The issue of Sunday alcohol sales is back on the Richmond City Commission’s agenda and will be voted on during its next meeting Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 6 p.m.
City Hall was packed Feb. 27, when the ordinance first came up for a vote that, if passed, would have allowed alcohol to be sold on Sunday in restaurants that seat 100 or more customers and derive at least 50 percent of their profit from food sales.
Most of the crowd rallied against the ordinance, many of whom were affiliated with local churches and other religious organizations, and the ordinance was voted down 5-0.
The new ordinance mandates that only restaurants would be allowed to sell alcohol from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sundays, and it only pertains to restaurants that seat at least 75 people and derive at least 50 percent of their gross annual income from food sales.
The first reading of the ordinance was given Tuesday, but no vote was taken. The only votes that count are the ones received after an ordinance’s second and final reading.
The ordinance also mandates that those restaurants interested in selling alcohol on Sundays apply for a “Schedule F” permit with the State Office of Alcohol Beverage Control, which costs $500 per year.
Most of the public input during the ordinance’s last vote taken in February, was from those in opposition.
“We’ve had plenty of time to discuss this with the business community and I think that they need to have an opportunity to speak,” said Commissioner Mike Brewer. “I think the group of people (who in February rallied in opposition) only presented one side of it.”
The ordinance’s second appearance on the commission’s budget is simply “a request from the community,” said Commissioner Kay Cosby Jones, who has firmly remained in opposition of Sunday alcohol sales.
“I got the blame, or the credit, however you feel, for filling this room with opposition the last time,” she said. “I didn’t have anything to do with any organized gathering. I believe the community is equally divided and the fair way to do it would be to put it on a ballot and let the people decide, but that’s not an option for the city of Richmond.”
Richmond City Manager David Evans explained that only counties can call for a local-option election, and that for cities to be able to would require a change in laws at the state level.
In other business:
• The city set electrical permit fees as follows:
Single family, multi-family, light commercial and churches (all prices include temporary service) — For 200-amp service, $150; 400-amp service, $200; 600-amp service, $300; 800-amp service, $400; 1,000-amp service, $500; 1,200-amp service, $600; multi-family duplex or apartment (includes temporary service), $125 per unit; additions/swimming pools/re-wires, etc. (includes temporary service), $150; and service changes/mobile homes/ barns (includes temporary service), $75.
• The commission entered into an agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways for work on Four Mile Road. A $575,000 grant was issued to widen and improve the road from the Robert R. Martin Bypass to Hampton Ridge.
• The zoning classification of property owned by Jewell Isaacs on Cycle Drive was changed from agricultural use to business use.
• Mark Moody, Andy Woolum and Ernie Northern of the Richmond Fire Department were promoted to the rank of Firefighter II; Matt Farthing was transferred from part-time laborer to environmental technician for the city recycling department; and Connie Clayburn was given the position of administration specialist for the Richmond Police Department.
• Brewer attempted to lay to rest any rumors that may have surfaced about his son applying for a job at the Richmond City Police Department.
“He filled out an application, and I encouraged him not to do that,” Brewer said.
The city’s nepotism law prohibits the immediate family of any elected city official from being hired as a city employee.
“When I started campaigning, he told me that he wanted to be a policeman at the Richmond Police Department and I told him that if I was elected, it simply was not possible,” Brewer said. “But, he applied to the department and did the testing, but we discouraged that. He’s taken it in stride, but he doesn’t understand why he can’t be a police officer in the town where he grew up.”
Brewer’s son is no longer pursuing a job as a Richmond officer.
“I told him that that’s just the way it is because I’m an elected official,” he said. “But, I also told him I’m not quitting.”
Local News
Sunday alcohol sales
Back on the table
- Local News
-
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Kentucky’s deadline for filing to run for legislative seats was in flux on Monday because a judge did not immediately rule on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of newly redrawn district boundaries.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he expects to enter a ruling in the case by mid-week.
-
Couple recovering from injuries suffered in weekend house fire
A couple was hospitalized after their home was set ablaze Sunday by a spark from a cigar, according to a county fire official.
County Fire Chief Jim Cox said the city and county fire departments were called to the home at 111 Concord Road in the early afternoon. Waco Volunteer Fire Department and the Richmond Fire Department also responded.
-
EKU closes dining room at Arlington Clubhouse
A Richmond country club is no longer offering dining to members, but remains available for catered events and will be open on certain holidays.
Arlington Country Club, which has been a staple of Eastern Kentucky University for the past 40 years, laid off all dining staff late last week, according to Tom Coffey of the EKU Foundation.
-
Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
-
Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
-
Richmond man charged with child porn possession
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
-
Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
Occupational therapy dept. at EKU offers program for adults with memory loss
For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. - More Local News Headlines
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
