Fiscal Court conducts monthly meeting By JOE REDMON Meade County Judge Executive Harry Craycroft convened a regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Meade County Fiscal Court April 10 with a full court and relatively light agenda. The Court signed onto a resolution of support for the establishment of commercial air service to Elizabethtown. Luke Schmidt, representing the regional airport authority in Hardin County, was on hand to request a show of support from Meade County Fiscal Court. In his short presentation, Schmidt talked about the goal of establishing a commercial airline service in Elizabethtown with frequent service to connecting “hubs” at competitive rates. The airport authority hopes for a commitment from a regional airline in advance of building a passenger terminal and figures to use growing signs of support from throughout the Lincoln Trail region to support their case in front of airlines. Planning and Zoning Administrator Barbara Campbell presented the Court with a request for a zoning change for property on Meade Springs Road. The P&Z Commission recommended the request be denied, citing non-compliance with the master plan. Fiscal Court wondered why the P&Z Commission would make such a recommendation with all the manufactured housing in close proximity to the subject property. Campbell answered there were other issues, such as the size of the lot and the need for a neighbor to grant an easement for a septic system. Fiscal Court unanimously voted to table the matter until next month while more information would be sought. Craycroft then directed the Court upon the next agenda item, “county attorney settlement.” Magistrate Steve Wardrip commented that he didn’t agree with paying the settlement, but acknowledged it was past time to “move on.” Magistrate Tom Goddard added that, “like any good lawyer, I think he (Sipes) has taken advantage of this situation.” Other magistrates didn’t say much, other than mentioning the need to “move on.” The words hung in the air as they were repeated time and again. Craycroft remarked, “I agree with Magistrate Wardrip, but we need to settle this thing.” In the end, only Wardrip voted against the settlement, with Craycroft abstaining. There then ensued a discussion over the purchase of a computer for the county attorney’s office. The computer would cost about one thousand dollars. Magistrate Herbie Chism objected, wondering why the county attorney (Margaret Matney) couldn’t purchase a computer from her own funds, one of which is labeled “office expenses,” provided to county attorneys across the commonwealth. Matney repeated her answer of the previous three Court meetings that funds in that account were already used to purchase needed office supplies and postage, and money in the account wouldn’t be available until July. Chism then amended the motion to purchase the equipment in order to have the county attorney reimburse Fiscal Court in July. When asked if this would be a problem, Matney replied she wasn’t sure if she could commit future money. The public was then informed that Matney had not requested the computer, that, in fact, two magistrates had requested it be added to the agenda. Goddard spoke up and stated the computer should belong to the county, as county business is conducted upon it. Chism pointed out this had never been done in the past. The amendment to the motion passed 4-3, Goddard, Wardrip and Craycroft dissenting. The amended motion to purchase the computer, with later reimbursement from the county attorney, passed unanimously. Fiscal Court then accepted the nomination of J. Larry Thomas to serve on the Riverport Authority. Thomas was in attendance to answer questions and remarked to the Court that he welcomed the opportunity to serve. The Court conducted the second reading of ordinances amending the Warren Subdivision road taxing district and quietly establishing an animal control ordinance. During the public session, George Lee, from the Rock Ridge area north of Hwy 1638, discussed his community’s efforts at establishing a neighborhood watch presence. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month. The Court thanked him for his and his neighbors’ efforts and encouraged more to get involved. A group of citizens from Green Valley Ranch Road presented their concerns over the condition of their road. They insisted their road was a public road and wanted the county to address the problems of that road. Magistrate Randall Hardesty knew of this road as he once owned property there. After the meeting, he stated the road was public only until it crosses a bridge, that it remains a private road from there. He plans on addressing the issue in July after a self-imposed moratorium by Fiscal Court on bringing private roads into the public system will be lifted. Residents will then be able to sign a petition to accept a special taxing district along their road and join the county system. After approving claims and transfers, the Court adjourned. A working meeting to discuss budget issues and other items is planned for later in April. Click Here to Go Back
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