OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Richmond City Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 14, 2025

City Commission Meetings — Tuesday, October 14, 2025
BodyRichmond, Kentucky
SessionCity Commission Meetings
DateTuesday, October 14, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:42:57

Transcript — Verbatim
1:57

And the bewitching hour of six is here.

2:01

We're going to ask uh Pastor Eric Espata of the First United Methodist Church to come and lead us in our invocation, please.

2:09

Good evening, sir, and welcome.

2:11

Good to see you again.

2:13

Yes.

2:14

Good evening to all.

2:15

Let us pray.

2:16

The Bible says in Jeremiah twenty-nine, seven, and work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I have sent you.

2:25

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the city of Richmond, the place you call us to be.

2:33

We lift up our leaders of our city.

2:40

And the other elected officers, members of the cedar uh city leadership.

2:46

Father, I pray for wisdom, justice, and integrity in all their decisions.

2:52

Bless the homes and the family of our city.

2:56

Lord, I pray for peace and welfare for all who live here.

3:00

Strengthen us to be your hands and feet, to love our neighbor, to care for the sick, and to welcome the stranger.

3:09

Guide us to work for peace, justice, and compassion in our community.

3:15

And may your love be made visible through our actions.

3:19

Help us to be the city where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to thrive.

3:25

Open our eyes to the need of those around us and give us the courage to act in act in ways that bring hopes and healing.

3:48

Would you mind just telling the folks who you are if you understand what I mean?

3:52

Just briefly, please.

4:14

And welcome again.

5:08

This is Cub Scout Troop 401.

5:22

Thank you, sir.

5:39

And to the Republican.

5:43

One nation.

5:45

Individual with liberty and justice.

5:51

Thank you.

5:51

Now, is there anything you want to say?

6:06

Thank you for coming.

6:23

Whenever we're able to welcome these young people, I always like to end their visit by simply saying there's hope.

6:34

There is hope, and uh these these children and young people.

6:39

Thank you, Jen, for what you do for them.

6:46

Let's see here.

6:48

Madam Clerk, please call or roll.

6:50

Commissioner Gobel here.

6:52

Commissioner Noby.

6:53

Here.

6:54

Commissioner Brewer.

6:55

President.

6:55

Commissioner Cole.

6:56

Here.

6:57

Mayor Blythe.

6:58

Here, thank you.

6:59

We have uh three presentations for tonight.

7:06

The first is a recognition of the Madison County Special Olympics teams.

7:15

People come to the podium there, please.

7:28

I'm here to share with you about the honor it is to be overseeing our wonderful group.

7:37

We have over a hundred athletes that participate in Tim Sports with Madison County Special Olympics.

7:43

Um it goes year-round, so they're always having a different sport.

7:47

But um every four years um there is the USA Special Olympics Games, and the next one will be next year in Minnesota, and Madison County had 10 athletes that were um qualified to be um then nominated, and um the state office then drew randomly who would be chosen to go.

8:10

So we actually have two athletes tonight that are here that were selected and will be going to Minnesota next June 20th to the 26th.

8:20

Very cool.

8:21

Um tonight is a night to um bring about bring up the ones that could make it tonight out of the 10 that did get um to be nominated.

8:32

So first we have Miss Ellie Rose Deprez.

8:36

Would you like to come on up?

8:40

Ellie Rose is nominated, she was nominated for swimming, and Ellie Rose participates in swimming, track and field, cheerleading, and bowling.

8:53

And so we are so happy to have you with us.

9:08

Addison was nominated for track and field, and currently he participates in track and field, softball, and bowling.

9:24

Next we have Dakota Glassen.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters██████████████████████████████30%
Procedural█████████████13%
Community Engagement████████8%
Economic Development████████8%
Public Safety████████8%
Public Engagement████████8%
Cannabis Regulation███████7%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Youth Programs█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Richmond City Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 14, 2025, to recognize Special Olympics athletes, celebrate Manufacturing Month, and review the police department's perfect safety audit score. The board approved numerous personnel actions, including promotions in police and fire departments, new hires, and retirements. It passed an updated alcohol licensing ordinance on second reading and introduced a blasting permit fee reduction. Contracts for soccer goals, fire training center carpentry, a copier lease, and a CDBG administration agreement were awarded. Charitable grants totaling $50,000 were distributed to 14 organizations. Public comments addressed homelessness support and pedestrian safety near the new soccer complex. Commissioners reported on the successful Millstone Festival and discussed traffic safety concerns.

Presentations

  • Special Olympics Recognition: Six Madison County athletes were recognized for qualifying for the 2026 USA Special Olympics Games in Minnesota. Athletes present included Ellie Rose Deprez (swimming), Addison (track & field), Dakota Glassen (bowling), Leslie Rising (track & field), and Shane Stool (bowling). A chili supper fundraiser on November 7 at First United Methodist Church was announced.
  • Manufacturing Month Proclamation: Mayor Blythe proclaimed October 2025 as Manufacturing Month in Richmond. Representatives from local manufacturers Interstys and Electrodrive attended.
  • Kentucky League of Cities Safety Audit: Consultant Brian Dunn presented that the Richmond Police Department earned a 100% score on its triennial safety and liability review for the third consecutive audit. Chief Richardson and staff were commended.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Monica Barnes, representing Madison County Haven of Hope, thanked the board for a $5,000 charitable grant and noted the organization is working to establish a larger shelter.
  • A citizen (identified as Bill Stumbling Great) raised safety concerns about pedestrian traffic on 3rd Street near the new soccer complex, where people cross the road to watch games. He suggested future sidewalk installation and noted that speed sensors have helped. He commended the city for downtown improvements.

Personnel Actions & Promotions

  • Police Promotions:
    • Daniel Toth promoted to Sergeant (effective Oct 31, pay grade 5). He has served 8 years, was Officer of the Year 2019, and is a firearms instructor and team leader.
    • Four officers promoted to Master Police Officer (effective Nov 14, pay grade 4): Addison Atkin, Kate Knight, Rebecca Foster, and Andreska Skees – all hired in 2020. Family members participated in a pinning ceremony.
  • Fire Department:
    • Patrick Tudor appointed Assistant Fire Chief (effective Oct 31, pay grade 7). He has 21+ years of service, starting as a volunteer in 2003.
    • Michael Kendrick and Richard Barnes promoted to Firefighter II (effective Oct 17, pay grade 3).
  • New Hires:
    • Five Safety Officers (non-sworn) for the Police Department: Dennis Schrader, Taylor Edwards, Todd Gavin, John Sebastian (full-time), and Miranda Thacker (part-time), effective Oct 27, pay grade 4. They will be dedicated to parks but can also handle traffic duties. Chief noted a new in-house safety officer academy.
    • Esther Harris hired as Codes Enforcement Officer (effective Oct 27, pay grade 3).
  • Retirement: Serena Wilson, warehouse supervisor in Recycling, retired effective Oct 31 after 25 years of service. Order accepted.

Ordinances

  • Second Reading & Adoption (25-25): Ordinance amending alcohol license regulations (Section 117.17). Updates included simplified language, new license categories, updated fees (e.g., special temporary retail drink license $166.66, quota retail package $752.45), and clarified penalties. Approved unanimously.
  • First Reading (25-26): Ordinance reducing the blasting permit fee from $500 to $50 to align with other jurisdictions. Will be voted on at the next meeting.

Bids & Contracts

  • Soccer Goals (25-145): Awarded to Challenger Teamware for $120,291.45 for the Richmond Regional Sports Complex. Funded by bond proceeds. Includes goals, nets, wheels, flags, accessories, and shipping.
  • Fire Training Center Carpentry (25-150): Awarded to SERVPRO of Richmond for $84,673.24. Rebudgeted from FY25 to FY26. Lower bid excluded for not meeting specifications.
  • Copier Lease (25-159): Authorized mayor to execute a 48-month lease with Toshiba for $1,568 per month for city hall, public works, vehicle maintenance, and recycling departments. Better service location in Richmond.
  • CDBG Administration Contract (25-156): Approved contract with Fahy Consulting for $1,500 (application) and $10,000 (administration) for the 2025 Richmond Recovery Project (Liberty Place). Grant funds from the Kentucky Department for Local Government.

Grants & Donations

  • Charitable Grants (25-157): Approved $50,000 total to 14 organizations: CASA of Wilderness Trail ($5,000), God's Outreach Madison County Food Bank ($5,000), Hope's Wings ($2,500), Hospice Care Plus ($2,000), Humane Society Animal League for Life ($5,000), Madison County Haven of Hope ($5,000), Redeeming Hope ($5,000), New Liberty Family Shelter ($5,000), Richmond Area Arts Council ($5,000), Special Olympics of Kentucky ($5,000), Salvation Army ($2,500), YMCA Black Achievers ($2,000), and NAACP Richmond County ($1,000). (Special Olympics amount was corrected from $2,500 to $5,000.)

Appointments & Resignations

  • Housing Authority (25-147): Accepted resignation of Sylvia Powell, effective immediately, thanking her for service since 1997.
  • Tourism Commission (25-148): Reappointed Cassidy Johnson for a term expiring 2028.
  • Human Rights Commission (25-149): Reappointed Dejan Grave for a term expiring 2029.

Community Reports & Updates

  • City Manager: Announced recycling building photo opportunity on Oct 15 and “Late Night with the Colonels” at Dillingham Park on Oct 16.
  • Industrial Development (David Stipes): Reported acquisition of new industrial park property on Duncan Road, annexed into city. Applied for KPDI grant for entrance development. Noted that The Natural State Green Grass has opened a medical cannabis cultivation facility in Industrial Park 3, starting with 25 employees and expecting up to 100.
  • Commissioner Brewer: Reported Millstone Festival success with ~15,000 attendees, 150+ vendors, 40 on waiting list, a car show, and 21 pairs of twins in the contest. Planning for next year underway.
  • Commissioner Cole: Raised traffic safety concerns at the intersection of the bypass and Boggs Lane (near Walmart and Soft Shoes) after several recent injuries. Requested review by Police Chief and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Also mentioned need for a right-turn lane from Lowe's/Aldi.
  • Commissioner Goble: Praised partnerships with Madison County Schools after a Leadership Madison County education day.
  • Mayor Blythe: Acknowledged a donation of $46-48,000 from Mobile for restroom upgrades at the park. Noted New Vista Clinic ground-breaking on Robert R. Martin. Commended fire department for transporting patients during a multi-ambulance accident. Suggested giving participation medals to all twins contest entrants in the future.

Key Outcomes

  • All ordinances, orders, and contracts were approved unanimously (with recorded votes) except the blasting permit ordinance (first reading, no vote).
  • The board voted to adjourn after hearing reports.

Meeting Transcript

And the bewitching hour of six is here. We're going to ask uh Pastor Eric Espata of the First United Methodist Church to come and lead us in our invocation, please. Good evening, sir, and welcome. Good to see you again. Yes. Good evening to all. Let us pray. The Bible says in Jeremiah twenty-nine, seven, and work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I have sent you. Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the city of Richmond, the place you call us to be. We lift up our leaders of our city. And the other elected officers, members of the cedar uh city leadership. Father, I pray for wisdom, justice, and integrity in all their decisions. Bless the homes and the family of our city. Lord, I pray for peace and welfare for all who live here. Strengthen us to be your hands and feet, to love our neighbor, to care for the sick, and to welcome the stranger. Guide us to work for peace, justice, and compassion in our community. And may your love be made visible through our actions. Help us to be the city where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Open our eyes to the need of those around us and give us the courage to act in act in ways that bring hopes and healing. Would you mind just telling the folks who you are if you understand what I mean? Just briefly, please. And welcome again. This is Cub Scout Troop 401. Thank you, sir. And to the Republican. One nation. Individual with liberty and justice. Thank you. Now, is there anything you want to say? Thank you for coming. Whenever we're able to welcome these young people, I always like to end their visit by simply saying there's hope. There is hope, and uh these these children and young people. Thank you, Jen, for what you do for them. Let's see here. Madam Clerk, please call or roll. Commissioner Gobel here. Commissioner Noby. Here. Commissioner Brewer. President. Commissioner Cole. Here. Mayor Blythe. Here, thank you. We have uh three presentations for tonight. The first is a recognition of the Madison County Special Olympics teams. People come to the podium there, please. I'm here to share with you about the honor it is to be overseeing our wonderful group. We have over a hundred athletes that participate in Tim Sports with Madison County Special Olympics. Um it goes year-round, so they're always having a different sport.

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