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CITY OF RIVER BLUFF
MAYOR-COMMISSION BOARD
MINUTES OF MAY 26, 2026
The Mayor-Commission Board for the City of River Bluff met on May 26, 2026 at Goodness Grows Cooperative at 7:30 PM.
Residents: Ben Lancaster, Marsha Hicks, John Hicks, Amy Kempf, Kristina Breland, Benjamin Stenson, Shawna Riedford
Board members Present: Mayor Dillon, Paulette Bryant, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley, Tom Sheffer
Board members absent: None.
Appointed Official: Katie Buhts, Clerk.
Guest: Tom Boykin (KYTC), Seth Winslow (Strand Assoc.), and James Maynard (KYTC)
US Hwy 42 Widening
James Maynard provided a brief history of the US Hwy 42 widening project, which dates back to 2006. Since that time, the project has faced several challenges, including a significant right-of-way issue that delayed progress for a number of years.
Initially, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet anticipated substantial growth in traffic volume along US Hwy 42. A 2006 traffic study recorded approximately 18,000 vehicles per day, leading to projections of nearly 40,000 vehicles by 2036. However, more recent studies have shown traffic counts remaining relatively stable, with current projections estimating approximately 19,000 vehicles per day by 2036. In light of these updated figures, the scope of the project was revised and no longer includes five traffic lanes or major highway-style access.
As of the date of the meeting, the current plan is to widen the roadway to include a 13-foot center turning lane, reduce the travel lanes to 11 feet in each direction, and add a multi-use path.
A map of the project was presented, followed by considerable discussion. Residents asked questions regarding the project timeline, access points and crosswalks, the anticipated duration of construction, and traffic signal timing.
Seth Winslow of Stand Associates presented design samples to the board to ensure the retaining wall at the entrance to the City would be aesthetically pleasing and complement the existing signage.
OCPD Monthly Report
An officer was not present to review the monthly report. Tom Sheffer briefly discussed an interaction with an officer during a contracted detail. He noted that officers frequently address stop sign violations because the four-way stop provides a convenient location for monitoring traffic. However, enforcing speeding violations is more difficult, as officers have limited opportunities to position themselves discreetly enough to effectively observe speeding vehicles.
Questions/Comments from Residents
John Hicks inquired about the drainage project at River Bluff Road and Creekview. Tom Sheffer explained that during recent rainfall, he observed that water was flowing through the new culvert as intended. However, two outstanding issues remain that he is actively working to resolve.
First, the newly repaved roadway over the installed drainage culvert has settled. Temple and Temple will return to River Bluff to make the necessary repairs once weather conditions are dry enough for asphalt work. Second, the sod installed to restore impacted landscaping has dried out and is not in acceptable condition. These issues will be discussed under Old Business- Drainage.
Minutes of April 2026 Accepted as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report Accepted as presented.
Old Business
Community Pride
Lynn Grossman was excited to share that the summer annuals have been planted. The wave petunias in shades of red, white and blue complement the City’s banners nicely for the nation’s 250Th Anniversary this summer.
Drainage
Tom Sheffer continued the discussion regarding the problematic sod at Skip Hacker and Melissa Ohara’s properties. He opened the floor for discussion. The general consensus was to have Art Tobe spread grass seed if possible and see if the recent rainfall has had a positive impact on the sod.
In the upcoming months, Tom Sheffer will work with Art Tobe to have the large drainage easement in Picnic Hill cleared of any weeds and that the water is still flowing properly. Additionally, the two holes in drainage easements on Cherry Tree Lane will be addressed when the new fiscal year funding is available.
New Residents.
Paulette Bryant stated that at this time, there are no new residents. The house at 13200 Cherry Tree Court (Jim & Nancy Lyon) sold and will close on June 1, 2026.
New residents Kristina Breland and Benjamin Stenson were present and introduced themselves. The board warmly welcomed our newest residents!
Other Old Business
None at this time.
New Business
Accounts Payable
Katie Buhts presented $105.44 payable to Deluxe Business Systems for 1000 logo envelopes.
Lynn Grossman made a motion to approve this expense. Tom Sheffer seconded the motion.
Rollcall Vote
Voting Yea: Bryan Dillon, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley, Paulette Bryant, Tom Sheffer
Voting Nay: None.
This motion passed by unanimous vote
Other New Business
Discussion took place regarding the recent heavy rainfall. It was noted that any large trees remaining in front yards as of June 8, 2026 will result in residents receiving a courtesy letter from the City requesting prompt cleanup to ensure compliance with the City’s landscaping ordinance.
There being no further business, Lynn Grossman made a motion to adjourn. Tom Sheffer seconded the motion.
Rollcall Vote
Voting Yea: Bryan Dillon, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley, Paulette Bryant, Tom Sheffer
Voting Nay: None.