CITY OF WINDY HILLS

Minutes of Regular Council Meeting

February 11, 2019

The Council and Officers of the City of Windy Hills met at the Sojourn Community Church, 2501 Rudy Lane, at 7:00 P.M.  Mayor Davis called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:  The following were present:

MAYOR	COUNCIL MEMBERS	OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
Helen M. Davis	Bruce Blue	Sandy Moore
	Kate Greer	Jim Hodge
	Marcia Myers	Steve Teaford
	Marianne Rademaker
	Suzanne Spencer
	Laura Trachtenberg

MINUTES:

Councilwoman Greer moved to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2019 Council meeting; seconded by Councilwoman Myers and approved unanimously. 

FINANCIAL REPORTS, APPROVAL OF BILLS:

The financial reports for January, 2019 were moved for approval by Councilwoman Trachtenberg, and seconded by Councilman Blue, and approved unanimously.

Councilwoman  Greer moved to approve the January bills, totaling $39,156.96 that was seconded by Councilwoman Trachtenberg.  The motion passed unanimously. 

RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS/CONCERNS:  Resident, Ralph Williams, reported the there is hole on the north-east corner of Indian Ridge and Brownsboro Rd that needs to be fixed.

Resident, Faye Gardner – addressed the Council with a concern about a flooding issue on Highfield.  Adam Vogelsang , Bruce Blue, and Steve Teaford will look at it and fix it.

Resident Rick Feldhof lives on Chelsea Rd adjacent to the Corn property.  He expressed concerns about future traffic if the property were to be developed.  Mayor Davis assured him that the City is keeping a close eye on it.

MAYOR’S REPORT:  Mayor Davis stated that she and Councilwoman Rademaker attended the JCLC meeting that featured a presentation on Budgets.  Going forward, she will prepare a written statement and read it at the 2nd reading of the Budget Ordinance.  She also stated that we have been compliant with the required quarterly budget versus actual comparison.  She also stated that it was encouraged for Cities to not permanently reduce the tax rate as it is difficult to return to a higher rate.  It is preferred to offer a higher discount.  She reported that Windy Hills tax rate is one of the lower rates.  She also reported that she will open the bank statements to conform with controlling and auditing standards.  During tax season, she will hold the bank statements for Councilwoman Rademaker to open and review.  This will be done to insure compliance with proper financial controls.

She also reported that letters were sent to residents that reside close to 4417 Westport Rd. in regards to potential development.  Numerous phone calls and emails were received regarding this.  She has also contacted the Filson Historical Society to research the property.

She thanked the Council members, Jim Hodge, Steve Teaford, and Sandy Moore for their hard word in changing to the new email system, which will comply with the Open Records requirements.

She also reported that she has talked to the managers of Stock Yards Bank to see what the City’s options are in regards to receiving a higher interest rate on our checking account.

She has also contacted the Mayors of Indian Hills and Woodland Park regarding providing police service.  She wants to make sure the City is getting the best “bang for our bucks” by using Graymoor/Devondale Police.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Finance/Ordinances:  Councilwoman Rademaker reported that she has been learning a lot about the budget process and that the City will be streamlining accounts. 

Code Enforcement:  Steve Teaford, the City’s Code Enforcement Officer, reported that a lien was filed on the house at 1006 Chesham.  #9 Pin Oak has not paid their fee at this time and Attorney Hodge will send them a letter.  He also reported the rental letters have been mailed and the office has started receiving the fees.

Community Caring/Health & Fitness/Welcome to Windy Hills:   There were 8 new residents.  Councilwoman Spencer reported she will be sending out information regarding a place and times for the Tai Chi program.

Windy Hills Green/City Maintenance/Newsletter/Tree Board – Councilwoman Greer:  Councilwoman Greer reported that the dead tree on the Green has been removed.  She also reported that EchoTech is giving the City a tree.  She said the next Tree Board meeting will be on February 21st.  The newsletter deadline will be on February 22.

Public Works:  Councilman Blue reported that Adam Vogelsang assisted with the cleanup on Merrifield.  He also stated he will check out the reported hole on Indian Ridge and Brownsboro Rd.  He reported that a manhole cover had been repaired and he thanked Adam for doing a great job with the snow removal – there were no phone calls/complaints received regarding the snow removal.

Ordinances/Community Standards – Councilwoman Trachtenberg:  Councilwoman Trachtenberg reported that the Community Standards committee will be meeting again to continue to review.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waste Services Update – Councilwoman Myers:  Councilwoman Myers reported that she is gathering information for the three public focus groups.  She stated the contract ends in June.  She also reported that the surveys were ready to mail out with the self addressed stamped envelope included.  She received three estimates for the mailing.  Councilwoman Myers made a motion to use “Mail Louisville” to mail the surveys and was seconded by Councilman Blue.  The motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

None

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:  Attorney Hodge opened the Franchise Bid from Verizon on February 8, 2019 at 11:00 am.  He is reviewing the bid and will get back to the City as to what the next action will be.  Attorney Hodge stated that Ordinance No 6, Series 2018/2019 will be passed in March (regarding encroachment permits).  He also stated he will mail a letter to the residents on PIn Oak that had not paid the initial fine agreed upon by the Council. 

Comments/Questions to the Council as a Whole:    Resident Allen Ware stated that Metro Louisville is considering increasing taxes and suggested that our residents check with their insurance companies to assure that Windy Hills will receive their proper portion of the taxes.

Councilman Blue moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 P.M., seconded by Councilwoman Greer and the motion passed unanimously.

Helen M Davis, Mayor

Sandy Moore, City Clerk