Madam Clerk, I think it's six o'clock, isn't it?

And let's see, and uh tasty Tuesdays tonight.

Super, super.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

It's time for our meeting to begin.

This is the second regular regular meeting for the month.

Outside of our workshop meeting, and um had a special call last night, uh, which uh I think the consensus is went well, so we're happy.

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Commissioner Gobel.

Commissioner Newby.

Here.

Commissioner Brewer.

Commissioner Cole.

Here, Mayor Blythe.

Here, thank you.

Let's see.

I saw Patrick walk in.

Does that mean you're doing the invocation tonight?

Good evening, my friend.

If you'll come, please and get us started.

Let us pray.

God of all creation, we thank you for the gift of this day.

Thank you for the gift of community.

We thank you for the many ways in which we find your love and your mercy showing up in ways that we might expect and in ways that we do not expect.

We ask that your love, your mercy, your justice, all of this would accompany the session and each step as we go forth to our families, to our neighbors.

May all that we do increase our capacity to love you and one another.

All this we ask in your name.

Amen.

Thank you so much.

Um Patrick Messer, pastor of the First Christian Church, and uh appreciate your coming tonight.

We're honored to have a local U.S.

Armed Forces veteran with us to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pleased to welcome Mr.

Paul Mazurik, Staff Sergeant, retired.

Mr.

Missuric is the chairman of the Madison County Veterans Committee.

Served 21 years in the Kentucky National Guard and is a desert storm veteran.

He was a member of the 2123rd Heavy Equipment Transportation Unit here in Richmond, and is also a member of the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame.

Mr.

Bazurick, thank you for your service to our country and for leading our pledge this evening.

Please proceed.

Yes, sir.

Stand if you're able.

In the state of the Republic, for which it stands, one nation under God, individual with liberty and justice for all.

What years were you with the 21-23rd?

I think around 1989 to uh retired in 2002.

I was before that we were uh 732 more.

I was with the 206 engineers.

You know uh three, yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yes, sir.

Thank you again, sir.

Let's see, we've already called the role, haven't we?

Yes, sir.

The minutes that are listed on our agenda, let's see, the one that is ready for us tonight is the minutes from the special call meetings, the right Madame Clerk.

Yes, sir.

Held on June 9, 5 p.m.

The other minutes, the workshop meeting, June 18, and the special call hearing and meeting June 22 will be submitted at the next meeting.

If you've had a chance to look at that special call, maybe have a motion, please, to approve the minutes as presented for the special call meeting June 9.

I move.

Commissioner Newby.

Second.

Commissioner Brewer.

Is any discussion?

There being none, I'll um Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

We'll reserve that uh all in favor until we when till when we get tired.

Yeah.

Okay.

Yes, indeed.

Yes, indeed.

Ordinance 26-20, an ordinance of the city of Richmond, Kentucky, declaring the city's intent to annex 217 Pleasure Drive property in the city limits and referring the annexation to the Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission for a zoning recommendation.

This is a second reading.

Therefore, we will vote tonight.

Mr.

Attorney, please.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Whereas Richard and Julio Toole, the owner of the property described below, has requested to a voluntary annexation into city limits of the said tract, whereas the property is contiguous to the city's boundaries and is urban in character, and whereas no part of the property proposed to be annexed is included within the boundary of another incorporated city, and whereas the city of Richmond can provide city services to the property, and whereas the Board of Commissioners of the City of Richmond, Kentucky, finds it to be in the public interest that the property be annexed into city limits, now therefore be it ordained as follows.

Section one, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 81A of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, the City of Richmond, Kentucky does hereby express its intention to annex into city limits that certain tract of property, more particularly described as follows, to wit, Hillcrest Subdivision, Edition No.

3, 217 Pleasure Drive, lot 27, 0.35 acres, Richmond, Kentucky, Deed Book 846, page 650, plat book two, page 169.

This matter is hereby referred to the City of Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission for that body's recommendation as to the appropriate zoning classification.

Section 3.

This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its adoption following second reading and publication in accordance with the provisions of applicable Kentucky law.

Thank you.

So this is again the second reading of ordinance 26-20.

May we have a motion, please to bring to the floor for discussion and approval.

So moved.

Commissioner Cole.

Second.

Commissioner Brewer.

Is there any discussion?

Anything further, Mr.

City Manager, we're we're ready here.

There being none, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Ordinance 26-21.

An ordinance of the City of Richmond, Kentucky, declaring the city's intent to annex 223 Pleasure Drive and 611 Benjamin Drive into City Limits, and referring the annexation to the Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission for a zoning recommendation.

Again, this is a second reading.

We do vote tonight.

Mr.

Attorney, please.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Whereas Kenneth and Karen Allen, the owner of property described below has requested a voluntary annexation into city limits of the said tract, whereas the property is contiguous to the city's boundaries and is urban in character, and whereas no part of the property proposed to be annexed is included within the boundary of another incorporated city.

And whereas the City of Richmond can provide city services to the property, and whereas the Board of Commissioners of the City of Richmond, Kentucky, finds it to be in the public interest that the property be annexed into city limits.

And whereas the Board of Commissioners of the City of Richmond, Kentucky, finds it to be in the public interest that the property be annexed into city limits.

Now, therefore, be it ordained as follows.

Section one, in accordance with the provisions of the chapter of Chapter 81A of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, the City of Richmond, Kentucky does hereby express its intention to annex into city limits that certain tract of property, more particularly described as follows.

To wit.

Hillcrest subdivision addition number three, 223, pleasure drive, lot 30, 0.38 acres, Richmond, Kentucky.

Deed Book 838, page 84, Platte Book 2, page 169, and Hillcrest Subdivision Number 3, 611 Benjamin Drive, lot 28, 0.42 acres, Richmond, Kentucky.

Deed Book 721, page 556, Platbook 2, page 169.

Section 2.

The matter is hereby referred to the City of Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission for that body's recommendation as the appropriate zoning classification.

Section 3.

This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its adoption following second reading and publication in accordance with the provisions of applicable Kentucky law.

Thank you, Mr.

Attorney.

This is ordinance again, 26-21.

This is a second reading.

May we have a motion, please bring to the floor for discussion and approval.

A move.

Commissioner Newby.

Second.

Commissioner Brewer.

Is there any discussion?

There being none.

Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Attorney Isaacs, thank you very much for the appreciation, sir.

Thank you all very much for the president.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Ordinance 26-22.

An ordinance of the City of Richmond creating a code enforcement lien rebate program to encourage development and development and blighted city property.

This is again a second reading.

Mr.

Attorney again, please.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

And the continuing effort to endear myself to Commissioner Newby, I'll be summarizing this one as well.

Thank you, Sick.

This ordinance creates a code enforcement lien rebate program that allows purchasers who buy Richmond properties with existing code enforcement liens to receive a rebate of the lien amount after completing negotiated redevelopment improvements.

Eligible for properties purchased on or after January 1, 2026, the program requires participants to enter a written agreement with the city outlining improvements, timelines, and investment thresholds.

None of these requirements shall exceed 18 months from the date of the agreement.

So there is a sunset provision.

After completing the agreed upon work, the developer may request verification from the city.

If the city confirms compliance, the Board of Commissioners may approve a rebate, which must be issued within 30 days after the commission approval.

This program aims to reduce blight, encourage private investment, and support economic revitalization, revitalization within the city of Richmond.

Thank you, Mr.

Attorney.

That's a summary of ordinance 26-22.

This is a second reading.

May we have a motion, please, to bring to the floor now for discussion and approval.

So move.

Commissioner Brewer.

Second.

Commissioner Newby, is there any discussion?

Mayor, if I may.

Yes, sir, please.

As you all know, we have a lot of different uh properties within the city that uh are blighted, dilapidated, and incur a high level of codes and enforcement fines.

And we think this will help with builders being able to come in and purchase those properties.

Because right now, let's say you have a $20,000 lien on a property.

You come in, uh, you buy the lot for anywhere from five to ten thousand, and then you got to pay the lien as well.

They can't make the money work to purchase a property and and build a new house on it or renovate the one that's on it.

So what this allows them to do is they would pay for the lien up front, purchase the house or the lot, um, and it would be up to us to determine within 18 months if they've improved that property, and then they could get their lien money back.

So it's kind of an incentive to clean up some of these properties, lots, and houses.

I think it's pretty innovative, really.

Just uh yeah, yeah.

I was gonna say there's an application to do that.

Yeah.

And we would inspect the property, you know, once the builder or developer was ready for us to show the improvements, we could get on site and probably have building codes look at it and determine the improvements and then present it back to you for the rebate to be approved.

And it's that's not something we do administratively, right?

Yeah, yes, no, it'd have to be approval from the board of commissioners, and the intention behind this is it's not going to be sign the agreement, then 18 months later they're asking for that.

It's we're gonna have it implemented internally to where there's going to be ongoing check-ins, continuing inspections.

It's it's you know, it's not just sign here, we're gonna hand you the money.

It's there's there's gonna be a pretty rigorous standards we're holding them to.

You know, the the punch list is gonna be no different than any other uh purchase, but it's gonna be a punch list from the city to the developer saying if you X all these off, then we can talk about a rebate.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

There being none, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Newby, yes, Commissioner Brewer.

Yes, Commissioner Cole, yes, Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Ordinance 26-23 in order for the city of Richmond adopting the annual budget for the city of Richmond for the fiscal year 2027, estimating revenues and resources and appropriating funds for the operations of city government.

This is a second reading.

Mr.

City Manager, please.

Mayor, commissioners.

I think we had a very uh productive discussion last night about our fiscal year 27 budget.

I agree.

A lot of good input, a lot of good questions.

Um, and it looks tonight like Shay's gonna get to do the second reading, so we'll let her do second reading unless there's any further questions.

All right, proceed, please.

An ordinance of the city of Richmond adopting the annual budget for the city of Richmond for the fiscal year 2027, estimating revenues and resources and appropriating funds for the operations of city government.

Whereas a budget proposal has been prepared and delivered to the city commission, and whereas the city commission has reviewed the budget proposal, the necessary modifications have been completed as recommended.

Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners that the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026 and ending June 30th, 2027 is hereby presented as follows.

I'll start with the general fund, much the same as yesterday.

Um total resources for appropriations will be 71,072,543 dollars.

Total appropriations will be $57,043,362 with an estimated fund balance at 63027 of 14,029,181 dollars.

Our contingency reserve fund, our total resources for appropriation will be 31,375,000.

We don't have any appropriations this year.

Um so our our ending fund balance is estimated at 31,375,000.

Our stormwater fund, our total resources for appropriation is one million one hundred and thirty-two thousand three hundred ten dollars with one hundred thousand dollars of total appropriations for an ending fund balance of one million thirty-two thousand three hundred and ten dollars.

Our urban McDowell fund will have total resources for appropriations of three hundred and fifty-four thousand thirty-two dollars, total appropriations of one hundred thousand dollars, and an estimated fund balance at year end of two hundred and fifty-four thousand thirty-two dollars.

Our municipal aid program will have estimated total resources for appropriations at six hundred and seventy-three thousand three dollars total appropriations at six hundred and seventy two thousand two hundred dollars for an estimated ending balance of eight hundred three dollars.

Our federal funds will begin with resources for appropriations of one hundred forty-seven thousand, nine hundred and eighty-four dollars, appropriations of sixty thousand dollars for an ending balance of eighty-seven thousand nine hundred and eighty-four dollars.

And our capital projects fund, our total resources for appropriation is seven million two hundred and six thousand one hundred fifty-nine dollars.

Our total appropriations will be five million five hundred nine or five hundred and one, excuse me, thousand dollars, four hundred and seventy-nine.

And an estimated ending fund balance of one million seven hundred four thousand six hundred and eighty-one dollars.

Our self-funded insurance will have four million two hundred and fourteen thousand nine hundred twenty dollars in resources, um, three million eight hundred forty-nine thousand three hundred twenty dollars in appropriations with an ending balance of three hundred and sixty-five thousand six hundred dollars.

Our workers' compensation fund have $3,026,074 in resources for appropriation, $500,000 in appropriations, and an estimated ending balance of $2,526,074.

Our new fund of Whitehall will include resources for appropriations of $294,976, and total appropriations of $253,176 for an ending balance of $41,800.

Our police and fire pension fund will include $277,000 in resources for appropriation and $20,532 in appropriations for an ending balance of $256,468.

Our CDBG fund will include $200,100 nine dollars and total appropriate appropriations of $200,000 for an ending balance of $109.

Our LLEBG fund will include resources of $157,000 and appropriations of $150,000 for an ending balance of $7,000.

State funds will include resources in $675,000.

Appropriations in $350,000 for an ending balance of $325,000.

Parks Project Fond 2 will have total resources for appropriations of $1,383,135, and total appropriations of $1,378,206 for an ending balance of $4,929.

Fond three will include resources for appropriations of $14,461,367.

Total appropriations of $14,461,266 for an ending balance of $101.

Our opioid fund will include resources of $867,855 with appropriations of $200,000 for an ending balance of $667,855.

Our TIFF fund will include resources of $450,000.

Appropriations of $100,000 for an estimated ending balance of $350,000.

Our debt service fund will include resources of $5,419,955 with appropriations of $5,419,544 for an ending balance of $411,000.

Our tourism fund will include resources of $1,060,000, appropriations of $780,000, and an estimated fund balance at year end of $280,000.

The 2027 fiscal year budget is hereby approved as submitted.

The amounts budgeted above are hereby appropriated to the accounts indicated for the 2027 fiscal year budget.

The city clerk is hereby directed to publish a copy of the fiscal year 2027 budget ordinance in accordance with KRS 424.240.

This city ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon second reading and adoption and publication by the city Fridgman Board of Commissioners.

Thank you very much, Shay.

This is um second reading of our budget.

May we have a motion, please, to bring to the floor for discussion and approval.

So moved.

Commissioner Cole.

Second.

Commissioner Newby.

Any discussion?

Anything, Mr.

C Manage, you want to.

Mayor, I just want to thank Sharon and Shay and the finance department's work on this and all the department heads that we worked with through the process.

You know, this takes about 90 to 120 days of steady work and adjustments.

And I enjoyed our productive discussion last night about the budget.

I think that's important for you all's engagement.

I enjoyed the budget message at the work session.

I thought that was productive for everybody.

Um I would say we probably need to update your budget books from the original ones we gave you because that has changed since.

Yes, and we'll do so for posting on the website as well.

So thank you very much.

Happy to entertain any questions.

Anyway, Sharon, thank you.

Thank you.

How did it feel sitting back there and listing that being read this time?

Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you for what you do.

Thank you, Shay for.

There's no further discussion.

Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Shay, thank you.

Good job.

Yes, and excellent, excellent.

Incidentally, Shay, you are the second person in line to keep me out of jail.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Order 26-94 and order of the City of Richmond promoting two employees in the fire department.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas it is the intention of the Board of Commissioners to have highly qualified personnel within the city departments, and whereas firefighters one, two, and three classifications provide firefighter personnel with an opportunity for personal growth, education while improving the workforce itself, and whereas a notice and opportunity was given to all eligible personnel within the fire department to test and qualify for firefighter two.

Now, therefore, be it ordered by the City Richmond Board of Commissioners that the following promotions effective June 26th payroll as a part of the approved fire pay scale 2526 budget.

Firefighter 2, pay grade 3.

Joshua Ebert, originally hired in 2025, and Jalen Lamb originally hired in 2025 as well.

This order shall be in full force and effect upon reading and adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

This is Order 26-94.

May you have a motion, please bring it to the floor for discussion and approval.

So moved.

Commissioner Newby.

Thank you.

And Commissioner Cole.

Is there any discussion?

There being none, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Order 26-95.

An order of the City of Richmond updating various job descriptions.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas the City of Richmond has job descriptions for the employees, and whereas after review, it has been determined that these positions need to be amended to provide for more professional growth within the departments.

Now therefore, be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners that the following job descriptions and pay grades for the City of Richmond is hereby adopted.

For administration department, it is will be the director of grants and marketing, pay grade seven, it's an edit.

And the economic development project manager, pay grade four, which is an edit.

The building and maintenance and grounds department, which will be the director of building and maintenance grounds, pay grade six, which is an edit.

The fire department will be fire chief, pay grade eight, which isn't also an edit.

The attached description shall be made a part of the city's job descriptions and incorporated within their departmental structure.

This order shall be in full force and effect upon reading and adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

That's order 26-95.

May we have a motion, please bring to the floor for discussion and approval.

To move.

Commissioner Brewer.

Second.

Commissioner Newby.

Just a quick question, general without responding anything specific.

Is there a distinction somewhere, maybe HR or wherever?

Um, or in an overall way.

I'm looking at directors, managers, formerly some coordinators.

Is there distinction between that kind of job title or is it really a matter of the department and the assignment and so on?

No, there's distinctions.

I think what's happened is, you know, as we have we're trying to get away from the phrase of industrial development.

Yes.

People are here in industrial and they think smokestacks.

And as we build this team for economic development, we've changed these titles, and this has all really evolved through uh in our new personnel policy.

We now do every year a job description review with the department heads, and we're getting really good feedback from our department heads about how they need to tweak those job descriptions and titles.

And we're getting really good feedback from our department heads about how they need to tweak those job descriptions and titles.

So I think there is a distinction.

For economic development, we feel like these titles are better suited to really market as economic development and not industrial development.

Yes.

And look at small business, retail, commercial, and large manufacturing.

And then the building maintenance and grounds department.

That was a supervisor position.

As you know, we've created a new building and grounds department.

Move the parks department, grounds people underneath that department, along with the staff we had there, which is about 30 employees now.

So we did feel that was warranted as a director's position, overseeing that department.

And then the fire chief pay grade was just an edit.

So I think you'll see more of these as we move along through the year.

They're NHR, and we're we Janet does them as she can, and you'll see them on the agendas, and we'll be happy to explain any changes.

I hope that answered your question.

It does very well.

Thank you.

And it responds to the day.

Yeah.

Excellent.

Thank you, sir.

Any further discussion?

There being none.

Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Order 26-96 in order of the City of Richmond adjusting an employee status within the police department.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas the police department needs a senior crime crime, a senior crime scene technician due to the growth within the department.

And whereas there's an employee within that department which has applied for that position, which meets all requirements, and has requested to be reclassified into that position.

And whereas the department has budgeted for this adjustment.

Now, therefore, be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners that the following employee within the police department has hereby changed their employment status from crime scene technician to now senior crime scene technician.

Effective payroll July 6, 2026, pay grade four.

Lauren Richie, she was originally hired in 2022.

The Board of Commissioners would like to thank her for her continued service and leadership within the department.

This order shall be in full force and effect upon reading and adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

That's order 26-96.

May we have a motion, please bring to the floor for discussion and approval.

So moved.

Commissioner Cole.

Second.

Commissioner Newby.

Any discussion?

That being none, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer?

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Ceremonial order 26-97.

Order of the City of Richmond accepting resignation by an employee in the Parks Grounds Department.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas Tyler Hendrickson in the Parks Grounds Department has submitted his resignation to the city.

Now therefore it be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners accepts the resignation from Tyler Hendrickson from the Parks Grounds Department effective June 15th.

This order shall be effective immediately upon adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, ma'am.

That's Order 26-97.

Maybe of a motion, please, to bring this order to the floor for discussion and approval.

So move.

Commissioner Brewer.

Second.

Commissioner Newby, is there any discussion?

There being none, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Order 26-98 in order of the City of Richmond enter into a water treatment program agreement regarding the White Hall Historic Site.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas Eastern Kentucky University and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have now transferred the White Hall Historic Shrine to the City of Richmond.

And whereas upon ownership, the city wishes to maintain the same company which has operated the water treatment program for the HBAC cooling tower on the property.

And whereas it is the desire for Richmond to enter into an agreement setting forth the terms and obligations.

Now therefore be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners, does hereby approve and enter into a proposed water treatment program agreement, a division of the NCH Corporation with the City of Richmond and authorizing the mayor to execute same on behalf of the city.

This order shall be in full force and effect upon reading and adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

That's Order 26-98.

May we have a motion, please bring the floor for discussion and approval.

So moved.

Commissioner Cole.

Second.

And Commissioner Newby.

Is there any discussion?

City Manager, you want to Yeah, this is very similar to the uh cooling tower.

We have a district court that requires the water to be treated so the filters don't get clogged.

And it it's regular maintenance on this system.

If you don't do it, we ran into this at district court.

Uh regular maintenance wasn't being done, and it costs us a bunch of money to fix it.

So we're utilizing the company that was already there, contracted with EKU to do the same thing.

It's preventative maintenance on the water cooling tower for the summertime air system.

Any further discussion?

Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Order 26-99 in order of the City of Richmond hiring a firefighter, Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas the City of Richmond is in need of a firefighter to meet the needs of the citizens of Richmond, whereas testing was completed by all candidates and interviews conducted by a selection panel, and whereas a recommendation has been made for the hire.

Now, therefore, it be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners that the following individuals hired as a firefighter one for the City of Richmond, contingent on satisfactory completion of all requisite background checks and pre-employment process effective July 20th, 2026 at the annual rate based on the fire pay scale 2627 and pay grade three.

Ashton short.

This order shall be in full force in effect upon reading and adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

That's order 26-99.

May we have a motion, please, to bring this to the floor for discussion and approval.

I move.

Commissioner Newby, Commissioner Brewer.

Any discussion?

Chief, does that put you at full capacity?

Good.

Good.

That's good.

Good.

Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer?

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Order 26-100.

An order of the City of Richmond acknowledging an increase in the retirement benefits of the police and firefighters not covered by the county employees' retirement system.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas the City of Richmond created a retirement and benefit fund for members of the police and fire department through ordinance 87-26.

And whereas the Richmond City Commission passed an ordinance 90-30, which created the participation in the CERS system for city employees.

And whereas there is exists one whose retirement benefits are still governed by the terms under ordinance 87-26.

And whereas it is in the tent for the Richmond City Commissioners to adjust that retirement benefit for the one pensioner as per section one number four of ordinance 90-30, which provides for adjustments for those pension benefits.

Now therefore it be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners that the participant governed under ordinance 87-26 will be entitled to a pension increase of 4% for the fiscal year 2627.

This increase will be funded by revenue previously received from property taxes set aside for the police and fire pension fund and by additional funds transferred from the general fund if needed.

This order shall be in full force and effect upon reading and adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

That's Order 26-100.

May we have a motion, please bring the floor for discussion and approval.

So moved.

Commissioner Brewer.

Second.

Commissioner Newby.

Is there any discussion?

There being none, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Coles.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Order 26-101.

Order of the Board of Commissioners approving two change orders for the Richmond Regional Sports Complex.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas the city is wrapping up completion on the Richmond Regional Sports Complex.

There are two projects that need to be finalized with the mountain bike trail and bid package two, which is a recommended for a change order.

And whereas the City Commission has reviewed these agreements and had made a recommendation to move forward.

Now therefore be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners.

Change order number four for bid package two, which is a proposal request to add additional flag poles, revise clearing disc golf and mountain bike trails, adjust the disc golf layout, and adjusting netting for the soccer fields for the new layout.

Proposal request number nine is to revise sidewalks for the two-pack bleachers, adjust sidewalks at the pickleball court to the pavilion.

Revise the dog park layout, revise sidewalk at the trailhead pavilion, and adjust the scoreboard at the championship field for a total cost of a hundred and ninety and eighty-nine thousand one hundred and fifty-two dollars and sixty-five cents.

That is with the rising sun development.

Change order number one for the mountain bike bid package, which will include two modular steel bridges for a total of thirty-six thousand one hundred and forty-six dollars.

The contractor for that is Parsons Construction Services.

These projects will both be allocated from the project fund.

This order shall become effective immediately upon passage by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

That's order 26-101.

Maybe we have a motion, please bring to the floor for discussion and approval.

I move.

Second.

Commissioner Newby.

Commissioner Brewer.

Any discussion?

Mayor, if I may.

Yes, sir, please.

This project is coming down the stretch to completion.

Uh we plan on opening this property in November.

The change order number four bid package two.

Uh several of the items in the proposal request of seven and nine were requested on my behalf.

As we get out there and start to walk the property and see things that don't look right to us and make adjustments.

I thought that was appropriate.

Um there was some netting issues when we looked at soccer fields.

And if you've been out there, you know the location of the soccer fields.

We're gonna have to have some pretty high netting to catch balls so they don't end up in Tate's Creek Road, really.

Um the change order number one, the mountain bike bid package.

Um, this change order actually backs into the the previous change order that they had to maneuver the mountain bike course with the disc golf course to avoid each other, so that's why we had to come up with two bridges to cross some streams.

Um I I really feel strongly that this should tie up the loose ends on this property.

Knock on wood.

We've got a progress there's not enough wood there.

Well, we have a progress meeting next Tuesday, and and I feel like we're getting close with the loose end.

So we're we're coming down the stretch here, and I look forward to get this open to the public.

The bridges crossing the stream sounds like that might be even aesthetically pleasing.

Yeah, they'll they'll be cool looking for mountain bikers and hikers.

So yes, yes.

Good show.

Any further discussion?

There being none, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Newby, yes, Commissioner Brewer, yes, Commissioner Cole, yes, Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

Order 26-102, an order of the city of Richmond affirming the Section 8 budget for the fiscal year 26-27.

Madam Clerk, please.

Whereas the Section 8 budget has been submitted to a duly reviewed by the Richmond Section 8 Board, and whereas the Board of Commissioners found the budget to be a clear and balanced document.

Now, therefore, be it ordered by the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners that the attached 2026 and 27 fiscal budget for the Section 8 department is hereby approved as submitted by the Section 8 Board and adopted.

This order shall be in full force and effect upon reading and adoption by the Richmond City Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

That's order 26-102.

May we have a motion, please, to bring to the floor for discussion and approval.

So move.

Commissioner Brewer.

Second.

Commissioner Newby.

Any discussion?

You have I believe we all have copies of that.

All right.

Any question, comment, no discussion?

And just a note, um, the board did discuss the uh COLA, and that just so happens that we approved tonight, Susan, what that board approved a few days ago.

So thank you.

There being no other, Madam Clerk, please.

Commissioner Brewer.

Yes.

Commissioner Cole.

Yes.

Commissioner Newby.

Yes.

Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you.

This is the public comments period.

If anyone has come tonight that wishes to address the commission, anyone.

Give your name, please, for the clerk.

Yeah, I just want to come up here and talk for a minute.

Um after the fiscal court meeting, and maybe think about uh data centers.

I think the uh Richmond City Council should actually be discussing that.

Do me one favor, just pull that mic yet.

Just thank you.

Is that better?

Yeah, that's better.

Uh okay.

Um after the fiscal court meeting, I was thinking about data centers, and I think it would be pertinent for the Richmond City Council to discuss a possible moratorium on data centers in the area.

We've seen a lot of local governments do that so far, mainly because uh it seems to be a state issue, but as of right now, the General Assembly is not in session, so the bonus of responsibility will fall on local governments.

Um so I think that uh from what we've seen of how uh the impact of data centers in some areas and some of the areas they've been targeting.

I think that it would be important for a moratorium on data centers.

Um if you disagree with that, that's acceptable.

Uh, what I find unacceptable is not having a discussion about it.

Um, I think that uh is very necessary, and we should take time to uh discuss uh data centers and how they will impact our local communities.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

All right, Mr.

City Manager, please.

Uh just one item tonight.

I want to thank uh public safety road department, um parks department, uh parks grounds, tourism.

Everybody that's involved in the Fourth of July festivities were ready to go.

Um of course that's a week from Saturday.

It's hard to believe it's already here, but there's free swim from four o'clock to seven o'clock on Saturday at Paradise Cove.

Uh free putt-putt golf from four to eleven.

Um there's a car show from four to eight.

Uh, and then the vendors, food trucks, inflatables, and live entertainment all starts at five o'clock.

So uh it's a long day for our our folks, but we do an awesome job.

There'll be extra fireworks to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America.

Uh so we're looking forward to that.

And that's all I have, Mayor.

So, but thank you, sir.

That's uh that's one of those uh all hands on deck.

Yes, sir.

And it goes so well.

Yep, it really goes well, even I see it maybe every year, but even the cleanup goes well.

And um it's amazing how our departments respond to special events.

Um we got nothing but accolades from the Pride Festival about our work there for them in securing the property, uh, cleanup and everything involved.

And we all like I say, time and time again, we show up, we suit up, we show up, and we lean on each other.

So it it works out good.

Thank you, sir.

Commissioner Cole.

I'm good, Mayor.

Thank you.

All righty, Commissioner Newby.

I have nothing, sir.

Commissioner Brewer.

He's coming through the Commissioner Brewer.

You we need to put a microphone in the bathroom.

Are we ready to go?

He said we need to put a microphone in the bathroom.

Oh that's a good one.

You're coming around.

Oh my interesting day.

We're we're doing well.

Oh Mike, it was your turn for a comment if you had one, is what he was saying.

Happy to see that the commissioner is coming along, though, after his surgery.

And um that his healing will continue to go well.

Your turn, sir.

If you uh anybody say anything about our police chief in the Special Olympics, no, sir.

You represented Kentucky, didn't you?

I did.

Walked them out.

And our great city.

Pretty come up and tell us about it, too.

Yeah.

I mean, it was honored to be uh to be uh asked to do that.

Uh we arrived in Minneapolis on Monday and uh we drove up to Duluth by Lake Superior and basically ran various routes all throughout the state till we finally ended up bringing the torch to Minneapolis where the USA games took place at the uh University of Minnesota.

So uh the whole Kentucky delegation of Special Olympic athletes uh met with me the day of uh opening ceremonies and I got to escort them into uh the actual stadium, which was was super uh ESPN had it on, Disney Plus had it on.

It was uh it was a huge deal in the state of Minnesota was very welcoming uh for the game.

So it was it was really uh I don't know, I I couldn't somebody said it earlier, but I can't explain it in words to express how it was.

Like it was uh there was laughs, there was tears, there was uh there was uh no sleeping, there were sometimes less eating.

Bathroom breaks were very far apart, so you didn't drink a lot of water.

It was just uh it was it was really fun, and I got to meet 47 other police officers from other states.

There was a total of 47 states that was represented, and uh every town that we went to uh there was a ceremony that took place, and uh they were just I mean it was unbelievable how we were treated and how well that Special Olympics was organized and planned.

I mean, it was a huge for the athletes.

I I can only think that it's a chance in a lifetime for them to be quite honest with you.

Yes, I mean they were super excited if you could have been in the tunnel when those states were coming through with all their athletes.

I mean, this was their super bowl.

Yeah, I mean, it was really, really great.

So I I just appreciate the opportunity to go represent our city and the state of Kentucky, and um it was it was unbelievable.

I can't put it in words.

How much running did you have to do, Chuck?

We so it just depends on the day.

Uh you know, it according to how many towns we went to, uh, mostly it was about three times a day, sometimes it was four.

Uh we did get to canoe the torch across the Mississippi River.

Wow from one side to another.

Um I mean, we just did various things that you wouldn't even get to do if you just drove to the state and visit.

You know, because you're out, you're running the streets, some things that most people don't get to run over because all the streets were shut down.

Like it was really, really something else.

I went to Black Sands Beach where we took team photos uh right by Lake Superior.

Never heard of the place before, but unbelievably beautiful.

It's just and cold.

That lake wind was but you know, throughout the day, what we would do, we'd start early in the morning, sometimes around five, we'd meet up, get on a bus, we travel to our first location, we'd have have a ceremony, travel to the next location, travel to the next location, travel again, and then end up in whatever motel and then start all over the next day.

So it was to me it was fun because I like running, you all know this.

So hamstrings good, huh?

Your hamstrings good.

Yeah, oh yeah.

Everything's working good so far.

I didn't overdo it.

It was uh something else that was really good too, is each team there were six teams, and uh we all ran in formation the entire time, but there was an athlete that was assigned to each team.

So an athlete got to actually run with each team.

Well, so it was really special.

We got to meet and get to know these athletes on a personal level.

It was amazing.

It was absolutely amazing.

So gee, we remember the um the excitement, the anticipation here, those athletes who announced that they were going to be representing us in the nationals and excitement and parents.

Yeah, yeah.

They were there uh loud and proud along with their other teammates.

It was uh it was really amazing.

Yeah, and uh the uh CEO of the Kentucky uh Special Olympics is from Richmond.

I don't know if you knew that, Angie.

The new one, yes.

Uh is actually from Richmond.

So we got to I got to talk and meet with her, and um turns out we know a lot of people were familiar with the same people, and of course, being from Richmond.

Big so Richmond had a big part in Special Olympics.

Yes, uh a big part, which I'm proud to be part of.

It was a great experience.

And I'm sorry I didn't bring it down.

There is upstairs, a little trophy of appreciation for the participation of the city of Richmond.

And this was the our 31st year here for Kentucky Olympics, and it just it's it's fascinating.

Something that they we when we the last day we were there after all the opening ceremonies were done, they had a uh like a little dinner for all the uh torch runners, and they presented each torch runner with the actual torch that was carried through all the state.

So I actually got one of the torches that I plan on putting up in a display and hanging it up uh at the police department.

Yes, sir.

Uh just so people know that hey, you know, not only does the city of Richmond support Special Olympics, but we go a little extra.

Exactly.

Thank you, Chief.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

I'm gonna say something about this man while I stand here.

Yeah.

You know, not only this stuff, but he he honestly he he is a a good example of representative of of Richmond.

If you if you watch the law, I mean law enforcement in itself.

You watch the local news.

Anytime they want somebody to give their opinion or what's going on, and not even to do with Richmond, just a topic in general.

Yeah.

This man's on TV.

Yeah.

And uh you're a credit to Richmond, buddy.

He's certainly an ambassador to Richmond.

So we appreciate that.

It it takes all of us, you know that, right?

I know the senior manager says it all the time, it's a huge team.

It really is.

I mean, you're all support make that possible.

We've got a lot of great young officers that make that possible.

I have a lot of leaders in that department.

Um, and you know, we work very well with the fire department, the street department.

I mean, the city is a hoe, in my opinion, okay.

Is the best that it's ever been.

That's just I'm just saying the way that it is.

And it's awesome.

Wouldn't change a thing.

Twenty-eight years as of yesterday for me, June the twenty-second, turned twenty-eight years, so congratulations.

I I love it.

Thank you.

I enjoy it.

He's promised me at least four more years.

Yes.

Uh I'm still motivated.

I I'm still inspired by it.

So I'm gonna continue doing that until you know uh if I feel that I'm not making a difference and I'm not motivated about the job, then we'll have to sit down and talk.

But I think right now we're we're good to go.

I'll keep an eye on your speed running to Richmond.

I'll watch him.

Two things he's still going.

First of all, I'm and I said it before, I don't know that I've ever seen a police chief who can smile and have the demeanor that this man has in what he does.

And I know there's some days that are more challenging than some others.

Yeah, but we're glad you're our chief of police.

Well, thank you.

That means a lot.

I mean it's my hometown, and that's a lot invested here, you know.

That's it, yes, sir.

We'll see how well those recruits smile tomorrow.

They get to run with me the first time.

Yes, I I know it.

I know it.

I know it.

And and uh the those those young what you said a moment ago, those young people and Gary Schaeffer, right?

How many years for Schaefer with us?

He's going on 38.

Yeah.

Uh huh.

Now, does that include the academy?

No.

See, that's he's got beyond that even.

No, he's almost to his second 20 years.

Yeah.

So, you know, he retired with us and then came back, and he's almost completed another 20 years.

Yes, sir.

Amazing.

Yes.

He does a great job.

I mean, even this week, he's uh I I'm I'm not sure if y'all know exactly how this works.

You may remember me talking about we were approved to teach safety officers, the academy, so we have the safety officer academy program set up so other departments throughout the state send their officers to us to train.

Right.

He's our he's the instructor.

So right now there's a safety officer from Georgetown that's there for the next three weeks in the academy for them.

I mean, you know, it just says a lot.

It says a lot.

I appreciate him.

I'm glad he's there.

I'm glad we got the team we got.

I told him he has to stay around a little while to teach these youngsters.

He's been around.

And what it was like when we didn't have all of the niceties we've got now for our department.

Well, we gotta have him around.

We gotta have somebody to pick on me on someone.

That's all right.

Thank you so much.

Thank you all.

Mayor, I'll I'll tell you what's wonderful is being able to call department heads and say, hey, what do you think about this?

And then say, no, that's not gonna work.

We've tried that before, let's go a different direction.

Or calling them and saying, What do you think?

Or them calling me and say, What do you think about this?

And so, yes, yeah, I think we can do that.

It's a two-way street, and that open communication between my office, the department heads, and everybody involved makes us efficient and makes us be able to make good decisions.

And it's just a beautiful thing right now.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Again, both of our chiefs and all of our department heads that are here tonight.

And um anything else, Commissioner Brewer?

No.

All right.

Let me just acknowledge uh the presence of uh General Manager of Richmond Utilities, who was always here at our meetings, and uh Scott Althauser, we greatly appreciate your vision and what you contribute to that board uh that helps Richmond some of these things we've done even tonight in annexations and that kind of thing.

That's that's really got to be supported by uh by Richmond Utilities.

So we're grateful.

I'm grateful.

And uh he too has a wonderful demeanor with all that has to be done through that uh that entity um the way you do it.

I often say to folks, and I'm through Jim.

I often say to folks that it's not always just what you do, but it's also how you do it, not always what you say, but how you say it, and and we appreciate so much, Scott.

The board will meet, the Richm Richmond Utilities Board will meet in the morning at nine at the uh Richmond Utilities on Halle Irvin, and um always look forward to that meeting.

All hearts and minds clear.

Certainly acknowledge the absence of Commissioner Goble tonight.

All hearts and minds are clear.

We'll entertain a motion, please.

So moved.

Second, Commissioner Cole, Commissioner Newby.

Madam Clerk, please we'll do it formally.

Command Commissioner Cole.

Yes, Commissioner Newby?

Yes, Commissioner Brewer?

Yes, Mayor Blythe.

Yes, thank you, and thanks to all of you.