City of Frankfort

Key discussions during the meeting included planning a meeting with partner organizations to establish talking points and reviewing the status of a community resource list. In new business, the Commission discussed accessing online training materials, specifically a resource titled "Know Your Rights." There was also a deliberation regarding the impacts of ICE raids in Frankfort, with the Chair reaching out to an individual for further discussion on concerns raised. The group initiated monitoring state legislative bills by setting up Bill Watch and briefly discussed HB361/SB86.

The Special Meeting was convened to conduct a Strategic Planning Session with the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC). Representatives from KLC reviewed preliminary reports from a session held in November 2025. The Board of Commissioners then provided commentary on previous discussions that included Department Heads and reviewed a comprehensive overview of the Board of Commissioners' priorities, including suggested modifications to the draft strategic plan.

Key discussions and actions included recognizing promotions within the Police Department to Lieutenant and Sergeant ranks. Under the Consent Calendar, the Board authorized a Construction Agreement with RJ Corman Railroad Company for emergency sewer repairs on Broadway and Ann Street, estimated at $131,626.00 including contingency. Amendments were authorized for professional services with OHM Advisors for easement acquisition related to the Prevention Park (PC3) Project ($75,000.00) and with QK4, Inc. for engineering and survey work extension ($250,000.00). Additionally, an amendment was approved for Hazen and Sawyer for additional construction administration services for the East Frankfort Interceptor (EFI) Project ($225,000.00). The Board also approved a three-year renewal agreement for UKG software modules. Action items involved adopting ordinances to update officer and employee pay schedules, and closing an unused portion of Airport Road right-of-way. The Board approved an agreement with Sasaki for the Riverfront Visioning and Strategic Plan, approved a PILOT Agreement for the Capital Plaza Hotel, and discussed solid waste information, scheduling a follow-up for the February Work Session. Finally, the Board approved settling all current litigation and claims with Old Y, LLC.

Key discussions included citizen comments regarding solid waste collection capacity. Staff reported on the Wastewater Treatment Plant progress, noting that a final design proposal is expected within a year. Discussions covered a proposed Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the Capital Plaza Hotel, which grants a 10-year tax abatement, and a review of the 2025 Annual Report for Fire and EMS. An overview of Transit services was presented, detailing ridership, fares, and funding opportunities. Recommended amendments to the sewer ordinance were reviewed, offering options for servicing new developments outside city limits, such as annexation or the addition of administrative fees equivalent to tap fees, or a 10% fee increase. Updates on Solid Waste Services included a presentation on privatization options versus expanding current department capacity. The Commissioners directed staff to place the PILOT agreement, sewer ordinance first reading, and solid waste options on the subsequent voting meeting agenda. New business included a request for an update on the Frankfort Meeting and Event Center.

The meeting commenced with call to order and amendment/approval of previous minutes from September 3, 2025. The board moved into closed sessions to discuss litigation matters per KRS 61.810(1)(c) and personnel matters per KRS 61.810(1)(f). Upon returning to open session, actions were taken to authorize the board attorney to draft proposed amendments to city codes concerning the statute of limitations for filing ethics complaints and to clarify the definition of "action" related to that statute. Further action authorized the attorney to file a notice to appeal an order from the Franklin Circuit Court Division II regarding Civil Action 25-CI-379, and subsequently, to explore alternative resolutions for the same court order. Finally, the board initiated an ethics investigation into vehicle sales involving the City of Frankfort and its employees, authorizing the chair to approve the final form and wording of related written questions.