MINUTES

LAGRANGE CITY COUNCIL

JULY 6, 2009

CITY OFFICIALS PRESENT           Elsie Carter, Mayor; Stephanie Cooper, City Clerk and Graham Whatley, City Attorney 

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT  Joe Davenport, Wally Nay, Jason Taylor, Jean Knight, Melanie Woosley and Linda Hall.  Absent were Debbie Pollard and Tom Goldsmith.

Mayor Carter called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. and led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR JUNE 1, 2009   Councilwoman Knight made motion to approve June 1, 2009 minutes, seconded by Councilwoman Woosley.  The motion in favor of passed unanimously, 6 to 0.

REAPPOINTMENT OF EARL HEDGESPETH TO PARK BOARD According to Ordinance 8-2006, Councilman Taylor wants the reappointment at August 3, 2009 council meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT Charles McCarrick, 528 Wood Lake Drive, commented on postal service employees' safety on Crystal Drive.  Richard W. Rankin, 519 Horton Road, commented on kids coming onto his property from ball field.  Mary Ann Smith, 512 Kentucky Avenue, commented on $50,000.00 donation to LaGrange Elementary School.   

LUC COMMISSION TO PURCHASE PROPERTY ON HWY 146          John Bennett, Director with LaGrange Utilities, informed City Council of purchasing property at 408 and 412 East Jefferson Street.  The purchase of property is $550,000 and LaGrange Utilities is putting a $50,000.00 down payment on property.  Lending institution is giving a fixed rate mortgage annually renewable with no pre-payment penalty.  Councilman Nay made motion if all reports come back and clear from oil and gasoline products to purchase 408 and 412 East Jefferson Street, seconded by Councilwoman Knight.  Mayor Carter does a roll call vote: Hall-yes, Woosley-yes, Knight-yes, Taylor-no, Nay-yes, Davenport-yes.  The motion in favor passes 5 to 1.

DISCOVER DOWNTOWN LAGRANGE REPORT    Barbara Edds gave a report on past and future events.

ENGINEER REPORT           David Garber gave a report on Cherrywood Subdivision, Commerce Parkway, subdivision on Stamper Avenue, county road maintenance, Crystal Drive drainage, receiving information from Planning and Zoning and roads in Springhouse.

CSX REPORT          Councilwoman Woosley gave a synopsis on meeting with Tom Drake who is with Federal Railroad.  Councilwoman Woosley made a motion to go into public hearing, seconded by Councilman Nay.  The motion in favor of passed unanimously, 6 to 0.  Karen Eldridge, 127 East Main Street, commented on letter that passed out and for support.  Kitty Bierbaum, 121 East Main Street, made comment on changes from six years ago about requirements for quiet zone.  Julie Heckman, 413 East Main Street, made comment on extension for quiet zone and is in support of keeping quiet zone.  Tom Cox, 209 North 1st Street, made comment in support of keeping quiet zone.  Joe Kraig, 810 Kentucky Avenue, made comment in support of keeping quiet zone.  Charles McCarrick, 528 Wood Lake Drive, commented on the closing of Second Street if it would by one way.  Ruth Proffitt, 404 West Main Street, commented on supporting the closing of Second Street.  David Voegele, 400 North 5th Street, commented on getting help from Senator Mitch McConnell's office.  Mike O'Dell, 501 Kentucky Avenue, commented on closing of Second Street could it be reversed.  Michael Pate, 101B East Main Street, commented on letter of intent.  John Black, 108 North 5th Street, questioned median separators on First Street at railroad crossing.  Councilwoman Woosley made a motion and reads a resolution, now therefore be it resolved that the City Council wish to close railroad crossing located at Second Street and Main Street on November 1, 2009 if there is no proof in hand that the crossing gate that will be installed in order to maintain quiet zone before the deadline.  Mayor Carter call for question; Davenport-yes, Nay-yes, Taylor-yes, Knight-yes, Woosley-yes and Hall-yes.  The motion in favor of passed unanimously, 6 to 0. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS                 Councilman Taylor announced at the August 3, 2009 City Council meeting there will be an appeals process on James T. Beaumont sign.  Councilwoman Knight mentioned a garbage meeting in July for renewal of contract.   

NEW BUSINESS      None

ADJOURN     Mayor Carter adjourned meeting at 8:44 p.m.