Quick Link Archives from 2009
LaGrange Weather Enthusiast Keeps Site Updated (Courier-Journal, 30 December 2009)
Stormwater District Plans to Reduce Rate (Courier-Journal, 23 December 2009)
Brentwood Construction Starts Despite Pending Lawsuit (Courier-Journal, 2 Dec 2009)
New Lights, Improved Sidewalks in LaGrange (Courier-Journal, 2 Dec 2009)
LaGrange Was a Growing Trade Center in the 1880's (Courier-Journal, 2 Dec 2009)
Oldham County Parks Plan Foundation (Courier-Journal, 1 Dec 2009)
Work Resumes on Harrods Creek Bridge (RoundAbout, December 2009)
LaGrange Prayer Trail Offers Quiet Haven (RoundAbout, November 2009)
Oldham County Saddle Club Forms (RoundAbout, November 2009)
Challenges Face Oldham County Schools (Oldham Era Op-Ed, November 5, 2009)
Oldham County Water District Proposes 28 Percent Increase (Oldham Era, 22 October 2009)
KIPDA Highway Plans Approved (Courier-Journal, 22 Oct 2009)
Westport Cabin Lovingly Rebuilt (Courier-Journal, 21 Oct 2009)
LaGrange Warehouse Remade for Events (Courier-Journal, 21 Oct 2009)
Oldham County History Center Hosting Lectures (Courier-Journal, 15 Oct 2009)
Fiscal Court May Look Into Business Incentives (Courier-Journal, 14 Oct 2009)
Oldham Sewer Refinancing (Courier-Journal, 14 Oct 2009)
Oldham Water Bills to Rise (Courier-Journal, 13 Oct 2009)
Paul Upchurch: Continuing a Tradition of Excellence (Oldham Era, October 8, 2009)
Schools Have Action Plan to Improve CATS Scores (Courier-Journal, 30 September 2009)
Doug Wampler: Question School District Like Any Tax Entity (Oldham Era, September 24, 2009)
District Rehires Dismissed Teachers (Courier-Journal, 2 September 2009)
Glenview Committee Developing Preservation Strategy (Courier-Journal, 2 September 2009)
Morgan Conservation Park has Room to Grow (Courier-Journal, August 26, 2009)
Schools Maintain Tax Rate (Oldham Era, August 27, 2009)
Learning Capacity Stretched in Oldham County Schools (Oldham Era, August 27, 2009)
Louisville's First Conservation Subdivision (Courier-Journal, August 14, 2009)
Strapped Counties Snap Up Parkland (Washington Post, August 13, 2009)
Oldham Reserve Considered Long Term Project (RoundAbout, August Edition)
Council to Try to Keep Downtown Rail Crossings (Courier-Journal, July 15, 2009)
Historic Westport Schoolhouse Spared (Oldham Era, July 14, 2009)
Oldham County Parks at their Peak (Oldham Era, July 14, 2009)
Gish Announces Candidacy (Oldham Era, July 14, 2009)
Murner will Not Run for Reelection (Courier-Journal, July 7, 2009)
Horse Cents (Oldham Era, June 24, 2009)
Spring Run Horse Trials (U.S. Eventing Blog, June 26, 2009)
The Story of Buckner (Courier-Journal, June 24 2009)
Part of Commerce Parkway Trail is Finished (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Fiscal Court Adopts Budget (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Oldham County Schools Lay Off Spokeswoman (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Hamlet Born at Crossroads Vanished (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Crestwood Artist Luce Captures Patriot March on Canvas (RoundAbout, May 2009)
Oldham Reserve May Have a Developer (Courier-Journal, May 20, 2009)
Horse Cents (Oldham Era, June 24, 2009)
Spring Run Horse Trials (U.S. Eventing Blog, June 26, 2009)
The Story of Buckner (Courier-Journal, June 24 2009)
Part of Commerce Parkway Trail is Finished (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Fiscal Court Adopts Budget (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Oldham County Schools Lay Off Spokeswoman (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Hamlet Born at Crossroads Vanished (Courier-Journal, June 24, 2009)
Crestwood Artist Luce Captures Patriot March on Canvas (RoundAbout, May 2009)
Oldham Reserve May Have a Developer (Courier-Journal, May 20, 2009)
Smithsonian Exhibit at Oldham County History Center (RoundAbout, May 2009)
Water District Gets Loan for Upgrades in Westport (Courier-Journal, May 20, 2009)
Nature Fest Promotes Nature, Community (RoundAbout, May 2009)
Tourism Helps County Without Taxation (RoundAbout, April, 2009)
CATS Loses its Ninth Life (Oldham Era, April 16, 2009)
Zippy Trains Once Linked Suburbs (Courier-Journal, April 15, 2009)
County to Receive $1.5 million in Stimulus Funds (Courier-Journal, April 8, 2009)
Pewee Valley Considers Scenic Corridor Design Guidelines (Oldham Era, March 5, 2009)
Pewee Valley Named Tree City USA Community (Oldham Era, March 5, 2009)
St. Francis' New Building to Capture Spirit of 'doing Things Differently (Courier-Journal, March 4, 2009)
Brownsboro Master Plan Nearly Final (Courier-Journal, March 4, 2009)
County is Aging Like the Nation (Courier-Journal, February 18, 2009)
Oldham County Applies for Park and Ride Grant (Courier-Journal, February 4, 2009)
County, Prison Plan Land Swap (Courier-Journal, February 4, 2009)
Update From School Superintendent (Courier-Journal, January 28, 2009)
LaGrange Faces Lawsuit Over Development (Courier-Journal, January 14, 2009)
County to Send Stormwater Utility Fees (Courier-Journal, January 14, 2009)
Westport "Mayor" a Friend in Deed ( Courier-Journal, January 14, 2009)
Oldham's New Library a Literacy Lodge (Oldham Era, January 14, 2009)
Oldham County Had Some Farms--Where Did They Go? (Oldham Era, January 7, 2009)
Quick Link Archives from 2008
Shelby County Growth Challenges (Courier-Journal, Dec 26, 2008)
Home Sales Down 35% (Courier-Journal, Dec 23, 2008)
Stormwater Run-Off Fee Mulled (Courier-Journal, Dec 22, 2008)
Rawlings Owner is Oldham Donor (Courier-Journal, Dec 18, 2008)
212 Condo's Approved on Commerce Parkway in LaGrange (Oldham Era, Dec 18, 2008)
Anonymous Donor Revealed (Oldham Era, Dec 18, 2008)
Duplexes Approved on KY 22 (Oldham Era, Dec 18, 2008)
LaGrange Approved Condo Plans (Courier-Journal, Dec 16, 2008)
LaGrange Mayor Sues City Council (Courier-Journal, Dec 16, 2008)
American Trails Honors Schnatters (Courier-Journal, Nov 26, 2008)
Hunters Encouraged to Reduce Deer Population (Courier-Journal, Nov 25, 2008)
Oldham Turns Residents Away from Hazardous Waste Collection (Courier-Journal, Nov 24, 2008)
Oldham PVA Cleared in Suit (Oldham Era, 25 Nov 08)
Oldham Reserve Deal Falls Victim of Economy (Courier-Journal, Nov 20, 2008)
The Pleasure of Doing What You Can't (Oldham Era, Nov 19, 2008)
Pewee Valley to Tackle its own Storm Water Run-Off (Courier-Journal, Nov 19, 2008)
Commerce Parkway and Wendell Moore Park Trail Work Continues (Courier-Journal, Nov 19, 2008)
Tiny Centerfield Made its own Fun (Courier-Journal, Nov 19, 2008)
Oldham County Sewer Rates to Rise 25% on Jan 1 (Courier-Journal, Nov 11, 2008)
Phone Survey will help Gauge Airport Support (Courier-Journal, Nov 11, 2008)
County, Soccer Club Agree on New Playing Fields (Courier-Journal, Nov 5, 2008)
Couple Growing Two Businesses From Farm:
Margaret Shea Producing Seeds (Courier-Journal Business Section, Nov 3, 2008)
David Keal Shares Harvests (Courier-Journal Business Section, Nov 3, 2008)Warner Brown Replace on Planning Commission (Courier-Journal, Oct 29, 2008)
Fresh Activities for Seniors at Expanded Senior Center (Courier-Journal, Oct 29, 2008)
OCEDA Visit to Hanover County, VA Educates Leaders (Courier-Journal, Oct 29, 2008)
New Agricultural Districts Formed in Oldham County (Courier-Journal, Oct 1, 2008)
Neighbors Sue Over Brentwood Approval (Courier-Journal, Sep 3, 2008)
Pewee Valley Sidewalk Plan has Opponents (Courier-Journal, Sep 3, 2008)
Oldham Schools Enrollment Slowing (Courier-Journal, Sep 3, 2008)
Rivers Landing is Growing (Courier-Journal, Sep 3, 2008)
School Board Votes to Not Raise Property Taxes (Courier-Journal, Sep 3, 2008)
What is Oldham Taxpayer's Fair Share? (Oldham Era, August 28, 2008)
Appeals Board Lowers Value of Lots (Courier-Journal, August 27, 2008) Video - Part 1
Video - Part 2
Video - Part 3
Kevin Eldridge to Lead Oldham County Stormwater Board (Courier-Journal, August 20, 2008)
Floyds Fork Farm Added to Park Land (Courier-Journal, August 20, 2008)
Developers Gain Hefty Tax Savings (Oldham Era, August 14, 2008)
Walnut Farm Purchased as Parkland (Courier-Journal, August 14, 2008)
Greenways to Have Trails in Place for Wendell Moore Park Project (RoundAbout, August 2008)
Oldham County Beef Producers Form Kentucky Cattlemen's Chapter (RoundAbout, August 2008)
Facing Lawsuit, Planners Approve Brentwood (Courier-Journal, July 30, 2008)
Condo's, Subdivision win Planning and Zoning Approval (Courier-Journal, July 30, 2008)
Little Colonel Playhouse Ready for New Season (Courier-Journal, July 30, 2008)
Greenways and County Celebrate Wendell Moore Parks Trails Groundbreaking (Oldham Era, July 24, 2008)
Sewer District Responds to Coverage (Oldham Era, July 24, 2008)
Developers Appeal Oldham Farms Planning and Zoning Denial (Courier-Journal, July 23, 2008)
Sewer District Must Change (Courier-Journal, July 16, 2008)
New Horse Arena at Oldham County Fairgrounds (Courier-Journal, July 16, 2008)
LaGrange Approves Condo's and Apartments (Courier-Journal, July 16, 2008)
Crestwood, LaGrange Developments Hearing July 22 (Courier-Journal, July 16, 2008)
Developer Proposes Skate Park Land Swap (Courier-Journal, July 16, 2008)
Sewer District Faces Choices (Oldham Era, July 10, 2008)
Getting the County's Financial House in Order by Judge-Executive Duane Murner (Oldham Era, July 10, 2008)
Goshen Farm is Kentucky's Largest Bison Producer (Courier-Journal, July 9, 2008)
Apple Patch Offers Adults with Mental Retardation Homes of Their Own (Courier-Journal, July 7, 2008)
Annual Butterfly Census in Oldham County Reveals 36 Species (Courier-Journal, July 6, 2008)
Common Sense Growth--An Oldham Era Editorial (Oldham Era, July 2, 2008)
Home Values Level Off (Oldham Era, July 2, 2008)
Sewer District Ordinance Tabled (Oldham Era, July 2, 2008)
Oldham To Celebrate New Trails (Courier-Journal, July 2, 2008)
Creasey Mahan has new Executive Director (Courier-Journal, July 2, 2008)
How to Save a School House (Oldham Era, July 2, 2008)
Home Building Market in Metro Area has Dried Up, (Business First, June 27, 2008)
Brentwood Plan Denied for 4th Time (Oldham Era, June 24, 2008)
Fiscal Court Steps in to Resolve Sewer District Financial Crisis (Oldham Era, June 24, 2008)
Oldham Sewer Customers Could See Rates Rise 25% (Courier-Journal, June 17, 2008)
Airport Opponents Seek Higher Profile (Courier-Journal, June 18, 2008)
Brentwood Plan Drops to 345 Homes (Courier-Journal, June 18, 2008)
$60 Utility Fee Weighed (Courier-Journal, June 18, 2008)
Cell-Radio Tower Approved at North Oldham Fire Department Site (Courier-Journal, June 4, 2008)
Hills Condo Rezoning Proposal Rejected, (Courier-Journal, June 4, 2008)
Airport to Review Efforts June 4 (Courier-Journal, June 4, 2008)
Residents Help Make Web a Catch-All for County News (Courier-Journal, June 4, 2008)
Orchard Grass Hills Sewer Plant's Future is on the Line (Courier-Journal, Apr 2, 2008)
Easement Aims to Protect Dogwood Hill, (Courier-Journal, Mar 26, 2008)
County Stormwater Fees Proposed (Courier-Journal, Feb 20, 2008)
New County Tourism Web (Courier-Journal, Feb 20, 2008)
Norton Commons Fire Station Breaks Ground (Courier-Journal, Feb 20, 2008)
Jefferson County Environmental Land Trust Receives Easements (Courier-Journal, Feb 19, 2008)
Housing Slump: Builders Cut Back Plans for 2008 (Courier-Journal, Jan 23, 2008)
Land Trust Formed for Henry, Owen, and Franklin Counties (Courier-Journal, Jan 3, 2008)
Briar Hill Woods Letter to the Editor (Oldham Era, Jan 3, 2008)
Quick Link Archives from 2007
Briar Hill Development Approved Despite Residents' Arguments (Courier-Journal, Dec 26, 2007)
Equus Development Approved (December 19, 2007)
Oldham County Equine Council Equine Survey (November 2007)
August 2007 Oldham Ahead Newsletter
July 25: Court of Appeals Upholds Planning and Zoning Decision on Oldham Farms (Courier-Journal)
Read the Court of Appeals Decision
July 25: County Receives $1.4 million Roads and Trails Grant (Courier-Journal)
July 19: Oldham Era Story on the Vision Council Report
July 18: Orchard Grass Hills Sewer Problems being Studied, Courier-Journal
July 18: Zoning Rejected for 37 Home, Woods of GlenOaks, Courier-Journal
July 17: Oldham County Vision Council Report to Oldham County Fiscal Court
July 17: Oldham County Vision Council Presentation to Fiscal Court
July 5: Oldham Era Opinion on Hwy 42 Cell Tower Issue
June 28: Planners Reject Cell Tower on Hwy 42
April 18: Oldham County Sewer District Countywide Facilities Plan Presentation
April 18: Countywide Facilities Plan Fact Sheet, Oldham County Sewer District
Planning and Zoning 2006 Annual Report Released
March 22, 2007: Oldham County Population Estimate Fact Sheet
Oldham County Equine Council is Formed
Greenways for Oldham County has new website
New Housing Unit Permits Exceed 4,600 since 2000
Oldham County Agriculture Industry 44th in State with 2006 Cash Receipts Near $26 million
President Signs into Law Expansion of Tax Incentive for Conservation
October 28, 2009
New Three-Year Census Estimates Released for 2006-2008
The Census Bureau released the newest 3-year estimates for 2006-2008 from the American Community Survey on October 27, 2009. In September the Bureau released 1-year estimates from the 2008 ACS. If all of these releases are beginning to get confusing, here is a quick explanation.
The American Community Survey is an ongoing survey and is being released in three primary data sets; one-year estimates, three-year aggregate estimates and five-year aggregate estimates. The aggregated data over several years allows the Bureau to create estimates for geographies with smaller populations. The population thresholds are as follows:
1-year estimates are released annually for geographic areas with 65,000+ population.
3-year estimates are released annually for geographic areas with 20,000+ population.
5-year estimates will be released annually down to the Block Group level beginning in 2010. Block Groups vary in population but average around 1,500 people.Download the Estimates
Social Characteristics
Economic Characteristics
Housing Characteristics
Demographic Characteristics
Narrative and GraphsMay 25, 2009
Smithsonian Exhibit at Oldham County History Center through June 6
"Between Fences"
Between Fences, a Museum on Main Street Exhibit sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute and Ky. Humanities Council is currently running at the Oldham County History Center in LaGrange. According to Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition Service, "The United States as we know it could not have been settled and built without fences; they continue to be an integral part of the nation. Fences stand for security: we use them to enclose our houses and neighborhoods. They are decorative structures that are as much part of the landscape as trees and flowers. Industry and agriculture without fences would be difficult to imagine. Private ownership of land would be an abstract concept. But fences are more than functional objects. They are powerful symbols. The way we define ourselves as individuals and as a nation becomes concrete in how we build fences."
"Between Fences will enlighten audiences who live surrounded by these familiar objects whose history and meaning they hardly suspect. They will discover how tightly the fence is entwined with politics, industry, and daily life. The ability to expose the unexpected within the familiar – while revealing to visitors something about themselves – will be the exhibition’s great strength. Between Fences encourages visitors to feel the significance of a crucial aspect of their personal and national heritage. Fences, like barns, are tools that embody a culture and its values. By understanding both historic and contemporary fences, we can better understand ourselves as Americans."
"The exhibition will engage children and adults while providing a setting for family communications and interaction between unacquainted visitors. The subject of the exhibition – boundaries, place, and space – will be central to the visitors’ physical experience, as they walk between fences and through gateways. Each fence will be selected to represent a theme and tell a story that illustrates its theme in provocative ways. In addition to objects and images relating to the exhibition stories, fence materials will include tools, photographs, and publications including product literature, journals, postcards, and posters."
For more information, contact the Oldham County History Center at 502-222-0826.
Download the excellent article written by Helen McKinney in April's edition of RoundAbout.
Learn more about the exhibit at Museum on Main Street (Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition Service.
November 21, 2008
Oldham County Sewer District Faces Multiple Challenges
During an update to magistrates and the public during the November 18, 2008 Oldham County Fiscal Court meeting, Judge-Executive Duane Murner noted the new partnerships being forged between the Kentucky Division of Water and the county with respect to Stormwater and Wastewater Management. A more apt description might be “shotgun wedding” given the partnership is forced due to a lack of compliance of state and federal regulations. Regardless, a constructive partnership is essential to address near-term deficiencies and long-term capital improvement requirements going forward in these two areas.
The paradox increasing the complexity of the county’s get-well program to correct the deficiencies is that the state’s most wealthy county is severely financially constrained to do all that is required or mandated with its existing budget that is largely dependent on real property taxes.
The county and the Oldham County Sewer District have been addressing the district’s financial situation for several months culminating in the outsourcing of the district’s management and operations by Veolia Water effective November 15. Fiscal Court voted to increase Oldham County Sewer District rates by 25 percent beginning January 1, 2009, but the rate increase will not address the significant capital funding needed to upgrade aging package waster water treatment plants or to expand the overall sewer capacity within the county.
Compounding the situation is the receipt of multiple Notices of Violation (NOV) from the Division of Water, many of which require near-term fixes. Many of the package plants receiving NOVs are aging, like the Mockingbird Valley plant shown to your left. Most have not received prescribed levels of routine or preventive maintenance and few capital improvements have been added due to lack of resources. Veolia Water has pledged to increase the number of operators and maintenance personnel to address the NOVs and overall operational challenges.
OCSD’s stated mission and goals is to develop regional wastewater solutions for the people of Oldham County that will improve water quality by eliminating package plants and on-site disposal systems; provide the Planning Commission and other regulators with alternatives that will support orderly growth and development in our community; and be implemented in a cost effective and timely manner.
We have obtained copies of the NOVs issued by the Division of Water. It appears that the Division issued several after auditing OCSD monthly reports from September 2005 to September 2008 for each treatment facility, then has followed the audit up with on-site inspections, issuing numerous new NOVs in late October and early November.
Below are the summarized violations noted from 2005 to September 2008:
Description of Non Compliance:
For the review period of 9/1/05 to 9/1/08 DOW has records of the OCSD reporting 137 bypasses and overflows resulting in degradation of the waters of the Commonwealth by the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater.
The required remedial measure(s), and date(s) to be completed by, are as follows:
Cease all discharges that are degrading the waters of the Commonwealth. Other remedial measures may be required by the Division of Enforcement. [401 KAR 5:031 Section 2(1)(a)]
Description of Non Compliance:
For the review period of 9/1/05 to 9/1/08 DOW has records of the OCSD reporting 137 bypasses and overflows resulting in the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater.
The required remedial measure(s), and date(s) to be completed by, are as follows:
Provide the required treatment to all influents received by facilities owned and or operated by the Oldham County Sewer District. Other remedial measures may be required by the Division of Enforcement.
[401 KAR 5:045 Section 2]
Description of Non Compliance:
For the review period of 9/1/05 to 9/1/08 DOW has records of the OCSD reporting 137 bypasses and overflows and 66 permit violations, indicating the lack of proper operation and maintenance to meet KPDES permit conditions.
The required remedial measure(s), and date(s) to be completed by, are as follows:
Properly operate and maintain all facilities owned and or operated by the Oldham County Sewer District to comply with all KPDES permit conditions. Other remedial measures may be required by the Division of Enforcement. [401 KAR 5:065 Section 1(5)]
Note: Violations of the above cited statute(s) and/or regulation(s) are subject to a civil penalty per day per violation. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day per violation depending on the statutes/regulations violated. In addition, violations may be concurrently enjoined. Compliance with remedial measures and their deadlines does not provide exemption from liability for violations during the period of remediation, nor prevent additional remedial measures from being required.
Notice of Violations for Specific Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP)
(Click on the plant to view the Notice of Violation)
Plant
Date of NOV
Year Constructed
Nov 6, 2008
2000
Nov 5, 2008
1966
Oct 31, 2008
1989
Nov 5, 2008
unknown
Nov 3, 2008
1976
Nov 3, 2008
1975
Nov 5, 2008
1978
Jul 9, 2008
1983
Oct 31, 2008
1972
Oldham Ahead believes that a regional waste water solution is critical to achieving managed growth objectives for the county. However, growth areas need to be designated per the Comprehensive Plan and infrastructure requirements planning and funding synchronized to conserve scarce resources. Tap fees combined with monthly user fees are not enough to address the significant maintenance and capital improvement requirements of the system to operate and expand. Developers will need to provide a greater share of up-front costs (which are passed on to new home buyers) in the future if they want capacity to serve their developments. Their resistance to increase fees and contributions in the past have in large part helped to create what many describe as a wastewater crisis now.
November 19, 2008
Storm Water Management Mandates for Oldham County
Congress passed the Clean Water Act in the 1970’s. Enforcement is the responsibility of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in Kentucky, enforcement is delegated to the Division of Water (DOW). Initial enforcement, called “Phase I”, was limited to urban areas of 100,000 populations or more.
As defined in 401 KAR 5:002, Section 1(184), a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is a conveyance, or system of conveyances, including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, manmade channels or storm drains that are (1) owned or operated by a state, city, town, county, district, association or other public body having jurisdiction over disposal of storm water that discharges to waters of the commonwealth, (2) is designed or used for collecting or conveying storm water, (3) is not a combined sewer and (4) is not a part of a publicly owned treatment works.
Nearly every urban community in the nation has some form of Storm Water Management in place, including identification of responsibilities under a state-issued permit and a utility charge to carry out those responsibilities. (In Louisville, the charge is $5.02 per month added to water and sewer bills. This amount is in addition to the $6.95 per month charge to pay the fine or “consent decree” for failure to enforce clean water standards. Those Oldham County customers serviced by MSD are paying those fees now.)
In March, 2003, enforcement was extended to “Phase II” communities – those near urban areas and/or with certain population densities. Nearly all of Oldham County (LaGrange is excepted) is a Phase II community. Pewee Valley has opted to manage its Storm Water management responsibilities on its own.
Oldham County is required to apply for a 5-year permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (or “NPDES”) requirements. According to county officials and URS, the consulting firm assisting the county in developing its permit and program, construction and post-construction run-off are chief contributors to stormwater problems in the county. Additionally, individuals homeowners and business contribute to the problem when failing to use best management practices in lawn care, disposal of waste products, etc. Extreme examples of non-compliance with Oldham County erosion control regulations and best management practices are depicted below.
Photos From GlenOaks Subdivision (Olympia Homes), 2007
Every ditch alongside a road is part of the MS4. The county’s responsibilities under the permit are dissemination of information and education to the public, identification of the MS4 including all discharge points, implementing best practices in a number of areas, and local enforcement responsibilities. The county has to identify levels of each of these areas and identify the permit year in which they are expected to be implemented.
The county was recently audited by the Division of Water and was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) as a result. According to Oldham County Judge-Executive Duane Murner during the November 18, 2008 Fiscal Court meeting, the NOV will require acceleration of activities, specifically those relating to the mapping of outfalls within the urban areas of the county. The county, and indirectly, its taxpayers, face significant potential penalties unless it complies with the MS4 program requirements and milestones.
Oldham County has established a Storm Water Management District to develop strategies and enforcement procedures to comply with EPA MS4 program requirements. Former Planning and Zoning Chairman Kevin Eldridge is heading up the District. The District is currently calculating a fee structure to fund program requirements. Oldham Ahead believes it is important that the costs of storm water be apportioned appropriately so that residents and businesses do not absorb the full costs of a mandated program largely caused by the construction industry's failure to follow best management practices.
Kevin Eldridge to Lead Oldham County Stormwater Board (Courier-Journal, August 20, 2008)
As part of its education effort, Storm Water Management information is available on the county website. Below are examples of the materials available for download on the county web. We urge you to read the the Oldham County Storm Water Utility Brochure at a minimum.
Oldham County Storm Water Utility Brochure
Construction Best Management Practices Poster
Green Infrastructure Action Strategy - 2008
February 17, 2009
Fiscal Court Ends Airport Study, Airport Board--A Logical Conclusion
Airport Study Ends in Oldham County (Courier-Journal, February 18, 2009)
Airport Board Has Fulfilled it Duties (Oldham Era, February 19, 2009)
February 6, 2009
Airport Feasibility Study: County Residents Say No to a County General Aviation Airport
ETC Institute of Olathe, Kansas provided the Oldham County Fiscal Court results of its Oldham County Airport Feasibility Public Opinion survey on Tuesday, February 3.
The chart to the left reflects the overall sentiment of survey respondents: seventy percent of county residents are not supportive or not supportive at all of the development of a general aviation airport in Oldham County. If taxes would not be increased as a result, 65 percent still say they would not be supportive. If taxes would be increased, 89 percent are not supportive.
Karen Falk, a representative from ETC, provided the presentation to the court outlining the results of the two-page survey sent to more than 1,000 county residents. 539 responses were gathered – about 45 percent of the randomly-selected residents that received it. This response was significantly higher than most surveys, reflecting residents' interest in the issue. Ninety percent of respondents indicated they were aware the county was studying a possible airport.
When asked how the image of the county, overall quality of life, value of property and quality of the environment would be affected, the response was negative. Seventy-seven percent of the responses said the quality of the environment – air, water and noise – would be worse if an airport was built in the county.
The airport board met Wednesday, February 4 to review the results of the survey and to determine its next steps. The six-member board that's been studying the possibility of an airport in Oldham County for more than a year and a half voted unanimously to ask Fiscal Court to dissolve the group and end the study. This recommendation will be made during the February 17 Fiscal Court meeting.
Fiscal Court members need to understand that the overwhelming public sentiment expressed is not a single issue phenomenon. The airport proposal involves infrastructure, land use, taxes, environmental elements. Oldham Ahead, based on its own public polling previously, was not surprised by the survey results. More importantly, we believe similar public sentiment supports efforts to better plan for and manage growth in the county.
Download the ETC Institute Presentation to the Oldham County Fiscal Court
Courier-Journal: Oldham Airport Board Votes to End Airport Study (February 5, 2009)
Oldham Era: Survey Says No Airport (February 5, 2009)
Courier-Journal: Survey--Most Oldham Residents Don't Support Airport (February 4, 2009)
Download our August 2007 Newsletter
Oldham Ahead White Paper Promotes Implementation of Capital Improvement Planning for County Government
February 27, 2006
CRESTWOOD, Ky. – Oldham Ahead released a White Paper today promoting the implementation of Capital Improvement Planning, Programming, and Budgeting processes in the county. Oldham Ahead believes adoption of this fundamental governmental planning and programming process will assist county officials in planning for and synchronizing future infrastructure and capital improvement requirements in one of the fastest growing counties in Kentucky and the United States.
The White Paper, titled “The Case for Capital Improvement Planning (CIP), Programming and Budgeting for Oldham County”, argues that the implementation of the CIP process provides a set of tools to bring all of the county’s major government and public service provider players together to develop a framework to identify future capital expenditures and their funding sources. CIPs typically project capital improvement requirements over a five-to-six year period. CIPs are useful to help communities prioritize major expenditures and identify corresponding personnel and other operational and maintenance costs associated with major projects.
Capital Improvement Planning, Programming and Budgeting are widely used at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels throughout the United States. The process is a key element of the Land Use and Community Facilities goals of Outlook 2020—the County’s Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2002. However, the process has not been implemented to date. The White Paper does not call for a consolidation of programs and budgets that are presently dispersed in the multiple governmental and utility organizations within the county. Rather, it calls for the sharing of long-range programming and budgeting information and the creation of one dynamic document to capture the myriad of capital improvement plans presently programmed, but not necessarily fully coordinated among county agencies.
Advantages of Capital Improvement Planning, Programming and Budget include the promotion of the wise use of taxpayer monies; the focusing on community needs, priorities and capabilities; community input and support; and transparency. The process also promotes county-wide coordination of all government bodies, departments, and commissions and will provide critical information for citizens to develop area master plans in the county’s eight planning areas.
Oldham County Judge-Executive Mary Ellen Kinser announced in the February 7, 2006 Fiscal Court meeting that the county is applying for a $70,000 grant from the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency to develop a local five-year transportation improvement program that establishes the principles for ranking transportation projects within the county. The program would be designed to be a model that could be exported to other counties within the Commonwealth.
Oldham Ahead believes this is an important first step and that full implementation of a comprehensive county CIP is critical to effectively manage the challenges of future growth for the 4th fastest growing county in the Commonwealth. “We hope the paper will serve as a basis for discussion and action by county officials and public infrastructure providers,” stated Oldham Ahead Executive Director Doug Wampler.
Click here to read and download the White Paper.
Click here to read the Oldham Era article of April 6, 2006.
![[New!]](images/smallnew.gif){kind=small}
Note: The
Oldham County Water District has posted its 20-year plan on line at
www.oldhamcountywater.com.
Click on "District Improvements" to review the plan and accompanying maps.
Oldham Ahead and The Oldham Era Host Magistrate Voter Forum
22 of 23 Candidates for 8 Magistrate Positions Participate During April 30 Forum
Candidates from Districts 5 - 8 Addressing Questions (Photo courtesy of The Oldham Era)
From Left: Horrace Harrod, Jerry Bom and Iva Davis from District 5; Bill Tucker, Scott Davis and Darlene Rusnak from District 6; Rick Rash and Bob Dye from District 7; Bob Deibel, Steve Long and Linda Patton from District 8
Oldham Ahead and The Oldham Era sponsored an Oldham County Magistrate Candidate Voter Forum on Sunday, April 30 at the Oldham County Arts Center in Crestwood.
The forum provided voters the opportunity to match faces to names and for the candidates to express their views and proposed solutions to growth, economic development, parks and open space, seniors, and fiscal court cohesion issues.
All 23 candidates for the 8 Magistrate seats agreed to participate, but District 1 incumbent Paula Gish (who is running unopposed) was forced to withdraw due to recent surgery.
Oldham Ahead would like to thank all of the candidates for their participation as well as all voters who exercised their privilege to vote on Tuesday, May 16.
The May 4 edition of the Oldham Era contains quotes from the candidates as they clarified their views for Oldham County and answered five questions drafted by Era reporters. The May 11 Era includes a special supplement "Guide to the Polls" that profiles all candidates and their positions on a number of issues.
From the Oldham County Conservation District
Woodland Farm Receives the Outstanding Cooperator Award
The Oldham County Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes individual clients who, through their conservation efforts, make lasting contributions and impacts towards the conservation of our county’s natural resources. This year, the Outstanding Cooperator Award was presented to Woodland Farm of Greenhaven Lane. Woodland Farm, an American Buffalo operation owned by Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown and managed by Mike Suter. Besides transforming the 1197 acre farm to rolling hillsides of native grasses, protecting the woodlands and converting crop fields to hay and meadows, the owners placed a conservation easement on the land, assuring that it will forever remain a farm. Their effort of stewardship not only helps to protect the land but also provides a needed greenspace that contributes to water quality and the scenic beauty of the Ohio River Valley.
Click here to visit the Oldham County Conservation District website.
41 Oldham County Historic Places Listed in the National RegistryThe National Registry currently lists 41 Oldham County historical places in its listing as of 31 May 2006. The registry is maintained by the Department of Interior can can be accessed at www.cr.nps.gov/nr. Click here to review the places and historic districts of Oldham County.
Museum Plaza Plans Unveiled for Downtown Louisville
Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson Lead the Effort
Oldham County residents and Oldham Ahead Board Members Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson believe that, by making downtown Louisville a more vibrant and attractive place to live, they can curb the suburban sprawl that is impacting surrounding counties, to include Oldham County.
Translating desires into action, they have spearheaded the design of the dramatic Museum Plaza in downtown Louisville in part to address the pressures the lack of a vibrant city place on outlying counties.
As long time supporters of managed growth and conservation efforts in Oldham County, they were instrumental in the founding of Oldham Ahead and have placed a conservation easement on their property, Woodland Farm.
Wilson told the Courier-Journal’s Chris Poynter that "We began to understand the dynamics of suburban sprawl and what causes it -- as farmland is eaten up, city centers are deserted. That's what brought us to Main Street."
The principals of the project, Laura Lee Brown, Steve Wilson, Steve Poe, Craig Greenberg, and lead architect Joshua Prince-Ramus provided the Courier-Journal staff writer access to the creative process of designing Museum Plaza.
The Vision:
“There will soon be a new, exciting place to live and visit in the heart of Louisville. Created by world renowned architects, it will attract tourists from around the country and the globe. It will transform downtown into a world class arts and entertainment mecca.
The new, non-profit, contemporary art museum will be dedicated to displaying innovative art of all mediums created by leading living artists. Museum Plaza will be an amazing, iconic building designed by one of the top architectural firms in the world, OMA led by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus.”
The Kentucky Society of Architects (AIA Kentucky) presented Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown an Award of Recognition on September 16, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana, at ceremonies during its annual convention, held in conjunction with architects in Indiana and Ohio. The awards recognize outstanding service to the Kentucky Society of Architects and the profession of architecture in Kentucky.
Steve and Laura Lee won the John Russell Groves Citizens Laureate Award, which honors an individual and advocate who consistently, though leadership service and dedication to a better living environment, has openly supported and encouraged the values of quality architecture. They have provided many years of leadership and financial support for programs and projects that have promoted the cultural and intellectual promise of Louisville's downtown and its citizens. Steve and Laura Lee have been powerful forces in elevating the public's awareness of - and appreciation for - good design and its important role in the city's civic and cultural history.
We invite you to the official Museum Plaza website at www.museumplaza.net to view photos, video, and read descriptions of the project that will improve the overall quality of life in the Metro Louisville area and the region. View the website’s flyover video rendering of Museum Plaza by clicking here or this link: http://museumplaza.net/video_wmv.html.
Click here to access the Courier-Journal’s on-line comprehensive coverage of Museum Plaza. (Navigate to the right side of the home page to "Worth a Click", and then navigate to Museum Plaza.)
Click here to access the Oldham Era's coverage of Museum Plaza from its March 17 on-line edition.
Oldham Ahead Spring Digital Photo Contest Winners
Oldham Ahead sponsored a Spring Digital Photo contest that ran from April 1 through May 15 to capture the beauty of Oldham County in the springtime. The contest was open to students (K-12) and adults. The theme of the contest was “My Favorite Oldham County Spring Scene”.
Oldham Ahead Board Member Laura Lee Brown--a recognized artist, photographer, critic, and collector judged the student and adult entries, noting that she was impressed by all of the entries and particularly those selected as winning entries.
The winners in the student category are:
|
1st Place |
Emily McCarthy |
|
|
2nd Place |
Candice Call |
|
|
3rd Place |
Chelsea Corbin |
|
The winners in the adult category are:
|
1st Place |
Dale McMakin |
|
|
2nd Place |
Karen Blum |
|
|
3rd Place |
Sara Marquette |
|
Winning entries received prizes in the amount of $100 for first place; $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. Eleven adults and six students entered the contest. As expected, the talent of the individuals participating in the contest and the quality of their entries was absolutely superb.
Second-place winner Candice Call stopped by the Oldham Ahead booth during Oldham County Day on July 15.
We invite you to click here or on the tab to your left to view the contest entries and enjoy Oldham County’s springtime beauty.
Kentucky Historic Preservation Review Board Endorses Listing Wildwood Farm on the National Register of Historic Places
The Kentucky Historic Preservation Review Board has endorsed listing Wildwood Farm on the National Register of Historic Places, which should help keep the property intact. The National Park Service will make the final decision on the listing.
Wildwood Farm was one of the county's first farms to breed thoroughbreds, becoming one of the largest racing stables in the Midwest, according to research by Cynthia Johnson, a historic preservation consultant hired by the landowner--Oldham Ahead member Stephen Campbell. Mr. Campbell is taking the steps to obtain recognition of his property on the National Register to preserve the historic farm for future generations.
Click here to read the Louisville Courier-Journal article on this positive event for Oldham County.
For additional information on preserving Kentucky's rich historic past, visit the Kentucky Heritage Council Web site at www.heritage.ky.gov/national_register.htm.
Click here to read and download "Planning to Preserve: 2004 State Historic Preservation Plan for the Commonwealth of Kentucky."
Kentucky Geological Survey Publishes New Oldham County Map to Assist Land-Use Planning: The Kentucky Geological Survey at the University of Kentucky has published a map for non-geologists which can assist Oldham County officials, developers, and residents in considering future development of Oldham County. "The Generalized Geologic Map for Land-Use Planning: Oldham County Kentucky" is one in a series being developed for each county in the Commonwealth.
The
maps are intended to help local officials and developers become familiar with
the underlying geology of areas that are subject to development. The
colorful large-format map illustrates all of the major rock categories found in
the county, along with other features such as water wells and springs,
sinkholes, and artificially filled areas which should be considered when
planning roads and buildings. It also points out that agricultural land is
being rapidly converted to residential developments and that development creates
more runoff from surfaces like rooftops and streets.
Click here for additional information and ordering information.
Oldham County Growth Surges (Louisville Courier-Journal, 19 April 2006)
Sprawl, Growth Issues Highlighted in October Oldham Era, Louisville Courier-Journal, and Louisville Voice-Tribune Newspaper Articles
The three Louisville/Oldham County-area newspapers published timely and informative articles and editorials involving the effects of sprawl and growth on Oldham County during October. We urge you to read the articles if you did not have an opportunity to read them in your newspaper of choice when originally printed.
Click the titles below to view the articles:
The Oldham Era Online, October 13, 2005: A Sprawling Community, A Look at the Effects of Suburban Sprawl on Oldham County by Danielle Komis. The Voice-Tribune reprinted this article on its front page of its October 20 issue.
The Oldham Era Online, October 21, 2005: Opinion: Urban Sprawl Can Be Stopped.
The Louisville Courier-Journal, October 29, 2005: Shelby Looks at Reining in Growth. This article by Michael Lindenberger cites Oldham County's experiences in looking at the impacts of growth in Shelby County.
Kentucky
Geological Survey Publishes New Oldham County Map to Assist Land-Use Planning:
The Kentucky Geological Survey at the University of Kentucky has published a map
for non-geologists which can assist Oldham County officials, developers, and
residents in considering future development of Oldham County. "The
Generalized Geologic Map for Land-Use Planning: Oldham County Kentucky" is
one in a series being developed for each county in the Commonwealth.
The maps are intended to help local officials and developers become familiar with the underlying geology of areas that are subject to development. The colorful large-format map illustrates all of the major rock categories found in the county, along with other features such as water wells and springs, sinkholes, and artificially filled areas which should be considered when planning roads and buildings. It also points out that agricultural land is being rapidly converted to residential developments and that development creates more runoff from surfaces like rooftops and streets.
A section of the map called "Planning Guidance by Rock Unit Type" describes features of each major geologic formation in the county and how whose features may impact future development.
Full-color paper copies are available for $10 each from the KGS Public Information Center on the UK campus at (859) 257-3896 or toll-free at (877) 778-7827.
The entire map can be viewed online in PDF format at the Survey's Web site, http://kgsweb.uky.edu/download/geology/landuse/lumaps.htm, or click here.
April 2006 Newsletter Mailed
We mailed our latest newsletter on April 10. Please contact us at oldhamahead@aol.com if you would like to receive a copy in the mail, or click here to join Oldham Ahead and request your newsletter in the remarks section.
Our August 20, 2005 newsletter is also available upon request.
Oldham Ahead sponsors Quality of Life and Growth public opinion survey; releases results on January 8, 2002:
Oldham Ahead, a non-profit citizens group with about 550 members, contracted with Horizon Research International of Louisville, KY to conduct a survey of Oldham County residents and assess opinions regarding quality of life, growth management, economic development and future development of Oldham County. The survey was conducted between Nov. 15 and Dec. 4, 2001, and was completed by 400 adults over 21 years old with a mix of incomes, ages, gender and length of residency in Oldham County. The survey had a 5 percent margin of error.
To view background information and generalized results of the survey, Click Here.
To view the details of the survey in a 64-slide PowerPoint Presentation, Click Here or on the pie chart below:
December
2001 Newsletter: Click
here to read the latest newsletter from Oldham Ahead.
