Board of Commissioners Meetings

163 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 A meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Henderson, Kentucky, was held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 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 Robert N. Pruitt, Sr. Commissioner Nicholas E. Whitt Commissioner Kelsey Hargis Commissioner Rodney Thomas ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Dylan Ward, City Manager Mr. William L. “Buzzy” Newman, Jr., Assistant City Manager Mrs. Dawn Kelsey, City Attorney Ms. Donna Madden, Executive Assistant Ms. Holli Blanford, Public Relations Director Ms. Jessa Brandon, City Clerk Mr. Josh Dixon, Fire Chief Mr. Steve Davis, Codes Administrator Mr. Sam Lingerfelt, Safety & Training Coordinator Mr. Brian Williams, Public Works Director Ms. Megan McElfresh, Human Resources Director Ms. Chelsea Mills, Finance Director Mr. Thomas Kenney, Parks & Recreation Director Ms. Dawn Winn, Assistant Finance Director Ms. Jenna Basham, Project Manager Ms. Breasha Pruitt, Project Coordinator Mr. Billy Bolin, Police Chief Mr. Robert “Bob” Shoultz, Deputy Police Chief Mr. Joshua Alsip, Police Officer Mr. Chris Robinson, Police Officer Mr. Victor Carson, IT Network Administrator I Mr. Travis Owens, IT Assistant Director Mr. James Elliott, Police Officer Mr. Brad Bicket, HMP&L General Manager Mr. Randall Redding, HMP&L Attorney Mr. Vince Tweddell, Publisher/Editor, the Hendersonian Ms. Carrie Gentry, STOP Project/RCH Manager Mr. Tim Skinner, Skinner Design Associates Ms. Missy Vanderpool, Henderson Economic Development, Executive Director Rev. Charles Johnson, Henderson Human Rights Commission, Executive Director Mr. Scott Rodgers, The Sports Facilities Companies, VP of Venue Management, via zoom Mr. Dwight Williams 44 News ________________________ PRESENTATION: “New Employee Recognition” BILLY BOLIN, Police Chief, introduced JOSHUA ALSIP, Police Officer. The BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS welcomed our new team member for employment with the City of Henderson. ________________________ 164 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 PRESENTATION: “Community Addiction Awareness – S.T.O.P. Project Update” CARRIE GENTRY, STOP Project/RCH Manager, explained that the STOP Project is a community-based program dedicated to combatting the opioid crisis in Henderson County and surrounding areas. She stated that the initiative is focused on education, prevention, and resource provision to prevent overdoses and support individuals and families impacted by opioid use. The tools utilized to achieve these goals include: the distribution of Narcan, community education, community awareness, and an emphasis on of the importance of early intervention. She elaborated by stating that the program initially had entered the school systems at the high school aged level, but had since successfully branched out to include middle schools and elementary schools, with a goal to eventually be made available to all school-aged children. To cater to younger children, a children’s book and age-appropriate, interactive lesson plans had been developed. Ms. Gentry announced that they would be hosting a National Overdose Awareness Day Event on August 31, 2025, at 1:00pm in Central Park, which will include an awareness walk, candlelight vigil, musical entertainment, vendors, guest speakers, and many events for children and families to enjoy while they learn. She shared that during their second full year of operation in 2024: 864 doses of Narcan were distributed to businesses, schools, and individuals; 20 prevention classes were conducted across all school levels; 3 teacher and administrator training sessions were facilitated; 6 business and organization training sessions were provided; recovery support at the clubhouse has been expanded; overdose awareness events had been hosted with over 350 participants; and the initiative has successfully advocated for the school board to allow Narcan placement in all county schools. She also alerted everyone to the dangers of Kratom, which carries the same dangers as many opioids, but is easily obtainable, and not as easy to find in drug testing. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS expressed their gratitude and continued support for the program. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “Letcher Street Corridor Update” TIM SKINNER, Skinner Design Associates, presented his vision and renderings for the proposed reinvention of the Letcher Street Corridor between Washington and Powell Streets. He reported that historically, Letcher Street Corridor had been a vibrant corridor, featuring commercial businesses. His proposal includes some residential development, with new commercial developments as well, to revitalize the area, while maintaining its existing character. His rendering included the current Audubon Kids Zone building (with some renovations to enhance the property, as they wait for their new building to be constructed), a covered pavilion at the corner of Powell and Letcher Streets, 4 adaptive use buildings, a new neighborhood gathering spot (grassy, decorative area between the adaptive use buildings and proposed commercial development), new commercial development, new residential development, renovated existing residential development, a painted crosswalk, and an area for off-street parking. In a more detailed representation, street lighting, signage, and more detailed visions for the commercial and residential developments were shown. COMMISSIONER PRUITT expressed his enthusiasm for the revitalization of the Letcher Street Corridor. WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., Assistant City Manager, clarified that one of the existing residences shown in the rendering to be renovated would be used for the Inner City Improvement Plan’s “H.E.R.O.” (Henderson Encouraging Resident Officers) Project, and asked for consensus from the Board of Commissioners to move ahead with the proposal, so renovations on that property could begin. MAYOR STATON clarified that the H.E.R.O. Project house would be utilized to house an entry-level police officer rent and utility free for a period of time, as an incentive to join the police force, and also to help strengthen community policing efforts within the Inner City Area.  165 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS gave its consensus to move forward with the proposal, and to allow renovations to begin on the H.E.R.O. Project house. ________________________ APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MAYOR STATON asked the City Clerk to read the Consent Agenda. Minutes: July 15, 2025, Special Called Meeting July 15, 2025, Called Work Session July 22, 2025, Regular Meeting Resolutions and Municipal Orders: Res. 81-25: Resolution Accepting Human Resources Report Dated August 12, 2025, And Approving All Actions Contained Within Res. 82-25: Resolution Authorizing The Submission Of A Strategic Planning Grant Application To The Delta Regional Authority For Funding A Preliminary Engineering Report For Potential Land Redevelopment Along Ky-2084, And Authorizing The Mayor And Designated Representative To Execute All Necessary Documents And Act On Behalf Of The City Of Henderson Res. 83-25: Resolution Authorizing The Submission Of A Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program Of 2025 Application For Funding In An Amount Up To $194,128 To Be Used As The Non-Federal Matching Requirement For A Land And Water Conservation Fund Grant For The Sports Complex Phase II Project; Authorizing The Mayor To Execute All Necessary Documents Required By The Cabinet For Economic Development (Ced); And Designating An Authorized Representative To Serve As The Correspondent For The Project And To Execute All Agreements And Request Disbursements Related To The Grant Program Of 2025 Res. 84-25: A Resolution Urging The United States Congress To Protect Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding That Is Critical To Meeting Local Needs M.O. 55-25: Municipal Order Authorizing Acceptance Of A Highway Safety Grant In The Amount Of $8,500.00 From The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Transportation Cabinet’s Kentucky Office Of Highway Safety; And Authorizing City And Mayor To Execute All Necessary Documents MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the consent agenda items approved. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: August 12, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ 166 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 56-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER AMENDING ARTICLE 212- ENTRANCE RATE OF PAY, 307- SAFETY, 520- DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES AND ATTACHMENT B- BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN AND POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL, OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON EMPLOYEE MANUAL MOTION by Commissioner Whitt, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, to amend Articles 212 – Entrance Rate of Pay, 307 – Safety, 520 – Disciplinary Guidelines and Attachment B – Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and Policy and Procedure Manual of the City of Henderson’s Employee Manual. MEGAN MCELFRESH, Human Resources Director, summarized the aforementioned changes to include: the changes to Article 212, which will enable more flexibility with retired employees’ re-entry pay rates in order to compensate those who are ineligible to receive retirement benefits through their new employment; changes to articles 307 and 308, which seek to improve employee safety by better matching City standards to OSHA standards and establishing a safety committee; changes to article 520, which will enable a verbal warning in lieu of the current written warning given in the case of first-offense preventable vehicle accidents, with the goal of encouraging employees to report accidents; and changes to attachment B, which bring City Standards to match OSHA standards relating to bloodborne pathogens. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- 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: August 12, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 57-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER APPROVING HOURLY PAY RATE INCREASE FOR ALL ATKINSON POOL POSITIONS EFFECTIVE FOR WEEKENDS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2025 AQUATIC SEASON MOTION by Commissioner Hargis, seconded by Commissioner Whitt, to approve an hourly pay rate increase for all Atkinson Pool positions, effective for weekends for the remainder of the 2025 aquatic season. THOMAS KENNEY, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that as an incentive to retain employees through the extended pool season, the raise in question had been mentioned during the hiring process for effected positions. He continued by announcing a pool bash to be hosted on August 30, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., which will be free to the public, to incentivize pool attendance and showcase the premises. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye:  167 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 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: August 12, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 85-25: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PROVIDE LOCAL MATCH FUNDING AND SERVE AS THE GRANTEE WITH THE KENTUCKY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (KPDI) GRANT AS AWARDED FOR THE INDUSTRIAL PARK SOUTH PROJECT MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to authorize the City to provide local match funding and serve as the grantee with the Kentucky Product Development Initiative grant as awarded for the industrial park south project. MISSY VANDERPOOL, Henderson Economic Development Executive Director, reported that the site of Pratt Paper was one of the first KPDI projects in the state. She further reported that preliminary recommendation for approval had been given by site consultants, and that the approval of this resolution will enable HED to make an application to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority for the approximately 56 acre site adjacent to Pratt Industries, which was purchased jointly by Henderson Water Utility and the City of Henderson for industrial development. She continued by stating that the infrastructure improvements done for Pratt will make this site ideal for development. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: August 12, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 58-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER AWARDING BID FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTAL TO SCHNEIDER FARMS & EXCAVATING OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TRACTOR TRAILER (OVER-SIZED LOADS) AND SHEEPFOOT, WITHOUT PULL TRACTOR. THESE ITEMS WILL BE AWARDED JOINTLY TO SCHNEIDER FARMS & EXCAVATING AND TO HAZEX CONSTRUCTION COMPANY MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, to award the bid for heavy equipment rental to Schneider Farms & Excavating of Henderson, Kentucky, with the exception of the tractor trailer (over-sized loads) and sheepfoot, without pull tractor, which will be awarded jointly to Schneider Farms & Excavating and Hazex Construction Company. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: 168 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 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: August 12, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ CITY MANAGER REPORT: “Sports Complex Update” DYLAN WARD, City Manager, reported that the presentation today seeks to obtain feedback from the commission regarding proposed rate structure for use of the Sportsplex. He gave an overview of the goals of the rate structure, which is intended to balance the operating expenses of the facility with the revenues, in attempt to keep its operation as close to net zero as possible, with the revenues closely matching expenses. He continued with the proposal for a 3- tier rate structure for weekdays: tier 1 (non-local rate) being $37.50 per hour with a two-hour minimum; tier 2 (local rate) being $25.00 per hour with a two-hour minimum; and tier 3 (any recognized, local recreation league wishing to utilize the Sports Complex for a league) being a per player fee to compensate for the maintenance costs taken on by the city. He continued by stating that the fees would be negotiable per league, in order to fairly allow for use of the facility. The proposed structure for weekend rates consists of 2 tiers – tier 1 (non-local rate) will be $400.00 per field per day (negotiable with SFC when hosting large events which will generate incentives such as gate fees, team fees, or significant economic impact); and tier 2 (local rate) will be $300 per field per day. Hourly reservations will be accepted for weekends as well, with priority given to all-day events for revenue purposes; however, hourly reservations may not be booked greater than four weeks in advance. Additional fees are being proposed per hour ($25.00, negotiable) for lighting as needed. Free play fields are being considered as well, both on a scheduled and first come, first served basis. DISCUSSION WAS HELD regarding the maintenance of the facility. Several members of the board indicated that they’ve received complaints and pictures in relation to the maintenance of the facility, and assurance was offered that actions are being taken to remedy the situation as well as to prevent future occurrences. ________________________ CITY MANAGER REPORT: “Clutter Ordinance” DAWN KELSEY, City Attorney, and STEVE DAVIS, Codes Administrator, presented a PowerPoint relating to the current clutter ordinance, prefacing the discussion by stating that the current ordinance is very restrictive, with unclear definitions, not allowing for significant action via Code Enforcement. Pictures were shown as examples of conditions that were unable to be remedied via code enforcement due to loopholes in the definitions provided (or not provided) in the ordinance. The specific language, “…scattered around on the subject property, or any other like materials accumulated in a disorderly, unsightly manner” was mentioned to be particularly vague and restrictive to the code enforcement office. Suggestions included the addition of, “or in excessive quantities,” and “or excessive (manner)”; the addition of a subsection titled “Unreasonable Necessary,” which will define quantities of items in “excess” as it relates to the ordinance; and specification as to where excess items or clutter could be stored legally, without constituting a nuisance. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS expressed their support for the changes, as many of them reported having received calls and complaints regarding properties or situations where Code Enforcement was unable to assist, due to the restrictions of the current language in the ordinance. The members agreed that the goal of code enforcement was not to restrict homeowners, rather to ensure fairness to all homeowners, and ensure quality of the City. MAYOR STATON suggested revisiting the issue at the next scheduled work session, allowing more time for discussion, stating the importance of professional discretion in Code Enforcement for the best interest of citizens. ________________________  169 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 MAYOR’S REPORT: “Outside Agency Funding Agreements” MAYOR STATON reported that the City allocated $150,000.00 in the budget for the funding of outside agencies, and that mistakenly, only $137,500.00 was disbursed from that amount, leaving $12,500.00 remaining. He reported that the mistake occurred when the board voted during the last spring to give a one-time contribution of $25,000.00 to the W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival for the sponsorship of the 2025 headliner act. This donation in June of 2025, fell within the 2024-2025 fiscal year, and caused their application for funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to be denied due to confusion. As a result, the W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival did not receive any funds from their $15,000.00 application for the 2025-2026 budget, beginning July 1, 2025. Mayor Staton requested approval from the Board to donate the remaining $12,500.00 in the budget for outside agency funding to the W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival. DISCUSSION WAS HELD regarding the W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival, its economic impact for the City, attendance to the festival making it the largest local festival, and the application process for funding. It was decided that the subject would be readdressed at future meetings. ________________________ COMMISSIONER PRUITT: Reported that he had received calls regarding the Dust Bowl, specifically relating to the overtime cost accrued in order to host the event, which runs Monday through Saturday. He continued by emphasizing the importance of the event to the City, explaining the necessity for City employee presence to ensure smooth and safe operation, and reiterating the cost versus benefit. ________________________ COMMISSIONER HARGIS: Thanked everyone who helped with Bluegrass in the Park (volunteers, police, EMS), whom she credited with the event’s success. ________________________ MAYOR STATON: Reported that the City of Henderson has been nominated for “The Best Small City in Kentucky,” and requested that everyone vote and show their support in order to help obtain the award. He also stated that Monday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m., there will be a wrap-up meeting for the Wathen Lane Project, to which all of the neighbors and anyone affected are invited to attend and voice any concerns or questions they may have. The meeting will inform attendees of the next steps in the project and address some feedback received already from neighbors in the area. Lastly, the Mayor reported that August 25, 2025, there will be a meeting at the Municipal Services Center at 6:00 p.m. to review the status of the HWU infrastructure project affecting local traffic on Washington Street as well as the status of the Clay Street Bridge Project. ________________________ EXECUTIVE SESSION: “Litigation” MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, that the Board of Commissioners go into Executive Session pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(c) for discussion of litigation regarding the opioid lawsuit and also litigation involving the City of Henderson, Henderson Municipal Power and Light, and Big Rivers Electric Company. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the Board adjourned into Executive Session. ________________________ 170 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025 MEETING RECONVENED: MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Thomas, that the Board of Commissioners reconvene into regular session. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton reconvened the Board into regular session. ________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 86-25: RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE PURDUE PHARMA BANKRUPTCY AND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PURDUE PHARMA/SACKLER FAMILY NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE ALL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS AND RELEASE FORMS FOR SETTLEMENT PARTICIPATION AND RELEASE FORMS (AND/OR ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS) IN THE PURDUE PHARMA/SACKLER FAMILY NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Whitt, to accept the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy and to participate in the Purdue Pharma/Sackler Family national opioid settlement and to authorize the mayor to execute all participation agreements and release forms for settlement participation. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the resolution adopted, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: August 12, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MEETING ADJOURN: MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Whitt, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Hargis ---- Aye: Commissioner Whitt ------ Aye: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Mayor Staton Aye: WITHOUT OBJECTION, Mayor Staton declared the Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:58 p.m. ___________________________ Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: August 26, 2025 ______________________ Jessa Brandon, City Clerk