Council delays approval of plan to add pool to historic district home

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, 11:45 p.m. — The Bardstown City Council took the unusual step Tuesday night of delaying its usually routine approvals of the recommendations it receives from the Historic Review Board (HRB).

At the request of Councilman Fred Hagan, the council agreed to approve all of the HRB recommendations it had received with the exception of one — COA-15-57.

Councilman Roland Williams makes a point during Tuesday night’s Bardstown City Council meeting.

Ron Langdon, the applicant, and Julie Talbott, property owner, had requested approval from the Historic Review Board to make additions to the home at 202 S. Third St., which sits on the corner of South Third and West John Fitch. The applicants seeks to build a garage, a pool and a covered walkway that would connect the house and garage.

Hagan noted that the minutes of the review board indicated there was substantial discussion about the application, and the vote was split, 3 vote for approval, with 2 for denial.

“I would really like to hear all the discussion that went on,” Hagan told the council. “Apparently there was some disagreement on this and its a pretty big change with the pool and everything.”

The council will meet at 5 p.m Monday, Nov. 2 to reconsider action on the HRB’s recommendation. The delay will allow each of the council time to listen to the recording of the HRB’s discussions on the proposed changes.

WATER TREATMENT CONTRACT. The council approved a $27,800 contract with GRW to evaluate the water treatment processes and hardware now in operation treating the city’s water supply.

Councilwoman Kecia Copeland asks a question during Tuesday’s meeting.

GRW will conduct a preliminary study that will lead to additional proposals for improvements to the water treatment plant.

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD. The council held first reading of a revised ordinance that establishes a city code enforcement board. The ordinance had been previously been before the council, but the revised ordinance includes a fine schedule that includes the proper references to the city’s ordinances.

FIREFIGHTER COMPENSATION PLAN. The council also held first reading on a revised classification and compensation plan.

After Councilwoman Kecia Copeland raised questions about firefighters taking pay cuts in order to insure funding for the expanded fulltime fire department, the pay grades and job descriptions were modified and brought back to the council for approval.

NEXT UP. The council will hold a special-called meeting on Monday, Nov. 2 to discuss the approval the Historic Review Board recommendation that was tabled at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

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