City Council

Council Meeting – January 16, 2025 Mayor H. Troy Ethington called the council meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with the following council members present: Tom Hardesty, Pam Carter, Sally Pollett Zaring, Georgina Ivers, Shane Suttor and Frank Page. City Employees Present: Meagan Whitacre, Chief Bruce Gentry, Brian Cushing and Jennifer Herrell. City Attorney: Steven Gregory All present pledged allegiance to the flag Minutes – Special Called Meeting of January 9, 2025 Councilmember Carter moved to approve the minutes of the special-called meeting of January 9, 2025, as read by the council members prior to the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Ivers. All voted “aye”, and the motion carried. Municipal Order No. 2025-01-16/An Order Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property Steven Gregory, City Attorney, read a summary of a municipal order declaring various items in Appendix A owned by the Shelbyville Police Department to be surplus. Councilmember Page made a motion to approve the municipal order. Seconded by Councilmember Zaring. All voted “aye,” and the motion carried. Short-term Rental Discussion Much discussion took place regarding the draft of a proposed ordinance regulating short-term rentals. No action was taken. Public Comment Short-term rental owner Toni Boer, spoke to council urging them to look at cities closer to Shelbyville for their short-term rental regulations, and to keep local dollars, local. Two citizens, Jessica Leeman and Jennifer Clayton, who clean local short-term rentals spoke about the cleanliness of short-term rentals over local apartments and long-term rentals. Local contractor, Bryan Gomez, spoke of the wonderful renovations most local short-term rentals have done, enhancing our city. Department Reports Brian Cushing, Historic District reported on the progress on the Mulberry Building renovation. Janette Marson, ShelbyKy Tourism, spoke on the importance that short term rentals/transient room tax on tourism funding. She provided the council with a breakdown of how tourism and the conference center are funded. Jennifer Herrell, Public Works, reported that the department is still working on snow clean-up and putting away Christmas decorations. Senator Decker was asked to attend to speak to the state’s position on putting in a sidewalk on HWY 53 from Cracker Barrel to White Castle. Ultimately the state will not put in the sidewalk at this time with the current interstate 64 widening plan/Hwy 53 bridge redo. The city may apply for a permit from the state for the city/county to put sidewalks in at this time. Mayor’s Report Mayor Ethington informed the council that there was recent filming done at the Courthouse and McKinley’s Deli for a movie called Dead Man’s Wire. Councilmember Ivers is attending the KLC City Officials Academy. Fire Chief Rob Rothenburger is retiring at the end of January 2025. Council Reports Many councilmembers thanked Public Works for their snow removal efforts. Councilmember Suttor wanted the council to consider looking at increasing the current percentage requirement of brick that must be incorporated in new housing developments. Councilmember Zaring reported that a committee was being formed to consider options on improving Daniel Field. A motion was made to adjourn the regular-called council meeting at 7:15 p.m. by Councilmember Zaring. Seconded by Councilmember Carter. All voted “aye,” and motion carried. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2025. __________________________ H. Troy Ethington, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Meagan Whitacre, Deputy City Clerk