Stamping Ground commissioners approve reduced clerk hours, schedule ordinance readings and promote firefighter

STAMPING GROUND, Ky. — The Stamping Ground City Commission on Dec. 17 approved several administrative changes and routine actions, including a reduction in city clerk hours, scheduling formal ordinance readings for personnel policy updates in police and fire departments, and the promotion of a firefighter to captain.

City Clerk Reda Conn submitted a letter asking to reduce her work hours “when needed.” Mayor Bill Swartz moved and Commissioner Jennifer Jones seconded a motion to allow the clerk to work between 16 and 24 hours per week; the commission approved the change by a 4-0 vote.

Police Chief Don Whitlock told the commission that the city’s “flock” cameras are expected to be installed in January. Commissioner Jennifer Jones raised updates to the department’s Personnel Policy Manual; city attorney Joe Hoffman advised the commission that any personnel-policy changes must be put into an ordinance and receive two readings before taking effect. The minutes record the first reading of related ordinances was scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19, with a second reading and potential approval set for Monday, Dec. 30.

Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Tackett reported that James Taul has completed required training and has been promoted to captain. Tackett also said the fire department’s policy update must follow the same ordinance-and-two-readings process. Tackett said he and former Mayor Murphy (noting the minutes reference a prior discussion) had discussed purchasing a new truck; he provided a rough estimate of about $50,000 for a 2024 Ford four-door F-350 from Ford of Frankfort. Mayor Swartz directed Tackett to compile the paperwork and exact amounts for formal consideration.

Commissioner David Clark reported a new local business, Ground Up Interior Designs, opened in the former doctor’s office. The News-Graphic requested that the city sponsor a student’s promotional drawing; the commission approved sponsoring the Creative Kid’s Drawing at a cost of $135 to be paid from the Economic Development account by a recorded 4-0 vote. (The meeting minutes list the motion’s mover as “Mayor Murphy” in one line; the commission roster and other references identify Bill Swartz as mayor—mover attribution for that particular motion is unclear in the minutes, so the sponsorship is reported here without attributing the motion to a specific commissioner.)

The commission read and approved the November 2024 financial reports and approved the Dec. 3, 2024 meeting minutes; both motions passed 4-0. Commissioners then moved to appoint Mayor Bill Swartz as interim Fire Department Commissioner through Dec. 31, 2024; that motion, moved by Commissioner Kendra Murphy and seconded by Commissioner Jennifer Jones in the minutes, passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Clerk hours (allow 16–24 hours/week): moved by Bill Swartz; seconded by Jennifer Jones; outcome: approved 4-0 (SEG 014–017). - Sponsor Creative Kid’s Drawing, $135 (Economic Development account): outcome: approved 4-0 (SEG 043–047); mover attribution unclear in the minutes (see note above). - Approve November 2024 financials: moved by David Clark; seconded by Jennifer Jones; outcome: approved 4-0 (SEG 053–056). - Approve Dec. 3, 2024 minutes: moved by Jennifer Jones; seconded by David Clark; outcome: approved 4-0 (SEG 054–057). - Appoint Mayor Bill Swartz as Fire Department Commissioner through Dec. 31, 2024: moved by Kendra Murphy; seconded by Jennifer Jones; outcome: approved 4-0 (SEG 062–064). - Adjourn: moved by Bill Swartz; seconded by David Clark; outcome: approved 4-0 (SEG 065–067).

What’s next The minutes schedule the first readings of the police and fire policy ordinances for Dec. 19 and the second readings with motions to approve on Dec. 30; Fire Department staff were asked to prepare purchase paperwork before any equipment expenditure is considered.