[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6588018,"mediaKeyId","5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2","parentId",5493447,"title","Republic Services reports improved pickup consistency, explains landfill gas‑to‑energy process to council","audioSeconds",514,"startMs",2824000,"endMs",3338000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2&start=2824&end=3338","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2/thumbnail_2824000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6588018/Georgetown-City/Scott-County/Kentucky/Republic-Services-reports-improved-pickup-consistency-explains-landfill-gastoenergy-process-to-council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588018-98cd96c58f461c5aebe2a77d8b74c2c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137657&Signature=VRV1kkvbDYUPFIG9fXbYlYQshKqoBnGttj8sI7GdNrJ1WwpJpmAE5puYNaryTSY75BbwktPKkoTo~fTU7d6F8ur6V3Medyng5VXozeWh74wd-MiOvO3ioKRItGCTpbUU4W6A7I4jUs7QXyd0GFnDXQvZ-KACq1KzU8nV~qW1gd5mB6r1c0rckvs915aCZ38Z2G0PRNKLR9EIogRk3Fyyl0gAQ677zoX3D8XzGOQ1eRpQjpTTcEhqSOGEQ7JCTpYz0UjAda9QSzb3eQk3DaR7UHklaJH77dR0bfDHvMGsd4jWBUczSr2M7MLEMeEpV5ujXbi~IzeqT4KoOlHMH3y1Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Georgetown, KY","date","2025-07-28T21:41:46Z","article","Republic Services briefed the Georgetown City Council on July 28 about collection performance from April through June and described how landfill gas captured at Benson Valley is converted to compressed natural gas (CNG).

Tim Ward, Republic Services area representative, told the council the company serviced 231,568 carts in the April–June quarter for the city and logged about 3,850 total calls to the call center. Ward said 3,480 calls were service‑related concerns and that the company identified 117 likely missed collections in the quarter; he said Republic Services is working to lower that number through route consistency and driver training.

Ward also said calls about bulk items are increasing and that improved advance notice for bulky pickups has helped crews plan routes and reduce missed stops. He said customer service messaging about the city’s bulk‑item allowance (three bulk items per week) is being clarified after some callers reported they had been told a charge would apply.

On loose or spilled trash, Ward said Republic Services has improved driver training, adjusted equipment harnessing, and increased proactive stops when crews observe debris; vehicle cameras are also used to audit and train drivers on pickups tied to complaints.

Ward then explained the Benson Valley landfill gas‑to‑energy operation: as landfill material decomposes it produces gas; that gas is captured through wells at Benson Valley and processed on‑site by a third‑party operator (Amarisco in Republic Services’ presentation) to remove moisture, sulfur and CO2, and to compress the gas into pipeline‑quality natural gas. Ward said the plant has a nameplate capacity of 483,000 dekatherms and noted annual reductions equivalent to about 27,400 tons of carbon dioxide — the company framed that as a local reuse of landfill gas rather than flaring.

Council members raised neighborhood‑level complaints (trash dumped on the street in one subdivision), questioned call‑center messaging on fees, and asked about hydraulic and tarping fixes to reduce wind‑blown litter. Ward said the company will research specific complaints (he noted truck cameras are used to review incidents), continue driver training and examine call logs for messaging patterns.

Why it matters: Waste collection quality affects daily life and public health; the landfill‑gas explanation highlights one local recycling‑to‑energy pathway that the city’s waste stream supports.

Follow‑up: Republic Services will provide more detailed call and complaint records on request and will follow up with council members about specific incidents (addresses were cited during the meeting).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Georgetown City Council Meeting – July 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Republic Services told the Georgetown City Council that it serviced 231,568 carts in the second quarter, identified 117 missed pickups in that period and is addressing bulk‑item and loose‑trash complaints through driver training and operational changes.","taxTitle","Georgetown City, Scott County, Kentucky","taxId",55608,"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},6588022,"Council introduces Payne’s Depot annexation and R-2 PUD zoning amid heated debate over growth, variances and moratorium",1588,5521000,7109000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2&start=5521&end=7109","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2/thumbnail_5521000.jpg","/articles/6588022/Georgetown-City/Scott-County/Kentucky/Council-introduces-Paynes-Depot-annexation-and-R-2-PUD-zoning-amid-heated-debate-over-growth-variances-and-moratorium","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588022-6196afc6c47ac76f098e3f8a2cd47cca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137657&Signature=BAXquDZkgRA2u2zB-USdBkIsUOcwq2PYQ1vvSeeTSoajFRKZPtby6F8UDgdDaN8AZO7ytVY72NM60DsoxYvmofiR3F2JVkaLTRr0ih1lSND~~g4o6~1M71eeOnPQ2jXiPBgIgd49xY32tebsBEo2e658YvCc1kUoE1oqhB0wZOfAbJjemk-wpCE4XbYyB~dHGVgmVpd5ZYzb0OG9s0tFGKQtwoDnAbG6TguvifllM9xMvG~SHvX2DGqpRP60PEN-0Orx9MOl0lV~f-9PHvpqKqL1ZeVmA44wsQEwQMRhLBvA6lQCEYOVlfH6YYZrgOztvMZxv1~4viFlBHF1JSDe6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgetown City Council on July 28 introduced ordinances to annex roughly 30.22 acres on Payne’s Depot Road (the Sharp property) and to rezone the site to an R‑2 planned unit development (PUD). The proposal presented by city planning staff and the applicant would allow a mixed‑housing project shown on a concept plan as about 240 apartments, 15 townhomes and 65 single‑family homes, and it included multiple variance requests that prompted extended debate among council members.

Ben Fleming, the city planner, told council the parcel lies inside Georgetown’s urban service boundary and has been shown for development in prior comprehensive plans; staff and the planning commission recommended consideration of the rezoning to R‑2 PUD. Applicant and engineer Michael Barlow told the council the plan aims to preserve on‑site open space, including a pond, and to concentrate multifamily units toward the frontage and away from existing neighborhoods.

Council members pressed staff and the applicant on several points: the cumulative scale of recent annexations, the number and character of variance requests included in the submission, the risk of approving a zoning change that would invite many variances at the development stage, and response‑capacity for public services. Multiple council members asked staff for a breakdown of acreage annexed into the city recently and requested clearer estimates on impacts to police, fire and roads.

Planning staff said the application currently is a zone‑change/first‑reading matter; they set aside the applicant’s variance requests for later review at the development‑plan stage so each variance could be judged on the standards required by state law (KRS 100.243). Several council members argued the approach highlights a gap between the city’s development rules and the type of projects proposed and urged a separate review of the city’s zoning code.

A broader policy debate followed. Several councilors said the city should consider a temporary moratorium on residential annexations or a focused review of residential zoning standards while staff and the council update ordinances and procedures. Other councilors cautioned that a moratorium would need a clear scope and timeline and that the city should instead pursue workshops and training to tighten development standards and clarify roles between the council and planning bodies.

What happens next: Both the annexation ordinance and the rezoning ordinance were publicly introduced (first reading) at the July 28 meeting; the rezoning is contingent on annexation and the items will return for additional readings and technical review if the applicant proceeds. Council directed staff to prepare additional information requested by members — including acreage tallies of recent annexations, further technical‑review notes on transportation improvements that would be required at the developer’s cost (for example, a left‑turn lane on Payne’s Depot frontage), and a schedule for possible workshops and training on zoning and variance review.","Council members introduced an ordinance to annex about 30.22 acres on Payne’s Depot Road and to rezone the Sharp property to an R‑2 planned unit development. The first reading drew extended debate over development density, requested variances and whether the city should pause residential annexations while code changes are prepared.",{"_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},6588026,"Georgetown council unanimously appoints Philip Seth Johnson as fire chief; department pins several promotions",294,1538000,1832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2&start=1538&end=1832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2/thumbnail_1538000.jpg","/articles/6588026/Georgetown-City/Scott-County/Kentucky/Georgetown-council-unanimously-appoints-Philip-Seth-Johnson-as-fire-chief-department-pins-several-promotions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588026-44e67bc62fb8dbd6220cdba90580b089/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137657&Signature=gYvdQVlU20sOrzNujp94Hp7oDerqmZzh4LcrczQrjMTX~Pm3JPYDDSKTAmj9CqO6AwWtVO1fauhc9~vEe7jwsrYTMrs05wgEVE1iVUfdnCQCbDRWdS0NeCOok8V4FywoeFgUncLCK~lHNJur27z-Td2Pg5M-1-aqOMUpLNa6Oz1y1KWTiOgI-izMOcDppzeZpxkXVm6BID42pls-Be7NZnESSDn1Sa389E5tptHRUbKxL0cfFdq2LJey4ZaBIY7-fHw2ULGvIZsDZTZLtz8TFqEMQTxTpi57y881pglJGtq38XHKfNug~axyg6NUnMTj5QXtZcdqhDp4zfRfyoQS3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgetown City Council unanimously approved Mayor Mary Jenkins' recommendation to appoint Philip Seth Johnson as Georgetown’s new fire chief during its July 28 meeting.

Johnson — a Georgetown native who told the council he joined the Georgetown Fire Department in February 2006 and has served in ranks including officer, truck captain, assistant chief of prevention and assistant chief of operations — thanked the mayor, council and outgoing Chief Tim Thompson after the vote and pledged to “lead with integrity, listen with respect, and serve alongside the men and women of this department.”

The appointment was introduced by Mayor Jenkins, a motion to approve was made and seconded, and the council voted in favor. After the vote Mayor Jenkins invited Johnson to address the council. Johnson described his local roots and his career progression inside the department, and he thanked Chief Thompson for his mentorship.

Chief Tim Thompson also addressed the council, praising Johnson’s communication and organizational skills and expressing confidence in his leadership. Following the appointment the council and department conducted several promotional pinning ceremonies: battalion chief Josh Cook (training chief), Captain Scott Ruber, Engineer Corey Ford, Engineer Timothy Wright, Fire Inspector Corey Thomas and Senior Code Enforcement Officer Sam Wade were each recognized and pinned in formal remarks recorded during the meeting.

Mayor Jenkins announced a formal swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday, July 31 at the training station (ceremony to begin about 3:45 p.m.).

Why it matters: The appointment completes a planned leadership transition in Georgetown’s fire department; council members and department leaders framed the change as part of continuity in local emergency services and emphasized training and operational stability as priorities moving forward.

Council action and follow-up: The council’s vote approved the mayor’s executive order recommendation to appoint Philip Seth Johnson as fire chief; the record shows public praise from council members and the department and a scheduled sworn-in ceremony. Department leaders said they expect to continue building training, prevention and operational capacity under Johnson’s leadership.","The Georgetown City Council on July 28 unanimously approved Mayor Jenkins' recommendation to appoint Philip Seth Johnson as fire chief. Council and department leaders praised Johnson and several department members were promoted and formally pinned before the council.",{"_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},6588015,"Votes at a glance: Key City of Georgetown actions, July 28, 2025",6521,691000,7212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2&start=691&end=7212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493447-7efa9d2633dd64561cdf59dff87fe0a2/thumbnail_691000.jpg","/articles/6588015/Georgetown-City/Scott-County/Kentucky/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-City-of-Georgetown-actions-July-28-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588015-cfd402eac1406656d827b48b0b5656a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137657&Signature=Dx95ET7zSBlEdpkaGin7~V214jeuYoqwDumiVhIw6izwO~lLrda0zf9NsvVDzPLRVfHv6zGYIi~65NGmNUv0ZTUlOAxGLgHk638pPHlHhOl~mThShOBrsraNit5qH2IK~yHwg5GJy5X2ULQSBmmfJnHN9EZgIm2ZU20Bp15WGMDEVCPlG1Bgdtx2VD-cP6Czpp6mRjwgFZoDPdaeSTNmC7VwuEUb8dPIpwAB84YAyz6oKUHyM0UnBlru-KVv4oVazv~WnbSNlCKltY-OZY3yVg7-i5xoa5yKfM9RjWTnU~pPYqy5Z42k-D~axIj-CilVRj5nlnh1uaRcdeaUvpZPiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Below are the formal actions the Georgetown City Council recorded at its July 28, 2025 meeting. This list summarizes each action, its outcome as recorded in the meeting minutes, and short context. If the meeting record lists only an introduction or first reading, the entry is marked as such.

- Events and community displays
- Bourbon Burn (three‑day bicycle tour through Georgetown on Sept. 27): motion to approve — outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Boston Community Celebration (Aug. 23 road closures): motion to approve — outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Turn the Town Teal (teal bows and informational streamers downtown for ovarian cancer awareness, September): motion to approve contingent on waiver — outcome: council approved an amendment requiring a liability waiver for volunteers (mayor broke a tie in favor of the amendment); original motion then passed. The meeting record shows the amendment received a 4–4 tie before the mayor cast the deciding vote in favor.

- Grants and shelter funding
- ESG grant renewal (emergency shelter/rapid rehousing support administered through city): motion to submit letter of intent/renewal — outcome: approved by voice vote. City staff said the City will continue as a renewing recipient; some match numbers changed.

- Ordinances (second readings / votes)
- Urban backyard chickens ordinance (full ordinance to allow up to six backyard chickens with a permit and training requirement): second reading and vote — outcome: motion failed (the council recorded that the ordinance did not pass on the second reading). Council members cited enforcement concerns. (First reading was July 14.)
- Amendment to animal control ordinance creating limited exemptions for schools and 501(c)(3) equine outreach programs: second reading and vote — outcome: passed on second reading (roll call recorded in meeting minutes).
- Code Enforcement Board meeting frequency (amend section to change regular meeting schedule from monthly to quarterly): second reading and vote — outcome: passed on second reading (roll call recorded).
- Personnel ordinance amendment (adjust school resource officer positions to convert part‑time SRO positions into one full seasonal SRO): second reading and vote — outcome: passed on second reading (roll call recorded).

- First readings / introductions (no final council vote at this meeting)
- Ward Hall rezoning (A‑1 to C‑1 conservation; planning commission recommended rezone): introduced for first reading.
- Payne’s Depot Road annexation (Sharp property, approx. 30.22 acres): introduced for first reading (annexation by owner consent). Council requested additional information on recent annexations and service impacts.
- Payne’s Depot Road zoning map amendment (ZMA‑2025‑21, change to R‑2 PUD): introduced for first reading; staff noted variances would be considered at development plan stage.

- Contracts, purchases and change orders
- ESRI (GIS software and online tools): purchase order $12,950 — outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Judy Construction, Payment No. 51 (wastewater treatment plant upgrade/expansion): $389,909.97 — outcome: approved by voice vote; project reported 89.6% complete with beneficial use date Sept. 30.
- Annual water and sewer repair — multi‑award contract (MAC) recommendation: four contractors recommended (Buchanan Contracting, C Squared Excavating, In SituForm Technologies, Universal Solutions) — outcome: multi‑award recommendation approved by voice vote.
- Fall Creek subdivision streetlights (developer/HOA requested additional entrance lights; HOA to pay installation; city to pick up monthly tariff) — outcome: approved by voice vote (city will assume monthly tariff after installation; estimated monthly tariff about $40 per light).
- City Hall masonry change order (masonry/tuckpointing; change order total $30,606; contingency figure subsequently cited) — outcome: council approved the change order on voice vote; staff said further water‑infiltration pricing will be presented at a future meeting and projected a completion target of Oct. 1 (timeline subject to later change).
- Marshall Park lighting project change order (ARPA‑funded): outcome: approved by voice vote; staff requested reimbursement to parks be authorized.
- Fire department surplus equipment and vehicle declarations (including donation of radios to Jessamine County Fire): outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Employee handbook update (policy changes including sick‑time buyback restored at one week): outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Gripper truck purchase for municipal operations: outcome: approved (under budget) by voice vote.

- Appointments
- Ethics Board appointment (Guy Cousy): motion to appoint — outcome: approved by voice vote.

Notes and follow up: Several items were introduced on first reading only and require subsequent readings before final action. The Payne’s Depot proposals triggered extended discussion; council asked planning staff for annexation acreage figures and recommended workshops or training on zoning roles and variance standards. Council also debated an impact‑fee study and whether to pursue a moratorium on residential annexations; a motion to remove the proposed developer impact fee from consideration passed by roll call, and council directed staff to pursue training, code review and possible moratorium options.

This summary is drawn from the July 28 council transcript and roll‑call record. For agenda identifiers, full ordinance text and formal vote tallies, see the city clerk’s office or the official meeting minutes.","A summary of formal actions taken at the Georgetown City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, including approvals, introductions and contract awards. Items noted are outcomes recorded on the meeting record; first readings are listed as introduced.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Republic Services reports improved pickup consistency, explains landfill gas‑to‑energy process to council

Council introduces Payne’s Depot annexation and R-2 PUD zoning amid heated debate over growth, variances and moratorium

Georgetown council unanimously appoints Philip Seth Johnson as fire chief; department pins several promotions

Votes at a glance: Key City of Georgetown actions, July 28, 2025