Winchester City Commission Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Winchester City Commission convened on March 3, 2026, to discuss and vote on several items including school pickup lane improvements, appeals for beer cheese relief fund applications, resolutions supporting state legislation and local development projects, an ordinance for city safety officers, and various administrative orders. All motions passed unanimously unless noted.

Frontier Way School Pickup Lanes (Old Business B)

• The commission approved a plan to install striping and signage for designated school pickup lanes at Frontier Way, at a cost of less than $1,000. The school police department will handle enforcement and towing. The initiative aims to improve safety and traffic flow during drop-off and pickup times. A motion by Commissioner Strode, seconded by Commissioner Cox, passed unanimously.

Appeal of Denied Beer Cheese Relief Fund – Shannon Tipton (Crystal Coven Mystic Cottage) (Old Business A)

• After prior discussion, the commission voted to reverse the denial and issue a check for $6,600.16 to Shannon Tipton. The mayor noted that the original application met the program’s intent but lacked proper documentation; the vote rectified the error. Motion by the mayor, second by Commissioner Strode, passed unanimously.

Appeals of Denied Beer Cheese Relief Fund – Charlena Harman (The Hall) and Catherine Pate / Cynthia Markham (Harlow’s Lux Living) (New Business A and B)

• These two appeals were tabled to the next meeting (March 17, 2026) to allow applicants to provide additional financial information from their opening dates through December 2025, following the model used for Ms. Tipton. The city clerk and staff will assist applicants in strengthening their applications. The commission also discussed the broader Beer Cheese Relief Fund program, including a planned pause for reevaluation. The motion to table was made by Commissioner Cox, seconded by Commissioner Strode, and passed.

Resolution Supporting Senate Bill 7 (Item 4A)

• The commission passed a resolution urging the Kentucky Senate to return basic driver licensing services (renewals, duplicate licenses) to the local level, citing long waits and travel burdens. The resolution was approved unanimously after discussion of the bill’s uncertain prospects.

Resolution – Lease Amendment with Catalin Pharma Solutions (Item 4B)

• The commission approved an amendment to the lease agreement to allow Catalin Pharma Solutions to sell approximately 10 acres on Venable Road originally intended for office space. The city is not liable under the bonds. The resolution passed unanimously.

Resolution – GRANT Program Application (Item 4C)

• The commission authorized the filing of an application for up to $549,312 in GRANT program funds from the Cabinet for Economic Development. The resolution passed unanimously.

Ordinance – Duties of City Safety Officers (Item 5, First Reading)

• An ordinance establishing the duties of city safety officers was approved. Police Chief Travis Thompson clarified that the position is non-sworn, does not replace the constable, and is limited to traffic collision response and code enforcement. The officer, Leon, will not write citations. The ordinance passed unanimously with a motion by Commissioner Cox and second by Commissioner Chenault.

General Orders (Item 6 A-D)

• 6A: Declared certain city property obsolete and surplus. Approved.
• 6B: Approved a contract with Bluegrass Area Development District for professional services. Approved.
• 6C: Accepted an agreement for supplemental funding ($200,000) from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the Fulton Road project. Approved.
• 6D: Approved funding of $7,108 from the Beer Cheese Relief Fund for Strength Fix at 5 South Main Street. Commissioner Schwartz recused herself as an employee of a business within Strength Fix. The motion passed unanimously.

Personnel Orders (Item 7 A-B)

• 7A: Amended the position description for assistant code enforcement/traffic safety officer to correct reporting lines and remove backup duties to the building inspector. Approved with amendments proposed by Commissioner Schwartz.
• 7B: Accepted the promotion of Jacob Jones to Street Foreman, recognizing his nine years of service. Approved unanimously.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned with a motion by Commissioner Cox, second by Commissioner Chenault.