Residents oppose annexation; COPS grant application to provide officer at LCHS is given go ahead
The Louisa City Council met for the monthly meeting, Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Those in attendance were Louisa City Mayor Harold Slone, Mitch Castle Member, David McKenzie Member, Lisa Schaeffer Member, Tom Parsons Member and John Nolan Member, Eldred Adams City Attorney and Greg Fugit Police Chief. Absent was Ron Cordle.
Mayor Harold Slone’s comments were addressed first.
Mayor Slone stated that he was meeting with the Transportation Cabinet tomorrow on the issue of Levisa Drive. Residents there have asked for a two lane approach to Levisa Drive crossing entrance across the RR tracks on Preece Avenue in Meadowbrook subdivision to replace the one lane that now exists. Levisa Drive is located inside the city limits.
Other issues that came before the council were:
* Three junk trucks owned by the city were declared as surplus and it was agreed to dispose of them since they were not sellable. Motion made by David McKenzie and second by Tom Parsons to get rid of them. All were in agreement.
* Motion by Mitch Castle, second by Tom Parsons to approve advertising for bids for Louisa Fire Department Turn out Gear. All were in agreement. No estimate of costs was given but according to a city spokesperson is in excess of $20,000.
* Motion by David McKenzie, second by John Nolan to approve application for a federal COPS Grant. This grant would provide 75% of approved entry level salary and benefits for a full time officer for a 36 month grant period so the Police Department can hire a full time officer for the sole purpose of the school system. The BOE has asked for a full time officer at LCHS. All were in agreement.
* Annexation of the property of Clark Marathon at the intersection of 2565 and Rt 32 was then discussed. John Clark Oil wants the business added to the city so that 
alcoholic beverages could be sold at his place of business. Jim Bob and Pam Isaac, adjacent property owners were in attendance to oppose the annexation. Jim Bob stated, “I don’t want the extra tax liability and I have asked for a copy of the city’s map.”
The annexation could involve as many as 12 residences plus businesses. The Isaac’s did not think that the extra police and fire protection were worth the extra city taxes they would pay. Atty. Eldred Adams reviewed the city’s policy for annexation and the council agreed to hire a surveyor to begin the process. A workshop for the annexation was set for March 28at 6pm.
* A utility meeting is set for Tuesday March 21, 2017.
* The council then went into executive session to discuss a personnel issue, pending litigation and a possible property acquisition. No action was taken on the litigation or property issue.
The personnel issue was resolved by a consensus to settle the matter with the employee. No money was involved. The council agreed to allow the lawyers involved to resolve the issue which involves a former police officer who left before his agreed 3-year service period with the city to take a job with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Martin County. Motion made by Mitch Castle and second by John Nolan. Those in favor of the resolution were Mitch Castle, Lisa Schaeffer, Tom Parsons and John Nolan. David McKenzie voted against the motion which passed 4-1.
The meeting was then adjourned.
