STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
A grant application that could fund new firearms for the Glasgow Police Department and an agreement directing opioid settlement funds to the Boys and Girls Club moved forward Monday during the Glasgow City Council’s regular meeting.
Council members gave city administrator and grant writer April Russell approval to apply for a $9,319 Kentucky Office of Homeland Security grant to purchase new handguns for the police department.
The grant is a “no match” award, meaning the city would not be required to contribute local funds if the grant is awarded.
Police chief Guy Howie said the grant would cover two types of firearms used in different roles by officers.
“I believe the grant is for 9 millimeter sixth generation handguns that are optics ready,” Howie said. “Those are specifically designed for the tactical team. And then the 43’s are replacements, those are the small, backup ‘ankle guns’.”
The council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Boys and Girls Club involving funds distributed through the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission.
Under the agreement, the city will allocate $50,000 annually from its share of the opioid settlement, paid in quarterly installments of $12,500.
The memorandum outlines plans for the Boys and Girls Club to hire a full-time behavioral support specialist to assist “high risk” youth. The funding would also support weekly small-group prevention programs and collaboration with Chad Settles Counseling Services, as well as coordination with city and county school systems.
During discussion, Councilman Randy Wilkinson asked about the process for organizations seeking access to opioid settlement funding. Russell and city attorney Rich Alexander explained that requests would first be submitted through the mayor’s office before being forwarded to the city’s safety committee for consideration, and ultimately to the state commission.
Alexander noted the agreement with the Boys and Girls Club will be revisited annually and does not automatically renew, citing the fluctuating nature of settlement funds.
“So it will come back before the council. It requires that the Boys and Girls Club provide to us the documentation necessary to comply with this advisory commission,” he said. “So they’re going to have to prepare reports for the city to submit”
The council also accepted the appointment of Mariel Casian to fill a vacancy on the Entertain Glasgow Committee.
Councilman Terry Bunnell was absent from the meeting, while Councilwoman Chasity Lowery attended via Zoom.
The next meeting of the Glasgow City Council is scheduled for March 23 at 6 p.m.
Key Facts:
– Glasgow City Council approved applying for a $9,319 Kentucky Office of Homeland Security grant for new police handguns.
– The grant would require no local matching funds if awarded, according to city officials.
– Police Chief Guy Howie said the funding would cover optics-ready 9 mm tactical handguns and smaller backup weapons
– Council members approved a memorandum of understanding with the Boys and Girls Club tied to opioid settlement funds.
– The city plans to allocate $50,000 annually from its opioid settlement share, paid in quarterly installments of $12,500.
– Funding is intended to support a full-time behavioral support specialist and weekly small-group prevention programs for high-risk youth.
– The Boys and Girls Club agreement will be reviewed annually and does not automatically renew.
– Requests for opioid settlement funds will go through the mayor’s office, the city safety committee and then the state advisory commission.
– The council accepted the appointment of Mariel Casian to the Entertain Glasgow Committee.
– The next Glasgow City Council meeting is scheduled for March 23 at 6 p.m.
Gage Wilson for Glasgow News 1 contributed to this story
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