Richmond City Commission Meeting – September 9, 2025

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on September 9, 2025, beginning with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scouts Troop 2673. The meeting included recognition of a new business, a presentation from the One Stop Resource Referral, multiple ordinance readings and orders, public comments, and announcements of upcoming events. All votes on consent items, ordinances, and orders were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the August 12, 2025 regular meeting and a special call meeting were approved by motion (Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Newby). Vote: all yes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Blake Jones (314 North 2nd Street) – Addressed an ongoing dispute with a neighbor over an alleyway that serves seven residences. He stated that the neighbor claims ownership of the alley, but city records indicate a right-of-way. Jones reported multiple police responses, a handgun incident, and three code enforcement citations (including one for a FedEx box). He expressed frustration that the city cannot resolve the property line issue, which he said has become a civil matter. The city manager and attorney explained that code enforcement and business licensing actions have been taken, but the alley ownership dispute requires private legal action. Jones thanked the commission for their time.
• Unnamed Resident (Hampton Ridge) – Complained about semi-trucks ignoring “No Semis” signs on Robert Martin Road, especially around the stockyards on Fridays. The mayor said he would investigate enforcement options.

Presentations & Discussion Items

• New Business Recognition – Botanicals – Stephen Greaser, owner, described his new coffee shop and event space at 459 Eastern Bypass (next to Peddler’s Mall). He stated he moved to Richmond 14–15 years ago from the Army Depot project and saw a need for a community gathering space. The business offers Kentucky-roasted coffee, local pastries, houseplants for sale, and discounts for first responders and veterans. Hours: Monday–Saturday 6 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
• One Stop Resource Referral of Madison County (Enrich) – Adam Harrell, with support from city manager Daniel, presented an update. He noted the program launched seven weeks ago and has seen over 2,300 check-ins and 430 unique individuals. Key statistics: 1,800 meals distributed, 260 housing inquiries, 10 participants moved from unemployed to full-time employment, 33 mental health referrals, and 22 KC Law petitions (emergency substance abuse intervention). A $45,000 HIPAA-compliant platform grant from findhelp.org is used to track referrals and reduce duplication. The top needs identified via Self-Sufficiency Outcome Matrices: employment, income, food insecurity, housing, and transportation. Harrell emphasized the program’s goal of driving individuals toward self-sufficiency.
• Ordinance 25-21 (Second Reading) – Entertainment Destination Center (EDC) License – The city attorney summarized the amendment allowing businesses in or adjacent to the EDC to sell alcohol in common areas from 11 a.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Sunday, using city-approved cups and with city-deeded common areas. The city manager said the request came from downtown businesses and cited other Kentucky cities with similar rules. No public opposition. Motion by Commissioner Newby, seconded by Commissioner Brewer. Vote: all yes.
• Ordinance 25-22 (First Reading) – Ad Valorem Tax Rates for 2025 – The city manager explained that the city is taking the compensating rate, resulting in lower rates: real property from 12.1¢ to 11.1¢ per $100, personal property from 15.3¢ to 13.7¢ per $100, motor vehicles at 28.7¢ per $100. Despite growth (taxable assets increased by $390 million), the tax rate decreases. Motion to bring to floor by Commissioner Brewer, seconded by Commissioner Newby. Second reading will occur at the next regular meeting.
• Ordinance 25-23 (First Reading) – Zoning Change on Heath Street & Estel Avenue – Change from B1 (Neighborhood Business) to I1 (Light Industry) for 0.289 acres. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval after a public hearing. The city manager noted the site already sits in an industrial area. Motion by Commissioner Goble, seconded by Commissioner Brewer.
• Ordinance 25-24 (First Reading) – Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Adds “social assembly” (e.g., wedding venues) and “shooting range” as conditional uses in specified zones (R1A, R1B, R1C, R2, R3, RE, PSP, B1–B4 for social assembly; AG, B3, I1, I2 for shooting range). The city manager explained that applicants must still obtain approval from the Board of Adjustments, which will enforce parking, ADA, and safety requirements. Commissioner Cole expressed concern about parking impacts in residential neighborhoods. The city manager and planning director stated that the conditional use process and building codes would prevent nuisance uses. Motion by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Goble.
• Order 25-133 – Surplus Property Disposition – Declared surplus items (including two motorcycles and vehicles) from the police department to be sold via GovDeals.com. Motion by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Goble. Vote: all yes.
• Order 25-134 – Appointment of Fire Chief – Robbie Smith appointed effective September 19, 2025 at Pay Grade 08. Smith has served since 2002, rising through ranks. He thanked the commission, his family, and firehouse colleagues. Motion by Commissioner Brewer, seconded by Commissioner Goble. Vote: all yes.
• Order 25-135 – Hiring in Recycled Department – Joshua Taylor hired as Labor I at $15.75/hour, effective September 19, 2025, subject to pre-employment requirements. One-year probationary period. Motion by Commissioner Newby, seconded by Commissioner Brewer. Vote: all yes.
• Order 25-136 – Youth Football Facilities Agreement with Madison County Youth Football League – One-year term for use of Lake Eva Park football facilities. The city manager noted a longer agreement will be considered next year when the new park opens. Motion by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Goble. Vote: all yes.
• Order 25-137 – Fire Training Center Installation Bids – Plumbing contract awarded to First Call Construction ($28,600), HVAC to Dunwright Services ($45,800), electrical to First Call Construction ($40,030). Funded from Fire Department Capital Outlay (FY26). The project is expected to remain under budget. Motion by Commissioner Brewer, seconded by Commissioner Newby. Vote: all yes.
• Order 25-138 – Appointment to Board of Adjustments – Kenny Hill appointed for a four-year term expiring September 9, 2029. Hill is a Marine veteran and works at Bluegrass Army Depot. He replaces Kennard Bosley (30+ years service). Motion by Commissioner Newby, seconded by Commissioner Goble. Vote: all yes.
• Order 25-139 – Park Equipment Purchase – Remote control mower (60-inch track) from Brown Equipment ($25,000) and 4WD cab tractor with 12-ft flex mower from Hobdee Dye and Reed ($59,075) for the Richmond Regional Sports Complex. Funded from Capital Project Sports Complex Bonding. Motion by Commissioner Brewer, seconded by Commissioner Goble. Vote: all yes.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items, ordinances (first or second reading), and orders were approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 25-21 (EDC alcohol license) passed on second reading and will take effect immediately.
• Ordinances 25-22, 25-23, and 25-24 passed on first reading; second readings will be at the next regular meeting (September 16, 2025).
• The city manager announced the next regular meeting on September 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.; Millstone Festival on October 4, 2025; and an EKU hoops event (date to be rescheduled due to conflict with commission meeting).
• The city attorney noted that the alley dispute raised by Blake Jones is ultimately a private civil matter requiring property surveys and legal action.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:58 p.m.