City Commission - Regular Meeting

the commission regular meeting to order today. Today is Monday, April the 27th. It's 4:30 p.m. Want to thank you for your attendance and hope you get a chance this afternoon to see your local government in action. Today we're going to start off this afternoon with a moment of silence and then we're going to be led in the pledge of allegiance by Sunny College student Michael Smith. I get that right? Michael Smith. All right. So, a moment of silence, please. Thank you all. Mr. Smith He's a senior and you're from the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Oh, okay. Next on our agenda is a approval of tonight's agenda. So, the chairperson would like to entertain a motion to approve the agenda as presented. I'll approve the agenda. Thank you, ma'am. Is there a second? Thank you, ma'am. Any additions or deletions? Hearing none. All those in favor of approving the agenda say I. I.

I. Those opposed? Motion carries. We have an agenda prepared for tonight. Next item on our agenda is that we hear from the public. We have two opportunities at all of our meetings for citizens to come before us and uh speak to the commission and we try our best to listen and not to respond. Uh in this first opportunity, you're allowed to speak to us about things that are on our agenda. So, is there anyone present who like to speak to the commission about things that are on the printed agenda? I hear it and seeing none. So let's move right along then. The the first item of business, official business, is approval of the minutes of the previous meetings. So the chair will entertain a motion to approve the minutes.

I'll move to approve the minutes of 413, 414, and 421. Thank you, ma'am. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, sir. Uh properly moved and second that we approve three different sets of minutes. Any corrections, additions, or deletions to those minutes. Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I.

Those opposed? Motion carries. Before we move on, we have an empty seat here this afternoon. We have a commissioner, uh, Commissioner Donna Peak, who is, uh, not with us this afternoon. She, uh, has a medical issue. She'll be back with us, we hope, very soon. Next item on the agenda is we're going to recognize some center college track team members. Uh, some lady colonels. Are y'all colonels now? Y'all What's that other mascot called? Uh, Karns. Karns. Okay. Well, uh, is there an official spokesperson for this group? He got a little gold head on right there. Okay. we're going to recognize is a Chloe Hind and she's from Alexandria, Kentucky. Uh she won the national championship center women's track and field in the long jump in the NCAA Division 3 track and field championships way out in Birmingham, Alabama. She posted a mark of 20 feet and wait 20 feet 6 and 1/4 in 6.25 25 meters. Is that how you say that? All right. See you old track guys. We know a little bit about that story, right? Um but she set a championship meet record in the process. She currently owns six of the 10 best marks in the lone jump in the history of div of division three women's track. Wow, that's an impressive thing. including the only jump ever recorded officially in in division three women's track over 21 feet. Wow. So she um is a junior from Alexandria, Kentucky and she has been named most importantly in all American eight

different times and you're still just a junior. So we expect lots and lots of more of these record setting things for next year. Right. Well, let me introduce your party. Then we'll have both of you all come up and uh say some things. Tell us some things about yourself. Okay, this is going to be another one. Is it Oh, Serena. And it's Serena McNeely Neil. I'm getting close. All right. She was named outstanding performer after winning two national championships at this year's NCAA Division 3 track and field championships also in Birmingham. She won her first title in a grilling path. Pentaton

all right, that's a tough one for me. That saw her break her own school record in the high jump in the process for her first national championship of the weekend. Her 3,782 3,782 total points shattered her previous school record by over 250 points. Then later in the meet, she equal her school record mark of 5' 10 and 12 in 1.79 meters in the high jump in route to winning her second national championship of the weekend. And she's a junior from Radcliffe, Kentucky. And she has been named an all-American 10 times 10 times in her college track and field career. and she owns six current center college school records and tracking. Congratulations both ladies. You want to come up? I hope those of you all notice that we're recognizing three college students and all three of what I call instate students are all from Kentucky. That doesn't happen. So you just want to tell us about your major, what you're going to do after graduating soon.

So my major is in biology with a French minor and my current plan is to get a master's in genetic counseling, hopefully going to UC, maybe taking a gap year and maybe pursuing a pro career in track. Not sure about that yet, but maybe. Did you have a study abroad opportunity? I did. I studied abroad in Sardinia, Italy during center term for three weeks. So it was really immersive and it discussed the concept of negative tourism which was very helpful and hope opened my worldview of studying abroad and not being a negative tourist not adding to the negativity in the world around traveling. You see those signs all around

um my name is Serena. um I am a biochemistry major at Son College and I'm planning on going to dental school in the future. So study study abroad experience. Uh no I'm not. But this is a bit of a study abroad. I'm from Australia originally.

Okay. When you're going home with us, you all want to say something good about awesome to walk with. This lady called He said, "I've done a study both from Australia. It's always nice when we can recognize underachievers like those folks. Well, again, congratulations, ladies and congratulations to uh all of the students at Center College because we we talk about uh 75 to 80% of the student

body at Center College. They all participate in uh division three sports and they're the true example of what we call student athletes. We've really gotten away from student athletes, but center is a great example of having what I call true student athletes. Okay. Could I ask one question? Yes, sir. Wait, wait, wait. Make sure it's something legal now. I was going to ask what the five events are in the pentatlon. Oh,

and and your favorite one is And your favorite one is the 800 meter, right? I was going to get shot for it. That's just Wow. Screw a lot of points though, man. Okay, next item is a retirement recognition for Greg Re. Uh Chief, you got to do that.

Thank you, mayor and commissioners. Um so yeah, tonight we get the opportunity to recognize one of our own after um their most recent retirement. Um Greg is here with us. Um, so Greg came to us four and a half years ago. Um, after, you know, more than 20 years of experience in in serving the citizens of uh, the Commonwealth of Kentucky in multiple different capacities. He brought us a wealth of knowledge and uh, and a wealth of experience that we were able to use use to our benefit here at Damville Fire Department. He really came in, fit in, and really uh, you know, helped us advance in a lot of different ways. Um, he's a great instructor. who's done a lot of things for us internally as a fire department. And as a fire department, what we like to do is we have a tradition where we um where we give the their fire helmet to them and we have a ceremony that I'd like to perform here today. So the fire department is, you know, help kept as a keepsake um as a for, you know, for their time and service to their community. So, I've got the helmet here and we'll go ahead and do this ceremony.

So, today we gather to recognize something that's hard to put into words. Uh, a career defined not by titles or rank, but by service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to others. In the fire service, a helmet is never just a piece of equipment. From the very first day it's issued, it becomes part of who you are. It shields you from heat, from danger, but more importantly, it carries the weight of the responsibility. It's there for every call, every long shift, every moment when others are having the worst day. You're expected to be at your best. Over the years, this helmet has seen things most people never will. It's been there in moments of chaos and moments of calm. It's been worth the worn with pride and sometimes with exhaustion and always with purpose. But what truly gives a helmet its meaning isn't the fires it's been through. It's the person who's wore it. Greg, your career has been a reflection of what this job is supposed to be about. You've answered the call, stood beside your brothers and sisters, and served the community with dedication and integrity. You've been a firefighter, a mentor, a leader, and a friend. And all these men here can attest to that. Um, while today marks the end of your time on the job, it does not mark the end of your impact. The lessons you've passed on, the example you've set, and the lives you've touched will carry forward in every firefighter who had the privilege to work alongside you. This helmet, once a tool of the job, now becomes a symbol of a career well served. It represents the calls answered, the challenges overcome, and the legacy you've you leave behind. On behalf of this department and all those you've served with and for, it's my honor to present you with this helmet, retired from service, just like you,

but forever a symbol of the firefighter you are. Congratulations, On behalf of the city of Danville, we'd like to present you with this small token of appreciation as well. And just like those Senate College kids, you finally earned yourself this key to the city.

Oh yeah. Thank you. And you want to have a few words and we'll take a picture. I appreciate my brothers for being here. The firehouse is truly a second family for me. And as far as my impact on you, I hope that carries on for generations to come. So, I appreciate everything that you all done for me just like I was able to do for you. So, thank you, Chief. Thank you, mayor. Thank you to the city of Dam.

So many. There's so many.

We're done. Okay. Next on the request.

Good evening. Center College is uh requesting again this year to place light post banners along Main Street at least um mostly on campus a little bit up this way some um for graduation. So the design should be in your packet but they should be hung about the second week of May and they'll go through May 25th which is the weekend of graduation and then they'll come down after that. Thank you ma'am. Thanks. Try the microphone. I move for approval of the B request. Thank you, sir. Is there a second?

Thank you, ma'am. All those in favor of allowing Senator College to put up their graduation matters say I. I. Those opposed? Motion carries. Fun time graduation. Did you graduate, Stephen, or how'd that work? Oh, I'm hoping for an honorary degree still. Thank you. I serve some time, but speaking of graduation, May 8th was right around the corner, right?

Next, we have a proclamation uh recognizing treatment court month. Commissioner Holland, you want to read that for me, please, ma'am? Whereas according to All Rise, treatment treatment courts are the most effective justice system intervention in our nation's history for reducing crime by addressing substance abuse and mental health disorders. Whereas treatment courts save an average of more than $6,000 for every individual they serve. And whereas treatment courts provide a range of economic benefits to a community, such as reduced costs in court and prison expenditures, increased tax revenues, lower foster care expenses, and decreased costs related to victimization. And whereas treatment courts combined accountability with evidence-based treatment. And whereas treatment courts annually refer more than 150,000 people to life-saving treatment and recovery support systems. Whereas all RISE treatment courts significantly improve substance use and mental health disorder treatment outcomes and prevent fatal overdoses. And whereas treatment courts facilitate communitywide partnerships bringing together public safety and public health. And whereas there are now more than 4,000 treatment courts nationwide. Whereas treatment courts demonstrate that when one person rises, we all rise. Therefore, be it resolved that Mayor JH Atkins and the board of commissioners of the city of Danville declare on this 27th day of April, 2026 that treatment court month be established during the month of May.

Thank you, ma'am. move that we uh place this proclamation in the record. Is there is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I. Those opposed? Motion carries. I don't see anyone present to accept it. So, we'll just hold on to it and give it back to the clerk. She'll get it to someone. Thank you all. All right. Next item is Hannah. Plan is only next two items. First read ordinance number 2062 145 East ML King Boulevard.

Hello. Uh yes. So we have that at 145 East Martin Luther King Boulevard. Um I spoke about that last two two weeks ago. So if y'all have any additional questions, I can answer that for you. Madam Clerk, do you want to read it into the record, please? Yes. This is the first reading of ordinance number 2062, an ordinance changing the zone from two family residential RM2 to central business CB for approximately 0.94 acres more or less of real property located at 145 East Ma Martin Luther King Boulevard in the city of Danville, Kentucky. Is there a motion? I'll move to approve the first reading of ordinance 2062.

Thank you, ma'am. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, sir. Any any questions or comments? Hearing none. Roll call. Roll call vote. Madam cler. Commissioner Codle. Yes, ma'am. Mayor Atkins. Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Holland. Yes. Commissioner Stes. Okay. Oh, the motion carries. Next item is resolution 2063, Highway 34, Minor Road and Kate Avenue. Uh, Madam Click, want to read the first reading?

Yes. This is the first reading of ordinance number 2063, an ordinance changing the zone from Highway Business HB to industrial business district IBD for approximately 8.694 acres more or less of real property located at 1401 Minor Road in the city of Namble, Kentucky. Thank you, ma'am. I move we approve first reading ordinance 2063. Thank you, sir. Second. Thank you, ma'am. Any questions or comments? Just so the citizens know, this is where John Deere is. Thank you, ma'am. Any other questions or comments? Madam Clerk, roll call vote. Mayor Atkins. Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Holland,

yes. Commissioner Sris, Commissioner Codle, yes, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you. Next item is a city manager report.

Thank you, mayor, commissioners. In your packet is a a memo. The uh next meeting will be tomorrow at 1, a budget meeting. Should shouldn't be a long meeting. We will um resummarize the the draft of of the the uh meeting that we had last week by communicating it more as what the actual budget appropriations would look like. Should be should be fairly uh efficient meeting in short. Um the May 7th is the next coffee with commissioners. I think Commissioner Codle will be at the world famous McDonald's on on Perville Road at 8:30 a.m. and uh we will uh look forward to that. The the next civic engagement and local government governance series is 6 p.m. May 12th. It's the uh city safety presentation which is is good. We'll we'll have that event at the uh fire station downtown. The sister cities visit with Carrick Fergus I felt like was went really well. I know the mayor was actively involved. I think there was many of us had the opportunity to meet them and um interact with them at different times over their visit and I felt like that it was very well attended and and uh they were a uh certainly a good group to to tour with and interact with if you had the opportunity. Um um the following day or that the morning of the the dinner with Carrick Fergus, we had the we got to observe the renaming ceremony for the Leon Smith Way uh over at the the church on Second Street and and it was to me was a very well attended event. Um it was properly significant. Um, I think that uh we've

tried to communicate outwardly the the uh importance um of of KU what KU did with Mr. Smith back in the day. Um, and and certainly it we would encourage you to take a minute and and visit the post and and educate yourself on on what he as a pioneer uh did for civil rights. and and I would I would encourage you to do a little research because it's certainly it was certainly a very powerful uh event and I think some of the some of his uh co-workers and those that spoke especially his family um particularly uh was very moving but but um I lend myself towards thinking sign really what it was uh and and so we we appreciate having the opportunity and to to observe that ceremony and participate. Um, farmers market opening day was last weekend. It was well attended. Had a chance to go buy some honey and and and it was it was excellent uh day and it had good weather. The uh things related to the 250th um are are ongoing. There was an event this this past weekend in Forkland even and and so we'll certainly uh encourage you to follow along with those events as they uh proceed. In your packet uh is a an update on a letter of support uh the mayor executed for uh the chamber of commerce pursuing what is called a slice grant. It's student leadership and careers and employment. the um this type of activity is something it is uh really uh as the description is leadership in careers and employment. It's it's it's developing the the young folks u awareness of careers and aligning those

with with opportunities and experiences. Um it's a terrific program, but but this is really the first step with with our chamber um taking taking more of a proactive step in their place, the proper place for them in entrepreneurial development, small business development, workforce development. And so I'm encouraged by their uh Sarah's activity there and and and the chambers uh allowing her to to seek this opportunity and c certainly we'll partner with them to the extent practical and and I think the the mayor's letter of support was was that and and really all that the city needed to do. Obviously Melanie will stay engaged and we would like like for her to do that. Um the other thing is is we had a chance to meet last week with with the homeless coalition and here's some of their targets and and some of the things they're working on. Um they had an idea with this concept that's in your package on on page five of the packet um page two for or one for them. There's concept called new ground. I I encourage you to look at that when you get time. they are um um considering we're considering making a recommendation to to support this program with some of the opioid funds. This could be the first really positive use of that money and so we're investigating that. We'll report more information to you as that that plays out and if it is something eligible certainly we'll make that recommendation to you and you can decide if uh you agree. The uh other thing I would like Melanie to talk about our economic development infrastructure. We talked about that a little bit and I think she has a minor presentation. She wants to to give you some slides. Is that true Melanie? And u we will give her the floor to to

to talk about the various activities. And real quick he said minor presentation. So I will be quick. I also don't know how that makes me feel. Starling. Oh, I forgot my question.

You'll have to forgive me. I'm a little out of sorts today. Um, so as Earl mentioned last meeting, we just wanted to give you a little bit of insight into the work we're doing in the realm of retail recruitment and how that shares a relationship with our business retention and expansion program um, and how it works well in our community and the way that our um, economic development is structured in this community. So, um, just a little, where do we go with this? Turn it on. There we go. All right. So, when we look at how our employment is broken down in our community, um, we've got we're really heavy on health care, education, manufacturing, and retail. Um and then all of our other services, construction, um your public administration and all of that kind of sits on its own side as well. So um primarily our jobs center around healthcare, education, manufacturing and retail. And we know that manufacturers are following workforce, transportation, and amenities. And so everything we do here centers around quality of life. And so we do feel like that is our responsibility to create um a welcoming safe environment for businesses to grow, for homes to be built. Um and that contributes to manufacturing growth as well. Uh we've talked before about how one manufacturer um gained or lost could make a difference here. But as we see on this image here, and I didn't make this up. This came from the census. I didn't just start making boxes. Um, it's equally important to focus on our small businesses and our commercial development. Um, so whenever we're

looking at what our role is from the city, I think this statement, um, I I I feel like this is kind of my mission statement is that strategic retail recruitment is a lever for sustainable growth that aligns economic development with long-term community stability. Much of our economy centers around those services, amenities, grocery, um those quality of life impacts um that we are so closely related to in the services that we provide as a local government. So our insight will lead to investment. Our local government has unmatched knowledge of the infrastructure, utilities, and the capacity in our community. We're actively building relationships with property owners. Uh we're taking a closer look at our site availability. Um and we are understanding more and more about the development readiness of properties around the community. We are able to look at more accurate data and I'll get to we we put everybody to work here at the city a few weeks ago to just try to get some um housing data for a prospective business. And it it really was a group project, but it it's real- time data that we have. So, we can look at that census information from 2024. Um, but we have the here and now. We know how our community works. And I think that that makes a real difference in the retail space. Most importantly, no one can sell Danville better than Danble. Um, we have strong local involvement with retailers, developers, and property owners, and that leads to confidence and trust in us in the city and in responsible planning of our community. Um, again, quality of life. I'm not going to go through all of these, but I

think it's important that we understand that, you know, we hear um jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, and all jobs are important. So that I think is my main point today is that all jobs are important. We need them at all levels in all industries. Um and diversity is our strength here. So we have our manufacturing jobs, we have our healthcare jobs. We really need to boost that um retail, commercial, and small business space. And so we can work to do that um in a variety of ways. So um that's just that's one of my sales pictures of all the fun things that Danville is. Um, so one of the things that we know a lot about is our transportation assets. We're not going to go through all these, but when we are communicating with retailers or property owners or developers about why would you pick Danville? Nobody else can tell this story quite like we can. Um, so transportation is huge. It's a we get a lot of questions about that. Um, again, utilities. So these we understand where our water is, where our meters are located. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to share this picture or not, but there you go. Um, these are um some of our businesses um developable property. Um, and then again, back to this photo, just to reiterate, we do believe that the retail trade um also supports the other half. So, you have a large portion of our workforce that is supported um by those commercial and small businesses. So, one thing I hear a lot of is um competition is scary, right? So, I actually was on Facebook, not that we totally listen to Facebook, but we should a little bit um today and and people were a little bit concerned about a new coffee shop that's opening up. It is a chain coffee shop. And so, the question was, is this going to hurt our

local shops? Um, and I was kind of pleasantly surprised by the responses because truthfully, if you look at data, uh, competition is healthy. And it's never a bad thing to have more shoppers in your community for your small businesses. Um, so I do have some bullet points there. Again, I'm not going to go through all of those. Um, but retail attracts people to your community. We already know that we are a retail hub in this region. Um and so having that additional diversity in amenities and in services in grocery and restaurants, all of that will benefit our local businesses. In the same vein, just because recruiting industry is huge and it's big and it means jobs doesn't mean that recruiting retail does not also benefit our community. um having that quality of life and those amenities in our community attracts a workforce um that supports our manufacturers. So, this is just an example of some of the things that we um we get questions about when we're talking to a developer, a developer or um a prospective retailer. They want to know how many houses And so I'll say that um one thing that benefits Danville is that we know and we understand that we have to think regionally. So while I have these examples here, these are all Boil County examples, but our Danville metropolitan area um consists of a much larger area. And so that actually supports the need for additional retail. And so these numbers, the res residential building permits by year, that's actually oil, Mercer, Garrett,

and Lincoln. Um, and that's a pretty significant number in our smaller communities. That QR code right there takes you to this map, and we've got them broken out by year, so you can tell where homes are being built. And of course, if if this was if you were able to scroll in, you could see where different neighborhoods are being built, different homes. Um, and this was the group project I was talking about. We received all of the different building permits from those counties um in all different types of ways um none of them electronic. So we had planning and zoning, we had uh engineering, we had Jenna all working to input these into a spreadsheet so we could pop them up on a map. Um but it was quick because we have the information here. We have the relationships with surrounding communities. Um, we've also got some of our like key features in there, too. And so, this is the broader view of the surrounding counties. And so, um, what we heard a lot of at ICS was everybody says they're growing. Can you prove it? And I I think that this proves it. I think that we are attracting people to our area. Um, and now we need um the retail to support it. Again, these this is some of the information we might provide. Um, you have a retail gap analysis in front of you. And what you'll notice on that is those numbers in parentheses are are um are where we're seeing the gaps. So, those dollars are going to other communities in those areas. um they might be going to Lexington, they might be going to Richmond. I don't know where they're going, but they're not able to buy those things here. We know the demand is here

um because we al we also have a study for that. But um it shows that we could support uh a variety of different retailers and um commercial services. Again, as we think regionally, um we're not just selling Danville. We're not just selling Boil County, we're selling our area. Um, and so this is some of the information that we might provide someone as we're recruiting um at at any level. Um, and then these again are some future properties, but I will say um we also have a a larger list of properties in Danville. And I'll give you our binder. Um, we try to maintain an updated list of all the available properties in Davville. So, not just um in your shopping centers, but even that QR code will take you to our website where we have properties around town. So, downtown um along the bypass, just everywhere. Um, so we'll get people reach out to us, even small businesses, um, looking for space. And by keeping this kind of menu of options open, um, we're able to support all levels of commercial businesses. Um, so as we're looking ahead to ICSE, which is going to be in May, I just wanted to give you a little snapshot of what that has looked like for us in the past. I've attended the convention in Orlando and then um Earl and I con went to the one in Atlanta. This picture is from Orlando and so it was a smaller smaller event but I I learned a lot. So you'll have your retailers all kind of lined up in this line and you can go talk to all of them. They'll give you

this site criteria which is not something you can just Google. Um, I mean, you could probably Google it, but they also provide contact information for a regional representative or real estate person for that particular uh retail retailer. So, that's one way to do it. Um, another way is we've uh connected with Madisonville and some other cities because we've also learned, and you've heard Earl say it several times, that if someone's going to locate their business in Kentucky, um, they're going to be strategic about it. and they're going to locate several different stores throughout the state that make sense for transportation or make sense um for the way that their region or their salesperson might operate. So, this picture is from Atlanta. This is kind of what the booth setup will look like um in Vegas. We'll have a table probably along this side, but then we'll have some tables in the middle available to set meetings. And how we'll do that is, oh, this was also our table from Atlanta. We have a TV set up where we can go over, show them the map because often these people have never heard of Danville or um they're not familiar where we're with where we are. And again, if you're considering moving your business to Kentucky, we want you to think of Danville first. Uh and then we'll kind of find some other communities nearby where would be convenient for you to locate as well. Um, so when we're looking ahead to the next event, it's it's huge. And this is the floor that has all of your retailers in it. So you'll see like there's Planet Fitness, which a lot of them we have, but there are some that we don't. Um, and we're working with our local property owners and developers. We're listening to the community to say, what do we need here? We're also looking at this gap analysis that tells us um what

we're missing as far as what supports our citizens now and what will support our citizens in the future. Um so we're able to identify which retailers will be there on their own. And then on the next level, we're able to identify um brokers, realtors, and developers. Um and so we're kind of researching all of those people to see who they've worked with. So even if a retailer isn't there themselves, they might have sent a developer that they work with regularly. So we can identify those and set meetings with them ahead of time. Um so that's just an example of how we find them. And this is just a slide I like to use when we're there just to show that um we've been able to add a few since then actually. So, there's a lot going on in Danville and um we're just gonna go share it with the world. Does anybody have any questions?

Well, I mean, there may be some you don't want Oh, yeah. No reference.

Yeah. Well, and a lot of this is on our um it's on our website. So, um a lot of these slides that kind of look like this, they're on our website at danvilleky.org business. you can go and find all of this. But I will send you all a copy of the presentation. Um, but we want to make those things available for businesses that are looking because once we meet them there, they may get home and they don't know who they've met. And um, we hand out little business cards um, that have QR code to our website. And so it shows them the available properties. It shows them um, this map. They're able to scroll through this map. And this is interactive. So you can kind of move it around town and see where everybody is, which so is Google. So

Melanie, go back to that job slide real quick. I think this slide communicates really strongly when when you're talking about economic development and you're thinking of things like the EDC. The EDC is is a is ultimately is required to be the epicenter of that industrial recruitment. the but when you see that and and folks at a far will say oh we need those jobs I agree with that that makes total sense but what this slide represents for you is that's only 16% of your local local economy so you got 80 84% of your economy is is everybody else not industrial so it would be irresponsible of the city not to focus on how these puzzle puzzle pieces fit together, right? So, the city has to be directly engaged because we have to help communicate with these individuals because some of them may be competing, some sectors may be competing with others. And so it's important for us or somebody to try to balance that the load into the system because it all of these things impact are impacted by things like land use um things like uh the extension of water and sewer service. How how those the heavy infrastructure inside of the city limits um how these interface with those utilities matters, right? you want good efficient growth of these various um sectors right so I think that's an important thing to store in our minds and and that when when you hear people dialogue with you about it I think this comprehensive puzzle is not well

understood and I I think that uh folks it's easy to to talk about manufacturing but again 4% of your jobs are not in manufacturing in and and this is not inconsistent with other other cities our size and other cities bigger than us. Um so there you go Melanie Melanie as you can see Melanie has done some terrific work. She is a a really really strong communicator and it really shows shows out when she's talking um graphically with things and and so this is a certainly an uh the correct uh correct chart.

Appreciate it. Any more questions? I'm sure like everybody else when I'm out and about, I always try to

Well, we'll get you the cheat sheet and you can look at our website. Okay. Yeah. Any other questions for Milton? So, the one chart, you know who's going to be there, right? Yes. Okay. and we will set meetings ahead of time so that we can get them to come to our table and so we have a few other networking events that we have signed up for that we'll be there and be able to interact and now that's just a small piece of the puzzle. I mean that's something that's coming up. It's something we're hardcore preparing for. Um

but even on just a regular day here we have people reach out regularly about space and availability and just kind of the way that Danville works. Um because even when you look at our traffic counts, it doesn't really tell the full story. It might tell a good story, like it's a good selling point, but they're not really necessarily looking for a salesperson. They're more of looking for someone to help uh solve the problems and understand the community at a local level. Um, so I guess it I I think this event is on my brain right now because I'm preparing for it, but it has been beneficial to just have these things prepared and be able to answer those questions when any size business reaches out.

Uh, go back to the jobs board too. the the um

that puzzle communicates too why it's not you know for years as we walked around town and and listen to the to the various well the EDP talk about industrial jobs there are so many gaps in in where we were under recruiting or underperforming as you can look if you if you're only focused on industrial jobs. These other things are private investment as well. Industrial jobs is private investment. So if you're going to participate in in trying to manage private the private investment of the the the industrial manufacturing jobs, it's important because of infrastructure and those things. It's also important to help facilitate and manage the other aspects of the economy, which is why the chamber, if you look at some of the slides, the chamber's participation is critical. workforce development through your schools, BCTC and construction. That's a critical piece of of your economy. It's all of those having having functional CVB for tourism uh CVB director participating in in with with knowledge with uh folks like Melanie. And I would encourage too to acknowledge um each municipality really once once a development moves into and and wants to do something at the municipal level, it's critical that that municipality has a point of contact and really manage this that aspect. But then when you go to the opposite of industrial jobs, you know, that's the EDC that that's where the county gets involved with incentives. That's where the city and the county have to agree together on certain incentives types packages. So, so there the idea of economic development is is not uncomplicated and and and it is often seen

seen as just we're you're doing sales. That's not at all what you're doing. The idea of just marketing and sales is incorrect. There are so many pieces to it's not it's not just a facilitator and introducing somebody to the community. you're solving problems and and the only way to do that is have effective uh team of people like like your your chamber director or like your uh EDC folks or like folks like Melanie and engaged so that so that we can sit down at a table and try to figure out the best way to do a site with utilities. I can think of all of those questions uh that have been resolved over the last 15 years and none of them were as simple as well we've recruited somebody to town now that they're aware of Danville the it's solved that that's the be that's only a small piece to what I what what we have to acknowledge is economic development that is a small component of economic development

well there there are people and I was probably among them a few years ago that that are still around today that uh equate um successful job growth and job recruitment strictly with manufacturing. I think it's yeah that's that was my bad. I mean it's taken me a while to come around to that because I think that was what we're sort of ingrained with particularly in Danville because it was we had such a successful industrial park for so long. that that is that is an anchor that is your that is considered your base and it is critical but those 84% of the economy is also critical. Yeah, that's right.

That's a big number. Well, and I think too, you know, taking a focus on small businesses and retail. It really aligns with what the comprehensive plan says, you know, talks about our villages and having those pockets of, you know, having your 15 minute to everything you need. So, um, and usually your manufacturers are all in the same place, which is fine, great. Um, but if you're looking at responsible planning for your community and you're wanting those amenities in all the little, I guess, burrows of Boil County, um, then then we have to focus on where those go and how that is achieved.

Like when the mayor was here and invented steam, you got some of that stuff going. whole landscape changed.

Some things we don't answer. Now, this is that's a really good preser. We still have the city managers report. I'm done. Thank you. Unless you all have a question. Are are you still exploring the um appointee on the planning commission? The mayor and I have talked about that and I think the mayor's going to have a recommendation probably coming up soon. Okay. I think I'm not going to speak for him, but

Well, this has to do. So, it's in the works. Yes, ma'am. I noticed on one of the uh well, a couple of the meetings out of 10 people like six were there for one of the zone changes. So, I'm I'm glad that's still being worked on. Thank you.

We found out it was it's not an easy task because people are in positions and they don't Well, I'll just talk about it later. Okay. Any other comments for our city manager? Hearing none. The next item on our agenda is through the public. Anyone desire to speak to the commission about things that are not on our agenda for today? I see I still have. So, let's move right along then. Commissioner updates and comments. I think you just had those, didn't you? Any other commissioner comments or updates?

Well, I just, you know, of course the farmers market, but I wanted to give props to parks and wreck. Um, can I talk? Yeah. Okay. You said I thought you were gonna But, um, everything was running so smoothly and it was packed like each hour in and out, in and out. So, um, they're doing a great job. Everything looked great in working order. So, um, they're doing a great job.

I was talking to some kids last night. When I walk my dogs, I walk by the high school and they've got that Admiral Plaza or whatever. Skateboarders have found that and they like to hang out there. So, I was asking about the skate park and they are anxiously awaiting the completion of that so they don't have to do what they were doing. So, yeah, looking forward to that being done. Well, on parks and wreck, uh, little league opens up Tuesday, May the 12th at 5:00, right? They invited all of us to come out for the first uh little big game at 5:00 come Tuesday, May 12th. They hired a very important celebrity to throw out the first pitch.

I don't know if you all know him or not. He used to play for the Cincinnati Reds. I don't know if you all know that. I was told not to call out his name in public. All right. Other commissioner comments hearing none. Let's move right along. Oh, next item is paying the bills. Miss Compton, get her attention over there. Right. I'm paying attention the whole time. Is there a motion to pay our bills? Yeah. I'll move to pay the bills in the amount of $222,65451.

Thank you, ma'am. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, sir. Any questions or comments about the bills? Anything you don't want us to pay or anything you want to add to the buildings? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. I. Those opposed? Motion carries. All right, Mr. Compton, you have the next one as well. Uh, resolution 202642701.

Yes. So, we have been requested by the 250th committee to um approve a um security contract for the um event for the concert um as part of our $40,000 contribution to the celebration. Um the you know while we do have a police force on hand um you know they're better served um doing true quote unquote true policing um during that time period um while there's some event specific police security services um that will be required night of and so we have an agreement with uh Guard Logic to provide um I believe it's eight 18 officers over a six or eight hour period. I'm not sure. I'd have to double check. Along with a security supervisor, uh two security supervisors and a event manager for a total of uh $4,046. So we are recommending approval of the security contract. um to uh include be a part of our contribution to the 250th.

Is there a is there a motion? Our guard logic at the name of the company. Okay. I move for approval of resolution 202642701. Thank you sir. There a second. Thank you ma'am. Any other questions or comments? They're going to be uh working uh with our police department. I'm sorry. Hopefully our police department will be helping them stage their locations or whatever. We'll make sure it's a manpower increase is all all it's doing. It's on site.

And so rather than having um a significant number of law enforcement consumed by just on-site security, crowd control type security, this is what that this is what that supplements. So you're adding a very lowcost experience for event manh hours to the to the overall event is what you're doing. And for the number of of personnel that we are utilizing through the security service, the cost to the city for police service would be significantly higher than 4,000 and some change because you're going to have overtime for a lot of um officers. Um and um

well they'll be our our officers will still be able to respond when it's necessary. Yes. And these guys will be in uniform that will not look like they will not look like police uniform. No. So we know that he did it. Okay. Any other questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor of resolution 26042701 say I. I. opposed. Motion carries. Thank you, ma'am. Next item is to carry it. Mr. Motion.

Thank you, mayor. Um, this agenda item is for city's authorization to sign a retracement a boundary retracement survey plat for the existing city knob sewer pump station along west nick road in junction city totaling. 073 acres. So, this is related to the county ARPA sewer improvements project. And while we're out here rehabbing this pump station, we wanted to reestablish the security fence boundary around the property. That's what this is for. Total cost is $3,500 to the ARPA sewer improvements project.

Thank you, sir. Is there a motion? I move for approval of resolution 2026042702. Thank you, sir. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, ma'am. Any other questions or comments? I was just curious, Marshall. Was it on the um 127 side of the railroad tracks or on the other side? It's on the south side or the west side of the tracks. So, it' be away from the highway. I just curious. Yeah. As soon as you cross the tracks, it's right there on the right down the bottom down that area. Other questions or comments? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. I.

Those opposed. Motion carries. He was easy. Josh, I don't know why they save you for last all the time, man. But you need to talk to city manager about that. I think it's so we're all tired when we get here. We just muddle through and finish. Okay. Next. Next item. contract renewal discussion. So, oh, wait. Let's do that last.

Now, this we we'll try to make this quick tonight because I think we've talked about it quite enough. Um, we could put the prices back on the board if you want to, but they they're in your packet. Um, we kind of want to make we we've had a few discussions with, you know, with Republic with other communities that have Republic do the building. We we sat down last week and met with codes enforcement to talk about the impact to them of the different options. We're kind of ready to make a recommendation. Earl and I were talking about it earlier, I think. Um, I think at this point due due to some of the concerns that that codes enforcement had, the additional work that they'd be required for them if we went fully with Republic doing the billing, I think we're going to recommend now to go with the hybrid version where the city would continue to build for the base for the base service of uh one garbage can and then any additional containers that that whether it be voluntary recycling or additional garbage containers, they would they would contract that d they would get that service directly from Republic and Republic would bill them for those services. Uh that would clean up a lot of our our our billing issues that we have now. We wouldn't have to track the any of the additional services. Republic would be responsible for that and and would also at the same time get the recycling going to voluntary recycling. Uh enables us to make sure that we have clean non-contaminated recycling that is that will be accepted at the recycling center. Um those numbers, if we go with that route, would be the base uh service would be $14.94 a month per customer. Uh the recycling if they if they volunteered to have recycling, it would be $6.85. That would continue to be picked up uh every two weeks instead of once a week. And then if they wanted any additional garbage containers, those would be $5 per container per month. Um so that's I think that's going to be our recommendation. What we'll do if you all are uh if you all if you all agree to that, we will go back and develop the contract amendment language with Republic that is that lays out how they're going to do that, how we're

going to process into this and then we will bring that to you all in about a month and get the final approval. But that will enable Republic to go ahead and start preparing this. Also, I was thinking about this after I spoke to Earl. you know, Harrisburg had a they they didn't identify a lot of issues with codes enforcement yet. I feel like that's going to be one of those things that kind of trickles in over time as people realize they can they can stop paying and their water's not going to get turned off. Um, but they did identify that the the transition to fully go from city billing to public billing, there was two or three months where it was they they really had a lot of issues because of um just just the data being being transitioned from city to republic was a big deal. And I think um there are a lot of things that have I mean we we've been using the same kind of billing data for I almost 25 years now. So I think once we tried to do that, I think we'd find a lot of issues. So this kind of keeps us from having to make that that leap all at once. We can kind of transition slowly into that if we need to. U so I think that's some of the reasons we that that's the recommendation we're going to go with. Um willing to take any questions or concerns and talk it out a little bit more. Well, just an FYI, most of the folks, if not all the folks I've talked to have supported the the mandatory recycling and they've also wanted the city to maintain the building cycle with the water bill because they felt like that really was most cost effective for all of the stuff. So, that's weird.

You'd be recommending all voluntary recycling? Yes, it's just really that the mandatory recycling's not functioning right now as far as getting, you know, non-contaminated recycling. So that this point just to so we can have a functioning recycling system, we would like to go to voluntary. That's what we recommend. But also, you're saying though that for the month of Well, I have one can get picked up four times.

Yes. Just strictly garbage. recycling garbage all mixed in probably for $14. What am I paying right now for the four garbage and the two recycles? So, you're currently you're paying um base bill is $167. And you've got an extra card on top of that. That's one garbage, one recycling. That's our current base. That's your lowest you can pay. 1667. That's one garbage.

One one garbage container, one recycling container. Garbage picked up every week. Recycling picked up every other week. Um So the middle is the one. Yes, the middle one is the is the recommendation we're making today.

I'm definitely for it. I mean, we haven't recycled for a year and uh I mean, my earth people are all at the nutrition center and you know, we all would love mandatory. However, when everything's going to the fill anyway, I know a lot of people have just been taking it separately to the to the county's area. So, I'm I'm very much in most people I know are very much in favor of um voluntary just to get it going again. Absolutely. How long is the contract for or how long will it be for?

Well, they we're recommending renewing it for four years. additional additional four years that the longer we can do it the better pricing we got. Republic told us hey whatever the length is that will that will impact their price. Uh but that and that aligns us with the county contract that they that that they have a contract with Republic as well in case we ever want to kind of meld those two together which is a conversation we've had in the past of of extending some of their services and and that it that's that was really our goal with this is say okay we can extend it four years that gets us pretty good pricing as we've seen and and it aligns us with the county Um, so yeah, four years is what we would this would we would the document we would bring to you would extend it through June 30th of 2030.

I was just thinking if everybody really didn't like that and wanted to go back to something we were or one of the other Well, I think that's Yeah, I think Republic would be okay with that. I think if we came back to them in six months and said, "Hey, what we're doing now is not working. We'd like to talk about changes again." I think they would be open to that. I don't think this is something that is I think that the reason they want us to do four years is just so that they know we're not just going to cancel the contract all I think they're open making some some changes in the future as long as we continue to to work with them. I think they're open to that.

Well, Josh, I appreciate all your hard work on this. It's been a a 12 month um you know education and looking at different options. So, thank you for doing all this work. I still have some concern myself because I see I'm going to pay $15 and we get one can of I guess the one can of garbage and recycling combined works every week.

Yes. I I if they're using the recycling can. So So the concern is that they don't have enough service capacity at their house. The the solution that they're leaning on now is to simply put their overflow garbage in a recycling can. So it's making neither one of those function. And so really ultimately by taking the recycling can uh out of the equation then their choice is going to have to be either add a can or add a recycling can on their own. So so there's there's a there's a a point to that where you're not helping them by having a recycling can if they're just putting garbage in it.

Right. If I get two garbage cans down a bill from the city of testing the water have another five or $6 bill coming from Republican and which is a better unit price than than it than uh you anyone else is paying in the county too just strictly because that's still a even with those two that's still a better total unit price per service than it is uh in other other parts of the county. I'm okay. I don't like it.

Yeah. If you look at the if you look at the on the the chart, the the second row from the left shows the numbers that it Republic said if we want to renew for four years, but we want to keep everything exactly as it is. That's where the numbers would be. So that's really your baseline. That's if we kept everything the same. They were going to ask for a $245 increase to the base bid ba the base bill no matter what just because they've seen increases in their you know just inflation over the last they we've done a col a cola increase every year but as we've seen the the cola hasn't really kept up with true cost of some of these things. Um and I'm worried if I go back and ask them any more questions they're going to factor in these new gas prices into because I think I got these in right before the we saw a lot of gas price increases. So,

so you're so you're proposing one, two, three, the fourth column from the left. Yes. 14.94 and then the $5 for the correct Yes, that's correct. Will it be G? Will it be garbage? Well, $6.85 if it's recycling. Oh, okay.

And I think that's strategic on their part to keep the garbage lower than the recycling. So people, if they really just want a garbage can, they're just going to get a garbage can. They're not going to contaminate the recycling container. And and for reference, I think Harrisburg's Harrisburg's base bill is two garbage cans, just two garbage cans picked up weekly, and they're over $22 a month. Um, so even if you got two garbage cans picked up weekly with ours, it would be $19.94. So we're still, you know, lower than our our neighbors, which I think it's just economy of scale. think it's, you know, we have probably have twice as many customers and the recycling industry industry has changed. Yeah.

All right. We had to make a decision on that discussion item. Yeah. If if we we don't need a motion, we can go back and put the start putting the contract language together and bring that back to you all if that's that works. Okay. I'm like you. I don't particularly like it, but I think that's I'm not sure I'm not sure we're doing any better than that anyway. Okay, let's go to the next item then. Resolution 20264273 sideway sidewalk project. She will be happy.

Yes, thank you. Yes, we finally have gotten the memorandum agreement from KYTC for our for our uh transportation alternatives grant for the Boffman Avenue sidewalk. So, we need to approve this agreement tonight and then that will release us to be able to advertise for bids to build the project this summer. So, this is our last step before we can go to construction. It's been going on so so long. I wonder how long how many property owners have changed over there. Yeah, they probably Yeah, they thought they' be surprised when we come out there and start working. But for reference, it's a we're the grant is for $400,000. We're required to match that with $100,000. So, we're looking at total total project cost of 500,000. Great. Is there a motion?

I'll move to approve resolution 202642703. Thank you, ma'am. Is there a second? Thank you, ma'am. Oh, I'll second. Other comments or questions to Josh on the Avenue? I was just thinking that they were talking about that when I first signed on here 400 years ago. Uh the furthest back we it's over 45 years I think since they 45. Yeah. That we've been talking about a sidewalk some sidewalk of some kind on Bman Avenue. So they're not they're not going to believe it till we put a shovel in the ground though. I think that's I realized that

you had a lot of residents that were opposed to it giving up little piece of land. Yeah. But with that new neighborhood that new neighborhood is out there filling up quickly and every time I'm out there there's people walking down the gutter line of the road. So it's it's longer. That's great. Okay, let's carry the motion. All those in favor of the Bman Avenue project say I motion carries. I'll see her tomorrow night. She'll be all over this tomorrow night. Next item, skate park final design.

Yes. In your packet, you have a a some renderings of the final design of the skate park at Millennium Park along with the final cost proposal uh from Spawn Ranch. Um there we'll need to make a little change to the resolution. There was I I typed up a draft and then I had to head to Hopkinsville for the conference last week and the price came in a little bit different than what I'd put in the initial draft. So the the resolution says 830,000. The final price actually is $843,000. Um,

so the the the county has agreed to split that final price with us. They're Tommy's going to meet with them tomorrow at their at their regular meeting and talk to them about this and get their final approval as well. But what we need from tonight from you all is we need to do a change order because the original contract amount was for $400,000 which is what was budgeted uh last year to increase their the agreement with Spawn Ranch from 400,000 to $843,000. When you look at that design, if you'll think back at our budget meeting, if you look at the the just the first image of it, you'll see why it's so difficult to to phase it,

which is why which is why everybody involved immediately started talking about, well, we got to get to a final design. the final design. Um cost is determined a couple different things, but one just the ensuring that the scale of your footprint works and then making sure that you have a diversity of options for different levels of skaters.

And I think what the um for example, the bowl is more of an advanced feature and and the far end is is is not. And so even on the far end to the left, you know, you've got the left half and and the the the right half and that enables you to have conflicting skill levels in the same part of the park. So when you look at your your concept, it's very difficult to scale it down, which is why we we have asked for and are proponents uh of the recommendation to go ahead and and this is one that you don't want to phase. You want to build the whole thing at one time, which is why we've had that position and continue to carry that recommendation. And budget wise, what did we do?

This is in this was the number that we we had proposed in the capital plan. Okay. and and certainly uh we're we the draft budget we presented last week had had our half of that funded. I'm really excited because we're not going to have one but two slappy curbs. I don't know what those are, but they sound fun. I tell you what, I'll watch. Well, it's just amazing that in 2026 we talk about a skateboard. You know that it's gone way up there and down. What do you mean? I have a question.

I have a question. Um silly question. Is this where the uh basketball court is?

Yes, we're going to lose one basketball court with the location of this. That was something we kind of tried to move it around and save um save it, but we're going to lose one. Um we we'll we're going to be able to preserve the second court. Um, and then we, you know, when you look at the master plan of that whole area, if you know, if the aquatics ever enters into this, we're going to have to move the other one. In that time, I think would be a good point to build new basketball courts. Um, which is something that was probably going to need to happen in the next 5 to 10 years anyway. Um, we're we're also going to have to relocate the sand volleyball court due to the if if the county moves forward with the pickle ball courts, which we'll find that out about that tomorrow. Uh, they open bids on that today. So, I think they'll we'll be discussing that tomorrow. Uh, so yeah, there going to be a lot of changes going on in this area. So, I think that's something that we kind of need to we're we're going to be playing a little bit of musical chairs with all of our different activities out there to make sure everybody ends up with a home as we go, you know, as we kind of proceed.

Yeah, because the basketball courts are always busy. Always busy. Yes. Very busy. Yep. That's important. Okay. Losing the standalone court.

Well, there's there's two courts. Uh, we're losing the one to the left. We're going to be able to keep the pavilion. There's a little small pavilion behind that court. We'll be able to keep the pavilion, but we're going to lose the the court to the left and we'll keep the court to the right. We we're going to try to move some of the goals because the the court that we're losing has the better backboards and rims. We're going to try to move some of those um and reuse them at the second court. Something Tommy and I have been discussing. So, and we've been discussing what to do with the old equipment at the old skate park. We think we can kind of try to reuse that. reuse a lot of that somewhere. It's not not in great shape, but a little bit of refurbishment. We think we can reuse that somewhere. So, that's something else we've been discussing is is how to reuse that equipment. So,

other questions or comments? And we can always like make sure the Michael Smith basketball courts are like up to par maybe. Yeah, we we in the the capital bud capital request had had some money in there to to kind of work to kind of finish out Michael Smith. I think it it kind of got pushed back a year or so, but I that was one of the things we wanted to do there was do a big improvement to those courts as well. Maybe relocate those because I don't know if that location is the best place for them either with the way things are set up right now. So, um yeah, I think that's something we need to look at in the future. You know, we've got we've got,

you know, the courts that Michael Smith need upgraded. We need to do probably something at Jackson Park with the old tennis courts that we transformed into footsole and then into pickle ball and now they're kind of getting pretty the surface is pretty run down. We need to redo that. So, we've got two or three locations we could probably make some improvements to basketball um along with some other other sport court activities. Thanks. All right, let's create that motion and all in favor of 26 4427 state park final design. Say I I I carries. Did we have a motion?

I didn't think we did either. Okay. I didn't recall that. Yeah. Well, so is there a motion then? I'll make a motion for resolution 202642704. Thank you, ma'am. Is there a second? I second it. Thank you, ma'am. Ma'am, any questions or comments? All those in favor say I. I. I. Those opposed. Motion carries. That's better. All right. A motion to adjourn. What are we talking? I'm sorry.

I was I was talking to Sorry. We were getting our ducks in a row. Mayor Mr. Yeah, we do have a quick uh executive session for personnel. I move we go into executive session uh to discuss personnel matter pursuant to KRS 61 8101F. Thank you, sir. Second. Thank you, ma'am. All those in favor say I. I. I.

a second. Second. Thank you, ma'am. All those in favor say I. I. All right, we're back in regular session. Mr. City Manager, staff is recommending the hiring of Sarah Ellis to the position of telecommunications officer. So moved. Second. All right. Any questions? Sarah. All those in favor say I. I. I. Congratulations to Sarah. And tell us she's not allowed to go on a two week vacation after we hire. Chair will entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Is there a second? Second.

Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, sir. All those in favor say I. I. I.