City prohibits ‘regular living’ in tents

Published 11:48 am Friday, August 7, 2020

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A recent problem with people living out of tents in the city led the Winchester Board of Commissioners to amend an ordinance blocking the move.

On Tuesday, the commissioners approved an amendment to an existing ordinance which prohibits people from living in a recreational vehicle within a residential zone in the city. The new text includes using a tent as a regular residence.

“We’ve had some situations arise and we’re trying to fight that,” Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner said.

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Commissioner Shannon Cox said he knew of one place where 10 people were living in tents over the course of several days last week.

“The neighbors are fed up,” Cox said. “I’m fed up.”

The existing ordinance applies to boats, boat trailers, campers, travel trailers, coaches and “motorized dwellings” on a lot or or stored on a public right of way in the city, other than loading or unloading.

The first reading was approved unanimously, and must pass a second reading before it takes effect.

In other action, the commissioners:

— recognized deputy city clerk Dianna Layne for earning her municipal clerk certification.

— approved a memo to install a crosswalk at Wall Street and Lexington Avenue through private funds.

— authorized a letter to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a match of funds for the Seventh Street project.

— accepted a quote of $9,300 to install rumble strips on Church Alley between Washington and Broadway streets.

— approved the first reading of the 19.5 cents per $100 tax rate for motor vehicles and watercraft. Burtner said the rate has not changed in about 30 years.

— approved second readings of ordinance amendments for property maintenance and fire hydrant rental.

— accepted the resignation of Amy Evans from the Main Street Winchester board.

— approved the sale of property at 337 Hill St. to Kentucky Fertilizer for $2.651.02.

— appointed Jennifer Klinglesmith and Chad Walker to fill unexpired terms on the Main Street Winchester board.

— appointed Rebecca Campomanes to a three-year term on the Main Street Winchester board.

— approved the bid of $501 to Tim Gregory for 75 24-by-24 metal tiles to Eric Gregory.

— approved an audit consultant agreement with Summers, McCrary and Sparks PSC.

— awarded a bid of $8,900 to Houston Contracting to demolish a structure at 36 Magnolia St.

— approved the reclassification of Bridget Stidham and Rachael Boyd to administrative assistant II.

— approved the reclassification of Shndra Mosher to data entry clerk II.

— approved the reclassification of Jessica Jones, Tonya Judy and Travis Ashcraft from communications officer III to communications officer II.

— accepted the resignation of firefighter III/paramedic Geoffrey Breeding.

— hired Geoffrey Breeding as a patient transfer specialist.

About Fred Petke

Fred Petke is a reporter for The Winchester Sun, the Jessamine Journal and the State Journal. His beats include cops, courts, fire, public records, city and county government and other news. To contact Fred, email fred.petke@bluegrassnewsmedia.com or call 859-759-0051.

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