NEWS RELEASE:
CITY OF HENDERSON PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER DONNA STINNETT
HENDERSON, KY, April 26, 2016– The second reading of an amendment to the Special Events ordinance that regulates sale and consumption of alcohol on City property at such events as the new Downtown Farm & Art Market was approved Tuesday night at the regular meeting of the City of Henderson’s Board of Commissioners.
The new event presented by Downtown Henderson Partnership starts May 25. The revised ordinance addresses sales of alcohol without consumption (such as by a winery participating in the Farm Market) and also defines time parameters for special events with consumption of alcohol.
The commissioners passed the second and final reading of an ordinance amending zoning that allows more efficient use of existing infrastructure and both existing and new structures, allows more density, creates a more business-friendly climate and allows public input on a case-by-case basis through the conditional use process.
The amendment affects the Residential/Office District, Neighborhood Business District, General Business District, Central Business District, Highway Commercial District, Gateway Zone District and Henderson Innovative Planning District.
The commission conducted these other items of business:
– Passed first reading of an ordinance accepting water and sanitary improvements in Rivers Edge Subdivision.
– Approved a resolution endorsing an agreement between the City, the City of Owensboro and Daviess County in the event of emergencies and disasters. The agreement pledges mutual aid and assistance.
– Heard a report from City Attorney Dawn S. Kelsey about an indoor shooting/firing range or other indoor recreation relative to current zoning ordinances. Kelsey recommended that the Planning Commission review a possible amendment in one or more zoning classifications to allow such a facility as a conditional use, and the commission voted to send it to the Planning Commission for review.
– Awarded a bid for the purchase of a trencher/backhoe for the Gas Department.
– Mayor Steve Austin read a proclamation designating Friday, April 29, as “Arbor Day” which was received by Trace Stevens, Parks and Recreation director. Arbor Day will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Friday with the planting of a Honey Chain Locust in Atkinson Park. Winners of an Arbor Day coloring contest for elementary students will be announced. A representative from the Kentucky Division of Forestry will be in attendance to recognize the City of Henderson as a recipient of the Tree City USA Award for the 21st consecutive year.
– Ken Christopher, vice president of the Henderson War Memorial Foundation and Kimmel Project Chairman, requested City funding for a bronze statue that will honor Henderson native Admiral Husband E. Kimmel. The commission had previously allocated funding to the project but funds were not accessed because planning had not been completed. Commission approved placing the requested funding in the budget.
– Brian Bishop, Henderson City-County Planning Commission, gave an update on a steering committee’s work in researching the label “business unfriendly” and community perception. The committee will proceed with doing a study on the issue and is preparing a request for proposal for a consultant to assist with project.
– A public hearing was conducted to hear appeals from outside agencies on their requests for funding in the next fiscal year. On appeal, the Henderson County Tourist Commission funding was increased by $4,000 to address wages at The Depot Community Room.
The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners is 5:30 p.m., May 10, in the Assembly Room.