McKee City Council Hears Updates on Several Ongoing Infrastructure Projects

The McKee City Council met in regular session on Monday, July 20, 2026, with Mayor Michael Stidham calling the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Council members Vicky Gabbard, Dylan Harrison, Brandon Vickers, Jewell Gabbard, and Rich Waite were present.

The council unanimously approved the minutes from both the June 15 regular meeting and the June 22 special meeting.

City officials provided updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects. The Wastewater Treatment Plant project remains in the planning and funding stages, while construction has officially begun on the city’s sewer line replacement project, which is being funded through a KYWWATERS Grant.

Council members were also informed that bids have been received for the city’s water meter replacement project, being funded with a Cleaner Water Act Grant. Staff members are currently reviewing the proposals and expect to present a recommendation to the council soon.

Two agenda items were removed prior to consideration. A proposed budget amendment was determined to be unnecessary, and a resolution was tabled after an error was discovered in the paperwork submitted by the other party.
During Council comments, Councilmember Rich Waite expressed concerns about a section of ground slipping near the fence at Jack Gabbard Park on HWY 290 and asked whether barricades or other safety measures could be installed until the area can be addressed.

Councilmember Dylan Harrison requested additional mulch be placed around playground equipment where exposed concrete has become visible.
Waite and Harrison also discussed overgrown rights-of-way along several city streets, noting they had received complaints from residents and asking that the areas be evaluated for maintenance.

Waite further suggested cleaning the city’s unused salt spreader in preparation for declaring it surplus property and recommending that the snowplow equipment also be cleaned to help prevent deterioration.

Councilmember Vicky Gabbard asked for an update on the police cruiser that was damaged during the recent flood. City officials reported that the insurance company has finalized a settlement amount; however, the payment will fall a few thousand dollars short of the remaining balance owed on the vehicle.
With no further business before the council, the meeting was adjourned following unanimous approval.