Jessa Brandon

The primary discussions and actions of the meeting included the recognition of new employees, processing consent agenda items such as approving the Human Resources Report dated February 10, 2026, authorizing an application to the Department of Transportation for a Section 5311 Grant for HART, and accepting a Stormwater Management System Maintenance Agreement with Grateful Living of Henderson, LLLP. Ordinances were presented, including a second reading for closing a public right-of-way and first readings for accepting public improvements in the Gray Stone Subdivision and an ordinance amending the budget. Further business involved awarding bids for HVAC installation at the Public Safety Building and mowing city cemeteries. City Manager reports covered the economic development capital campaign, the Inner City Improvement Plan Doorbell Cameras project, and a feasibility study for a regional transit authority. Appointments were made to the Board of Park Commissioners. The board entered and exited Executive Session to discuss property and litigation matters.

The work session agenda included several key discussions. Topics slated for review encompassed a presentation and review of the Parks Master Plan, discussion regarding a certification stipend for Police and Fire departments, review and discussion of the Buy-Back Policy and the Employer Match Program. Additionally, there was discussion concerning third-party snow removal services for future heavy snow events, and a review and discussion of the FY2026 mid-year budget.

The meeting included several presentations, such as thanking the Human Rights Commission for the Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Celebration, and awarding January Community Spotlight Awards to the Finance Department for receiving a clean audit opinion and the GFOA Triple Crown Award, and to Hickerson's Honey & Flowers for their competition achievement. Henderson Economic Development and the Chamber of Commerce reported on retail recruitment efforts, including collaboration with other Kentucky cities via the Kentucky Connections Initiative to attend upcoming International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conferences, leading to a motion to contribute $5,000.00 toward a booth space in May 2026. Henderson Municipal Power & Light (HMP&L) discussed the progress of its fiber buildout, preliminary cost of service study results, and integrated resource plans, noting that fiber construction is on schedule and under budget, with 1,000 customers secured towards an anticipated 3,500. The Board approved several items via the Consent Agenda, including resolutions related to the Human Resources Report and a grant application for fire department turnout gear. Multiple ordinances were adopted on second reading, concerning amendments to the Parks and Recreation Board structure (renaming it to the Board of Park Commissioners), continuity of government during a state of emergency, amendments to the Electrical Code, amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget, closing a public right-of-way, accepting public improvements (sidewalks in Gray Stone Subdivision), and authorizing the purchase of a police truck. Additionally, the Board approved a gas supply contract and related amendments with Pratt Paper (KY) LLC, approved a change order for Fire Station 1 construction utilizing contingency funds, approved an agreement for electrical inspection services, declared certain gas equipment as surplus for electronic auction, and awarded bids for mowing city cemeteries and properties. The Board also supported the City Manager signing a non-binding letter of intent for the purchase of a garbage truck to eventually handle city recycling operations, and approved funding for the City of Henderson's portion of a Regional Transit Authority feasibility study. Several appointments were made to the Board of Park Commissioners. Discussions were held regarding the Inner City Improvement Plan and upcoming resident orientation. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding future real property acquisition and business siting, followed by the denial of an order to purchase property at 1322 Helm Street.

The Board of Commissioners meeting included presentations recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Celebration and new employee introductions. Key agenda items involved the presentation of the FY 2025 City Audit Report, which resulted in an Unqualified ("Clean") Opinion and the awarding of the GFOA 2024 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting; discussion on the usage of General Bonded Debt for utility assistance was also held. The Consent Agenda included accepting the Human Resources Report, applying for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for the Merrill Trail Extension Project, and applying for a USTA Tennis Venue Services (TVS) Grant for improvements to the Doc Hosbach Tennis Complex. Ordinance No. 01-26 was adopted to amend Chapter 17 regarding the Parks and Recreation Board, including changing its name to the "Board of Park Commissioners" and expanding its membership and meeting frequency. Ordinance No. 02-26 addressed continuity of government during a state of emergency. Ordinance No. 03-26 amended various sections of the Electrical Code in Chapter 7 to align with updated state guidance. Ordinance No. 04-26 amended the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year 2025-2026. A municipal order approved Change Order Request #2 for the Wathen Lane Roadway Construction Upgrade Project. A resolution was approved terminating the Solid Waste Recycling Alliance agreement with Tri-County Recycling Alliance, Inc., and authorizing dissolution of the entity. Another resolution authorized the acceptance of quitclaim deeds for two properties pursuant to a court forfeiture order, with discussion on utilizing one property for the H.E.R.O. Project. A municipal order approved the appointment of Doug Boom as Project Engineer. Municipal Order No. 05-26 rescinded a previous order for the purchase of extrication tools due to restructuring of the vendor company, followed immediately by Municipal Order No. 06-26 authorizing the purchase of the same tools from a different vendor. Municipal Order No. 07-26 awarded the bid for the purchase of four new 2026 Ford Interceptors for the Police Department. The City Manager provided updates on a rezoning request for 1500 Madison Street, the naming of the former HMP&L Building as "The Annex," and a comprehensive update on the storm siren alerting system following a recent failure, including proposals for system remediation and control.

The Board of Commissioners held a strategic goal planning meeting where each department discussed progress, goals, and capital expenditures. Key discussions included the Mayor's focus on infrastructure funding advocacy, retail and economic development priorities, and Parks Master Plan initiatives. The Henderson Water Utility detailed progress on pump replacement, meter replacement programs, wastewater treatment modernization, and identified future capital projects like the South Raw Water Intake Project and stormwater investment expansion. Henderson Municipal Power & Light highlighted infrastructure replacement, solar interconnection, and customer-focused programs. Henderson Municipal Gas covered service installations and line replacements. Other departments provided updates on crime reduction, staffing levels, technology upgrades (including a new CAD system for 911), finance award achievements, sanitation modernization, Fire Science Pathway launch, ongoing legal work (like foreclosure filings), secured grants for capital projects, and process improvements managed by the City Clerk's office. Overall commission goals emphasized affordability, safety, economic development, and quality of life improvements.