Board of Commissioners Meetings

707 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 08, 2015 A regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Henderson, Kentucky, was held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 5:30 p.m., prevailing time, in the third floor Assembly Room located in the Municipal Center Building at 222 First Street, Henderson, Kentucky. INVOCATION was given by Charles Cameron, Zion Baptist Church, followed by Mayor Austin leading the assemblage in recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to our American Flag. There were present Mayor Steve Austin presiding: PRESENT: Commissioner X R. Royster, III Commissioner Robert M. (Robby) Mills Commissioner Jesse Johnston, IV ABSENT: Commissioner Jan M. Hite ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Russell R. Sights, City Manager Mr. William L. (Buzzy) Newman, Jr., Assistant City Manager Mr. Randall Redding, Acting City Attorney Ms. Maree Collins, City Clerk Mr. Robert Gunter, Finance Director Mr. John Stier, Accounting Manager Mr. Charles Stauffer, Police Chief Mr. Leason Neel, HWU Chief Financial Officer Mr. Dylan Ward, Engineering Assistant Mr. Trace Stevens, Parks and Recreation Director Ms. Rogena Bugg, School Crossing Guard, Police Dept. Mr. Malcolm E. Neel III, Myriad CPA Group Mr. Brad Schneider, Kyndle CEO Mrs. Sarah Stewart, Downtown Henderson Partnership Mr. Mike Martin, Architectural Renovators/Michael S. Martin Realty XIV Ms. Stephanie Richard, Architectural Renovators Mr. Tom Tweddell Mr. Tommy Simpson Mr. Mike Richardson, Police Reserve Officer Channel 14 News Mr. Frank Boyett, The Gleaner ________________________ PRESENTATIONS: 20-YEAR SERVICE AWARD MAYOR AUSTIN presented a 20-year Service Award to Mrs. Rogena Bugg, School Crossing Guard, for Police Department, and thanked Rogena for her dedication and loyalty to the City of Henderson. _________________________ PRESENTATION: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report – Malcolm E. Neel III, Myriad CPA Group, Audit Partner. MR. NEEL indicated that an audit is more than just reviewing the City’s finances. An Audit Risk Assessment which includes control inventory and accounting records, quality of information provided, and monitoring are all reviewed. Mr. Neel went on to say that overall the City is in a healthy financial position with approximately 130 million net position (or net worth), and a healthy General Fund with approximately 120 day expenditure in the fund balance . Not all cities are as blessed as Henderson in this respect. VERBATIM DISCUSSION IS ON TAPE OF THIS MEETING 708 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 8, 2015 MOTION by Mayor Austin, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, to accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as presented to the Board of Commissioners. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills ------- Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin declared the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report approved. _________________________ APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MAYOR AUSTIN asked the City Clerk to read the items on the Consent Agenda. Minutes: November 24, 2015, Regular Meeting RESOLUTION NO. 125-15-A: A RESOLUTION RELATING TO APPOINTING LARRY KOERBER THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR UNDER KRS 39B.020. Motion by Commissioner Royster, seconded by Commissioner Mills, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills ------- Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin declared the minutes approved and the Resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 34-15: SECOND READ ORDINANCE AMENDING GARBAGE AND REFUSE ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SEC. 14-90.5, BULK REFUSE CHARGES, OF ARTICLE V, RATES AND CHARGES, IN CHAPTER 14, GARBAGE AND REFUSE, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON MOTION by Commissioner Mills, seconded by Commissioner Royster, that the Ordinance be adopted.  709 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 08, 2015 The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills ------- Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin declared the Ordinance adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 35-15: FIRST READ ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE REBATE OF ONE PERCENT (1.0%) OF THE WAGES, SALARIES OR OTHER COMPENSATION PAID BY GIBBS DIE CASTING CORPORATION IMPOSED AND LEVIED AS OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEES DUE AND PAYABLE TO THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY, BY ORDINANCE, FROM THE SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO NEW EMPLOYEES HIRED OVER THE BASELINE BY GIBBS DIE CASTING CORPORATION, PROVIDED SAID COMPANY MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN ITS APPLICATION FOR INCENTIVES UNDER THE KENTUCKY BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM. MOTION by Commissioner Mills, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, that the Ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills ------- Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin the Ordinance adopted on its first reading and ordered that it be presented for a second reading at a meeting of the Board of Commissioners. _________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 36-15: FIRST READ ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE REBATE OF ONE PERCENT (1.0%) OF THE WAGES, SALARIES OR OTHER COMPENSATION PAID BY HERCULES MANUFACTURING COMPANY IMPOSED AND LEVIED AS OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEES DUE AND PAYABLE TO THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY, BY ORDINANCE, FROM THE SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO NEW EMPLOYEES HIRED OVER THE BASELINE BY HERCULES MANUFACTURING COMPANY, PROVIDED SAID COMPANY MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN ITS APPLICATION FOR INCENTIVES UNDER THE KENTUCKY BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM. MOTION by Commissioner Mills, seconded by Commissioner Royster, that the Ordinance be adopted. COMMISSIONER MILLS asked if this was an ongoing benefit or if something had changed in the counties economics that allowed this to be offered at this time. 710 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 8, 2015 BRAD SCHNEIDER, Kyndle CEO, replied that it was a typical accompanying incentive that goes along with the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) program. Mr. Schneider explained that under the KBI application Gibbs promised to hire an additional 160 employees and make an additional $22,000,000.00 in investments/improvements. At this time they have met both of those goals. Hercules promised to hire an additional 14 employees and make an additional $250,000.00 in investments/improvements. Both of those goals have also been met. VERBATIM DISCUSSION IS ON TAPE OF THIS MEETING The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills ------- Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin declared the Ordinance adopted on its first reading and ordered that it be presented for a second reading at a meeting of the Board of Commissioners. ________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 126-15: RESOLUTION DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY WITH RESPECT TO REIMBURSEMENT OF TEMPORARY ADVANCES MADE FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES TO BE MADE FROM SUBSEQUENT BORROWINGS MOTION by Commissioner Royster, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, to adopt the resolution declaring the official intent of the City with respect to reimbursement of temporary advances made for capital expenditures to be made from subsequent borrowings. MR. GUNTER, Finance Director, indicated that we are looking at refunding some prior bonds, General Obligation 2007 and a 2006 HWU Revenue Bond. The majority of the remaining funds will be put towards the Gas department/Public Works facility renovations. MR. SIGHTS, City Manager, added that the information requested previously by Commission Royster has been included on the status of the building. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________  711 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 08, 2015 RESOLUTION 127-15: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO PROCEED WITH ACTION TO COLLECT OUTSTANDING DEBTS OWED TO THE CITY OF HENDERSON, INCLUDING JUDICIAL ACTION IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE. MOTION by Commissioner Mills, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, to adopt the resolution authorizing and directing the city attorney’s office to proceed with action to collect outstanding debts owed to the City, including judicial action if deemed appropriate. MAYOR AUSTIN indicated that his primarily deals with those properties that owe back property taxes. MR. SIGHTS, City Manager, added that properties where the city has had to remove structures and clean up may also be included in order to recoup the unpaid debt to the city. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 128-15: RESOLUTION AWARDING BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2016 FORD ONE TON CAB AND CHASSIS WITH DUMP BED FROM DEMPEWOLF FORD OF HENDERSON, KY IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,685.91; A 2016 FORD CAB AND CHASSIS WITH DUMP BED AND TWO 2016 FORD ¾ TON PICKUP TRUCKS WITH INSTALLED SERVICE BODIES FROM VALLEY TRUCKING EQUIPMENT OF UTICA, KY IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,990.28; AND A 2016 FORD ONE-TON EXTENDED CAB WITH SERVICE BED FROM TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD OF EVANSVILLE, IN, IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,950.00 MOTION by Commissioner Royster, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, to adopt the resolution approving award of bids for the purchase of a 2016 one-ton cab and chassis with dump bed from Dempewolf Ford in the amount of $29,685.91; a 2016 Ford cab and chassis with dump bed and two 2016 Ford ¾-ton pickup trucks with installed service bodies from Valley Trucking Equipment in the amount of $90,990.28; and a 2016 Ford one-ton extended cab with service bed from Town and Country Ford in the amount of $43,950.00 MR. SIGHTS noted that all of these purchases are under budget. There is a bit of a unique situation with three of these units. The truck body supplier is fitting the work and they are furnishing the chassis. Usually a dealership provides the chassis and has the service bed provided and installed elsewhere, but this is a reverse and we are comfortable with this firm doing it this way. 712 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 8, 2015 The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Austin declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 129-15: RESOLUTION AWARDING BID OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PARKING LOT AT THE GATHERING PLACE TO HAZEX CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,085.00 MOTION by Commissioner Mills, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, to adopt the resolution awarding bid of contract for construction of a new parking lot at the Gathering Place to Hazex Construction Company, Inc. in the Amount of $32,085.00 MAYOR AUSTIN noted that Buzzy Newman and Dylan Ward have worked hard on this project for a quite some time and asked if they had used state help with funding on this project? DYLAN WARD, Engineering Assistant, answered that some Community Development Block Grant funds will be utilized on the project. MAYOR AUSTIN commented that the parking situation was especially bad for lack of handicap spaces and that with the addition of this lot on the top of the hill, access will be greatly improved. MR. WARD explained that 14 spaces would be included on the new lot and the people he encountered seemed excited and thankful to have a way around the stairs with an ADA accessible ramp and a new sidewalk with the parking lot. Three bids were received with Hazex being the lowest. The bid includes dirt work, rock base and concrete sidewalk. The City’s paving contract will be utilized for the paving work. If approved, it is anticipated that the project will begin by late winter or early spring depending on winter weather conditions. Mr. Ward also noted that the Hazex bid came in under budget. MR. SIGHTS asked about the relocation of one utility and if there were any others that would be involved. MR. WARD indicated that there were two utilities involved. He has been in close communications with the Gas department on a gas service line that goes through the new lot. The amount of cut work necessary will interfere with the existing line but the Gas department is able to detour around the area without interrupting service. The other issue is a low hanging electric line that is currently under review. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye:  713 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 08, 2015 WHEREUPON Mayor Austin declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 130-15: RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, INC. ALLOCATING $9,166.67 ON A MONTHLY BASIS FOR ANIMAL CONTROL AND SHELTER SERVICES; AND GIVING MAYOR AUTHORITY TO TERMINATE AGREEMENT WITH A THIRTY (30) DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE, AND THE MAYOR IS AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF CITY MOTION by Commissioner Royster, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, to adopt the resolution approving the Agreement with the Humane Society of Henderson County, Inc. allocating $9,166.67 on a monthly basis for animal control and shelter services; and giving the Mayor the authority to terminate the Agreement with a thirty day written notice. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye: WHEREUPON Mayor Austin declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 131-15: RESOLUTION DECLARING THE FORMER RAILROAD DEPOT SURPLUS PROPERTY; ACCEPTING PROPOSAL OF ARCHITECTURAL RENOVATORS, LLC, OF EVANSVILLE, IN FOR REHABILITATION OF THE FORMER L&N RAILROAD DEPOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,000.00; AND ACCEPTING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND MICHAEL S. MARTIN REALTY XIV, LLC FOR TRANSFER OF SURPLUS CITY- OWNED REAL PROPERTY, AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE TRANSFER OF PROPERTY MOTION by Commissioner Johnston, seconded by Commissioner Mills, to adopt the resolution declaring the former railroad depot as surplus property; accepting the proposal of Architectural Renovators, LLC for rehabilitation of the former railroad depot in the amount of $80,000.00; and accepting an Agreement between the City and Michael S. Martin Realty XIV, LLC for transfer of the surplus city-owned real property known as the former L&N Railroad Depot. COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON asked that Mr. Newman give some background on how we arrived at this current recommendation. WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR. Assistant City Manager explained that Request for Proposals had been proposed instead of a bid package for the building and property. This 714 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 8, 2015 was so that anyone with interest in demolition or anything else with the building was able to make a proposal. Two demolition proposals and the proposal from Mr. Martin to save the building were received. Mr. Martin wanted to save the building and had an interest in taking the title to the property with a ‘grant’ request in lieu of paying to have the building demolished. The ‘grant’ money would be used to help rehabilitate the building. We looked at the cost of demolishing the building compared to Mr. Martin’s proposal and it made sense to recommend it tonight. Mr. Newman visited some of Mr. Martin’s projects in Evansville and was impressed with what was accomplished on these high profile projects. The Agreement includes a payment schedule which is tied to the progress of the project. MR. MARTIN stated that he is a small business owner that specializes in renovating and rehabilitating old buildings of historical nature in residential and commercial areas around the tri-state. Mr. Martin anticipates laying the ground work for a business to come in. Of course, this won’t happen overnight but Martin believes the city will be happy with the final result. He thanked the Board for the opportunity to save the train depot. AGAINST PROPOSAL: MR. TOMMY SIMPSON, of 204 Highland Drive, asks the Board of Commissioners to reconsider spending $80,000 for repairs to the depot because the Commission 23 years ago went down the same road and deemed it too expensive to repair. Tax payers shouldn’t have to pay for it again. He doesn’t have a problem with Mr. Martin restoring the building and wishes him luck in doing so, but doesn’t think tax payers should have to pay it again. In the newspaper he saw that it would cost $60,000 to tear down the building and they would be paying $20,000 above that cost to Mr. Martin. He remarked that if the property had been owned by someone else 23 years ago that the City probably would have torn it down for him and sent him the bill because he didn’t do anything with it. It’s a good building for someone else to renovate but the tax payers have already spent their money in downtown. FOR PROPOSAL: MR. TOM TWEDDELL, 305 14th Street, encouraged the Board of Commissioners to consider the proposal. The building is of extreme architectural importance and historical value. It’s stood there since 1901 and it’s still there. Mr. Tweddell has every bit of faith in Mr. Martin that he can bring pride to the City of Henderson by restoring the depot. He indicated this is the city taking a progressive view toward maintaining the historical nature of Henderson, especially with the 2nd Street streetlight project 2nd Street being the gateway to Henderson. This will be on the tax records instead of an empty lot if the depot is saved. You cannot get historical bricks back once they have been torn down. MR. SIGHTS explained that this is an opportunity that we don’t often have, and it’s not unusual for local governments to partner with the private sector to reach a common goal. In this case the common goal is to restore the depot. $80,000 is not a significant amount compared to other expenditures the City makes. Mr. Sights stated, “This is an investment for the community and I am comfortable recommending it.” COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON added that he has received a lot of positive feedback on this topic and agreed that it is a good investment. He continued that the depot is one of Henderson’s last significant historical structures besides some houses and downtown structures. VERBATIM DISCUSSION IS ON TAPE OF THIS MEETING The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye:  715 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 08, 2015 WHEREUPON Mayor Austin declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 132-15: RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR THE SALE OF 237.332 ACRES OF AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS “THE HOGE FARM” TO LEO MATTINGLY, JR. OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $700,044.00 MOTION by Commissioner Royster, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, to adopt the resolution awarding the bid for the sale of 237.332 acres of agricultural property known as “The Hoge Farm” to Leo Mattingly, Jr. of Henderson, Kentucky in the amount of $700,044.00 MAYOR AUSTIN mentioned that the bid was calculated as having approximately $5,000 per acre of tillable land and approximately $3,000 per total acre. The property has been offered to anyone on two separate occasions in different formats. MR. SIGHTS commented that there have been benefits from having purchased the land back in the early 90’s. Roughly 580 acres were included in the original purchase at $1,500 an acre. Look at all the industries there, and now this; it’s a win/win for the city. This is approximately double what was paid for it. He believes that the appropriate action is to dispose of this as surplus property. MAYOR AUSTIN agreed. He indicated that it has been sitting there for more than 20 years and we don’t have any appearance of a future opportunity for the city other than selling it for farming activities. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye: WHEREUPON Mayor Austin declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Steve Austin Steve Austin, Mayor December 8, 2015 ATTEST: Maree Collins, City Clerk ________________________ CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: MR. SIGHTS indicated that the first item is a request from Christopher Hopgood, Attorney with Dorsey, Gray, Norment & Hopgood Attorneys-At-Law, on behalf of his clients Clark Merrill, his wife, Cynthia, and his sister, Francis M. O’Sullivan that the City annex approximately 61 acres of the Merrill property that is South of the Wal-Mart property extending past Barrett Blvd to the south. The appropriate action at this time would be to make a motion, and have a vote, to forward this request to the Planning Commission for the purpose of determining the appropriate zoning designation for the property. MAYOR AUSTIN inquired if this was the proposed property for the medical centers. 716 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 8, 2015 MR. SIGHTS confirmed that it was. MOTION by Commissioner Royster, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, that the Board of Commissioners forward the annexation request to the Planning Commission for review and determination on the appropriate zoning designation for the property. The vote was called. On roll call the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston ---- Aye: Commissioner Hite --------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ----- Aye: Commissioner Mills -------- Aye: Mayor Austin ---------------- Aye: MR. SIGHTS indicated that the Commission usually dispenses with the second meeting in December which would be the Tuesday December 22, 2015 meeting. This agenda was structured so that there is nothing that needs to be addressed before January. Mayor Austin asked if there was any objection to dispensing with the second meeting in December. Hearing no objection it was approved to cancel the second meeting in December. Mr. Sights further indicated that there is a slight possibility that in the first week of January there would be the need for a called work session concerning the clinic proposals for employees. MR. SIGHTS wished everyone a Merry Christmas. ________________________ COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS: COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON thanked Buzzy Newman and Russell Sights as well as everyone involved with the depot project and the sale of the Hoge Farm for all their hard work. He indicated that he was glad the sale worked out better than the auction and believes the City received a good value out of the property. He also thanked everyone for their hard work on the Christmas Parade, it turned out very nice this year. He then wished everyone a Merry Christmas. ________________________ COMMISSIONER ROYSTER wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. ________________________ COMMISSIONER MILLS stated that the City has taken a lot of beatings over the years pertaining to purchases of property, but would like to point out the purchases that went well. Over the last 30 years some of the purchases put into play in our community that went well were the Hoge Farm with the industrial development park and now the sale of the remaining property; the Starlite property that has four nice commercial buildings; 2nd & Water that now has a $2 Million dollar building that has business and will set the stage for riverfront development in the future, that project had many naysayers; and now the depot. Mr. Martin has the insight that the depot needs. Twenty-three years ago there wasn’t as much interest in historical preservation and architectural renovation that there is now. He believes that later we will see a nice restored building that will be a good investment for the community. ________________________ MAYOR AUSTIN mentioned that Christmas in the Park has had its ups and downs over the years, but this year it had a new breath of life. It had the largest gathering seen in a recent memory. He thanked the Parks and Recreation department, the City Maintenance Facilities division, the Detention Center, the Lions Club, and the Job Corps Center for all their help and hard work. They did a good job. The Detention Center has been a big help along with our partner, the Lions Club who provides services and assistance. He also recognized the Job Corps Center as a new partner with the event whose carpenter crews helped to renovate the displays this year and in the future may help to construct new displays. They are and will be a valuable partner on this project. The park is a nice area and we can start to grow this project again.  717 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 08, 2015 Mayor Austin recognized Frank Boyett, this may well be the last time he will be covering the City Commission, as he is retiring from 30 years of good work at the Gleaner. He expressed his appreciation for all the work Frank has done for the community over the years. ________________________ RANDALL REDDING, Acting City Attorney, also expressed his appreciation to Frank for his professionalism and for 30 wonderful years working for the Gleaner. ________________________ REAPPOINTMENT: BOARD OF APPEALS – CITY NET PROFITS TAX MOTION by Commissioner Mills, seconded by Commissioner Royster, upon recommendation of Mayor Steve Austin, to reappoint Randall Sellars to a four-year term on the Board of Appeals – City Net Profits Tax. Said term to expire December 31, 2019 The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills --------Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: __________________________ REAPPOINTMENT: CITY-COUNTY AIRPORT BOARD MOTION by Commissioner Royster, seconded by Commissioner Johnston, upon recommendation of Mayor Steve Austin, to reappoint William Freitag and Richard Wham to four-year terms on the City-County Airport Board. Said terms to expire January 5, 2020 The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills --------Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: ________________________ REAPPOINTMENT: WATER & SEWER COMMISSION MOTION by Commissioner Johnston, seconded by Commissioner Royster, upon recommendation of Mayor Steve Austin, to reappoint John Henderson and Julie Wischer to three-year terms on the Water & Sewer Commission. Said terms to expire January 12, 2019 The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills --------Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: ________________________ MAYOR AUSTIN thanked the Commissioners for their hard work this past year and for working together as a group to better the community. He then wished everyone a Merry Christmas. ________________________ 718 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on December 8, 2015 MEETING ADJOURN: MOTION by Commissioner Mills, seconded by Commissioner Royster, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Johnston --- Aye: Commissioner Hite -------- Absent: Commissioner Royster ---- Aye: Commissioner Mills --------Aye: Mayor Austin --------------- Aye: __________________________ WITHOUT OBJECTION, the Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m. ___________________________ ATTEST: Steve Austin, Mayor January 12, 2016 ______________________ Maree Collins, City Clerk