Council votes to abolish water board on unanimous vote;

LOUISA, Ky. -- What started out as a nomination to fill a vacancy on the Louisa Water Board ended up being an abolishment of the board.

Discussion took a quick turn when Louisa Mayor Teddy Preston made a nomination to fill the vacancy during the Louisa City Council meeting Tuesday night.

Preston nominated Ben Wellman who previously had a seat on the commission. City council member Gloria Johnson said she wanted to nominate Jeff Kinser, another former member of that commission.

However, councilman Brad Stark spoke up and said he wanted to see the commission abolished altogether because in the past year the council has been asking for answers to the same questions and cannot not get answers from the commission.

Holly Nicholas"I think they should be abolished until we get this matter with the Big Sandy Water District resolved," Stark said.

Stark was referring to questions the council has as to why the Louisa Water Company was selling Big Sandy Water District water at a wholesale price while consumers inside and outside the city limits were paying high dollar after several rate increases.

"We have asked questions since last year and still haven't gotten answers and I think that it would be better to have the water issues dealt with by us instead of the appointed commission.

Louisa City Attorney Eldred 'Bud' Adams told the council they were within their rights to abolish the commission but advised them that abolishing the commission could not be a temporary thing and if they ever wanted to re-establish the commission there would have to be a new ordinance made up.

"I will tell you this is a political matter and would need to have two readings and if you do this, it is your baby," Adams said.

Numerous costly mistakes by the city have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and court costs and water bills that are steadily climbing.

Private waterworks consultant Holly Nicholas attempted to explain to Stark that BSWD could choose to buy their water elsewhere and told the council that that water company is bringing in $236,000 for the 91 million gallons it purchases from Louisa Water Company last year.

"If you allow this to happen the consumers you have here will have to make up that money with more rate increases," Nichols said.

But abolishing the water board would not effect the situation, Stark has said. And if BSWD does not decide to use the processed city water, the city water department could combine with the county to maintain the customers BSWD  now has. "There are several alternatives," Stark said.

Preston snapped at Stark saying that he wasn't sure if Stark was for Louisa or against Louisa when paying bills.

"If you don't know where I stand maybe you should pay attention," Stark said.

The council unanimously voted for Adams to go ahead and get the ball rolling on repealing the ordinance for the water commission.

Mayor Preston said he did not know why the council wants to abolish the commission and said he planned to veto it. The veto power of a mayor of a 5th class city is very limited and Adams said last week that he was not sure what those powers are.

See additional story about Tuesday meeting HERE

Three Rivers Medical Center Celebrates National Hospital

Week; Mayor Preston signs proclamation...

Louisa Mayor Teddy Preston signing, and TRMC's Adam Cruse (CFO), Greg Kiser (CEO), and Cathy Heston (CNO)Louisa, KY -- Ask local hospital employees why they chose their health care profession, and you’ll likely hear about their passion for helping others or the rewards of making a difference; you won’t hear that the reason was their desire for recognition or public accolades. The contributions of health care employees often go unnoticed by the general public, but are evident every day in the success stories of the patients they serve and in the quality of care they give to their community.
 

National Hospital Week, May 12-18, 2013, celebrates the history, medical advances, and dedicated professionals who make up the health care industry. This year’s recognition theme is A Guiding Light for Changing Times. Sponsored by the National Hospital Association, National Hospital Week began in 1921 to build a culture of open communication between hospitals and the communities they serve.
 

“A strong and vibrant health care system is the heart and soul of a community,” says Greg Kiser, CEO.  “All of our staff members contribute to the well-being of the people who live and work in the area providing health education, routine and lifesaving medical care, and access to the latest medical advances. We’re proud to be a part of this community.”

Various events are being planned to honor and recognize the tireless efforts of all staff members. These events include afternoon snacks, employee staff appreciation day and an employee awards banquet.   Each employee will also be presented with a gift of appreciation as part of the hospital week activities.  

Three Rivers Medical Center is a 90-bed, acute care facility.  It is accredited by The Joint Commission.  TRMC offers cardiology, general/bariatric surgery, orthopedics, urology, gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, podiatry, 24-hour emergency care, diagnostic radiology, sleep lab, rehabilitative services and mental health.
www.threeriversmedicalcenter.com

Foreign exchange students topic at Rotary

President-elect Aaron Sink

President Chris Jobe opened Thursday's Rotary meeting with a few brief announcements including the approval of a $500 donation to LCHS for the after prom party Saturday night.

President-elect, Aaron Sink then took the floor and spoke to the members about the youth exchange program.  Presently, there are five students in the program, three girls and two boys, from the countries of Spain, Germany, Japan, Belgium, and Mexico.  A student from Russia is expected, but no information is available at this time.  "All the students are strong in English, and come from good families." Said Sink.  If you are interested in becoming a host family, you may contact the club at louisarotary.com, or Facebook.

Rotary clubs across the country recently took a membership satisfaction survey, and Sink said that 85% of responses were favorable. "Twenty categories received a 100% satisfaction rating." He said.  The one thing members said they would like to see more of is international projects.  

One of the major fundraisers for the Louisa Rotary Club is the golf tournament coming up May 18, at Eagle Ridge Golf Course, at Yatesville Lake.
An upcoming project is "Shoes for Orphan Souls, " a shoe drive for kids.  For more information, visit the rotary club online.

After announcing that there will be no meeting next Thursday, but will resume May 16, Jobe adjourned the meeting.