 3 sights for the Oldham County Airport. Mrs. Vegh didn’t have additional information to present to the Court.

RE: CLAIMS & TRANSFERS

Upon motion by Esq. Brown and seconded by Esq. Beasley, it is ordered by the Court to approve the following claims and transfers:

Motion carried unanimously

RE: COURT COMMENTS

Esq. Coombs reported he had received several positive comments regarding the Harvest Showcase and he wanted to recognize Greg Derossett for all his hard work. Esq. Brown noted there were problems with the speaker at the Arena. Esq. Gunnell showed his ID card that Scott had made and encouraged the Court to get theirs.

RE: ADJOURN

Upon motion by Esq. Brown and seconded by Esq. Coombs, it is ordered by the Court to adjourn and each Magistrate, the Judge Executive and County Attorney shall receive a typed copy of these minutes prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Motion carried unanimously

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

PEGGY V. BRYANT
FISCAL COURT CLERK

JOHN L. BRENT
JUDGE EXECUTIVE

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