Public Meetings - Winchester, Kentucky

The Winchester City Council convened on November 12, 2025, at approximately 3:20 PM (start of meeting). The meeting included a land acquisition for a CDBG redevelopment project, engineering contracts, downtown development grants, a resolution for a $750,000 transportation agreement, first reading of an ordinance to expand the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), and personnel policy changes. Several public comments addressed road conditions, water/sewer notice issues, and the HPC ordinance. A motion to table the HPC ordinance amendment passed, and the council voted to form an internal committee to study HPC reforms. Consent Calendar - Resolution adopting MOA with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Approved $750,000 for rural/municipal aid. Motion by Commissioner Toole, second by Commissioner Strode. Passed unanimously. - General Orders (items 4A–G): - 4A: Approved sale contract for 31 Lincoln Street for the CDBG Phase II redevelopment project for $21,000. (Motion Toole/Strode) - 4B: Approved contract with Palmer Engineering for the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge replacement project for $99,305. (Motion Chenault/Strode) - 4C: Approved a $6,000 downtown development fund grant (new business stipend) for 44 South Main Street. (Motion Strode/Chenault) - 4D: Approved a $6,000 downtown development fund grant (new business stipend) for 24½ North Main Street. (Motion Toole/Chenault) - 4E: Approved a $2,250 downtown development fund grant (façade project support) for 10 North Main Street. (Motion Toole/Strode) - 4F: Approved a $2,700 downtown development fund grant (façade project support) for 30 North Main Street. (Motion Chenault/Toole) - 4G: Approved a mutual aid agreement between the City of Winchester and Clark County Fiscal Court for emergency services. (Motion Strode/Chenault) - Personnel Orders (items 5A–B): - 5A: Amended personnel policy regarding accumulated time and vacation eligibility; increased vacation time for employees with 0–5 years of service. Motion by Chenault, second by Strode. Passed unanimously. - 5B: Accepted resignation of police officer Micah Williams. Motion Chenault/Toole. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Smith (Hamilton Street resident): Expressed concerns about road conditions after water work on Hamilton Street, specifically insufficient gravel and encroachment onto a neighbor’s yard. He requested city inspection and potential regravelling. Mayor directed City Manager Brian and Mike to inspect the area. - James Bowen (business owner, 2 South Main Street): Raised two issues: 1. Lack of 7-day notice for street work: Allen County construction work in front of his shop was done without prior notice, causing forced closure on a cold day and disrupting a planned event. He requested better notification, even 2–3 days in advance. Mayor directed Bruce to contact the contractor. 2. Support for HPC but concerned about board composition: Expressed full support for historic preservation but noted that the current HPC board lacked building/business owners. He later learned there will be a minimum of three downtown property owners. He also inquired about the application process for boards/commissions; the clerk confirmed an online application is available. - Adam Kidd (downtown property owner/business representative): Addressed two topics: 1. Food pantry needs: Requested the city coordinate community efforts to support the local food pantry, which has unmet needs beyond broadband. He noted the pantry faces shortages and suggested the city help organize churches and volunteers. The mayor noted that council member Diana sits on the Council of Churches and could help coordinate. 2. HPC reform: Advocated for forming a community committee to rewrite HPC guidelines before appointing new members. He stressed that property owners and contractors should be represented, and the current process is “lazy.” He urged the council to table the ordinance amendment and instead create a working group to develop new guidelines, guidelines that are simple, enforceable, and respectful of historic preservation while being practical for building owners. Discussion Items - First Reading of Ordinance to Amend HPC Membership (Item 3): The ordinance would increase the Historic Preservation Commission from 6 to 7 members to avoid tie votes. Mayor clarified that only the membership change was being voted on. Commissioner Toole expressed initial intent to dissolve HPC but reversed upon advice from the city attorney, who stressed the commission’s importance. - Adam Kidd (speaking during public comment on the agenda item): Argued that the amendment was premature. He noted the HPC has been effectively dormant and that property owners were not consulted. He urged the council to first convene stakeholders (including him and other business owners) to rewrite guidelines and determine board composition, then amend the ordinance. He stated the current guidelines are “worthless” and the existing board had no property owner representatives. - Bill Dykeman (HPC member?): Said he saw no reason to table the ordinance, as it only adds a seat, and that board composition could be addressed later. He expressed personal belief in the need for a historic overlay commission. - Commissioner Strode: Initially moved for adoption but withdrew motion after public comments, stating she favored the board but wanted to ensure downtown representation. - Commissioner Chenault: Made a motion to table the ordinance, which was seconded by Commissioner Strode. Passed unanimously. - Formation of Internal Committee on HPC (later in meeting): Following further discussion, Commissioner Tool moved to create an internal committee comprising the planning director, property/business owners, and other stakeholders to study HPC reforms and bring recommendations. Seconded by Chenault. Passed unanimously. - Comments from Commissioner Tool: Raised concerns about the city’s Facebook page turning off comments, calling it a transparency issue. He noted that even negative comments should be allowed and that lack of response to his direct message was problematic. City Manager explained that comments were disabled due to employee harassment and misinformation, and that citizens can still share posts and comment on their own pages. Commissioner Tool maintained that comments should be turned back on. Key Outcomes - Tabled Ordinance Amending HPC Membership (Item 3): Motion to table passed unanimously. The item will return at a later date. - Internal Committee Formed: Council voted to create an internal committee with the planning director, property/business owners, and other stakeholders to develop recommendations for HPC structure and guidelines. (Motion by Tool, second by Chenault; passed unanimously.) - Road inspection promised: City manager will inspect Hamilton Street conditions tomorrow. - Contact contractor for notice: Mayor directed Bruce to discuss 7-day notice requirements with the Allen County contractor. - Food pantry coordination: Council member Diana to follow up with the Council of Churches; city may facilitate coordination. - Next regular meeting: No date mentioned, but the council will bring back HPC discussion after the internal committee reports. Additional Highlights - Mayor thanked Community Trust Bank for donating a treadmill to the police department and acknowledged other community contributions (Central Bank’s $20,000 for baby box, $6,000 for Christmas decorations). - Commissioner Strode thanked Public Works and volunteers for Christmas decorations and encouraged participation in Operation Happiness. - Veterans Day celebration announced for November 11 at 11 AM at the Broadway memorial (new sod laid, bricks still available).

On November 12, 2025, the Winchester City Commission held a work session focused on updating the city’s strategic plan, facilitated by representatives John Buchanan and Sarah Stoll from the Kentucky League of Cities. The commission reviewed draft sections, discussed adjustments to goals and priorities, and made several revisions to the plan’s structure and wording. The meeting began with routine approvals and closed with a motion to adjourn. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 21, 2025 regular meeting and the October 27, 2025 special meeting (motion by Commissioner Chennault, second by Commissioner Tool). - Departmental/Agency Reports: Accepted by unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Stroud, second by Commissioner Tool). Discussion Items - Strategic Plan Update Work Session: - John Buchanan presented the first draft of the updated strategic work plan, noting changes to the introduction, vision statement (moving "Quality of Life" to the top goal), and the addition of sections for completed and ongoing projects. - Commissioners discussed and adjusted the seven identified strategic areas. Key changes included: - Infrastructure (Area 5): Retained as is; no additions requested. - Quality of Life (Area 1): Added a feasibility study for expanding the trail system from Walnut Grove to downtown. Moved the bullet on opioid abatement to the workforce section. Removed "downtown" from the enforcement bullet to make it citywide. - Community Events: Consolidated duplicate bullets into one: "Create and support community festivals and events." Mentioned the upcoming 100th anniversary of the LA Hall Festival. - Parks and Recreation: Left as a separate line item after discussion. Discussed renaming the splash park after Gene Gay. Corrected the name of the senior center to "Generation Center" and noted the meal program is called "Home Delight." - Safe City: Replaced the bullet on increasing bike patrols with a broader statement supporting the police department’s operational decisions. Added language on embracing new technologies (e.g., Flock cameras, Fixit Winchester). Expanded "Increase police and fire staffing" to "Increase essential services staffing" to include public works and EMS. - Workforce Development: Moved second-chance employment programming to a new opioid abatement subsection, with initial focus on using opioid settlement funds. Removed references to University of Kentucky; replaced with BCTC for workforce training. Discussed expanding storefront renovation funds through DDIF. - Joint EMS Committee: Decided to delete the bullet on restarting joint school planning and keep the joint city-county EMS committee as ongoing. - Budget and Timeline Tables: Significant changes were made. The commission agreed to consolidate three items (competitive salaries, responder needs, preparing for the future) into a single annual review of essential services departments. The timeline for the first responder campus was kept for 2023. Removed the bullet on independent living programming from the critical priorities, as it was seen as outside the city’s primary role. The family entertainment center was kept on the wishlist. Renamed the trail system consistently as "Brighton Trail off of Walnut Grove." - The plan is to have the updated draft brought back for approval in December 2025. Key Outcomes - Strategic Plan Revisions Adopted in Principle: The commission approved the discussed changes to the strategic plan draft, with final edits to be incorporated by KLC and the city manager. - Next Steps: The updated strategic plan will be presented at the December 2025 meeting for final approval. - Adjournment: The work session was adjourned at approximately 4:45 PM (motion by Commissioner Chennault, second by Commissioner Stroud).

The Winchester City Commission convened on October 23, 2025, to conduct routine business, including a public hearing on the proposed 2025 property tax rates, adoption of the tax ordinance, approval of multiple resolutions and orders, and recognition of a police promotion. The meeting also featured a detailed presentation from Infiltrator Water Technologies on a major expansion investment. Public Hearing & Tax Rate Adoption - A public hearing was held to receive comments on the proposed 2025 real property tax rate of 12.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation (yielding an estimated $1,940,496 from real property) and a personal property rate of 15.55 cents per $100 (yielding an estimated $37,761). No members of the public spoke. - The hearing was closed, and the commission then adopted Ordinance (Second Reading) accepting the 2025 tax assessment, imposing ad valorem taxes, and setting due dates. The roll call vote was unanimous: all commissioners (Chanell, Strode, Reed, Cox, Toole) voted yes. Consent Calendar & Routine Approvals - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the October 7, 2025 special and regular meetings (motion by Cox, second by Strode, unanimous). - Departmental & Agency Reports: Approved as presented (motion by Toole, second by Chanell, unanimous). Discussion Items - Police Promotion: Sergeant Jansen Thomas was promoted from police officer to sergeant. Chief noted he joined as an explorer in 2014, became a dispatcher in 2019, and officer in 2021. The motion passed unanimously. His wife Courtney pinned him. - Infiltrator Water Technologies Presentation: Cosman Battery, Vice President of Manufacturing, presented the company's history and expansion plans. Key points: - Infiltrator (part of ADS, a $3.2 billion company) has 450 employees in Winchester across nine facilities (1.2 million sq ft under roof, 1.4 million sq ft distribution). - Investing $43 million in a new 160,000 sq ft expansion (facility 7) creating 30-40 new skilled jobs (robot programmers, maintenance technicians). - 95% of products made from recycled plastic; company consumes 220 million pounds of plastic annually. - The company supports municipal wastewater systems with on-site treatment products. - Commissioner Strode expressed opposition to the roundabout component of a related bridge project but supported the bridge itself. - Joint Resolution – Bypass Corridor: Approved a joint resolution with Clark County Fiscal Court recognizing completion of the Winchester Bypass Southeast Corridor. Commissioner Cox noted $83 million in water/sewer/electric infrastructure is needed for development along the corridor. Motion by Strode, second by Toole, unanimous. - ARC Pre-Application Grant: Authorized filing a pre-application to the Appalachian Regional Commission for up to $572,200 for a bridge and roundabout project. Motion by Toole, second by Strode. Unanimous (with Commissioner Strode reiterating opposition to the roundabout). Orders (Items 9A-E) - 9A – Electric Franchise: Order confirming sale and awarding non-exclusive electric franchise to Kentucky Utilities Company (motion by Chanell, second by Strode, unanimous). - 9B – Mural Grant: Order accepting a $10,000 grant from Clark County Community Foundation for a downtown Winchester mural (motion by Toole, second by Strode, unanimous). Mayor noted the mural will replace a sign reading "Winchester doesn't suck." - 9C – Vehicle Purchase: Order authorizing purchase of two 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks for public works (snow plow and salt capability, covering 81 lane miles). Motion by Strode, second by Chanell, unanimous. - 9D & 9E – Beer Cheese Relief Fund: Approved applications for $7,000 (Making Me a Pizza) and $10,000 (High Speed Collectibles) from the Beer Cheese Relief Fund. Both approved unanimously. Personnel Order - The promotion of Jansen Thomas to sergeant was handled earlier as a personnel item (Item 10). No other personnel orders. Commissioner Comments & Next Steps - Commissioner Strode recognized the community's support for Wallace Harrison Gator (cancer fundraiser raised over $10,000) and thanked Public Works for event support. - Commissioner Toole noted upcoming meetings and upcoming winter slowdown on projects. - Mayor Reed: acknowledged a certificate of need meeting for ambulance service; thanked first responders for a rough weekend; recognized assistant police chief Harvey's loss; praised paramedics for saving a stroke victim; welcomed Sherry Mulkin from Clark Deeds. - The meeting adjourned on a motion by Cox, second by Chanell.

The Winchester City Commission held a work session followed by a regular meeting on October 8, 2025. The work session featured a presentation on the new "Fix It Winchester" mobile app for reporting non-emergency issues and an introduction of the new Greater Clark Foundation CEO. The regular meeting included approval of numerous Downtown Development Investment Fund (DDIF) grants, a resolution declaring October 2025 as City Government Month, and other routine orders. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the September 16, 2025 special (4:30 p.m.) and regular (5:30 p.m.) meetings were approved. - Departmental and agency reports were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Kenny Book requested that the city send a letter to the state to lower the speed limit on Maple Street from Lexington Avenue to the Bypass, citing a near-accident at Washington and Maple Street last month. He also reminded residents to get mammograms and flu shots. Discussion Items Fix It Winchester Mobile App - Presented by Whitney Liggett (Strategic Communications Director) and Brian Sewell (Public Works Director). The app will enable two-way communication, tracking, and public transparency for reporting non-emergency issues like potholes, stop signs, and debris. It will go live on October 27, 2025. Features include auto-detection of duplicate reports, restriction to city limits, and automated responses for state roads. The app is developed by Civic Plus, and a marketing plan is in place. Greater Clark Foundation Introduction - Timothy Johnson, the new President and CEO of the Greater Clark Foundation, introduced himself. He has been in the role for five weeks and emphasized collaboration and shared goals with the city in community well-being and economic development. He expressed an open-door policy and desire for partnership. Regular Meeting Agenda Items - Resolution declaring October 2025 as City Government Month (unanimous). - Ordinance accepting 2025 tax assessment, first reading (unanimous). - General Orders (22 items): Awarded bid for public safety radio microwave system to Southern Communications for $50,716.50; accepted a grant from the Cabinet for Economic Development for $827,436; approved 22 Downtown Development Investment Fund (DDIF) grants for various businesses (ranging from $1,500 to $11,000, totaling approximately $77,000); approved a contract with Public Consulting Group for emergency services; accepted a bid for two EC units from Emergency Transportation Associates for $780,550; and approved change order number one for the Main Street Streetscape project with the Allen Company for $3,489,618.46. - Personnel Orders: Approved educational certification incentive salary increases, reclassification of Jesse McCoy (achieved road scholar status), employment of Rebecca Damore as part-time paramedic, and employment of Dylan Hunt as full-time paramedic. Key Outcomes - All motions passed unanimously. No opposition recorded. - Fix It Winchester app launch set for October 27, 2025. - City Government Month resolution adopted. - Tax ordinance moved to first reading. - Over $4.2 million in grants, contracts, and bids approved (including main items: $50,716.50 + $827,436 + $780,550 + $3,489,618.46 = $5,148,320.96, plus DDIF grants). - Personnel changes approved. - Public works and police department recognized for community efforts, including food donations for fall break.

The Winchester City Commission met on September 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. with a second session at 5:30 p.m. under Mayor Reed. The agenda included an energy audit presentation for municipal buildings, an update on the Recovery Ready Community certification process, a regional competitiveness presentation from Commerce Lexington, and routine approvals. Public comment focused on TIF fund transparency. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of September 2, 2025 (special and regular meetings). - Approved departmental and agency reports (Items 3A–F). - Approved Informational Items (Item 4), including a mayoral highlight of a suicide prevention event at RDC and the city manager’s receipt of a Kentucky SAFE occupational safety and health certificate. Public Comments & Testimony - Chad Walker (downtown business owners): Argued that the city's response to his open records request regarding TIF deposits was incomplete. He noted that the report provided listed a base year of 2017 with a baseline amount of $149,000, while the city manager had earlier stated the base is 2019 with a different amount, and a prior document showed a $132,000 baseline. He requested corrected documentation and clarity on the baseline year and calculation method. The city manager apologized and committed to providing the full requested information. Discussion Items - Energy Audit Results (The Perfection Group): Carter Alpha and Ben Apro presented findings for six city buildings (City Hall, Stations 1–3, Public Works, and the Police Station). Key points: - Buildings are operating efficiently; City Hall (built 1912) costs $1.19/sq. ft. annually. - Total proposed upgrades: approximately $1.1 million (LED lighting, Wi-Fi thermostats, HVAC replacements). - Annual energy savings are only $10,000, making a payback period of over 100 years. - Street lighting review: 2,130 city lights, only 286 LED. Conversion not recommended now; direct negotiation with KU was advised. - Commissioners noted the audit shows the city is already energy efficient and decided to prioritize street lighting discussions in the future. - Recovery Ready Community Certification Update (Jennifer Goli, Clark County Health Department): - The city/county applied in February 2025, scoring 70+ points in three categories (210+ overall) after a self-assessment. - A site visit on July 23, 2025, included 40+ participants, described as the second-highest turnout among 25 site visits statewide (after a four-county regional application). - Feedback: No red flags; the youth drop-in center (Roland Art Center) was called a “crown jewel”; homelessness services were praised; the naloxone box program (60 boxes) was highlighted. - The advisory council will decide on certification at a November 2025 meeting. If approved, certification lasts three years. - Commissioners discussed the self-assessment scoring (lowest category was “government” due to incomplete anti-stigma training). - Commerce Lexington Regional Competitiveness Plan (Bob Quick and Sandy Johnson): - Presented a five-year plan to improve the nine-county region’s economic momentum, which is currently below the national average. - Seven action items include talent attraction, economic development, and policy advocacy. - Talent attraction website (lookatlexington.com) has reached 4.4 million unique individuals and driven 50,000 new visitors; 500+ job clicks. - Funding is two-to-one private-to-public; city government contributions follow a $1 per capita formula based on 2020 Census. - The next regional summit is November 12, 2025; invited commissioners to attend. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution: Approval of resolution to submit five road repaving projects for KYTC County Priority Projects Program grants, totaling $269,000 in requested grant funds (due October 1, 2025). - Passed Second Reading: Ordinance 5A (non-exclusive electric franchise with KU, 10-year term, 3% franchise fee, up to 5% possible) passed 3–1 (Commissioner Cox opposed). - Passed Second Reading: Ordinance 5B (ad valorem tax on motor vehicles and watercraft for 2026) passed unanimously. - Approved Orders: - 6A: Declared certain city property obsolete and surplus. - 6B: Approved purchase of property at 1496 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. - 6C: Accepted substantial completion of the Eugene Gay splash pad parking lot at $1,675,275. - 7A: Terminated the employment of part-time EMT Nick Newman. - 7B: Granted educational and certification incentive salary increases. - 7C: Reclassified seven firefighters from Firefighter 1 to Firefighter 2. - 7D: Granted longevity salary increases. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned after closed session (topic: property acquisition and industrial prospect). Awards - Jeannie Wynn, retired public safety telecommunicator, was recognized as the 2025 Kentucky NENA/NASEO President’s Award winner for her statewide service to 911 communications.

The Winchester City Commission met on September 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with a break for a downtown tour, and reconvened at approximately 5:30 PM. Key actions included ratifying a county decision on EMS funding, approving two downtown business relief programs tied to the Main Street High Side construction, and passing the first reading of an electric franchise fee increase. Public comments raised concerns about city-county relations and the splash pad admission fee. Consent Calendar - Departmental and Agency Reports: Approved unanimously. - Minutes: Approved for August 5, 2025 (special and regular) and August 19, 2025 (special and regular). - Orders: - Appointment of Billy Vanichet to the Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission (four-year term). - Funding of $3,000 from the Downtown Development Investment Fund (DDIF) for a Main Street High Side business support grant to Betsy's Boutique (18 N Main St). - Approval of a $6,000 new business stipend grant (paid quarterly over 12 months) for a business at 17 S Main St. - Approval of unit costs and bid award for the FY2026 paving program. - Personnel Orders: - Amendment of Taser policy (section 18 of police department rules). - Educational certification incentive salary increases. - Acceptance of resignation of EMS Lieutenant David Hacker. - Promotion of Marcus Jones from Operator 2 to Operator 3. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Rogers (131 High Biscus Lane, Clark County resident): Expressed frustration with ongoing city-county disputes over EMS funding, urging both bodies to collaborate and put citizens first. He also voiced concerns about the new splash pad project, criticizing the $5 per child admission fee as a barrier for low-income families, and questioned the lack of free access, fencing, and restrooms. He noted that only $6,139 has been raised in community fundraising, far below expectations, and suggested the Greater Clark Foundation could provide an endowment. He reported that 795 children used the splash pad over Labor Day weekend. - Patty Columbia: Shared similar concerns about the splash pad fee, stating that many families cannot afford $5 per child, effectively creating an access gap. She questioned how the fee was set and urged the city to pursue additional grants or community sponsorship to cover costs. She read an email from a grandmother expressing disappointment. She also noted that surrounding counties do not charge admission to their splash pads. Discussion Items - EMS Funding Agreement with Clark County: City Manager Whitney presented the county's response to the city's offer. The county chose Option 2 for three ambulances (keeping their 10% chassis investment; city pays 61%, county 39% – $304,200) and for the striker contract (starting with only city contribution for the last quarter of FY25 and all of FY26). The commission discussed the ongoing county reluctance to pay full share, with Commissioner Cox noting the county is “cherry picking” benefits. The chief emphasized the need for a final agreement to focus on service. The motion to ratify the county's decision passed unanimously (5-0). - Main Street High Side Business Support Grant and Beer Cheese Relief Fund: Administrator Whitney presented two programs to assist businesses impacted by construction. The business support grant that was modified to provide a one-time lump sum of $3,000 per business (rather than $750 quarterly) within the DDIF district, with a simplified application (narrative allowed). The Beer Cheese Relief Fund provides up to $10,000 per business (60% of documented losses), funded by $100,000 from beer cheese festival revenues. Eligibility: Main Street businesses between Broadway and Lexington, 50%+ walk-in traffic, open at least 20 hours/week, and must remain open 6 months after construction. An independent CPA will review financials; an advisory committee of downtown stakeholders (excluding applicants) will recommend approvals. The mayor committed to issuing checks by October 24. Discussion clarified that the $3,000 grant is a subset of the $10,000 total. Both items passed unanimously (separate votes). - Electric Franchise Ordinance (First Reading): An ordinance to establish a non-exclusive electric franchise with a 3% franchise fee (up to 5% reservation) for KU. Current fee is 1.75%. The city budgeted for 3% expecting $500,000 additional revenue. Commissioner Cox opposed, arguing that residents are already facing rising utility costs (KU seeking 11.5% rate increase, homeowners insurance doubled) and that relief is needed. He noted that even without the increase, KU's rate hike would bring $150,000 extra. The motion passed 4-1 (Commissioner Cox dissenting). - Ordinance for Ad Valorem Tax on Motor Vehicles and Watercraft (Calendar Year 2026): Passed unanimously without discussion. Key Outcomes - EMS Funding: Ratified the county's choice on ambulance and striker contract options. Motion passed 5-0. Staff to notify fiscal court. - Downtown Business Relief: Business support grant program approved; Beer Cheese Relief Fund approved. Applications to be available by September 4; DDIF board to review by September 23; commission approval on October 6; checks by October 24. - Electric Franchise Fee: First reading passed (4-1). Ordinance will return for second reading. - Ad Valorem Tax Ordinance: Passed. - Public Direction: The commission agreed to draft a letter to the Parks Board urging reevaluation of the splash pad admission fee, with emphasis on accessibility for low-income families. Commissioner Chenault will raise concerns at the next Parks Board meeting (last Monday of each month). Community members offered to sponsor children and raise funds. - Closed Session: The commission voted to enter closed session for property acquisition (KRS 61.810) with Commissioner Chenault recusing himself from one item due to his wife's ownership of property on Lincoln Street. The meeting adjourned following closed session.

The city held a combined work session and regular meeting on August 20, 2025. The work session focused on concerns about the downtown Main Street reconstruction project, including contractor performance, financial impacts on businesses, and future collaboration. The regular meeting included recognitions, updates on the new courthouse, votes on zoning ordinances, a new electric franchise fee, and several administrative orders. Consent Calendar - Departmental and Agency Reports: Approved unanimously via voice vote (motion by Commissioner Chenault, second by Commissioner Strode, with Commissioner Cox also seconding). - Informational Items A and B: Noted for information; included a letter from Police Chief Thompson about a strategic plan and a thank-you letter from students at a writing camp. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Freeman (owner of One South Main, 31 East Broadway, majority owner Mount Folly Enterprises): Expressed frustration over lack of respect and inclusion; reported 50% sales decline, three flood incidents (claims denied), and urged a real reopening plan rather than just a ribbon cutting. - James Wellman (Alan High Street Collectibles, Two South Main Street): Detailed contract violations by the contractor, including failure to provide seven days’ notice of traffic changes, failure to give businesses front-door access, and liability for hitting utilities. He requested the city enforce the contract and noted that a compliance officer was missing. - Mason (70 South Main Street): Defended the contractors, stating they had done good work and that foot traffic had always been low; his business actually improved during construction. - Mike Flynn (former city official): Suggested using TIFF funds to help downtown businesses; acknowledged contractor and engineer mistakes but urged a cooperative approach. - Adam (business owner): Criticized the lack of proactive planning; stated he warned in September about potential business closures and that the $250 grant (DDIF) was insufficient and insulting. He called for a battle plan, not a game plan. - Jada Brady (working with John Paul on downtown events): Reported that events had to be canceled due to sidewalk demolition with no advanced notice; water damage in a basement from construction was unresolved. - Kim (unidentified): Proposed using quarterly sales data to assess losses proportionally without revealing individual business finances. Discussion Items - Downtown Main Street Project Updates: City Engineering Tech Jesse McCoy reported that the project is moving along; colored stamp concrete on Main Street is being poured, railings and pavers going in, substantial completion by November 1, final by December 1. - Contractor Oversight and Communication: City Manager explained the project is a KYTC project, with Allen Company as contractor and Palmer Engineering as inspector; 17 newsletters, daily texts, and other communications have been provided. Commissioner Cox criticized the lack of contractor representatives at the meeting and the failure to fix broken sidewalks promptly. - TIFF Funds: City reported $137,924.30 collected; funds are designated as city match for the state grant. Commissioner Toole proposed allocating up to 50% of the TIFF ($68,962.15) for business relief. The city manager and treasurer were directed to bring options to the next meeting. - Code Enforcement: City Manager noted over 20 open code violations downtown; an abandoned property ordinance was strengthened. Commissioner Cox pointed out a city-owned property with trash as an example that code enforcement should address first. - Electric Franchise Fee: Discussion on raising the rate from 1.5% to 3.5%. The additional 0.5% ($100,000 estimated annually) would be dedicated to the tree board for stump grinding and tree maintenance. After debate, the commission approved first reading of the ordinance (5-0). Key Outcomes - Recognition: Senator Greg Elkins received the Kentucky League of Cities Friends of Cities Award for his support of local government. - Therapy Dog Donation: The East Hill Foundation donated $10,700 for a police therapy dog; combined with $6,000 from the school board and $4,500 from city forfeiture funds, the $22,000 dog will be purchased and trained. - Courthouse Project: Circuit Clerk Tony Kirk announced a $68 million new judicial center; a six-person board (first meeting Aug. 29) will oversee the 5- to 6-year project; the current courthouse will become county offices. - Main Street Logo: The city cannot legally force the Kentucky Main Street program to remove the city’s image from its logo; the commission will send a letter to other Main Street programs stating the city wants no association. - Zoning Ordinances (Second Reading): Amended Article 6.12 (B2 downtown business – first floor residential) and Article 8.6 (development plans) – both passed unanimously (5-0). - Electric Franchise Fee (First Reading): Approved 5-0 with an increase to 3.5%; 0.5% dedicated to tree board for stump grinding and beautification. - Property Sale: Approved sale of 44 Seaboard Street to Lucas Carter (power of attorney) for the Lincoln Street CDBG Phase II redevelopment. - Surplus Vehicle: Declared a 2008 Chevy Silverado surplus and transferred to Winchester Clark County Parks and Recreation. - Personnel Orders: Approved reclassification of Travis Stirville to paramedic, educational certification increases, employment of Nicholas Newman (part-time EMT) and David Barnett (crossing guard). - Directive: Commissioner Chenault requested that Allen Company and Palmer Engineering representatives be required to attend all future meetings to address issues directly.