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CITY OF RIVER BLUFF
MAYOR-COMMISSION BOARD
MINUTES OF APRIL 28, 2026
The Mayor-Commission Board for the City of River Bluff met on April 28, 2026 at Goodness Grows Cooperative at 7:30 PM.
Residents: Ben Lancaster
Board members Present: Mayor Dillon, Paulette Bryant, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley
Board members absent: Tom Sheffer
Appointed Official: Katie Buhts, Clerk.
Guest: Officer Josh Whitmer, OCPD
OCPD Monthly Report
Officer Josh Whitmer provided an update from the police department. Theft from unlocked vehicles has declined in recent months and is no longer a primary concern. However, phone scams are increasing in sophistication, often using AI, and are difficult to trace. He urged residents to remain vigilant.
Mayor Dillon asked about tracking courtesy notices and citations in the OCPD system. Officer Whitmer confirmed that officers can log courtesy notices in the CAD system, which dispatch can access and relay during traffic stops. The main challenge is inconsistent officer proficiency with the system; retrieving this information can be time-consuming and not always practical. He will communicate that the City prioritizes safety, especially with warmer weather bringing more children outdoors, and that citations should be issued as needed to address unsafe behaviors such as speeding and stop sign violations.
Questions/Comments from Residents
Ben Lancaster inquired about the county magistrate race and Lee Stanley’s involvement. Mr. Stanley explained that in his role as a government employee, he cannot participate in partisan elections. He is legally allowed to continue his public service in his role as city commissioner given that it is a non-partisan election.
Minutes of the March 24, 2026 Accepted as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report
Katie Buhts presented the amended 2025–2026 budget for board review, addressing increased costs for plowing and snow removal this winter. To ensure compliance with Kentucky budgeting requirements, the board reviewed the amendment. Lynn Grossman made a motion to amend the budget as-presented. Lee Stanley seconded the motion.
Rollcall Vote
Voting Yea: Bryan Dillon, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley, Paulette Bryant
Voting Nay: None.
This motion passed by unanimous vote
Mrs. Buhts presented the proposed budget worksheet for fiscal year 2026-2027. The board reviewed the data and discussion regarding the budget categories took place.
The first reading of the budget ordinance took place.
Katie presented the taxing ordinance, noting the city’s tax rate will remain unchanged for the next fiscal year. Mrs. Grossman encouraged the board to consider rising expenses and the possibility of a tax increase next year. Discussion regarding this concern took place.
The first reading of the taxing ordinance took place.
Old Business
Community Pride
Lynn Grossman reported that the irrigation system has been inspected for the season, with no issues identified by Chism at this time.
In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary and to complement the patriotic banners, Mrs. Grossman has ordered red, white, and deep purple wave petunias for summer planting. Art Tobe will coordinate pickup and installation in the coming weeks.
Additionally, 18 of the 22 perennial daisies returned this spring. Mrs. Grossman will work with Goodwin Greenhouse in LaGrange to replace the four that did not return.
Drainage
Mayor Dillon expressed appreciation for Tom Sheffer’s work completing the culvert repair at River Bluff Road and Creekview. In his absence, Katie Buhts presented the Temple & Temple invoice for approval. During the project, the culvert heads required full replacement at a cost of $2,900. Mr. Sheffer also coordinated with Art Tobe to restore landscaping at the Hacker and Ohara properties, with sod estimated at $32 plus labor.
Lynn Grossman made a motion to approve up to $3,200 for the culvert heads, sod, and installation. Paulette Bryant seconded the motion.
Rollcall Vote
Voting Yea: Bryan Dillon, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley, Paulette Bryant
Voting Nay: None.
This motion passed by unanimous vote
In the upcoming months, Tom Sheffer will work with Art Tobe to make sure the large drainage easement in Picnic Hill is cleared of any weeds and that the water is still flowing properly.
New Residents.
Paulette Bryant stated that at this time, the home at 13408 Apple Tree is still uninhabited but there has been movement and landscaping taking place. On Saturday, she was able to welcome Andrew and Olivia Page to 13206 Creekview Road.
Other Old Business
None at this time.
New Business
Accounts Payable
Katie Buhts presented $108.21 payable to Honeywick, LLC for website hosting for two months.
Lynn Grossman made a motion to approve this expense. Paulette Bryant seconded the motion.
Rollcall Vote
Voting Yea: Bryan Dillon, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley, Paulette Bryant
Voting Nay: None.
This motion passed by unanimous vote
Other New Business
After discussion last month, Paulette Bryant researched the US-42 yard sale coordinated each spring by the Weil team of realtors. It will take place May 16th. As a courtesy to our residents, Mrs. Bryant posted the information in the Residents of River Bluff Facebook page.
There being no further business, Lynn Grossman made a motion to adjourn. Paulette Bryant seconded the motion.
Rollcall Vote
Voting Yea: Bryan Dillon, Lynn Grossman, Lee Stanley, Paulette Bryant
Voting Nay: None.
This motion passed by unanimous vote.