H. Dean Hayes

Key discussions included the review and revision of the January minutes, focusing on the Ridge Road Landscaping section. The Forester's Report detailed five tree removal permits issued in January, resulting in the removal of 18 trees, and noted two fines for construction permit violations. Project discussions covered planning for the Arbor Day & Tree Giveaway 2026, including speaker confirmation, tree orders, and revisions to planting instruction tags. The Board also reviewed the theme for the 2027 calendar, planned a meeting to finalize the Ridge Road Landscaping selections, and discussed the Tree City USA/Growth Award application process, with a volunteer taking the lead. The next newsletter article was outlined to cover the Arbor Day program.

Key discussions involved the nomination and unanimous election of a new Historic Preservation Commission Chairman (Clyde Ensor), Vice-Chairman (Bill Wilkinson), and Secretary (Mary Easterling). The committee approved the removal of a small wooden shed at 11703 Osage Road due to disrepair. Several Certificate of Appropriateness applications were reviewed with specific stipulations: the project at 1403 Walnut Lane required changes to porch detailing, including beam dropping and column finishing. The pergola project at 13100 N. Osage Road required adding two additional columns and specific trim/gutter matching. The addition for 11801 E Osage Road required adjustments to window sizing, cedar shingle flair matching the existing garage, and revisions to the breezeway columns. The committee also reviewed and approved the Kentucky Certified Local Government FY2025 Annual Report for submission. A procedural discussion occurred regarding future accountability for construction changes made without subsequent committee approval.

The meeting, rescheduled from January 5, 2026, included a review of the December minutes. Key discussions centered on the Forester Report, noting that two permits were issued in December for tree removal. For upcoming projects, the Board planned for the Arbor Day and Tree Giveaway on March 18, 2026, with efforts to secure a speaker on soil testing. Progress on hazardous tree removals was noted, and ideas for the 2027 calendar were discussed, potentially focusing on street signs or newly tagged park trees. A plan for Ridge Road Landscaping was initiated, involving price checking and securing a donation from the Anchorage Botanical Society. For the Tree City USA / Growth Award application, a new volunteer is needed, and the Board anticipates a visit from the Kentucky Division of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator on March 2. The February newsletter will feature a save-the-date for Arbor Day.

Key discussions included a presentation by Karl Price, candidate for Jefferson County Attorney, who introduced his platform. The Police Chief reviewed the annual report, covering crime statistics and traffic stops. The Council met with a member of the Historic Preservation Commission to work on guidelines, and the Forestry Board announced the upcoming Arbor Day event. Old business concluded with the unanimous approval of Amended Ordinance §152.05 regarding Conformity with Certificate of Appropriateness. New business featured the unanimous approval to waive the Alcohol License Fee for the Winter Bowl 2026, and the recognition of Bill Wetherton for 44 years of service on the Historic Preservation Commission. Announcements covered upcoming public works building renovations and scheduled holiday closures.

The meeting addressed several property modification requests and a post-facto project approval. Key discussions included revisions for a porch demolition, enclosure of a rear breezeway, and window replacements at 1403 Walnut Lane, requiring detailed porch plans and specific window specifications (8 over 1 SDL). Approval was granted for a Coachman series garage door replacement at 12507 N. Osage Road. For 1200 Glenbrook Road, approval was given for replacing three windows, adding two new SDL windows on the back, and replacing the rear door, with encouragement to consider casement style for new additions. The Commission also approved the completed bridge repair project at 11608 Owl Creek Lane, deciding not to pursue a fine despite the work being done prior to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness. Finally, the Commission discussed the classification approach for future Historic Preservation Guideline revisions.