BEREA — Mayor Steve Connelly announced Tuesday night that the city of Berea will begin considering suggestions provided by citizens concerning proposed utility rate adjustments.
Connelly said the city staged public forums Thursday of last week and Monday, fielding a number of suggestions to make city utility rates more equitable and conducive to energy conservation.
Recommendations included adopting a step-up rate that would encourage consumers to conserve electricity and water by increasing rates as consumption climbs. Other suggestions were maintaining a net metering program that would encourage citizens to adopt alternate sources of energy, and creating a fund that would pay for the distribution of energy-efficient compact florescent lights, energy audits of local homes, as well as public education about how to build more energy efficient homes.
“These are all very pertinent, important, long range ideas – food for thought,” said Connelly. “Council will be considering all of the suggestions in light of what proposals we have on the table, and what the consultants may advise. We’ll continue to work through this.”
The city had planned to pass a revised rate structure by July for the purpose of presenting rate adjustments to the Public Service Commission. However, some officials now suggest the city should take a more careful look at its options before another vote is taken.
“I think it’s too much information to make an intelligent decision,” said council member Denise Hagan. “It can’t be all things to all people, but we can at least make it more equitable.”
Adjusting rates to hastily could disproportionately impact lower-income residents, Hagan said.
In other business, the council:
· Passed an ordinance allowing the annexation of 134 acres of land on Possum Kingdom Road, which is across from the Tremont subdivision. The property is zoned agricultural, but Hagan said it will more than likely become a subdivision eventually, which the city’s infrastructure currently can’t support, Hagan said. “If we don’t have city services we can provide today, why should we annex?” Hagan said, noting that some residents on Short Line Pike had to wait nearly two years for city services after being annexed into the city.
· Heard a request from Gene Hardy, vice president of the Vineyard Neighborhood Association. Safety factors, along with a soon-to-be opened connection between Phase II and Phase III of the Vineyard Subdivision prompted Hardy to ask the council to consider lowering the speed limit in that neighborhood from 25 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour. Council member Chester Powell, who chairs the city’s Road Committee, said officials will visit the street and consider the proposal.
· Observed a ceremony in which officers from the Berea Police Department were honored by Madison County Youth in Action for their efforts in helping to reduce underage drinking in Madison County. Chief Dwayne Brumley, Capt. Ken Clark, Sgt. James Harris and Officer Adam Hall were honored for their contributions to the program. In addition, Jennifer Webb, director of Madison County Teen Court, introduced a public service video made by the team. The video will run on local cable television.
· Heard the first reading of a budget amendment for 2007-2008 mid-year budget. The adjustment was made because the previous amended budget did not reflect $3.3 million in bond revenues earmarked for construction of the Berea recreation park, said City Administrator Randy Stone.
· Voted to accept contributed sewer lines into the city in Vineyard Phase II at a value of $57,680, Gilbert Family Properties at a value of $25,264 and Gethsemane Baptist Church at a value of $22,072.
· Stone said Deweese Construction will begin work on the city park on Monday. Stone also said bids for the construction of sidewalks along KY 1016 have gone out.
· Council heard the first reading of an ordinance declaring a D-6 Dozer Caterpillar to be declared surplus for a trade-in at a value of $20,000.
Local News
Berea to consider citizen input on utility rate changes
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Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Kentucky’s deadline for filing to run for legislative seats was in flux on Monday because a judge did not immediately rule on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of newly redrawn district boundaries.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he expects to enter a ruling in the case by mid-week.
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A couple was hospitalized after their home was set ablaze Sunday by a spark from a cigar, according to a county fire official.
County Fire Chief Jim Cox said the city and county fire departments were called to the home at 111 Concord Road in the early afternoon. Waco Volunteer Fire Department and the Richmond Fire Department also responded.
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A Richmond country club is no longer offering dining to members, but remains available for catered events and will be open on certain holidays.
Arlington Country Club, which has been a staple of Eastern Kentucky University for the past 40 years, laid off all dining staff late last week, according to Tom Coffey of the EKU Foundation.
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A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
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Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
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(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
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Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
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For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. - More Local News Headlines
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