Winchester City Commission Work Session and Regular Meeting – August 20, 2025

The city held a combined work session and regular meeting on August 20, 2025. The work session focused on concerns about the downtown Main Street reconstruction project, including contractor performance, financial impacts on businesses, and future collaboration. The regular meeting included recognitions, updates on the new courthouse, votes on zoning ordinances, a new electric franchise fee, and several administrative orders.

Consent Calendar

• Departmental and Agency Reports: Approved unanimously via voice vote (motion by Commissioner Chenault, second by Commissioner Strode, with Commissioner Cox also seconding).
• Informational Items A and B: Noted for information; included a letter from Police Chief Thompson about a strategic plan and a thank-you letter from students at a writing camp.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laura Freeman (owner of One South Main, 31 East Broadway, majority owner Mount Folly Enterprises): Expressed frustration over lack of respect and inclusion; reported 50% sales decline, three flood incidents (claims denied), and urged a real reopening plan rather than just a ribbon cutting.
• James Wellman (Alan High Street Collectibles, Two South Main Street): Detailed contract violations by the contractor, including failure to provide seven days’ notice of traffic changes, failure to give businesses front-door access, and liability for hitting utilities. He requested the city enforce the contract and noted that a compliance officer was missing.
• Mason (70 South Main Street): Defended the contractors, stating they had done good work and that foot traffic had always been low; his business actually improved during construction.
• Mike Flynn (former city official): Suggested using TIFF funds to help downtown businesses; acknowledged contractor and engineer mistakes but urged a cooperative approach.
• Adam (business owner): Criticized the lack of proactive planning; stated he warned in September about potential business closures and that the $250 grant (DDIF) was insufficient and insulting. He called for a battle plan, not a game plan.
• Jada Brady (working with John Paul on downtown events): Reported that events had to be canceled due to sidewalk demolition with no advanced notice; water damage in a basement from construction was unresolved.
• Kim (unidentified): Proposed using quarterly sales data to assess losses proportionally without revealing individual business finances.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Main Street Project Updates: City Engineering Tech Jesse McCoy reported that the project is moving along; colored stamp concrete on Main Street is being poured, railings and pavers going in, substantial completion by November 1, final by December 1.
• Contractor Oversight and Communication: City Manager explained the project is a KYTC project, with Allen Company as contractor and Palmer Engineering as inspector; 17 newsletters, daily texts, and other communications have been provided. Commissioner Cox criticized the lack of contractor representatives at the meeting and the failure to fix broken sidewalks promptly.
• TIFF Funds: City reported $137,924.30 collected; funds are designated as city match for the state grant. Commissioner Toole proposed allocating up to 50% of the TIFF ($68,962.15) for business relief. The city manager and treasurer were directed to bring options to the next meeting.
• Code Enforcement: City Manager noted over 20 open code violations downtown; an abandoned property ordinance was strengthened. Commissioner Cox pointed out a city-owned property with trash as an example that code enforcement should address first.
• Electric Franchise Fee: Discussion on raising the rate from 1.5% to 3.5%. The additional 0.5% ($100,000 estimated annually) would be dedicated to the tree board for stump grinding and tree maintenance. After debate, the commission approved first reading of the ordinance (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Recognition: Senator Greg Elkins received the Kentucky League of Cities Friends of Cities Award for his support of local government.
• Therapy Dog Donation: The East Hill Foundation donated $10,700 for a police therapy dog; combined with $6,000 from the school board and $4,500 from city forfeiture funds, the $22,000 dog will be purchased and trained.
• Courthouse Project: Circuit Clerk Tony Kirk announced a $68 million new judicial center; a six-person board (first meeting Aug. 29) will oversee the 5- to 6-year project; the current courthouse will become county offices.
• Main Street Logo: The city cannot legally force the Kentucky Main Street program to remove the city’s image from its logo; the commission will send a letter to other Main Street programs stating the city wants no association.
• Zoning Ordinances (Second Reading): Amended Article 6.12 (B2 downtown business – first floor residential) and Article 8.6 (development plans) – both passed unanimously (5-0).
• Electric Franchise Fee (First Reading): Approved 5-0 with an increase to 3.5%; 0.5% dedicated to tree board for stump grinding and beautification.
• Property Sale: Approved sale of 44 Seaboard Street to Lucas Carter (power of attorney) for the Lincoln Street CDBG Phase II redevelopment.
• Surplus Vehicle: Declared a 2008 Chevy Silverado surplus and transferred to Winchester Clark County Parks and Recreation.
• Personnel Orders: Approved reclassification of Travis Stirville to paramedic, educational certification increases, employment of Nicholas Newman (part-time EMT) and David Barnett (crossing guard).
• Directive: Commissioner Chenault requested that Allen Company and Palmer Engineering representatives be required to attend all future meetings to address issues directly.