Glasgow Reviews Code of Ethics Changes
Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse said an earlier review of the city’s code of ethics was paused until Kentucky League of Cities finalized its own ethics code guidelines. BCP Photo
By Allyson Dix, Managing Editor/Barren County Progress
The first reading of an ordinance amending the code of ethics for the City of Glasgow passed unanimously on December 22. City Attorney Rich Alexander explained the changes and said the city has worked alongside Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and staff attorney Michael Simon to update the ethics ordinance.
Glasgow has been required to review its code of ethics every five years, and City Clerk Danielle Cashion said in the meeting that this process was started in early 2025; however, KLC had also started the process for ethics reviews. Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse said the city’s code of ethics amendments were paused until KLC finalized their amendments to ensure the city’s align with the state level, which was presented to the council last week.
Some of the changes include modifications to clarify definitions and clean up some of the language. Some areas were heavily altered, including the removal of social media.
Prior to Royse’s seat as mayor, a set of rules was adopted in the city’s code of ethics ordinance pertaining to the use of social media by elected city officials.
Now, the entire section is set to be removed if the second reading passes at the next city council meeting. The city attorney said, “According to KLC, there have been some recent court cases that deal with the rights of council members to be able to have social media.”
In response to questions from Councilman Randy Wilkinson and conversing via social media, Alexander said, “There’s no violation of the open meetings act as long as it’s a one-on-one conversation with you and your constituent.”
He also said problems could arise if there was a group text or social media post where a quorum of a council was together and responded to a constituent. He clarified that even one-on-one discussions or otherwise on social media would be subject to the open records act.
“With regard to social media, they’re making it very clear we cannot write a policy that says you, as a member of this council, can’t get on social media…the state has come down and said that’s unenforceable,” Mayor Royse said.
Wilkinson also sought clarification regarding attendance requirements for city committees and boards. Alexander pointed out that language in the ethics code equates a violation if committee/board members miss more than 1/3rd of the meetings in a 12-month period with a valid reason.
Councilman Terry Bunnell asked for consideration of adding language that a vacancy on the ethics board is made by appointment of the mayor, in response to Alexander’s explanation that it is assumed to be a mayor’s appointment.
Cashion pointed to a separate section that states the ethics board shall consist of three members appointed by a city mayor, subject to approval of the city council. Alexander said he’d review the language further and include any changes at the second reading, if needed.
Other changes include that receiving a lawful campaign contribution is not a violation of ethics, deletion to the section relating to outside employment because it is already covered in the city’s policies and procedures, changes to the disclosure of real estate, eliminates a five-year ethics review and instead reviews will be periodically, changes to notification windows, hearing requirements, and removes the staggered mandate for board members, among other items.
The council also unanimously approved first reading of an ordinance for a zone change for 13 acres at property located north of Lakeview Boulevard and Cleveland Avenue intersection and the intersection at Forrester Road and Cleveland Avenue. The classification zone change is from a light industrial district to a highway service business district.
Another first reading was approved for an ordinance accepting Beltline Boulevard as a city street with contingencies. Those contingencies include a T turnaround at the end of Beltline Boulevard per city requirements,
with an acceptable commercial cul-de-sac or approved equal and that the final recorded plat meets the requirements of the Joint City-County Planning Commission.
Accepting Beltline as a city street stems from a recommendation by Public Works Superintendent Jim McGowan, according to the ordinance. It also states McGowan reviewed the findings of STV, a consulting firm, in its geotechnical report. Beltline Boulevard is located across from Beaver Valley Road on New Bowling Green Road.
Additionally, Chappy Rice and Melba Richardson were re-appointed to serve on the Renaissance Steering Committee.
The next regular Glasgow City Council meeting is expected to be on January 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Luska J. Twyman Municipal Building at 126 E. Public Square. The council chambers are on the second floor.
