LOUISA CITY COUNCIL LOSES MEMBER…PARSONS SAYS THIS WAS HIS LAST MEETING

By Susan Salyer

On Thursday February 16, 2023 the Louisa City Council met at City Hall for a Special Meeting at 7PM. Mayor Harold Slone was in attendance along with Council Members, Joey McClanahan, Gary Robinson, Caleb Farley, Rose Lester and Tom Parsons. Ashley Caudill was absent.

AGENDA

Old Business
* Approved Minutes for January 10, 2023 – Motion by Gary Robertson 2nd by Joey McClanahan.

• New Business

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• Jim Bryant – 2021-2022 Audit – Jim Bryant from Wells & Company, P.S.C, Certified Public Accountants in Paintsville, Kentucky went over the city’s annual audit dated for June 30, 2022.  “Our audit was good, Mayor Slone said.  “Our net position improved slightly over last year most due to American Rescue Plan and Increase in Insurance Premium Tax receipts from growth.” The Fema money is the same we talked about before…this was just the next step whereas the city commits to the 5%match should we get the grant. The Total grant would be approx 6.5 million. The projected cost of the sewer plant is 11.86 million.
• Resolution 2023-02, Resolution of the City of Louisa Opposing the Passage of Senate Bill 50 and House Bill 50 Relating to Partisan Local Elections
• Sidewalk project – Project was approved in January 2023 at the last regular city council meeting with Bluegrass Engineering. The project is next to the LCHS softball field and is tentatively planned for a turn down Meadowbrook Drive. The state has granted $98,000 which will be much less than the proposed project would cost. No other bids were received. Motion by Rose Lester 2nd by Joey McClanahan. None Opposed.
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• FEMA Funds Commitment Letter – Mayor Slone explained that there is a possibility of receiving funds from the Flood Mitigation Amendment (FMA). If received, the funds will help towards a new sewer plant in Louisa, Kentucky, Slone said. The new system is already partially funded through state programs but the additional funding would greatly enhance the speed of the project.  “The FEMA money is the same we talked about before…this was the next step whereas the city commits to the 5% match should we get the grant” Slone said. The Total grant would be approx $6.5 million. The projected cost of the sewer plant is $11.86 million. Motion by Tom Parsons 2nd by Gary Robertson. None Opposed.
• Rename Streets and Add Lockview Drive – Council Members talked about naming the street where the Louisa City Pool is located to Lockview Drive. There was no name for the street in the parking lot of the pool. Motion by Caleb Farley 2nd by Rose Lester. Also there are streets in Louisa that have honorary names, ex. Ricky Skaggs, Larry Cordle and Noah Thompson. The council voted to have new signs put up in town for these honorees. Motion by Joey McClanahan 2nd by Caleb Farley. None Opposed. Cost not given.
• Declare Equipment Surplus Property – There are two vehicles the City of Louisa wants to sell. The first vehicle is a 1999 Chevy Truck that hasn’t been used for 4 years and the second vehicle is a 1984 John Deere Tractor. The City will sell both vehicles by bid online. Motion by Rose Lester 2nd by Joey McClanahan.

These items are up for bid by the city

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=3216453

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=3216458

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=3216467

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• Council comments – 5 term Council Member Tom Parsons informed the City Council Members that tonight will be his last night on the Council. He has “sold his house in Louisa, Kentucky and will be moving to Fort, Gay WV,” he said. Officially Mr. Parsons will resign as of February 17, 2023. The city council will vote on a replacement member until the next election. The next in line in November voting was Lisa Schaeffer, a 20 year veteran of the council. But, the council does not legally have to name the next vote getter. Slone said Monday nthe council will select a new member at the March regular meeting and any council member may make a nomination.
• Audience comments – None
• Adjourn – Motion by Gary Robertson 2nd by Caleb Farley.

The next Louisa City Council Meeting is on Tuesday March 14, 2023 at Louisa City Hall, 215 N Main Street at 7PM.