Richmond Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Richmond, Kentucky, held its regular meeting on February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a presentation for Black History Month, the second readings and approvals of six zoning ordinances and one annexation ordinance, numerous orders including promotions, vehicle purchases, banking services, fleet management, fireworks contract, appointments, and resignations, and a public comment period. All motions were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

(Items approved unanimously with minimal or no discussion)

• Minutes from the special called meetings on January 29, 2026 (12:00 PM and 1:30 PM) were approved.
• Order 26-17: Promotion of Trevor Edwards to battalion chief in the Fire Department, effective March 6, 2026.
• Order 26-18: Award of bid for three 2026 Silverado work trucks and one 2026 Silverado dump truck to Bachman Auto Group (Louisville, KY) for the new Richmond Regional Sports Complex (budgeted capital funds).
• Order 26-19: Promotion of a firefighter to firefighter II.
• Order 26-20: Acceptance of resignation of Catherine Hollis from Finance Department, effective February 14, 2026.
• Order 26-21: Adoption of amended job descriptions and pay grades for Fire Department Battalion Chief (Pay Grade 6) and Captain (Pay Grade 5).
• Order 26-22: Award of bid for July 4, 2026 fireworks display at Lake Reba to Pyro Show Inc. (TN) for $25,000 plus $2,500 for red, white, and blue theme to celebrate the U.S. semiquincentennial.
• Order 26-23: Award of banking services for the General Fund to Fort Bank (changing from P&C Bank).
• Order 26-24: Approval of a contract through SourceWell cooperative purchasing with Enterprise Fleet Management for fleet management services for the Police Department (initial 16 vehicles in first year, total 95 vehicles over five years to replace aging fleet).
• Order 26-25: Reappointment of John Revel to the Richmond Utility Board for a fourth term expiring September 11, 2030.
• Order 26-26: Reappointment of Dr. James Miller to the Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term expiring 2030.
• Order 26-27: Reappointment of Wayne Robinson to the Board of Adjustments for a term expiring 2028.
• Order 26-28: Reappointments to the Architectural Review Board: Ron Dossus (H1 District, expiring 2029), Brandon Pow (architect, expiring 2027), Colleen Spencer (downtown business, expiring 2027).
• Order 26-29: Reappointment of Cassidy Johnson to the Tourism Commission (Hotel Representative) for a term expiring 2028.
• Order 26-30: Acceptance of resignation of Christopher Mullins from Public Works Department (Equipment Operator I), effective February 6, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ed Brown (citizen) expressed concern that opportunities for public input on zoning changes and other action items often occur during special meetings in the midday, making it difficult for working citizens to attend. He requested that such items be scheduled for regular evening meetings to allow broader participation. The City Attorney noted that zoning changes have public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and that meetings during the workday are legally permissible, but acknowledged the possibility of improving scheduling. Mayor Blythe added that the board currently holds one noon and one evening meeting per month to accommodate different schedules.

Presentation

• Black History Month Presentation: Belmar Miller presented on the return of a historic trophy case from Richmond High School (originally installed in 1944, school closed in 1973, case was away for 52 years). The case has been restored and placed at the Telford YMCA. Miller emphasized that the case honors the legacy of students, teachers, and the community.

Discussion Items

• Comprehensive Plan Update: City Manager announced that the final draft of the five-year comprehensive plan will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission on February 18, 2026. Commissioners may submit changes by the end of the current week (February 12) to be incorporated before the first reading on February 24, 2026.

Key Outcomes

All votes were unanimous (5-0). Specific outcomes:

1. Ordinance 26-02 (219 Moberley Ave): Zone change from R1C (single-family residential) to B2 (Central Business District) for a church building (Kentucky Church of God). Adopted on second reading.
2. Ordinance 26-03 (Baker Court, 13 properties): Zone change from R2 (two-family residential) to R1 (single-family residential) at the homeowners' request to align zoning with existing single-family uses. Adopted.
3. Ordinance 26-04 (614 Oldham Ave): Zone change from R3 (multifamily) to R1 (single-family) at property owner's request. Adopted.
4. Ordinance 26-05 (1212 West Main St): Zone change from P1 (professional offices) to B3 (Highway Business) for McAllister Business Properties. Adopted.
5. Ordinance 26-06 (1180 Berea Road): Zone change from B3 to I2 (Heavy Industry) for Qualex Machining LLC. Adopted.
6. Ordinance 26-07 (1055 Berea Road): Voluntary annexation of 0.6135 acres (IBS US LLC) into city limits; referred to Planning and Zoning Commission for zoning recommendation. Second reading adopted.
7. Zoning ordinance 26-01 (Spring House Apartments) was withdrawn by the applicant and not acted upon.
8. All orders (26-17 through 26-30) were approved as listed in the Consent Calendar.

Note: The transcript does not specify the exact vote tallies for each item, but all were recorded with 'Yes' from each commissioner present (Brewer, Cole, Goble, Newby, and Mayor Blythe).