MADISONVILLE, KY (2/20/12) – The mild winter has saved the city thousands of dollars in road salt and utility repairs that would be normally expected. However, Madisonville City Councilman Bill Smith said that he wasn’t celebrating yet “We still have to get through March”.
In other business: Fire Chief Steve Stoltz reported that January saw the most structure fires since January 2010. Both Januaries saw nine structure fires. Total losses in January 2012 were $105,350.00. The department also responded to three miscellaneous fires, one vehicle fire and two motor vehicle accidents. The department also responded to 15 calls that were false alarms. Six hazardous materials calls were made.
From July through January, building permits totaling $7,247,766 in new construction were issued, according to Debbie Todd.
The City continues to see improvements in cost efficiencies thanks to the leadership of Robert Janes and a hard working Sanitation Department. Janes asked the council to replace aging commercial dumpsters with a more efficient front load design. Janes did not estimate the labor savings or compare the relative cost differences in the dumpsters. The council approved advertising for bid for the budgeted expense.
Residents on Honeysuckle Drive may soon be getting sewer service. The council approved City Engineer, Bill Jackson, to advertise for bids for installation of sewer for those residents. Honeysuckle Dr. is near Rural King.
The council also approved Jim Asbury’s request to advertise for a new pickup truck to replace a 15-year old pickup for the Electric Department.
Two water basins at the city’s filtration plant are showing deterioration by erosion of the concrete. Keith Curneal requested permission to advertise bids to seal and coat the basins with an epoxy coating. The request was approved.
There was one request that was denied. Bharat Kumar and Madhu Patel filed an application for re-zoning a corner lot at 349 East Arch Street to General Commercial from Medium Density Residential. The Joint Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended denial because the commission considered Medium Density Residential as appropriate and was in compliance with the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The city zoning committee concurred with the JPC and recommended that the application be denied. The council followed the recommendations and denied the request.
The Mahr Farm donated to the City of Madisonville requires that the city develop the farm into a park. The next step was taken as the council approved advertising for qualification for a Park Planner for the Mahr Park. Bill Jackson is to oversee that advertisement. Glema Mahr left the farm and cash for development. However, the cash would perhaps build an entrance road and nothing else. Funding for the development of the farm has not been determined.
The council also approved making application for a recycling grant funding. The city has received grants the past two years.
The electric department will be disposing of 27 surplus used transformers. The council approved disposal of the 14,414 pounds of old transformers. There was no estimated cost given.
Longevity Pins were given to:
Fire Department
-Kelly Jo Davidson 20 years
-Darwin Wayne Rideout (photo) 20 years
-Kenneth Dale Son 20 years
Electric Department
-James K. Creekmur 10 years
-Harlan L. Gipson 10 years
-Christopher Layne Melton 20 years
Filter Department
-Shane W. Gordon 5 years
Ron Sanders
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