Council member complains of junk cars on property in city; City issues $100 fine to another property owner

Louisa City Council met in Regular Session on May 14, 2019 at 7pm, with Mayor Harold Slone presiding. Council members in attendance were Gary Robertson, Lisa Schaeffer, John Nolan and Mitch Castle.

• Meeting called to order at 7:04pm.
• Mayor updated council on current events at the city, including meeting with business leaders in the city for long term economic development ideas, the pool opening and grants.
• Mayor introduced,  Teddy Newsome, new City Police Officer from Grethel, KY. He’s a recent graduate of University of Pikeville and has a long list of qualifications and educational endorsements. Officer Newsome will be residing in Louisa. He was sworn in by Mayor Slone and Attorney Bud Adams.
• Motion by Mitch Castle, Second by John Nolan, to approve minutes from April 2019 meeting. All approve.
• Resolution, 2019-02, Resolution in support of the City of Louisa Complete count Committee, Motion by Lisa Schaeffer, Second by Gary Robertson, to approve Resolution. Motion approved.
• Council reviewed ordinances for budgets and employee compensation for the 2019-2020 fiscal year for both the City and Utilities Department.
• Police Dept. budget included $17,000 in forfeitures.
• Motion to approve City Budget by John Nolan, Second by Mitch Castle. All approve.
• Motion to Approve Utilities Dept. Budget by Mitch Castle, Second by Gary Robertson, All approve.
• Motion by Gary Robertson, Second by John Nolan, to approve city ordinance 2019-01, enacting the proposed City Budget for 2019-2020. All approve.
• Motion by Mitch Castle, Second by Gary Robertson, to approve city ordinance 2019-02, enacting the proposed City Employee Compensation Policy . All approve.
• Motion by John Nolan, Second by Gary Robertson, to approve city ordinance 2019-03, enacting the proposed Utilities Dept. Budget for 2019-2020. All approve.
• Motion by Mitch Castle, Second by Gary Robertson, to approve city ordinance 2019-04, enacting the proposed Utilities Dept. Employees compensation Policy. All approve.
• Mayor updated council on the recreational trails grant to build a handicap accessible public restroom facility at Lockview park. The facility is currently under environmental review at the state and should be approved to move forward soon. Currently the only restroom facility at the park is inside the City Pool area and not available for use year round. 
• Mayor advised council on status of AEP franchise agreement. Attorney Adams had a brief conversation with AEP’s attorney who advised he would followup with the city. No actions were taken.
• Discussed Green Valley Landfill proposal. City currently uses Big Run Landfill for trash disposal. Green Valley Landfill is proposing a $2.50 per ton decrease in rate compared to current rate with Big Run Landfill, with a 12 month price agreement. Motion to approve By Gary Robertson, Second By John Nolan. All approve.
• Council Discussed 2019 July 4th. All celebrations including the parade and fireworks will be held on Thursday July, 4th, 2019.
• Mayor advised council on a proposed new apartment complex on Gene Wilson Blvd, behind current Baypointe Apartments. The complex will consist of  both low income and apartments for cash paying tenants. The developer has requested the City to provide letter of support for the project, a letter to state that there were no zoning restrictions, and a letter stating a need for additional housing in Louisa. The developer had requested the city to wave Water & Sewer Tap fees. The Mayor advised that any waiver would need to be approved by the Utilities Board, and will be on the June 2019 agenda. Council approved providing letters of support, no zoning, and need for additional housing.
• CouncilWoman Schaeffer advised council of a property owner operating a junk yard on Pike St., with multiple junk cars on the property. She proposed a fence should be put around the property. Chief Fugitt will contact property owner to advise him to come into compliance with the County Ordinance. Will cite if owner does not comply.
• Mayor advised that property on Powhatan St. that was discussed at previous meeting had not complied with council demand to clean up the property. Chief Fugitt will be issuing a $100 fine in District Court for the property owner.
• Mayor advised he had contacted the owners of Louisa Plaza in concerns of the Foodland Building, which had become dilapidated. The owners are advising they will correct the problem.
• Executive Session. No actions taken.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:28pm