Mayor says annexation will affect 160 homes
The Louisa City Council met for a Special Meeting April 25, 2017 at the Louisa Community Center. Those in attendance were Mayor Harold Slone, Ronald Cordle Council, Mitch Castle Council, Lisa Schaeffer Council, Tom Parsons Council, John Nolan Council, Greg Fugitt Police Chief and Eldred Adams City Attorney. Absent was David McKenzie Council.
Two contracts were approved by the Council. The $369,000 contract for P&A Engineering for an in depth study of the city’s sewer plant problems using cameras and other equipment to check out the condition of the decades old lines, was approved. Motion made by Mitch Castle, second by John Nolan with all in agreement. The project, according to the contract, is to be completed by March 2018.
The second contract was for dead man’s curve. The State of Kentucky will pay 100% for this project which will create a new intersection on the old Rt. 23 near the skating rink and water plant. The sharp curve has been the location for many an accident in the past half century. It has also become a heavily used shortcut from town to Meadowbrook and the new Levisa Lane development.
The approximately $4 million changes will straighten the curve without cutting into the hillside. it also involves slight changes from the RR. The intersection has been on the six year road plan for 16 years.
The Special Meeting was also called to allow residents of the areas in consideration for annexation to have a voice and have their concerns addressed.
A handful of residents from the Highbottom and Springhill areas were present to defend their position of not wanting to be annexed into the city.
Resident Dan Vansickle put in clear terms.
“I represent about 80% of the people of Highbottom in saying that we don’t want to be in the city. We are happy with the way things are,” Vansickle said.
Loretta Roberts, also of Highbottom expressed her views about the possibility of being in the city. She stated she has always been against being in the city.
When questioned about why more residents did not show up for the meeting, they relayed a lack of communication about the scheduling of the meeting and that most of the residents were not aware that a meeting was taking place this evening.
Slone said there are approximately 160 homes affected in the effort to annex the area near Marathon station on Rt. 644 across from KFC and houses in the area including the Stella Moore ballfield area.
The notice was sent to The Lazer 24 hours before the meeting but not long enough to receive heavy traffic, even with a headline.
Mayor Harold Slone reminded those present that this was the first of three open meetings for the public. The second meeting will be on May 9, 2017 at 7pm at the City Building.A third meeting is scheduled for June 13, 2017.
An information sheet was provided to the public to inform them of the benefits of becoming city residents. Some of the benefits included a reduction in the water rates and sewer rates. An increase in police presence due to a smaller coverage area for the 6 officers now employed by the city would be available to them. Snow removal and road clearing were also discussed. The Mayor said that several residents had called and were eager to join the city.
Mr. Vansickle said that, “No one has ever taken the time to explain and put out in writing the benefits of being in the city to us.”
“We have a very proactive Mayor and we are looking forward to the future of Louisa for our kids. Plus, we will have the opportunity to apply and receive additional grants by annexing the proposed areas.” explained Mitch Castle Council.
The Mayor detailed the three options that were available for project.
Option 1 would be to do nothing.
Option 2 – annex the area on 2565 from Joe Young’s to Rt 645.
Option 3 – annex the strip from 2565 to Rt 644, Springhill, HIghbottom and Eloise.
There was no further business. The meeting was adjourned.
