At the top of the list was a request from Tri-City Heritage Development, represented by Paul Pratt.
"We need some assistance with our budget," Pratt said. The organization is requesting $15,000 to meet its needs for the next calendar year.
Though Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop said he couldn't guarantee that amount just yet, he said there is a good possibility that fiscal court "will fit it in" the budget. The organization will be a priority in next year's budget, Grieshop said.
Fiscal court members also addressed the concern of a lack of cell phone service throughout the county. Dan Mosley, special programs coordinator for fiscal court, said the lack of service is a major public safety issue. Mosley said Gov. Ernie Fletcher has encouraged several in the county to start a petition requesting more towers. And many are doing so the Clover Fork area, one of the areas most affected by a lack of service, has already collected around 2,500 signatures, Mosley said.
A motion was passed to seek a resolution that will support ConnectKentucky in placing a cell phone tower or towers as needed in the county.
Mosley also addressed the topic of constructing a turning lane on U.S. 119 at Coldiron to alleviate the high volume of traffic on an unsafe portion of the road. A motion was passed seeking a resolution that would be supported by the state.
"This would be good for anybody, not just Coldiron," said Fifth District Magistrate Jim Roark.
In other news:
-- Al Feher, commander of the Mountain Trail Post 5171 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Cumberland, requested new rain coats and boots for members performing military rites. Feher estimated about $75 for each member, but said the group would be pleased with just rain coats. "Since 1946 we've been performing we're still active. We need at least $600," said Feher. Grieshop said he would have an answer for Feher at the next fiscal court meeting.
-- Auburn Brooks was recognized as Recycler of the Year.
n A motion was passed to send a resolution to CSX, Congressman Hal Rogers and Sen. Mitch McConnell to address the flooding at Wallins and Molus due to debris.
-- Brent Wells of Codell Construction provided an update on the Harlan County Detention Center, informing members that he expects to have the building "roofed in two weeks."
-- Chris Allen, captain of the Harlan County Rescue Squad, was appointed as search and rescue coordinator for the county. Allen was also named the winner of the 1989 Ford pickup truck coin toss.
-- Raymond Cox was appointed to the Black Mountain Utility District Board, a four-year term, effective at Monday's meeting.
-- Grieshop was approved to sign all documents regarding the transfer of titles of real and personal properties in Benham and Lynch to the State Department of Parks. Those properties include the Mine Museum, Benham School House Inn, Portal No. 31, Lamphouse and Depot.
-- Members discussed a memorandum of agreement between the county, state and federal governments to continue to keep Harlan County a flood-proof area.
-- A motion was passed to accept the sheriff's audit for the year ending Dec. 31, 2004.
The fiscal court's next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. in the Fiscal Court Conference Room of the Harlan County Courthouse.
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