Fiscal Court December 3

Item IV: Personnel Changes

Jacob Barnes and Steve Huff become employees of Parks Dept
David Hammonds moves from seasonal part-time to permanent part-time in Parks Dept.
Alvin Poweleit promoted to superintendent of Boone Links Golf Course
Bradley Turner promoted to assistant superintendent of Boone Links Golf Course
Court passes personnel changes 4-0.

Item V: Ordinances

A: Second Reading: A zoning map amendment request for a 19-acre property off Hwy 25 in Walton, from SR-1 to UR-2 for a 312-unit apartment complex across from Maher Road. No opposition. Court passes zoning change 4-0.

B: Second Reading: A request for a change in concept development plan for a 2.6 acre site at 3005 Verona-Mudlick Road for an expanded outdoor storage area for farm equipment. This is at an existing commercial site. No opposition. Court passes zoning change 4-0.

C: First Reading: Amend Agricultural zoning map of 3252, 3266, 3278 Idlewild Road to add one additional parcel to 5.8 acres. Add one more home to the 5.8 acres for daughter. Question about septic and water was asked. Public water. Will need to contract Public Health Department on the septic to be added. No opposition. Court passes zoning change 4-0.

D: First Reading: Zoning map addendum from Industrial to Suburban Residential for 5 acres of land to build 5 residential rentals with attached garages. Industrial building no longer used (was a warehouse for a car dealership) as cannot have industrial traffic thru residential area. Mobile home park was added after the industrial buildings were built. 2040 future land report used as rationale. Planning and Zoning approved 14-0. Second Reading Dec 17, 5:30pm.

Item VI: Judges Report: None

Item VII: Administrative Matters

A: Resolution to initiate a viewing committee for a request vacating public right of way on Stahl Rd, Hebron. Court passes 4-0.

B: Resolution to reject bid for six information kiosks for Central and England Idlewild Parks. Cout passes 4-0.

Item IX: Old Business

A. A resolution again considering installing EV charging stations on public property, with the county getting the revenue and being responsible for their maintenance and replacement

Judge Moore is pursuing a Kentucky grant for the EV charging station project. However, he states if the grant is awarded but not utilized, that may negatively impact Boone County’s score. Chet Hand opposes the initiative, arguing that Boone County should not enter the EV charging market. Hand raised concerns about the county’s involvement in selling electricity to customers. Maintenance for the EV stations would also require more personnel, ultimately expanding the county government personnel.

During discussions, Hand moved to terminate the project, asserting it should end immediately. He was trying to force a vote. In response, Judge Moore expressed concerns about the potential ramifications on OKI funding and Boone County’s score, stating it would be unwise to abandon the project without fully understanding the implications of OKI. Flaig stated that her constituents are calling her to kill this project. Judge Moore for some reason is not letting this project end and kept debating it even after there was a request to table and go to a vote. A 2-2 vote would have killed it. Flaig was ready to kill it with Hand, but Judge Moore persuaded her to table until the December 17 meeting.

In addition, Judge Moore asserts he will provide the OKI response related to the negative score impact he continually references for Boone County.

This is a contentious issue that is likely to escalate as it develops. If this project presents substantial benefits, why hasn’t there been any interest from the public sector? Moreover, why is local government attempting to take control of Boone County’s infrastructure? Is Boone County headed toward becoming a SMART City? It appears more residents need to voice their concerns at the next meeting about why entering the EV charging station business may not be a good idea for Boone County. Final Decision Dec 17, 5:30pm

Item X: New Business (none)

Several awards were given at the Kentucky Court Annual Conference: Animal Shelter – Municipal Building of the Year? Storm Water Project.  Jackson Webster – Young Professional of the Year. Tyler Hill – Member of the Year. Boone County Public Works – Organization of the Year.