OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – At the Oak Grove City Council meeting on Dec. 17, idea was proposed of adding quarterly town hall meetings at the community center to encourage better communication in the city.

Councilwoman Janet Edwards explained that the goal of these meetings is to create a less formal setting that would give citizens a chance to engage more directly with people on the council. “I’ve spoken with several residents who said they simply did not know about city council meetings or feel the regular session is too intimidating,” said Edwards.

Councilmember Isaiah Spencer added that the city already holds several events throughout the year to connect with the public, but these efforts lack attendance. “We don’t have any support, “Spencer said. “No one ever shows up and we need our public’s support.”

He also pointed out that there are many open positions available on city boards including the zoning board, economic development subcommittee, and more. “It starts in the boards,” he said. “Usually, it is just council talking about what the city wants or needs, we need to hear from other people.”

Traffic study

Public Works Director Brian Ahart provided an update to the council on a traffic study by the Kentucky Department of Transportation. The study, requested by councilwoman Janet Edwards and several residents, was prompted by complaints about lowering the speed limit on Highway 115.

“The department of transportation said there was no need to lower the speed limit,” said Ahart. Police Chief Dennis Cunningham assured council that more law enforcement will be on the road in that area to reduce speeding.

Room tax on Airbnb’s

Councilmembers approved the second reading of an ordinance that would collect a 3% transient room tax on all short-term rental properties like Airbnb’s in the city.

After the city discovered over 50 homeowners were renting out their homes as short-term rentals without having a business license to do so, city officials made it a priority to crack down on this. Since then, the city worked to rewrite their current ordinances to include Airbnb owners or any unit of tenancy that is leased less than 30 consecutive days. The motion passed unanimously.

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