MOUNT WASHINGTON — The business of business licenses has been discussed many times by the city council in the past year. 

A newly-proposed ordinance may finally streamline that process, if approved by the council.

City attorney Thomas Hamilton presented the first reading of an ordinance to amend business license provisions.

As far as the changes, a person, non-profit or civic group could participate in four non-profit fundraising events each year without acquiring a business license, as well as special events with a property owner’s permission.

Peddler and antique mall owners would be required to obtain a business license at a cost of $75, while sellers pay a tax/license fee of $25. It would be the responsibility of the owners to provide the city a complete list of sellers.

Council member Layne Abell inquired about the inclusion of schools in the penalty section of the ordinance, wondering how a school building would be in violation of the ordinance.

Hamilton said the inclusion was part of the standard legalese, adding that he could look into updating that portion of the ordinance prior to the second reading.

Abell said if there was a reason that school would be in violation, the attorney could leave it within the ordinance.

A second reading and approval vote of the ordinance is scheduled for the city’s next meeting.

In other business:

- Mayor Stuart Owen shared photos and video of flooding issues occurring in the area of River Crest and Board Lane over the past month.

Owen said recent rainstorms were compared to a 100-year mark, but the old standards four such unique weather occurrences were unfortunately becoming more frequent.

The mayor said Public Works director Paul Brannon and city attorneys were checking into requiring larger basins and tiles for future city developments.

Brannon said the city was looking into various hydrologic methods. He said the city was looking into adding the SES methodology, which would require future developers to provide a study of a pre-developed site.

According to Brannon, rainfall concentration times would be calculated, allowing for a more proper analysis of water speed once the area in question would be developed to gain a better idea of the size of a retention site to collect it.

“We need to make the release rate match the development rate,” Brannon added. “We wanna make sure it doesn’t all add up downstream.”

Owen mentioned that one River Crest resident had an entire easement designation in their back yard.

Abell inquired about who provided the engineering work for proposed developments. Owen said the developers were required to submit plans to the city, which Brannon and city engineers would review.

As a suggestion for further regulation, Abell said some cities implemented impact fees.

- The council received a copy of a proposed ordinance to amend sections of the city’s garbage regulations.

Council member Troy Barr inquired about city trash collection bills, wondering why Mount Washington bills to Rumpke were higher than in Spencer County.

City treasurer Alice Harris mentioned that the city included recycling services, which likely allowed for the extra cost.

Meanwhile, council member Greg Gentry addressed concerns over the city’s regulations pertaining to the use of dumpsters in residential areas for business purposes.

Council member Sandra Hockenbury said residents could report a start date to the city when using a dumpster for remodeling purposes. The resident would have 14 days allowed without acquiring a permit.

At the end of the 14 days, Hockenbury said another 14 days must be officially requested through the city.

Gentry wanted to add a stipulation to the city ’s garbage regulation ordinance stating no dumpsters allowed in residential zones for business purposes.

The council unanimously agreed to table the ordinance proposal for further review.

- Evans Lane resident Joe Coulter asked the council to do something about lawn care service companies working late at night.

Gentry said the city had a noise ordinance but that it allowed the noise through 11 pm.

The council agreed to review the existing ordinance to discuss potential changes at the next meeting.

- Brannon mentioned that the city was looking at developing a fire hydrant maintenance program.

According to Brannon, the fire department supplied a list of city hydrants, with 69 of them featuring various issues. He said most of the issues were minor, with 14 fixed and one replaced thus far.

- Owen said a second traffic guard was hired to help constable Eric Sullivan with traffic issues at Eastside Middle School.

The mayor added that regulating traffic at Bullitt East High School would be more difficult with proximity to traffic lights at the nearby Highway 44 and Highway 31EX intersection, as well as construction beginning on a new turning lane in front of the school.

He said Phase One of the turning lane was scheduled to be completed in June.

- Abell inquired about the status of access to the Pleasant Grove pump station.

Hamilton spoke with Bullitt County Public Schools attorney Eric Farris. He said the attorneys and BCPS were working with the Kentucky Department of Education on a bypass lease.

- Council member Bruce Gooden inquired about the roundabout scheduled at N.Bardstown Road and Landis Lane.

Brannon said QK4, who will create the roundabout, was waiting for official notification from the state allowing the city to maintain Bardstown Road. Once acquired, a temporary light would be placed, followed by the construction.

- Council member Curt Hudson inquired about the timing of the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 44 East and Armstrong Lane.

Brannon said the city could contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to perform a study, as the lights are located on a state road.

Gentry mentioned that one of the traffic lights was hanging loose at the intersection, suggesting the state inspect it as a potential safety issue.

- Hockenbury said a committee of city officials and employees met with Dan Sowder to further discuss the city updates regarding ADA issues.

She said the committee may have a council report ready in upcoming weeks.

- The council addressed an issue of a motocross track near Auburn Estates.

Hamilton said the city would need to contact the county attorney regarding noise from the 12 acres being implemented.

- Barr mentioned that a drainage pipe placed at the Mount Washington Cemetery was now causing issues for locations across the street.

Brannon said the city might need to replace a pipe and would further investigate.

- The next Mount Washington City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Mar. 13, 6:30 pm, at Fick Hall. The public is invited to attend.