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REGULAR MEETING February 23, 2026
FRANKFORT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 5:00 P.M. (EST)
PRESENT:
Commissioner Rob Richardson – Via GoToMeeting
Commissioner Leesa Unger
Commissioner Kelly May
Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis
Mayor Layne Wilkerson (5)
ABSENT: None (0)
Following roll call Mayor Wilkerson called the meeting to order.
Citizen Comments
Squire JW Blackburn spoke about the Sewer Ordinance and requested the Board of Commissioners table so there can be more conversations.
Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller expressed that there have been concerns from his constituents and requested the Board of
Commissioners hold the second reading until additional conversations can be held.
Natalie Gwishiri, representing the Board of Park Commissioners, spoke about the need for an indoor pool. The Parks Advisory Board urges the
Board of Commissioners to support Swim with Purpose.
Consent Calendar
1. Minutes – Special Meeting, January 6, 2026; Work Session, January 12, 2026; Regular Meeting, January 26, 2026
2. Pauly Mediation
Authorized the Mayor to sign a mediation settlement agreement with Pauly Construction. The City disputed change orders submitted by Pauly
in connection with construction of the Farmers Market pavilion. The mediation resulted in a reduction in the change orders from $115,631.00
to $60,000.00.
3. SCADA Software Upgrade and Alarm Notification Software with LoVo Systems, Inc.– Sewer
Authorized accepting two proposals for SCADA software upgrade and alarm notification software with Lovo Systems, Inc. for monitoring WWTP
and pump stations and to authorize the Mayor to sign all related documents. Lovo has provided SCADA software to FSD since 2024. FSD has
been implementing a new SCADA system with treatment and pump station projects, where practical. The Aveva System Platform SCADA
software will provide a greater collection of data points, backup of software and data, and allow five simultaneous users to log into the system.
This allows for greater access by sewer personnel using Tablet or Mobile Phones to remotely view the sanitary sewer system. The cost is
$98,700.00. The Annual subscription service is $19,950.00.
The Smartsights Win911 alarm notification system will provide email and text notification for 10 personnel for any system connected to the
SCADA system. This allows FSD staff to respond to automatic alarm notification for a faster response. The cost is $ 5,940.00 The Annual
subscription service is $3,950.00. These services are budgeted in FY 25-26. Annual Software subscriptions will be included in the 26-27 budget
and for each following year. Staff recommends approval of SCADA software upgrade and Alarm Notification Software with LoVo Systems, Inc.
Upon approval the Sewer Department will send a purchase requisition to the Finance Department for the entire two proposals, amounting to
$104,640.00.
4. Professional Services Agreement with Arcadis U.S. Inc. (Arcadis) – Sewer
Authorized a Professional Services Agreement with Arcadis U.S. Inc., for additional refinements to hydraulic modeling of the sanitary sewer
system and to assist in submitting annual reports to the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) and authorized the Mayor to sign all related
documents. On April 24, 2023, The City and Arcadis entered a contract for the Consultant to assist FSD with the Annual Report required by
the Kentucky Division of Water as part of the Consent Judgement. Additional components of the contract include assistance with hydraulic
modeling of the sanitary sewer system to update the Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) and other major project needs. The City received approval
of the updated LTCP on November 19, 2024.
With the approval of the updated LTCP using the existing model, FSD desires to update the model to reflect additional infrastructure projects
completed since 2018 and to better model pump stations with pumps operating simultaneously. The Frankfort Sewer Department provides
critical support for the economic growth of Frankfort and Franklin County by providing sanitary sewer service. Developments are requesting
sanitary sewer availability prior to starting multiple year design and construction projects before beginning work. Arcadis will develop scenarios
needed to reserve sanitary sewer capacity in the hydraulic model. With significant overlap of the combined sewer overflow (CSO) annual
report and with the Annual Report, Arcadis will be assisting with upcoming both CSO annual reports and the Annual Report. Upon the
completion of this contract in 2028, FSD will solicit engineering services to re-calibrate the hydraulic model with current flow monitoring
information. These services are budgeted in FY 25-26. Staff recommends approval of the Professional Services Agreement with Arcadis U.S.
Inc. Upon approval the Sewer Department will send a purchase requisition to the Finance Department for the entire Agreement Amount,
amounting to $ 590,000.00.
5. Stantec PSA Floodwall Repairs Addendum No. 1 – Public Works
Authorized a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) Addendum No. 1, with Stantec, and for the Mayor to sign all related documents.
1. The Jones Run Pump Station area experienced erosion of the bank adjacent to penitentiary branch which needs to be repaired as soon as
possible.
This addendum includes a detailed cost estimate for the repairs including mitigating the slope for potential future failure and all required
permitting.
2. The floodgate behind Buffalo Trace requires repairs as water seepage beneath the wall caused the asphalt to wash away and cause safety
concerns for vehicles. The gate is to remain in place until repairs have been completed.
This addendum includes a detailed cost estimate for the repairs, all required permitting, and bid documents for construction.
3. There are several holes adjacent to the floodwall at Second Street School where water is seeping beneath the wall and bubbling up causing
damage beneath the Second Street School parking lot.
This addendum includes all required permitting.

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The contract amount for this addendum is an additional $49,864.00 and a total contract amount of $139,224.00 to be paid from the stormwater
account 735.00.51100. Staff recommends approval of the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) Addendum No. 1 with Stantec. and the
Mayor to sign all related documents. Staff will work with Stantec representatives to complete the proposed work.
6. The following miscellaneous and personnel items were presented
• Appointment of Sam Hillard in the Fire & EMS Department as Firefighter, effective 2/3/26 (Fire & EMS).
• Appointment of Christian Blake Shelton in the Fire & EMS Department as Firefighter, effective 2/3/26 (Fire & EMS).
• Appointment of Don Chism in the PW/Transit Department as Transit Driver nonCDL, effective 2/10/26 (PW/Transit).
• Appointment of Ashley Watts in HR as HR Specialist, effective 2/10/26 (HR).
• Appointment of Jordan LeCompte in the Parks & Recreation Department as Asst. Parks Maintenance Supervisor, effective 2/17/26
(Parks & Rec).
• Appointment of Josh Kelly in the PW/Streets Department as PW Tech Streets, effective 2/10/26 (PW/Streets).
• Appointment of Lucas Wainscott in the Sewer Department as Sewer Tech, effective 2/17/26 (Sewer).
• Appointment of Jeff Johnson in the Sewer Department as Sewer Tech, effective 2/17/26 (Sewer).
• Appointment of Mallory Kubala in the Police Department as Police Officer, effective 2/17/26 (Police).
• Resignation of Michael Lahr in the Public Works Department as Building Maintenance Supervisor, effective 2/19/26 (Public Works).
• Resignation of Ashley Watts in the City Manager/HR Department as HR Specialist, effective 2/20/26 (City Manager/HR).
It was moved by Commissioner Unger, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis, that items of the Consent Agenda be adopted. The question was
put upon the motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor
Wilkerson (5). Those voting against were none (0). The motion was thereupon adopted.
Boards
1. Board of Ethics – Appointment of Mary Nishimuta, expiring 12-31-28.
It was moved by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis, to accept the Mayor’s recommendation. The question was put
upon the motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor
Wilkerson (5). Those voting against were none (0). The motion was thereupon adopted.
2. Housing Authority – Appointment of Erin Marshall (filling vacant term), expiring 1-29-27.
It was moved by Commissioner Unger, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis, to accept the Mayor’s recommendation. The question was put
upon the motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor
Wilkerson (5). Those voting against were none (0). The motion was thereupon adopted.
Action Items
1. Second Reading
“AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 52.01, 52.02 and 52.04 OF THE CITY OF FRANKFORT CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING
SEWER SERVICE PROVISION AND FEES”. This ordinance had its First Reading on February 9, 2026. Summary: This ordinance amends
Sections 52.01, 52.02, and 52.04 to a) establish a requirement for capacity review of all new requests for sewer service over 400 gallons a day;
b) require a capacity review fee of $500 for properties located outside the City limits, which is refundable upon successful annexation; c) require
those properties outside of the City limits that share a boundary with these limits to request voluntary annexation into the City prior to receiving
sewer service or sewer service improvements; d) establish new administrative fees based on number of water meters installed for properties
located outside the City limits and connecting to City sewer; and e) establish new sewer rates for customers inside Franklin County but outside
the City limits (“County”) at additional 10% on top of the base rate, and customers outside of Franklin County (“Out of County”) at an additional
15% on top of the base rate.
It was moved by Commissioner Unger, seconded by Commissioner May, to adopt the ordinance. The question was put upon the motion and
the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson (5). Voting
against were none (0). The Ordinance was thereupon adopted (Ordinance No. 3, 2026 Series).
Note: A brief discussion was held by the Board of Commissioners following the vote.
2. First Reading
“AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 20, 2025 SERIES APPROPRIATING THE REVENUE TO BE RECEIVED BY THE
CITY OF FRANKFORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026” was presented, read, and sponsored by Commissioner Unger. Summary:
This ordinance amends Ordinance No. 20, 2025 Series, appropriating the revenue to be received by the City for the Fiscal Year 2025-
2026 by adding the following expenditures and transfers out as noted.
1) General Fund-$904,853 (aggregate total)
2) Transfers from General Fund-$354,762 (aggregate total) to Grant Fund 745
3) Capital Improvements-$29,809 (aggregate total)
4) Sewer Fund-$956,626 (aggregate total)
And by adding the following revenue and transfers in as noted above:
1) General Fund-$10,000 (aggregate total)
3. “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING THAT CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT,
QUALIFIED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, AND ANY ASSOCIATED FINANCING DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH,
INCLUDING AUTHORIZATION AND EXECUTION OF ANY GROUND LEASE, LEASE, OR TRUST INDENTURE, PERFORMANCE OF
ALL OBLIGATIONS THEREUNDER, AND EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR
THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, FINANCE AND OPERATION OF THE FRANKFORT MEETING AND
EVENT CENTER”.
It was moved by Commissioner Unger, seconded by Commissioner Richardson, to adopt the resolution. The question was put upon the
motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson
(5). Voting against were none (0). The resolution was thereupon adopted (Resolution No. 1, 2026 Series).

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4. Parks Committee Order
The purpose of this memo is to provide the Board of Commissioners with an order to form a Parks Committee similar to the current Public
Works and Infrastructure and Public Safety Committees. After multiple meetings and discussions with the City Manager and Parks Staff, it
was determined that it was necessary to form a committee similar to the current Public Works and Infrastructure and Public Safety Committees
to receive additional input and to better inform the BOC. The purpose of the committee is to discuss large scale parks capital improvement
projects, potential funding sources and strategies, large scale policies and procedures focusing safety, annual fees and rates, and other parks
operations. The committee is being proposed to include the Parks Director, Parks Deputy Directors, the City Manager, the City Finance
Director, and two (2) members of the BOC. Staff recommends approval of the order to form the Parks Committee, select members of the BOC
to sit on the committee, and to authorize the Mayor sign any related documents.
It was moved by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis, to adopt the order. The question was put upon the motion and
the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson (5). Voting
against were none (0). The order was thereupon adopted (Order No.1, 2026 Series).
5. Emergency Repairs for Multiple Repairs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) & Order
The purpose of this memo is to request Board of Commissioners approval of a not to exceed amount of $200,000.00 a $110,000.00 purchase
order with Herrick Company for emergency repairs to WWTP equipment damaged during the April 2025 flood and to authorize the mayor to
sign all related documents. During the April 2025 flood, the plant and most of its equipment were completely submerged. After the flood
receded, FSD staff worked with Hazen engineers to complete an evaluation of the plant. Emergency repairs were completed to bring the plant
back online. The plant has since seen the effects of the flooding take a toll on the equipment, and 8 of 12 rotors are now completely down
and require repairs. FSD received a violation of the KPDES permit in January due to the aerators being out of service. FSD requested an
Emergency P.O. in December and was issued Emergency P.O. #9387-68 on January 29th. FSD Staff are looking to replace the existing
aerators with a more efficient, more reliable alternative, but as temperatures begin to rise, the plant will need at least 2 additional aerators
running to meet permit requirements in the spring. Along with the aerator repairs, several other pieces of equipment need to be repaired
before warm weather arrives. These include three clarifiers, blowers, a positive displacement pump, and control wiring for the UV system.
The cost of the repair parts is not included in the budget, as these repairs were not expected until spring. FSD will work with Finance
as needed to add this to the budget and work with the insurance and FEMA to recover as much of the cost as possible. These
repairs have been well documented and should qualify for 75% reimbursement from FEMA. Staff recommends approval of the
emergency P.O. for the repairs at WWTP.
It was moved by Commissioner Richardson, seconded by Commissioner Unger, to adopt the order. The question was put upon the motion
and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson (5).
Voting against were none (0). The order was thereupon adopted (Order No.2, 2026 Series).
6. City of Frankfort – Geologic Monitoring Services Adjacent to Taylor Avenue City #2425001-61 Professional Services Consultant –
HDR Engineering, Inc. City/HDR Engineering Agreement
On October 24, 2025, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure a professional services consultant for the subject project.
The deadline for responses to the RFP was November 21, 2025. The City received five responses to the advertisement of which three were
determined to be non-responsive. The City’s selection committee met on December 11th to select the consultant that had the highest
evaluated proposal. The committee selected HDR Engineering, Inc., of Paducah, KY.
At this time staff requests the Board of Commissioners approval of the subject three-year agreement ($253,647.00). Since Taylor Avenue
(KY-1211) is a state-maintained roadway and this roadway has been closed to traffic for over two years, staff has had discussions with the
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) concerning their sharing in the cost of the subject agreement’s scope of work. KYTC has indicated
they have no interest in sharing in the cost; however, KYTC has indicated that after one year of geologic monitoring they will consider reopening
Taylor Avenue. The resulting City’s share of the agreement’s cost is $139,247.00 for the first year with year's two and three being $53,200.00
and $61,200.00, respectively. A budget amendment will be required for the project’s cost. Upon the Board of Commissioners approval
and the Mayor signing the agreement, staff will issue a Notice to Proceed.
It was moved by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis, to approve the agreement. The question was put upon the
motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson
(5). Voting against were none (0). The motion was thereupon adopted.
7. 2026 BUILD Grant Application
Staff requests authorization to apply for 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program funds to the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) in the amount of $25,000,000.00 and to authorize the Mayor to sign all grant documents. Frankfort seeks
BUILD funds to replace rescinded Phase I NAE construction funding for the High/Holmes Street project. Phase l of the project encompasses
the corridor’s roadway and storm/sanitary reconstruction from Mero Street to Henry Street. The Holmes Street Corridor is an economically
distressed and racially diverse area burdened by high-speed traffic, uncontrolled access, a lack of bike lanes, poor bus transit
accommodations, and missing or obstructed sidewalks creating an unsafe, unpleasant, and inefficient living, work, and travel environment.
The reconstruction of the Holmes Street Corridor will improve pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure, enhance public transportation
connections, reconfigure roadways to reduce conflicts and boost safety, construct storm water infrastructure to mitigate flooding and support
environmental health, and implement aesthetic upgrades.
The City received Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) funding in 2021 for preliminary engineering and
environmental work for the entire High/Holmes Street Corridor. The City received over $8,000,000.00 in funding in 2025 for Phase II of the
project. Staff would like to apply for $25,000,000.00 to move forward with Phase I construction of this project. The overall cost for Phase I
construction of this project is $32,500,000.00 with the following breakdown:
BUILD Funding $25,000,000.00
City Sewer Replacement $5,060,000.00
Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development $2,204,762.00
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet $125,000.00
City of Frankfort $110,238.00
Total $32,500,000.00
It was moved by Commissioner Unger, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis, to approve the application. The question was put upon the
motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson
(5). Voting against were none (0). The motion was thereupon adopted.

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8. Farmers Market Sublease
The purpose of this item is to request approval from the Board of Commissioners for the Farmers Market Sublease and to authorize the Mayor
to sign all related documents.
It was moved by Commissioner Unger, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis, to approve the sublease. The question was put upon the
motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson
(5). Voting against were none (0). The motion was thereupon adopted.
Board Comments
Commissioner Unger thanked the Fire Department Honor Guard and Mike Felty for the John Hackett and Mike Moore Memorial Service.
Commissioner Unger spoke about the passing of Mike Hedden, the owner of Buddy’s Pizza. Thursday from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm each slice will
be donated to the business.
It was moved by Commissioner Smith-Willis, seconded by Commissioner May, to go into executive session per KRS 61.810(1)(f), personnel,
“discussion of an employee’s request for a hearing”. Action may be taken in open session. The motion was adopted by voice vote. The meeting
went into closed session at 6:20 p.m.
It was moved by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Wilis, that the meeting return to open session. The motion was adopted
by voice vote. The meeting returned to open session at 6:38 p.m.
It was moved by Commissioner Smith-Willis, seconded by Commissioner May, to uphold the recommendation of the City Manager and not to
hold a hearing. The question was put upon the motion and the roll called. Those voting in favor of the motion were Commissioners Richardson,
Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson (5). Voting against the motion were none (0). The motion was thereupon adopted.
It was moved by Commissioner Smith-Willis, seconded by Commissioner May, that the meeting adjourn. The question was put upon the motion
and was adopted by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
_______________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
City Clerk