BENTON – [VIDEO FOLLOWS REPORT] Marshall County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Tuesday, April 19, 2016.
Josh Tubbs, Director of Kentucky Lake Economic Development, congratulated the community and court on the American Stave company announcement of their project here in Marshall County and said they are very excited to see that mature over the next few months.
Tubbs informed the court of a new project that is interested in locating in an existing facility in Marshall County. The project is a 6.3 million capitol investment in the community with approximately 150 jobs at an average wage of $20 per hour. The company is applying for their incentives and part of that package is to ask for local participation. The Benton City Council has committed to 1/2% of occupational tax incentive and Tubbs asked the Fiscal Court for a 1/2% commitment for a total of 1% local contribution for the incentive package application, which was approved by the court.
Tubbs also presented a resolution related to the project to allow the county to make application for CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds for economic development and to allow Opportunity Marshall, Inc. to manage the funds through an equipment lease program which the court approved.
Brad Davis, PADD Associate Director, spoke to the application process for CDBG funds.
The court also approved an updated inter-local agreement with the Purchase Regional Park Board. Davis explained the updates to the inter-local agreement which the court approved.
CORRESPONDENCE
Thank You’s
Judge/Executive Kevin Neal read thank you notes from the families of Mitchell Hobgood and Kenneth Counce.
Resignation
A resignation letter was received from Leslie Landers resigning his position on the Sanitation District #1 Board of Directors and as the treatment plant operator. The court commended Landers on his over 20 years of service at the plant.
Mediacom
On or around April 22, 2016, Mediacom will move Sundance from the movies and digital plus tier, BBC America, BBC America HD as well as changes to their HD family line up.
PVA
Based on estimated assessment of property county tax as of January 1, 2016, $75,700 shall be appropriated to the county Property Valuation Administration Office.
Refuse Board
Charlie Edwards resigned his position from the Refuse Board stating his health would not allow him to serve effectively. Dwight Greer was brought forward by Danny Newcomb, board chair, as Charlie’s replacement. Judge Neal felt he was a good and qualified choice but due to needing equal representation on the board from all three districts, Marvin Stokes was brought forward as a candidate to represent District 3. The court approved Stokes with a 2-1 vote. Commissioner Bob Gold voted no.
OLD BUSINESS
Budget Amendment Ordinance
The second reading of Ordinance #2016-02 of additional funds to the county of $1,201,443.81 appropriated through the receipts and expenditure budget. The court approved the 2nd reading.
Telecom Audit
County Attorney Jeff Edwards met with the auditor and received the files from the audit. Possible litigation may be needed to receive funds from AT&T over an issue of a line that was supposed to be disconnected but that actually, according to Edwards, did not exist. Telecom went through the review process with AT&T before turning the files over to Edwards.
Paducah Power Contract
Andy Lepisto briefed the court on the contract which formalizes data connections with the Courthouse and the Judicial Building and for the internet which the court approved.
Calvert City Property Bid
One bid was received on the old Health Department building and tract of land at 511 East 5th Avenue in Calvert City. A bid from Clint Conrad of Benton was made in the amount of $37,501. Feeling the property is worth much more than that amount, the court rejected the bid and discussed several options to sell the property, deciding to advertise for sealed bids once again.
NEW BUSINESS
ADS Security Quote
A quote was received in the amount of $11,530 from ADS for equipment and install plus $39.95 monthly service fee for fire and burglary protection. The court approved the quote.
Board Appointment
The court approved the appointment of Jason Pickard to the Sanitation District #1 Board.
Surplus Property
Commissioner Bowlin inventoried property at the closed Barnes Grocery. The county owns the building and would like to see some of the items go to business’ that could use them after an inventory of usable items is made.
Annual Bids
Annual Bids for the county with the inclusion of Calvert City, Benton and Hardin, will be advertised and opened in a Special-Called meeting on May 24th at 9:30 a.m.
Ordinance Review
A review will be made of the Adult Entertainment Ordinance that Edwards feels needs to be revisited to make sure it is uniform across the county, especially after the recent ‘wet’ vote. Scott Bergdall is an expert in reviewing how Adult Entertainment affects a community. Calvert City is contacting Bergdall for assistance and Edwards would like to see the county pursue this to keep the ordinance uniform.
Budget Workshop
The court will hold a budget workshop on April 21st at 8:00 a.m. with the possibility of meeting again on May 2nd so the budget can be approved on the May 3rd Fiscal Court meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
The court approved the Treasurer’s Report, Encumbrance Report, Quarterly Report, Appropriation Transfer, Intrafund Transfer and Payment of Bills.
Cone Drive
Jeff Edwards read the 1st Reading of a speed limit proposal of 25 miles per hour on Cone Drive which was approved.
World Bow-fishing Tournament
Commissioner Gold gave the court a report on the tournament that took place last weekend. Fifty-four 3-man teams competed. A team out of Arkansas won on numbers, which is as many fish as you can get in the boat and winning the Big 20 with 804 pounds was the Jeremiah Redden team.
Friends of NRA
The Kentucky Lake Friends of the NRA is having a 2016 dinner and auction which starts at 5:30 at the Kentucky Dam Village this coming weekend.
Earth Day Clean-up
Friday there will be a clean up at Sledd Creek Boat Ramp from 10:00 a.m. through 12:00 noon. Lunch will be provided.
The court went into Executive Session to address an appointment and termination. The appointment was former Circuit Court Judge Dennis Foust becoming the new Marshall County Parks Director.