BENTON – [VIDEO FOLLOWS REPORT] The Fiscal Court heard from representatives with the Kalleo Group from Paducah and Smartpath Technologies in Calvert City concerning new proposals for new IT and phone systems for the courthouse, which also includes the Judicial Building.
Will Kerns with Smartpath and Doug Truitt with Kalleo Group spoke to the court Tuesday about a collaboration between the two companies that meet all the needs of the county when the new IT and phone systems are in place. John Truitt, with Kalleo, previously spoke to the court on April 7th to explain the new system and hardware, which Truitt felt would be an investment for years to come, as well as possibly saving the county $4,000-5,000 monthly.
Kerns said the two collaborated on how they can make this work for the county saying, “it just made sense to come up with an agreement to give the county the best of both services.”
They looked at the services the county needed then matched that up with the strengths of both Kalleo and Smartpath to better manage the county’s assets. Also meeting expertise needs that may be needed in certain situations.
Kalleo proposes to offer the help desk services and provide Andy Lepisto, GIS Director, with tools he needs and for Smartpath to provide expertise and back up services for the GIS (Geographic Information System) department.
The two companies will provide the resources and services needed when the conversion to the new IT and phone system is in place.
Lepisto spoke to the phone system concerning bidding and it was decided among court members that the price of the hardware for the new system will be below the required bid limit of $20,000.
The court gave its approval to move forward with the purchasing of the hardware needed for the new system as well as using Kalleo and Smartpath services.
Wendy Baxter informed the court of the $100, 805 dollar grant the recycling center was awarded that will provide 10 drop boxes at each of the convenience centers around the county. A cardboard compactor will also be purchased with the grant money.
Baxter also spoke about the Branding study that was recently completed and reported on the upcoming meeting and dinner at the Arts Center on Thursday with Steve Chandler from Nashville who conducted the survey.
County Attorney Jeff Edwards, has determined that Denzel Martin Road has been maintained for a number of years, making it a part of the county road system. An easement was granted in 2013 and Edwards is following up on that to help with a possible decision concerning the Silvernail family’s right to a right-of-way to repair the water lines running to their property.
Zach Brien spoke to the court in support of a speed limit on Phillips Road in which he is a resident. Brien said the residential area has many families with children as well as senior citizens and a speed limit would be very appreciated by those who reside there.
CORRESPONDENCE
Dena Moshure with Cub Scout Pack 484, in a letter asked for donations for their scouting activities. The court discussed past donations they have made to the regional boy and girl scout organizations and may do so in the future, but at this time, do not feel they can give to one individual Pack.
OLD BUSINESS
Bid Opening
The Annual Oil Bids were opened and awarded to Max Arnold and Sons, LLC.
NEW BUSINESS
Sheriff Byars 2014 Tax Settlement
Sheriff Byars presented his Unmined Mineral Tax Settlement, Franchise Settlement and Property Tax Settlement were all approved by the court.
County Treasurer
The court approved the re-appointment of Emily Martin for a four-year term as County Treasurer.
Surplus Property
The courthouse will advertise for bid, surplus property that needs to be moved out of the courthouse.
Executive Session
Court went into Executive Session to discuss a business proposal that could bring 26 new jobs into the area with an average hourly wage of $30.
A personnel issue was also discussed with no action taken at this time.
Issues concerning Sanitation District #2 were discussed and will be addressed in the future.
Additional information was heard regarding Jonathon Creek Water District.
Court Dates
Court dates for June will be on the 16th and 30th of the month.