HICKMAN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TOURISM EVENTS; NEW WELCOME TO HICKMAN SIGN POSTED

Hickman City Commission met in regular session on July 10, at Hickman City Hall with Commissioners Robin Amberg, John Wiley Gannon, Robert Griggs, Richard Holloway, and Mayor Heath Carlton, City Manager David Gallagher and Deputy City Clerk Jane Parker attending.

Commissioner Gannon informed the commission the number of Hickman Recreation Tourism Convention Commission (HRTCC) members had decreased, down to two people.

“People are resigning through text messages. I’m asking for a written letter for the files,” Gannon said, adding volunteers are needed to fill these open positions.

Those interested in being a part of the HRTCC may call John Wiley Gannon at 270-627-4684. Seven members would be ideal, he said, however five would be sufficient.

Projects now undertaken by the HRTCC include the Fishing rodeo for the kids, the Pecan Festival, and Christmas Parade.

During Public Comments, Hickman resident David Thomas said a new sign has been installed by the Hickman Rotary Club on the Fulton County School property entering Hickman on Highway 94 E from Cayce.

“It looks good. I understand they have plans to install a couple more around Hickman also. The mowing is looking good, however, there are a couple of spots that need attention,” Thomas said.

John Amberg, Hickman Public Works Director provided the Commission with an update which included the

High School Pump is back up and running, after having been down for about four or five months. He reported engineers came back to make sure it was secured and the pump to the right was twisted and broke causing damage at the railing.

“They repaired it while here, pumped in water to see if they figured out what was causing the damage and nothing looked different. Both pumps are working now. Parts have been ordered for the pump on Bernal Avenue and we need to put in a grinder because the one there is not working correctly,” J. Amberg said.

“For the Fire Department, we talked at the last meeting about ordering a Jaws of Life. I have shopped around and come up with a couple of prices for a spreader/cutter combination with a spread of 18 inches. It is cheaper, but I recommend a full size cutter for $28,430. The company has options for a down payment of 10%, 20%, or 50% for a five year payment schedule. It is battery operated, requires six batteries) and can be used under water. It is recommended to change the batteries once a month to recharge the ones that have been in the equipment. Each battery costs approximately $700. We plan to look at charging in the truck so we will have it with us if an emergency comes up that we need it,” J. Amberg said.

City Manager Gallagher said, “We need a good set of Jaws of Life. You never know when you will need it, but it will be a good thing to have on hand.”

Commissioner Gannon made a motion to purchase a Jaws of Life, and look for more options before ordering,it, seconded by Commissioner Holloway and the motion was approved.

J. Amberg also reported the Dairy Farm representative will be in Hickman on Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. and will be bringing their engineers with him to discuss the process of turning the methane gas over to natural gas for the City of Hickman.

Scott McKnight, Hickman Chief of Police, reported Ryan Amberg, Hickman Police Officer and SRO for Fulton County Schools has resigned as of July 7.

“We wish him the best at his new job,” Chief McKnight said.

He told the Commission outer vest carriers will be in Hickman Tuesday for fittings and two tasers are still needed. Chief McKnight reported his office needed to advertise for an Administrative Assistant.

In Unfinished Business the City Commissioners approved letters of resignation from Craig Bradley and Ryan Amberg.

Commissioners voted to hire Bruce Elam as full time public works employee effective July 3, and to hire David Nunn as a full time Water Treatment Operator following a motion by Commissioner Griggs and seconded by Commissioner Gannon.

Resolution 23-186, an Agreement with U.S. Bancrop for a new Police Vehicle was discussed.

Chief McKnight said he had contacted Missouri, where the last police cruiser was purchased and they have one, a 2021 Ford Explorer, silver, that the department can get in a couple of weeks for $32,000.

“Allen’s can place the needed equipment including lights, all equipment screens, hard top, front push bumper, extra screen, etc. for $7,800, not including labor which will be an additional $2,000,” McKnight said.

Mayor Carlton asked, “What about radios?”

McKnight said it is in the budget for $2,000, with refurbished radios available for $600 - $800 each. He said he understood the Fulton County Sheriff is working on ordering radios, and he will get with him and order the same he does.

Hickman resident Thomas said, “When I was with the Sheriff’s office we used P & B Electronics in Shepherdsville for about $1800. You may want to just check with them.”

Commissioner Griggs made a motion to accept the Agreement with U.S. Bancorp for the new police vehicle, seconded by Commissioner Holloway and the motion carried.

Discussion was held on getting estimates for spraying City Hall, Police Department and Public Works to be treated for Brown Recluse Spiders as this spraying is not included in the current contract with Servall.

Mayor Carlton said, “We need to do what needs to be down and allow it to fall within the duties of the City Manager to take care of.”

Discussion was conducted regarding Noise Complaints and Park usage.

“The City of Hickman was able to receive copies of “Noise Complaints” Ordinances from the City of Murray and we are working on an Ordinance for the City of Hickman,” Mayor Carlton said.

“I have talked with KLC (Kentucky League of City) and was told we can’t distinguish between types of noise. The content of the noise doesn’t matter. Noise is noise,” Griggs said.

“The Hickman City Park is on public property and we should be able to stop what we want,” Mayor Carlton said.

Hickman City Attorney Leanna Wilkerson asked if there was a need to distinguish what is profanity.

Mayor Carlton said basically, the city needs Ordinances and Rules to follow so the Police Department has something to stand on.

“I ask the Commissioners to look over the Ordinance presented to you and mark out what you feel needs to betaken out and add what you feel needs to be added. Send the deletions and additions to me so Leanna and I can work on an Ordinance for the City of Hickman and present at the next Commission meeting, July 24,” he said.

“Public assembly is a gathering of 20 or more at the Jeff Green Memorial Park, Floyd Keith Park, Downtown Park, and behind the seawall. We need to know where everyone will be parking and, police has knowledge of the event, and who is in charge of the event,” Mayor Carlton said.

Commissioner Holloway said he had people come to him and say the City has closed the park. He said he told them the park is not closed and the city hasn’t closed any of the parks.

“It would also be nice to let the Police Department know when you have having parades, so they can help with traffic control,” Commissioner Griggs said.

“We need to make a sign to let people know the City Rules and Regulations, set hours by Ordinance, no alcohol, no illegal acts and place at the front gate and throughout the park. If there are more than 20 attendees the Police can close down if no permit and if the event is past the posted hours. We need a window of 30 days prior for proper paper work to be filled out and turned in and have five to seven days for the Commission to approve. We are working to improve it for everyone,” Mayor Carlton said.

Gallagher’s City Manager reported he had turned in a June 30 End of Year Progress report and everything seems to be going well for the Division of Water.

“Then I receive a letter from the Division of Water asking for a run down last week of the progress. I gave her the City’s action plan and will work on another run down of progress and turn it in by Aug. 9. The information is in the original Agreed Order. The last item to be worked on is the stand pipes and we have 30 days for a new action plan for that project. I need to let them know where we stand.”

Commissioner Gannon asked about the bridge the commission discussed at the Waste Water Plant.

J. Amberg said, “We are still working on it and I’m talking to Hall who is trying to get something cheaper.”

“I’m amazed at the Water Treatment Plant. I went to see it and I’m just amazed,” Commissioner Holloway said.

Commissioner Comments included, Commissioner Gannon commending the Fireworks display and the church setting up an area for snacks and viewing the fireworks. He said there was another display at the park and he understand it went well also.

Commissioner Griggs said at Dispatch no major calls were received on the Fourth of July and Mayor Carlton said the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) was not needed this year.