Magistrates approve trailer purchase, hear proposed pension resolution
Judge Executive Dean Watts talks with interim Nelson County Sheriff Mike Newton. Newton formerly served as Nelson County Sheriff, and was asked to serve until the winner of the May primary is selected. Watts said he will appoint the primary winner to serve the rest of the year as sheriff. The deadline to file to be a candidate on the May ballot is 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018.
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018 — Nelson Fiscal Court welcomed the New Year with brevity — the court’s first meeting of 2018 lasted less than 30 minutes.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAILER. The court approved the purchase of a new 35-ton capacity equipment trailer to transport the county’s heavy equipment.
Kaufman Trailer was the low bidder at $34,655. Before approving the purchase, the magistrates discussed the need to spend the money to replace an existing trailer.
Magistrate Keith Metcalfe cast the single vote against the purchase, and said a variety of reasons factored into his vote.
Magistrate Keith Metcalfe questioned the need to buy a new heavy equipment trailer to replace an existing one.
Metcalfe questioned the necessity of replacing a working trailer, and if the county used the trailers enough to justify replacing one. The new trailer has a drop deck which lowers the bed of the trailer and improves the safety of the loading operation.
One of the county’s mechanics also drives the truck and trailer rig, and using the trailer takes him away from his regular job, Metcalfe explained.
Metcalfe suggested the county hire a contractor to move the county’s heavy equipment when necessary. County Engineer Brad Spalding said the county uses the trailers at least once a month for equipment hauling.
Magistrate Jerry Hahn ended the discussion with a motion to purchase the trailer from Kaufman Trailer, apparent low bidder. The magistrates approved the purchase 4 votes to 1.
The trailer that was replaced was purchased years ago for $15,000, and should be worth approximately half that value or more, Spalding said.
Don Thrasher of High Grove presented the court with a draft resolution for their review regarding pension reform.
PENSION RESOLUTION PROPOSAL. Don Thrasher, the High Grove man who said he will run as a Republican for the office of Nelson County judge executive, presented the court with a proposed resolution regarding pension reform.
Thrasher’s resolution — “The Sheriff Ed Mattingly Pension Reform Statement” resolution — cites Mattingly’s decision to retire in the wake of possible changes to his pension benefit during this year’s General Assembly.
The resolution calls on the General Assembly to honor the pension commitments it has to existing law enforcement officers, and to insure any pension plan changes would exempt current and retired law enforcement officers.
LAWSUIT SETTLED. The list of bills the court approved paying Tuesday also included repaying Thrasher his costs for filing the lawsuit he filed against Judge Executive Dean Watts.
The lawsuit alleged that Watts exceeded his authority by renaming the section of the old Louisville Road on which Thrasher lives. Earlier this year, Watts issued an executive order naming that section of road Salt River Road. In his lawsuit, Thrasher also accused Watts of official misconduct.
Metcalfe and Magistrate Sam Hutchins review documents prior to the start of Tuesday’s meeting of Nelson Fiscal Court.
Watts announced the lawsuit was settled at the court’s Dec. 19 meeting. As part of the settlement, both parties will ask the Kentucky Attorney General’s opinion regarding Watts’ authority to rename the road. Both have agreed to abide by the attorney general’s decision.
GARBAGE PICKUP. Due to the Monday holiday, this week’s garbage pickup will be delayed one day. Friday’s routes will be run on Saturday.
County Engineer Brad Spalding said the extreme cold temperatures affect the trucks, and sometimes delay or slow collection along garbage routes.
Spalding said the county road department has been grading down the shoulders on some county roads. High shoulders prevent the roads from draining properly, and this time of year, ponding water freezes and creates slick spots on the road surface.
In other business, the court:
— heard a report from Watts that the court will take time to discuss the repairs needed for the fire damage at the small home on the Wickland estate at the next meeting.
— with EMS Director Joe Prewitt absent, the court will review ambulance bids at the Jan. 16 fiscal court meeting.
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