City Council - Regular Meeting

same year. September 15 marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Chile, celebrating their independence on September 16 and September 18.

And played a vital role in our nation's prosperity.

Their contribution strengthens our economy, culture, and communities

reflecting the best of American values, and whereas we honor the many ways the Spaniards affect our nation and reaffirms the commitment to opportunity, unity, and the American dream for generations to come. Now, therefore, we, James Knight Jr., Mayor of the City of Hawkinsville, and Jerry Gilliam, Judge Executive of Christian County, do hereby proclaim December 15th through October 15th of Hispanic Americans who have enriched our history and continue to shape our future. Signed and sealed on the 15th day of September

like to call this city council meeting to order for september the 15th and we call on ward six yes sir let us pray heavenly father thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of hopkinsville we ask for your wisdom and guidance as we make decisions that affect our community help us to listen with open minds speak with respect work together even when we disagree give us the courage to do what is right and the wisdom to always put the needs of our community first we pray for our city our families, our first responders, our city employees, and everyone who works hard to make Hopkinsville a better place to live. Bless this meeting and guide our decisions tonight. It's in your name we pray. Amen.

Amen. If you can stand, please stand for the pledge. Call on the clerk to call the roll, please.

Council Member Smith.

Present.

Council Member Stallins. Present. Council Member Marsh. Council Member Crabtree. Council Member Hughes. Here. Council Member Martin.

Here.

Council Member Sumner. Here. Council Member Meek. Council Member Bogard. Council Member Velez. Here. Council Member Bell.

Here.

Council Member Droud. Here. We have a quorum.

All righty. Thank you. Item five, awards and recognitions. I'd like to call Diane Turner to the podium, please.

I'm going to stand over here to the side. Thank you all tonight for coming. Tonight we're going to do the 2026 Mayor's Community Awards presentation, and we have five awards to give away tonight for volunteer, city of Hopkinsville employee, nonprofit, small business, and educator. Mayor, thank you for coming up. Each year, these honorees were nominated by their members of the community or their peers in recognition of their service, dedication, and positive impact on Hopkinsville. We are proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate the differences that each of these make to our community. The first award is for volunteer, and this goes to Ms. Holly Bivens. Holly was recommended for this award for all of the work she has put into helping bring the Rotary Park Playtopia Playground to life. Thank you for your dedication to this project and all your efforts to improve our community, Holly. If you want to come on up. Next, we have the Mayor's Community Award for City of Hawkinsville Employee. This goes to Mr. Corey Smith. At the Hawkinsville Police Department, he willingly takes on roles and responsibilities that others may shy away from, always putting the needs of the department and his coworkers first. He is a volunteer not only at work, but in our community, giving of his time and money to worthy causes. Thank you, Corey, if you'll please come up. Our next award goes to the nonprofit organization that has impacted our community for over 60 years. The Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission has worked to strengthen our community by promoting unity, understanding, fairness, and equal opportunity to all. Thank you, Rachel, for leading this outstanding organization into your board. Our next award goes to a small business who received over 42 nominations this year. This group works hard to support events and organizations in our community, oftentimes donating their time and services to help families and individuals meet their needs and overcome challenges. This year's Mayor's Community Award goes to Blown Away Photo Booth. Thank you for all that you do for our community. And our last award goes to a friend of education. Described as having a positive attitude, genuine enthusiasm, and a passion for supporting education, Mrs. Beverly Ford is a district teacher recruiter for Christian County Public Schools. Her commitment goes beyond recruitment, and she's helped bring forward the idea for the Teacher Corner, a resource for our teachers. Beverly, thank you for your commitment to the staff and students of Christian County. Congratulations to all of our winners tonight. Thank you for continuing to support Hopkinsville and making our hometown the best place to live, work, and play. Thank you.

Thank you all so very much for letting us do that tonight. Thank you. Now we'll move into item six, public comments. If anyone would like to come and speak at the podium, just state your name, and let's hear what you have to say this evening. You have five minutes.

My name is Rose Jackson. Good evening, Mayor, city council members, and members of the community. I'm here tonight to speak in support of Major Mike Atkins becoming the next police chief of the city of Hopkinsville. Congratulations to Chief Newby, who's going on to bigger and better things to prosper. I want to be very clear. I don't believe Mike should simply be considered for this position. I believe he has earned the opportunity to lead this department. The city has told us what it expects from its police chief, which I had to pull the qualifications and everything and i had to get with a couple of people because some of this stuff i'll be honest i didn't know what some of this stuff meant and i wanted to make sure that his qualifications matched what this description says and it does over and beyond mike adkins has already demonstrated these things for more than 17 years with this with the hopkinsville police department mike has served in patrol narcotic special operations, SWAT investigations, administration, also community advocacy. He has been a police training officer, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, public information officer, administrative captain, assistant SWAT commander, and now he is major. He didn't arrive at the top overnight. He worked his way through each department. He learned it, he served it, he helped lead it. And before ever putting on an HPD uniform, Mike gave 20 years of active duty service to the United States Army, including two tours in Iraq and a tour in Saudi Arabia. So when we talk about leadership, discipline, command, decision making under pressure and service, we are talking about what Mike is already doing, not what he might be capable of doing, not what he might be able to do in the future. He's already doing that. His record shows what he has already done. The city says its chief must understand Hopkinsville and respond to the needs of this community. After more than 17 years of protecting this city, Mike doesn't need someone to introduce him to Hopkinsville. Everybody knows who he is from every walk of life, regardless of what side of town you come from, not even just city, but county as well. He knows our streets. He knows this department. He knows his officers. He knows our families and our community knows him. His service has extended beyond enforcement through youth safety education, community outreach, crime stoppers, shop with a cop, and supporting veterans transitioning back into civilian life and more. Even off-duty service doesn't stop for Mike. In 2022, he received the HPD Life Saving Award after administering CPR while off-duty. How many people we know gonna do that? Let's just be honest. So I respectfully ask this council and our city leadership If a man can give 20 years to his country, more than 17 years to this police force, not any other police force, Hopkinsville's police force, rise through its ranks, command and supervise officers, train officers, work across multiple divisions, represent the department publicly, serve this community and meet the qualifications the city itself says it's looking for. What more are we waiting for? I stand before you tonight asking you all to appoint Mike Atkins as the chief of police. I also want to put on notice that it's heartbreaking for us to be here tonight, not because Chief Newby is leaving, but because a decision needs to be made. And there are several council members not here to voice their concerns, to voice whatever it is that they're doing. That speaks volumes. From Ward 11, Jason Bell, thank you for not copping out, for being willing to sit in the seat when it's uncomfortable, when it's comfortable, when you don't want to be here. These decisions don't just affect a small portion. This is the city of Hopkinsville, and I understand that emergencies happen, but when something as big as this tonight is going down, every city council member should have been here tonight.

Good evening, Mayor, Council. I'm sure most of Hopkinsville has learned that Chief Jason Nealby has resigned and will be leaving effective October 11th. And the main focus tonight is how we move forward and continue keeping our city safe and positive policing intact. I'm here with other concerned citizens to ask that the council strongly without hesitation consider Major Mike Adkins as interim chief for the Hopkinsville Police Department. The agenda includes a closed session to discuss personnel matters. When you return from closed session, I respectfully urge one council member to make a motion. to appoint an interim police chief and allow the council to vote on this appointment tonight. Major Mike Adkins is highly qualified for this position. We all know that. For almost 20 years, Mike has poured his heart and soul into serving our community and the Hopkinsville Police Department. His experience, dedication, knowledge of the department, and commitment to the citizens makes him the strongest, and I'm gonna go so far as makes him the only right choice to provide the stability and leadership we need during this transition. When Mike was recently appointed to the rank of major, this council, sitting right here, this council did not hesitate in recognizing his qualifications and entrusting him with greater responsibility within the department. Major Atkins has demonstrated his capability and leadership, his experience, as well as his exemplary work ethic makes him qualified, qualified to serve as Infant Chief. Because our police department plays such a critical role in the safety and security of our community, it is imperative that you not allow any uncertainty or instability to develop within this agency. Now, let me be clear. I'm not suggesting that Chief Newby will not continue to fulfill his responsibility or quality leadership for his remaining time with the department. But we all know that when a leader announces a resignation or retirement, there will naturally have to be a transition period. The residents of Hopkinsville deserve to have someone at the helm of our police department so that during this transition, our quality of service will be continued. So this is not the time for ifs, ands, buts, or maybes. I ask respectfully that you make the right decision for the department, for its officers, and most importantly, for us as citizens. Your decision tonight could, would, and should be to appoint Mike Adkins as interim police chief of Hopkinsville Police Department. Now is the time to make the right decision, to do the right thing. Thank you.

The floor is still open.

I haven't been up here in a while. My name is Linda Wood. I reside at 2546 Cox Mill Road. I've worked for this community close to 30 years, eight years elected as a city council person and 20 with community development services as the inner city res neighborhood coordinator. Now it's called the legacy program. I want to thank CDS for all they've done for this city. Every positive or progressive thing that has been completed CDS and its people have helped to make happen. That is why I'm so confused about CDS's total dismantling in the last four years and complete annihilation in the last few months. I have real concerns about programs being moved to the city. An example of that is when the city took over Kentucky Housing Corporation's demo rebuild excuse me, program. People whose homes were unrepairable could take part in the demo rebuild program through KHC community development services and inner city residential enterprise zone. They had to be qualified and they had to meet certain qualifications as in their income. CDS and inner city res partnered with KFC and saved funding till they continue the desperate help people needed. When the city took over the program, they ended it and sent what was left to pave a parking lot. When a person calls to find out about the program now, they're told it's over. That is why I have grave fears for the rest of the programs, especially Legacy. I should have seen the writing on the wall when Legacy was funded $0 last year. That program has done nothing but positive outcomes and received many awards for helping neighborhoods continue to help the least of us. I believe the program was moved to the city to end it. The untruths that have been told in this process are too numerous to count. People who worked in CVS were told that they would all have jobs in the new system. Four or five jobs were advertised together for one person. There are many people who work their butts off who will no longer be employed. Also, a concern for downtown revitalization people who have invested heavily in downtown with the help of Holly Boggess have improved our city's core immeasurably. A couple of years ago, I was talking to a council person who is probably coming back as a member of city council. And that person told me that they didn't give a flip about downtown businesses. That is disheartening, but so is all that has been done to destroy community development services and the people who have spent their careers improving our city and the lives of people who reside here. There is so much more to say, but I'm sure my five minutes is close to being up. The last thing I'd like to do is give council members some advice from someone who was elected to serve for eight years. Do your homework. Don't let people convince you or roll over you. Your vote counts as much as anyone else's, but it means nothing if you believe everything you are told.

Good evening. My name is Patsy Morgan Moore, 205 Casey Avenue. I have two questions to ask. When you moved Fred Atkins Park to 2nd Street, you left some lions down on Main Street. As president of the Addicts High School graduating class of 1964, we donated those lions for Fred. He was a member of our class. I noticed Monday the lions are gone, so where are they now? Who has them, and why can't they be sent to the Second Street Park in his honor. So thank you.

I will check into that for you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Well, we're still open.

Good evening. I think most of you know me. I'm retired Judge Lynch. And I'm here to address the upcoming situation has to do with our police chief. And let me tell you, as a prosecutor and a judge, I've been through a lot of police chiefs. I've been through a lot of them. When Clayton Sumner started, I met him. When Jason Newby started, I met him. I know the characteristics it takes to be a police chief. I saw them both mature to the point that they were capable of doing the job. It's not an easy job. It is not an easy job. And it's certainly not a political favor for a job. Every police chief that I've had a conversation with, I have two questions for them. The first question I ask them is, what are your numbers? Now, for some of you all, you don't know what that means, but they know what it means. That means you're allotted a number of people to hire, and how many do you have on board? So if you're allotted 65 or 70, and you're running at 58 or 59, that says a lot about your department. It says a lot about your department and your abilities. The second question I always ask them is, How is the morale? Because when the morale in the police department is good, your numbers are good. I commend Jason Newby. Their numbers are good. And from what I'm told, their morale is good. And I stand here before you to say that I know Mike Adkins, and he is capable of keeping up the morale and the numbers for the city of Hopkinsville. And that is so important. That is so important because that's what makes a police department be the best it can be. So I encourage you and I implore you when you look into this decision, I can't get into his qualifications because once I talked to him, they had already been hired. But I believe he's extremely qualified. And if he is so, then I encourage you to seriously consider offering him and electing him the job of interim, and I know it's going to be interim, chief at this time. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Rosetta Jackson. I reside at 1013 Central Avenue. I come in support of Mike Atkins becoming the interim police chief. I don't have anything written down. I'm just asking for each one of the council people who are here today. First, I want to say thank you for actually being here. It is a difficult decision that you guys are going to have to walk through. Jason Newby. Congratulations and good luck on the future. I'm asking for each and every one of the city council people here to set aside your selfish, you know, set aside your views, set aside your political affiliations and think about what is best for the city of Hopkinsville, not any political kickbacks or selfish, you know, selfish gains that you could get. Think about the city of Hopkinsville as a whole. What is the best for the city of Hopkinsville? Not what's best for you and not thinking of the city as a whole. I'm just asking that you think of the city of Hopkinsville as a whole, the city's watching.

Good evening. Wendell Lynch, 3642 Steeplechase Lane, Hopkinsville. It's my pleasure to stand before you this evening to support the mayor's recommendation, Major Atkins. I have to tell you, you really have a unique opportunity. I'll try not to be redundant with some of the things that have been spoken already, but it's a rare and unique opportunity that you can promote from within. We had that opportunity when Chief Stubner opportunity came along and it was a great time to look inside. It encourages those who are inside to let them know that there's opportunity. It creates a ripple effect because when one position becomes a higher position, then all those below it begin to have to be filled also. And it creates excitement among those in the department to let them know that they won't necessarily pass over by looking outside of the organization. So this is a unique opportunity. I know Major Atkins. Incidentally, he was only a PIO when I was mayor, so he had a whole lot of growth to do. But he has done that, and he has earned it.

The floor is still open.

I cut it off. OK, thank you. Thank you. And what I want to talk about are defining moments. We have defining moments in our life, whether as individuals or collectively. I've heard Mr. Turner talk about us being historically sometimes on the wrong side. of defining moments in our lives, whether that's West Kentucky University or Western State Hospital, things of that nature, how hospitable we were toward Fort Campbell for our growth. So now we have an opportunity to hire the first black police chief in a community with the highest percentage of all minorities in the state of Kentucky. We have an opportunity to define that moment. So when you go into closed session, I'm going to ask you to choose growth over comfort. It may not be some of your constituents agree with you, but it's a defining moment for our community to make this higher. I think it's best for our community. It may not be as big as President Obama in 2008, but it's big for our community as we move forward. Thank you.

Floor is still open. Seeing no one else, we will move into item seven, mayor's comments. Summer salute was a huge success. Toby, thank you for all your hard work to the jail, to everyone that pitched in from finance, all across public works. Thank you. Thank you all. You made summer salute without a doubt one of the best ones yet. Thank you. Our 9-11 tribute at the VFW, the Hockensfield Fire Department, the stair climb, our first responders mass we had at St. Peter and Paul. Thank you all for being at that, being there for our veterans, for our 9-11 remembrance because when people were running away, our first responders were running in. And we got to remember them every day for what they do for us. Every day. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO THINK ABOUT JEFFERSON BEN, NATURE FEST ON SATURDAY. I WANT EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THAT AT 1 O'CLOCK. AND WE HAVE THE OUT OF THE DARKNESS SUICIDE PREVENTION WALK AT THE STADIUM OF CHAMPIONS AT 9 O'CLOCK. IF YOU WOULD ALL PLEASE COME OUT TO THAT. NOW WE WILL MOVE INTO ITEM 8, REPORT FROM OFFICERS, COMMITTEES AND GUEST SPEAKERS AND IT WILL BE MELISSA CLAYTON, MONTHLY FINANCIALS. THANK YOU.

Good evening. It is my pleasure to bring to you guys the monthly financial report for the month of August. With the Interfund transfers, we had two Interfund transfers in the month of August, one to Bud Hudson Youth Football as a sponsorship and one to Boy Scouts of America. Total Interfund transfers for the year, 4,275, leaving the remaining balance in the Interfund of $20,725. Our payroll tax revenue came in strong again for the second month this year. Collections so far year-to-date $4,117,164, showing an increase in equivalent payroll of 9.9%. Our insurance premium tax also came in strong again this month. Collection so far this year, 2,279,816, giving us increase in our equivalent premiums of 18.7 percent. And our business licenses are coming in the same as they did last year. So, not really an increase or decrease to show there. So two months ended August 31st. We started the year with $722,000 in encumbrances. We've collected so far year-to-date $8,905,918. We have spent $9,833,796. So we have more expenses than we have revenue for the year at $204,971. When we compare that to our fund balance last year, to our fund balance this year, our third pay last year was in August. So it's very similar. We're running right about the same as we were last year. Our municipal road aid, we started the year with $88 in encumbrances. We've collected $67,450. We've spent 220,753. So we have more expenses than we have revenue in our MRA fund as well. And our capital fund, prior year encumbrances of $52,503. We've collected $6,450 in capital and we have spent $325,248. We will make our first quarterly transfer to the capital fund in the month of September, but we have more expenses in capital than we have revenue. As far as our departments go, in the admin department, we're at 16%. Through two months, we should be at 16.67%. The tax department's at 30%. Information technology's at 25. Legislative is at 36. And our building code department is at 1%. In our public safety sector, the police department is at 19.2, ECC was at 15.9, the fire department at 19.4, EMS at 17.4, and fire prevention at 15%. In our public works department area, public works admins at 15.3, city maintenance is at 17.6, Fort Campbell contracts is at 14.1, the service center is at 19%, parks and rec was at 24, the sportsplex is at 12.3, and then our aquatic center is at 4.3%. Overall in the general fund, we have spent 18.2% of our budget through two months. Municipal road aid has spent 16.7 and capital is at 10% through two months. So we'll talk a minute about our cash fund balance. We started the year with 19,339,430 in the bank, plus our year-to-date receipts, minus our year-to-date expenses. It gives us our cash fund balance, August 31st of 18,411,552, minus our encumbrances. Our available cash is $18,076,309 on August 31st. When we subtract out our two reserve accounts, we get our unassigned cash fund balance at 16,629,012 and that is at 37.6% of our adjusted operating budget for the year. And there is our comparison between last year and this year. And our graph for the year, where we are, and that was in your packet too. And then our last slide is on our investment. Our cash balance in our investment was 1,253,511 on August 31st, and we have an unrealized gain of 167,602. I would be happy to answer any questions you guys might have about August financials. We are not. We're not? We did for the month of August, yes, compared to last year, if you're comparing it to last year.

What was the total last year where we were sitting at unassigned cash versus now for the total year up to this point? Is this just August or is this through August?

This is two months through August.

Starting off stronger than last year is what...

We are very similar through two months to where we were last year. But if you're only looking at the cash fund balance, the last couple of slides, or what are you looking at?

Yes, ma'am, that's what I was looking at.

inquiring about we were worried last year early on that with our changes we made the net profit and everything we don't want to deplete that too much but it's not seeming to go down we're holding pretty strong if not starting to go back up so that took effect with the people who whose calendar year ended June 30th so we won't see those tax returns come in until October yeah it's all about the due date and when their calendar year when their fiscal year ends

Thank you.

Any more questions for Ms. Clayton? All right. Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

All right. Item 9, approval of amendments to September 1, 2026, regular meeting. Motion. Second. Motion and second. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, likewise. Okay, thank you. Now we get into the reading part. Ordinances. Ordinance 25-2026, amended Chapter 23, Garbage, Trash, and Weeds. Mr. Martin.

Yes, sir. I have an amendment to this ordinance. My motion is to remove Section 93.04, Item D of this ordinance.

For clarification, your motion is to remove the proposed added language to that section. Yes, sir. Thank you. The added language in there on item D. Yes. Any motion? I got a second from Ms. Hughes. Any discussion? All those in favor? I have the clerk call the roll, please.

Council Member Velez?

Yes.

Councilmember Bell?

Yes.

Councilmember Droud? Yes. Councilmember Smith?

Yes.

Councilmember Stallins? Yes. Councilmember Hughes? Yes. Councilmember Martin?

Yes.

Councilmember Sumner?

Yes.

That motion to amend passes.

All righty. Now we will read the ordinance as amended.

An ordinance amending certain sections of Chapter 93 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances relating to garbage, green waste, and weeds. Summary, now they are for be ordained by the City Council of the City of Hopkinsville, Kentucky as follows. Section 1, a summary section 93.01 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows. 93.01 definitions, green waste. The definition of green waste has been added in the same definition as trash, which is being deleted. Temporary collection, this definition has been expanded to include all waste and not just building materials. Temporary collection service permit, this definition has been amended to require a permit for each container at each location. Trash, the term trash has been eliminated and its definition included as green waste. Waste, this definition has been added to include all of the materials handled by Hopkinsville Solid Waste Enterprise. Section two, by summary section 93.02 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows. 93.02 garbage commercial refuse industrial waste and green waste collection the above definition amendments are incorporated into this section industrial waste is added in sections relating to commercial collection and disposal section a 1a a fee for additional residential containers will be changed from discretionary to mandatory section b1 collection by private individuals and entities will be permitted only with a temporary collection service permit Section B2B and C, time for residential containers to be ready for collection, is changed from 7 o'clock a.m. to 5 o'clock a.m. Section C2, other than during leaf collection service, loose materials such as grass clippings shall be required to be bagged in compostable bags. Section C3, the exception for limbs is eliminated from the residential knuckle boom service. Section C4, the fall leaf collection date shall be posted on the Enterprise website. Knuckle boom collection service will be suspended during leaf collection and only residential container collection service provided. Section D3, this provision has been added to provide that the transfer station will be open to the public during regular business hours for individuals and entities to unload garbage. Section E, Section E has been amended to read as E, rate schedule, one collection service utilization and payment. Each resident's apartment building, office building, commercial establishment, industrial location, or other garbage, industrial waste, or commercial refuse generating site within the city's corporate limit shall be provided with garbage, industrial waste, and commercial refuse collection service and charged a fee consistent with the below rate schedule. The fees established for garbage, industrial waste, and commercial refuse collection are to be based primarily on volume and frequency of collection. The fees shall be set forth in the below rate schedule. However, the department is authorized to levy additional regular charges for special collection problems relating to weight, classification, distance, manpower requirements, or other unusual or extraordinary circumstances caused by the customer. see billing for garbage collection shall be done on a monthly basis and may be included on other billings sent out by city agencies two rates garbage collection rates are established to be charged as follows a garbage and green waste collection rates minimum classification apartments monthly rate 25 each residence is utilizing 96 gallon container 25 for first container and 18 for each additional container container delivery fee 15 per container delivered to residential customers Green waste will be collected from residential properties within the city at no additional charge provided the customer is in good standing with the enterprise. B, commercial refuse. One commercial cart, 96 gallon. Number of pickups per month, four. Number of containers per customer, $125, 250, 375, 4100, 5125, 6150. 850, 2100, 3150, 4200, 5250, 6300, 12, 175, 2150, 3225, 4300, 5375, 6450. 16, 1, 100, 2, 200, 3, 300, 4, 400, 5, 500, 6, 600, 20, 1, 125, 2, 250, 3, 375, 4, 500, 5, 625, 6, 750. 24, 1, 150, 2, 300, 3, 450, 4, 600, 5, 750, 6, 900. In addition to the above, a delivery fee of 15 per container shall be applied to all containers delivered to customers. to two cubic yard container, number of pickups per month, number of containers per customer for 1-43-13, 2-86-26, 3-128-77, 4-172-52, 5-215-65, 6-258-78. 8626, 17252, 25878, 34505, 43131, 51757, 12, 12877, 31330, 38631, 51509, 64386, 77263. 16, 172.52, 345.05, 517.47, 690.18, 862.62, 1035.15, 20, 215.65, 431.31, 646.96, 862.62, 1078.28, 10293.93. 24, 258.78, 517.57, 776.36, 1,035.15, 1,293.93, 1,552.72. Three, four cubic yard container. Number of pickups per month. For number of containers per customer, 1-8627-2172-54, 3-258-82, 4-345-09, 5-431-36, 6-517-64, 8-172-54, 3-45-06, 5-17-64, 6-90-18, 8-62-73, 1,035-28. 12-258-49, 516-98, 775-48, 1,033-97, 1,292-46, 1,550-96. 16, 345.09, 390.18, 1,035.28, 1,380.37, 1,725.47, 2,070.56, 20, 430.136, 862.73, 1,290.410, 1,725.47, 2,156.83, 2,588.20. 24, 51764, 103528, 1055292, 207056, 258820, 310584. Four, six cubic yard container. Number of pickups per month for number of containers per customer. One, 12940, two, 25883, 38821, four, 51761, five, 64702, 677642. 8, 258.80, 517.61, 776.42, 1,035.23, 1,294.04, 1,552.85, 12,388.21, 776.42, 1,164.64, 1,552.85, 1,940.107, 2,329.28, 16, 517.61, 1,035.23, 1,552.85, 2070-47, 2005-88-09, 3000-105-71, 20-640-702, 1002-9404, 1000-9401-07, 2000-588-09, 3000-235-12, 3000-882-14, 24-796-42, 1000-552-80, 2000-329-28, 3000-105-71, three thousand eight eighty two fourteen four thousand six fifty eight fifty seven five eight cubic yard container number of pickups per month for number of containers per customer one one seventy two fifty four two three forty five oh nine three five seventeen sixty four eight three forty five oh nine six ninety eighteen nine seventy five twelve five seventeen sixty four one thousand thirty five twenty eight one thousand five hundred 16, 690, 18, 1,350, 2,070, 56, 28, 62, 73, 1,007, 25, 47, 2,005, 88, 20. Six knuckle boom collection rates. Truckload, one-fourth truckload minimum fee, rate 75, half truckload, 150. Three-fourths truck load, 225. Full truck load, 275. Commercial business, any active commercial account with large items exceeding container space may be charged the following knuckle boom service fee. Knuckle boom fee, 75. See roll-off containers and compactors. One, all roll-off containers and open-top containers will be charged 195 per haul plus tonnage charges. Each roll-off and open-top container will be charged $3 per day rental fee. All compactors will be charged 215 per haul plus tonnage charges. D waste disposal fees, one for all waste disposed of in the landfill, a flat rate of 50 per ton effective October 1st, 2026, 55 per ton effective July 1st, 2027 and 60 per ton effective July 1st, 2028 with a $5 minimum charge. Two, for always disposed of at the transfer station, a flat rate of 55% effective October 1st, 2026, 60% effective July 1st, 2027, and 65% effective July 1st, 2028, plus a $5 minimum charge. Three, appliance disposal fee. A, appliances. such as but not limited to washers dryers freezers refrigerators stoves heating and air conditioning units hot water heaters and water coolers will be collected from residential properties within the city subject to a 15 fee to be collected appliances must be placed on the curb of the property in the same location as green waste or garbage containers and b appliances will be received during normal operating hours of the landfill subject to a 15 fee for mattresses and box springs disposal fees A, mattresses will be received during normal operating hours of the landfill subject to a $15 fee plus tonnage charges. B, box springs will be received during normal operating hours of the landfill subject only to tonnage charges. Five, tire disposal fee. A, whole tires less than 24-inch rim diameter will be received during normal operating hours of the landfill subject to a $35 fee plus tonnage charges. B, whole tires which are 24-inch rim diameter or greater do not require modification and will be received during normal operating hours of the landfill subject to tonnage charges. see tires less than 24 inch rim diameter which are quartered or have sidewalls removed will be received during normal operating hours at the landfill subject to tonnage charges six for all waste disposal fees at the landfill as here and above described in division e2d1 a monthly volume discount fee per customer is provided as follows tonnage zero through 100 tons per calendar month, 50 per ton effective October 1st, 2026, 55 per ton effective July 1st, 2027, and 60 per ton effective July 1st, 2028. 101 through 200 tons per month, 42.50 per ton effective October 1, 2026, 46.75 per ton effective July 1, 2027, and 51 per ton effective July 1, 2028. 201 through 300 tons per month, 36.25 per ton effective October 1, 2026, 39.88 per ton effective July 1, 2027, and 43.50 per ton effective July 1, 2028. 301 tons and all over per month, 3125 per ton effective October 1st, 2026, 3478 per ton effective July 1st, 2027, and 3750 per ton effective July 1st, 2028. Monthly waste disposal tonnage per calendar month and green waste tonnage per calendar month may be combined by the same customer to receive the volume discount fee as set forth herein. Three, the foregoing rates are based on average waste types, volumes, weight, and pickup frequency. The department is authorized under this section to vary from these minimum rates when and if volume, weight, type, and pickup frequency or other unusual factors deviate from the average service. For upon approval of the Hopkinsville Solid Waste Enterprise Board, the collection and or disposal fees, excluding environmental remediation fees, may be waived for government agencies, churches, and other nonprofit organizations. Section 3, Section 93.04, providing for the effective date, has been removed in its entirety. Section 4, by summary, Section 93.05 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows. 93.04, temporary collection service permits. Section 93.04 , the requirements to disclose ownership interests of a business entity in a temporary collection service permit application is deleted. Section 93.04 , this requirement for the disclosure of solid waste facilities or processing facilities in a temporary collection service permit application is deleted. Section 5 of this ordinance will take effect October 1st, 2026 after its passage and publication according to law. The full text of this ordinance is on file in the office of the undersigned city clerk of the city of Hopkinsville, 715 South Virginia Street, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where it is available for public inspection between the hours of 8 o'clock a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Motion and second. All right. Any discussion? Seeing none, clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Velez?

Yes.

Council Member Bell?

Yes.

Council Member Gerald? Yes. Council Member Smith?

Yes.

Council Member Stallins?

Yes.

Council Member Hughes? Yes. Council Member Martin?

Yes.

Council Member Sumner? Yes. That passes as amended on first reading.

Item B, Ordinance 26-2026, Midblock Crosswalk, South O'Neill Avenue, second reading.

an ordinance establishing a mid-block crosswalk on South O'Neill Avenue, whereas the Public Works Department recommended establishing a mid-block crosswalk on South O'Neill Avenue, and whereas on August 20th, 2026, the Committee of the Whole forwarded an ordinance to City Council authorizing such establishment. Now, therefore, be ordained by the city council of the city of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, as follows. Section one pursuant to Karis one eighty nine point three three seven and section seventy point three of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances. Hopkinsville City Council hereby authorizes the installation of a mid block crosswalk on South O'Neill Avenue north of West Seventh Street, as further described on exhibit a attached here to an incorporated here in. Subject to field verification, the design should include high visibility markings, appropriate warning signs, and ADA compliant access improvements as needed. Final placement and design shall comply with applicable MUTCD and ADA requirements. Section 2 of any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid. Such infirmity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 3, all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 4 of this ordinance shall take effect after its passage and publication according to law and upon posting of the appropriate signage by the Public Works Department.

Second. Any discussion? Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilmember Velez?

Yes.

Council Member Bell.

Yes.

Council Member Droud. Yes. Council Member Smith.

Yes.

Council Member Stallins.

Yes.

Council Member Hughes.

Yes.

Council Member Martin.

Yes.

Council Member Sumner. That passes on second reading.

Okay. Do you agree? Okay. Okay. Ordinance 27-2026, Amendment 51.999, Water Shortage and Conservation Measurement Penalties. Second reading.

An ordinance amending a certain section of Chapter 51 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances relating to penalties and administrative fees now therefore be ordained by the City Council of the City of Hopkinsville, Kentucky as follows. Section 1, Section 51.999 of Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows. 51.999, penalties and administrative fees. A, any person who violates any provision of 51.002 through 51.006 of this chapter or any regulation adopted here under or any provision of the state's plumbing code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not less than $10, no more than 100, or imprisoned for not more than 90 days or both for each offense. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. B, any person, firm, or corporation who violates 51.075 through 51.080 and shall continue any violation beyond the time limit provided for in 51.080 shall be deemed guilty of a punishable violation and upon conviction thereof be found in the amount not exceeding $100 per day a violation for each violation. C, any consumer may be charged with violation 51.085 through 51.092 and prosecuted in the court of appropriate jurisdiction. Any person so charged and found guilty in the court of violating the provisions of 51.085 through 51.092 shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Each day's violation shall constitute a separate offense. The penalty for an initial violation shall be a mandatory fine of 100, which may not be adjusted by the court. In addition, the consumer may be required by the court to serve a definite term of confinement, which shall be fixed by the court and which shall not exceed 30 days. The penalty for a second violation shall be a mandatory fine of 200, which may not be adjusted by the court. In addition, each consumer... shall serve a definite term of confinement which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 30 days. Penalties for additional violations shall be the same as for the second violation. D, unauthorized use of water, meter tampering, hydrant use, and theft of service. No person shall obtain, use, divert, reconnect, or take water service from the water system without an authorization from the Sewerage and Water Works Commission. Unauthorized use violations shall include but are not limited to meter box interference, meter seal or lock disturbance, Unauthorized access, meter tampering, meter bypass, unauthorized reconnection, unauthorized connection, unauthorized hydrant use, intentional theft of service or any conduct that creates a risk to the water system, meter infrastructure, public health or system integrity. Either Seerage and Water Works Commission or its authorized representative shall have the discretion to classify the violation based on the facts and circumstances of the incident. including the nature of conduct, whether the conduct appears accidental or intentional, whether the conduct resulted in unmetered water use, whether damage occurred, and whether the conduct created a risk to the water system, meter infrastructure, public health, or system integrity. If in addition to all other charges, costs, or remedies available by law, the following administrative fees shall apply. Violation category, minor meter box interference unauthorized access first offense fee 100, minor meter box interference unauthorized access second offense 250, minor meter box interference unauthorized access third offense or subsequent 500, intentional theft of service system risk conduct 2500, unauthorized hydrant use 1000. G, for purposes of determining whether an offense is the first, second, third, or subsequent offense, prior violations shall be counted within 36-month period. H, the fees established in this section are in addition to and do not replace any applicable water or sewer usage charges, estimated usage charges, service charges, reconnect charges, labor costs, equipment costs, material costs, testing or inspection costs, repair or placement costs, damages or other costs incurred by the Sewerage or Water Works Commission as a result of the unauthorized use, tampering, theft, damage or related conduct. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Sewerage and Water Works Commission, the City of Hopkinsville, or any other appropriate authority to pursue any civil, criminal, or other remedy available under applicable law, including referral for prosecution when the facts support each referral. Section 2, if any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such information is not effective validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 3 ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 4 of this ordinance will take effect October 1st, 2026 after its passage and publication according to law.

Motion is second. All right. Any discussion? No discussion. Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Velez?

Yes.

Council Member Bell? Yes. council member gerald yes council member smith yes council member stallins yes council member hughes yes council member martin yes council member sumner that passes on second reading all righty ordinance 28-2026 amended chapter 53 sewer and water service rates and user fees second reading An ordinance amending certain sections of Chapter 53 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances relating to sewer and water service rates and user fees. Summary now therefore be ordained by the City Council of the City of Hopkinsville, Kentucky as follows. Section 1, a summary of Section 53.18 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances is here amended as follows. 53.18, rates and charges. A, the following schedule of rates shall apply to each Hopkinsville Division user in the wastewater treatment works based on the volume of metered or estimated water consumption. Hopkinsville Division wastewater services monthly rate schedule. Rate category, flat rate per 100 cubic feet effective April 1st, 2027, 877, effective April 1st, 2028, 955, effective April 1st, 2029, 1040. Minimum bill, 300 cubic feet or less, 2629-2863-3118. Section two by summary, sections 53.35A and B of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances are hereby amended as follows. Water rates, 53.35 monthly water rates. The monthly rates and charges for water service furnished by the system are fixed and established on a monthly basis as follows. Hopkinsville division meter minimum rate meter minimum rate monthly minimum for 5 8th inch meter per 300 cubic feet effective date 10 1 26 14 34 effective 10 1 27 and 128 1732 month for 3 4th inch meter per 610 cubic feet 2909 3197 3514 monthly minimum for one inch meter per 860 cubic feet 40 99 45 05 49 51 month minimum for one and one half inch meter per 1,550 cubic feet, $73.90, $81.20, $89.25. Monthly minimum for two-inch meter per 2,580 cubic feet, $123, $135.18, $148.56. Monthly minimum for 3-inch meter per 5,430 cubic feet, 258.88, 284.51, 312.68. Monthly minimum for 4-inch meter per 8,550 cubic feet, 407.62, 447.94, 492.32. Monthly minimum for 6-inch meter for 28,600 cubic feet, 1,363.47, 1,498.46, 1,646.81. Monthly minimum for 8-inch meter per 187,000 cubic feet, 8,915, 9,797.59, 10,767.55. monthly minimum for 10-inch meter per 385,000 cubic feet, 18,405.50, 20,227.65, 22,230.18. B, water consumption rates for Hopkinsville Division water usage subject to the minimum monthly water rate specified above, the following meter charges shall be made for each 100 cubic feet of water consumption per month to customers of all size connections to the Hopkinsville Division. Hopkinsville Division Water Consumption Rates, number of cubic feet of water per month, flat rate per 100 cubic feet, effective 10-1-26, 14-34, effective 10-1-27, 15-76, effective 10-1-28, 17-32. Section three, by summary, section 53.36 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinance is amended to read as follows. 53.36 fire hydrant rentals private fire protection the rates or charges for fire protection afforded by private hydrants shall be based on the respective sizes of the connections of such private fire hydrants as follows size of fire hydrant connection two inch annual charge apart from metered rates july 1st 2017 ninety five fifty eight three inch ninety five fifty eight four inch two oh five eighty seven six inch five eighty eight nineteen eight inch one thousand two forty nine ninety one ten inch two thousand two forty two fifty twelve inch three thousand six thirty nine forty five section four if any section subsection sentence clause or phrase of this ordinance is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid such infirmity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance Section 5, all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 6, this ordinance shall take effect October 1st, 2026 after its passage and publication according to law.

Do we need a motion?

Second.

Motion and second. All right, any discussion? Question? Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Velez?

Yes.

Council Member Bell?

Yes.

Council Member Droud? Yes. Council Member Smith?

Yes.

Council Member Stallins?

Yes.

Council Member Hughes? Yes. Council Member Martin?

Yes.

Council Member Sumner? Yes. That passes on second reading.

Item E, ordinances 29-2026, 26 property tax rate, second reading.

An ordinance providing for and making the property tax levy for city purposes for fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026 and ending June 30th, 2027. Now therefore be ordained by the city council of the city of Hopkinsville, Kentucky as follows. Section one for city purposes for fiscal year, July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027. There is hereby made a tax levy of 20.2 cents on each $100 of taxable real property, 23.9 cents on each $100 of taxable personal property and 25.1 cents on each $100 of taxable motor vehicle and watercraft property. additionally a tax levy an ad valorem tax of one and one half cents on each one hundred dollars of the fair cash value of all unmanufactured tobacco subject to taxation within the city limits is imposed upon each establishment firm company or corporation handling and possessing the same except as otherwise exempt and as a in a tax levy an ad valorem tax of four and one half cents on each one hundred dollars of the fair cash value of all unmanufactured agricultural products Subject to taxation within the city limits is imposed upon each establishment, firm, company or corporation handling and processing the same except is otherwise exempt. All levies here and shall be deposited into the general funds for the general operation of city government. A discount of two percent shall be allowed on all taxes except motor vehicle and watercraft property taxes in the amount of one dollar or more. payable October 31st, 2026, and the total tax due shall be collected from November 1st, 2026 through November 30th, 2026. All taxes except motor vehicle and watercraft property taxes levied herewith, which remain unpaid on December 1st, 2026, shall begin to accrue, attach, and be added from said date, a flat penalty of 10% into the total amount of said taxes then due and payable. additionally tax bills not paid before december 1st 2026 have added to them interest rate at the rate of one half percent per month or fraction of a month until said taxes are paid the penalty and interest as provided herein shall be added to unpaid taxes and collected by the city should the tax hearing become delinquent the city administrator the chief financial officer and or the city attorney are authorized to file suit to collect all delinquent taxes plus court costs and expenses, including a reasonable attorney fee incurred by reason of such delinquency. Section 2, if any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such information will not affect validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 3, any and all existing ordinances inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 4, this ordinance shall take effect after its passage and publication according to law.

Second. A motion, seconded by Martin. Any discussion? No discussion. Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Velez.

Yes.

Council Member Bell.

Yes.

Council Member Gerald. Yes. Council Member Smith.

Yes.

Council Member Stallins. Yes. Council Member Hughes. Yes. Council Member Martin.

Yes.

Council Member Sumner. Yes. That passes on second reading.

All righty. We'll move into item 11, other. Any other business you'd like to discuss tonight?

All right. Mayor, the Lions, the lady mentioned, they're at Public Works. We'll get them mounted. Yes, okay.

Thank you. Appreciate that. Item 12, council member comments. No comments. All righty. We'll move into item 13, closed session, KRS-6100. 8-1-0-1-F. Need a motion? Got a second? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? All right. We are in closed session. Good evening. We're back in open session here at council. No action was taken in closed session. And we move to item 14, adjournment. Travis, do we have a motion to adjourn?

I don't have a closing comment, just a motion to adjourn.

Got a motion and a second. All those in favor?

Aye.

We are adjourned.