President David McFaddin addressed the regular meeting of the Richmond City Commission Tuesday night. Dr. McFaddin used the term “excitement” when speaking about the largest freshman class expected for Fall 2023 at Eastern Kentucky University. The projected Fall 2023 enrollment is estimated at 14,680 students. Students will be arriving on Wednesday, August 9 through Friday, August 11.
President McFaddin stated Eastern Kentucky University has made going to college more affordable for Eastern students with the “EKU BookSmart Program” which provides free textbooks to students as well as graduate students. The program is the only Kentucky institution providing free textbooks to students. McFaddin more Eastern students are remaining in Kentucky after graduating as well as Richmond and Madison County.
The president stated that Eastern Kentucky University has the #1 Risk Management and Insurance program in the nation and is rated the third Military Friendly School. The Online OSHA program is rated #9 and the Online Nursing School is #11 overall and #14 Most Affordable. The Law Enforcement School is #14. McFaddin proudly introduced the new Manufacturing Engineering degree beginning this Fall, and he mentioned the Aviation program has grown to 425 students in over four years.
Next, the Commission unanimously approved several Ordinances including the Second Reading of the City’s intent to Annex 371 South Eighty-Second Drive into the City Limits; the retirement of an employee in the Finance Department; the resignation of an employee in the Police Department; the retirement of Sam Kirby in the Fire Department; and the hiring of three employees.
The Commission approved an Ordinance awarding a bid to Omni Commercial for the renovation of the Madison Hall of Justice Building which will be reimbursed by the Administrative Office of the Courts and another ordinance awarding a bid for the HVAC System at Gibson Bay Golf Driving Range.
City Manager Rob Minerich thanked everyone for the efforts in the cleanup from the recent storms and stated the cleanup will continue. Also, Minerich and the Commission expressed their approval of the July 4th celebration at Gibson Bay.
