Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

For our city commission meeting, regular board meeting September the 1st. At this time, I'll ask the city clerk, Ms. Beth Davis, to please call the roll.

Commissioner Jeff Sanford. Here. Commissioner Sharon Neesmith. Here. Mayor Tom Watson.

Here.

Commissioner Curtis Maglinger.

Here.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Glenn.

Here. Thank you. Invocation and pledge. Please stand if you're able. Remove your caps for Commissioner Jeff Sanford. Thank you.

Please bow your head and pray with me. Gracious God, we gather this evening with grateful hearts for the privilege of serving our community. Grant us wisdom to listen well, courage to decide fairly, and unity of purpose as we work for the good of all who call this city home. Bless our neighbors, strengthen our leaders, and guide every word and every choice towards justice, compassion, and hope. May this meeting build a brighter future for every resident. In his name we pray, amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Jeff. First item on the agenda, presentation for National Suicide Prevention Month. City of Orangeboro Proclamation. Whereas the month of September is recognized nationally as a suicide prevention month, a time to share resources, foster understanding and hope, reduce stigma, normalize help-seeking, and support those who may be struggling. And whereas suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions of people every year of all ages, backgrounds, and communities, and leaving lasting impacts on families, friends, and loved ones, And whereas raising awareness of suicide prevention efforts is vital to encouraging open conversations about mental health, promoting hope, and ensuring that individuals in crisis know that they are not alone. And whereas every organization and citizen has a role to play in suicide prevention by learning the warning signs, supporting one another, and spreading the message that help is available and recovery is possible. Whereas the National Crisis Line 988 and other crisis hotlines provide immediate, life-saving support to those experiencing mental health emergencies. Now, therefore, I, Thomas Hartwatch, the Mayor of the City of Orangeboro, do hereby proclaim the month of September 26th as National Suicide Prevention Month in the City of Orangeboro and encourage all citizens to join in this observance by raising awareness, engaging in acts of kindness, learning about suicide prevention, and supporting those who may be struggling. This is signed on the first day of September, 2026. This is for you. And I'll let you expound on that at the microphone for $5.

Well, good afternoon, good evening. Mayor Washington and members of the City Commission, thank you for recognizing September as National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. I am honored to accept these proclamations on behalf of River Valley Behavioral Health and all the healthcare providers. the individuals and families we serve, our dedicated employees, and the many community partners who stand beside us in this work. These proclamations are more than ceremonial recognitions. They are public affirmations that recovery is possible, that suicide is preventable, and that every life has value. National Recovery Month celebrates the courage of people who are rebuilding their lives, and reminds us that recovery does not happen in isolation. It is strengthened by families, peers, professionals, employers, faith communities, and neighbors who choose to believe in someone's ability to heal and begin again. National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month called us to speak openly about mental health, recognize when someone may be struggling, listen without judgment, and connect people with help. Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply notice, ask, listen, and remain present. As a community, we must also be intentional in every action. We must abandon stigma and see the person rather than a diagnosis or circumstances. Lead with compassion and offer hope. We may not always know the private battles another person is facing, but we can choose not to make those battles more difficult. At the very least, let us never add to the pain of someone who is already struggling through careless words. harmful actions or indifference. Instead, let the words of our mouth and the actions we take be used for good, to build others up according to their needs. Preserve their dignity and remind them that they matter. Each of us can contribute to prevention and recovery. We do so when we replace judgment with understanding, isolation with connection, and despair with hope. We do so when we remind people that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage. So thank you Mayor Watson and the City Commission for your leadership. and for standing with people in recovery, those experiencing mental health challenges, those who have lost loved ones, and the families who continue to support them. Together we can build a community in which no one struggles alone, that every person is treated with dignity and hope is always within reach. Thank you.

Thank you. Don't go too far. of another proclamation, City of Orangeboro, whereas National Recovery Month is observed each September to celebrate the millions of people living in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges, recognize the families and the communities who support them, and promote the message that recovery is real. Whereas behavioral health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, and substance use disorders are treatable, health conditions from which people can and do recover. Whereas addiction and mental health challenges affect individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across every region, background, and political affiliation. And whereas public leaders, health care providers, recovery community organizations, employees, schools, faith communities, and residents all have a role in building communities where people can ask for help without shame. Now, therefore, I, Thomas H. Watson, Mayor of the City of Owensboro, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as National Recovery Month in Owensboro and call upon residents, organizations, businesses, health care providers, public agencies, and community leaders to celebrate recovery, reduce stigma, support people and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges, and work together to ensure that recovery is understood, accessible, and supported. Signed and sealed this first day of September, 2026. Let's all go down and take a picture. Let's all go down and take a picture.

Oh, thank you. How are you doing? We're going to get a picture.

One, two, three. Beautiful. Thank you. Thank you so much.

The next item on the agenda, uh, consider approval of minutes from day to day, August 18th, 2026. I'll make a motion to approve this. Could I have a second, please?

Second.

Thank you, Jeff. Any further discussion, deletions or additions? Hearing none all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. All opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. Item five B consider board appointments, appointment, civil service commission of Port Angela Whitehead to a three-year term. effective September the 1st, 2026. I'll make a motion to approve. Do we have a second? Second. Any further discussions, additions, or deletions? Hearing none, all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. All opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. Item number six is a second reading of an ordinance, and it will be a roll call vote.

ordinance 17 dash 2026 and ordinance amending the annual budget for the fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 and amending ordinance 10 dash 2026 to revise beginning fund balances, carry over appropriations for all outstanding and conferences, capital projects, and rebudget funds read for approval on second reading this first day of September, 2026.

Thank you. I'll make a motion to approve. Could I have a second, please? Second. City Manager.

Thank you, Mayor. We did discuss this in more detail at our last meeting. Just in summary, this is a second reading of our first budget amendment for our current fiscal year, which began on July 1st. This is a fairly standard budget amendment that we do early in each fiscal year. The amendment updates ending fund balances to actual numbers versus the projections that we did several months ago. It also re-approves various appropriations that expired on June 30th, but the purchase or product wasn't completed. So essentially, from that perspective, you're just re-approving things you've already approved, but that prior approval expired on June 30th.

Thank you. Any further discussion? Hearing none, we'll have roll call.

Commissioner Sanford?

Yes.

Commissioner Neesmith? Yes. Mayor Watson? Yes. Commissioner Maglinger? Yes. Mayor Pro Tem Glenn?

Yes. Thank you. Motion is approved. Item seven, ordinance first reading, no vote.

Ordinance 18 dash 2026 and ordinance living ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 at the rate of 25.60 cents per $100 of assessed evaluation of real property, 28.44 cents per $100 of assessed evaluation of personal property and 30.30 cents per $100 of assessed valuation of vehicles. and providing for the collection and apportionment of same introduced and publicly read on first reading this first day of September 2026.

Thank you, city manager. Yes, sir. Mayor, this is first reading an ordinance setting three different property tax rates. You hear a lot about property tax, and typically people refer to what's called the real property or real estate tax. However, we do set other rates as well. So the largest by revenue and the most well-known is the tax on real property or real estate. We propose no change to the real estate rate from last year, with the rate remaining at $0.256 per $100 of valuation. so with this rate property assessed at 100 000 would pay 256 dollars in property tax to the city we do set two other rates as i referenced we proposed no change to the vehicle rate so that would remain at 30.3 cents per 100 and it's been at that same rate for many many years On personal property, the ordinance includes a rate of 28.44 cents, which is down from 30.91 cents. So the personal rate decreases to 28.44 when it's currently 30.91 from last year. that personal rate is calculated based on a formula after setting the real property rate so in summary this adopts three different property tax rates real estate and vehicle taxes remain the same and the rate on personal property is decreasing thank you any further discussion okay let's go to eight there just a comment just real quick city manager wait a minute now i was on a roll

I'm sorry, man. Go ahead. I just wanted to see if you could clarify, because this happens all the time when people talk about property taxes. We collect for the schools, correct?

That's correct. We collect for the Owensboro Public Schools. So if someone gets a tax bill from us and they live within the OPS district or your kids would go to Owensboro or Senior High, those related schools, then it would have the city's rate, but it also has the school property. Their rate is essentially three times ours. So the preponderance, I think, What you're getting at the majority of revenue that you pay on that bill actually goes to the City School District Not to the city of Owensboro. Yes. Thank you for clarifying Hey

Municipal order 28 dash 2026 and municipal order authorizing and directing the mayor to execute a memorandum of agreement between the city of Owensboro and Davis county fiscal court funding, a juvenile drug and mental health court program for four years read for approval on one reading this first day of September, 2026.

Thank you. I'll make a motion to approve this. Could I have a second, please?

Second.

Thank you, City Manager.

This municipal order approves an agreement extending the Juvenile Drug and Mental Health Court Program for additional four years from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2030. As the expiring agreement dictates, both the city and the county contribute $75,000 each, and Davis County Public Schools administer the program. So there's really no structural change. Our costs remain the same. It's just continuing as is for four additional years.

Thank you. Any other discussion? Hearing none, all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. All opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. Item 8B, please.

Municipal order 29 dash 2026, a municipal order authorizing the city of Owensboro to transfer a 0.022 mile section of Hayden road to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the use of benefit of the Kentucky transportation cabinet and further authorizing the mayor to execute the deed for the conveyance read for approval on one reading this first day of September, 2026.

thank you i make a motion to prove that i was set to play second city manager this mayor thank you we were approached by the state transportation cabinet about the state taking over maintenance of a small portion of hayden road which we currently maintain near the intersection of fairview drive and kentucky highway six oh three if you see the map on the screens there that you have available for talking about a little bitty section there in the red hatched area the best reference is a quite a small area the state is taking over maintenance from the County of Hayden road from here, East over to Pleasant to Thurston Dermot road rather. And so it didn't make sense for this small piece to have a different entity responsible for it. So if they need to repave it or for snow plowing and those kinds of things. So when they asked if we would give them the property for maintenance, I think that we're happy to do so.

Thank you. Any other discussion? Okay, all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Mr. Kidd, thank you. City Manager Items.

Yes, personnel appointments for probationary full-time non-civil service appointment of Bradley Young as road worker with the Public Works Street Department effective September 8th. Probationary full-time non-civil service promotional appointments of Deanna Glover, budget manager with the finance department effective September 8th. Carrie Haynes, finance manager with the finance department effective September 8th. And then the regular full-time non-civil service appointments of Dustin Beck as recreation supervisor with the Parks Department, effective September 6th. Linda Canales, telecommunicator with the Owensboro-Davis County Central Dispatch, effective September 22nd. Teresa Jarrett, dispatcher with the Transit Department, effective September 22nd. And Stephanie Stevenson, telecommunicator with Central Dispatch, effective September 22nd as well. may like to comment on a couple of those of a couldn't wish to uh... so a couple of those on the probationary appointments are promotional points are actually new positions diana glover carry hangs both work for us now as accountants right now that they've been sort of functions general-purpose accounts that were specializing those roles bifurcating the finance and the budget responsibilities allow them to work at a higher level, have more specialized training. They're actually both here today, so I wanted to acknowledge them. And also acknowledging them for their promotions here, but also those two, along with Denae Galloway, recently completed the certified public finance officer designation so that is a strenuous program they were able to complete so i'd like to acknowledge them angela if you'd like to give a better explanation of how while those roles are being bifurcated i'd be happy for you to do that but essentially again right now they've been sort of multi-purpose accounts and now they can specialize in what they do

Yes, certainly. We're trying to, or actually we are giving them a more dedicated vision, if you will. So instead of all of them having to know everything about the budget, or all of the accountants knowing everything about audit, This will allow the budget manager to focus on that and the audit manager to focus on the audit. Of course, they will be assisting each other on an as needed basis, but we're looking to make their lives a little easier and more efficient. But at the same time, these individuals are also accepting higher levels of responsibility as they are taking the responsibility and the oversight of those functions.

Thank you.

Yeah. I'd also like to say kudos to them. I'm so proud of them for getting the CPFO. We are the only city in the history of the Government Finance Officers Association to have three individuals get that certification within one month. So they... In fact, the GFOA, they have a really fairly nice magazine that they put out, and they did a whole big article on the three of them. So it's a pretty good program, and I'm very proud of them.

Motion to approve. Could I have a second? Second. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. All opposed? Motion carries. Thank you.

Communication? City Manager. I actually have no comments.

I didn't think you did. All right. Communication from elected officials. Commissioner Sanford.

Thank you, Mayor. Just a few things. First of all, I wanted to thank the chief and your department. We had a little situation at our house last Friday. I was playing golf, and my wife had a heater plugged in in August in the bathroom. And it started smoking the outlet. And she called me, and I said, you better call the fire department. And she said, you guys were there in no time. And she said, you were very professional, and you guys did a great job. She said, a lot of the guys were good looking, too. But she was really impressed. She said, golly, they were there immediately. I was like, yeah, they're good at what they do. I had a class reunion. I had a lot of friends in. They hadn't been in a long time. They came into Owensboro and stayed, and they just couldn't believe the growth and the things that have happened here since they've left. They're all over the country and they were just like amazed by downtown and what they saw and going to the east side of the city, even the new stuff going on in the west where we kind of grew up, they were just absolutely amazed. Thirdly, I just wanted to mention the thing about the taxes that we talked about. we're holding the line on tax on taxes up here and this is a very difficult to do but the thing that you gotta do is you have to have growth and i think we've had growth here so it's very important that we uh... support the sub small businesses that we have that open up and uh... we always uh... keeper out for attracting new industry and things that's kinda like the massey farm over there that's kinda while that was done is because we need to grow we need to have opportunities for young people to live in our community And it takes vision, and I'm proud of this group up here who had the vision to do all these things. So I feel like we're in good shape. Are times tough sometimes? Yeah, they are, with things costing more these days. But, you know, we've held the line up here, and I think our city's in a pretty good position. But that's all I have tonight, Mayor. Thank you.

Thank you.

Dr.

Pro Tem Bob Glenn, Commissioner.

Just want to mention a few events that got to had the opportunity and honor to attend. So there was a Women's Equality Day event at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History that several of us attended. Richard House, who used to be the assistant county clerk, was the key spokesperson. And he talked about the state of our elections and the Commonwealth. I thought he had a very interesting and educational presentation. We all could have learned from it. Attended the Habitat House christening at Carter Community Circle on I believe that it was Friday. And then I also, along with some of us, attended the Alma Randolph dinner. at the convention center for the great work that she does in our community uh providing uh furnishing and equipping new homes usually habitat homes uh and and does a great job with that and has tremendous community support i mean it's been forever that she's done that i mean it's just an incredible ministry so it was exciting to be there to see people support the work she's doing in our community and she i hear rumors she's a pretty good singer i'm not sure about that yeah And she did sing. So that was the other blessing was getting to hear her sing. She was in fine form. So our community is moving forward with a lot of good things going on. I would say I want to echo Commissioner Sanford. You get your tax bill, and we all go through this every year. We did not raise your taxes. Yes, the school boards have, and they've done that. You need to go back and investigate. We've got a lot of scholars in here. research why that happened, and I think you'll arrive at the doorstep of Frankfurt. And then when you arrive at the doorstep of Frankfurt, you can then go ask your state representatives why these city and county school districts are raising their tax rates. There's a good reason for it. They're not trying to pay for new vehicles or, you know, upgrade the uniforms of the football team. There's an essential academic reason they're doing it. Okay? And that's all I have. Thank you, Mayor.

You're welcome. Commissioner Maglinger? Thank you, Mayor. I was able to attend yesterday's International Overdose Awareness Day event that River Valley had and learned that This year, our overdose went down 22%, and that just shows that the collaboration of all of our groups that are helping that. We're not there all the way, but hey, 22%, that's great. You know, we have grooving on the green coming up. Excited for that. And then our air show. And I want to thank our special events people, our staff. And I want to first thank, you know, Public Works. It's amazing. It won't even look like that we had any event there. They'll pick up the trash and just make sure everybody's good with that. That's exciting. And then our police department and our fire department will have the safest place, too. So thank you, Mayor.

Thank you. Commissioner Neesmith.

I would almost be able to say ditto to what...

lots of things on that uh the grooving on the green is a particularly exciting uh you know we're known for lots of things i apologize i've got like the sinus thing i feel like i'm in a barrel here but uh the uh you know we have bluegrass we have rock and roll we have country we have lots of things and it's really exciting because i've gone to these events before and if any of y'all had heard some good blues and solo music there's nothing like it to bring to bring out your heart. So I want to encourage everybody, but what's so exciting is one of our neighborhood Alliance boards is responsible for getting that started. So a great job. And it's just come out, bring your lawn chair and enjoy the day. And I had on the front of the convention center lawn. Uh, I have to, uh, I would be, uh, wrong not to mention the air show since the hotel that I work for actually is in the middle of it. So it's very exciting. The Thunderbirds are, there's 80 people that are coming in that are either pilots or ground crew, and that doesn't include their families. One of the greatest things about when we bring, when Tim and the city events people bring the air shows here, because of the locations of where they're located we're central america so a lot of their families get to come and visit with them they get to see grandma and aunt nelly and all those people too so it's a it's a lot of fun with a a family feel uh it's uh exciting it's going to be uh It's probably going to be hot based on what's going on, but please come down if you can. And on Saturday after the air show is over, your Bluegrass Museum is also sponsoring a concert. I do think you have to have tickets for that, but it'll be outside on the lawn too. So just lots of fun things happening. So if you like music, this would be the time. And if you like music and the air show, just bring your earphones or your things that protect your ears for when those jets fly over because it's pretty amazing. I would like to also add that this is not an advertisement, but I would like you to know that we do have a new Starbucks downtown. The press release is going to be going out on that soon. And what's exciting about it is there was about 15 to 16 new jobs created there. for a fantastic group of people, every age group, every gender, every nationality, that type thing. So things are happening downtown. I think as Jeff and Bob both said and Curtis, there's just lots of things going on that are positive. None of us are ignoring the concerns that a lot of people have and we do what you know, we respect those.

All right. We'll move on to open public forum. Members of the audience may address the Board of Commissioners on any matter of public concern that was not on the agenda. Comments are limited to the issues within the scope and responsibility of the commission. Commission meetings are held to conduct city business for the benefit of Orangeboro citizens and taxpayers. At this time, anyone who wishes to address the city commission, please.

We're asking for a little bit of leniency. Wait just a second.

Let me finish this at this time. Anyone who wishes to address the city commission, please make their way to the podium to recognize speakers must state their name and address for the clerk's record. And then, and most of them should limit their remarks to three minutes or less. Since the item is not on the agenda, no response is required from the staff or the commissioners. Speak.

Good evening, Mayor and commissioners. Thank you for your time tonight. My name is William Harris, but they call me Bill. This is my partner, Anita Jackson, and we are joined by members of our team and several local veterans. We are here representing Operation Housing and Veterans Incorporated, a newly formed 501 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless veterans transition into stable working homeowner citizens. Tonight we are here to address two urgent concerns, the current housing and the critical need of veterans safe housing. Although the moratorium offered temporary relief, it has also created a looming financial cliff. Behind the scenes back rent, late fees, and unresolved housing challenges help continue to grow. Please take a moment to review the handout in front of you. Warrensburg is home of 3,030 military veterans, and countywide that number rises to 5,000 241. Veterans make up at least 6.7% of the population, which is higher than both the Kentucky and national averages. Our community has had a proud history of service. Yet many of these same individuals are either one step away from homeless or already experiencing it. On any given night, according to region metrics data, there is approximately 20 to 25 veterans or actually except actually experiencing. Homeless within Orangeboro city limits. Often around on emergency shelters or living on the streets with the Davis County as a whole that number plans to be between 35 and 45 on house veterans. But the crisis go deeper than just those on the street per state housing data. There is over 21% of Kentucky veterans who are experiencing housing cost burdens. That's at least over 640 veterans in our hometown. And over 1,110 countywide are spending most of their home income just to keep roof over their heads. A single-flip tire, a medical emergency, or a rent increase can completely derail a veteran's finance. It starts downward spiral into missed rent and homeless. Right now, our tri-state region is a fracture. It's a fracture. It's failing to transition military members, and our veterans are falling through cracks. I know this firsthand because I was almost one of them.

Operation Housing Veterans is our direct response to this gap. Our plan focuses on a three-tier approach. First, rapid rehousing. Moving veterans directly from the emergency centers, such as the St. Benedict's Homeless Shelter, and from the streets that securely transition houses and from the street to a secure transition house with electrically with electronic key assets, giving them a safe stability and confidence that they begin renewing and building their lives. Second, stability support, connecting veterans with local mental health providers such as River Valley Health, medical services through Owensboro Health, and employment support from Kentucky Career Center. to help them achieve stability, willingness, and meaningful work. Third is the collaboration alignments, partnering with local organizations such as Habitat of Humanity, Volunteers of America, the Emma Randolph Charity Foundation, AMVETS Post, the American Legion, and several other property and business owners in Ormsboro and Davis County shows that our initiative isn't just providing a roof, it's providing a fully equipped, dignified environment where veterans can successfully rebuild their lives with the support of the local veterans and leaders. As the housing moratorium ends, we face an immediate crisis. So we're asking support with the support of two important matters. First, we ask the city to lift the moratorium when the strategic way that allows landlords and tenants to find stability and Second, we asked the city to partnership in establishing a secure veteran safety net. We are currently working on private donations and independent grants to lease or purchase a 30-bed transitional facility with an operating staff of 20 employees providing 24-7 care, security, and case management. To achieve this, we are seeking your aid. Once our facility is established, we ask that the city to allocate discretionary or CDGB funds to help cover daily operation costs and payroll. With the city support, our 20-person staff can immediately provide individual housing quarters for homeless veterans, along with the medical referrals, mental health counseling, case management, and financial education help them begin the path towards stability and becoming contributing citizens of Owensboro. investing in this program is a cost-efficient choice of the city keeping veterans family stable house through our non-profit car costs less than the absorbing the family in the emergency shelter system and eviction at this time i just like to thank you for taking time to listen to us And we are prepared to offer you a formal letter of intent and our organizational packet for you to review. And I would provide it to you at a later date if you like.

Thank you. Thank you.

I would now like to introduce the proposed board of directors for approval. First, we have a lifelong and proud owner of Native, Jack Williams. and his wonderful wife, Yolanda Williams. Both come from families with retired military members. Second, I have a friend of mine, he's sick today, but his name is Geno Taller, retired from the Navy, Longtown resident. Next, we have Minister Linda Boyd, the widow of a retired veteran, Lawrence Boyd. We also have Reverend Ronald Randolph, who is currently running for Kentucky Representative and serves as Director of Warrensboro Human Relations Commission. Last but not least, we have local retired Navy Commander Greg Black. And of course, there is me, a retired veteran, along with my partner, who is a descendant of two retired veterans, one from the Army and one from the Air Force. Thank y'all, and have a wonderful night.

Jeff Kegel, Tamarack Road. The proposed 545-megawatt power plant that is being studied for the former Elmer Smith property is said to be only on a 30-acre footprint. If this is true, a combined cycle gas turbine power plant is the most logical choice to generate such power on such power on small footprint these often utilized on brownfield or constrained urban industrial sites such as the elmer smith property the configuration of the ccgt plant is one large advanced class gas turbine paired with one heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine or modulator multi-turbine setup that can deliver this exact output efficiently CC GT plants capture exhaust Heat from the gas turbine to drive a secondary steam turbine achieving superior fuel efficiency often over 60% compared to a sample cycle alternatives and The three cooling options for such a power plant include wet circulation towers, air cooled condensers or hybrid of both wet and air cooling. The wet recirculating requires at least acreage and uses millions of gallons of water each day. Air cooling uses the most acreage and uses no water and hybrid uses less water in the winter months. As for our community, a quick search tells us that the CCGT plants will employ about 30 people. The roles include one plant manager, one operations manager, one maintenance supervisor, one environmental and health safety specialist. Then per shifts, you'd have a shift supervisor, one control room operator, one or two outside or field operators, two to three instrumentation and control techs, two or three mechanical technicians, one or two electrical technicians, and one or two performance engineers. So knowing that all the pollutants and water usage this plant will spew and consume. Can you please tell us how it's going to benefit the citizens of this town? How will the reward outweigh the risk to us and our children? Thank you. Thank you.

Hi.

Hello.

Renee Kegel, Tamarack Road. I'm here with comments and follow-up questions after a community Q&A that was held this past Thursday with more than a hundred in attendance. All the information we have acquired on the Mississippi-Kentucky data center land portfolio, aka Gallatin portfolio, being marketed by Newmark Group for ETX Upstream, shows that the power plant is the future power source for our hyperscale data center. I will be glad to give you more details on that, or you can watch the live stream of Thursday's Q&A. It's all over the internet. I will be hosting a second Q&A on Saturday, September 20th, 2026 at 4pm for those who could not attend the first one and those who want to attend again. I am officially inviting you all now to learn and answer questions for the community if you would like to come. It was mentioned that the city asked to be left out of the moratorium the county put in place on May 28th. We would like to know what the reason would be for not wanting to be included. per the messenger inquire article on saturday the suggestion is that mister pagan said the county would be setting a precedence that had not been done before but because it's in county handle their zoning and building development through a unified joint planning agency and land use for zoning moratorium passed by the fiscal court automatically halts processing for those applications countywide unless the city explicitly steps in to override it So if the city wanted to not be included, then all you would need to do is do what you did with the Massey property, just step in and override it. In the same article, Mr. Pagan said he was advocating for city officials to be able to make decisions in the city. So when will you be making those decisions? We need you to set regulations, strict ones, that will protect the citizens of this town. Please don't say wait until it's announced or wait until the feasibility study is done. We both know that they have been acquiring land for this since August of last year. Waiting is not an option. We want action before it's too late. We want regulations now on both the power plant and the future center it will power. I have asked how this power plant will benefit the citizens of Owensboro. We know how it will be detrimental with the pollutants, so what great benefits justify all the harm? We know we are in a fight against some very big billionaire corporations. You are either with us in this fight or you're not. The NDAs and secrecy tell us this is going to be something that is not for the good of the community. You don't hide what will be good. You celebrate it. If this power plant is so great for us all, why is OMU hiding behind NDAs? We will not stop until our questions are answered and our neighbors are safe. We are many and growing, so know that we all will vote accordingly come November 3rd on this nonpartisan issue. Thank you.

Hi, my name is Tatum Helm, 1122 Booth Avenue. Starting off, I want to touch on yesterday being Overdose Awareness Day. And those who are not familiar, we do have an Opioid Crisis Settlement Fund. I had a candidate in conversations last week, Nia Smith-Glynn, you guys talked about how long-term solutions and looking at you know, opportunities for people after going to rehab and housing options. But imagine that number, 22%, increasing if we took some of that opioid settlement fund and used it now. There are people hurting within our community now that would really benefit from programs and things that you all can provide within that opioid settlement fund. Outside of that, I have seen some things on Facebook and it's been brought to y'all's attention, but closer to the pier at the convention center, there are some lights out on the walkway and it's extremely dark. So I know that like on Facebook, people were talking about it. There were some people that said they have filed some requests online on your website or something where like a service request, but I don't know if that's something you guys look into or if someone can direct me on where and how I would follow on as well, just so we can get that figured out. It's been going on for a couple of months. It's super dark. I don't know if it's still the Kentucky Legend Pier area. Do you guys know where I'm talking about? Like right there where you're walking down before you hit the Batwing thing. Outside of that, I want to talk about the data centers as well, specifically that TerraWolf developers will be at the Rooster Booster on Thursday. I would like all of you all to proceed with caution with the propaganda that will be put in front of you. Because, yes, projections are great. You all sit in a seat where you're based on projections all the time when projects are brought to you. But let's keep in mind that hyperscale data centers have not been around for 20 years. So these predictions and these projections are based in zero facts. And going into more details of what I'm talking about, Specifically, then pushing to Hancock County how many millions and billions this data center development will bring to their community, which has no actual facts and grounds behind it, especially in smaller rural areas. The communities that are going to see larger developments are going to be your large metropolitan areas. So I fear on Thursday we're going to have a meeting at Rooster Booster, I will be in attendance, where a lot of propaganda is pushed about how much revenue and money would be potentially provided to Owensboro. I just ask that you guys really, really do the in-depth research because I think anyone knows that predictions are not facts. Projections are not facts. So selling our city out for something that's being projected for potentially over 20 years, and there is no 100%, is selling your citizens out. It's selling our farmland out. It's selling our grid out. It's selling us out. And you guys sit in a seat where you're supposed to protect us. So please, small business owners, if you're listening too, small business owners will not benefit from a hyperscale data center. They 100% will not. And going from there, I'm 27. I've attended these meetings for a long time. Young people? Do not want a data center. Do you guys want young people here and continuing to live in this city? Let's think about how we can prevent what we can. Please. Thank you.

Anybody else? Okay. Well, I'll make a motion to adjourn. Could I have a second, please? Second. Thank you. All in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. All opposed, you're welcome to stay.