Exactly four o'clock.

I'm gonna ask everyone to please stand for our pledge of allegiance, be led by Commissioner Strode this evening, and followed by the invitation from our city manager.

Pledge of leadership called liberty and justice for all questions.

Let's pray.

Our degracious assembly father, we thank you for this opportunity to come here and leave the city today.

We ask for wisdom for guidance for uh mercy for understanding uh for safety for all of our community for our first responders and especially our leaders here today.

Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Amen.

Everyone, please be seated in commission.

Let's take a look at departmental and agency report.

Is there anything anyone would like to highlight minutes?

I'll go back to okay.

You want to uh make a motion that we approve the departmental agency reports?

Oh commissioner Chenault is there a second?

Commissioner Strode, any discussion?

All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries.

Let's go back up to item two, the minutes, August 5th, 2025 special at 430, regular at 530, and the August 19th, 2025 special, 430 and a regular 530 p.m.

meetings.

Is there a motion to approve our minutes?

So motion by Commissioner Tool.

Is there a second?

Second.

Second by Commissioner Chenault.

Any discussion?

All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries.

The next item is an informational only.

Um I serve on the Bluegrass Area Development District Executive Committee, and I just would like everybody to kind of know what's going on in our 17th county area.

Um at this point, we're ready to join Mr.

Frazier, and he is going to be leading us on a downtown tour, pointing out uh hi ja and pointing out things to us going on in the project, where we are, if we have any issues, uh what we just kind of need to know is an update on the uh uh downtown project.

Also thought I saw Mr.

Monahan.

How are you?

Good to see you, Jeff.

Glad you're here.

And uh so we'll just uh Chris was any special thing you want us to do.

Just we'll just head out right here, start go down by four election out of move from the feature place, circle back around.

Okay, and direct back here at same place.

Okay, sound good, commission.

All right, and then commission, try to stay toward the front if you can so you can hear things that we probably need to know.

Okay, all right.

So we'll just join Mr.

Fraser in here.

Uh speaking on Lincoln Street, and um let's go ahead and take a motion to adjourn until 5 30.

Is there a motion?

Motion by Commissioner Shenault.

Is there a second?

Second, second by Commissioner Strode.

Any discussion?

All in favor?

Aye.

Okay, we are take a break for 25 minutes.

Go ahead and ratify tonight the court's decision and move on with this process.

What's the pleasure of the commission?

Um so how does this compare to the offer we made of the seven the 750,000 is capital?

You're talking about so what we discussed was if the county could go ahead and pay the full amount of the general operating, which is 960,000.

Excuse me.

Should we have a motion and a second to discuss?

Should we the clerk?

I would think so.

What would Mr.

Dykeman say?

Mr.

Dykeman.

Yes, Mayor.

Do we need a motion before we have any discussion?

Commissioner Tools speaking, but uh I I think George probably writes at least a motion to uh to consider it uh either way up or down before the discussion is appropriate.

Cox is there seconds taken by Commissioner Strode.

Any discussion?

No, so thank you.

So yes, okay.

Okay.

So um our offer to the county was if they would pay the $960,000 of um general fund operating, then we would cover the capital expenses for just fiscal year 2026.

Now there were some items that had carryover from fiscal year 25 to fiscal year 26, and that's why this letter was generated to determine how the county wanted to proceed with those two carryover items.

That was the three ambulances because they've already paid over 107,000 for the chassis of the ambulance.

The other was the striker contract, which we signed into agreement, and then we didn't get billed until the middle of the fourth quarter of 25.

So that has not been sent to the county yet, correct?

That bill has not been sent to the county yet because we wanted to determine what direction we needed to go before we sent that fourth quarter bill.

So when we talked to the county about these options, they went ahead and uh chose option number two for the three ambulances, which would be to go ahead and keep their 10% investment in the chassis that they have uh purchased or that we have on order, and then we would go ahead and fund the rest of that portion their 39% at $304,200.

And the city pays 61% and the county pays 39%.

Correct.

And then for the striker contract, instead of them just paying one month of that lease or one quarter of that lease, um, we would go ahead and start the start striker contract with just the city's contribution for the last fiscal quarter of 25 and then all the fiscal year 26.

So that's the option that the fiscal court approved.

I went over there to talk to them more about it, and um I told them that I'd bring that back to the board of commissioners to ratify that decision so that we can continue to move forward.

I think uh Commissioner Straight and I would agree we need to move forward.

Well, and everyone else related to the scenario.

I mean, I'm not surprised that they chose these options.

I mean it's kind of cherry picking.

Like they're they're still getting the benefit of all of the services with just getting out of paying anything.

I agree.

I think it's very generous of the city to be able to do this.

It's a gift very well and I watched that meeting and it was not apparent that it was a gift at all because they they did not seem to see it that way.

Um well I'm I mean I know what you're saying.

Well, so this needs to be decided before Thursday, right?

Or ideally would be it would be good if we could do this and move on.

Well, is there now the striker deal is a seven-year deal, right?

Correct.

Seven year lease.

So after 2026, we would assume, and I know what it happens when you assume that they would step in to do their part again in fiscal year 2027.

My assumption is that we would not be in this um question of who's gonna pay for what for fiscal year 27 that we will honor the agreement again in full contract, like um was agreed upon with the joint EMS agreement.

And folks, it's time for this group to have a discussion on percentages again.

So one's been most disappointing through this whole process is the budget was approved.

And here we are going backtracking in hindsight, and it seems like some people lost their homework, I suppose, because this is already agreed on.

Here we are.

So this has been tossed around and vetted back and forth and so what's what's the pleasure?

Are you more calling looking here at Chief?

I know I mean uh Chief.

Do you have any comment, Chief?

My responsibilities fire and worse protection.

Why would include that?

That includes transfers.

Um that we come to an agreement between this body and the county.

Um, so that we can just get back to the nature of the job.

Stop discussions on one of those reports.

Yes, my hobby comes from agreement.

Well, last person in this room that needs to be confirmed with our thing for pay and for paid is you.

Yes, that's our responsibility, not yours.

And I'll I will say this.

I don't appreciate the fact that they're not pulling what I would consider their loan.

I do understand that we live in a community, not a city.

And if we have to make sure that somebody out in on urban road or boonesboro road or Lexington Road, if they need an ambulance, that we make sure it goes.

I'll stand on the street with a tin cup if I have to.

Because we live in a uh community, and just because there's a an invisible line around part of it does not mean that that we don't try to do the right thing.

Good point.

That's another nod to the opportunity for merged services as well.

Absolutely.

All right.

Thank you, Chief.

We'll have a question.

Commissioner Chanel.

I think we're gonna have to uh accept this what I see.

Commissioners is there a motion?

There was Mr.

Cox is the motion before the discussion.

Was this getting up and we've got an old proposal?

The motion was made by Mr.

Cox, seconded by Ms.

Yes.

Is there a second?

Yes, all in favor.

Uh posed by like son motion carries.

So if you'll convey that to the fiscal board and let them it's been going on way too long.

Yes, okay.

Item two B, DDIF grant, Main Street High Side Project Business Support Grant, and Main Street High Side Project Beer Cheese Relief Fund.

And Whitney is going to come forward and present and tell us how we got to where we are tonight.

Thank you guys for the opportunity to speak tonight about an issue that is critical to the success of our downtown, and that is supporting businesses most impacted by the main street high side construction.

The high side project, while it is a transformative investment in our downtown, it has not come without challenges.

Businesses located upon Main Street in the construction zone are experiencing real financial impacts because of closures and reduced access.

To address this, we are presenting two programs: a modified Main Street high side business support grant and the beer cheese relief fund.

These programs are designed to provide timely relief.

The business support grant offers up to three thousand dollars per business to help off to help offset immediate revenue losses while the beer cheese relief fund provides up to ten thousand dollars per business based on doctoral financial loss.

The business support grant modifies the previous downtown development investment fund grant to allow for a one-time block sum payment of three thousand dollars rather than $750 quarterly for any business in the DDIF district.

Additionally, instead of providing a profit loss statement or a letter from a CPA, business owners may provide a narrative about how the high side construction project has impacted their business.

These grants will still need to be approved by the DDIF board and then by the city commission, but we can work diligently to get payments requested as soon as possible.

The next DDIF meeting is September 23rd, and the mayor has committed to putting those grants approved in that meeting on October 6th City Commission agenda, and the mayor will drag city staff that all checks be issued by October 24th.

The beer cheese relief fund is intended to reimburse businesses for actual loss of income due to the high site property.

Qualifying businesses will be able to recoup 60% of reported losses up to $10,000 maximum.

Businesses must be within the high side construction zone, which would include the main street businesses between Broadway and Lexington Avenue.

Other eligibility criteria include uh that businesses must be a commercial business, must rely on 50% or more walk-in traffic, must be open at least 20 hours per week, and must remain open at least 20 hours per week for at least six months after construction completion.

For the beer cheese relief program, an independent CPA selected by downtown business and building owners will review financials.

These financials will be sealed, delivered securely, and shredded after review.

The CPA will write a summary for review by an advisory committee comprised of downtown representatives who will then make recommendations for approval.

Members of the advisory committee cannot apply or own properties tied to applicants.

The informational items included in your packets provide more details about the grant and relief fund programs.

The major question has been how to fund these relief programs.

The city has a healthy fund generated by revenues from the beer cheese festival, which have not been utilized in recent years.

These funds are earmarked to support downtown businesses.

We propose using 100,000 from beer cheese funds to support the relief fund relief fund.

There, these are unrestricted funds and can be used as a direct relief for businesses.

Together, these programs aim to get dollars into the hands of business owners as quickly as possible.

I want to emphasize that these programs were not created in isolation by city representatives.

The downtown business and property owners group played a direct role in developing and refining these programs.

Their input has been invaluable and their involvement shows they are invested in making these programs effective and fair.

In addition, the downtown development investment fund board has reviewed and approved the modified business support grant, ensuring strong oversight and accountability.

The reality is clear.

A beautiful new high side will mean very little if we don't have businesses open once the construction is complete.

It is imperative that we support these businesses now so that when we cut the ribbon on a revitalized main street, they will be lined with thriving shops, restaurants, and destinations to make Winchester a place people want to visit.

I am committed to continuing to work closely with the downtown business and property owners group to ensure these programs deliver together.

We can protect the heartbeat of our downtown during this project and make sure that we are building more than just a streetscape, a stronger, more vibrant Winchester for years to come.

Thank you, Whitney.

You want to stay up here just to say?

Yes.

So I'm going to make the motion to approve, and I think you want to take the business support grant first.

Yeah, we can uh approve them separately.

And I consulted with Mr.

Dykman, he said we need to take separate votes on these.

So I'll make the motion to accept the main street high side project business support grant.

Is there a second second?

Second by Commissioner Strode.

Any discussion?

All in favor, ah, aye.

The imposed by son.

Motion carries.

Okay.

Now let's go to the main street high side project beer cheese relief fund.

I'll make that motion.

Is there a second second?

Second by Commissioner Strode and any discussion?

Um, so just for the sake of the community and those listening at home.

So the eligible funds is $10,000 per Main Street facing business meets meeting so much criteria such as the 20 hours, 50% walk-in traffic.

But that $10,000 amount is a total of fund grants.

So if you're getting the $3,000, then you would make up the difference if eligible for remaining seven through the beer cheese.

Yes, and that is uh included in the program parameters and the information that's in your package.

So it's a total of $10,000, as Hannah said.

If they were to get the $3,000 business support grant, they would only be eligible for up to $7,000 from the relief fund.

And if you serve on the committee, you can't get any beer cheese money or beer cheese relief fund money.

Because the um the advisory board would be comprised of downtown business or property owners, so they could not apply for the funds.

Could they still get the three?

Um, the three thousand dollar grant would be have to be approved by the DJI County.

Okay.

Thank you.

Who will decide who's on the advisory committee?

Um, I think that's more a question for the downtown business owner about how they can tend to put together that requirements.

Anybody want to speak on that?

Chief, please.

I think it's just gonna be uh internal discussion, and we just don't have enough people that are business owners and building owners that aren't applying for it, then we can take back and see some other community computers or commissioner or something like that.

The attempt was it's gonna give you guys a lot more oversight.

Um, and possibly separating accountability of saying here's who they should keep this money in.

And so internally with the downtown business, you'll always select who reviews those.

Yes, and then that'll be submitted back to the city.

It'll be three people, five people, seven people fine, because ultimately you guys are gonna have to approve it anyway.

So this will just be submitted because of these reasons, and you also have the oversight of say the accountant is gonna be the one who kind of gives the criteria of here's the number one ranking you think, here's the number two ranking, but then let's say the three people are the three in line here.

You can still overrule it as long as there's reason, and then that would be submitted to you guys for that you would have basically three tiers of protection saying this if jump money.

Um, so we want to make sure that it's being a proper.

Well, the way to do it right would be to say, okay, you apply if you don't qualify, we'll tell you why.

Right.

That's what I mean.

If you I think applies, it's gonna get a letter saying here's why you got 7,000 set of 10.

Yeah, yeah.

Here's how this went.

Um got because they're gonna be writing a narrative, correct?

Correct.

Now the narrative is gonna be more more the EDI, but need narrative, but I think the beer she's really clear is gonna be more based on the financial correct.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you for addressing that.

Okay, we have a motion and a second.

Is there any further discussion from the commission?

I'm just as a beer chase committee member.

I'm very happy that we have the money to do this, that we've held on to it for a couple years.

Yeah, and the beer she's um fines, even doing this.

Uh it remains a healthy fund.

We have enough to put on the beer she's festival for several years and still invest money into the DDIF account.

So we're not draining your cheese funding.

And let me repeat these dates more time.

September 23rd, the downtown business owners will have a meeting, correct?

Um September 23rd is the yeah, and they will review that that time they will review the DDIF grants and see who is awarded.

We will put that on our agenda for October the 6th, and then I'm gonna direct city staff to have those checks written and out by October 24th.

Yes, so I can get these grant um information on the website tomorrow, so businesses can immediately start applying, and so long as the applications are in the Friday before the meeting, which would be September 23rd, we can review those on that.

Because it's my understanding, only one business has applied at this point.

Yes, that correct uh yes, um, and that is not for the modified grant that was that's correct.

Can we get that information Thursday at noon instead of the Friday before the meeting?

Uh yes, the for whoever will be on the October 6th agenda.

Yes, because many on a Tuesday, so I can get it to you by first second.

That'd be great.

Thank you.

All in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed ball exam?

Motion carries.

Then I do want to say thank you to our downtown businesses for preparing this for the funds that you all are are willing to accept.

We've done we've tried hard to make it fair and do what we can do, the best we can do.

Uh, and I just think this is a good a good compromise, and the course is part of this requested that quarterly meet up with the gang here that wants to catch up with you guys or maybe a couple commissioners or whatever.

Um we were told uh briefly that that would take place and our example just needed with just her that uh weekly.

I think quarterly is a very reasonable thing to pay forward.

Uh I hope you guys are still agreeable to that and set a date for that very quickly.

I'll tell Whitney to sign me up.

Yeah, probably that late for you guys here.

You're wanting us to set the dates.

Okay.

Okay.

And what time of day do you all want to?

Monday.

Like when Mondays or Tuesdays in this time of day would be see if I could Monday, Tuesdays, 5 30 ish.

Okay.

All right.

I guess we're ready to move on to the next item.

Okay, thank you, commissioners, for your support of that.

Okay, let's go to item number three, ordinance for first reading.

An ordinance creating an establishing for bid a non-exclusive electric franchise for the per placement of facilities for the transmission, distribution, and sale of electrical energy within the public right of way of the city of Winchester for a tenure duration.

Imposing a franchising fee of three percent franchisees gross annual revenues from the sale of electrical energy within the city of Winchester and reserving the right to impose a franchise fee in an amount up to five percent of franchisees gross receipts per year from the franchisee sale of electricity to electric consuming entities inside the city of Winchester's corporate limits and further providing for compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards, indemnification, insurance cancellation or termination and bid requirements all effective on date of passage.

Okay, is there a motion briefly?

I'll make the motion for discussion.

I'll too is there a second?

I'll second.

Commissioner Stro.

Now any discussion.

Oh yeah.

And let me clarify one thing, you care for a second.

It's my understanding it's currently at 1.9%.

1.9%.

1.75% is what it says on our bills.

Well, franchise fee shows 1.9.

So I think our last one I'd have to look it up.

But I'm pretty sure it's 1.5%.

I looked at my bill last time.

It was 1.7%.

Okay, so it's either 1.9 or 1.7.

All right.

In the city, if we budgeted for this and we talked about it during our budget sessions.

Is that correct?

That is correct.

And so if we do not go with the three percent, we are possibly gonna lose up to $500,000 in revenues.

Yeah.

So I don't know where that's gonna put us if that happens.

This also I think puts us equal with uh the Columbia gas.

When we had our initial conversations about this, we knew it was coming up for uh renewal.

It's a 10-year franchise agreement.

We budgeted for three percent.

We did that to match the three percent that we're charging for uh with Columbia Gas.

So we wanted to get all the utility franchises on the same percentage.

We thought that was reasonable with the intention that it could go up to five percent.

So we didn't plan for five percent.

Um we did budget on the three percent, and then that gets us consistent uh moving forward.

Um where were we from two weeks ago when we talked about the 3.5 and did we just scrap that?

So based on based on conversations um and uh Mr.

Dykman and I met again and talked about it.

Uh we didn't want to uh complicate things.

Um so we did uh reach out to the public service commission and we're currently following up uh their attorneys are currently trying to talk to our city attorney, Mr.

Dykeman, and we think that maybe there might be a better resolution there that route.

So we went ahead and backed up put this back at three percent instead of three and a half percent, and then put it on the agenda for first reading again.

Okay, uh Columb or KU is before the public service commission right now asking for an 11.5 percent rate increase as it is.

So even if this even if we don't approve this increase this tax increase, our income will go up almost a hundred thousand dollars.

Also, if anybody has received their uh homeowners insurance bill in the last month, most of those in this town have doubled.

So that means a doubling of the uh fee that that the insurance tax is.

Uh my homeowners insurance lacked four dollars from doubling from last year.

So that means my in my uh the tax that the city charges on homeowners insurance has almost doubled.

And I and uh the Winchester's Salvation Army in August of 2024 received nine requests for assistance with electric bills, august of 2025.

We received 17 Lieheap was out of money in two days for electric bills, St.

Vincent DePaul Society is out of money for electric bills.

Apparently.

On their to pay their electric bill and their tax.

We're gonna ask 14,000 or 17,000 people in the city of Winchester to pay uh to tighten their belts, and why don't the why don't we just tighten our belts a little bit?

Uh because folks are folks are hurting out there right now, and even if it's just 1.5 percent, it's gonna be 1.5 percent on top of 11 percent that they're already going to get approved by the PSC.

Well that's amazing.

Well the last time they asked for 12 percent, but they got nine, so they went for 11 and a half home people to get 10.

I did look at my notes.

I do think that uh I did have one note, I couldn't find the last order, but it did say 1.75 percent.

Yeah, and so just currently reporting.

Yeah, Mr.

Dykman, do you have any comments?

No, Mayor.

Um I think it's up to the commission to decide.

Um obviously the franchise uh the law that supports the franchise allows an increase up to five percent.

What commissioner cox is saying um and uh I I remember when it was uh part of the budget to to add uh the three percent um I don't know what the PSC is gonna do as far as uh uh increasing the cost of electricity, uh as you know that has to be approved by the public service commission, but um I think again Commissioner Cox is right that they ask for more than they expect to get, but they usually do get something.

We just don't know what it is that was the pleasure of the commission, so we'll take our five 500,000 hit what you're saying.

Approximately that's what we 500,000.

Well, it'll it'll be about a hundred and fifty thousand that'll come for the rate increase alone, and then what what the of the windfall that the unexpected windfall we will receive from the increase in homeowners insurance will probably make up for most if not all that uh I don't I can't speak to that.

All I know is that we based our current revenues on the current uh rate of what we were getting in three previous years of KU franchises, and then we estimated based on that.

I still have my motion, so still have your motion or no still have a second okay.

Any further discussion?

Let's do a roll call back.

Commissioner Chanel.

Yes, Commissioner Strode, Mayor Reed, yes, commissioner cotton, no commissioner toole, yes.

Okay, motion carries 401.

All right, let's go down to um item B.

An ordinance ordinance imposing an ad valorum tax on motor vehicles and watercraft for the calendar year 2026.

Is there a motion?

So if motion by Commissioner Toole.

Is there a second?

Second by Commissioner Chenal.

Any discussion?

All in favor, aye, aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries item four orders, and these will be general orders, madam clerk.

And order appointing Billy Vanichet to the Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission for a four-year term.

And this is his first term because he replaced somebody on the commission.

Yeah, all right.

Uh I'll make that motion.

Is there a second?

Second by Commissioner Strode.

Any discussion?

All in favor.

I believe he replaced Mr.

Jim Roar.

Yes, that's that was what it was.

Okay.

Um let's see here, madam.

Item 4B.

An order approving funding from the downtown development investment fund for a main street high side business support grant and the amount of $3,000.

And this is for property at 18 North Main Street.

It's not on the order.

Okay, and uh that would be Betsy's boutique.

Yes.

All in favor, aye.

I need a motion.

Oh motion.

Yes.

And I'll say I make a motion.

Is there a motion?

Yes.

Commissioner Toole.

Is there a second?

Second by Commissioner Sandal needed to move further discussion.

All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by like sign.

Motion carries item C.

An order approving funding from the downtown development investment fund for a new business stipend grant for a business located at 17 South Main Street.

Okay, is there a motion?

Motion by Commissioner Cox.

Is there a second?

Second by Commissioner Strode.

Any discussion?

I just um for again sake of uh transparency and to the people at home.

So this is a lumps um of approval for six thousand dollars for the new business stipend grant that's five hundred dollars per month for a calendar year to be uh an assistance for a lease.

And so we are approving the whole amount, but it is not a lump payment of six thousand dollars, it's paid quarterly.

That's right.

So just kind of count and that does not count or toward any other thing.

Yeah, I think this individual commissioner um applied for the grant well before we got to where we were tonight with the downtown correct or Call Gotcha okay, all in favor, aye, aye, aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries.

Um item probably need to put my classes on the bill four D paving program.

An order approving unit costs and awarding a bid for the fiscal year 2026 paving program.

All in uh motion motion by commissioner cox.

Is there a second?

Second by commissioner strode, any discussion?

All in favor, aye, aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries item five, personnel orders, A through D.

And order wait, wait, wait, wait.

No, we answer one.

Oh, that's that's this the personnel.

Yeah, the taser one, yeah.

That's A.

That's the what she's getting ready to read.

Oh, okay.

I know it's kind of in a weird place.

I agree.

Well, it's for personnel, right?

How they operate.

Yeah, yeah.

Sorry, please and order amending section 18 taser policy, police department rules and regulations.

Is there a motion?

Motion by Commissioner Chenault.

Is there a second?

Second, second by Commissioner Toole.

Any discussion?

Uh Chief gave me a lot of thorough answers in a very short amount of time today, and I appreciate that.

Good.

Thank you, Chief.

Well, you want to give us some more for it.

It it it's just a different taser, right?

We owe credits to the new teaser to him.

The features that we have are about 10 or 11 years old, and they're getting ready to be updated to where Axel won't provide workers for them or support for.

I think that anybody that votes for this might have to be taxed.

I've been it talks about station and I got paid.

I've already been paid.

I want to see it.

They've got it off there, I'm sure.

Well, because I'd asked about the training, they'll still do training, and I'd asked about um record keeping, and they will of course you don't have to have like a notebook or it's just all automated.

Imagine that.

You have cabinet and he'll tell you I was tased.

You mean you remember it?

You were probably there.

So I I didn't wait myself or anything.

So I think if you vote for this, or you put it in the package and okay, all in favor, aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries item five B.

Can I say something about it?

You can say anything you want to.

When are we gonna do it?

No.

When uh we used to do uh chain amending sections of the personnel policies or rules and regulations, whatever standing operating procedures.

We used to have first and second reading, so it was personnel orders, but it was like first reading or second reading.

Now it since we only have to do it once, it falls under just regular general personnel order.

Okay, okay, okay, madam clerk, 5B.

In order granting educational certification incentive salary increases to certain personnel.

Is there a motion?

So move.

Motion by Commissioner Cox, second by Commissioner Strode.

Any discussion?

All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries item five C.

And order accepting the resignation of David Hacker, EMS Lieutenant.

Is there a motion?

Same.

Motion by Commissioner Toole.

Is there a second?

Second by Commissioner Cox.

Any discussion?

All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by like sign?

Motion carries.

Item five D.

And order promoting Marcus Jones from operator two to operator three.

Is there a motion?

No move.

Motion by Commissioner Shenault.

Is there a second?

Second by Commissioner Cox.

Any discussion?

All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by likes on motion carries.

Okay, let's um do comments from the general public and I need the sheet to see who signed up.

Thank you, man.

Okay, Mike Rogers.

Would that be you, Bear?

Go on down.

State your name and address, please for the regiment.

My name's Mike Rogers.

I'm uh I live at 131 High Biscus Lane in the county of Clark County.

And um I wasn't born in Winchester, but I'm a lifelong resident of Winchester.

I lived in the city until I was up in my 30s, and then I've been a resident of the county since 1996.

And uh I came here today and uh sort of dreading to ever question anybody, and especially people that I like and people that I truly love.

And uh that goes for all of you.

You know, your public servants, you've got thankless positions, and uh I have personal relationships with over the majority of you.

And uh it goes back many, many years, a lot of times 50 years on most of it.

But uh I don't uh I don't want to be sitting on that side and uh it's it's tough for me to ever question anything, but uh I hope you can find it within your hearts to understand it's it's just my passion for people, it's my passion for Winchester, it's my passion for Clark County.

I mean, I I love my community and uh I came under tonight solely to speak about the splash pad project and some concerns I I had about that project.

But uh I got here, I didn't write anything down because that's how I roll.

I just I just my heart takes over and my passion just just takes over.

So uh forgive me for that.

But uh first thing that I heard again, and I would be saying these same remarks if I was at a physical court meeting.

It it just happens to be tonight was the night I happened to be here, and that is the whole city versus county thing.

And uh it's something I've been wanting to go to both branches of government and and just sort of say, hey, we're talking about talking about lives here.

We're all talking about lives, we're all talking about protection, we're talking about protection from fire and emergencies, and it just it just runs up and down my back when I hear everybody, and it it's not one particular group, it's both groups, just the back and forth just wears me out, and uh I apologize for saying it that way, but it's embarrassing to me that we can't get together and come together as grown-ups and get this thing ironed out and put it to bed.

I mean, I I don't think that's asking too much, but I also want the friends of fiscal court that are watching tonight to understand I feel the same way about their group.

This is a I wish we were just one.

I mean, I I do you know, I know we can't be that, but anyway, so I'm gonna let that be done with with the part about the city versus county.

I just challenge you guys to come together and think about what we're doing, and uh I don't know what the I don't have all the figures.

I don't know what a what a fair percentage is for everybody, and it does seem like the county's getting getting a pretty good deal from what I know, but uh it still comes down to I live in the county, but I still love the city, and I think the majority of people in Central Clark County feel feel the same way.

And beer, I don't know if you were at the meeting, Commissioner Toole alluded to it a while ago.

We uh met city and county if you remember at the Board of Education a few years ago, and we were trying to talk about doing a feasibility study of merging services, not merging government, but emerging services.

And the first question that the county asked was quote, and this is exact quote, who's gonna be in charge.

And after that, they no longer wanted to pursue emerging services.

And I think all five of us sitting here feel in our hearts that that's the thing that needs to be done.

And we need to start at no start out big and merge government, but we need to start out combining where we can combine and save everybody money in the long run.

So we're I think y'all, I don't think there's any person I can look at up here that would disagree with that.

So I wanted you to know we've tried.

Well, and and we'll keep trying.

I I hope I made myself fairly clear about that.

I'm not frustrated with just the city commission.

I'm just as frustrated with the people that my group voted in.

I mean, we have representatives as well that serve as as a magistrates.

They're as responsible as you elected.

I don't have any control over you guys.

You know, I can't vote for Shannon, but not that I would say.

I mean, yeah, I you know, you know, I appreciate that, but I I still just would love for everybody to come together and come by y'all and hug and kiss and make up and let's put the citizens first, you know.

No, we try to do that every day, I promise.

I probably say that, yeah.

We do.

But uh it just like I told Chief Whitley.

He is the last person that needs to be concerned with how EMS is fun.

Right, absolutely.

He needed to be able to go down there every day and make sure that shouldn't have the guys have gas in the tanks, and that and that they got enough band-aids and gauze and wave bye-bye.

And as for what they have on the ambulances, I I want them to have every toy they could possibly have.

Because if they have to come to my house or Joelyn's house or your house, I want them to have a thing on there that they might only use one time in 10 years.

But if they have to use it on us, I want them to have it.

They have I have been a beneficiary of the services of the county department.

It was more than adequate.

I was a little embarrassed, but it was more than adequate.

Yeah, but uh I want to move on to the splash pad project.

And like, you know, like I prefaced before, I don't take any joy in ever questioning anybody, especially something after the fact.

But uh, we started this project maybe three years ago thinking about it, things like that.

2014.

Yeah, well, yeah, just when I really got involved in it.

2014's your number.

And um I had a vision of what I thought that we would have.

And my vision, I knew we couldn't afford to do a pool.

We'd already been fighting getting the college park funded and all that stuff.

I you know, I know we can't do a full, so I was sort of trying to satisfy the public and say, let's just let's just get this, you know.

You have to sort of compromise.

Life's about compromise.

So my vision of a splash pad was we would have this water facility with fountains and the buckets like they got over there, things like that, water spraying all over the place, and kids running through it and having a good time.

I expected uh restrooms.

I expected it to be fenced in to protect their property.

Uh I didn't anticipate that it would turn into we're gonna do concessions, we're gonna charge fees, we're gonna have all these financial obligations.

And uh when I when I saw the five dollar charge, I just started running some figures in my own head, and I just I'm concerned.

I mean, I I'm concerned.

And I want you to know the city, this is that's a parks board right thing.

That we did not make those numbers.

Right.

In fact, I didn't even know what they were until the weekend because those did not come from this table.

They came from the parks board.

And I agree and I agree with you.

We you know, we want and I'll give you some numbers here in a minute.

So but anytime I I bring up any concerns, I also think it's responsible of me to try to make some recommendations of how we can attack it, not just come and complain and go home.

So uh anyway, I had I you know I just had thoughts of a of a free access for the unprivileged people of Winchester.

I thought about the demographics of who would be using the facility.

That you know, the demographics, unfortunately in Winchester, we are one of the highest rates in in all of central Kentucky of kids living with one parent and being raised by grandparents.

It's it's astronomical, and um all I can think of is it's like you know who could take their four kids, you know, it's 20 dollars.

Then then to get over there and I'm thinking about is this did somebody take out the loan to build the place?

I mean, I I don't know if I'm allowed to ask questions.

I don't have to answer or whatever, but it just concerns me that I look over there now, I don't see a whole lot of bang for the buck.

Of course, I don't I'm not a construction guy or anything, but I look over there and I'm like, we could have had some vending machines, we could have had bathrooms, we could have had a fence, we could have played in the water, and it wouldn't have cost us five dollars a piece.

I I don't see any way that we can pay it off.

And uh that's that's what concerns me.

Commissioner Chenault sits on the parks court.

Okay, so would you take these concerns to the next meeting or have you already discussed it or uh I will take them to the next meeting, but if you have four kids, you know, if I bring my eight kids over, I don't have any kids.

But anyway, I'm an adult, it's just one bottle.

It was it's five for each kid.

It's five for each kid.

People 17 and over don't don't pay, but they have to have they have to be with someone.

Well, I think we uh I don't want to interrupt you, but um just uh a thaw open meeting it was a hope meet, and I think we had to start somewhere.

Now, whether this five dollars for a kid continues, I don't think it will.

I could be speaking out of term, but we do have a park board meeting the last month, the last Monday of every month.

And if you'd like to come, be agree to attend.

You will get it.

I would like to add I've had several uh different things I've done with the parks board with Jeff Lewis.

I couldn't be taken care of any more professionally than the than Jeff Lewis.

He provides great leadership to the city of Winchester and and the citizens, so I I have no complaints there.

With that being said, about the five dollars, that's that that was another big concern of mine was the fact that I think as I said, we just had to start somewhere.

It's the ending of the year.

Now, whether this five dollars start up next year for each kid will continue.

That's we'll be putting on the discussion.

That's fair.

I think that's fair to say.

And Bayer, I know the chamber of commerce is considering making what can we talk about this morning.

I've seen coming out.

Several people, hey, some people are gonna take a weekend.

We've had someone that's gonna adopt a weekend and sponsor kids.

And I'm these are just things that I've heard in the last few years.

And we have the friends of parks at rent.

And friends, they are going to fundraise to try to get admission.

But I agree with you.

I just you know I just don't want us to have this place then three years down the road for like we can't keep it going, you know, and that's sort of what happened to us with our why that happened to us with our pools.

It's just it's a trend that I don't, you know, I want kids to have things, you know.

I'm not gonna be using the splash pad, you know, but I'm passionate about the kids that that will be, you know, as a at a citizen.

And just so you know, with Felicia can find the money, we're looking at doing an outdoor pool.

Right.

So that is on the horizon.

Well no, that you know, that would be a good thing, but I also know that's but in most cities that would be things like that are are going away, and and we understand the splash bed, flash park, you're right.

That's why I was hoping we could be a smart, maybe a smaller project and be able to maintain it and be able to have it and that kind of thing.

But do you mind if I shed some light, Mr.

Mr.

Go ahead, please?

So I uh I was Mr.

Cox's predecessor and Mr.

Schnault is my predecessor on the parks board.

And during the budget session this summer, I did come in the commission asking how we could try to get to the place to have a free attendance policy for students at least.

Right.

Um and you know, as as you said, I mean you nailed it, you 1.7 million dollars, and and i I feel disgusting saying this out loud, but you walk in and it's kind of like, oh, that's that's what you get.

And how disappointing it is to say that after how many years of work, but I mean it's it's a true gut feeling, but it's also the reality, right?

Because things are exponentially expensive.

Um but so I'd reached out to actually spoke with Kyle Rainey with WMU and then separately with Mr.

Lewis, asking about different ways that maybe we could get support on water payments.

Um unfortunately nothing's come of that, but to point out that he was saying for uh per month that he was estimating six to nine thousand dollars of a water bill, and that that amount could fluctuate based on clearly how many people attend.

If there's more kids, there's more water going in and out, the bill would be more.

Um talking about trying to find things like they are recirculating the water is going clearly for your sanitation tank and all those kinds of things.

Um but after we were all there Saturday at the um ribbon cutting, and and I completely understand the frustrations.

Um, you know, as I look at our our budget, and we've sat here and approved a lot of different ways to spend money, you know.

The county put a no again, not trying to be divisive, but when it gets down to money, the county put a hundred thousand to it.

We matched the grant of 250, and then we've that was then land land and water and that and then we're essentially financing the rest, essentially, which is so the county gave a hundred land and water grant two hundred and fifty thousand.

We taxed that and we might match that so you all really and we'll finance three five million dollars for you did what yeah, we have financed one point three five million dollars that he's not gonna agree, yeah.

So I mean I completely agree with you.

I do think and uh Commissioner Chanel can raxney, I do believe there's changing rooms and bathrooms coming.

I I don't think they were open this weekend, I know uh, which is unfortunate they weren't ready because we should have that, but but just so you know they are coming the pri the priority, and you know that's sort of what frustrated me along with with the slow timeline of how things were going, was that just get the water part open, you know, just we we didn't have to have concessions, you know.

We there's none there and it's probably what's that there are no concessions right now, but they're well, yeah, but you know, but there will be, but and we did get the water there first.

I even stop by today to get a picture and take a picture and look around, and I'm like, there's nobody even over working today.

Well, they will be closed.

Um be just weekends for now.

Weekends from now uh till October just on weekends because of school.

What's that is because of school and they're just open on weekends right now.

Well, and that's the thing is I think you can or any nice.

I was talking about people working, actually finishing project the construction.

Yeah, it seems like it just goes on and on and on.

But so we got sort of through the bad part there of sure.

I just think it's important because it's really hard to get information out there, you know.

The monthly water, um, I think you have to have three employees, you have to have one that can be relieved.

You can't pay people twelve dollars an hour anymore, even teenagers will hardly do that.

I got all those figures and you know, I'm not gonna share them because all they did was depress me.

And I I agree with you, sir.

Yeah, you know, on paper, you know, the whole business model is just you're like somebody let you borrow money for that.

I get what you're saying.

And bear, you know, we were assured this was years ago that there would be fundraising done in the community, and the fundraising amounts to six thousand one hundred and thirty-nine dollars is how much was raised towards that.

That's just just so you know, and the I think that's an important number for people to understand that we came to the table and said we gotta figure this out.

So that's where it left us.

So I'll be honest with you.

And then I asked the uh city manager to pull some proposals back from 15.

And at that time, depending on which option was chosen, the first bid was 405,000.

The next one was 448,000, depending on what features.

And the next one was 483,000.

So now that is I talked to Brian this afternoon and he said doubled or triple in construction cost.

So that's what it cost, you know, over time.

And there were three bids submitted for the for the park.

And those were HWSC enterprises for a million six sixty-nine forty.

I'm not gonna read all those little numbers.

I can't see them number one.

The Allen company bid 1.9 million, and W principals bid 2.1 million.

So that's three companies with where the construction costs are now.

Yeah.

So it's been a long time coming, it's been too long coming.

But you know, the city couldn't finance all that.

I mean, there's no way.

And um, but you know, the fundraising didn't happen.

And that was supposed to have been a huge part of what goes on.

Well, so if anybody wants to contribute, they can still contribute.

That makes me feel worse for your question, any anything, but you know, absolutely questioning.

Should I absolutely question?

Yeah, find out.

So with that being said, uh and last thing I'm gonna do is step on anybody else's toes because I've you're not very uncomfortable tonight with with you guys, people I love.

And that is we have an organization here in Winchester Clark County.

Oh, I know what you're gonna say.

Right up to the road here, two or three boxes their offices.

Yep.

And it is I'd have a better time meeting with President Trump if he's still alive.

Um then getting information from the Greater Clark Foundation.

And that's not I'm not I don't want that to be personal towards them.

I know they have a new leader and all.

And he started today because I feel the same way.

Really?

But to be seen there with you, buddy.

They're sitting on 30 to 40 million dollars from from what now.

From what I can see.

Just looking back with my own investigation.

36 million eight hundred thousand dollars.

And I've seen the salaries of those people or the people some of those people work there or my friends, they're my good friends.

I'm people I've known for 60 plus years.

And it's just like this project, maybe we could add a pool and a splash pad and concessions and all this stuff.

We'd had them step forward with an endowment.

And I don't know if you know this or not, but we really wanted to build it at Legacy Grove, and we were refused.

Whatever it went so we people don't know all the background on things.

I would agree with that.

I I didn't want to get into further complaining about everything, but I don't complain about everything.

I just had all these things and we had a pool and we had an endowment of just I'm gonna ask them to spend their pull their whole budget.

If we had a two or three million dollar endowment and today, after you know, I've been sort of perturbed all day, not looking forward to questioning you guys, but then I see where they're online begging for everybody to give them ten dollars for legacy growth.

And I was like, you got to be kidding me.

We just try to open this thing up that we're going to struggle to pay for.

And once again, we have there there are there are funds here that need to be spent within Clark County.

And was it Powell and Astle?

So 100% correct.

I just wish we could get that somebody to step forward and let loose some of that money so kids Clark County can have a place to go learn to swim.

We agree with you.

Let me tell you something make you feel good.

Saturday, there were 254 kids that used the the pool.

Sunday there were 216 kids that used the pool.

At 309 yesterday afternoon on Labor Day, there was 182, and it ended up being 325.

They stayed open until 7 o'clock last night.

And for a total of 795 kids went through the pool this weekend or through the splash panel.

Did you remind what would have been in July when it was 92 and 93 degrees?

Exactly.

I mean goodness their fire department stepped up and had these water hose events and things like that.

I mean that's all I'm asking, you know.

And uh we're right there with you.

I want to thank everybody for for for letting me speak and uh trying to understand me and uh I don't envy any any of you guys.

So uh thank you for your time, thank you for your respect.

And if I can ever help you all, please reach out to me.

Thank you for your comments.

Thank you, Barry.

Okay, next we have uh Kitty Book.

Mr.

Book, feel stage.

Uh only 74 went to coin.

Uh I've been plenty of them in mind everybody Saturday and 6 11 that uh Alc lot uh thank black uh thousand dollars uh money, hopefully the $25 uh veteran memorial.

And I've got uh flying around and pay on uh phone load in the bypass on the door.

Okay, thank you.

Okay, looks like Petty Columbia.

You'll come forward and please state your name and your address with the record.

Um I have different questions than he asked, but the 2014, I didn't know 2014, I thought it was around that, but I didn't know for sure.

These first proposals we got were 2015, so it was talked about before that.

So I couldn't get that information.

I think that was difficult.

Two or three things.

Okay, that money that I know this sounds terrible that I'm gonna do money grab, but that money that you all just voted to take that percent for K U and whatever is or I mean is Alicia here, Alicia Powell?

Yeah, Lisa.

Is there any possible grants to pull up for this anymore to ask to request?

Leah should you want to do so?

Yeah.

Maybe that'll basically say about I don't know about my buttons.

Well it's been a few years.

I think it was maybe 2019.

2019.

Yes, when when Ralph was on 2019.

Ralph got it.

So would it be a bad thing to pursue that again to see if we can get that?

I'm not sure.

I don't I don't know the grant rules, Patty, but or I mean no, I don't necessarily need to there's is there other grants out there that we can do because this is like the poorest area.

I mean among us.

And we have kids that won't be out to go financially, and you said 700 and something.

Are you talking about transfer of the admission?

Figure out how to get these kids in there for her.

Look at I'm gonna do I think we're gonna have to be a big effort.

It will be on every cost it financially though.

You can talk about everything going up, the taxes are going to be.

A lot of people do it in unity.

So a lot of people have to unload it at this because it's like the unload at the end of the year.

Company for next year.

Well, no, so now that they haven't met there and they have to go.

I think we're okay for the rent.

I think that's so I expect why not ask for now to go forward next year to help with the loans.

So then we wouldn't have to.

When I started about the five dollars, you said seven hundred and some five.

So you said for the number of kids that were in there, seven ninety-five.

So if we had seven ninety-five times five dollars.

What is this money going to toward the loan?

Or is it going toward what?

Well to go to the ability, it's not braces loans at all.

It's going to parks and rent.

Parks and rent.

Yeah, we would supposedly it costs a thousand dollars a week.

We tested that idea yet.

Yeah, for sure.

We know that I mean this weekend it was a thousand dollars a day.

Well, I mean, if you do the math, right?

Five ours.

We said like no operation costs.

Oh, right, right.

Well, what that's what uh Mr.

Lewis was saying is he was estimating anywhere from five to eight.

The more kids that are there, the more water that gets pulled out, the more water that has to be used.

Clearly, you have to I think you have to have at least three employees, I'd imagine if it becomes a I really don't.

I don't know where that comes from, but I've been told you do not have to have employees there because it's not a it's not standing home.

Oh gosh, I would be petrified to not have I mean as a like partial city entity that just seems well.

Well, I think a lot of the details need to be addressed to parks the parks.

Well, that's we don't know you know the operations.

Uh we get it help from the city, help from the county.

So when you come to them, did what did you all give them this year for?

I mean a lot, I mean a bunch.

But will you be giving them money toward that for them to be able to have to do fundraising be able to go?

Well, we probably will do some farm rate myself, but uh the the city and the county pitches in quite a bit, and the city pitches in a whole lot about uh eighty-five percent of parks for funding comes from the city and the county, and that's probably on uh two-thirds to one third basis.

Okay, what I read about that fee, the five dollars, it was clear it was five dollars for child and adult.

I mean it was pretty clear on it.

At least you'd put in there that we can at last at the last meeting, and at the last meeting, that's what we decided on, but that was at the last meeting because it was uh real quick opening, and we decided on now whether that polls court the start of next year that will be put back on the table for discussion.

Can I ask how you came up with five dollars?

Did somebody go, oh five dollars?

I added it up, so I had three kids.

That was a recommendation from the parks board, I think.

But I see how they recommended it.

That was a recommendation it just got recommended from the park board members.

If you've add a and I know that there's gonna be a lot of kids that's gonna be sponsored, Rosgay is amazing.

There's a lot of referee sees that are gonna do that.

A lot of them are but when that goes out there with a public panic, because we know a lot.

I had I mean that are not gonna be able to come because you're not gonna see every child that doesn't have the money because people back in my day I didn't even have a dollar when I was a kid.

So and my parents wouldn't have asked.

So you have a lot they're gonna do under the radar that they're not gonna ask to get that.

They're just tired of asking.

But the five dollars on hours, I added up if I just took them three days a week back then, back then, three well now, three days a week that's 45 dollars a week times it's 180 dollars a month.

Yeah, parents.

Not no, they can't, and the country clubs not that much.

So for swim.

So we're putting ourselves into our country club category, and it's justn't that cool.

When when is when is your next meeting, Joe?

It's the last Monday of every month.

And I'm like there, I love all you all too.

I've got a glacier with everybody.

And maybe you can go and speak to the parks board.

Yeah, but I almost feel like it's not gonna be in their corner if they aren't given enough money to they're going what you're given, right?

Uh yes, ma'am.

But I like to say it was uh we discussed it at the meeting, and we just had to come up with something.

This is what we come up with.

And we would just say, let's just see how it goes.

If it doesn't go good, then we'll go back and make another decision.

I'm not a money person, call in, but I just thought of that amount going, oh gosh, there that's that those kids aren't gonna go.

And there's a whole lot there, my added up one eighty in my mind, I got it.

I'm pretty sure it's not gonna work, but we'll go back and kids involved in there, but I do help with different groups.

I know that somebody's gonna feed their kids before they're gonna let them go for there.

For right now, I think it's covered.

I heard 100%.

Five or six weeks.

I think that's what we're looking for.

Well, we've got about how many people a week if you look at the weather.

I mean I don't know how many people will be there this again when in the 60s.

You know, well, I and once uh again, I appreciate you all taking my call at times.

It wasn't a pleasant one.

At times my heart was breaking, so it comes out emotional.

But I'm gonna read you a email from Cameron, a little boy that was hurt that fell through the his grandmother said I was so appointed so disappointed to hear that the admission charge for the newly opened splash park would be five dollars.

That doesn't sound like much, but a single mom with two to three kids, which her daughter had three kids.

That is a lot.

I've never heard of a mission being charged at a splash park, none of Srounding County's charged.

Children in Winchester need to become a priority.

Kids with nothing to do will simply find something to combat their boredom.

I have moved away because I have noticed there was nothing but going backwards.

She said the let's see.

I'll read the I'll get on down here.

She said, please, please don't let another bored child become the victim of this type of disregard.

And I put a post out because like I said, I wanted to cry Saturday morning when I saw that five dollars.

And we don't have any kids.

My grandson will come, my grandsons will come in, we'll take them to splash pads.

Yeah, and I don't mind it, but I'm not trying to eat or pay my lecture bill with the new taxes on it.

So I will come.

This is really nerve-wracking, by the way.

I will come, but we could if we could just try to do something, kind of tell us what to do.

We'll come, I'll go walk.

I'll I I didn't know about the donation thing.

I didn't hear that.

And at any given time when I talked to somebody, nobody told me it was based on donation.

And then when it was talked about getting the money, when it was that value that we were that we promised from the fiscal court and Billy Johnson at the state, and and you all matched it.

See, I couldn't even find what you all matched because it was no there's no line item that tells us as a community that you gave and matched that 250.

So I'm coming up with $600,000.

So back in that day when we first started this, that $600,000 was worth a whole lot more than it's worth now.

So our community is paying the price because we didn't move along, and we didn't put people's feet to the fire to make them say, Hey, you gotta move along because now that $600 is what now?

I mean, what did you say it costs?

It is construction cost doubled or even close to more than tripled.

Well, Patty got me out of my meeting for a little while today.

And I'm very grateful for that because I told Chris, I was sitting there, but like I was watching a movie in another language, they couldn't leave.

But I told her that sport they said costs a thousand dollars for weekend.

I'm gonna say right now that I will play the two hundred dollars and look around at four other people and say, Well, you do it and we'll do a thousand dollars.

I don't like the show.

And you just have to share and she's gonna she's gonna know where to find those things even more so I put that pressure on her, but I didn't know about the donations and that we were basing it on that.

That's so that's grants and grants and the one that we probably wouldn't.

So that's where you yeah, so it is parks and rec, right?

But friends of parks is the 501c3, and they're the ones that really are the fundraising.

Write up something to submit to down the street.

Alicia's working on grants for everybody for an area.

Wait a minute, you talk about active.

He really did start today, the new director.

So I I agree.

I think we all would like to see how they could spend some money a little differently.

But if we can write something up, I mean we've got some people love you to write something and say this is I'm getting the backlash.

Just it was inundated on every page, and I put it on my Facebook and I had hundreds of messages because what can we do?

And these are people you know, we know you know that they're sick and they don't have little ones anymore.

They're our ages, and they want to do so.

I don't care to do the fundraiser.

I don't care if we do the what is that in November where they do that.

Everybody's only on day one this year.

It's only one day if they give it with a ton of money there.

And friend parts is one of the is one of the organizations in that.

Also the Elks Lodge does a breakfast, one of their breakfasts every year is breadfire.

Well, uh bear kind of blew my I don't think.

No, right talk to Paul.

I said, Can I just read?

He goes, No, you don't want to read it.

And and I was like, Well, I'm going to, but then he helped me.

So manager, why don't we as a commission draft a letter to the parks board?

Tell them that we are very displeased with the prices that are being charged or going to be charged to our families, and we urge them to look at that before we open up again next year.

We can do that.

Well let's be light with the word displeased.

I mean we we do we're concerned.

Well, there's a balance, right?

I mean, I would love to give so much more money, and that's why I think we should talk about the penny tax that we'll scratch that bridge next year.

Um but yeah, I mean, you know, we would all like to give them more money, and I fought to try to give them more money, and it uh it just can't.

I just just don't let's let's not use display.

Well, and if I didn't budget time, everybody will remember it because I was passionate about it, I hope.

And more and more.

Right.

They're gonna, you know, they're gonna look at who's asking to re to evaluate reevaluate it.

Joe, are you comfortable with that?

Alicia's and the whole thing.

Let's go in the whole time.

Or maybe just say we're in support of your reevaluating these numbers.

This was enough.

We haven't decided to do it to do it this way or don't do it, so we decided to do it this way.

So we see that it works, I'm sure they'll throw it out.

I think the problem with um I appreciate you in that, but the problem with that is we can't throw things out to Winchester and there's a panic mode to get the button that gets pushed when we think about those among us that are the most vulnerable, and you know, from it we already have an unwritten line right down between areas, and so what I my concern is it's gonna be only one demographic that can go there, and then the ones that need it the most won't because they won't be seen, they just won't be seen by everybody back in the day.

I couldn't do it.

I was one of those I was lucky to have a meal, and so I wouldn't even thought about so I would have been the one looking on the outside again.

So anyway, thank you.

But thank you all.

We're aware of that.

Thank you for your comments.

I think James, you had something you were gonna say.

I think I'll say I think James.

So we can do speaking that too.

Yes, yes.

Okay, um we'll sponsor the next hundred people.

Oh sorry.

Wait a double.

James, if you could work that out with Jeff Lewis, do you need me to connect you with him on that?

Okay.

That's great.

And Alicia, I think you had something one.

Or that's served by credit funding.

It's kind of like one of many that I think is perfect for us to strategically come together.

Maybe you can get something.

But the community steps up.

All of these people do it, like I'd be any fun type of steps.

So I think maybe working tiny work in the parts for it.

Let's figure out something this project and a rant form part of it, but a lot of times it's gonna be ice there is the donation, but they're kind of specifically the rest of sure that we really are trying to strategically work on finding those objects because I agree with you.

And I also understand work with that for I agree.

I think grant funding will be able to keep the IT.

Well it's one thing we definitely can approach the our foundation about.

You know, they could definitely be approached about it.

Is there a team to buy that money right now?

Are you gonna keep it if I forget you much?

Uh I would have you still want to take I would have the consult with you up about that.

And I can give you my number, you can feel free to call me.

Thanks.

That's just it'll be it'll be that'll be quite all right.

It won't be no problem.

Well okay, we've finished with this right now.

Okay, JP Martin.

Did you guys know that Boss got tasted?

Yeah, not just now I didn't know it.

How long was it?

One year certification for something toast?

I think football.

How long is that well?

I'll go if you will.

I'll do it.

All right, we know who you are.

She'll state your name and your address.

Maybe more than just involved, also something.

Um I'm just up here because I publicly criticize on the public praise.

All of you guys we're working on the rest of businesses.

Um thank you for coming together.

Thank you for agreeing to continue to communicate and work together.

Uh I think it's gonna be the whole is a lot stronger.

Uh and also if we're all going to be and the work they did Friday afternoon, uh getting our section padded down and smooth out and we had to maybe move a couple of things up with the left.

That's okay.

Uh but that was a good thing too.

So we made the festival go very well.

We've got a good festival.

It was a beautiful weekend.

Well, thank you for that.

Thank you.

Thank you, JP.

Appreciate it.

Okay, let's do our comments.

Yes, Jesse, you want to say something.

Kitty, thank you.

We're still not quite done.

But I'm still in process.

That's a parks.

I mean, seriously, it's all parks for just let communicate with Joe.

I think the pavilion is much needed over there because if you're over there with your grandkids, you might want to get in the shade.

Right.

I I would yeah.

Okay, let's do comments from mayor commissioner, city manager, and city attorney, and then we do have closed session this evening.

So let's Mr.

Toole, can we start with you?

Sure.

Uh I got an easy one.

I was at the Dollar General on um the other day, and it was just I tried to record it and it was just a heartfelt moment.

I guess we had five buses driving to the school for a sporting event of some sorts, but I could hear them singing the national anthem through the bus, screaming it at the stoplight.

And it was just a moment like that.

I wish I could have gotten my camera out to report it because I always cry at the national anthem.

It kind of got me, and it just uh makes you slow down and stop.

They were having I mean I'm quick to complain.

So round robin football tournament.

Yes, yes.

So it was great.

Anything else?

That was it.

Okay, Commissioner Cox.

Uh well, Commissioner Book said one of the things I was gonna say about the breakfast the app lodge at uh uh that's that's all I'll do.

Okay, thank you.

Commissioner Stroke.

Um I just like to thank particularly one person sitting in this room.

Uh Brian Sewell and the public works department particularly for all the work that they did, not just getting ready for Pioneer Festival, but this weekend we did have wonderful weather.

Um Chief had a crew there.

This chief had a crew there.

It takes a building to put this festival on the time you do the the run and the walk and then we can close downtown for two days.

I think everybody made money that needed to make money.

Mason said he had a really good day.

Amanda had a good day.

So I think once we were able to let you all out in the street, that helped a lot.

That's being like hard.

Yeah, what it's like for visibility and the guys were right to get ready so you all could come out on the street.

Um, I think the nonprofits made money.

Uh we used a scout troop for trash pickup, and they always need money.

So it's it's a wonderful event for our community.

A lot going on now.

We had all the football tournaments.

We had the hall of fame, we thought we graduate Mr.

Cox and is after the hall.

The equity coalition.

And the equity coalition that Hannah went to school did not get there, and then the splash by one of the guys took me up on the golf cart to the splash pan or I wouldn't have gotten through.

But it was a wonderful weekend.

And when people say nothing ever goes on in Winchester, it makes me so mad, I can hardly stand it because a lot goes on in this community.

So I thank the city for their support for Daniel Moon, it means a lot, and it means a lot to our community.

Oh, other thing that Brian and them were doing.

If you all look down to the memorial, we're having to water every day.

If you see Jay, it's beautiful plants down there.

Other night, Robert Watered.

I think he told me Brian until 11 45 Sunday night after we got through downtown.

So thanks to you all, you're keeping everything alive.

So appreciate.

Commissioner Shadow.

Uh the Eugene J family uh wants to send their thank you and gratitude for the part of the splash part.

And they asked me to say thank you from them from the bottom of their heart.

I would like to thank Chief over the weekend for his support doing the Labor Day facilities.

That's all I have.

Yes, Mayor.

I also want to commend everybody for the Pioneer Festival.

I know our department's fire, police, EMS, uh, public works.

I mean, they just go out of their way to support this festival.

So thank you for that.

Um, thank you for the fire and EMS uh for the employee cookout that we had.

Thank you, Chief, for that.

That was great.

Um, in addition to the Elks Lodge breakfast for the veterans, um, I also want to uh remind everyone that uh there will be a car show to raise money for the Veterans Memorial on October the 4th from 4 to 8 p.m.

So you can contact Diana for more information on that.

Um there'll be the Blue Mass event on September the 11th at St.

Joseph's at 10 a.m.

Um also congratulations for Ed Burner for his induction into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame coming up on this Saturday, and as we all know it is a great friend of the city for various reasons.

Um but the big announcement, this is not official yet, but I think it goes to show the great work of um Amanda Martin or Alicia Martin.

I looked back there, I saw Amanda and Martin back thing.

Alicia Martin, but uh we've been informally notified that our grant grant has been awarded to support the fire safer grant, and that was an amount of eight hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollars.

So as long as we get the safer grant for our fire, yeah, then we've got the matching funds, uh all thanks to Alicia's work for applying for that job.

That's all okay, Bill.

Mayor, no, that was very good news to hear about the grant.

Uh I have nothing else besides that.

And Chief, what will that grant do for the city?

Well, it's a traditional firefighter.

Okay, and I only had a couple things.

One of those was to announce that I'm doing a proclamation for world suicide uh prevention month at RDC on September 10th.

Um we don't realize what an issue and how people's lives are touched within our own community from suicide.

Uh sure Chief could tell us more than we ever want to know.

Um, and they're trying to work with the kids in our community and in our schools to help them understand mental illness and and things that need to be targeted to prevent these types of things from happening in our community.

So I think that'll be a good thing.

If anybody on the commission uh would like to go that morning, uh, they're asking us to shake hands at the doors, the kids come in or to help them off the school bus or to get my high five or what are we know the communities behind.

So what day is that?

That is um September 10th.

Eight to eight.

And then the other thing, um, I wanted the public to know that we've spent a lot of money lately on infrastructure.

Um that's been ignored for a long time and need to be taken care of.

bus or to get my high five or whatever love and other communities behind so what day is that that is um september 10th eight to eight and it's just a half an hour and then the other thing um i wanted the public to know that we've spent a lot of money lately on infrastructure um that's been ignored for a long time and need to be taken care of we're trying to take care of things that are been on the shelf need to come off the shelf and if we're not gonna do them take them off the shelf and move on with something else so but we are uh planning as a commission to move forward with a lot of quality of life there the next year so stay tuned and we'll see but uh I appreciate all of you being here tonight thank you for coming I wish we had the room packed every meeting because that's how you find out as Patty said I didn't know this and I didn't know this and that's how you find out by coming and get the facts and please as a community get the facts before you speak please and then and work with it unless let's all I'm like go back to what bear was saying you know we are a community and we need to be doing that and acting like that so without further ado I will take a motion and I'll let Commissioner Cox do this to go into closed session for the reason for property acquisition uh KRS chapter 61 point eight ten b okay even though I will I will not be in this closed session because of my affiliation with the habitat board I'm I vote that we adjourn to close session for property acquisition KRS uh 51 point eight ten b and at the end of closed session we adjourn that both session and this regular meeting of the city commission and Ms.

Larry I understand commissioner Chennault also needs to recuse himself or yes I think so is he asked even though the issue with DLG is resolved.

Yeah I wouldn't solve until we hear otherwise would be and and mayor we have two property items to discuss so okay if you guys would like to stay well let's do the other one first and we'll do the other one first and then we'll talk about yes okay and commissioner Chenault would you like to explain to eagle why you are recusing yourself from the second property discussion that's my wife trying to read it so she owns property on Lincoln Street is that what we're seeing all right let's um go into closed session and see if any I just have a motion I don't have to I'll second it second it commission tool all in favor aye aye any opposed by leg signed motion carries thank you thank you all