Public Meetings - Winchester, Kentucky

The Winchester City Commission met on August 18, 2026, to hear presentations from the Clark County School District, including recognition of JROTC instructors, an update on district initiatives, and operational improvements. The meeting also included approval of minutes, departmental reports, and a closed session for property acquisition and potential litigation. Presentations & Recognitions - JROTC Instructor Awards: Retired Lieutenant Colonel Crupper and retired Master Sergeant Larry Lee were recognized as the 2026 Kentucky Senior Army Instructor of the Year and Kentucky Army Instructor of the Year, respectively, for their leadership at George Rogers Clark High School's JROTC program. The award citation noted the Raider Challenge team's three consecutive national championships. - Clark County Schools Update: Superintendent Dustin Howard reported that district enrollment is up for the third consecutive year, approaching 5,600 students with nearly 1,300 staff. Teacher retention has improved from 67% to 90-92% over the past four years. The district's vision is to 'connect the district and the community' to grow great kids. New initiatives include a 'Connect with CCPS' text messaging system to keep the community informed. - Academic Initiatives: Chief Academic Officer Kelly Chin highlighted new personalized career labs (IL labs) at Baker, RDC, and the Cardinal Innovation Center, offering hands-on modules in fields like computer science, engineering, health science, robotics, and cosmetology. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for September 8. The district's preschool program now serves about 300 four-year-olds (with capacity for more) and is a five-star accredited program. The Summer Flight Academy provided 200 elementary students with 20 additional days of instruction in June, showing continued growth in reading and math. Extended day programs (two additional hours) will start next week at all four elementary schools. - Operational Updates: Brandon Whitman reported on summer projects: a new roof at Baker, a major renovation at RDC (new roof, HVAC, doors, windows, and a basement renovation), and a new turf field at RDC for football, soccer, and youth football. The city collaborated on lighting improvements at Farmover King Wade for safety, and on storm line work at RDC. Traffic flow at the start of school was noted as the smoothest in memory, thanks to police and SROs. The first home football game on August 28 will honor the 2026 Clark County Public Schools Hall of Fame inductees. The school board is selling its current central office on Lexington Avenue and moving to the former health department building on Professional Avenue. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the July 21, 2026 special (4:30 p.m.) and regular (5:30 p.m.) meetings, and the August 4, 2026 special (4:30 p.m.) and regular (5:30 p.m.) meetings were approved by a motion from Commissioner Toole, seconded by Commissioner Cox, with no discussion or opposition. - Departmental Agency Reports: Reports were accepted by a motion from Commissioner Strode, seconded by Commissioner Cox, with no discussion or opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Informational Items - Mayor noted the 90th birthday of Dr. Escher, a long-time community servant. - Mayor mentioned attending a three-hour professional development session on local bridge ownership. Comments from Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager, and City Attorney - Commissioner Strode: Reminded of the upcoming Pioneer Festival (September 5-6). Thanked Public Works Director Brian for assembling new benches at the courthouse and for work on the kids' area at the market. - Commissioner Cox: Mentioned the Hall of Fame induction next Friday and reported that Work Camp served 60 homes this year, finishing only $4,011 over budget (due to extending from 54 to 60 homes). - Commissioner Toole: Had no comments. - City Manager (Mr. Dykman): Had no comments. Key Outcomes - Closed Session: A motion to enter closed session to discuss potential litigation (KRS 61.810(1)(c)) and property acquisition (KRS 61.810(1)(b)) was made, seconded by Commissioner Schnauze, and approved unanimously. The closed session was held in the city manager's office, after which the special-called meeting was adjourned.

The Winchester City Board of Commissioners met on August 4, 2026, for a regular meeting. The meeting began with an invocation led by Deputy City Clerk Diane Lane, followed by a public hearing on the establishment of the Colby Road local development area, which received no public comments. The board then conducted a public ceremony promoting Nicholas Riggs to Fire Chief, heard presentations on traffic safety improvements, and considered a resolution supporting an active transportation master plan. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing regarding the establishment of the Colby Road local development area. Personnel Orders - The board unanimously approved item 8H, promoting Nicholas Riggs from Assistant Fire Chief to Fire Chief. City Manager Mike spoke in support, noting Riggs' exceptional work and commitment to the department's plan. Riggs thanked his family, parents, and Chief Whitley for guidance. The motion was made by Commissioner Mateo, seconded by Commissioner Cox, with all voting in favor. Discussion Items - Frontier Way Stop Sign Request: Brian Sewell, Director of Public Works, presented a proposal to improve safety at the intersection of Frontier Way and the bypass, near Lowe's and Maximus. Concerns include cut-through traffic and accidents. The plan would extend the double yellow line, add flexible delineator posts, and restrict turns to right-only from the access road and Maximus parking lot. Chief Thompson supported the proposal, noting it addresses a legitimate complaint. Both Lowe's and Maximus managers were reportedly okay with the changes. Discussion included whether the road could accommodate two lanes; further review was mentioned. - Arlington Road Update: Brian Sewell presented a follow-up on a stop sign request from the previous meeting. The proposal includes adding stop bars, stop signs, and "stop ahead" signs to slow traffic and improve sight distance at the intersection of Arlington and Fulton. Staff attempted to contact homeowners at 128 and 129 Arlington, but no one was home. The city plans to send letters to property owners before implementation. Extra patrol will be added initially. - Resolution Supporting Active Transportation Master Plan: The clerk read a resolution expressing the city's support for the Clark County Health Department in creating an active transportation master plan, with the health department as fiscal agent for state funding. The board was informed that a vote was needed, but the transcript ends before the vote is recorded. Key Outcomes - Nicholas Riggs was unanimously promoted to Fire Chief. - The board discussed but did not take final votes on the Frontier Way stop sign proposal, Arlington Road stop sign update, or the active transportation resolution. Next steps include further traffic analysis, homeowner notification, and a future vote on the resolution.

The Winchester City Commission met on August 4, 2026, in a special called meeting. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Library Director Angela Turner, followed by an invocation by Mike Flynn. Commissioner Strode was excused from the 4:30 portion due to being out of state. The commission heard a library update, discussed new automated license plate reader (ALPR) policy, announced significant grant awards, and moved into closed session for personnel matters. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the departmental and agency reports as presented. Motion by Commissioner Cox, seconded by Commissioner Chennault. Presentations - Library Update: Angela Turner, Winchester Clark County Public Library Director, reported on the library's performance for the fiscal year ending June 30. Key statistics: 2,076,273,000 physical materials checked out (as stated), over 93,000 digital items, over 39,000 attendees at in-person events, over 14,000 books distributed through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (with 59% of eligible children enrolled), over 1,600 programs, and 20–25 outreach stops per week. The library also offers a "Library of Things," notary services, and a blood pressure station. Commissioners praised the library's services, including the new bookmobile and community partnerships. Discussion Items - Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Policy: The chief of police presented a new standard operating procedure required by state legislation effective July 15, 2026. The policy restricts access to trained personnel, requires individual logins for auditability, limits use to official law enforcement purposes, mandates verification of alerts before enforcement action, and requires an audit every 90 days of at least 10 random searches. The chief emphasized that the cameras do not capture faces or conduct facial recognition, only license plates on public roads. Commissioners expressed support for the policy and transparency, though one commissioner noted privacy concerns and the monopoly of the vendor. It was also reported that a camera was vandalized two weeks prior, and the department is investigating. - Grant Awards: The city manager announced receipt of a $43,000 COPS grant and a $526,000 grant for the Martin Luther King Corridor project (bridge and roundabout). The total project cost is approximately $2 million, with the city's contribution being $40,000 for construction, plus engineering costs. This funding allows the project to proceed with detailed design and coordination with the transportation department. - Informational Items: The August edition of Southern Living featured L8 (a local business) in its Hall of Fame. Commissioners also noted the start of school in eight days and community events. Commissioner Comments - Commissioners thanked the police department for their work, noted the successful L8 pop-up event (attracting visitors from out of state and possibly Australia), and encouraged collection of soda pull tabs and medicine bottles for the homemakers' annual meeting. Key Outcomes - Approval of Departmental Reports: Unanimous approval. - Closed Session: The commission voted unanimously to adjourn to closed session in the city manager's office for personnel matters under KRS 61.810(1)(f). The motion included that the closed session and the special call meeting would be simultaneously adjourned. - Next Steps: The ALPR policy will be implemented with audits beginning; the MLK corridor project will proceed with engineering; the library will continue outreach.

The Winchester City Council met on July 21, 2026, after a brief tornado warning delay. The meeting began with an invocation by Police Chief Travis Thompson and was called to order by the Mayor. The agenda was reordered to address personnel items first, followed by a presentation on L8's 100th anniversary, resolutions for homeland security grants, a first reading of an ordinance on recovery residences, routine orders, and public comment. Consent Calendar - Personnel Actions (Items 6A–6T): The council approved 20 personnel items en bloc without dissent, including: longevity salary increases; hiring Jeff Stivers (part-time building inspector), Wesley Conway (police officer three), Braden Southwood, Maddox Olds, Lucas Daniels, Jack Gross, Jarrett Witt, Joseph Willing Jr., Tyler Arthur, Devontae Poindexter (firefighters), and Connor Lorette (communications officer); reclassifications for Mechannah Downs and Travis Sturgel; acceptance of resignation of firefighter Robert Dulaney; acceptance of retirements of Fire Battalion Chiefs Gregory Bell and Jason Keller, Firefighter Christopher Crockett, and Fire Chief Christophely. The vote for Chief Christophely's retirement was noted with regret and appreciation. Public Comments & Testimony - Joanne Anderson Berg (124 Arlington Ave): Requested consideration of a three-way stop sign at the corner of Fulton and Arlington Road to address speeding and blind spots caused by parked cars. She noted traffic has increased since the Fulton Road extension opened. Police Chief Thompson supported the request and noted a separate issue with a junk vehicle on Gary Board that will incur daily fines if not cleaned up. The council agreed to have staff evaluate the stop sign installation. Discussion Items - L8 100th Anniversary Celebration (Presentation by Sheila Fry, L8 Market Development Specialist): L8 will celebrate 100 years on August 1, 2026, with events at the post office (original factory site) from 5:00 p.m. (historic marker unveiling) and at the courthouse from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., featuring food trucks, live music, children's activities, and an L8 pop-up store. Sheila Fry thanked the city for support. - Recovery Residence Ordinance (First Reading, Item 4): City Attorney William Dykman and Planning Commissioner Rob explained the ordinance, which requires certification for recovery residences and amends zoning to allow operation in residential areas under certain conditions. The ordinance was revised based on prior input. Public speakers: - Mike Palmer (owner of residential property in recovery) expressed support, thanking the city for working on the ordinance. - Gene Bethurge (President, Kentucky Recovery Housing Network advisory board; Advocacy Chair, National Alliance of Recovery Residences) advised against passing the ordinance as currently written, citing federal fair housing law (City of Edinburg v. Oxford House) and potential liability. City Attorney Dykman stated he believed the ordinance was legally sound. The council voted 4-1 (Commissioner Chenault opposed) to approve the first reading. - Resolutions (Item 3): Approved three state homeland security grant applications: up to $210,000 (Item 3A), up to $16,488 (Item 3B), and up to $14,500 (Item 3C). All passed unanimously. - Orders (Item 5): Approved agreement with Bluegrass Area Development District (5A); change order for Fifth Street Stream Restoration Project fully funded by grants (5B); appointed Chad Abner to the Tourist and Convention Commission for a three-year term (5C). All passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Recovery Residence Ordinance first reading passed 4-1. The second reading will occur at a future meeting. Commissioner suggested having the Kentucky Fair Housing Council review the ordinance; the council indicated willingness to make future amendments. - Three homeland security grant applications authorized for a total of $240,988. - Stop sign study directed for Fulton and Arlington Road intersection per public request. - Adjourned at approximately 9:27 p.m. ET.

The meeting opened with an invocation and proceeded to a comprehensive project update from City Manager Mike Flynn, followed by approval of minutes, departmental reports, informational items, and a closed session. The commission reviewed active and planned infrastructure projects, celebrated a record EMS revenue year for the fire department, and noted significant grant awards. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 7, 2026 – Approved with a correction: changed "working camp" to "work camp" in Commissioner Cox's comments. Motion by Commissioner Chenault, second by Commissioner Tool, all in favor. - Departmental and Agency Reports – Approved as presented. Commissioner Strode praised the fire department's EMS revenue performance, noting a record $1.972 million in revenue due to a five-year plan under Chief Whitley's direction. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - City Manager Project Updates – Mike Flynn presented a detailed status report on capital projects: - 7th Street Alternative Route Project: Right-of-way plans near completion; cost estimate expected to rise from $4.8M to approximately $5.8M. The current funding agreement extends to December 2027, but the project will not meet that deadline; an extension will be requested. - 5th Street Railway Improvements: Channel work and grading largely complete. A change order for fence installation is on the agenda, funded by existing grant funds without exceeding the $350,000 budget. - Lincoln Street Phase 2: Demolition and clearing underway; goal to build two homes this year. Total project cost $1.52 million from CDBG funds. Cannot apply for new CDBG grants until this project closes. - Stormwater Management Asset Plan: Phase 3 with Prime Engineering, budgeted at $187,500, to map and inventory the stormwater system. - Unfunded Projects: MLK Bridge replacement and Shoppers Drive roundabout (need $700,000 additional; awaiting grant decisions), Main Street improvements phases 2&3 (need $3.37 million; awaiting grant), Depot Street improvements phases 2&3 (design in August 2026, need $1.4 million), Barlow Drive and Wall Alley stormwater improvements (shovel-ready, $2 million total), and Fair Home storm detention improvements (grant submitted for design). - Completed Projects: Jackson Street Bridge (punch list completed), Fulton Road (warranty inspection upcoming), Splash Park (over 1,000 visitors, equipment supplier responsive), Main Street High Side project (final change order approved, coming in under budget at $3.7–3.8 million vs. $4.4 million). - Other Initiatives: - Fire and police safety campus under review; property and funding options being explored. - Working with two developers on tax incentive proposals to bring to the commission. - Property revitalization ongoing, with administrative hearing board working on agreements for property repurchases. - Grant applications: $8.6 million applied for in six months; $1.5 million awarded so far, including a $1.2–1.3 million paramedicine program grant. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Strode promoted a downtown event on Sunday, July 26, featuring Motown and beach music. Commissioner Cox reported traveling through severe storms en route. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved with correction. - Departmental reports approved. - Closed session held for potential litigation and personnel matters (per KRS 61.810(1)(c) and (f)). Motion to adjourn the special 4:30 PM meeting and enter closed session carried unanimously. - The commission acknowledged the city manager's request to provide a dated copy of the project slides. - No votes were taken on project funding or grants; updates were informational only.

The Winchester Board of Commissioners met on July 7, 2026, to consider several resolutions for grant applications, approve agreements and fund allocations, and handle personnel matters, including promotions and retirements. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar No separate consent calendar was used; all items were voted on individually. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke during the meeting. Discussion Items - Grant Resolutions (2A-2D): The commission approved applications for four grants: (2A) up to $43,060 from the GRANT program for public safety to support a COPS hiring grant for one new officer; (2B) up to $549,312 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Infrastructure Improvement Project; (2C) up to $8,897 (purpose not specified but under the same grant program); and (2D) up to $187,219.37 for a COPS hiring grant from the Department of Justice. The mayor commended the grant writer for securing funds. - Order 3B – Opioid Abatement Funds: The commission approved the allocation of $227,908 in opioid abatement funds to seven organizations: Clark County Homeless Coalition ($40,000), Clark County Health Department ($40,000), Clark County Detention Center ($5,408), Celebrate Recovery ($40,000), Clark County Community Services ($40,000), Court Appointed Special Advocates ($40,000), and Clark County Equity Coalition ($40,000). Commissioners Strode and Toole served on the selection committee. - Order 3G – Lincoln Street Property Transfer: The commission approved the transfer of properties in the Lincoln Street CDBG redevelopment project phase two to Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties for affordable housing. Mayor Reed and Chris Lowry (project associate) discussed rising construction costs, noting a two-bedroom house now costs $80,000–$90,000 to build. - Personnel Orders: The commission approved educational certification and longevity salary increases (4A, 4B), promoted Michael Wattenberger from police officer to captain (4C), appointed a temporary city clerk (4D), accepted the retirement of police captain Stephen Campbell (4E), and accepted resignations of communications officers Ethan Crow and Taylor Lacey (4F, 4G) who are moving to the Clark County Sheriff's Department. Key Outcomes - All four grant applications (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) were approved unanimously. - The memorandum of agreement with KY Transportation Cabinet for $251,000 (3A) was approved. - Opioid abatement funds of $227,908 were awarded to seven local organizations (3B). - Agreements with Summers McCrary and Sparks PSC for auditing and audit consultant services (3C, 3D) were approved. - Grants from KY Division of Forestry ($4,200, 3E) and KY Department for Libraries and Archives ($13,965, 3F) were accepted. - Property transfer to Habitat for Humanity (3G) was approved. - Michael Wattenberger was promoted to police captain (4C). - The commission moved to closed session for personnel matters at the end of the meeting.

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.

The Winchester City Commission met on June 23, 2026, for a regular meeting. The meeting was called to order after a prayer led by Commissioner Cox. The primary business was the second reading and roll call vote on two ordinances: a pay classification plan for FY2027 and an amendment to the FY2026 budget. Both ordinances were approved unanimously. Commissioners also provided comments on the recent Beer Cheese festival. The meeting adjourned with a motion followed by discussion of a closed session for personnel matters. Public Comments No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items Ordinance Adopting Pay Classification Plan for FY2027 The Commission considered an ordinance to adopt a paid classification plan that conforms with the fiscal year 2027 budget. The ordinance includes a two percent across-the-board pay increase for all employees, as approved in the FY2027 budget. The ordinance was given first reading on June 16, 2026, and second reading on June 23, 2026. Ordinance Amending FY2026 Budget The Commission considered an ordinance amending Ordinance 14-2025 to adjust appropriations in the City of Winchester’s fiscal year 2026 budget. The amendment changed estimated revenue, appropriations, and fund balances across several funds, including the general fund, capital equipment fund, room tax fund, and other funds. Key changes include: general fund total resources increasing from $29,015,000 to $32,597,300; general fund appropriations increasing from $28,998,000 to $32,113,528; and other funds adjustments. A complete copy of the ordinance was available for inspection in the city clerk’s office. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 1 (Pay Classification Plan): Motion by Commissioner Strode, second by Commissioner Chenault. Approved unanimously by roll call vote (Commissioners Chenault, Strode, Mayor Reed, Cox, and Toole all voting yes). - Ordinance 2 (Budget Amendment): Motion by Commissioner Strode, second by Commissioner Chenault. Approved unanimously by roll call vote (all commissioners voting yes). - Meeting adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Toole, second by Commissioner Chenault, with all in favor. - After adjournment, Commissioners Chenault and Toole discussed a closed session for personnel, but it was noted that the closed session had already been conducted.

The Winchester City Commission met on June 16, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing, a presentation on grant applications, multiple resolutions and ordinances, personnel orders, and closing comments from officials. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Public Hearing - Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing (Municipal Road Aid Funds): The public hearing was opened to receive comments on the possible use of municipal road aid funds. No members of the public commented, and the hearing was adjourned. Presentation: Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Applications - Alicia from Winchester Fire/EMS presented two applications submitted to the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal initiative funded through CMS. The first application ($644,000) would establish a community paramedicine program to provide in-home preventative care and reduce ER visits. The second application ($751,000) would fund a mobile EMS training unit to expand regional workforce development. Combined requests total nearly $1.4 million, with no local match required. As a result of this opportunity, the EMS department withdrew its prior opioid abatement fund applications to allow those funds to go to other organizations. Decisions are expected by July 1, 2026, with funding available August 1, 2026. Commissioners expressed support and appreciation for the partnership. Consent and Action Items - Item 5 – SAFER Grant Resolution: Resolution authorizing filing for a Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) grant of up to $2,293,658.64 from FEMA. Approved. - Item 6A – Ordinance Amending FY2026 Budget (First Reading): Ordinance to amend the current fiscal year budget, adjusting revenues and appropriations across multiple funds. Approved. - Item 6B – Pay Classification Plan Ordinance (First Reading): Ordinance adopting a pay classification plan conforming to the FY2027 budget. Approved. - Item 7A – Ordinance Adopting FY2027 Annual Budget (Second Reading): Ordinance establishing the city budget for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. The budget projects General Fund resources of $29,688,000 and appropriations of $29,517,890. A roll call vote resulted in unanimous approval (Commissioners Schnapp, Strode, Toole, Cox; Mayor Reed). - Item 7B – Ordinance Amending Water Rate Schedules (Second Reading): Ordinance amending Section 14-81.1 to include public pools and splash pads in water utility rate schedules. The Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission previously approved the change. Roll call vote: all in favor. - Item 8A-H – Orders: - 8A: Contract with Palmer Engineering for Town Branch stormwater improvements ($20,000). Approved. - 8B: Acceptance of final completion and change order for Eugene Gay splash park ($1,682,275). Approved. - 8C: Agreement for medical director services for FY2027. Approved. - 8D: Standard agreement with records service operator (rotational basis). Approved after brief discussion. - 8E: Agreement for city attorney for FY2027. Approved. - 8F: Renewal of self-insured health plan coverage (95/5 premium split). Approved with note to monitor sustainability. - 8G: Renewal of general liability, workers’ compensation, and other insurance coverage. Approved. - 8H: Memorandum of Understanding with Miami Valley Fire EMS Alliance / Ohio Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. Approved. - Item 9A-D – Personnel Orders: - 9A: Employment of Hunter Rainey as Police Officer I. Approved. - 9B: Employment of Austin Heisel as Police Officer I. Both officers were introduced and welcomed by the police chief; they start June 28. - 9C: Accept position description for community paramedic personnel. Approved. - 9D: Amend position description for city manager. Approved. Public Comments - No members of the public signed up to speak on items not on the agenda. Closing Comments - Commissioner Toole reminded residents of the Fourth of July celebration on July 3 at Lacens, a semi-semicentennial event organized by Diana Lane, including fireworks. - Commissioner Cox noted the Habitat for Humanity "Hard Hat Hustle" event on June 20, 10-2 at BC TC. He also announced the upcoming Work Camp (June 29–July 11) with 296 youth volunteers; opening ceremonies July 6 at 8 AM at the high school. - Commissioner Strode reported on the successful Beer Cheese Festival weekend, thanked police, fire, public works, and volunteers. She promoted Juneteenth celebration on June 20 at Heritage Hall/Heritage Park (4-9 PM). - Mayor Reed reported on two incidents handled by the Winchester Police Department: helping an 83-year-old woman locate her car during extreme heat, and gently intervening with a woman removing items from graves at the cemetery. He commended the officers for their compassion. He also noted city hall will be closed June 19 for Juneteenth. - The meeting adjourned with a motion.