The Eminence-themed mural proposed for the Puckett’s Family Restaurant building at the intersection of North Main Street and West Broadway drew extensive discussion during last week’s Eminence city council meeting.
Much of that discussion centered around the mural design provided to council by artist Greg “Doc” Robinson, who has exchanged ideas with council about the project and his participation in it as both the designer and artist of the mural.
Councilman Justin Wayman told council that he has been a proponent for Robinson to undertake the project ever since Robinson proposed it to council last year.
But the project has yet to get off the ground.
“He wants what we want,” Wayman conveyed to council. “He just wants the building done.”
But for that to happen, Robinson may have to pass the brush to another painter because of snags like workers’ compensation insurance, use of city equipment on city property and availability to complete the mural in a timely fashion.
“So, he’s not opposed to us going outside to have somebody else do it,” Wayman informed council.
Mayor Fred Downey said a contractor is interested in the project who could bring company insurance to the table instead of the city trying to pay for costly workers’ compensation insurance for Robinson and any crew he might coordinate to paint the mural.
Downey also said that the complexity of the design provided by Robinson could further complicate the project.
“The more detail it is, the more it changes the aspect of the job,” he said. “But I will tell you: I like what Doc has put together here.”
Building owner James Puckett also commented on the mural design provided to council.
“This is the design that Doc and I came up with, but this is his drawing,” Puckett said.
The focal point of the train started the artistic process behind the design, added Puckett.
“The train was the original idea to expand the entire length of the building,” he said, adding that the design then became divided into four separate concepts that included Eminence football and a tribute to past Eminence distillery Blue Ribbon.
Councilwoman Karen Paris suggested tribute to an active Eminence business, as well.
“What about the Kentucky Renaissance Fair that’s been a staple here for 17 years?” she asked.
Councilman Phillip Smith further commented that the artistic rendering didn’t seem inclusive enough.
“The picture here is not representative of all things in this community,” Smith said.
Downey remarked about the variety of input and ideas for the mural project.
“You’re going to get thousands of opinions for what you’re going to get on that wall,” he said.
Wayman emphasized the appeal of the finished product.
“Just as long as it looks good, and it’s done professionally,” he said.
Amy Charles of the Locals Encouraging Active Participation (LEAP) group likened the Eminence mural to the mural in New Castle proposed by her group, saying that mural elements should feature “things that will invite conversation and bring us together in artistic discussion.”
Downey added that the decision for artistic design of the mural resided with the building owner.
“It’s your building,” the mayor said to Puckett. “Ultimately, it’s your call.”
Downey also said that any council decision about mural design or project logistics would have to wait until July, regardless, at which time council could include funding for the project in the upcoming 2023-24 city budget.
Council agreed to table action on the mural project, pending both the upcoming budget and discussion by design artist, contractor and building owner.
Garbage collection
Council also tabled another matter before them last week – a matter that affects every Eminence resident and business owner who has garbage collection provided by Rumpke.
Council received the sole bid for citywide garbage collection services from Rumpke and the sticker shock that came with it.
Company representative Jeremy Rumpke confirmed the new rates in the bid for council: residential service after the current contract expires in June would jump from $20.95 monthly this year to $35 after June with increases over the next three years to $36.75, $38.59 and 40.52 respectively.
“Operational costs for us have skyrocketed,” said Rumpke. “It’s hit us hard: truck costs, fuel costs, labor.”
Commercial collection would also jump to $29 after June unless council approves a proposal by Downey to lower the franchise fee that the city charges Rumpke for the contract to provide garbage collection services in Eminence.
Downey’s recommendation would lower the franchise fee Rumpke pays from its current level of 35% of collection revenues to an amount that would keep the monthly payment residents pay more in line with past payment history.
“We adjust that franchise fee down to the dollar figure we received last year,” Downey said.
Rumpke acknowledged that the company could recalculate the bid if the franchise fee charged to Rumpke is lowered.
“That won’t completely eliminate my increase, but it would make my increase not as much,” he said.
Rumpke added that the city had room to work with in lowering the franchise fee.
“You’re not the only city that has a franchise fee, but yours is a higher one,” he said.
Downey said the city does expect a windfall in revenues through a housing development in Eminence that has received approval for Phase 1 of 59 homes with expectations of Phase 2 pending approval for a total of more than 100 new homes.
“So, we’re going to be increasing the city’s income over the next two years because of these new homes,” the mayor said, adding that he expects a boost of $250,000 to $300,00 to city coffers from the development.
City clerk and treasurer Robin Mullins said the city could absorb the loss of revenues if the city lowers the garbage collection franchise fee charged to Rumpke.
“Right now, we’re self-sustaining, and not in a bad place, she said.
Council unanimously agreed to table approval of the Rumpke bid until the city recalculates the garbage collection franchise fee.
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