OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Richmond City Commission Meeting - August 11, 2026

City Commission Meetings — Tuesday, August 11, 2026
BodyRichmond, Kentucky
SessionCity Commission Meetings
DateTuesday, August 11, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
2:00

Thank you, Pat.

2:01

Good evening again.

2:04

We will ask this time that uh Pastor Mary Metzger would come and lead us in our invocation.

2:11

Welcome, Mary.

2:16

In these quiet moments before the storm.

2:20

Let us pray.

2:22

Sovereign God.

2:24

We give you thanks for this day, the city of Richmond, that we call home, and for its many diverse citizens, different yet created in your image.

2:35

Bless this meeting and all who are here in attendance.

2:39

May our commissioners lead with justice and integrity as they deliberate the tasks set before them.

2:47

Trusting in your unfailing provision and goodness, we pray.

2:52

Amen.

2:54

Thank you.

3:04

Serves as pastor of the Saint Thomas Lutheran Church, and always appreciate your uh coming to share with us.

3:15

It's getting dark outside, isn't it?

3:20

We're honored to have a young man who is a local scout to lead us in our Pledge of Allegiance this evening.

3:26

Joey Lopes is a member of Scouting America Troop 4 One with the rank of tenderfoot.

3:33

He has already earned four merit badges, including first aid and camping.

3:38

He continues to work towards second class rank and other merit badges.

4:42

We don't have a lot of scouts, but we um need we need scouts, so if you have somebody or kids that are old enough, um put them in or put them in a scout.

5:05

We need scouts.

5:12

Tenderfoot, tender foot is that what you are?

5:14

Hang in there, man.

5:15

We're six tenderfoot second class, first class, star life and eagle, right?

5:20

Eagle idea.

5:21

Eagle.

5:22

I made it to life.

5:23

Girls got in the way.

5:27

Hang in there, buddy.

5:32

Uh Madam Clerk, please call the role.

5:37

Commissioner Cole here.

5:38

Commissioner Goebbel.

5:40

Yeah, Commissioner Newby.

5:41

Here.

5:42

Commissioner Brewer.

5:43

Here.

5:43

Mayor Block.

5:44

Here, thank you.

5:45

We have a couple of presentations tonight.

5:47

The first is from Fork Bank, and we're going to ask uh Jenny and Mark, please to come and give us some good news.

5:59

Yes.

6:00

Thank you for having us tonight.

6:02

Uh, my name is Jenny Weigans, and I'm the Treasury Management Officer here at Fork Bank, and I'm the one that's kind of helped with the transition of the general account over to Fork Bank.

6:15

Uh I'm Mark Trent.

6:17

Uh I am the head teller with Fork Bank in the Richmond location.

6:20

I assist with opening uh accounts.

6:23

And we're gonna go over just a couple of things of what we've got in regards to that partnership with you all today.

6:28

So we do have some pamphlets for you all.

6:32

We're gonna be leaving those here for you rolls today.

6:34

Uh in here, just kind of discussed if you open an account with us.

6:37

You have the option of getting a white couple or a black movie.

6:40

So we have those options available to you.

6:42

You also get the opportunity to get $300 off of new mortgage loan closings.

6:48

So on those closings, you get $300 off.

6:50

You also get 25 or 0.25% discount on personal loans.

6:55

So that's a quarter off on personal loans.

6:57

Uh, we also have a referral system.

6:59

So on there, it shows for you and a family member.

7:03

So if you refer a family member to us, you can get $50, and that family member or friend can also get $50.

7:08

So we'll have those available to you all today as well.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters██████████████████████████26%
Procurement██████████████████18%
Procedural████████████12%
Economic Development████████8%
Public Engagement████████8%
Zoning Regulations███████7%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Richmond City Commission Meeting - August 11, 2026

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners met on August 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM (estimated from transcript references). The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Mary Metzger of Saint Thomas Lutheran Church, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Joey Lopes of Troop 41, and roll call. All commissioners were present: Commissioner Cole, Commissioner Goebbel, Commissioner Newby, Commissioner Brewer, and Mayor Blythe. The agenda included presentations, a first reading of an ordinance, multiple personnel orders, vehicle purchases, and emergency repairs.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: The workshop meeting minutes from July 16, 2026, were approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Newby, second by Commissioner Brewer, all ayes).
  • Ordinance 26-24 (First Reading): An ordinance amending residential parking permit areas to include Baker Court in its entirety. This was a first reading only; no vote was taken. Discussion occurred regarding short-term rentals and parking passes (see Discussion Items).
  • Order 26-117 (Finance Department Hiring): Approved hiring Logan Jean, Marshall Harris, and Tracy White as Assistant Finance Director 2 (Pay Grade 7), effective August 21, 2026 (motion by Commissioner Brewer, second by Commissioner Newby, unanimous).
  • Order 26-118 (Police Officer Hiring): Approved hiring Jarrett McKenzie as a police officer (Pay Grade 4), contingent on background checks and training, effective August 17, 2026 (motion by Commissioner Cole, second by Commissioner Goebbel, unanimous).
  • Order 26-119 (Demolition): Authorized demolition of a substandard structure at 154 Parish Avenue by Lexmann of Kentucky for $15,206, with a lien placed on the property (motion by Commissioner Brewer, second by Commissioner Newby, unanimous).
  • Order 26-120 (Retirement – Golf Maintenance): Accepted retirement of Marshall Robinson (turf grass equipment operator), effective August 31, 2026, with thanks for 30 years of service (motion by Commissioner Newby, second by Commissioner Goebbel, unanimous). Commissioner Brewer highlighted Robinson's contributions to Gibson Bay Golf Course.
  • Order 26-121 (Resignation – Police Department): Accepted resignation of Kimberley McMahon, effective July 27, 2026 (motion by Commissioner Goebbel, second by Commissioner Brewer, unanimous).
  • Order 26-122 (Resignation – Architectural Review Board): Accepted resignation of Colleen Spencer, effective immediately, with thanks for service since 2020 (motion by Commissioner Cole, second by Commissioner Goebbel, unanimous).
  • Order 26-123 (Retirement – Public Works): Accepted retirement of Kenneth Foster, effective September 30, 2026, with thanks for 37 years of service (motion by Commissioner Newby, second by Commissioner Brewer, unanimous). Commissioner Brewer praised Foster's dedication.
  • Order 26-124 (Resignation – Public Works): Accepted resignation of Michael Kearns, effective July 24, 2026 (motion by Commissioner Goebbel, second by Commissioner Newby, unanimous).
  • Order 26-125 (Forklift Bid): Accepted bid from Black Equipment of Lexington for a forklift (model GP 50) at $51,063.80, funded by a Kentucky Division of Waste Management Recycling Grant (motion by Commissioner Brewer, second by Commissioner Newby, unanimous).
  • Order 26-126 (Vehicle Purchase): Approved purchase of two Chevrolet vehicles (2026 Silverado, 2027 Equinox) from Bachman Auto Group and one Ford 550 from Paul Miller Commercial Vehicle Center. The Ford 550 exceeded the budget by $15,657.16; the difference will be taken from contingency (motion by Commissioner Cole, second by Commissioner Goebbel, unanimous). The city manager noted the vehicle is vital for winter plowing.
  • Order 26-127 (Employee Status Change – Finance to Administration): Approved reclassification of an employee from finance clerk to human resources generalist (Pay Grade 4, $25.01/hour), effective August 21, 2026 (motion by Commissioner Cole, second by Commissioner Newby, unanimous).
  • Order 26-128 (Employee Status Change – Police Department): Approved reclassification of an employee from police records clerk to police FOIA specialist (Pay Grade 4), effective September 4, 2026 (motion by Commissioner Goebbel, second by Commissioner Brewer, unanimous).
  • Order 26-129 (Emergency Repairs – Fire Station 4): Authorized emergency repairs without competitive bidding for water damage at Fire Station 4 (230 North Keeneland Drive). The city manager certified an emergency after a water leak caused mold and damage. ServePro and First Call Construction were engaged for remediation and restoration at an estimated cost of $3,500 and $15,500 respectively. Station staff were moved to Station 3; repairs expected completed by August 14 (motion by Commissioner Brewer, second by Commissioner Goebbel, unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No members of the public spoke during the public comments period.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance 26-24 – Parking Permits for Baker Court (First Reading): Commissioner Brewer asked whether short-term rentals (Airbnb) in the designated area would receive the same number of parking passes as permanent residents. The city attorney acknowledged the issue requires research and will provide an answer by August 12. The city manager noted the ordinance aims to assist single-family homeowners facing parking competition from multi-tenant houses. The ordinance will return for a second reading at the next regular meeting.
  • Commissioner Updates:
    • Commissioner Brewer raised concerns about a property at 107 Bobalink Drive where gravel was placed in the yard, which violates city ordinance (no gravel driveways). Codes enforcement has sent a notice; if not corrected, a citation process will begin.
    • Commissioner Brewer also asked about cleanup on Elm Street (behind the old Blue Moon). The city manager confirmed the matter is being processed through proper citation and legal channels, and an update is expected by the end of the week or early next week.

Key Outcomes

  • All presented orders (26-117 through 26-129) were approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 26-24 (parking permit expansion) was introduced as a first reading; no vote taken; second reading scheduled for the next regular meeting.
  • The city manager will provide research on short-term rentals and parking permits by August 12.
  • The city will continue code enforcement actions on 107 Bobalink Drive and Elm Street.

Presentations

  • Fork Bank Partnership Update: Jenny Weigans and Mark Trent presented benefits for city employees: $300 off mortgage closings, 0.25% discount on personal loans, a $50 referral program for employees and family, and a special city employee gift bag. Fork Bank also announced a first responder recognition event on September 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richmond branch, broadcast on WBON.
  • New Business Recognition: Lindsay Durham introduced her bridal boutique, which offers bridal dresses and an event space for up to 25 people. She emphasized creating a positive bridal experience and plans to partner with local organizations like PACA.

Announcements & Thank Yous

  • City Manager thanked HR staff (Janet, Bonnie, Cherie, Aaliyah) for successful PACOM payroll transition and Lauren Kilburn and Elizabeth Eversall for the back-to-school bash that distributed 600 backpacks.
  • Commissioner Newby acknowledged a separate back-to-school event at the Betty Miller Building Center organized by Ms. Georgia Parks, with donations from Commissioners and others.
  • Mayor Blythe reminded the community about Hops in the Park (August 15 at Whitehall State Historic Site, gates at 5 p.m., $15 lawn seats) and the Kiwanis annual golf scramble on August 21 (brochures at City Hall).
  • Chief Richardson identified new officer Jarrett McKenzie (hired earlier) who was present in the audience; he will be sworn in later and attend the academy in late October.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you, Pat. Good evening again. We will ask this time that uh Pastor Mary Metzger would come and lead us in our invocation. Welcome, Mary. In these quiet moments before the storm. Let us pray. Sovereign God. We give you thanks for this day, the city of Richmond, that we call home, and for its many diverse citizens, different yet created in your image. Bless this meeting and all who are here in attendance. May our commissioners lead with justice and integrity as they deliberate the tasks set before them. Trusting in your unfailing provision and goodness, we pray. Amen. Thank you. Serves as pastor of the Saint Thomas Lutheran Church, and always appreciate your uh coming to share with us. It's getting dark outside, isn't it? We're honored to have a young man who is a local scout to lead us in our Pledge of Allegiance this evening. Joey Lopes is a member of Scouting America Troop 4 One with the rank of tenderfoot. He has already earned four merit badges, including first aid and camping. He continues to work towards second class rank and other merit badges. We don't have a lot of scouts, but we um need we need scouts, so if you have somebody or kids that are old enough, um put them in or put them in a scout. We need scouts. Tenderfoot, tender foot is that what you are? Hang in there, man. We're six tenderfoot second class, first class, star life and eagle, right? Eagle idea. Eagle. I made it to life. Girls got in the way. Hang in there, buddy. Uh Madam Clerk, please call the role. Commissioner Cole here. Commissioner Goebbel. Yeah, Commissioner Newby. Here. Commissioner Brewer. Here. Mayor Block. Here, thank you. We have a couple of presentations tonight. The first is from Fork Bank, and we're going to ask uh Jenny and Mark, please to come and give us some good news. Yes. Thank you for having us tonight. Uh, my name is Jenny Weigans, and I'm the Treasury Management Officer here at Fork Bank, and I'm the one that's kind of helped with the transition of the general account over to Fork Bank. Uh I'm Mark Trent. Uh I am the head teller with Fork Bank in the Richmond location. I assist with opening uh accounts. And we're gonna go over just a couple of things of what we've got in regards to that partnership with you all today. So we do have some pamphlets for you all. We're gonna be leaving those here for you rolls today. Uh in here, just kind of discussed if you open an account with us.

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