Winchester City Commission Special Called Meeting - July 7, 2026

On July 7, 2026, the Winchester City Commission held a special called meeting commencing with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ashlyn Willie and a prayer. The meeting featured presentations on the Cardinal Community Center and the Lincoln Street Habitat for Humanity project, followed by the approval of minutes, departmental reports, informational items, and commissioner comments. The meeting adjourned into closed session to discuss property acquisition and potential litigation.

Presentation: Cardinal Community Center

Christy from the Planning and Zoning Committee presented an update on the Cardinal Community Center, the former Hannah McClure Elementary School. She reported that the center is now open and has hosted a variety of activities including STEM camp for girls, theater camp, art camp, and meetings for community groups such as the Republican and Democratic parties, Winchester Parks and Rec Board, and soccer boards. The center also provides space for the Clark County Health Department to station two educational staff members (Kayla and Jessica). Rental fees are $30 per hour for personal events, while community-oriented events are free. Parking expansion is underway on the left side of the building. Christy extended an open invitation for the commission to use the facility. Commissioners praised Christy's efforts, with one noting she had "worked miracles" and "takes a village" to operate the center. No questions were raised beyond the fee structure.

Presentation: Lincoln Street Habitat for Humanity Project

Chris Lowry (City Staff) and Mary Joe Hatchett (Habitat for Humanity) provided an update on the Lincoln Street project. Commissioner Cox recused himself from the presentation due to his membership on the Habitat for Humanity Board. Chris Lowry reported that all 10 properties have been acquired, with the last (15 Lincoln Street) obtained on May 26, 2026. Demolition officially began on July 7, 2026, after an asbestos inspection and subsequent composite test that found only flooring required abatement. The demolition contractor has 45 working days to complete work, with an expected completion around August 19, 2026. The city will deed its parcels to Habitat for Humanity to create six buildable lots (an increase from the originally planned five due to an additional lot). A program amendment is needed to deed the sixth lot, and remaining funds ($10,000 initially allocated) will be directed to Habitat for the extra house. Mary Joe Hatchett confirmed that Habitat has a family chosen and is ready to begin construction once lots are deeded. She noted that Habitat is seeking a local contractor for a "dry-in" model (foundation, walls, roof, insulation by contractor; electrical, plumbing, and finishing by volunteers) and called for volunteers and donations. The commission expressed excitement for the project, noting that the area was previously "the most depressing place" and will now provide low-income housing. Phase one of the Habitat project produced six houses, and the goal for this phase is to complete two houses this year.

Approval of Minutes and Reports

Commissioner Strode moved to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2026 special meeting at 4:30 p.m., the June 23, 2026 special meeting at 5:00 p.m., and the June 23, 2026 regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Chenault seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Commissioner Toole moved to approve the departmental agency reports, which was seconded and approved.

Informational Items and Commissioner Comments

Under informational items (items 5a, b, c, d), Commissioner Strode highlighted that the Fifth Street restoration project, funded by an OSG grant, will begin on July 13, 2026. No public comments were present. Commissioner Strode thanked the Public Works department for installing downtown basketball banners and for watering efforts to maintain downtown vegetation. Commissioner Cox reported on the ongoing work camps, noting that 297 children and numerous adults are participating across 54 different sites. Two sites have been completed, and three more will start the next day. He shared positive feedback from participants about the welcoming nature of Winchester, including an anecdote where a Walmart employee paid for a camp leader's groceries. The commission also discussed the open session items before moving to closed session.

Closed Session

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn to closed session under KRS Chapter 61810B (property acquisition) and KRS Chapter 61810G (potential industrial prospect), with the addition of potential litigation. The motion also stated that upon conclusion of the closed session, the special called meeting and closed session would be adjourned. The meeting then adjourned to the City Manager's office at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• The minutes of three prior meetings were approved.
• Departmental agency reports were approved.
• The Fifth Street restoration project was announced for July 13, 2026.
• The Lincoln Street Habitat for Humanity demolition officially commenced on July 7, 2026.
• The commission heard updates on the Cardinal Community Center and the Habitat project.
• The meeting adjourned to closed session for property acquisition and potential litigation.