Albany City Council and the Clinton County Industrial Development Authority held separate, and brief, regular meetings last Monday evening and Thursday morning, respectively at city hall and the IDA-Welcome Center.

Albany City Council:

The city council met Monday evening at city hall in the absence of Mayor Nicky Smith and two councilmen, Tony Delk and Leland Hicks, as some were absent due to sickness.

Councilwoman Tonya Thrasher was chosen once again to chair the brief meeting in the mayor’s absence and the agenda was short.

Thrasher reminded residents that the annual Christmas at Home food and toy drive was still underway and on the Bald Rock water tank project which was recently approved by the state, the city is continuing putting together funds to erect the new tank in hopes of alleviating low water pressure to residents in that area.

She also reminded the council of the annual city employee Christmas dinner, which was held last Thursday, December 8 at the Fairgrounds Building.

Clinton District Judge Mike Lawson then conducted a swearing-in ceremony for three of the council members who were re-elected last month, including Tonya Thrasher, Frankie Stockton and Steve Lawson.

Judge Lawson gave a quick overview of the swearing in oath as stated in the constitution, also giving the history as to why all new lawmakers have to swear “never having fought a duel” is in Kentucky’s law.

The judge also presented certificates to each of the council members in appreciation to their dedication and service to the citizens.

Prior to adjourning, councilman Brad Thrasher, who served one term and did not seek re-election, congratulated all the members who were elected to serve on the council, wishing luck and success and also thanked the citizens for giving him the opportunity to serve on the council.

The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, January 3 at 5 p.m. at Albany City Hall and is open to the general public.

Industrial Authority Board:

The Clinton County IDA board held its regular meeting Thursday morning, December 8 at the IDA-Welcome Center with five members on hand, dealing with primarily promotional type discussions.

The board first accepted the resignation of Randy Speck, who resigned because a full-time radio position hampered his time to serve and attend meetings. The board then recognized newly appointed board member David Reeves, who was attending his first meeting after being appointed to the board by the fiscal court earlier this year.

After voting to pay claims and bills and approving the IDA expenditure report, they voted unanimously to make their annual donation of $800 to Project Graduation.

They also briefly discussed some rules and regulations in the IDA by-laws pertaining to the loan process to perspective clients.

Board member Penny Jo Stearns then suggested the board come up with some standard type informational packet that could be given to industrial or business prospects that may be interested in locating in the county.

Board members briefly discussed the type of information that should be included in such a packet, such as infrastructure, facts about the county such as population, listing of area recreation areas and restaurants, etc.

Board Chairman Jim Soma recommended creating a committee to work on putting together such a packet and board member Keith McWhorter made a motion to form a committee to put together an Industrial/Business promotional packet. The committee will be made up of McWhorter, Stearns and Glenn Ray Smith.

Finally, after a brief discussion, also pertaining to promoting the county, they voted unanimously to share the cost–up to $700–with the Tourism Commission and Chamber of Commerce to set up a promotional booth at the Louisville Board and RTV show the last full weekend in January. The cost will pay for the booth and hotel rooms for those who go to Louisville to man the booth.

The next regular meeting of the Clinton County Industrial Authority is scheduled for the second Thursday in February at 11 a.m. at the IDA-Welcome Center. IDA meetings are open to the general public.