Council Preps For Tight Road Ahead

Members of the Brandenburg City Council approved several ordinances related to growth during their regular meeting Monday (3/13) night.

The council received and reviewed the fiscal year 2021-2022 audit reported presented by Sammy Lee, CPA at the beginning off the meeting. Lee told the council that his findings were a “clean opinion” for the city’s finances. He provided the council with an overview of some of the highlights of the 44 page audit report. After review, the council unanimously approved the audit report as presented.

Council members approved opening the sealed bids that were requested by Mayor Bryan Claycomb from local banks for the purpose of financing a new steer skid and a new police vehicle. The sealed bids from Cecilian Bank, Meade County Bank, Wesbanco were opened by the City Clerk Amy Haynes. The council approved the lowest bid from Meade County Bank for each of the purchases. Mayor Claycomb said financing each of the purchases would be a better way to manage the cash flow for the city over the next several years. Mayor Claycomb asked the council to approved a list of surplus property for to sold or discarded to reduce unusable items.

The council heard and approved the second reading of ordinances related to the garbage contractor agreement and the closure of the Green Street Alley. The council heard the first reading of ordinances to ensure proper timelines for requested annexation of property along the Bypass between Shamrock Road and Nelson Lane. The council previously conducted similar readings but ensure everything is order for the timing of the proposals. The council also heard a first reading of an ordinance to annex three tracts of property owned by the Argabright family adjacent to the The Station off of Broadway Street.

Mayor Claycomb informed the council any annexations for the city could be a short window due to pending efforts lead by the Kentucky Association of Counties. The organization seeks to place a moratorium on an annexations across the state, which will halt cities ability to grow tax bases for source of revenue and growth. Mayor Claycomb said that anyone who is close to the border of the city and would want the ability to have benefits of city utilities need to act quickly if the proposed measure is passed at the state level. He said the City of Brandenburg will not impose on any land owner, but will welcome anyone who requests to be annexed in to the city limits.

In departmental reports, Police Chief Brian Haag informed the council that a section of Main Street will be closed about 30 days, while planned construction begins on the downtown project. A detour will be setup to move traffic around the work area. The impacted residents and businesses will have limited access during the work. Traffic will resume to during the remainder of the work once the straightening of curve is completed.

Mayor Claycomb informed council members that a study has began to discuss issues with traffic flow and safety along the Bypass between Broadway and Old Ekron Road. He has met with State Transportation Cabinet and the property owners to begin the process of review and determine what solutions can be accomplished. The transportation officials’ have already begun reviewing accident data and speeds in the area. Data suggests at the moment that a traffic signal is not a viable solution as some have called for due the majority of accident on the Bypass occur at traffic signals. Other concerns are being addressed with property owners related other complaint and development issues that the city isn’t able to directly correct due to the issues are on private property.

In other business, the council approved a mowing bid from Lancaster Mowing Service. Public Works Director T.J. Hughes said that work is almost finished to fill in and slope the old sewer plant in Riverfront Park. Mayor Claycomb reported to the council that he has decided to proceed with a proposed water tower along Mooreman Road after further research. He said that the project would help the water system with pressure issues around the shopping center and the newly annexed property as the city expects growth around that area of town.

The next regular meeting of the Brandenburg City Council will be held on Monday, April 10. You can watch the entire meeting in our “On Demand” section.