The Richmond City Board of Commissioners convened on January 13, 2026, for a meeting focused on departmental appointments, financial grants, and community relations. The session opened with a prayer, a tribute to retiring staff member Bill Howe, and patriotic ceremonies led by Scouting America Troop 401. A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to a comprehensive presentation and greeting from the Madison County International Committee regarding their sister city relationship with Hôto City, Japan, including reports on a recent delegation visit and plans for an autumn reciprocal visit. The Board subsequently processed seven Orders of the City (26-01 through 26-07), covering internal promotions, new hires, grant authorizations, and interlocal agreements. The meeting concluded with a public comment period where the Mayor provided updates on the Richmond Regional Sports Complex and announced a resolution of support for state correctional officers.
And we enjoy living here, and yet there is always the desire that it be an even better community. And I thank you for these that are before me, who have been called to do what they do. This is not an easy calling and thus not an easy task. And so I pray that you would just guide them and inspire them and fill them with your spirit. And God, I pray that as each day they're together, working together, learning together, that they just continue to do the work that you have appointed them to do. So, God, for those of us in the community, we want to be able to encourage them and to pray for them. And we thank you for this particular day because we know that it is indeed a gift from you. And it's in your name that we pray. Amen. Thank you, sir. Bill Howe's retirement, busier than ever. Well, somebody told me, Mr. Mayor, that I plugged retirement. Very well. I would imagine so. Thank you for all that you've done for all of us these many years, and for what you're doing for others, even beyond uh our community now. Bless you, my friend. We are honored to have Scouting America Troop 401 representatives who will process into the chambers with the flags this evening and will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Throughout its service to the Richmond community for over 25 years, Troop 401 teaches leadership, outdoor skills, and strong character, living the mission of Scouting America to instill the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts, please proceed. Post the colors. Would you please say with me? The Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the Fly of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it says one nation under God, individual liberty and justice for all. As I enjoy saying when our scouts and other young people come to lead us in so many ways in our meetings, I simply say there is hope. In spite of what we see and hear sometimes, there is hope. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Commissioner Brewer. Here. Commissioner Cole. Here. Commissioner Goebbell, here. Commissioner Newby. Here. Mayor Blythe. Here, thank you. We have a presentation this evening from the Madison County International Delegation. Pastor Kent Gilbert and Mayor Bruce Fraley are here. Welcome to our meeting and to the chambers. Thank you. Mr. Mayor, thank you. Commissioners, pleasure to greet you. On behalf of your Madison County International Committee, you may know that for the past more than 35 years, we have had a sister region relationship with Hokto City Japan. And I apologize that our slideshow is not working, but on your desk, you have a copy of the presentation. So we are a backup to the backup. You will uh maybe want to go through it. It looks like it's stapled on the wrong side, so you might start what looks like the back, but is actually should say 25 delegation to Hokoto City looks like this. I wanted to uh give you a brief report on some of our recent activities, but also especially to to bring you greetings.