Board of Commissioners Meetings

205 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 A meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Henderson, Kentucky, was held on Tuesday, October 28, 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 Kelsey Hargis Commissioner Rodney Thomas Commissioner Robert N. Pruitt, Sr. ABSENT: Commissioner Nicholas E. Whitt ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Dylan Ward, City Manager Mr. William L. “Buzzy” Newman, Jr., Assistant City Manager Mrs. Dawn Kelsey, City Attorney Ms. Holli Blanford, Public Relations Director Ms. Donna Madden, Executive Assistant Ms. Jessa Brandon, City Clerk Mr. Josh Dixon, Fire Chief Mr. Casey Howard, Fire Lieutenant Ms. Megan McElfresh, Human Resources Director Ms. Karla Beckgerd, Human Resources Specialist Mr. Sam Lingerfelt, Safety & Training Coordinator Ms. Chelsea Mills, Finance Director Ms. Dawn Winn, Assistant Finance Director Mr. Shay Bridges, Finance Manager Mr. Brian Williams, Public Works Director Ms. Crystal Windhaus, Mass Transit Superintendent Mr. Thomas Kenney, Parks & Recreation Director Ms. Jenna Basham, Project Manager Ms. Breasha Pruitt, Project Coordinator Ms. Jeannie Quattrocchi, Project Coordinator Mr. Billy Bolin, Police Chief Mr. Robert “Bob” Shoultz, Deputy Police Chief Mr. Devin Elder, IT Network Administrator II Mr. Gabriel Barker, IT System Administrator Mr. Kevin Duncan, Transit Mechanic Supervisor Mr. Joshua Barnes, Firefighter Mr. David “Lee” Thomas, Firefighter Mr. James Elliott, Police Officer Mr. Charles Johnson, Henderson Human Rights Commission, Executive Director Ms. Britney Smith, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Henderson Ms. Melissa Collier, Case Manager, Daniel Pitino Shelter Ms. Jessica Lang, Daniel Pitino Shelter Ms. Kendall Dean, Executive Director, Father Bradley Shelter Mr. Joshua Bell, Executive Director, Harbor House Ms. Gisele Purdy, D.A.R. Ms. Jimmie Diehl, D.A.R. Ms. Emily Deason, Project Manager, K.Y.T.C. Mr. Dwight Williams Representatives from Home Oil & Gas Company Mr. Vince Tweddell, Publisher/Editor, the Hendersonian ________________________ 206 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 PRESENTATION: “Community Spotlight” MAYOR STATON presented EMILY DEASON, Project Manager with KTYC, the November Community Spotlight Award in honor of dedication and diligence regarding the I-69 ORX Project, which seeks to improve Kentucky’s infrastructure and enhance safety on our roadways. EMILY DEASON, Project Manager with KYTC, addressed the Commission to thank them for their recognition as well as thanking many others for their support and partnership, including: Mayor Staton, Dylan Ward, Buzzy Newman, Chad Thompson, the Henderson County Schools System, and the citizens of Henderson for their patience during project completion. She reported that the project is forecasted to be completed on time and on budget. ________________________ PROCLAMATION: “Native American Indian Heritage Month” MAYOR STATON presented a proclamation naming November 2025 Native American Indian Heritage Month within the City of Henderson, Kentucky. GISELE PURDY and JIMMY DIEHL, Daughters of the American Revolution, accepted the proclamation, sharing with the Commission that during their monthly chapter meetings, the D.A.R. hosts an “American Indian Heritage Month Minute,” during which they share information about historically significant Native American Indians. Ms. Purdy shared with the Commission an informative article about Master Sargeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble, a member of the Sioux Tribe, who is a renowned U.S. Army National Guard combat veteran and was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic actions during the Korean War. Lastly, Ms. Purdy invited everyone to the Daughters of the American Revolution Annual Tea, scheduled for February 14, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm at St. Paul’s Church, and thanked the Commission for their recognition. ________________________ PROCLAMATION: “Home Oil & Gas Company - 100 Years of Service” MAYOR STATON presented a proclamation honoring Home Oil & Gas Company for 100 years of operation and service to the community. Representatives from Home Oil & Gas Company accepted the proclamation, thanking the City for their recognition, support, and the opportunity to serve their community for generations. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “New Employee Recognition” CRYSTAL WINDHAUS, Mass Transit Superintendent, introduced KEVIN DUNCAN, Transit Mechanic Supervisor. CHELSEA MILLS, Finance Director, introduced SHAY BRIDGES, Finance Manager. JOSH DIXON, Fire Chief, introduced JOSHUA BARNES and DAVID “LEE” THOMAS, Firefighters. The BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS welcomed our new team members for employment with the City of Henderson. ________________________ MAYOR STATON asked all the 911 Communications, Fire Department, Police Department, and Public works individuals to stand and be recognized, as he announced that October 28 is regarded as National First Responders’ Day, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their service to the community. ________________________  207 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 PRESENTATION: “Homeless Coalition Report” BRITNEY SMITH, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Henderson, and MELISSA COLLIER, Case Manager of Daniel Pitino Shelter appeared before the Commission to deliver the yearly report for the Homeless Coalition. From the report, which was given to the Board of Commissioners in the format of a packet, Britney Smith shared some highlights, to include: the priority needs were found to be housing, utilities, and food; 390 people were served, who had housing needs; 120 were served who were experiencing utilities related needs; and 100 were served regarding food needs. Though some of the individuals counted may have been helped on multiple occasions, they are only accounted for in the report once, with no duplication. Other needs the office was able to address include: 80 individuals with obtaining support for children and family needs; 50 with obtaining documentation, including birth certificates, ID cards, social security cards, and DD-214s; 30 with clothing and hygiene assistance; 15 with employment and education assistance needs; 10 with transportation needs; and several others with furniture, beds, notary assistance, phones, insurance, and outreach. DISCUSSION WAS HELD regarding the increase in the unsheltered count. It was shared that the belief is an increase in trust as well as individuals being released from the jail were contributing factors to the increase in unsheltered individuals. COMMISSIONER PRUITT inquired if the Homeless Coalition had preventative plans in place to assist during the governmental shutdown affecting SNAP benefits. MELISSA COLLIER responded that the office had been preparing since they received the news, and had been working with Taylor Heady, since, to collect and distribute bags of food to families. BRITNEY SMITH continued to elaborate on that response, adding that in fiscal court, the coalition had been advised that Henderson County will be reviewing their general fund for the possibility of providing relief to families affected by the shutdown in conjunction with Salvation Army, Christian Community Outreach, and the Homeless Coalition. She added that if anyone would like to donate, to please reach out to any of the members of the Homeless Coalition. MAYOR STATON proposed that the City look into providing funding to the Homeless Coalition to aid with their services to the community in the wake of the government shutdown. MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Thomas, to $5,000.00 to the Homeless Coalition to contribute to a relief fund for individuals affected by the governmental shutdown. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: ________________________ APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MAYOR STATON asked the City Clerk to read the Consent Agenda. Minutes: October 14, 2025, Regular Meeting Resolutions and Municipal Orders: Res. 97-25: Resolution Accepting Human Resources Report Dated October 28, 2025, Approving All Actions Contained Within, And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute Any Necessary Contracts For Employment 208 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- 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: October 28, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 31-25: SECOND READ ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A-ZONING - ARTICLE ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE II, DEFINITIONS SECTION 2.01 DEFINITIONS, ARTICLE XIII, R-3 MEDIUM TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, SECTION 13.03 CONDITIONAL USES, ARTICLE XV – PUD, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, SECTION 15.02 – PERMITTED USES, ARTICLE XVI – R- MH, MANUFACTURED HOME DISTRICT, SECTION 16.02 PERMITTED USES, ARTICLE XXXI – AUDUBON RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, SECTION 31.03 PERMITTED USES; ARTICLE XXXV – R-SMH RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVIDED MANUFACTURED HOME DISTRICT, SECTION 35.02 PERMITTED USES OF APPENDIX A – ZONING OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- 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: October 28, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 32-25: SECOND READ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF “PROJECT” IN ORDINANCE NO. 46-24 OF THE CITY DATED OCTOBER 1, 2024, TO PERMIT THE PROCEEDS OF THE CITY’S GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2024A TO BE SPENT FOR COSTS OF AN ADDITIONAL PUBLIC PROJECT MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye:  209 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 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: October 28, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 33-25: FIRST READ ORDINANCE AMENDING JOB CLASSIFICATIONS AND PAY PLAN AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AMENDMENT TO JOB CLASSIFICATIONS AND PAY PLAN BY CREATING THE POSITION OF HWU AUTOMATED METER INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) TECHNICIAN – LEAD MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- 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: October 28, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 34-25: FIRST READ ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTION OF HENDERSON WATER UTILITY 2025- 2026 BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDING HENDERSON WATER UTILITY SCHEDULE OF BUDGETED POSITIONS OF THE 2025-2026 BUDGET BY ADDING ONE (1) NEWLY CREATED HWU AUTOMATED METER INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) TECHNICIAN - LEAD POSITION MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, that the ordinance be adopted. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- 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: October 28, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 73-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER AWARDING BID FOR PURCHASE OF FIREFIGHTER PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (15-TURNOUT COATS AND 15-TURNOUT PANTS) FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ATLANTIC EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS OF MANASSAS, VIRGINIA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,707.55 210 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Hargis, to award the bid for purchase of firefighter protective clothing (15-turnout coats and 15-turnout pants) for the fire department to Atlantic Emergency Solutions of Manassas, Virginia, in the amount of $57,707.55. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- 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: October 28, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 74-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF A NEW 2025 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 4WD PICK-UP TRUCK WITH INSTALLED READING SERVICE BODY, FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MAINTENTANCE DIVISION, FROM HENDERSON CHEVROLET GMC, HENDERSON, KENTUCKY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,484.00. MOTION by Commissioner Hargis, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to award the bid for purchase of a new 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4WD pick-up truck with installed reading service body, for the Public Works Department, maintenance division, from Henderson Chevrolet GMC, Henderson, Kentucky in the amount of $57,484.00. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- 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: October 28, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ CITY MANAGER REPORT: “Countryview Drainage Project” WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., Assistant City Manager, reported that the $1,000,000.00 Countryview Drainage Project funded in conjunction with Henderson Water Utility, which has proven its efficacy thus far, will likely require an additional $300,000.00 in funding allocated to it at midyear budget review, as the City currently only has $200,000.00 in its budget for the project. The additional funding allocation will complete the City’s $500,000.00 half of the agreed upon amount for completion of the project. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS gave its consent to continue working with Henderson Water Utility toward the completion of the Countryview Subdivision Drainage Project. ________________________  211 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 CITY MANAGER REPORT: “Drainage Issues on Wathen Lane” WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., Assistant City Manager, reported that parts of Audubon Park and homes near Wathen Lane drain to the same location, which covers about 500 acres of land, and that the drain runs by a private drive, for which it is causing issues. He informed the commission that neighbors have expressed concerns. Mr. Newman continued that the Corps of Engineers had been approved to fix some of the drainage issues, and that the City will have to create a project with Henderson Water Utility for the upcoming budget year to address the issue, as improvements to Wathen Lane have increased the amount of land draining into the aforementioned ditch. MAYOR STATON reported that erosion from the aforementioned drainage issue could cause subsidence if not addressed. WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., Assistant City Manager, informed the commission that permitting will need approval from the Corps of Engineers, and could potentially take 4-6 months. ________________________ CITY MANAGER REPORT: “Henderson Parks & Recreation” DYLAN WARD, City Manager, congratulated Thomas Kenney, Parks and Recreation Director, on the success of the movie night at The Bridges Golf Course and the Hay Ride through Canoe Creek nature trail; adding that, though the East End Extravaganza had to be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, the department handled the issue well, utilizing leftover supplies to further accommodate the new event at Central Park on Halloween Day, which was also a success. MAYOR STATON echoed the City Manager, and praised the Parks and Recreation Department for their revitalized community engagement efforts. ________________________ EXECUTIVE SESSION: “Property & Litigation” MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, that the Board of Commissioners go into Executive Session pursuant to the KRS 61.810(1)(b) for discussion relating to possible future sale of real property located in the vicinity of Water and Fifth Streets; future acquisition of property in the vicinity of South Adams, Center Street, South Holloway, and Clay Street, and property in the vicinity of Highway 60 East, US 41 North, Barrett Boulevard, and Killiecrankie Drive, and pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(c) for discussion of proposed litigation against the City of Henderson. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton declared the Board adjourned into Executive Session. ________________________ 212 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 MEETING RECONVENED: MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, that the Board of Commissioners reconvene into regular session. The vote was called. On roll call, the vote stood: Commissioner Whitt ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WHEREUPON, Mayor Staton reconvened the Board into regular session. ________________________ 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 ------ Absent: Commissioner Thomas --- Aye: Commissioner Hargis ----- Aye: Commissioner Pruitt ------ Aye: Mayor Staton ----- Aye: WITHOUT OBJECTION, Mayor Staton declared the Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:50 p.m. ___________________________ Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: November 18, 2025 ______________________ Jessa Brandon, City Clerk