In a recent turn of events, Grayson County Fiscal Court decided to withdraw from plans to work with the city and Humane Society for a common shelter which would require $48,000. The county will now transport the animals for which they are responsible to Butler County, leaving the city of Leitchfield and the Humane Society to come up with a solution.
According to an agreement being drawn up between the city and the Humane Society, as of June 1, 2003, the society will take over the shelter by renting the facility and providing insurance. The city will pay for the shelter's utilities at an estimated cost of $4,800 per year and euthanasia costs, when necessary. The contract will contain a cancellation clause for both parties with 30 days notice. Layman Heavrin will continue to act as enforcement personnel for animal control. However, when the county stops paying its part of the funds for animal control, no animals outside of the city limits will be accepted at the shelter.
The Bollens reported that 508 animals have been taken at the shelter so far this year. An estimated 10-15 percent of those were from within the city limits. Of that 508, over 300 have been placed in homes through adoption.
Steve Kinkade of the planning commission also visited the council to supply recommendations concerning a recent request to require proof of worker's compensation and liability insurance from contractors.
"This is beyond the scope of planning and zoning," Kinkade said. "This is the function of a licensing board, which we don't have."
The recommendations provided by Kinkade outlined the framework to set up a contractors' licensing board based on what is done by other communities. He added that there is a chance that requiring such licensing proof could be considered discriminatory and unconstitutional because it targets only contractors.
"It's very complicated," Kinkade said.
Keith Bratcher, a local builder, shared a letter from the Lincoln Trail Homebuilders Association which promised assistance in the endeavor, despite there being "no licensing laws for builders" in the state.
Leitchfield received a check from FEMA in the amount of $65,663 for a project stemming from storm damage in May 2002. The funds will be used to repair the spillway and landfills damaged by last spring's storms. Additional notification was provided that the city will also receive approximately $8,000 for the first portion of this year's project funding at some point in the future.
Council member Jim Blain said he had talked with Kevin Collard at Pine View Nursery about planting flowers around the public square. Collard agreed to come up with a design and cost estimate for the project.
Approval was granted to Lawler Resource Center for their request to use the city pool on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this coming summer during the hours of 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at a cost of $15 per student. Also approved were the first reading of an ordinance to publish the code supplement and a request to authorize the change of marketing agent for Styline Revenue Bonds from Morgan Keegan to 5/3 Securities Inc.
Some signs prohibiting skate boards at Beville and Dewitt Parks will be changed to include bicycles, as well. An ordinance is being drafted for the measure.
Four Boy Scouts visited the council meeting to propose community projects. Ryan Bessinger, Bill Dudgeon, Adam Decker and Thomas Lang each spoke briefly about improvement projects they plan to complete at the city's park. Each proposal was approved.
A special called joint meeting with the utilities commission is set for May 1 at 6 p.m.
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