Larry Poteet (right) explains that commissioners should begin thinking about allowing manufactured homes in residential areas after a public forum held on June 30 triggered by an amended KRS 100.348. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
Cities often pass ordinances that may seem unrelated at first glance—like franchise fee structures, rules for street-legal vehicles, or restrictions on engine braking systems. But taken together, these policies reflect a broader municipal effort to regulate how people and industries interact with shared public infrastructure.
That was the underlying theme of Park City’s July meeting, where commissioners addressed each of these topics.
Beginning with franchise fees, which are fees charged by municipalities for the right of utility companies to operate within city limits and use public infrastructure. Poteet noted that while Park City has never implemented such fees, it’s a common practice among cities and necessary before entering agreements with utility providers.
“It’s a pass-through tax,” he said. “The city has never had one, but this is a common thing.”
The commission unanimously approved the ordinance on its first reading.
Next, Poteet introduced an ordinance permitting the operation of street-legal special-purpose vehicles—like modified golf carts and ATVs—on designated roads within city limits. The measure follows the passage of the 2025 Kentucky Senate Bill 63, which became law on March 26 and went into effect on June 27.
That law allows such vehicles on certain roads, provided local governments pass enabling ordinances. Barren County, Cave City and Glasgow have not yet addressed special-purpose vehicles.
Poteet explained that the ordinance was spurred by conversations with Barren County Clerk Helena Birdwell.
“The city just needs to decide if we’re going to allow it or not,” he said. “She said that it’s best to go ahead and do it and let the law handle it from there.”
The ordinance was approved.
Finally, discussion turned to the use of “Jake Brakes” within city limits.
“I’ve had several people come to me that live on 31-W complaining about the Jake Brakes,” Poteet said. “Yes, it will be hard to enforce, but if we do pass it, then the deputies will have something to enforce.”
Poteet added that citing a few drivers could have a ripple effect. “Once word gets out in the trucking community, it should help. It’s rattling people’s windows.”
The commission later entered closed session to discuss personnel matters, but no action was taken.
The group also reflected on a series of successful events. Speaking about the city’s July 4 celebration held the previous Sunday, Tourism Commissioner Mike Burgess and Tourism Director Linda Watts shared how heartening it was to see community members come together. Mayor Larry Poteet estimated that around 2,000 visitors attended, a promising figure that followed similar turnout at the recent Highland Games.
“Everyone at this table has made this possible,” Poteet said. “Bringing people in—not only to see how beautiful our city is, but how nice it is and how much we are growing.”
Park City’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4.
Comments