CITY OF SOUTHGATE
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
March 18, 2026
122 Electric Ave
Call to Order: Mayor Hamberg called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm
The following answered roll call: Council Members: Okura, Melville, Messmer, Curry, Hartman, and Whitehead were present. Also present: City Clerk Barton, Police Chief Christmann, Public Works Foreman Bowman, Assistant City Attorney Shultz, Finance Director/Treasure Edgley, Fire Chief Beatsch, and Assistant Fire Chief Muench.
Public Comments: Tad Long with KY League of Cities presented the revised Vision 25-30-35 plan. There was a motion to accept the Vision 25-30-35 plan. Motion/Second: Messmer/Hartman. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Approval of meeting minutes 3/4/26. Motion/Second: Okura/Curry. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Public Works: Council Member Melville said there is a HVAC issue at the Public Works garage. A preconstruction meeting has held with the contractor for the street project on Blossom Ln. and Valley View. The Public Works Laborer that the City hired has changed his mind about the position. The City will post the job again. Works Foreman Arvil Bowman had no report.
Public Safety: Council Member Messmer had no report. Police Chief Christmann said he is meeting with Council member Tom Whitehead and Jim Kaiser from Emboss to look at the foyer at the police dept. He is meeting with Enterprise to see about them picking up the police vehicles that the City is trading in. The 2019 Dodge Charger was listed on gov deals. There was an inspection of the police dept. and evidence room which passed. The accreditation will be given in April.
Fie Chief Beatsch said the SWEMS ambulance transmission and engine has been replaced several times. They will look at moving the box onto a new chasis. Fire Chief said he will meet with Council member Tom Whitehead about the firehouse repairs.
Code Enforcement: Council Member Curry had no report.
Community Relations & Recreation: Council Member Okura said the next Park & Tree Board meeting is 4/13 with a plant swap. Arbor Day celebration is 4/24. The Optimist egg hunt is 4/5. The VFW fern sale is 4/11. Council member Okura said there was a Read Ready meeting and the kickoff event is 4/2. She asked to spend $200 of the grant money for items for the kick off event and Memorial Day. There was a motion to approve the expense. Motion/Second: Okura/Curry. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Public Buildings: Council Member Whitehead said the he is checking on the generator at the firehouse.
Finance and Administration: Council Member Hartman reviewed the payables.
Finance Director Edgley had no report. City Clerk Barton said Morgain Patterson with KLC will be coming to our next council meeting on 4/1 to do training on Harassment in the workplace.
Assistant City Attorney Shultzhad no report, but read the following:
Resolution 26-04 Authorize Mayor to sign FEMA Hazardous Mitigation Plan. Motion to approve. Motion/Second: Melville/Hartman. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Resolution 26-05 Authorize Mayor to sign grant application for Law Enforcement Protection. Motion to approve. Motion/Second: Messmer/Okura. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Old Business: none.
New Business: none.
Payment of Vouchers: Check vouchers #36083-36123 were presented for Council’s review.
Mayor & Council Comments: none.
Announcements: none.
Executive Session: KRS 61.810 (1) (f) Discussions or hearings which might lead to the appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee without restricting that employee’s right to a public hearing if requested. This exception shall not be interpreted to permit discussion of general personnel matters in secret.
Motion to go into Executive Session. Motion/Second: Curry/Melville. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Motion to come back into open session. Motion/Second: Okura/Hartman. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
No action was taken in Executive Session.
Adjournment: There being no further business, Motion to adjourn. Motion/Second: Curry/Whitehead. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
James Hamberg, Mayor
Brandi Barton, City Clerk