Muldraugh rings in new year with new council By KAREN KENNEDY Muldraugh City Council began the new year with its first official meeting held Jan. 8. Present at the meeting were returning council members Curtis Kelley, Ron Heschke and Donnie Basham, along with newly-elected council members Brenda Carlberg, John Haynes and Ralph Lee. Mayor Danny Joe Tate begins his third term as mayor. Police Chief Bill Wood and council discussed the recurring problems with juveniles in the city, such as kids on the streets after city curfew and kids standing in the roads purposely blocking the passage of vehicles. Chief Wood made it clear that the city is going to crack down on these infractions and that any juveniles committing these offenses will be brought into the police station along with the parents. Fire Chief Dan Dresel reported the department passed a recent state audit with flying colors and will continue to be eligible for state aid money as a result. He also noted the ladies’ auxiliary is purchasing new uniforms for the fire department and that fundraisers are being held to pay for the cost of the new firehouse sign. Mayor Tate stated it would be nice to receive some donations from area businesses that are supported by the fire department. Public works director Anthony Lee reported work is being done in the shop and on the dump truck. Mayor Tate informed council the city is required to advertise for an engineer in order to be in compliance with the stipulations of the Community Storm Shelter Grant and the Sidewalk Grant. Curtis Kelley made a motion to advertise for an engineer, which was seconded by John Haynes with all voting in favor. Jim Bruce, general manager of Hardin County Water District #1, gave a presentation concerning Muldraugh’s changing sewer rates. Studies performed by Hardin County indicate Muldraugh has significant inflow and infiltration problems within its lines. Following discussion, council voted to have Veolia, a subcontractor for Hardin County Water District #1, perform a camera study and cleaning (where necessary) of the lines at a cost of $5,500. The city will pay $153 per month over a 36-month period. Mayor Tate made council committee assignments for 2007-08. They are as follows: Safety – Ron Heschke, Curtis Kelley and Donnie Basham; sanitation – Ralph Lee, Brenda Carlberg and John Haynes; water and sewer – Ron Heschke, Curtis Kelley and Ralph Lee; parks and recreation – Donnie Basham, Brenda Carlberg and Ron Heschke; streets and roads – Donnie Basham, Brenda Carlberg and John Haynes; planning and zoning – John Haynes; and city festival and community Dinner – Ron Heschke, Brenda Carlberg and Ralph Lee. Council voted to continue with county EMA Director Ron Dodson as its emergency management director. The city’s computer had to be replaced in December as it was not business quality, had exceeded its lifetime, and was no longer operational. A new computer has been leased. Council voted to apply the 2007 Area Development Funds toward payment of the new computer. Both the south and north city parks are in need of some work, which can be accomplished by utilizing the Land and Water Conservation Grant. Council voted to apply for the grant and use grant money to revitalize these parks. Ralph Lee presented council with a draft ordinance that would place the responsibility of the payment of water, sewer, and trash bills in the hands of the property owner instead of the property’s tenant. Safeguards to protect the tenant from any fault or wrongdoing of the property owner have also been written into this draft ordinance. Council is exploring making ordinance changes due to tenants “packing up and moving in the middle of the night” and thereby leaving the city with unpaid bills. Tate advised council should review the ordinance draft and come back with thoughts and suggestions at next month’s meeting. Council discussed the problem of citizens placing emergency calls to Muldraugh City Hall instead of the appropriate 911. It was agreed that all emergencies – police and medical – need to be called into 911 so that a record of each and every call is recorded and so any necessary help can be dispatched in the appropriate manner. A reminder about placing emergency calls will be placed on the city’s water bill. Mayor Tate announced that 600 meals were served at Muldraugh’s community dinner held back at Christmas time. He extended his appreciation to everyone who donated and volunteered, which helped to make the dinner a huge success.
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