Board of Commissioners

WORK SESSION September 14, 2015 FRANKFORT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 5:00 P.M. (EDT) PRESENT: Commissioner Tommy Z. Haynes Commissioner John R. Sower Commissioner Robert E. Roach Commissioner Lynn Bowers Mayor William I. May, Jr. (5) ABSENT: None (0) Mayor May called the Work Session to order. Mayor May called for citizen comments. Citizens Comments Gregory Geisler who owns property at 404 Swigert Avenue addressed the Commission regarding concerns of a sewer line that flooded his property. He added there were no issues until the new sewer line was replaced. Bill Scalf, Sewer Department Director, stated he would contact the Engineer that did th the rebuild and will report back at the September 28 regular meeting. Discussion followed. Discussion Items Renee True gave a presentation to the Commission regarding downtown buildings. He appreciates the efforts by the City in regards to the Historic Preservation Grant. The Commission noted there are several buildings downtown that are empty and need to be addressed. Several members of the City staff were directed to work on several items such as a market study, downtown database, economic services and review of scope of branding. Ben Steffen presented the Annual Report for the Sullivan Parking Garage. Operating expenses will be covered for this year; however, with increasing costs he requested an increase of $1 to $2 during the next five years. The Commission supported a $2 increase for the next five years and requested Mr. Steffen report back annually to the Commission. Bill Scalf, Sewer Department Director, spoke about the Two Creeks Neighborhood Association requesting additional paving due to increased traffic during construction of the new pump station. Robert Fentress spoke for the Two Creeks Neighborhood Association and indicated there are many areas of concern regarding cracking of pavement. After much discussion the Commission requested additional information from the neighborhood group regarding history of paving. Jeff Abrams, Chief of Police, gave a presentation regarding proposed changes to the downtown event permits in response to concerns of downtown business owners and South Frankfort residents. Commissioner Bowers agreed and stated she has received citizen complaints regarding road closures downtown. The Commission directed Chief Abrams to move forward with changes and place on the agenda at the next voting meeting. Gary Muller, Director of Planning and Zoning, offered his recommendations to the Commission regarding possible development on US 127. The Commission indicated support for several items and suggested that Mr. Muller return to the next Work Session with more information. Gary Muller, Director of Planning and Zoning, presented his recommendations for the Holmes Street Corridor based on his study conducted during 2006-2007. The City is looking at resurfacing certain areas of Holmes Street in the fall of this year. Mr. Muller indicated that we should push the State for road improvements and a study. The Commission fully supported asking the State for improvements and an engineering study. The Emergency Management Inter-local Agreement was discussed by the Commission. Since there has been no agreement reached, Mayor May will contact Judge Wells to set up a meeting that will include the Mayor, Judge Wells and Commissioner Roach. Rob Moore, City Solicitor, will work on an abstract and Order regarding the City Manager being allowed to sign contracts under $20,000.00. Some items are being held up due to waiting for the voting regular meetings. After much discussion, Mr. Moore will make two Orders, one stating City Manager and the other with Mayor approval to be placed on the agenda for the September voting meeting. Tentative Agenda Commissioner Bowers asked about the proposed change to Open Records payments under $2.00. Steve Dawson, Finance Director, stated the time to process payments under that amount does not benefit the City and will not affect City funds. Discussion followed and the Commission decided to move forward with the change to Open Records fees. Staff Reports Bill Scalf, Sewer Department Director, requested permission to add three items to the consent agenda. Agenda items added without objection. Gary Muller, Director of Planning and Zoning, stated to the Commission that a few of the bid numbers on Item 7.5 may be altered. Jeff Abrams, Chief of Police, requested permission to add two items to the consent agenda and one item regarding property under closed session. All items added without objection. Rob Moore, City Solicitor working on a draft MOA on the survey at Carpenter Farms and requested to add to the agenda. Also, Mr. Moore is trying to advertise several available City owned lots and is working closely with Gary Muller regarding the same. Old Business Commissioner Haynes requested the status of Devils Hollow Road. Tommy Russell, Emergency Management Director, stated that FEMA has the scope of work and the City is waiting on FEMA. Commissioner Sower asked about the gas companies work on Taylor Avenue and if they would be renovating sidewalks. Tom Bradley, Director of Public Works, stated that they are working in the middle of the road and it should not disturb the sidewalks condition. Commissioner Roach suggested that Human Resources make sure the staff knows about all insurance changes that are coming soon. Commissioner Roach asked about the Wi-fi for the Central Business District. Rob Moore, City Solicitor, is working on an MOU for the next voting meeting. Commissioner Roach requested an update on the TNR program with the Humane Society. Tim Zisoff, City Manager, will contact Sam Marcus and ask for them to attend the next Work Session. Commissioner Roach asked about the status on foreclosures, can we do more than 7 per month. Rob Moore, City Solicitor, will gather a report for the next Work Session. New Business Commissioner Sower suggested that we post Work Session Agenda’s and City Commission Agenda’s on Cable 10’s bulletin board. Chermie Maxwell, City Clerk, will contact Cable 10. Commissioner Sower would like to know the violations codes on dumpsters. Gary Muller, Director of Planning and Building Codes, will report back to the Commission. Commissioner Sower stated the City should do a better job at offering packages that include the local attractions along with the trolley to encourage visitors to Frankfort. Commissioner Sower mentioned the KSU Homecoming Parade is coming up. He encouraged everyone to get more involved and participate. Commissioner Roach suggested that the City Manager and Human Resources work with department heads to identify and groom internal employees for promotion opportunities. Commissioner Haynes reminded everyone the Gubernatorial Debate will be held at KSU on 10-3-15 at 1:00 p.m. It was moved by Commissioner Roach, seconded by Commissioner Bowers, that the meeting adjourn. The question was put upon the motion and the motion was adopted by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ___________________________ Mayor Attest: __________________________ City Clerk