Guthrie council appoints Brad Balmer to zoning board and authorizes condemnation actions for pipeline easements

At its Feb. 11, 2025 meeting the City of Guthrie Council approved two notable new-business items: the appointment of Brad Balmer to the Board of Zoning Adjustments, and a resolution authorizing the city attorney to pursue condemnation actions against certain property owners for easements tied to the Pennyrile Regional Energy Agency natural gas pipeline.

The motion to appoint Brad Balmer was made by Zollie Rose and seconded by Norma Williams; the minutes record the motion as carried unanimously. The resolution authorizing condemnation action was moved by Harry Green and seconded by Chad Johnson and likewise carried unanimously.

Councilman Chad Johnson also requested monthly fire reports going forward now that the fire department is no longer a volunteer department; the minutes record this as an item for future reporting rather than a formal action. Council member Andrea Milkowski raised questions about an apparently unfinished pavilion on the route to Tiny Town and a light that she said is blinding to drivers; the minutes record these concerns for follow up. City Attorney Traughber noted he had sent a group of letters regarding delinquent property taxes and advised council members in case citizens mention them.

The minutes do not specify timelines, contractors, or parcel identifiers for the condemnation actions, nor do they record roll-call voting by individual council members beyond noting each motion carried unanimously.