City launches innovative baby box program for safe infant drop-off

In a recent city council meeting, officials highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements and community safety initiatives. Mayor expressed appreciation for the visible street work, including paving and painting, which he emphasized is crucial for public safety and community morale. He noted the replacement of a culvert on Oakview Road, which will soon be repaved, benefiting local residents.

City Manager provided updates on the sanitation department, announcing the arrival of new sanitation vehicles, which are part of a fleet consolidation aimed at enhancing service reliability. The city will now have six dependable frontline vehicles, with two additional trucks reserved for backup, addressing the wear and tear experienced by older models.

A significant agenda item was the introduction of \"safe haven baby boxes,\" designed to provide a secure option for mothers to anonymously drop off infants. This initiative, a first for eastern Kentucky, is supported by local organizations, including 2 Hearts Pregnancy Center, which will assist with construction costs. The city will cover the initial setup and annual maintenance fees.

Additionally, the council discussed a change order for playground construction funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, addressing previously unrecognized sloping issues.

Lastly, the city announced an upcoming surplus auction scheduled for Saturday at the city garage, inviting residents to participate in what promises to be an entertaining event. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to infrastructure, safety, and community engagement.