BENTON – Marshall County Fiscal Court met in regular session on January 15th, called to order by Judge Executive Chyrill Miller. Several guests appeared before the court on Thursday.
Radios donated
Don Wortham, a volunteer with Marshall County Animal Control, talked to the court about radios that were donated to be used wherever needed. The radio’s will need to be refurbished with mics, antennas and radio packs which will cost $620 for eight to nine Kenwood radios, which also includes programing with channels needed. The court approved the refurbishing of the radios.
Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway
David Green, representing Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway, presented the court with their 2015 schedule which includes 37 nights of racing that will begin on March 14th and end on October 24th.
Several popular series have requested dates at the track this season which Green said they hope to accommodate. With the larger series, the track is requesting five Friday/Saturday night race weekends to put on these events.
Green spoke to last season, where they established their credibility with the court and the community by finishing, in most cases, well ahead of their 11:30 curfew with only one seven minute overage.
Green asked the court to push their curfew for this up-coming season back 30 minutes to midnight for the sole purpose of not racing until midnight but not needing to stop a race, for example, that may just have a few laps left and could be finished.
The track is also requesting an additional 12:30 curfew during their special events which include Bluegrass Nationals, Mars Attacks, Independence 100, Nesmith Twin 50s, UMP Crate Speedworks Finale, AMS Modifieds, USAC Sprint Cars and Commonwealth Cup.
Commissioner Dr. Rick Cocke spoke to the residents he represents who are opposed to the track due to the noise it creates at their residence and commended them for staying within their curfew but also told Green he knows how the citizens of that area will feel about extending the curfew.
According to Sheriff Kevin Byars, there was just one instance last season that they went over their curfew, due to the ambulance leaving the track, which halted racing until it could return.
“This is not so we can push our program to the extent of that”, Green said. “This is to get us out from under the pressure of an earlier deadline. If we have a midnight deadline, then we don’t have to sweat it if we have seven laps to go when 11:30 comes on.”
County Attorney Jeff Edwards was concerned with the increase in curfews, feeling a public forum might be needed before a decision is made.
A decision on the request was tabled until the February 17th meeting.
Sanitation District #2
Randy Travis with Sanitation District #2, spoke to the court concerning their financial difficulties at the sewer plant in Draffenville. A new plant was built five years ago, with the anticipation of more growth that was suppose to include Marshall County High School and Christian Fellowship School, which could cost approximately $4 million dollars.
The new plant has generated twice as much overhead as the old plant, as well as a hole in their new tank that appears to have come from a bullet, stolen items and repairs that needed to be done have put them in a situation where they need approximately $25,000.
Travis said they don’t have enough revenue coming in, with their main customers being restaurants with water that is hard to treat.
Travis said if they don’t get the help they need or grant money, they will have to give the plant over to Benton or North Marshall.
Work-ready program and A & I Fair
Wendy Baxter reported on the Work-ready program informing the court that the application has been submitted with a presentation on January 20th at 8:30 at WKCTC via conference to Versailles.
Baxter announced the Marshall County A & I Fair received a grant for $100,000 that will provide the fair with new grandstands. Intentions are in the future to lease property from Mike Miller Park with the fair taking place there. The fair takes place May 19-25.
Draw request
Bobby Gifford asked the court to approve a draw request in the amount of $5,470 to come out of Delta Regional funds payable to Paul Cloud Engineering for work upgrading existing lift stations at Sanitation District #1, which was approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Defensive Driving Course
Jeff Thompson, a Certified Instructor with the National Safety Council, was asked to speak to the court about the benefits of the Defensive Driving Course they offer which helps to reduce county claims and lower insurance premiums as well as a possible discount with employees personal insurance after completing the class. There is no cost to the county for the course offered through KACO.
NEW BUSINESS
Mowing bids
Larry Whitt requested to advertise for mowing bids for the Marshall County parks due the second week of February to be opened at the following meeting, which was approved.
Dump truck bids
Russell York requested permission to advertise for bids for a new dump truck with funds in their budget to cover the purchase. The request was approved.
Treasurer’s report
The Treasurer’s report, quarterly report, encumbrance report, intrafund transfers and budget appropriation transfers were all approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Court went into Executive Session to discuss a property acquisition and a personnel matter which will be addressed at the next meeting.
Courthouse repairs
Emily Martin requested approval from the court to purchase flooring for several areas of the courthouse which was approved as part of last year’s budget in the amount of $15,000. Another $15,000 was budgeted for courthouse repairs which will help cover the expense of the new flooring as well as new audio/visual equipment for the Fiscal Court room.