Police Chief Kevin Palmer discussed his request to participate in the Central Kentucky Area Drug Task Force with the Winchester Board of Commissioners at the board’s regular meeting Tuesday.
The purpose of this organization is to combat the sale, use and dealing of illegal drugs and other substances determined to be in violation of federal and state law. Palmer emphasized the need for participation in this organization before the board, especially with the current resurgence of heroin. With this collaboration, there will be an application for a grant to receive drug money to go after major distributors in the area.
“It’s budget time, and I need to budget how much money I¿can spend to buy drugs. By spending a couple thousand on cocaine or heroin, we will gain trust with the dealers,” said Palmer. By spending this money, the relationships with these dealers will lead to future drug busts.
The motion was passed.
In other business:
— The board passed a motion to revise the purchasing manual, which will include an update in terminology and an authorization to upgrade seven street lights on South Highland Street.
— The board passed a motion to reconsider information relating to “children at play” signs. The mayor concluded that it’s no longer a good idea to install these signs.
— The board passed a motion to change the loading zone located on the west side of North Main Street between the post office and Winchester Municipal Utilities to a pair of two-hour parking spaces.
— The board passed a motion to approve a request from the Fire-EMS Chief Eric Hunter to declare the radio tower at Station 2 as surplus property.
— The board passed a motion to approve a request from the Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation to improve the parking lot adjacent to the College Park gym and pool by increasing the area of the gravel lot and adding more gravel to the existing surface.
— Commissioner Kenny Book gave a reminder about the Generations Center’s fundraiser, which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Generations Center at 32 Meadow St.
— Commissioner Kitty Strode said the plans for the Pioneer Festival are moving forward and the applications for vendors are up on the www.danielboonepioneerfestival.com.
