The unfortunate news in the City of Prospect in 2006 was the death of long time Mayor Lonnie Falk. Mayor Falk served the City for over twelve years as mayor. His management of Prospect during this growth period and his vision of the future will be recognized forever. The amenities we enjoy as citizens of Prospect are a direct reflection of his vision. His ability to provide direction and control local development has made Prospect "the" place to live in Jefferson County.

With the unexpected death of Mayor Falk, I was asked to fill the position of mayor through the balance of Mayor Falk's term. It is an honor and pleasure to serve as your mayor during this six month period. Elections were held in November and Mr. Todd Eberle was elected to serve as your mayor beginning January 1, 2007 for a four year period.

My commitment to the citizens of Prospect when I accepted the appointment as your mayor was that I would do my best to continue to keep Prospect "green" by implementing the many programs Mayor Falk had initiated.

Prospect took on additional responsibilities available to us as a third class city. In January, the City Council voted to accept responsibility for land development within the city. This means the Louisville Metro Land Development and Planning committee can recommend approval of development within the city, but does not have the authority to issue the permit without the approval of the City of Prospect. This places the City in the position to be able to limit the construction of many types of buildings, commercial and residential. The Overlook condominium and the approval of the cell tower are examples where this right was exercised.

Your City is now functioning with the latest computer technology. A new server has been installed. This server permitted the city to absorb work that was done by outside sources. It tied all the computers throughout the administration office and police department to the server. All employees and Council members have Email addresses on the server. Every employee and Council member can go to the City server from their computer at their home to look at any contacts, messages, Email or scheduled activities at City Hall.

As the City faces additional expenses in the performance of services to the citizens, it is important to have tight financial controls in place. Your City has now in place the ability to track every financial transaction that takes place in the spending of your tax money. A newly formed City Finance committee meets on the seventh working day after the close of the month and reviews in detail all income and expenses plus looking at future income and expenses to assure the City will operate within the budget or make the Council aware of potential variances. The CPA monthly financial report is now sent to all Council members.

Other actions at City Hall. A major upgrading of the office area took place. New office furniture and file cabinets were purchased. All electronics equipment is now catalogued. Obsolete equipment was disposed of and a general clean up of the building took place. We now have a very professional appearance to go along with the professional staff.

The Reading Center will be renamed "Mayor Lonnie Falk Reading Center" in recognition of the vision and support Mayor Falk provided the Reading Center. The books in the Reading Center come from two sources. One is a rental company that provides us with the current best sellers and two, books donated by residents. The administrative work in the Reading Center is performed by the office staff. The Reading Center Committee, made up of citizens with backgrounds in library work and teaching, provide excellent guidance and support to the Center as well as conducting the November book sale.

 

Mayors

Joe Kehlbeck and Todd Eberle

2006