Fiscal Court Recap: Over $30K In Repairs, Improvements Coming to Courthouse and Community Center, Entertainment Venue Requirement Passes

Darren Doyle, story:
There were no visitors at Monday night's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting other than county personnel and a relative or two.

Few items appeared on the agenda, which resulted in a short meeting.

The first item for which magistrates cast their votes was to approve a bid for the Community Center exterior paint project that was first advertised a couple weeks ago. Several bids were received with prices ranging from $15K all the way over $100K.

The bid was awarded to Jack Carroll Barn Painting in the amount of $17,200. The Tennessee-based company also included a full pressure wash to the exterior and assured the court that the work would be completed before Christmas. The vote awarding the bid passed unanimously.

Another item of business discussed was the repair of water damage that was sustained at the Courthouse, specifically in the PVA's office. There had been an apparent gutter problem that had been diverting water back towards the Courthouse which had fallen down through the wall and under the floor. Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said it was unknown how long the damage had been occurring.

Bids were received by both Servpro and SKY Restoration DKI in the amounts of approx. $15K and $21K, respectively.  Magistrates voted to award the bid to Servpro.

An additional item of business was discussed, regarding Edmonson County's requirements for businesses deemed places of Entertainment.

The discussion first arose when local residents attended a fiscal court meeting in May of this year in opposition to activities that had taken place at a local ATV park. Alleged noise and various events at the park has drawn harsh criticism from those in the Lincoln community for several years.

At the time, County Attorney Adam Turner stated that KRS required Edmonson County to enforce entertainment permits, which the county has never done. He also said the permits have a list of state requirements that when enforced, would likely result in fewer complaints and issues.

At yesterday's meeting, the court voted to approve a letter that would be sent to any and all known Edmonson County businesses that would fall under the guidelines of a place of entertainment.

According to KRS 231.010, As used in this chapter, "place of entertainment" means a roadhouse, place offering intoxicating or nonintoxicating drinks for sale, tourist camp or place of public entertainment at which people assemble to eat, drink, dance, bathe, or engage in any game or amusement, or any place having therein or thereon any person engaging in the practice of being a medium, clairvoyant, soothsayer, palmist, phrenologist, spiritualist, or like activity, or one who, with or without the use of cards, crystal ball, tea leaves, or any other object or device, engages in the practice of telling the fortune of another; but this last clause shall not be construed to apply to persons pretending to tell fortunes as part of any play, exhibition, fair or amateur show presented or offered by any religious, charitable, or benevolent institution.

Temporary entertainment venues such as carnivals and fairs, among others, are not included in the statute.

The letter would require all entertainment venues to request a permit for the fee of $20, and includes other requirements.

The letter also includes requirements for places of entertainment, according to KRS 231.110, regarding conduct. No person who has been granted a permit shall allow: (1) Drunken, disorderly, or boisterous persons, or persons of lewd or lascivious reputation to congregate in or about the premises; (2) People to congregate there for immoral or unlawful purposes or to permit any man or woman who are not married to each other to occupy any cabin, cottage, or secreted room or place from which the view of the public is excluded; (3) The premises to be used as a place of assemblage or entertainment at later hours than those which are stated in the permit or recorded on the order book of the county judge/executive; (4) Engaging in fortune-telling at any location except that specifically stated in his permit; (5) Engaging in fortune-telling without first posting in a conspicuous place, both inside and outside the premises at which he is authorized to engage in fortune-telling, and without first filing with the county clerk of the county in which the premises are located, a schedule showing in detail the fees charged for readings, predictions, and services of any nature.

The full letter is published below:

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In addition, magistrates also voted to:

• Schedule Finance Committee Meeting for Fee Officials Budgets.
• Approve 2025/2026 Kentucky Board of EMS Grant Program Application.
• Reappoint Lisa Sanders to Ambulance Board for a 2 year term, effective 1/1/2025 and expiring 12/31/2026.
• Appoint Robin Rigdon to Ambulance Board for a 2 year term, effective 1/1/2025 and expiring 12/31/2026.
• Acknowledge BGWC October Shelter Directors Report.
• Approve November Cash Transfers.
• Approve Ordinance EC24-34, Solar Energy System Installations.
• Approve Sheriff’s Quarterly Report, pending final audit.

The next Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 9th at 4PM.