Richmond City Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - October 13, 2026

On October 13, 2026, the Richmond City Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting that included proclamations, new business recognition, multiple first- and second-reading ordinances, personnel actions, property donations, economic development measures, and updates on the Richmond Regional Sports Complex. The meeting concluded with commissioner comments on community events, park improvements, and traffic safety.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month: The city, along with Madison County Fiscal Court and the City of Berea, proclaimed October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kaylene Carpenter of Hope's Wings accepted, thanking the city for financial support and partnership.
• Alpha Delta Kappa Month: Proclaimed October 2026 in recognition of the women educators' organization. Whitney Hamilton, committee chair, noted the chapter's community donations to God's Outreach Backpack Program, Redeeming Hope, Glenn Marshall Family Resource Center, and upcoming support for Haven of Hope.
• Manufacturing Month: October 2026 was proclaimed Manufacturing Month. Grayson Eves of the newly formed Economic Development Department spoke.
• New Business Recognition: Liz Noland introduced The Haven, a heated/non-heated Mat Pilates and Sculpt Studio, located downtown. She described the most affordable rates in Kentucky and a second location opening in Lexington in November 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ed Brown (Richmond Downtown Neighborhood Association) announced the fourth annual "Mittens on Millstone" event on November 12, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the city park, collecting new hats, socks, gloves, and coats for people experiencing homelessness. He thanked the city for allowing use of the park.

Discussion Items

• Alley Closure (Ordinance 26-27, Second Reading): The city closed an alley off Heath Street adjacent to MBR properties after the landowner requested it. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• Annexations (First Readings – Ordinances 26-28 and 26-29): The board introduced annexations for 217 Pleasure Drive (0.35 acres) and 223 Pleasure Drive/611 Benjamin Drive (0.38 and 0.42 acres) in the Hillcrest Subdivision, with R1C zoning. City Manager explained the owners seek annexation to connect to city sewer.
• Zone Changes (First Readings – Ordinances 26-30, 26-31, 26-32): The board introduced three zone changes: 88.36 acres at 96 Punkin Row (R1A to R1C/R3), 49.53 acres on Berea Road (agricultural to R1C), and 18.09 acres on Berea Road (agricultural to R1C). All recommendations came from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Donation to Habitat for Humanity (Order 26-161): The city donated a vacant lot at the corner of Orange Street and Halle Irvin Street (Lot B) to Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing. Commissioner Cole suggested exploring larger-scale projects with grant funding, similar to a past community development block grant project. The order was approved unanimously.
• Dissolution of Richmond Industrial Development Corporation (Order 26-162): The board authorized the dissolution of RIDC, transferring assets to the city. City Manager noted the transition to an in-house Economic Development Department with a four-person team and $950,000 budget, replacing RIDC's $24,000 budget and one person. The order passed unanimously.
• Talent Recruitment Grant (Order 26-163): The board authorized the city to apply for a $50,000 state grant (80% funded, city matching 20% via payroll) to create a talent and industry program. Grayson Eves explained a four-tier program connecting EKU students with local employers through site tours, classroom projects, micro-internships, and job placement. Approved unanimously.
• Sports Complex Landscaping Contract (Order 26-164): The board awarded a landscaping contract for the 280-acre Richmond Regional Sports Complex to Ecton Nursery of Lexington, originally $257,360. Commissioner Brewer moved to amend the amount to $187,010 after removing some trees and shrubs. The city attorney confirmed the per-unit bid allowed the reduction. Approved unanimously.
• Change Orders for Sports Complex (Order 26-167): Approved change orders #5 and #7 for bid package two as construction nears completion.
• Appointment to Architectural Review Board (Order 26-165): Laurie Tatum was appointed to fill a vacancy, with term through May 1, 2027. The city attorney confirmed no conflict of interest with her role on the Tourism Board.
• Irvin McDowell Park Improvements: Commissioner Newby requested restoring a field for girls' fast-pitch softball at Irvin McDowell Park, noting youth are turned away due to insufficient facilities. City Manager committed to obtaining quotes for lighting and inviting the softball organization to discuss needs. Commissioner Newby also raised parking restrictions in the city lot leased to EKU, after a mother parking during practice received a ticket. City Manager agreed to review the lease hours.
• Millstone Festival Report: Commissioners Cole and Brewer praised the festival, reporting 116 cars in the car show and strong vendor satisfaction. They suggested starting the festival at 10 a.m. instead of 11, and adding vendors in the courthouse area. City Manager noted a waiting list of 40–60 vendors.
• Traffic Safety Concerns: Mayor Blythe expressed alarm at red-light running incidents, noting near-misses that day. He urged attention to the issue.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Unanimously:
  • Second reading alley closure (Ordinance 26-27).
  • Property donation to Habitat for Humanity (Order 26-161).
  • Dissolution of RIDC (Order 26-162).
  • Talent recruitment grant application (Order 26-163).
  • Landscaping contract as amended (Order 26-164).
  • Sports complex change orders (Order 26-167).
  • Personnel actions: promotion of Charles Campbell and Austin Minyard (written as Miniard in the order) to Master Police Officer; acceptance of firefighter Scott Coomer's retirement; acceptance of public works resignation (Tyler Causey); hiring of Kylie Powell (police records clerk, $23.07/hour); promotion in fire department; adoption of updated battlefield curator job description; hiring of Lache Mullins as battlefield curator; hiring of James Reynolds, Tony Toppins, and Caleb Mink as equipment operators ($18/hour); appointment of Laurie Tatum to Architectural Review Board.
• First Readings Introduced (to be voted at next meeting):
  • Annexations (Ordinances 26-28, 26-29).
  • Zone changes (Ordinances 26-30, 26-31, 26-32).
• Other Actions: The city manager committed to allowing the local soccer club to use four turf fields starting November 9, 2026.

Meeting Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:37 p.m.