Commission approves alley closure, several municipal orders; alcohol‑code changes introduced

At its November meeting, the Owensboro City Commission approved an alley closure ordinance, enacted several municipal orders on one reading and introduced changes to the city's alcoholic beverage regulations.

City Clerk Beth Davis read Ordinance 17‑2024, which would close an alley right‑of‑way behind 1220 Center Street (running from East Parish Avenue to East Fourteenth Street). Staff noted Christ Community Church and contiguous property owners provided consent; the ordinance passed on second reading after commissioners voted 'aye' on the record.

The commission also approved on one reading Municipal Orders 30‑2024 (real‑estate purchase of 1829 Triplett Street), 31‑2024 (mutual aid with Ohio Township), 32‑2024 (authority to file mass foreclosure petitions), and 33‑2024 (EMT program memorandum of agreement with Owensboro Community and Technical College, Davis County Fiscal Court and the city of Henderson). Each was presented with staff summaries and passed by voice vote.

Nate Pagan introduced first reading of multiple amendments to chapter 3 of the Owensboro Municipal Code concerning alcoholic beverages. The two principal changes are allowing expanded sales hours on Sundays when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday (aligning with prior accommodations for New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve) and creating a 'limited golf license' for golf courses in response to state law. Pagan said other changes are procedural cleanup and statutory reference corrections; the ordinance will return for a second reading before adoption.

Other routine business included approval of minutes, appointment of Carly Brown to fill an unexpired term on a city commission, and several personnel appointments effective in December.