Richmond commissioners approve zoning reversion, parking expansion and a $2.7 million local match for industrial grant; several administrative orders passed

Richmond City Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on a package of ordinances and orders that affect land use, parking, pensions and economic development.

The board approved Ordinance 25-15, a second reading to revert the zoning classification for property at 312 High Street back to R-3. The ordinance adopts written findings of the Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission and directs the director of planning and zoning to update the official city map; the ordinance takes effect upon publication as required by applicable Kentucky law.

The board also adopted Ordinance 25-16 on second reading, amending the city’s residential parking permit areas to include the cut remnant of Barns Mill Road (addresses 106 through 210). The ordinance was described as addressing a parking nuisance caused by the road’s reconfiguration during nearby road work.

Among orders adopted at the meeting: - Order 25-92: a 4% increase in pension benefits for members of the police and fire retirement fund established under prior city ordinance. The increase will be funded from property-tax revenue previously set aside for the police and fire pension fund and additional transfers from the general fund if needed. - Order 25-93: promotion of Jonathan Poynter from IT coordinator to IT director, effective June 23, with pay grade and employment history noted. - Order 25-94: reappointment of Sylvia Powell to the Richmond Housing Authority board for a four-year term expiring 2029. - Order 25-95: authorization for the city to serve as grantee and provide a $2,700,000 local match for the Richmond Industrial Park South 4 project should the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approve the project; the Richmond Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) would serve as the beneficiary during local administration of the grant.

Motions to bring the ordinances and orders to the floor were seconded as recorded by the clerk and each measure passed by roll-call vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes for the commissioners present and the mayor; the meeting record shows each measure carried on the second reading or order adoption as read.

Why it matters: The zoning reversion affects the permitted uses at a specific downtown address and reflects action recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission; the parking change targets a localized neighborhood parking problem; the KPDI local match commits significant local funds contingent on state-level approval and is intended to make an industrial Park site eligible for economic development assistance; the pension adjustment and personnel actions have immediate budgetary and operational implications for city services.

No related litigation, appeals or additional follow-up items were recorded on the floor during the meeting. The board moved to executive session later in the evening and returned with no action taken.