The first reading of an ordinance increasing water and sewer rates five percent was heard during the Fulton City Commission meeting, June 9.
Proposed to be effective July 1, water rates are set to be $11.61 per first 3,000 gallons. Sewer rates will be $12.29 for the first 3,000 gallons; and rates for water service per gallon for the Southwestern Kentucky Water District will be set at $29.20 per first 3,000 gallons.
The first reading did not go without complaint at the commission meeting. Jeffrey Watts informed the commission, “I don’t envy you guys,” implying the five percent increase equals one less gallon of milk in his refrigerator.
The proposed water increase surfaced on the heels of an ordinance making appropriations for fiscal year 2008-09. Upon its second reading, the ordinance will appropriate $5,026,539 from the general, utility, municipal aid, and equipment depreciation funds for a total general fund of $1,637,591. The total budget will be set at $5,026,539.
In other business, the commission authorized City Manager Kenney Etherton to proceed with an agreement with Pipeline Products in South Fulton for city fuel purchases. Currently, the city uses a tank, which was installed in the late 1980s or early 1990s, according to Etherton, and there is no accurate way of determining how much fuel each department is using. By purchasing fuel through Pipeline, Etherton said purchases will be itemized by employee PIN numbers, and the city will save $.38 per gallon.
In other business, commissioners:
• authorized Etherton to accept sealed bids on the Wells Avenue project. The city has received a $150,000 grant for drainage repair work.
• agreed to allow City Attorney Allison Whitledge to place liens on 703 and 705 Eddings Street, properties that have been demolished by the city. The city received the deed to 409 Green Street June 9, and will place the property for sale when the necessary paperwork has been received.
• decided to try to help fund repairs to the air conditioning unit at the Fulton Senior Citizens Center. The city financial officer said she will see how expenditures go within the next couple of weeks, to see how much the city can help with repairs. Total estimated cost of repairs is $725. A written agreement between the city and the senior citizens center states the center will maintain the building; however, “Like everyone else, they’re running on empty,” said Etherton.
• considered a request from Michael Gunn to close an extension of Pearl Street and alleyway adjacent to his property. Gunn uses the extension as his driveway, and no public services are utilized there. The city manager is to see if any utilities are located in the alleyway, and bring the matter back to the commission for approval.
• tabled authorization for the city manager to utilize funds to replace the motor in a 1982 backhoe. Etherton said the cost will most likely be between $4,700-5,000, but he will make sure of the cost before bringing the issue back to the commission.
• heard a request from property owner Joe Glasgow to change regulations pertaining to a $3 per month fee for gas and water meter checks on vacant properties. Glasgow also said it is not fair for tenants to have to pay a $200 gas deposit, merely to have their water turned on. Etherton said if the meter is still in place, tenants must pay the deposit, or the property owner has the option of having the meter removed for $50. The monthly $3 charge covers the cost of checking the meters for unauthorized usage or corrosion.
• unanimously reported to Fulton Police Chief Terry Powell and Fulton Fire Chief Jim Hartz, both members of the centralized dispatch committee, the commission’s preference of the dispatch center’s location is in the city of Fulton.
• heard the first reading of an ordinance resulting in appropriations for fiscal year 2007-08 to reflect budget expenditures, due to an overage in general fund expenditures, less expenditures in the utility fund, and less municipal aid expenditures.
• accepted the transfer of Jane Hulin-Zickefoose from the fire department to the police department as a dispatcher pending POPS certification.
• accepted Lee Johnson’s resignation from the Twin City Ambulance Board, and appointed June Klein to fill the slot.
• agreed to accept Gary Walker’s resignation from the fire department, and allowed the hiring of Patrick Tarver as a fireman/EMT.
Mayor Elaine Forrester reminded the public special pickups are scheduled for each second and fourth Monday of the month. She said citizens have been putting their trash out for special pickups after the garbage truck runs, and the trash ends up staying on the curb for two weeks, until the truck runs again. Forrester asked that residents to remember to put the trash out before the truck runs.
The commission voted to adjourn into executive session, and returned to authorize the city attorney to send a letter to the owner of the deck at Lohaus Field.
The owner is in breech of contract on several issues, according to Etherton, and the contract states if breeching occurs, the city may purchase the deck for $1. Mayor Forrester, who is an owner of the Fulton Railroaders, excused herself from the voting process.
