Christmas and the start of Hanukkah are this week, and the holidays mean there are hardly any government meetings, but many things happened last week before the year wraps up.
From arrests at the Covington Commission meeting to Fort Wright considering aesthetic changes to Kyles Lane, keep reading to find out what has happened in local government over the past week.
What happened in NKY government last week?
Fort Wright considers potential aesthetic changes to Kyles Lane overpass
Fort Wright is considering changes to the design of the overpass slated to go over Kyles Lane as part of the Brent Spence Corridor Project. The city council, mayor, and city staff members discussed proposed changes to the aesthetic design of the overpass, which include taller and thinner support columns, a smaller sign, and various other changes to colors, lighting, and other features. The council hopes to submit a list of references and recommendations for the corridor project early next year.
Read more about the changes here.
Fort Wright asks state to take over Dudley Road bridge
The Fort Wright City Council has passed a resolution requesting the state of Kentucky to take over ownership and maintenance of a bridge on Dudley Road. The bridge, which traverses Banklick Creek, had originally connected to the now-defunct Robke Chevrolet dealership, which generated tax revenue for the city. However, since the dealership closed, the bridge has become a cost sink for the city, providing no value to its residents. The resolution passed unanimously, and the city plans to give the $73,500 currently held in reserve for maintaining the bridge to the state to aid in its maintenance efforts.
Meyer’s final commission meeting begins with accolades, ends with arrests
Two people were arrested at the final Covington City Commission meeting of the year, which was intended to honor Mayor Joe Meyer as he stepped down from his position. The two arrested were former commission candidate Morgan Davenport and Zayd Samir Chandiwala, who had campaigned for a city resolution supporting a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip earlier this year. The meeting itself was filled with praise for Meyer and former City Commissioner Steve Hayden, who had been appointed to an open seat on the commission last year.
Read more about what happened during the meeting here.
Covington delegates additional powers to mayor during government transition
Covington has passed an ordinance that delegates additional powers to the city’s mayoral seat during the transition from a city manager form of government to a mayor-council form of government. The ordinance aims to enhance communications between the city’s administration department and the mayor to increase government efficiency and better prepare for the transition. The mayor will serve as the city’s official head, but not in a way that interferes with the commission’s legislative and executive powers.
Read more about the additional powers given to the mayor here.
Covington adopts new regulations, fees for medical cannabis businesses
Covington has enacted additional regulations and fee structures on medical cannabis businesses, including a city license requirement, a $500 annual fee, a $1,000 per day fine for operating without a license, and the ability to appeal revoked licenses. Businesses must also establish proper security protocols. The city commission voted to allow medical cannabis businesses in certain zones in August.
Read more about the new regulations for medical cannabis businesses here.
Covington seeks $300K in federal funds for Duveneck House rehab
The city of Covington is seeking $300,000 in federal grant money to fund the rehabilitation of the Duveneck House, a historic home belonging to Frank Duveneck, a famous 19th and 20th-century artist, sculptor and teacher. The city has been in a legal battle with the house’s owner, The Frank Duveneck Arts and Cultural Center, for nearly eight years. The building contains numerous structural problems, including a large hole in the foundation. The city employed a legal tool called the “Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act” to gain possession of and undertake the rehabilitation of the building.
Read more about the funds and house rehab here.
Union allocates $10k for sidewalk repairs
The Union City Commission has allocated $10,000 for sidewalk repair, with priority given to safety and sidewalks with public infrastructure embedded. The city’s public works departments will determine how to spend the money based on resident complaints and regular sidewalk assessments. Sidewalks with obvious safety problems that could lead to injury and paths connected to essential public infrastructure will be given priority.
Read more about the repairs here.
Union City Commission approves zoning for medical cannabis businesses
The city of Union has finalized zoning for medical cannabis businesses, allowing cultivation facilities to be established in agricultural zones, processing facilities in industrial zones, and dispensaries in commercial zones. The new regulations permit the cultivation, processing, and dispensing of medical cannabis within the city, with safety compliance facilities also allowed. The city commission approved the zoning at their meeting on Dec. 16.
Read more about the zoning for medical cannabis businesses here.
Union switches city commission meeting times for 2025
The Union City Commission has decided to change the time of their meetings in 2025 to better accommodate the schedules of the elected commission members. The commission will continue to meet on the first and third Monday of the month but will now meet at 6:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. The first meeting of the Union City Commission will take place on Monday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Union City Building on Mt. Zion Road.
Campbell County Schools launches transportation co-ops for high schoolers
Campbell County Schools Transportation Department has introduced two new internship programs for high schoolers, including co-op opportunities for students interested in automotive technology and employing high school students as assistants on elementary school bus routes to serve as monitors. The co-op program for bus mechanics offers hands-on experience for students and helps them develop workplace skills, while the student monitors program enhances safety and creates a safer and calmer environment for younger passengers.
Read more about the co-ops here.
Campbell County Schools honor longtime educator, board member
Richard Mason has been recognized for his nearly 50 years of service to the Campbell County School District. Mason began his career as an art teacher at Grant’s Lick Elementary School and served as a District 5 representative on the board of education for 11 years. He was awarded the Amethyst Award, the highest award given by the district, and a gold lifetime pass to all athletic and academic events. Phil Griffin will replace Mason as the District 5 representative.
Read more about Richard Mason here.
Fort Thomas unanimously approves new zoning ordinance
Fort Thomas city council has approved a new Unified Development Ordinance, which updates and replaces the city’s previous zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. The process involved intense discussion and public input sessions, with residents packing council meetings to voice their concerns. The ordinance aims to protect the city and put it in a more sound place. The process of changes going forward will involve feedback from council and staff, and the ordinance is not cemented in stone.
Read more about the new ordinance here.
Officers honored for response to deadly Florence shooting
Four Fort Thomas police officers and a Boone County sheriff’s deputy were commended for their actions during a mass shooting in Florence in July, which left four people dead and three injured. Detective Keith Guidice, the lead investigator in the case, was also commended for his dedication and outstanding performance of duty. The incident was the first mass shooting in Florence, and the chief thanked the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies for their support.
Read more about the awards here.
