Richmond City Commission Regular Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Richmond Board of Commissioners met on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Floyd Bellou of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance led by U.S. Army veteran Tim Vinegar. The board commemorated the 20th anniversary of Comair Flight 5191, reading the names of local victims and observing a moment of silence. New businesses, a legal aid workshop, and several ordinances and orders were presented and voted on.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the regular meeting of August 11, 2026, and the workshop of August 20, 2026, were approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Newby, second by Commissioner Brewer; vote: 4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

New Business Presentations

• Urban Barrel Beef (Bourbon Barrel Beef): Owner Shelley Harrison presented the new business at 386 Highland Park Drive, next to Outback Steakhouse. The store offers fresh beef and pork from their own processing facility, open Monday–Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 9 AM–4 PM. The business opened July 31, 2026, and is the fourth location.
• Apple Red Legal Aid Workshop: Whitney Bailey, Disaster Response Project Director, presented a free wills and estate planning workshop on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Madison County Public Library in Richmond. The workshop helps prevent heir property issues and provides simple wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and deed reviews. Pre-registration is recommended at 844-478-0099. Bailey emphasized that services are free for low-income, elderly, veteran, substance use recovery, and domestic violence survivors.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 26-26 – Compatibility Standards for Qualified Manufactured Homes (First Reading): City Attorney Mike Turney presented the ordinance, which is required by state statute (KRS 100.348). The ordinance allows qualified manufactured homes (manufactured within 5 years, minimum 20 feet wide or two stories, minimum 900 sq. ft. living area) in all residential zones where single-family homes are permitted, subject to compatibility standards. The city may only regulate in specific areas: roof pitch (minimum 7/12), foundation skirting (cannot be vinyl), and matching exterior materials and setbacks within a 1/8-mile radius. The ordinance does not override deed restrictions, covenants, or HOA rules. Commissioner Cole asked whether the city is making the ordinance tighter than state law; Turney confirmed that the city tightened standards in the allowed areas (e.g., foundation skirting). The planning commission had requested a 1,200 sq. ft. minimum, but the city cannot exceed the state's 900 sq. ft. minimum. The ordinance was introduced for first reading; a second reading and vote will occur at a future meeting.
• Ordinance 26-25 – Ad Valorem Tax for 2026 (First Reading): The proposed tax rates are: personal property 15.5 cents per $100, real property 11 cents per $100, motor vehicles 28.7 cents per $100. City Manager stated the recommendation is to adopt the compensating rate, which lowers the real property rate from 11.1 to 11 cents. The ordinance includes a 2% discount on taxes paid before November 1, 2026, with a 10% penalty and 15% interest on unpaid taxes after January 1, 2027. A second reading and vote will occur later.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 26-24 – Residential Parking Permit Areas (Second Reading): Approved. The ordinance adds Baker Court in its entirety to the residential parking permit area. The motion was made by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Newby, and passed unanimously (4-0).
• Order 26-130 – Hiring: Approved. Cameron Travis hired as Assistant Greens Superintendent for the golf maintenance department, effective August 31, 2026. Motion by Commissioner Cole, second by Newby; vote: 4-0.
• Order 26-131 – Surplus Property: Approved. The police department's surplus vehicles (including 2014 Ford Tauruses) will be sold via GovDeals.com. Motion by Cole, second by Newby; vote: 4-0.
• Order 26-132 – Change Order for Regional Sports Complex: Tabled to the next meeting at the request of Mayor Blythe, who stated he had incorrect information. Motion by Newby, second by Cole; passed unanimously.
• Order 26-133 – Retirement Acceptance: Approved. Cecil Schumann, vehicle maintenance, retired effective September 30, 2026, after 19 years of service. Motion by Cole, second by Newby; vote: 4-0.
• Order 26-134 – Promotion: Approved. Trenton Adams promoted to Firefighter Three (pay grade four), effective September 4, 2026. Motion by Newby, second by Brewer; vote: 4-0.
• Order 26-135 – Employee Status Adjustment: Approved. Jackson Winginger changed from seasonal worker to full-time Labor I in buildings maintenance and grounds. Motion by Commissioner Brewer, second by Newby; vote: 4-0.
• Order 26-136 – Hiring: Approved. Devron Campbell and Tristan Tuttle hired as Equipment Operator I for public works, effective August 31, 2026. Motion by Cole, second by Newby; vote: 4-0.
• Order 26-137 – 10-Day Grace Period for USPS Payments: Tabled to the next meeting to clarify that the grace period applies only to City of Richmond payments, not Richmond Utilities. Motion by the Mayor, second by Cole; passed unanimously.
• Order 26-138 – Resignation Acceptance: Approved. Russell Barrett, equipment operator I, resigned effective August 14, 2026. Motion by Newby, second by Brewer; vote: 4-0.
• Executive Session: The board entered executive session (KRS 61.810(1)(b)) regarding acquisition or sale of property. Motion by Cole, second by Newby; vote: 4-0. Upon return, the board reported no action taken, and all hearts and minds were clear. Meeting adjourned.

Announcements

• City Manager reminded nonprofits about the "Trash for Cash" program ($100 per mile of litter pickup).
• Commissioner Cole announced the Battle of Richmond reenactment on August 29–30, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM, with reenactments at 2 PM each day.