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During the meeting of Winchester City Commissioners last Tuesday, July 18, at City Hall, it was clear that agenda items came about with the intent improve the community.

Two, in particular, stood out.

The final strategic work plan was presented, and a public safety complex – first proposed at the most recent Fiscal Court meeting – was brought to the attention of the City Commission.

“‘How are we going to serve our citizens the best? That’s what it’s all about,” said Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed. “That’s why government exists; to provide services to our community.”

The 2023 strategic work plan, prepared in collaboration with City Commissioners by the Kentucky League of Cities Community and Economic Development Team, was first discussed at the beginning of the year.

It has been further developed in the months since, with assistance from KLC’s Community and Economic Development Manager Tad Long and Business and Economic Development Specialist Sarah Stoll.

Stoll was present at Tuesday’s meeting.

“I’m very excited to be here to officially present the strategic work plan to the city of Winchester,” Stoll said. “We hope that you use this roadmap to celebrate your accomplishments as you go and we can not wait to come back to Winchester.”

The plan identified priorities for the city over the next three to five years, with continued future evaluations and modifications suggested when needed.

These priorities included housing, parks and recreation, infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents.

In addition to the priorities above, strategic areas identified as being of short-term interest were downtown needs, providing a safe city, and education and workforce training.

Ways of achieving these priorities, such as partnering with community agencies to address housing concerns and expanding opportunities for youth by creating a family entertainment center, bowling alley, and more that would increase the quality of life, were mentioned.

Areas that directly impact the city’s budget, such as first responders’ needs, were also mentioned, as were essential initiatives like working with the private sector to explore and implement second-chance employment.

Also, the Greater Clark Foundation presented the idea of a public safety complex that could benefit and unify both county and city fire and EMS services.

The idea came about as the Fiscal Court evaluates the feasibility of replacing Clark County Fire Station #2.

At the same time, the city of Winchester is looking to acquire property for a new fire station.

City Commissioner Shannon Cox mentioned concerns about a new station’s location.

“Seventy percent of the population of this community are served by this station right down here on Maple Street,” Cox said. “To think that you’re going to maybe move some of the fire and ambulance protection from the people that live over here [is troublesome].”

Jen Algire, the president and CEO of Greater Clark Foundation, sought to clarify.

“A new station on the property that we’re talking about doesn’t supplant any other station,” Algire said. “This is an opportunity to talk about unification because we have simultaneous needs from the city and the county.”

Reed offered support for a feasibility study.

“I think we need it,” she said. “I think unification is what we all need right now, and I think this is a great way to start.”

As initially suggested at the most recent meeting of the Fiscal Court by Magistrate Robert Blanton, the City Commission also mentioned being open to having city and county governments gather together for a discussion.