Albany City Council met in regular session last Tuesday, April 2, with a couple of presentations being made about downtown events coming up on Kentucky Derby Day in May.
All council members were on hand for the half-hour meeting.
The Fire Recovery Agreement was briefly discussed under old business, with it being noted that training for handling the paperwork process to start the program of billing insurance companies through the fire department  to get the program operating would be the first step.
A spokesman for Albany Masonic Lodge #206 then addressed the council about a fundraising event they are planning for the community in downtown Albany on Saturday, May 4–the day of the annual “fastest minute in sports,” the Kentucky Derby.
The lodge is putting together a “Cruise-In on the Square” on that date, featuring a car and truck show.
It was noted that during part of the day, primarily late morning through early evening, there may be the necessity to close a portion of some city streets.
Lodge members noted there would also be food vendors at the event, with currently at least three committed to be on hand. They also noted that if the event were successful, they may make it an annual show.
Councilman Reed Sloan made a motion to close off part of East Jefferson Street near First & Farmers Bank and a portion of West Cumberland Street during the day for the event. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Renee York and passed unanimously.
Apparently parking will be available at the Foothills Festival parking lot and cars and trucks in the show will be parked around the downtown square and courthouse.
Wendy Holden, representing the Hometown Revitalization organization, then addressed the council with some questions pertaining to different issues.
Holden first inquired about the status of the new Nuisance Ordinance complaint forms the council had approved back in October 2023.
Apparently three had been filed with the city.
Councilman Junior Gregory told Holden that one of the complaints involved a dog problem, which was not under city control (but apparently Animal Control). Another complaint dealt with property not in the city limits–and it was noted that had been checked out–and on the third, he answered, “Yes, we need to send a letter to the property owner.”
The council agreed to have City Attorney Jeff Hoover send a letter pertaining to the complaint and also start the process of sending other letters out to help enforce the ordinance.
Albany Mayor James Bray said there have been some warning letters sent and more to be sent out.
Holden also questioned if there were any updates about the retaining wall at Albany Cemetery, as to whether the organization would be allowed to beautify it at some point. However, no further information since the last meeting had been obtained.
Finally, Holden asked if the planter boxes not in flower beds could be part of the beautification process of painting or wrapping electrical boxes around the city.
Street Department Supervisor Brooks Ferguson told Holden he would have to look at them and see if they could be included.
On the issue of beautifying the city area, Mayor Bray questioned ways to water the plants around the poles on the square.
Ferguson said in the past they would not grow because of the summer heat, but they would try watering them again.
The mayor again noted he would also like to see more lights placed around the square to enhance the city’s appearance.
Sarah Browning, with the Clinton County Community Foundation, then addressed the council about an event that organization is planning referred to as “Downtown Derby Day,” which also coincides with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4.
Browning said several community events for all ages were being planned, including a race for kids. She said she also came before the council to request the closing of some streets for that event on Derby Day.
Since the Albany Lodge and Community Foundation events are being planned on the same day, both organizations should work together, which would make it an even bigger draw for more people.
Both groups agreed to work together, yet keep each event separate for their organizations.
Following the presentations and public comments, Mayor Bray noted that two water intake pumps were in need of maintenance and noted that a pump on one and motor on another that are working could be “switched out” to make the repairs to both.
He noted there would need to be a budget amendment made soon to accommodate the cost of the repairs to the pumps.
The council then voted on a resolution for Joiner Agreement/Kentucky Public Employees Referred Compensation Authority, which City Clerk/Treasurer Melissa Smith said a lot of employees were not participating.
Albany Assistant Police Chief Wayne Glover noted it was like “playing the stock market.”
It was noted, however, that the resolution was needed to make payroll deductions for city employees in the program.
A motion was made by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilwoman York, to approve the resolution, with all members voting in favor.
Prior to adjourning the meeting, Mayor Bray requested everyone in attendance to stand for a moment of silence in remembrance of Chastian McWhorter, the Albany resident who lost his life the previous day in a tragic accident in Garrard County.
McWhorter, an ambulance driver for the Somerset-Pulaski County Ambulance Service, was killed in the accident while on duty.
The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, at 5 p.m.