Richmond City Board of Commissioners Meeting – July 14, 2026

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners met on July 14, 2026, for a regular meeting. The meeting began with an invocation by Police Chief (also a preacher’s kid) and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Air Force veteran Charlie Hamilton, owner of Dreaming Creek Brewery. The board approved multiple personnel actions, a salt bid, a land donation to the Kentucky State Police, a grant participation agreement, and a termination. Public comments focused on stormwater drainage issues after a June 27 flood, a road hazard on Dunbar Lane (county jurisdiction), and traffic signal timing concerns.

Business Recognition

• Kelsey Golden, owner of The Golden Collections, was recognized for opening a storefront at 142 North Second Street. The business started as a Facebook group two years ago, selling a single teacup and saucer, and has grown into a local retail shop offering antiques and home decor.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 18 workshop, June 22 special call hearing, and June 23 regular meeting. (Motion: Commissioner Newby, second: Commissioner Brewer; vote 5-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bethany Fringer and Jason Freeman (ProSigns, a small business since 2012) described severe flooding on June 27 that caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage. They noted that their property sits at the bottom of two hills, with stormwater converging from Heath Street and nearby undeveloped properties that are now being developed. They requested the city conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the stormwater system serving their area, review roadway drainage, and consider future infrastructure improvements. They provided videos and documents. Mayor Blythe expressed sympathy and said the city would review the materials.
• James Hyatt (resident) reported a large pothole on Dunbar Lane that damaged his tire. He was directed to contact the Madison County Fiscal Court, as that road is not within city jurisdiction. He also promoted an American Postal Workers Union event on July 28 in Lexington.
• Unnamed speaker requested a left-turn arrow at the traffic light on Tate's Creek Road at Goggins Lane and a right-turn lane on South Keeneland at Tate's Creek, citing traffic backups due to new development. The mayor took the comment under advisement.

Discussion Items

• Executive Session: The board voted unanimously to go into executive session under KRS 61.810(1)(b) (acquisition/sale of property) and (1)(f) (personnel). They returned with no action taken. (Motion: Commissioner Cole, second: Commissioner Goebbel; vote 5-0)
• Order 26-106 – Land Donation to Kentucky State Police: The board approved donating approximately 8.3 acres of land off Duncan Lane to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for a new Kentucky State Police post. The property is part of the city’s recent 189-acre purchase. The city manager noted this will support industrial development and replace the current cramped post on EKU’s campus. (Motion: Commissioner Cole, second: Commissioner Goebbel; vote 5-0)
• Order 26-112 – KPDI Grant Participation: The board authorized the city to provide a 20% local match ($400,000) for a $2 million Kentucky Product Development Initiative grant. The funds will be used for infrastructure improvements at the new 189-acre park, and the match will come from the capital projects fund. (Motion: Commissioner Cole, second: Commissioner Goebbel; vote 5-0)
• Order 26-109 – Planning & Zoning Director Reinstatement: The board approved reinstating Kevin Cosy as full-time Planning and Zoning Director, effective August 7, 2026 (pay grade 7), after he completed a performance improvement plan. Commissioner Goebbel noted he hoped for a personal apology, and the city manager said Human Resources would develop a new performance evaluation process with checks and balances over the next year. The city attorney clarified that employment is at-will, and a probationary period is not necessary. (Motion: Commissioner Cole, second: Commissioner Goebbel; vote 5-0)
• Order 26-114 – Termination of Employee: The board approved terminating Stephen Snowden from the Buildings and Grounds Department due to inability to perform duties, effective July 14, 2026. (Motion: Commissioner Brewer, second: Commissioner Newby; vote 5-0)

Key Outcomes

• Salt Bid (Order 26-105): Awarded to Morton Salt at $138.94 per ton, with the city increasing its tonnage from 2,000 to 3,000 tons for the 2026-2027 fiscal year due to heavy winter usage. The increase was noted as significant. (Motion: Commissioner Cole, second: Commissioner Goebbel; vote 5-0)
• Personnel Actions:
  • Police Department: Employee status changed from part-time to full-time safety officer (Order 26-103).
  • Police Department: Resignation of Justin Rader accepted (Order 26-108).
  • Finance Department: Resignation of Shea Hearst (Assistant Finance Director) accepted (Order 26-104).
  • Finance Department: Retirement of Marilyn Ballinger (Senior Clerk) accepted, effective July 31 (Order 26-110).
  • Administration Department: Retirement of Bonnie Eckler (Payroll Specialist II) accepted, effective August 31 (Order 26-111).
• Surplus Property (Order 26-107): Declared surplus items from police, recycling, and vehicle maintenance departments, including a vertical recycling bailer and used vehicles, to be sold via electronic auction on govdeals.com. (Motion: Commissioner Newby, second: Commissioner Brewer; vote 5-0)
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Commissioner Newby requested city funding for 200 backpacks for a school supply drive organized by Georgia Parks, to be taken from the charitable contributions fund. The board expressed consensus to pursue it.
  • Commissioner Goebbel reminded residents that applications for Leadership Madison County are due July 17.
  • Commissioner Brewer recognized the Little League state tournament hosted in Richmond, noting the positive economic impact and praise from visitors. Mayor Blythe commended Phyllis Adams for her work on the tournament.