Board of Commissioners Meetings

233 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 A special called meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Henderson, Kentucky, was held on Tuesday, December 16, 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. SANTA 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 Mr. Eric Shappell, Acting City Attorney Ms. Donna Madden, Executive Assistant Ms. Holli Blanford, Public Relations Director Ms. Jessa Brandon, City Clerk Mr. Brandon Nunn, Garage Superintendent Mr. Josh Dixon, Fire Chief Mr. Chad Moore, Assistant Fire Chief Ms. Jordan Webb, 911 Emergency Communications Director Mr. John Gallagher, 911 Emergency Communications Operator Mr. Steve Davis, Codes Administrator Ms. Megan McElfresh, Human Resources Director Ms. Karla Beckgerd, Human Resources Specialist Ms. Regenia Bender, Benefits Coordinator Ms. Karen Price, Benefits Coordinator Mr. Michael McFadden, Safety & Training Coordinator Mr. Sam Lingerfelt, Safety & Training Coordinator Ms. Chelsea Mills, Finance Director Ms. Dawn Winn, Assistant Finance Director Mr. Brian Williams, Public Works Director Mr. Tim Clayton, Gas Systems Director Mr. Thomas Kenney, Parks & Recreation Director Mr. Chris Stachewicz, Parks & Recreation Superintendent Ms. Morgan Cunningham, Parks & Recreation Senior Secretary 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 Ms. Crystal Windhaus, Mass Transit Superintendent Mr. Joe Ringen, HART Bus Operator Ms. Rogena Bugg, School Crossing Guard Ms. Nancy Stone, Occupational Tax Technician Mr. Greg Nunn, IT Systems Director Mr. Travis Owens, Assistant IT Systems Director Mr. Devin Elder, IT Network Administrator II Mr. Briscoe Edwards, Police Officer Ms. Taylor Heady, Warming Box Rev. Charles Johnson, Henderson Human Rights Commission, Executive Director 234 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 Ms. Rhonda Thompson, Henderson Human Rights Commission, Treasurer Mr. Bart Boles, HWU General Manager Mr. Todd Bowley, HWU Chief Financial Officer Mr. Stan Syra, CPA, Riney Hancock CPAs PSC via zoom Ms. Melissa Collier, Daniel Pitino Shelter Case Manager Ms. Jessica Lang, Daniel Pititno Shelter Mr. Santa Claus Mr. Vince Tweddell, Publisher/Editor, the Hendersonian ________________________ PRESENTATION: Musical Performance by Garage Superintendent, Brandon Nunn. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “Community Spotlight” MAYOR STATON presented JOHN GALLAGHER of Henderson 911 the December Community Spotlight Award in honor of his recent actions, during which he guided a family through the delivery of a newborn baby girl via emergency dispatch call. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “Community Spotlight” MAYOR STATON presented TAYLOR HEADY the December Community Spotlight Award in recognition of her efforts to serve our community, which include the creation and maintenance of the “warming box,” a mechanism through which items such as coats, blankets, hygiene products, and non-perishable food can be distributed to those in need. TAYLOR HEADY addressed the commission to thank Henderson’s nonprofit agencies, like the homeless coalition, and others who have come forward to share in and assist with her vision to show compassion toward the community. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “New Employee Recognition” CRYSTAL WINDHAUS, Mass Transit Superintendent, introduced JOE RINGEN, H.A.R.T Bus Operator. The BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS welcomed our new team member for employment with the City of Henderson. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “30-Year Service Award” MAYOR STATON expressed appreciation to Crossing Guard ROGENA BUGG for her 30 years of service and dedication to the City of Henderson. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “Henderson-Henderson County Human Rights Commission” REVEREND CHARLES JOHNSON, Henderson City-County Human Rights Commission Executive Director, addressed the Board of Commissioners to summarize the Commission’s 2024 data as it was reported to the City. Reverend Johnson explained that the main focus of the commission is community outreach, with a goal of assuring and ensuring for residents that their government is investing in protecting their rights and promoting fair treatment. Reverend Johnson continued by stating that housing is one of the most common complaints addressed by the commission, and thanked the Henderson Homeless Coalition for their partnership in addressing these issues; thanking the City for its investment in the hiring of Case Manager, Melissa Collier; and furthermore, thanking Henderson Emergency Management and its Director, Kenny Garrett, for their assistance in sheltering unhoused individuals as the temperatures become dangerously cold. From the report, Reverend Johnson highlighted that 238 claims in the year 2024, 60 of which were investigated, and explained that state reporting may  235 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 reflect different numbers, as the reporting process for state includes other nearby areas’ statistics grouped with Henderson’s. Reverend Johnson closed by sharing his gratitude for the commission, community engagement and involvement, and the opportunity to serve, given to him by the commission, as well. He invited and encouraged everyone to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Program on January 19, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church. MAYOR STATON expressed his gratitude for Reverend Johnson and the Henderson Human Rights Commission. ________________________ PRESENTATION: “Henderson Water Utility Audit Presentation” TODD BOWLEY, HWU Chief Financial Officer, introduced Stan Syra, of Riney Hancock, a firm chosen to perform an external audit of the Henderson Water Utility, via zoom to deliver the audit standing of HWU. Mr. Syra explained that the objective of the audit is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements presented by Henderson Water Utility are materially correct and to issue an opinion. Mr. Syra continued that the opinion given in the independent auditor’s report is “unmodified,” illustrating that the financial statements present fairly. Mr. Syra continued that the firm also issues a report on internal controls and financial reporting, and on compliance; and furthermore, that no issues in internal controls or any material weaknesses were found during the audit, nor were any issues of non-compliance found. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS congratulated HWU on their successful audit and thanked the auditor for their time and effort. ________________________ APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MAYOR STATON asked the City Clerk to read the Consent Agenda. Minutes: December 4, 2025, Called Work Session December 16, 2025, Regular Meeting Resolutions and Municipal Orders: Res. 101-25: Resolution Accepting Human Resources Report Dated December 16, 2025, Approving All Actions Contained Within, And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute Any Necessary Contracts For Employment Res. 102-25: Resolution Adopting The 2025 Complimentary Paratransit ADA Plan For Henderson Area Rapid Transit (HART) Res. 103-25: A Resolution Authorizing The Submission, And Acceptance If Awarded, Of A T-Mobile Hometown Grant In The Amount Of $27,620.00 For The Purchase And Installation Of New Poured-In-Place Playground Surfacing In A Portion Of The Central Park Playground Area; And Authorizing The Execution Of All Necessary Documents M.O. 79-25: Municipal Order Authorizing Execution Of Quitclaim Deeds Between The City Of Henderson, Kentucky By And Through Henderson Water And Sewer Commission D/B/A Henderson Water Utility And Tyson Chicken, Inc. To Correct Property Lines; And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute All Necessary Documents On Behalf Of The City MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. The vote was called. 236 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 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: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ ORDINANCE NO. 39-25: SECOND READ ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTION OF CITY OF HENDERSON FY 2026 BUDGET & APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY OF HENDERSON BUDGETED POSITIONS AND JOB CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE 2025-2026 BUDGET BY ADDING ONE (1) PROJECT ENGINEER, PART-TIME POSITION MOTION by Commissioner Hargis, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, 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: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 80-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER AMENDING ARTICLE 214 – PAY PLAN, SUBSECTION C, AND ARTICLE 224 – COMPENSATION, SUBSECTION G, OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON EMPLOYEE MANUAL MOTION by Commissioner Pruitt, seconded by Commissioner Thomas, to amend Article 214 – Pay Plan, Subsection C, and Article 224 – Compensation, Subsection G, of the City of Henderson Employee Manual. 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: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________  237 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 104-25: RESOLUTION SETTING FEES AND RENTAL RATES FOR SPORTS COMPLEX; AS AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY MOTION by Commissioner Hargis, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to set the rental rates for sports complex as authorized by Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Henderson, Kentucky. 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 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: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 105-25: RESOLUTION CONTINUING THE MORATORIUM ON ENFORCEMENT OF CITY OF HENDERSON CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 22-62. - LIMITED FREE PARKING SECTION (A) AND SECTION 22-64. – FINES FOR OVERTIME PARKING UNTIL MAY 15, 2027 MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to continue the moratorium on enforcement of Henderson Code of Ordinances Section 22-62 – Limited Free Parking Section (A) and Section 22-64 – Fines for Overtime Parking until May 15, 2027. MAYOR STATON clarified that the extension of the moratorium on enforcement is to allow for time to complete more studies regarding the issue, as it is a complex issue to resolve. 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 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: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 106-25: RESOLUTION APPROVING ACCEPTANCE AND FUNDING OF A UTILITY ASSISTANCE FUND PROGRAM WITH EACH CITY UTILITY (HMG, HWU, HMPL) CONTRIBUTING $15,000.00 AND THE CITY CONTRIBUTING $15,000.00 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $60,000.00 TO BE DISTRIBUTED TOWARD ACTIVE ELIGIBLE RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTS BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2026 AND JUNE 30, 2026 MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to table the resolution. MAYOR STATON clarified that he is requesting Resolutions 106-25 and 107-25 be tabled until the first meeting in January, as members of the Board of Commissioners have 238 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 expressed a desire to have further discussion regarding the eligibility criteria in the interest of ensuring the best success of the program’s mission. 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 resolution TABLED, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ RESOLUTION NO. 107-25: RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH HENDERSON CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OUTREACH TO RECEIVE, REVIEW, VET, AND ISSUE VOUCHERS REGARDING CITY OF HENDERSON’S UTILITY ASSISTANCE FUND PROGRAM APPLICATIONS; AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to table the resolution. 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 resolution TABLED, affixed his signature and the date thereto, and ordered that the same be recorded. /s/ Bradley S. Staton Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 81-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER AWARDING BID FOR PURCHASE ONE (1) NEW 2026 FORD F350 4X4 REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCK FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT TO HENDERSON MID-TENN FORD, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,831.22 MOTION by Commissioner Hargis, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to award the bid for purchase of a new 2026 Ford F350 4x4 regular cab pickup truck for the Parks Department to Henderson Mid-Tenn Ford of Nashville, Tennessee, in the amount of $44,831.22. COMMISSIONER PRUITT inquired why the City opted not to buy from a local dealer who had also submitted a bid. MAYOR STATON, clarified that the local bid was an F250, which disqualified the bid, and the local bidder was notified in order to avoid similar circumstances moving forward. The vote was called.  239 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 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: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ MUNICIPAL ORDER NO. 82-25: MUNICIPAL ORDER AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF BATTERY-OPERATED EXTRICATION TOOLS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S NEW LIGHT-DUTY RESCUE APPARATUS FROM P&L RESCUE SERVICES OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,275.00 MOTION by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Pruitt, to authorize the purchase of battery-operated extrication tools for the fire department’s new light-duty rescue apparatus from P&L Rescue Services of Henderson, Kentucky, in the amount of $49,275.00. 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: December 16, 2025 Jessa Brandon, City Clerk________________________ CITY MANAGER REPORT: “Public Safety Building HVAC Update” WILLIAM L. “BUZZY” NEWMAN, JR., Assistant City Manager, reported that the HVAC equipment has been ordered; however, a recent inspection by maintenance in response to a complaint of colder temperatures in the building discovered that five heating boxes are needing to be replaced. The plan is to incorporate the replacement of those boxes into the upcoming bid for installation of the HVAC equipment. Mr. Newman reported that the boxes will run approximately $7,500.00-$10,000.00 plus labor costs for installation. ________________________ 240 CITY OF HENDERSON – RECORD BOOK Record of Minutes of A Special Called Meeting on December 16, 2025 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 3:53 p.m. ___________________________ Bradley S. Staton, Mayor ATTEST: January 13, 2026 ______________________ Jessa Brandon, City Clerk