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The Winchester City Commission has been busy with special calls and regularly scheduled meetings over the last few weeks.

First, at the special called meeting, the Commission heard and approved a pair of resolutions. 

The first, regarding Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), addressed guidelines for the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority to accept and approve such funds. 

According to the organization’s Executive Director, Brad Sowden, the WCCIDA first adopted the guidelines in 2007. However, the Commission never formally approved them, which was not required then. 

Approving the resolution featuring the guidelines provides an official date of acceptance that can be beneficially used for future applications. 

A second resolution, of recent concern to the Commission, opposes bills that might get brought to the Kentucky legislature in Frankfort involving the centralized collection of local occupational fees or taxes by the state. 

The Commission made clear its beliefs in the resolution, which states, “The city of Winchester strongly believes that mandated state or third-party collection of local occupational license taxes and fees would be detrimental, ineffective and would have a severely adverse effect on the fiscal condition and economic development of Winchester and all local government entities if mandated.” 

Several worthwhile points were introduced during a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4. 

Among them was the possibility of turning Main Street into a city street. 

Chad Walker, current co-owner of The Engine House Pizza Pub on W. Lexington Avenue, brought it to the Commission’s attention. 

Walker, who had first spoken to the Commission about the potential change in 2021 after a petition of approval was signed by local residents, also returned after speaking to the Commission in December. 

He noted that there were many advantages to taking action and stated that such change would require a resolution that could lead the city to take ownership of the street within approximately two months—though transferring the deed for the property would take longer. 

“The good news is…there’s no cost to the city of Winchester…you can still have events and [activities] like that,” Walker said. “If the city doesn’t want it at any point, it automatically per…contract reverts to the state.” 

Mayor JoEllen Reed and other Commissioners mentioned concerns about the ongoing High Side Project, maintenance, and more. 

“The city…I don’t think has any intention of moving forward until the High Side [Project] is complete,” said Mayor Reed, noting that one concern is neither the Department of Public Works nor others knowing what lies under the street. “We’re responsible to all taxpayers…that live in the city, and I just want to be sure we’re determining…whether the benefits outweigh the cost.” 

Former City Manager Mike Flynn, who works as a consultant, suggested that Walker receive a draft contract from proper authorities for review. 

“I think that’s what’s going to dictate what’s going to happen…for [us to] build a review for the legalities of it so that we can make a determination,” he said. “I think that would bring a lot of light…on the subject matter we’re speaking of…I don’t think it will impact anything that’s going on with the Main Street High Side Project. Those monies are allocated.” 

No official action regarding Main Street was made at Tuesday’s meeting.