Board of Commissioners Meetings

220 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 A meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Henderson, Kentucky, was held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the third floor Assembly Room of the Municipal Center, 222 First Street, Henderson, Kentucky, designated as the primary location for this video teleconference meeting allowed under KRS 61.826. MAYOR STATON led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to our American Flag. There were present Mayor Bradley S. Staton presiding: PRESENT: Commissioner Nicholas E. Whitt Commissioner Austin P. Vowels Commissioner Rodney Thomas Commissioner Robert N. Pruitt, Sr. ALSO PRESENT: Mr. William L. “Buzzy” Newman, Jr., City Manager Mrs. Dawn Kelsey, City Attorney Ms. Maree Collins, City Clerk Mr. Dylan Ward, Assistant City Manager Mrs. Holli Blanford, Public Relations Director Ms. Chelsea Mills, Finance Director Ms. Jessa Brandon, Deputy City Clerk (Incoming City Clerk) Mr. Josh Dixon, Fire Chief Mr. Billy Bolin, Police Chief Ms. Jordan Webb, Emergency Communications Director Mr. Trace Stevens, Parks & Recreation Director Ms. Megan McElfresh, Human Resources Director Ms. Karla Beckgerd, Human Resources Specialist Mr. Sam Lingerfelt, Safety & Training Coordinator Mr. Tim Clayton, Gas System Director Ms. Crystal Windhaus, Mass Transit Superintendent Mrs. Donna Madden, Executive Assistant Ms. Jenna Basham, Project Manager Ms. Jeannie Quattrochi, Project Coordinator Ms. Beth Austin, Account Technician Senior Mr. Mike Austin, H.A.R.T. Part-Time Bus Operator Mr. Conner Barrett, HWU Water Treatment Operator I Mr. Dalton Shew, HWU Utility System Crew Leader Mr. Travis Owens, Assistant IT Director Mr. Bart Boles, HWU General Manager Mr. Dwight Williams Ms. Kelsey Hargis, Commissioner Elect Ms. Renesa Abner, Henderson County Clerk Mr. Chip Stauffer, Henderson County Sherrif Henderson County Election Workers Ms. Donna Spencer, Parks & Recreation Board Mr. Randall Redding Mr. Vince Tweddell, Publisher/Editor, the Hendersonian Mr. James Elliot, Police Officer ________________________ PRESENTATION: “Community Spotlight” MAYOR STATON presented RENESA ABNER, Henderson County Clerk, along with many volunteers and staff, the Community Spotlight Award for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that the election process in Henderson was a seamless, efficient, and fair process.  221 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 RENESA ABNER, Henderson County Clerk, addressed the Commission to thank them for their recognition of the collaborative efforts of her staff, the volunteers, and herself, as it is a big task, requiring full participation. She expressed her gratitude to her office and volunteers, which included high school students this year as well. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “New Employee Recognition” BART BOLES, HWU General Manager, introduced CONNER BARRETT, Water Treatment Operator I, and DALTON SHEW, Utility System Crew Leader. CRYSTAL WINDHAUS, Mass Transit Superintendent, introduced MIKE AUSTIN, Part-Time HART Bus Operator. The BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS welcomed our new team members for employment with the City of Henderson. ________________________ APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MAYOR STATON asked the City Clerk to read the Consent Agenda. Minutes: October 22, 2024 Regular Meeting Resolutions and Municipal Order: Res. 59-24: Resolution Approving Human Resources Report Dated November 12, 2024 Res. 60-24: Resolution Authorizing Submittal of a FY2025 Thermal Imaging Camera Grant Application in the Amount of $3,250.00 from the Kentucky Fire Commission; Acceptance of Grant Funds if Awarded; and Authorizing City to Execute all Necessary Documents M.O. 91-24: Municipal Order Accepting the Storm Water Management System Maintenance Agreement Between Henderson Distilling Company, LLC, the Henderson Water Utility and Sewer Commission D/B/A Henderson Water Utility (HWU), and the City of Henderson; and Authorizing Mayor to Execute Agreement MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Vowels, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the consent agenda items approved. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: November 12, 2024 Maree Collins, CKMC, City Clerk ________________________ 222 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 ORDINANCE NO. 50-24: SECOND READ ORDINANCE REGARDING ANNEXATION AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY, LOCATED IN HENDERSON COUNTY BEING THE REAL PROPERTY ADDRESSED AS 8221 GREEN RIVER ROAD (PARCEL ID #64- 12), AND CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 1.1635 ACRES MOTION by Commissioner Whitt, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the ordinance adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: November 12, 2024 Maree Collins, CKMC, City Clerk ________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 51-24: SECOND READ ORDINANCE AMENDING JOB CLASSIFICATIONS AND PAY PLAN AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AMENDMENT TO JOB CLASSIFICATIONS AND PAY PLAN BY CREATING THE POSITION OF UTILITY BILLING LEAD MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Thomas, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the ordinance adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: November 12, 2024 Maree Collins, CKMC, City Clerk ________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 52-24: SECOND READ ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTION OF CITY OF HENDERSON FY 2025 BUDGET & APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY OF HENDERSON BUDGETED POSITIONS AND JOB CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE 2024-2025 BUDGET FOR CERTAIN NON- HAZARDOUS POSITIONS IN THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Whitt, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye:  223 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the ordinance adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: November 12, 2024 Maree Collins, CKMC, City Clerk ________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 53-24: FIRST READ ORDINANCE VACATING PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY -- ROOSEVELT AVENUE AN ORDINANCE VACATING UNIMPROVED PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 62,164 TOTAL SQUARE FEET LOCATED IN THE CITY OF HENDERSON AND LOCATED ON ROOSEVELT AVENUE BETWEEN HWY 2084 (FORMERLY KNOWN AS HWY 41) AND LINCOLN AVENUE, AND THE SOUTH HALF OF VICTORY DRIVE LOCATED DIRECTLY NORTH OF ROOSEVELT AVENUE AND SOUTH OF POPLAR AVENUE MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Vowels, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the ordinance adopted on first reading and ordered that it be presented for a second reading at a meeting of the Board of Commissioners. ________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 54-24: FIRST READ ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTION OF CITY OF HENDERSON FY 2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY OF HENDERSON BUDGETED POSITIONS AND JOB CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE 2024-2025 BUDGET FOR CERTAIN NON- HAZARDOUS POSITIONS IN THE 911 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Vowels, that the ordinance be adopted. WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN JR., City Manager, reported that due to the length and the nature of the hiring process for Emergency Communications, as well as the training in Richmond to come after, that it would be beneficial for the department to over-hire and have a readily available pool of applicants to choose from in the event of a separation or retirement. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the ordinance adopted on first reading and ordered that it be presented for a second reading at a meeting of the Board of Commissioners. ________________________ 224 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 92-24: MUNICIPAL ORDER APPROVING PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY, HENDERSON MUNICIPAL GAS, AND THE CITY OF BENTON, KENTUCKY, BENTON GAS SYSTEMS; AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Whitt, to approve the purchase agreement with City Benton, Kentucky, Benton Gas Systems and authorize the mayor to execute the agreement. TIM CLAYTON, Gas System Director, reported that the current model being used by Henderson Municipal Gas is a 20 year-old used model, which has seen many repairs, and is nearing the end of its useful life. In communicating with the Gas Manager of the City of Benton, Kentucky, Tim was made aware of their recent purchase of a new drill for $280,000.00, which led to their listing of the drill they had been using on GovDeals. The bidding for the drill online did not meet Benton’s minimum reserve of $120,000.00. As a result, the City of Benton was willing to sell it to the City of Henderson for the minimum reserve of $120,000. Whereas the same equipment lists on other sites for over $200,000.00, Tim noted that receiving the lightly used equipment for this price would be a significant cost savings for the City of Henderson. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the municipal order adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: November 12, 2024 Maree Collins, CKMC, City Clerk ________________________ CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: “Rezoning #1160 with Graphic and Narrative Development Plan – 2230 S. Green Street (6.878 acres)” WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., City Manager, reported that Planning Commission has acted upon the request for rezoning for the property located at 2230 S. Green Street (PID# 46-84) and findings of fact will come forward after the Planning Commission’s meeting on December 3, 2024. ________________________ CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: “Rezoning #1170 – 111 N. Adams Street; 0 First Street; 521 First Street (0.961 acres)” WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., City Manager, reported that Planning Commission has acted upon the request for rezoning for property located at 111 N. Adams Street (PID# 2-6-2-3), 0 First Street (PID# 2-6-2-6), and 521 First Street (PID# 2-6-2-8), containing approximately 0.961 acres, rezoned from High Residential District (R-3) to Gateway District Zone (GDZ) to construct a new fire department, after conducting public hearings and producing findings of fact at the November 5, 2024 meeting. The Zoning Map Amendments shall become final on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 unless an aggrieved party or the Board of Commissioners files written notice with the Planning Commission within the allotted twenty- one-day time period to have the Board of Commissioners make the final decision. The deadline for filing written notice is November 26, 2024. ________________________  225 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: “Rezoning #1171 Assignment of Zoning Classification in Conjunction with Annexation – 8221 Green River Road” WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., City Manager, reported that Planning Commission has acted upon the request for rezoning classification and amending the Comprehensive Plan for the property located at 8221 Green River Road (PID# 64-12), containing approximately 1.1635 acres for the “subject area”. The “subject area” is currently zoned County Agricultural (AG), and staff is recommending a City Agricultural (AG) zoning classification, after conducting public hearings and producing findings of fact at the November 5, 2024 meeting. The Zoning Classification and Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan shall become final on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 unless an aggrieved party or the Board of Commissioners files written notice with the Planning Commission within the allotted twenty- one-day time period to have the Board of Commissioners make the final decision. The deadline for filing written notice is November 26, 2024. ________________________ CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: “Fire Department’s Training Facility Grant Award” JOSH DIXON, Fire Chief, reported that the Fire Department has been awarded $25,000.00 in grant funding from the Kentucky Fire Commission, after he and the department’s training officer appeared in Paris, Kentucky to present their reasoning for requesting the grant funding, to include improvements such as the replacement of the metal siding and trim of the training tower, sealing off of the ground floor to protect from environmental elements, replacement of outdated windows and doors, and the ability to conduct smoke training in the tower for more realistic training. ________________________ CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: “Parks Master Plan Update” DYLAN WARD, Assistant City Manager, reported that a selection committee, consisting of two Parks and Recreation Board members, the Parks and Recreation director, the City Project Manager, and the City Assistant Manager, sent out a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in regard to the Parks Master Plan, assessed applicants, and conducted interviews. After conducting the selection process, the committee members all agreed upon utilizing the services of Brandstetter Carroll, Inc., as they were the most inclusive, offering most services in-house, and had a significant amount of experience in designing parks. Dylan asked for consensus of the Board of Commissioners to enter into negotiations with Brandstetter Carroll to begin developing a scope of work and a fee proposal. An informal poll was taken, and the Board granted the Assistant City Manager, along with the Parks and Recreation Board and the Selection Committee, to move forward in negotiations with Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. for the Parks Master Plan. ________________________ CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: “Kentucky American Public Works Association (APWA) Parks Project of the Year Award” DYLAN WARD, Assistant City Manager, reported that during a state conference of the Kentucky American Public Works Association (APWA) held in Bowling Green, the City of Henderson, with credit to Sports Complex Manager, Mark Simmons, and Project Manager, Jenna Basham, was awarded the Parks Project of the Year Award for the Sports Complex Project. ________________________ CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: “Vision Plan Project – Boat Dock Facility” WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN JR., City Manager, reported that a boat dock facility project considered in the Vision Plan in January of 2024 had been shelved due to cost and lack of feasibility for the project at the time. Since then, the City had been exploring options for the project, having met with Associated Engineers, Inc. of Madisonville and developed a much more feasible and cost-conscientious solution. He asked consensus of the board to move forward with 226 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 the proposal for professional services with Associated Engineers to develop permitting and design plans for a non-transient boat dock at the riverfront in the amount of $25,800.00 with an additional $6,900.00 for geotechnical surveys. An informal poll was taken, and the Board agreed to move forward with developing a contract with Associated Engineers in regard to the project, which aligns with the Vision Plan and will be funded from the Vision Plan funds, to return before the Board of Commissioners at a later date. _______________________ COMMISSIONER’S REPORT: COMMISSIONER PRUITT thanked everyone for his “historical” seventh re-election. COMMISSIONER VOWELS congratulated the re-elected commissioners and commissioner elect, stating that he was happy to be leaving the city with such a good group of candidates. COMMISSIONER PRUITT thanked Commissioner Vowels for his input and time during his service on the Board of Commissioners. MAYOR STATON reported that the Commission will be holding a Work Session on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, tentatively at 3:00p.m., with the possibility of several Special Called Meetings to conduct City Manager interviews. Lastly, reporting that the December 10, 2024 meeting will be held at the Municipal Services Center. ________________________ EXECUTIVE SESSION: “Personnel” MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Whitt, that the Board of Commissioners go into Executive Session pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(f) for discussion that may lead to the appointment of an employee. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the Board adjourned into Executive Session. ________________________ MEETING RECONVENED: MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Whitt, that the Board of Commissioners reconvene into regular session. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton reconvened the Board into regular session. ________________________  227 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on November 12, 2024 MEETING ADJOURN: MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Vowels --- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WITHOUT OBJECTION, Mayor Staton declared the Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:33 p.m. ___________________________ Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: November 21, 2024 ______________________ Maree Collins, CKMC City Clerk