Citizens’ concerns over roaming dogs to be directed to Fulton Co. authorities

Hickman City Commissioners Roger Adams, Heath Carlton, Brian Major and Phillip Williams met in regular session Dec. 10, at City Hall.

Commissioners-elect James Adams, Robert Griggs, and Judy Powell were also in attendance.

Wendy Puckett, Executive Director of Fulton-Hickman Counties Economic Development Partnership (FHCEDP), addressed the Commission with a brief update.

“We are working on expansion project with one of your local companies. The Commission has been very helpful on working with a local incentive package. At this point that expansion is about $19 million for the county. The employee numbers are lower, but 15 to 20 employees are still a great addition for this area. We should know something next month as to how we are competing with another county in the state for that project,” reported Puckett.

Puckett continued, “The second thing is the distillery. Production should start in January, they are running test batches at this point, with a couple of local employees.”

“Also, the Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority and the FHCEDP have been working hand in hand with the old HIS building across from Insteel. There are two prospects looking to occupy the building, with various projects. I’m not at liberty to say who, what or where at the moment, but obviously with the Riverport building being available, and working with them, that is another good possibility with the City,” stated Puckett.

“We continue to work with the two states with the 49 railroad loop that has been proposed from Cates Landing to Hickman to Union City. This is a slow process and takes time, but I think it can change the face of our logistics and open up a lot of opportunities. My board has set aside funding to help in the process and we are committed. We believe Hickman is a window to the world for us,” said Puckett.

Norma Pruitt, who is the Director for the grant funded Retail Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (REAP), was present to give an update as to what she has been working on for the area.

Pruitt previously worked with Great River Road, a “very viable opportunity for Fulton County,” and was able to get all the Pilot wheel and Trail signs installed before she resigned in May.

“I believe there is still an opportunity to work that and to have trails, and the community be a part of the need, and outdoor adventure. I am still interested in working with people who are interested in going into small business. We are working on a Retail Entrepreneur program to help start or expand a small business,” continued Pruitt.

Pruitt stated, “I am working with investors wanting to invest in the property around Hickman. The Kentucky Film Office is very impressed with the opportunities in the area. I am also working with the State Preservation Office. An application for a tour of properties in the city was submitted. If chosen in May of next year there will be a tour with property owners.”

Pruitt is working with the Mississippi and Delta Queen to bring more of those stops to Hickman, and starting a database of properties for property available for rent or development.

Hickman Postmaster Floyd Cash attended the meeting with concerns about dogs roaming the city streets.

Cash stated, “There are 83 customers where their mail can’t be delivered because of loose dogs. Hickman Police Chief Tony Grogan and Scott McKnight are really good with initial contact. The follow up is what seems to be the problem. The dogs remain at the houses and I understand you have done away with the dog ordinance, but you really don’t know how this has affected your town and the customers in your town. It may not affect you, but those 83 customers now have to pick up their mail at the post office, because we don’t know where the dogs are, they pop up where we deliver on foot and it is dangerous for the mail carriers.”

Mayor David Lattus said, “Are you aware the County is obligated to deal with the dogs? They are obligated by state statutes.”

Cash said, “I am aware of this and have contacted them. I just wanted to stress the importance of dog control of some kind in this town.”

Lattus continued, “The City has been carrying this for many years, and the county is obligated by law and they are the people you have to contact. I’m not saying we don’t care, it’s just they are obligated by law to do it, and should do it.”

Cash asked, “So if my carrier does get bit, I don’t call the City I call the County law enforcement?”

“That is correct,” responded Lattus.

City Attorney Leeanna Wilkins said, “I will have to go back and look at the Ordinances and see what was repealed and what parts were kept.”

Chief Grogan was instructed to cite the dog owners to court. City Manager James Gray and Chief Grogan agreed to work on the issue.

Robin Brunswick, who recently retired as Hickman City Treasurer, was honored for her 23 years of service to the City of Hickman.

Chief Grogan reported a busy month with 261 responses to calls. He said the Christmas Parade went well and everyone loved the time to be able to see the Christmas lights.

Hickman Fire Chief John Amberg reported two fires for the past month, one was a false alarm and the other a house fire, in which the department was on scene for four hours. He reported the department relies on Cayce Volunteer Fire Department more than they would like because of lack of firefighters for Hickman.

James Gray’s Public Works report included the pumps have been installed in the lift station, with one more pump to install.

He updated the officials about Water Plant preparations set to begin the new chemicals, new alarm, vent system, and work underway with Bell Engineering with a timeline to start in January for each step.

Board appointments approved included:

• Planning and Zoning Board – Carla McClure and Debbie Ward, three year terms each

• Hickman Electric Board – Jennifer White, four year term

Further discussion took place on a tentative agreement from Alliance Water Resources.

The newly elected Commissioners stated they would like more time to look over the budgeted numbers before making a decision. This item was tabled to allow the new commission time to review the information.

The City Manager’s report included:

• The receipt of the Delta Regional Authority grant of $400,000 for the sewer project. Paperwork for extension work was also received, must be signed and returned to Purchase Area Development District by Dec. 14.

The Commission went into Executive Session at 7:58 p.m., pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(f) for City Treasurer and Police Officer. The Commission reconvened at 8:42 p.m. with no decisions and no votes taken.

The outgoing Commissioners and Mayor expressed their appreciation for serving the citizens of Hickman for the past two years and wished the new Commissioners luck.

The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.