The Leitchfield City Council continues to battle Comcast Cable over the franchise license agreement that expired last year.

Comcast has submitted a request and the council has submitted its proposal but the two cannot reach an agreement. This battle led to the public hearing, which took place before the regular scheduled city council meeting on Monday night.

Several city residents gathered to voice their opinion about the service Comcast has provided for the city.

Comcast representative Tim Hagan was on hand to receive the complaints and inform the council that Comcast did care about its business in Leitchfield and was in fact investing in the community.

“In March of 2008 Comcast invested hundreds of thousand dollars to bring a fiber-optic connection to the city of Leitchfield,” said Hagan. “Next we are in-line to bring phone service to the area that will allow customers to bundle their services and save money each month.”

The two major complaints were the cost and problems with service.

Hagan said there were less than 30 service calls a month from this area and those were all answered in a timely fashion.

“We now have a 24/7 call service center that answer calls,” said Hagan, “and an email service that is available.

Councilman Jerry Schlosser said he dropped his cable service years ago because he was disappointed in the service.

“I have no faith in the cable company and recommend we drop the service and run it ourselves,” said Schlosser. “ The people of Leitchfield deserve better than the service they are currently getting.”

The mayor requested Comcast submit a proposal that will stop the battle and allow the council to come to some agreement with the expired franchise license agreement by May 3.

In other business;

The girls softball complex in Beville Park will soon be sporting a new name. Several months ago a proposal was made to the council to name the facility after longtime supporter of the ball program Larry Allen.

The proposal was not met with much agreement and it was suggested that the ballpark be names after some of the people who helped to build the complex. Jim Thomason was instrumental in the building of the complex and some of the members of the council as well as the mayor felt he should be recognized.

After much debate and several after hour meetings the name Thomason/Allen Girls Softball Complex was agreed upon.

It was also suggested that a flag be erected in the complex and bricks be placed with the names of anyone that have contributed to the complex.

•The accounting software that City Clerk Erin Embry has requested the city and utilities purchase and carries a $90,000 price tag was also discussed. The mayor has appointed a committee to look at several issues concerning the software.

The committee consists of the accounting firm of Buckles, Travis, Vanmeter and Hart, Leitchfield Utilities Chairman Robert Crawford, Leitchfield City Clerk Erin Embry and city Councilmen Jerry Schlosser and Kelly Stevenson.

Some of the issues that will be addressed are: is the software needed to perform accounting responsibilities, how will the software be paid for, is the software user friendly and cost effective and is this software needed for programs and future growth?

Embry issued a statement to the council explaining why there was a need for the upgraded software that carries the huge price tag.

“I have noticed some important discrepancies that I feel the City of Leitchfield would addressed by purchasing new accounting software,” said Embry. “During my time here I have repeatedly been asked for reports and analytical information that I have been unable to produce due to the large amount of time and research needed in order to produce such information. Most of the requested information should be easily obtained and is important information we should be tracking.”

The system the city is currently using was installed in 1993.

•A Volunteer for the Grayson County Humane Society, Lindsey Shaffer, requested the city purchase a security system for the shelter following a break-in that left two cats dead and money missing.

The system would cost $440 for installation and equipment and would secure the Humane Society. There would also be a monthly fee of $14.95 to monitor they system. It was unclear if that fee would also include maintenance so the issue was table until more information could be obtained.

• The local INPLAST plant may soon be going by a new name. Plant Manager Tim Clark gave an update to the city council on the plants future plans and workforce.

“I think this is a very positive for the community. We currently employ 84 worker and have three full shifts,” said Clark. “We are acquiring new business from Toyota, if / when we receive this business we will hire more people but do not have time table for this.

• The city police have applied for Police Department Homeland Security Grant to replace five vests that are five years old. The grant money will also be used to purchase patrol rifles for each police cruiser. This is a 100 percent grant in the amount of $14,069.81.