Louisville Alderman Meet - City Budget,Rental Property Ordinance & Library Funding

Louisville Aldermen met in their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 4th. Here are the highlights of that meeting:

• The City issued a Proclamation for Chris Crowson upon his retirement after 30 years of service as a firefighter.
• The Board hear from representatives of Food Corps, a non-profit organization that is working with local schools and the Winston County Self Help Cooperative. April Devine with Food Corps indicated that a project is underway to create raised bed gardens in association with Louisville Elementary and Eiland schools. In addition to getting kids to participate in school gardens, the program is designed to provide nutritional curriculum and work toward morer healthy foods in school cafeterias with the goal of making kids healthier and lowering childhood obesity.
• The Board approved the purchase of "At Home" Magazines in the amount of $387 for tourism purposes.
• Buddy King, EMA Director provided info on the needed update of the required Hazard Mitigation Plan and costs associated. The Board approved by resolution.
• The Board signed a contract with Golden Triangle Planning and Development for GIS Mapping.
• Two properties were removed from the unclean property list as they have been brought into compliance: 405 Metts St. and 114 Kennedy St. 
• Declared an erroneous tax sale on property owned by Todd Tabor for 2010 taxes.
• Approved a  notice for Bid for Depositories, to advertise for banking services for two years, 2013-2014.
• Received a request from Waste Pro for a 1.41% rate increase in solid waste collection fees effective 10-1-12. This rate increase will not be passed on to the property owner. 
• Made insurance premium payment to the Policy Center in the amount of $9,998.00 for coverage 7-7-12 through 11-1-12.
• Authorized payment of $4,113.10 to IPFS Corp upon receipt of payment from Red Hills Salvage LLC for insurance on the GP building and equipment.
• Paid the monthly Docket of Claims in the amount of $131,757.90. 
• Approved Kenny Morris to attend the 2012 SWANA Fall Conference, October 15-18, in Natchez, registration $200 plus travel expenses. 
• Approved a request to advertise for Fire Fighter 1 position to fill an open position.
• Approved a request to allow Chief Terry Johnson to attend the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program in Emmitsburg, Maryland on October 8-19, 2012, free course, meals $300.48 to be paid from training funds.  
• Approved reimbursement of new bulletproof vest by Patrick Estes for $532.00.
•  The Board had limited discussion on a possible rental property ordinance and recommended further discussion in October and a possible public hearing on the matter. 
• After discussion with Chief L.M. Claiborne, the Board approved the Police Department amended policy on promotions. 
• The Board chose to recess until Monday, September 10 at 5:30 before taking further action on the City's budget as Alderwoman Ball was not present at the current meeting. The budget must be complete and approved by September 15th.  
• There was also discussion among Aldermen about the possibility of a designated mill levy specifically for the Winston County Library. The City does not currently utilize a separate levy for the library but is is possible to apply a levy up to 3 mils for that purpose. Alderwoman Judy McLeod asked the other members to consider a one (1) mil levy for the library considering its limited budget and recent cuts. Any action on this levy would be considered at the September 10th meeting.