July 2008 Newsletter
Block Watch Notes
Safeguard your identity:
1. Shred all documents containing personal information.
2. Never provide bank, credit card or other personal information to anyone who contacts you by phone or e-mail.
3. Provide information over the phone or the internet only if you have initiated the contact and can verify the business is legitimate.
4. Memorize all passwords and pin. Do not write them down.
5. Check monthly credit statements for charges that you did not make and review your credit report at least once a year.
Source: BlockWatch.com
Minutes June 12, 2008
The regular meeting of the City Commission was called to order at 7:30 PM on June 12, 2008 at the meeting room of the Hurstbourne Acres City Hall/Police Department, 1940 S Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, Kentucky, with the following persons present:
Sean Fore, Mayor
Marty Dunn, Commissioner
Brent O. Hardin, Commissioner
Jim Lynch, Commissioner
Donna Nichols, Commissioner
John Price, Treasurer
Chris Redman, Police Chief
Steve Yocum, Police Officer
Steve Emery, City Attorney
Michael Bolten, City Clerk
Residents:
Margaret Carter Terry Shepard
Sandy Ashley Linda Shepard
Laura Seigle Janet Baker
Teresa Renninger Sally Price
Leslie Dunn Don Smith
Janie Blair Ella Crump
Jeri Heck
Minutes for Meeting on May 8, 2008
Commissioner Lynch made a motion to accept the minutes as read. The motion was seconded my Commissioner Nichols, and passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
John Price read the treasurer’s report for May, 2008 and copies were made available for all people in attendance. Commissioner Dunn then made a motion to approve as read, which was seconded by Commissioner Hardin. The motion passed without opposition.
Warrants
The warrants for May, 2008 were then read by John Price, and copies were made available for all people in attendance. Commissioner Dunn made a motion to approve payment of the warrants, which was seconded by Commissioner Lynch and passed unopposed.
Police Report
Police Chief Redman provided the following report:
-375 police hours from 5/8/08 to 6/12/08,
-297 police/public contacts,
-12 citations, 0 arrests,
-2 accidents,
-17 suspicious persons,
-5 motorist assists,
-4 dispatched radio calls,
-7 House watches,
-2 investigations with outside agencies,
-Tasers, ordered by the city, have been received,
-Mileage on the police car is at 14,379 miles.
Attorney’s Report
Attorney Emery reported on the IPL matter regarding the house on Addington Ave, noting that criminal action against the owner has been taken.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Police Commissioner
Commissioner Dunn discussed the scheduled hours for the city’s 2 police officers. It was mentioned that the needs of the city are constantly being evaluated to better improve and make more efficient the services of the police department. In response to a complaint about sticks/limbs/wood placed in the park by a resident, Police Chief Redman has been asked to contact this resident so that it can be removed, allowing for mowing. A resident at the meeting, who had recently reported to the police department about a group of individuals congregating in the park, had additional questions about the recently concluded Block Watch meeting. She was invited to remain after the city meeting where she could ask the Police Commissioner or Police Chief any specific questions.
Sanitation Commissioner
Commissioner Lynch advised that there were 2 reported missed pickups. He also continued to encourage people to recycle.
Parks Commissioner
Commissioner Hardin reported that the playground area has been cleaned up, all new sand and borders, taking about 4 to 5 days. The playground equipment will be painted, but still in the process of evaluating the bids already obtained, and getting additional bids. A 300 ft hose was purchased to water the trees in the park, including the 17 recently planted trees. Finally, the citywide yard sale will be Saturday, June 14.
Roads Commissioner
Commissioner Nichols had been talking with a representative from the State Highway Department concerning the striping of a ‘Do Not Block Intersection’ sign on the south end of Hurstbourne Circle. An e-mail was sent, which she read, requesting this be done. It was understood that it is on the work list and hopefully be completed within the next 6 weeks.
She met with an LG&E representative today. The light poles in the city that need painting have been identified, and the painting should be completed by July 4th. In addition to the painting, they will change out the dirty globes and replace the light fixtures inside. This will be completed by the end of the 1st quarter of 2009.
Regarding the drainage problems in our city, it was mentioned that consideration is being given to having a private company review and repair the drainage issues. However, Mayor Fore did request that Commissioner Nichols contact MSD to have a representative at next month’s meeting to discuss the ongoing problem. Related to the specific drainage problems at the Kennedy Middle School and its impact on the residents on Cardwell Way, Mayor Fore read a letter from Metro Council indicating that the School Board does have a drainage project in the works for this summer.
OLD BUSINESS
Investment Ordinance
Mayor Fore has located the Investment Ordinance which was signed in 1996 and has appointed an audit committee. They will meet with the city’s financial and legal advisors to confirm 100% compliance with the ordinance. A full report will be given at next month’s meeting and provided to the city auditors.
Grass Cutting Contract
Commissioner Hardin has received a copy of the proposed grass cutting contract from ‘Stump Busters’. He will be meeting with ‘Stump Busters’ on June 13th. Mayor Fore & Commissioner Hardin will meet to review and evaluate the contract.
Street Pole Update
Commissioner Dunn reported that the street pole that had recently been damaged by a snow plow has been straightened and painted.
NEW BUSINESS
Emergency Number
In response to several questions about the correct Emergency phone number to use, the Police Chief explained how the ‘911’ system works and when and how to contact our city police department. It was recommended that our residents first call ‘911’, and then Police Chief Redman.
Rental Property in Hurstbourn Acres
A resident outlined concerns that there appears to be no specific standard(s) as to how rental property in this city is to be maintained by the owners of the properties. It was his suggestion that failure to require certain standards, i.e. showing pride of ownership, reduces the value of surrounding properties, making it more difficult to sell. In response to a question about restricting rental properties completely, Attorney Emery advised that this was not legal. However, some cities have placed a tax on rental properties as a way to discourage this practice. After a discussion, Mayor Fore appointed a committee including Commissioner Lynch to investigate the options to deal with the problem and make recommendations to the Commission. Attorney Emery has also been asked to research the ordinance of St. Regis Park which addresses this issue.
Welcome Committee
In a suggestion from a resident, it was recommended that the city reinstitute a Welcome Committee.
There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Bolten, City Clerk