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Despite bitter cold outdoor temperatures, the City Commission met on Tuesday, January 21st. 

As expected, several agenda items were discussed. 

The Commission was presented with a report detailing conditions of city-owned facilities, allowing them a better understanding of what’s taking place and potential courses of action that can be taken. 

Carter Offutt, a senior facility executive with Perfection Group out of Lexington, presented. 

“We believe the city is a good candidate for an energy savings performance contract,” he said. “We believe on average the city could save about 20% of utility spending per year through energy upgrades.” 

Such costs total approximately $20,000. 

After looking at utility data and more as part of the facility condition analysis, Offutt ranked different buildings on a scale that included “critical” at the lowest and “excellent” at the highest. 

The police station and fire station #2 were each ranked as “fair”,  as was the Winchester Public Works building on Main Street. 

Fire Station #1 was ranked as “great”, while both the City Hall and Station #3 were ranked as “good”. 

However, the streetlights in the city were ranked as “poor”, with the main reason given because of their high-wattage output. 

The report from Perfection Group states that it believes that there could be a 30-50% reduction on rates in street lights if they’re changed to LED lighting. 

In addition to further analysis provided, Offutt explained potential following steps. 

These would include putting out requests for proposals (RFP’s) for an energy savings plan. 

In other matters, numerous resolutions related to Phase II of the Lincoln Street Redevelopment Project utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were approved. 

However, due to potential conflicts of interest, both Commissioners Shannon Cox and Joe Chenault were recused from the vote. 

Specifically, this was related to Cox being a Director for Habitat for Humanity of Madison & Clark Counties and Chenault’s wife being an heir to property on Lincoln Street.

A portion of the disclosure released for the press and general public confirms that – among other points – Cox has no interest of any kind in property acquired through the project and shall not receive any compensation for services or contracts of any kind related through the project. 

Certainly not least, Baker Intermediate School students Walker Puckett and Colton Wilson were recognized by the Commission. 

They had recently spearheaded an effort that helped raise $2500 for the Clark County Veterans Council, which will be used to further develop the World War II and Korean War Memorial.