CITY OF FULTON MAKES REQUEST TO KENTUCKY STATE POLICE FOR INFORMATION AVAILABLE REGARDING ONGOING INVESTIGATION

According to Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn, he has made a request to the Kentucky State Police, for any available information or updates relating to an ongoing investigation by the KSP, but as of tonight's city commission meeting, no response has been issued.

Gunn told Mayor David Prater, Commissioners Martha Vowell, Elaine Forrester, Jeff Vaughn and Darcy Linn, as well as half a dozen community members on hand for the commission's regular session Aug. 26, he had submitted an electronic request to the KSP Thursday of last week. He said he had requested any information regarding the ongoing investigation now underway by the KSP, regarding allegations of a Fulton Police officer's placement on administrative leave with pay, associated with the discovery of cats appearing to be shot, in the are of the Keg restaurant, on Lake Street in Fulton.

Security video footage in the area of the Keg was also turned over to the KSP.

Gunn said he had asked the representative of the KSP whether the investigation had been completed, and if so, if those results could be forwarded to the city. Gunn stated he was specific in making the request for information, however had not yet received a response from the KSP, however regarding open records and freedom of information act requests, the response could take up to three business days to receive.

Commissioner Darcy Linn updated those in attendance for the meeting, regarding cats which had been located in a vacant structure on State Line, stating all cats had been humanely caught at that location, with the exception of three adult cats and one kitten; 12 cats were ready to be transported to receive spay and and neutering services this week; and approximately $420 had been collected through donations, to finance these services.

Mark Welch, a native of Fulton and current resident of Murray, addressed the commission, in his position as Representative of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Rural and Municipal Aid Road Funds.

He explained discretionary funds have recently been made available to 700 cities, in addition to previously designated state funds for roads. Fulton, he said, for 2020 was earmarked to receive $49,025.62 in state funds for the repair of streets, however, extra funding will now be allotted streets, with no match required, in the amount of $101,059, to make repairs to areas of Eddings, Second and North College Streets. Welch cautioned the officials to not begin work on the designated areas until the required paperwork has been completed and forwarded to the state.

"This is a good thing," said City Manager Gunn, adding the Kentucky City Managers Association had been in the process of collecting data to determine how many streets would be able to be repairs, if the state funds remained at the figures now received, and how long it would take to complete the list of streets in need. He reported calculations showed it would take approximately 100 years for all repairs to have been made, without the cities receiving additional funding.

Gunn updated the officials on a previously approved action to transfer property from the city to McDonalds and to Steve Ross, who owns property adjacent to McDonalds. Gunn requested the commission approve the authorization of Mayor David Prater, to execute deeds for the transfer, on behalf of the city.

Gunn reported the Student Resource Officer for Fulton Independent Schools was now on site at the school campuses, with the agreement between the city and the FIS district to facilitate the SRO for three years. He reported the school system will reimburse any cost to the city for the officer, with the first payment due immediately, the second payment due Dec. 15, and so on.

During the portion of the meeting designated for remarks and requests from visitors, Dr. Judy Maynard, Elizabeth Hickman, Judy Lancaster, Lee Neal and Kathy Thompson all addressed the Mayor and Commissioner, on the subject of the investigation underway associated with the cats reportedly shot, in the city.

Dr. Maynard told the officials it was confusing, in reference to roles of the Kentucky State Police and the local governing body. She suggested citizens get in touch with state representatives, and go through the proper channels to show grass roots support for changes in the laws associated with animal abuse.

City Attorney Allison Whitledge told Dr. Maynard any criminal investigation underway is outside the scope of the commission.

Lancaster stated the only way citizens could know any updates would be to attend meetings, and any HR related matters, in reference to the FPD officer, would not be able to be discussed nor could be open to the public.

Neal expressed her concerns regarding the appearance of "nothing being done", and asked if the commission to offer any updates on the matter involving the cats.

Hickman requested the officials give consideration to the portion of the Pledge of Allegiance, recited prior to the beginning of the business session of the city, which ends with "liberty and justice for all."

"I will be very interested to see what happens, " Hickman said, " as to whether justice will be for all" or if "only money talks" when it comes to justice.

Thompson stated the way cats were reportedly killed was cruel and if someone paid to have the cats killed, that was more cruel. However, she added she would like to see that the animals did not die in vain, and the situation could be addressed for the future, through animal control or possibly raising money to better facilitate the housing of animals and finding homes for them.

Commissioner Darcy Linn, who volunteers at the city's pound, as well as to transport animals for spay and neutering services, told Thompson she could contact her to tour the present facility were animals which have been picked up are held.

The commission adjourned from open session into closed executive session for the purpose of discussion of personnel and returned to public session to report no action was taken.