CITY OF PROSPECT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 16, 1998

PRESENT:

Mayor Lonnie Falk; Council Members Harold Smith, Nan Milliman, Raymond Burse, Alan Simon, Lee Zimmerman, Sandra Tucci; City Attorney John Evans; City Administrator Ann Simms.

Mayor Falk called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

The Mayor recognized a number of distinguished visitors who were in attendance at the meeting: Jefferson County “A” District Commissioner Russ Maple; former State Legislator Gene Stuart; State Supreme Court Justice Martin Johnstone; and the City administrator of Hurstbourne and Prospect resident Joe Schweinhardt.

Council Member Alan Simon moved to change the order of the meeting. Mayor Falk granted Mr. Simon the floor: Council Member Sandra Tucci then read Resolution 2, Series 1998, a Proclamation honoring Lawrence C. Falk for his outstanding service to the City of Prospect; Sandra Tucci moved that the Resolution be passed, Council Meember Lee Zimmerman seconded; passed unanimously. Due to the Resolution requiring it be spread on the Official Minutes, it is reproduced below:

Whereas, Lawrence C. Falk, a longtime citizen of the City of Prospect, is held in the highest regard by his neighbors and friends; and,
Whereas, he served with distinction and dedication as a member of the Prospect City Council from 1992 to 1994; and,
Whereas, he served with extraordinary judgment and insight as President of the Jefferson County League of Cities from 1994 to 1998; and,
Whereas, he served on the Governance Committee of Jefferson County, Representing the City of Prospect with foresight and vision; and,
Whereas, he fathered the publication of the official minutes of the City of Prospect and has written the Prospect Newsletter since 1994; and,
Whereas, he has embodied the highest civic virtues, serving the City of Prospect as Mayor since 1994, performing his duties with vigor and wisdom, demonstrating his love of the City by striving unceasingly to preserve and enhance the City of Prospect;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved the City of Prospect expresses its highest respect, appreciation and affection to Lawrence C. Falk for his dedication and service to our City and Jefferson Councy; and,
Be It Further Resolved that this resolution be spread upon the Official Minutes, be displayed in a prominent place in City Hall and a suitable copy be presented to the Honorable Lawrence C. Falk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Council Member Tucci moved approval of the minutes of the regular City Council Meeting of January 12, 1998; Council Member Simon seconded; passed unanimously.

COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS:
Dr. Paul Arena expressed his concern with the growth of the deer population in the City and suggested Prospect import coyotes because they are natural enemies of deer and would kill them off. As an alternative, he asked the City consider the use of “biologicals” to thin the herd, asking the City abandon what he called “the Disney syndrome” about the deer and realize they eat flowers and shrubs and can be a traffic hazard. The Mayor said there was “no way” he was going to kill deer but the City had been in contact with Fish and Wildlife officials. Capturing and removing the deer would be extremely costly, he said. Resident Gene Stewart said he believes the deer are a problem but he does not recommend killing them to solve it. The Mayor said the City will continue to look for a safe and humane way to deal with the deer.

FINANCIAL REPORT:
Mayor Falk presented the financial report for January, 1998.

POLICE REPORT:
Due to the absence of Chief Lewis Nugent, there was no verbal report given. Mayor Falk noted that Officers Larry Johnson and Elgin Price were present to answer any questions. Council Member Tucci said that she appreciated the increase in traffic enforcement from the previous month.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Council Member Simon gave SECOND READING, ORDINANCE NO. 352, SERIES 1998: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY OF PROSPECT NO. 345 SERIES 1997 ESTABLISHING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD TO PROVIDE FOR DISCONTINUED PENALTIES AND FOR MULTIPLE PENALTIES IN THE CASE OD A CONTINUING VIOLATION. Amendment also included the discounted civil fine shall be the minimum fine stated in the Ordinance less 25 percent; Council Member Milliman seconded; passed unanimously by roll call vote.

NEW BUSINESS:
Council Member Simon introduced RESOLUTION NO. 1, SERIES 1998: A Resolution HONORING KAY C. ELLIS AND WISHING HER WELL IN THE FUTURE. Council Member Milliman seconded the motion. Passed unanimously.

Mayor Falk presented the resolution to Ms. Ellis, who has covered news in the City for the past seven years for The New Voice but has been forced to retire due to health reasons.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Council Member Simon moved the Council meet in Executive session for the purpose of discussing possible litigation and personnel; Council Member Tucci seconded. The Council met in Executive Session from 7:50 p.m. to 9:39 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT:

Council Member Smith moved adjournment; Council Member Milliman seconded; passed unanimously. Mayor Falk declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.


 

February 1998