[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6609830,"mediaKeyId","2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a","parentId",2905651,"title","Richmond commissioners approve zoning changes, irrigation contract and personnel orders; several measures set for later vote","audioSeconds",1010,"startMs",2839000,"endMs",3849000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a&start=2839&end=3849","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a/thumbnail_2839000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609830/Richmond-City/Madison-County/Kentucky/Richmond-commissioners-approve-zoning-changes-irrigation-contract-and-personnel-orders-several-measures-set-for-later-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609830-b32176cf8e07e3ca1c8de4f46fc41f68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199344&Signature=oxz30KC8PF14PNel38rld0T00s2jHpB0YV9PzO5ANTGML1SA10DnKRms~tfJ11CrdnEZnBOGHVMd-tjUxD93xHA8IYvOUj8JAue67Nsq-G6ynvMdYVaStPgDuP8YjLOtO~HhsgWxnGido1FhmMGKdC-t7S8BEWQyTZtoNDIXXL83OzNijP4iGVvNASxEN6SzHFntkqv8AOyQuzPVKO~LwrOnlAhcLVwkEwkmWuTYDiBZe44H9Ngd9-oR3~W0aku-7XgkCgFX1LbdICmH-Q-M7OyvjjLxWSzufYaJU4id-5ij-66XJ1oVZpIJY9ySQqiNlsesBsTMYm5lpbtDC08Z1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Richmond, KY","date","2025-04-08T23:41:27.26Z","article","The City of Richmond Board of Commissioners voted unanimously April 14 to adopt changes to the city zoning ordinance, to award a $2,293,514.80 contract for a full irrigation-system replacement at Gibson Bay Golf Course and to approve several personnel orders and administrative items. Two ordinances received first reading and will be considered at a later meeting.

The board gave final approval to Ordinance 25-09, an amendment to the municipal zoning ordinance, following a second reading. The board also voted to accept Order 25-59, awarding the irrigation replacement contract to Commercial Irrigation, Inc. The purchase will be funded by the city's general obligations bond series (ordinances 23-47 and 24-30). Several personnel orders — including a promotion to master police officer (Order 25-58), a parks department reclassification to Parks Athletic Manager (Order 25-60), the acceptance of a police resignation (Order 25-57) and a reappointment to the Board of Adjustments (Order 25-61) — were approved by voice vote.

Two ordinances were presented on first reading and will be returned for final votes at a future meeting: Ordinance 25-10 adopts the 2025 supplements to the Code of Ordinances as prepared by American Legal Publishing Corporation; Ordinance 25-11 is an amendment to the FY2025 budget estimating revenues and appropriating funds for city operations. The commission had a detailed budget discussion but took no final vote on the amendment at this meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Minutes of March 25, 2025 regular meeting: approved (unanimous voice vote).
- Order 25-58 (promote a Richmond police officer to master police officer, effective 04/14/2025): passed (unanimous voice vote).
- Ordinance 25-09 (zoning ordinance amendments; second reading/adopted): passed (roll call recorded as all present voting yes).
- Ordinance 25-10 (2025 code supplements; first reading): presented, no final vote.
- Ordinance 25-11 (FY2025 budget amendment; first reading): presented, no final vote.
- Order 25-57 (accept resignation of Shane Harvey, Richmond Police Department): passed (unanimous voice vote).
- Order 25-59 (award irrigation system replacement at Gibson Bay Golf Course to Commercial Irrigations, Inc., $2,293,514.80): passed (unanimous voice vote).
- Order 25-60 (reclassify parks employee to Parks Athletic Manager, John Kuntz, $20/hr, effective 05/02/2025): passed (unanimous voice vote).
- Order 25-61 (reappoint Brian Kirby to Board of Adjustments through 03/18/2029): passed (unanimous voice vote).

The commission recorded no dissenting votes in the items decided at this meeting. Ordinance 25-10 and Ordinance 25-11 were read for the first time and will return for a future vote after additional review and publication as required by Kentucky law.

Background and next steps

City staff said the irrigation project was put to bid twice and that Commercial Irrigation, Inc., was selected in part because it could meet the project's timeline (start this fall and finish by spring 2026), avoiding interference with the golf season. The FY2025 budget amendment (Ordinance 25-11) prompted questions and staff highlighted major adjustments including bond interest payments, emergency repairs, and overtime costs; final adoption will follow additional review. Ordinance 25-10 is a routine municipal codification prepared by American Legal Publishing Corporation and will be considered at the next meeting.

No litigation, appeals, or contingent conditions affecting the votes were reported during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commission Meeting 2025-4-8","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Richmond Board of Commissioners voted unanimously April 14 to adopt zoning changes, approve a $2.29 million irrigation-system replacement for Gibson Bay Golf Course and approve several personnel orders; two ordinances received first reading.","taxTitle","Richmond City, Madison County, Kentucky","taxId",51048,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609810,"Resident reports recurring storm-drain flooding on Magnolia Drive; city to inspect",314,4215000,4529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a&start=4215&end=4529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a/thumbnail_4215000.jpg","/articles/6609810/Richmond-City/Madison-County/Kentucky/Resident-reports-recurring-storm-drain-flooding-on-Magnolia-Drive-city-to-inspect","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609810-104ad527705e5da748a1cea94c7993b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199344&Signature=I3Y2jl5c62~1qBcm3sfip56pBCbL4xu0B3SJfDpDORt2tGCQn95C8rc9mnayTjj9qcPnQdfnbNTjG1DbOnsGQ6ePPeWW7PZyhDVPhFvU-x9HmAQh7VF7kczCKb1y8vl-oNAiLrSFHJUfIlCAVbzTj5yS8C~ZodNZicZVOR8Ya-H9mCFwxl1~tPATjKuMFXGMkcNojYYvK3mF6Y7wNxn7RrFZA0buerQ8QoXb4g2y7iztbNh81pi9tYaVJDoCK2ggFktnaGcB0rD2vWAVoNyXUu37aMFl45shRXybcjnrx60MzmJLd7dlEvRgo-Yw-EARVS-DnFODFyRO05k8s-WCYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public-comment portion of the April 14 meeting, resident Ethan Connolly described repeated storm-drain overflows on Magnolia Drive between Bobolink and Meadowlark following heavy rains and asked the city to investigate. Connolly said water overflowed the curb and reached into yards during the recent historic storm and that, in earlier wet weather, the drain had overflowed or drained only slowly.

He said Public Works staff responded and were helpful; on the most recent occasion staff inspected and said they would attempt a camera inspection of the storm pipe and examine an apparent low point on his property where runoff collects. Connolly said some ground around the drain is deteriorating.

City staff acknowledged the problem and told Connolly the road department will place the location on its work list for camera inspection and any necessary repairs or enlargement of the drain. Staff said some storm infrastructure mapping is old and that city crews will verify ownership, map data and repair needs before scheduling work.

Connolly identified his address as on Magnolia Drive in the Del Bend neighborhood (he gave the house number during remarks). No formal action or funding was authorized at the meeting; staff committed to inspecting the drain and reporting back to the resident.","A Magnolia Drive resident described repeated storm-drain overflows after heavy rain; Public Works said it will inspect and camera the drain and place the item on the road department’s work list.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609815,"Richmond issues proclamations for Autism Awareness, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Public Safety Telecommunicators Week",837,403000,1240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a&start=403&end=1240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a/thumbnail_403000.jpg","/articles/6609815/Richmond-City/Madison-County/Kentucky/Richmond-issues-proclamations-for-Autism-Awareness-Child-Abuse-Prevention-Month-and-Public-Safety-Telecommunicators-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609815-cdd163e6a1ea9048a4b90705bbdbc1b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199344&Signature=L3mTgO49iDnZL-GiO00nqJljvs9VSWGG95I1MeBkn9gQQY2lMLrquW8E86ABazlJDUzkFFzSpBdoktarECnKzefT2j68hE~bwxUhnf1KdnBY4qUWtpZHlg-kZxsJIACgObF6WASDgqWozyosOEGdrENiAnG-GTNY1fmXjpbCtHD2uVUi7jppWEGCSfp023ztYXH4LBF95QnAztno8k24QW1pmaBRD6YWanK7rF9Nsb0-tFuqRIRLphb8EiDrhb8gk6D0VYpRnB6wTrFd5ewoZdsICWVJjdjqyl~L4DUa7uG1E5mQ7n7sbaHng2HcSznFOkxA5fmQpdPotsGGTLyurA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Robert Blythe and local officials proclaimed April 2025 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month and designated April 13–19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during the April 14 City of Richmond meeting.

Representatives from CAMS Club presented a short video and described the nonprofit’s programs and sensory-friendly events. A CAMS Club representative (Cameron) said autism affects “1 in 36 children” and described services that accelerate diagnosis, support interventions and provide community connections such as horse therapy. A family featured in the video — the Bridal family — spoke of the support they have received.

Victoria Bench, executive director of CASA of the Wilderness Trail, spoke during the Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation. Bench told the commission that 313 Madison County children were abused or neglected in 2024 and urged residents to get involved to support children and families.

Mindy Lynch, director of Madison County 9-1-1, accepted the proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and described the center’s consolidated service for Richmond, Berea and Madison County. Lynch described an “Adopt-a-Dispatcher” program during the week (April 13–19) where businesses and individuals can provide care packages and recognition for dispatch staff.

Each proclamation recognized local nonprofit and public-safety partners for their work. The proclamations were ceremonial; no regulatory or funding changes were associated with the recognitions.","The mayor and county officials issued proclamations recognizing April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the week of April 13–19 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week; local nonprofits and county 911 staff addressed the commission.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609820,"Hope’s Wings warns federal grant freezes threaten transitional housing; asks community to support ‘Jail and Bail’ fundraiser",223,1917000,2140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a&start=1917&end=2140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a/thumbnail_1917000.jpg","/articles/6609820/Richmond-City/Madison-County/Kentucky/Hopes-Wings-warns-federal-grant-freezes-threaten-transitional-housing-asks-community-to-support-Jail-and-Bail-fundraiser","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609820-36221550b991ef0c6e43d032d87d20f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199344&Signature=ZnhWKQk5FuReOfKZ55aI2usLvUxOzOEqoPD~ZWgDRBGuJWUCofni6YZfjx8mtExsBDIzARZFB5dVVOVwi7JGnYryEJTBe~1WXiIJY7EKj9GQjErPMFEC1indkIdyVEM8JW6i-o3-Yhd~ptV-75PZ8VdYaH8-LQ9nHTfVzQkJIjBFNMzpEf1fZw1tXK92jaHqKErIpZN9FHD4h0d9GIOuVlonEJ6phG2J9ZAfHtY9HKnZyhmq~E52tIyC6ySE59Nk94zzMii7Rr5m5qR2Wkpa1GPZEq1pS7l59cVBCkDx5wAwHCLcKdILX6qxe2F8V59CCK9PmKmHTQbUQSNHscFEEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Hope’s Wings told the Richmond commission April 14 that frozen federal grant funds threaten critical portions of the shelter’s programming, including transitional housing that helps survivors move from emergency shelter into stable housing.

Paige Kirchner, communications coordinator for Hope’s Wings, said the program has served more than 4,000 survivors since opening in 2009 and that current funding uncertainty could force cuts to transitional housing and education services. Kirchner said those services are essential to preventing survivors from returning to unsafe conditions.

Executive Director Jennifer Lainhart and another speaker identified as Joan said the agency currently funds nearly 20 families in Richmond, Berea and Madison County by paying deposits and first-month rent. Joan described the cost of securing an apartment (deposit and first month) as nearing $3,000 in the current market and said a typical two‑bedroom rent may be about $1,200 per month. They said these transitional-housing payments are expensive but crucial for long-term stability.

Hope’s Wings asked the commission and community to support its annual Jail and Bail fundraiser. The event places volunteers in mock custody to raise bail pledges on behalf of the nonprofit. Organizers asked city leaders and residents to participate, noting the event will operate at Central Bank next Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fundraising targets mentioned at the meeting included a suggested $600 pledge for participating “arrestees,” though staff said any amount helps.

The presenters said some of the program’s federal grants are frozen and other potential funding (including HUD-related funds and vouchers) may be uncertain; they asked the community for immediate help through the fundraiser and ongoing support to maintain services. Commission members and staff thanked Hope’s Wings for its work; no formal action or city funding decision was taken at the meeting.

Clarifying details from the presentation

- Hope’s Wings has served more than 4,000 survivors since 2009 (speaker: Paige Kirchner).
- Transitional housing (phase 3) supports nearly 20 families currently in Richmond, Berea and Madison County; funding for that phase is at risk due to federal grant freezes (speakers: Jennifer Lainhart, Joan).
- Typical move-in costs (deposit and first month) cited as nearly $3,000; two-bedroom rents given as about $1,200/month (speaker: Joan).
- Jail and Bail fundraiser: Central Bank, next Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; typical pledge targets mentioned as $600 per “arrestee” (speaker: Jennifer Lainhart/Paige Kirchner).","Hope’s Wings officials said federal grant funding freezes have put transitional housing (phase 3) at risk, threatening support for nearly 20 families; the nonprofit asked commissioners and residents to take part in its annual Jail and Bail fundraiser and to help raise pledges.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609825,"Habitat for Humanity breaks ground in Richmond, urges continued city land donations and volunteer support",504,1349000,1853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a&start=1349&end=1853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905651-7295e26a15a52beabad43cbb28045b0a/thumbnail_1349000.jpg","/articles/6609825/Richmond-City/Madison-County/Kentucky/Habitat-for-Humanity-breaks-ground-in-Richmond-urges-continued-city-land-donations-and-volunteer-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609825-6fa5e64c90b369271997994e9f4c1cc9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199344&Signature=NQrqULzgIB27MBhpvycKdyc4DGi5dWFG2AOGqXdJNVvSG4VhqyhBbRwtZAAX2vTpFvEivQUy3TjHYvMuM3UlLIzeT9tdJtwf19VhZAl63~g0dXa2jrSGyK7HTLe360BCfQxy7mpwjmKlccfj89zC4EmDG7gDkm80kdc9OxUXEgcXMy5FCgrgGgP4ZT9LVp-lQgUzydd01reoLhBkBPWyK9LGUx3roGjsbq~ejUO04Cp~v1Nt2ki2BEdjdKUSCfhfJzVkOoJEgjd1kTMMgFg-AxYnTDehKhNZ2uaLbTtdWyJgBfVC4vl5b1gk4A65FE~KaflXlzBiWA2SL-6hsnGUvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Habitat for Madison and Clark Counties told the City of Richmond Board of Commissioners April 14 that it recently broke ground on Locust Street and is preparing additional builds and repair projects, and asked for continued city support — particularly donations of land and site-development assistance.

Mary Jo Hatchett, executive director of Habitat for Madison and Clark Counties, said the organization seeks to provide “decent, affordable, and safe” housing through home builds and repair programs. Habitat’s program requires partner families to complete homeowner education and 250 hours of “sweat equity.” The organization also operates a repair program, A Brush With Kindness, that performs exterior repairs, wheelchair ramps and other aging-in-place projects.

Brian, a Habitat representative who spoke after Hatchett, described results from a statewide housing needs survey by the Kentucky Housing Corporation that, he said, shows Madison County will be short more than 2,000 homeowner units by 2030 at current construction rates. He said market-rate builders are producing very few homes under $200,000: in Fayette County only two such homes were built in 2024 and Madison County had seven, one of which was a double-wide mobile home. As an example of Habitat’s affordability model, Brian said a house appraised at $185,000 would carry an estimated mortgage-plus-taxes-and-insurance payment of about $800 per month on Habitat’s terms (20-year term, 0% interest and a $1,500 down payment), compared with more than $1,200 per month and a $37,000 20 percent down payment under a standard 30-year market mortgage.

Hatchett said land is the commodity Habitat needs most and thanked the city for previously donating three lots (two on Locust Street and one on Hill Street). She asked that the city continue to consider donating property or assisting with site-development costs so Habitat can convert long-vacant lots into productive housing and place homes back on the tax rolls.

Hatchett also sought volunteers with construction and maintenance skills and noted enthusiasm among partner families for the program’s sweat-equity requirement: she said the new family in Richmond has already asked when they can begin volunteer hours. The commission acknowledged Habitat’s request and staff said they will continue to coordinate on available city lots and development assistance.

Clarifying details provided at the meeting

- Kentucky Housing Corporation survey: quoted figure that Madison County may be short over 2,000 homeowner units between now and 2030 (speaker: Brian).
- Example appraisal: a Habitat-built home appraised at $185,000 used for affordability illustration (speaker: Brian).
- Habitat down payment: cited $1,500 (speaker: Brian).
- City-donated lots: the city previously donated three lots to Habitat (two on Locust Street, one on Hill Street) (speaker: Brian).

Speakers from the presentation asked for continued city cooperation on land and site-development support, and for volunteers to help with construction and repair programs. The city manager noted those requests and said staff will continue working with Habitat on available properties and project logistics.","Habitat for Madison and Clark Counties reported a Locust Street groundbreaking and detailed needs: land donations, volunteers and site development funds to build affordable homes; staff cited a regional shortfall of affordable homeowner units and described Habitat’s low-down payment, low-interest model.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Richmond commissioners approve zoning changes, irrigation contract and personnel orders; several measures set for later vote

Resident reports recurring storm-drain flooding on Magnolia Drive; city to inspect

Richmond issues proclamations for Autism Awareness, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Hope’s Wings warns federal grant freezes threaten transitional housing; asks community to support ‘Jail and Bail’ fundraiser

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground in Richmond, urges continued city land donations and volunteer support