Hopkinsville City Council approves proposed budgets

 Hopkinsville City Council approved the first readings of the city’s proposed capital and operational budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.during tonight's meeting.

Chief Financial Officer, Robert Martin went into detail about the proposed operational budget.

Martin spoke about the city’s proposed capital budget and describes some of the expenses included in the budget.

In other business, council members authorized Mayor Dan Kemp to sign a settlement agreement and release between the City of Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility and CSX Transportation in the amount of $90,000 with $25,000 to be retained by the City and the remaining $65,000 to paid to Surface and Stormwater Utility.

Sometime before April 12^th, 2011 a storm drain pipe located on 14^th Street collapsed, causing flooding to adjacent property owners.

City officials claimed the damaged pipe was owned by CSX Transportation, while officials with the transportation company maintained the collapsed pipe was city property.

Council members also approved the first reading of a salary schedule ordinance, to reflect a 2 percent cost of living allowance for city employees.
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Hopk. City Council tables first reading of smoking ban ordinance

Hopkinsville City Council decided tonight to table the first reading of the proposed smoking ban ordinance, which has been a hot topic for the past several months with residents who oppose the ordinance saying a government body should not dictate how a business operates.

Councilwoman Ann Cherry made the motion to exempt businesses with less than 12 employees with the motion passing on a 6 to 5 vote with Council members Peggy Everett, Phillip Brooks, Kimberly McCarley, Don Ahart and Charlie Henderson voting against it.

Mayor Dan Kemp says he is unsure whether or not he could support the ordinance as amended.

Mayor Kemp says council members will have another opportunity during the August 23^rd Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss and express their concerns about the proposed smoking ban ordinance.

During the public comments portion of tonight’s meeting several residents stated that they were not in favor of the proposed smoking ban, while a lone resident stated he supported the ordinance because he says it supports healthy living.
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Officials gearing up for Dinner by the River fundraiser

Officials with the Jeffers Bend Steering Committee are inviting the public to enjoy a catered meal under the stars at Jeffers Bend Park later this month.

Committee member Matt Snorton says this year’s menu for the annual Dinner by the River fundraising event will feature many southern delights.    

                                            
Mr. Snorton says the event is a great way for residents to enjoy a meal in a beautiful setting, while supporting a good cause.

In addition to entertainment provided by the Alonzo Pennington Band, guests will have a chance to bid on various items during a silent auction.

Dinner by the River at Jeffers Bend is scheduled to take place Saturday, June 23^rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact 270-885-5600.
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KSP addressing recent spike in traffic fatalities on state roadways

Kentucky State Police have implemented a multi-faceted approach to help reduce the increasing number of fatalities on Kentucky roadways.

State Troopers have kicked off Operation Blue lights, a summer enforcement campaign that’s designed to raise awareness about unsafe driving behavior.

State Troopers will be using high visibility patrols in crash corridors and will continue to conduct safety check points and will also be educating the public about safe driving.

KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer says distracted driving is the number one cause of crashes in the Commonwealth and it has deadly consequences.

State Police created a checklist that will be distributed to drivers at safety check points with information about getting their vehicles road ready for summer travel. 

As of Sunday, Kentucky recorded over 49,000 crashes which resulted in 305 deaths and over 9,000 traffic related injuries.

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Residents sign petition to oppose proposed smoking ban

Over a thousand Hopkinsville residents allegedly signed a petition to oppose Mayor Dan Kemp’s proposed amended smoking ban ordinance.

During a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, Committee Chairman and Ward 12 Councilman Phillip Brooks says the signatures have not been certified and that several people who signed the document don’t live within city limits.

Councilman Brooks says he previously opposed the ban because he doesn’t believe a government entity should be able to dictate how a business operates and wished local business owners would be open to expressing their opinions about the proposed ban.

However, Councilman Brooks says if his constituents expressed their support of the ban, he will vote accordingly.



City Council will be discussing and voting on the 1^st reading of the proposed smoking ban ordinance tonight at council chambers.
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