Louisville Aldermen Honor Marion Ball, Discuss Fire Protection and E911

The Louisville Board of Alderman met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday evening (6-7). The session began with a proclamation honoring Marion L. "Buddy" Ball for his many years of service on the Housing Authority Board. Ball was recognized for his service to the community and presented with a plaque and an affectionate hug and kiss from his wife, Alderwoman Frances Ball.
The Board preceded to take nominations to fill the position just vacated by Mr. Ball. Ken McMullen was nominated but there was no second. William Smith was then nominated and was appointed to the position by a 3-1 vote with one abstention.
Several payments and transfer of funds were authorized including:
*$1500 for the EECBG grant Project.
*Docket of Claims in the amount of $85,868.82.
*Invoices totaling $11006.25 to Crown Engineering & Surveying for work on Cell 4 construction.
$12,978.99 for repair to the compactor at the landfill.
The Board also authorized training for:
* Jody Fulton to attend Code Enforcement training - no registration charge.
*Full & Part time police officers for recertification.
* Fire Chief Terry Johnson to attend Fire Investigators Association training - no registration charge.
*Brian Collier & Mike Towne to attend training - no registration charge.
In other business, Aldermen approved the hire of 2 summer employees by Parks & Recreation Director, Todd McCullough. The Board also issued Notices of Appointment to several local boards including the Louisville Utility Board, Youth Volunteer Board, Tourism & Recreation Board and the Zoning & Planning Board. Alderwoman Ball questioned the need for the Youth Volunteer Board. It was stated that the Board was not active and had not met in a significant period of time. Any decision as to the status of this Board was to be determined at a later date. The Board discussed the proposed Zoning and Planning Ordinances as well. Mayor Hill and Kenny Morris requested the Board to review the information and provide questions they may have and establish a timeline for approval.
Fire Chief Johnson presented a proposal for an "automatic reciprocal mutual aid agreement" with the Noxapater Fire Department. Under such an agreement, each department would automatically respond to a call in either community without waiting for a request from the other. Johnson indicated that this would cut response time by getting resources moving more quickly and possibly improve the fire rating in both communities. City Attorney Tucker and several aldermen raised questions about liability in these situations and the ability of Louisville firefighters to respond to a fire in Louisville if personnel and equipment were on a call in Noxapater. Johnson indicated in all cases, sufficient firefighters would be on hand for fire protection in the city. After significant discussion, the matter was tabled for further review and the Board asked Tucker to review any liability issues.
Several other issues were also a matter of discussion. Alderwoman Ball thanked the Police and Fire Department for their assistance with the recent Red Hills Festival and indicated that some local merchants saw a significant increase in business on that day. Alderwoman McLeod indicated that a requested sign denoting North Louisville was scheduled to be installed on Hwy 25 N near Evergreen Church. Mayor Hill indicated that the city's website was almost complete and should be live soon. There was also discussion of the need for additional personnel in the City Clerk's Office and possibly the City Court as well.
In an added item, the Board adopted a resolution for the city to commit $25,000 to the E911 addressing system project under a possible Appalachian Regional Commission Grant. Commitment of $25,000 each by the city and county would facilitate a grant of up to $200,000 for 911 mapping and GIS development. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing Golden Triangle Planning & Development to prepare and submit the associated grant application.
W. McCully