Tommy Barton

The meeting commenced with prayer led by Commissioner Holland and the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of the Danville Fire Department. The printed agenda was approved with several amendments: removing agenda items 11 and 12, and making item 1 (swearing in of the new fire chief) a floating item pending the return of the fire crew. The commission heard from the public regarding agenda items and approved the minutes of the previous meeting. The MLK Event Committee provided an update, detailing plans for the event on January 19th at the Norton Center, including the march starting at city hall, the speaker Mr. Leon Williams, and the participation of the community choir. The committee requested $2,500 from the Danville City Council, which was noted to be covered under the legislative budget's marketing line item. The commission approved the reappointments for the MLK Committee members for staggered terms. Other updates included passing on the bluegrass ride update to January and the announcement of David Farmer and Paula Meccus as the Arts Citizen of the Year recipients. The newly appointed Fire Chief was formally sworn in, expressing gratitude to his team, mentors, family, and the community. Finally, the CVB representative provided an update on community recognitions, particularly encouraging votes for Danville in Parade Magazine's America's Favorite Small Town Contest.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved with an amendment to include a presentation by a Center College student, Kiara Morrow, who read a poem about quiet leadership. Key discussions involved public comments primarily concerning an ordinance for the first reading regarding the right-of-way abandonment of Old Lexington Road and related concerns about potential future zone changes, which were deferred for specific discussion under Item 10. The Commission also approved the minutes from the November 10 and November 20 meetings. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to adopting a proclamation congratulating the Danville Christian Academy cross country program for their exceptional 2025 seasons and numerous athletic achievements.

The meeting included a moment of silence for Veterans Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved, and there was an opportunity for public comment on agenda items. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. A proclamation was presented to the Bull County High School ladies soccer team, recognizing their achievements, including winning the Kentucky 2A state championship for the second year in a row. Bluegrass Community Action provided a senior program update, highlighting the Senior Companion Program and the Foster Grandparent Program, both aimed at assisting the aging population in Boyle County.

The Danville City Commission held a special called workshop to discuss modifications to the low-income housing water assistance program agreement with Bluegrass Community Action, focusing on changes to service maintenance requirements. The commission also discussed the zoning comprehensive plan, aiming to familiarize members with the plan and gather their input on community values, strengths, and challenges. Key discussion points included the definition of Danville, community values, strengths, challenges, and transformative ideas for the community's future.

The meeting primarily focused on budget discussions, including adjustments made to address a surplus. Key topics included fund balances for the parking garage and cemetery, police and fire pension contributions, and potential cuts to department budgets. The commission also discussed staffing requests, the allocation of budget surplus, and the funding of community and shared agencies.