(Owensboro) – Daviess County Fiscal Court will pursue a grant through the Kentucky Pride Fund for a new compost screening machine at the West Daviess County Landfill.
“About 10 years ago, the County decided to apply for more Pride grants,” said David Smith, Director of Legislative Services. “At the time, we were only applying for the recycling grant to get roll-off dumpsters to handle recycled material.”
The Kentucky Pride Fund is supported by a $1.75 tax on every ton of trash that enters the Landfill.
“We have recently been trying to get more of that money back, it’s sitting in Frankfort,” Smith added.
The County started a Household Hazardous Waste Day. And the Solid Waste Department is also working to upgrade the composting facility.
Grant funds were used to purchase a new SCARAB compost turner in 2020. Fiscal Court will apply through the same program for a new screening machine.
Smith said the existing screen is over 22 years old and it’s difficult to repair, as parts are hard to find.
The cost of replacement is estimated at $300,000, with the County providing 25 percent of the cost or $60,000. The grant funds would cover the remaining portion.
Renovation of Tax Collection Office
Fiscal Court approved a design services contract with Axiom Architecture.
Axiom will work on drawings for the renovation of the tax collection office. The renovation will correct layout issues and improve storage space for the sheriff’s office.
An added project would address the electrical capacity of the Courthouse, improving ventilation in the southwest wing of the building.
Assistant Treasurer Jordan Johnson said the renovation must be complete prior to the end of August, allowing the sheriff’s office enough time to prepare for the tax season.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Fiscal Court had the second reading and passage of three zoning text amendments for the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission (OMPC).
The first two amendments concern accessory structures and swimming pools in Article III of the zoning ordinance. The final text amendment to Article VIII and Article XIV relates to solar energy systems.
[Previous Story: Fiscal Court Hears Proposed Zoning Text Amendments]
Administrative Code Amendment
Fiscal Court approved an administrative code amendment related to obtaining a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Treasurer Jim Hendrix explained the requirement to obtain a CDL has changed, as drivers must participate in a four-week training course.
Fiscal Court will pay the cost for an employee to take the test one time. The code amendment outlines how long an employee must stay with the County to avoid any reimbursement for the course.
Miscellaneous
Fiscal Court approved a resolution on Fair Housing for Owensboro Regional Recovery.
The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) will administer the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Owensboro Regional Recovery.
An intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. Marshal’s Service has been modified with added language on video teleconferencing, voter registration, body cameras, restrictive housing, and suicide prevention.
Fiscal Court approved facility use agreements for the Owensboro Sportscenter, St. Martin’s Parish Hall, and St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Hall. These sites will be utilized as polling locations during the primary election.
A new rate schedule includes an adjustment to the price of ammunition at the Daviess County Gun Club to $8 a box.
Fiscal Court awarded bids for rebuild exchange wheels and track chains for two pieces of equipment at the Landfill, along with a new geosynthetic liner to be used in cell construction.
The developer of Collyns-Estates subdivision requested the release of surety bonds for water mains, fire hydrants, and the sanitary sewer system.
Personnel
Fiscal Court approved the hiring of eight Seasonal Park Attendants upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings.
- Conrad Kimball
- Blake Kimball
- Jayden Bickett
- Larry Worth
- Brandon Mitchell
- Steve Nazaruk
- Alfred McPherson
- Ricky Roberts
Recognition
Commissioner Charlie Castlen recognized the Apollo High School Dance Team for winning a series of state and national competitions. Judge-Executive Al Mattingly also mentioned the Owensboro Rampage youth hockey team, which won a third straight title last weekend.
Next Meeting
Fiscal Court will meet again on Tuesday, March 22 at 5 p.m. with a live stream available on Facebook. To attend the meeting in person, please call 270-685-8424 and reserve a spot.
Upcoming Event
The Free Paper Shredding Collection Event is set for Friday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Owensboro Sportscenter. All Daviess County residents, businesses, and institutions may participate with a limit of 100 lb. per person. Piranha Mobile Shredding will collect the documents for destruction.
