WORK SESSION January 12, 2026
FRANKFORT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 3:00 P.M. (EST)
PRESENT: Commissioner Rob Richardson
Commissioner Leesa Unger
Commissioner Kelly May
Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis
Mayor Layne Wilkerson (5)
ABSENT: None (0)
Following roll call, Mayor Wilkerson called the Work Session to order.
Citizen Comments
Andrew Ferguson a citizen of Frankfort stated issues with Solid Waste and not having enough carts for his large family.
Staff Reports
Kenny Hogsten – Waste Water Treatment Plant
Kenny Hogsten, Director of Sewer, stated they are still working through options, costs and possibly a smaller design. It will be at least a year
before this comes back before the Board of Commissioners.
Discussion Items
Capital Plaza County IRB PILOT – Gil Johnson
Gil Johnson presented a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the Capital Plaza Hotel. This agreement, made in conjunction with the
Fiscal Court and Independent School District, gives the hotel a tax abatement period for 10 years. This allows the developers of the hotel to invest
100% of funds into the redevelopment of a central downtown hotel, to help grow the downtown economy. After the 10-year period, the property
returns to taxable property, at a much higher tax rate due to the successful redevelopment. This agreement is allowable under Kentucky law and is
a common economic development mechanism. Mayor Wilkerson requested this item be placed on the January voting meeting.
2025 Annual Report for Fire and EMS – Johnny Carpenter
Josh Kyle, Assistant Fire Chief and several other members of the Fire Department reviewed the 2025 Annual Report for Fire and EMS.
Transit Services Overview – Sara Anderson & Jennifer Hall
Sara Anderson, Director of Public Works and Jennifer Hall, Transit Superintendent presented an overview of Transit services. There was a brief
description of services, list of recent accomplishments, Transit Center usages, ridership data, fare breakdowns, sources of Transit income, bus
shelter inventory and costs, funding and grant opportunities, future possibilities and cost analysis of expanding services.
Sewer Ordinance Proposed Amendment – Kenny Hogsten & Jason Monroe
Kenny Hogsten, Director of Sewer and Jason Monroe, City Manager, presented recommended changes to the current sewer ordinance. These
changes pertain to adding sewer service to new developments that are outside of the current city limits, where the city is taking on cost increases
due to the volume of new services outside of the city. The three options presented are: Annexation of eligible properties, which would allow the
development to be annexed into the city to receive regular sewer services if the property is contiguous and annexation is legally viable. If a
property is not contiguous and therefore cannot be annexed, an administrative fee can be added onto the service, which would be equivalent to
current tap fees. The city can increase fees for new and existing county services by 10%, the increase would offset the cost of new development
services. A first reading of the ordinance will take place at the January voting meeting.
Solid Waste Services Update – Sara Anderson & Byron Roberts
Sara Anderson, Public Works Director and Byron Roberts, Solid Waste Superintendent, presented at both additional options for residential
garbage collection going forward. The option to privatize collection was presented, along with options for increasing the capacity of the current
Solid Waste Department. Mayor Wilkerson requested to receive the capital costs, maximum for a year. The Board of Commissioners will consider
options at the January voting meeting.
Discussion of Tentative Agenda
The Board of Commissioners requested the following items to be on the January Regular Meeting Agenda: PILOT Agreement, Sewer Ordinance
and additional Solid Waste information.
New Business
Commissioner Richardson requested an update on the Frankfort Meeting and Event Center.
Commissioner Smith-Willis requested that staff explore Mr. Ferguson’s complaint regarding solid waste.
Board Comments
Commissioner Smith-Willis stated she is excited to jump into the new year. All citizens suggestions are welcome.
Mayor Wilkerson wished everyone Happy New Year.
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 5:47 p.m.
______________________________
Mayor
Attest:
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City Clerk