FISCAL COURT FILLS BOARDS WITH NEW MEMBERS, EXPANDS SOLID WASTE JOB

LOUISA, KY. –Tuesday’s regular Fiscal Court Meeting dealt with everything from budgets to Economic Development including changes to the beloved Cove at Yatesville Lake and Public comments were also heard from citizens and questions regarding the County Garage and their new policies were addressed.

After adjournment a Retirement Party for Eva Newsome took place.

Fiscal Court’s Regular Meeting began with an opening prayer and pledge of allegiance led by Judge Executive Phillip Carter. The meeting was then called to order and business began.

The Approval of minutes from the Dec. 26, 2018 and Jan. 9, 2019 (Special Meeting) were approved by Distract One Magistrate, Michael Halcomb and seconded by Distract Three Magistrate, David Pinson.

Next was the Approval 1^st Reading of Budget Amendment #4 approved by Distract Three Magistrate, David Pinson and seconded by seconded by County Attorney, Mike Hogan. This Budget was to show the money coming in and out of the budget.

The Treasurers Request was approved by Distract Three Magistrate, David Pinson and seconded by Distract Four Magistrate, Rick Blackburn.

Approval of paying bills was passed by Distract One Magistrate, Michael Halcomb seconded by Distract Four Magistrate, Rick Blackburn.

Next up on the agenda was Legend Outfitter’s and what kind of economic development plans they have for the Cove area of Yatesville lake. Crystal Alley and Suzie New approached the podium and discussed the following plans;

At their own expense they would like to make road revisions for two reasons:

1. To have space for parking during the season and to ensure EMS or other emergency responders would have the necessary access in case of necessity. They are were working with the core of engineers.

2. To encourage more tourism and customers for Yatesville Lake. They are also asking for a proposal to make revisions extending the concession stand and bringing it up to health code standards. Along with making the entire are including bathrooms handicap accessible.

“That the store and the miniature putt putt course will be turned back over to LC control,” judge Carter commented. This motion will be heard again on Feb. 19^th after giving County Attorney, Mr. Michael Hogan ample time to read over the contract and the board will make their decision then.

• The Court then Approved a $500.00 donation to Louisa East Elementary School Patrol. Motion made by Distract Four Magistrate, Rick Blackburn seconded by Distract One Magistrate, Mike Halcomb.
• The Court Approval for Clerk to Advertise Bids for Homeland Security Grants 18-175 and 18-245 was passed by Distract Four Magistrate, Rick Blackburn and seconded by Distract Three Magistrate, David Pinson.
• The Court Adopted Mileage Reimbursement at Federal Rate (54.5) was approved motion made by Distract Three Magistrate, David Pinson and seconded by Distract One Magistrate, Michael Halcomb.
• The Approval to use Surplus Scrap Metal at the County Garage to use the funds toward new equipment and upkeep was approved motion by Distract Four Magistrate, Rick Blackburn and seconded by Distract One Magistrate, Michael Halcomb.

List of New Members of various boards and commissions. (see below).

1. Appoint David Pinson to E-911 Board;
2. Re-Appoint Collen Stone to LC Fire & Rescue Board;
3. Re-Appoint Una Hughes to LC Fire & Rescue Board;
4. Appoint Rita Parker to LC Tourism Commission;
5. Appoint Reema Patel to LC Tourism Board;
6. Re-Appoint Roger Jordan to LC Housing Authority;
7. Re-Appoint Darlene Staniford to Planning & Zoning Board;
8. Appoint Michael Halcomb Northeast Community Action Board;
9. Appoint Craig McNeil to Planning & Zoning Board;
10. Appoint Michael Shapaka Planning & Zoning Board;
11. Garnett Scaggs Board of Adjustments;
12. Appoint John Scaggs to Cemetery Board;
13. Re-Appoint Rick Blackburn to Cemetery Board;
14. Re-Appoint JR Rose Cemetery Board;
15. Appoint Michael Halcomb Foothills Rural Housing Board;
16. Re-Appointment Collen Stone to Solid Waste Board;
17. Re-Appointment Neil Wilson Solid Waste Board;
18. Appoint John Scaggs Solid Waste Board;
19. Appoint Jim Burchett Solid Waste Board;
20. Re-Appoint Gail McKensi, Fred M. Vinson Committee

The Board then acknowledged the new Solid Waste Coordinator, Jim Burchett, setting salary at $25,000. He replaces Randy Woods who made $18,000.

During Public Comments the Board heard from several citizens regarding economic development. Chuck Sexton of One East Ky. said, “a site coordinator has promoted Louisa for an excellent position to supply companies. With the AEP site being 15 minutes from the interstate and having a local workforce here of people that want to work.”

Next was Phillip Wheeler, who is running in the Special Election on March 5, 2019. He introduced himself and his planning for bringing jobs to Lawrence County.  The Senate seat is vacant since the resignation of Ray Jones. Wheeler, of Pikeville, was familiar with the senate district and brief but clear in his statements.  

Jodi Endicott, of Endicott Sanitation spoke and he thanked the court especially the road crew for their hard work in fixing the roads. He said, “He wanted to come and give credit where credit is due.”

Questions began with the new rules of the County Garage Dump, currently there are no free dump days yet, but the same price for dumping has not changed — but will be strictly enforced. It was not stated if the dumping station would be part of Burchett’s job.

When asked where the money is coming from for these new positions? Executive Judge Carter made this comment, “After cuts and personal changes (which he did not name) saved the county $100,000 out of which that money was used to allow for raises in different positions.”

The Adjournment was approved by District Four Magistrate, Rick Blackburn and seconded by Distract One Magistrate, Mike Halcomb.

After Court was over a retirement celebration took over for Mrs. Eva Newsome, one of the directors for Yatesville Lake. She has been an event coordinator and handling many different positions for 16 years, she will be missed.