One of the main topics at the Columbia City Council meeting Monday night was establishing a codes enforcement position and how to handle properties that have been abandoned.
A first reading to create the position was held, with the position consisting of 20-30 hours per week.
It will not be official until a second reading is approved.
The code enforcement officer is not a new position, but it had never been added as part of the city’s pay classification system. A city employee, Steven Baker, was paid a monthly amount to also serve in the position, but Baker recently resigned from the position.
The code enforcement officer is responsible for issuing letters, notifying citizens of violations, filing liens as well as several other responsibilities. Currently the position is vacant.
“We have been held up because of this code enforcement issue,” said City Attorney Mike Harris.
Council member Dr. Ronald Butch Rogers said he has received calls and messages about a property on Jamestown Street, and council member Hannah Peck said she has received complaints about a property on Clinton Street.
Council Member Rhonda Loy asked about the code enforcement officer signing off on the paperwork. Mayor Pam Hoots replied, “They will work with Mike Harris on the paperwork.”
Harris then went on to clarify that the code enforcement officer is expected to take the lead on filing legal action against landowners.
“The code enforcement officer needs to file liens on the property,” said Harris. Once a lien is filed, then a foreclosure process may begin, he added.
The city currently has plans to take action against three properties, which are estate properties so there will be more than one defendant in each case. The court will appoint a warrant attorney to locate the defendants. They will then return their findings to the court within 50 days.
If the property is forced into foreclosure, it will sell at a Master Commissioner sale. The city will be responsible for paying filing fees and all service fees.
Harris said the process would probably take two to three months before any action can be taken.
Annexation Gets First Reading
The council heard first reading on an ordinance to annex property owned by Vicky Pike into the city limits, a request which came from the property owner.
Pike owns property on the corner of south highway 61 and west highway 80 across from Walmart that is currently listed for sale.
Florence Brown, a commercial real estate agent with EXP Realty in Louisville, attended the meeting and is representing Pike in the sale.
Brown spoke about her analysis of the property and its potential for commercial development, but did not provide the selling price.
Brown said there is a confidentiality agreement and application process required for anyone wishing to negotiate to purchase the land.
Brown noted that Columbia’s population grew by 10 percent last year, which is higher than the national average. It is a prime area with a university, an airport, and a golf course in a small town setting.
Council Supports Fair
Also during the meeting, Rogers spoke to the council about supporting the Adair County Fair Association, which consists solely of volunteers.
“It’s very much a community event. It’s attended, and they are a nonprofit organization. Last year we put in $5,000, and I want to make a motion we give them $5,000 again this year. I would like to see us next year when we do the budget to put that in as an annual thing. But what I’m asking for tonight is that we give the Adair County Fair $5,000.”
Everyone agreed and the motion was approved.
A policy to update the city’s purchase procedure was given a first reading due to a change in Kentucky law. Anything over $40,000 must go through the bidding process.
Rogers asked for clarification on this ordinance.
“Do you have to go through the council if it’s $40,000 or under? If it isn’t in the budget, you can’t arbitrarily buy something that’s under $40,000?” he asked.
Mayor Hoots said that she only authorizes what is in the budget and anything else is always brought before the council for approval.
The council voted to advertise for a vehicle for the police department, a new ABC vehicle, construction of a salt storage building, and for remodeling restrooms at City Hall.
The airport board requested a vehicle from the city. The council voted unanimously to give them a surplus vehicle.
The council also voted to proceed with the paperwork necessary to receive funds from FEMA and to hire a group from Texas to help work on a grant. The grant is for $8 million and will be used to replace gas lines and other gas related projects.
Diana Withers was appointed to the Downtown Days committee.
Mig Feuser presented the mayor and council with a photographic print of the historic courthouse. The print presented was 1 of 100 signed copies.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
