HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Councilmember Steve Keel was a topic of discussion during the Wednesday’s Hopkinsville City Council meeting as several people spoke against comments made during a previous Committee of the Whole meeting.

During the meeting in question, Keel was vocal, often raising his voice and interrupting during a financial presentation from Downtown Renaissance Director Holly Boggess with the Local Development Corp. in Hopkinsville. Through funds allocated by the city, LDC pays for revitalization projects.

Boggess gave construction updates and explained delays. Keel adamantly pointed out the slow rate of speed of construction on the Oddfellows building and was concerned about the high amount of funds the organization was holding onto, insisting it could be put to better use.

“I don’t mind funding things. I’m sorry if I’m getting emotional, but we are sitting on taxpayer dollars given to a program that’s not being spent,” Keel said to Boggess during the COTW meeting. “Spend the money if you’re given the money. That’s three years’ worth of funding.”

The meeting wrapped up with Keel reallocating $60,000 from LDC, and asking people in the room who wanted the funds. It was eventually decided to go to the MRA fund for paving projects. The committee forwarded the amended capital budget to the City Council.

Objections and apology

As Tuesday’s city council meeting opened to public comments, the COTH meeting was brought up with several people voicing concerns.

“During the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 9, there was conduct directed at Holly Boggess in development services that was egregiously unacceptable and unprofessional. I’m outraged and appalled by the disgraceful treatment and disrespect that was shown to Holly,” said Peg Hays, a local business owner and chairperson on the LDC. In her continued statement, Hayes called for a public apology from Keel and continued to defend Boggess and the work of the LDC.

Boggess also addressed the council and thanked people who reached out and privately apologized and showed support for LDC and herself. “I am hopeful we can all move forward in a constructive and positive manner,” she told the council.

Keel did address the comments and apologized saying, “Holly, I truly did not mean to disrespect you, but I feel like I did, and for that I am sorry.”

He went on to applaud her hard work in the community, and admitted he could have been more respectful during the meeting. He continued to praise the LDC’s mission and commitment to the city.

Councilmember Natasha Francis attempted to pass a motion to remove Keel as the chair of the COTW, but she was informed that the motion would have to be made during a committee meeting to be valid.

DON’T MISS A STORY: Click here to sign up for our free weekly email newsletter