This week in NKY government meetings, the Kenton County Planning Commission will consider a new fire and police training facility in Fort Wright, while Newport will discuss a short-term rental agreement for Purple People Bridge repairs.
Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to know for this week.
What happened last week in NKY government?
Fort Thomas confronts policy violations: ‘Ignoring it encourages disorder’
The city of Fort Thomas plans to hire an outside human resources consultant to investigate workplace issues and review city administrator Matt Kremer’s relationship with the city’s economic development director, which may violate city personnel policies. The move follows recent concerns about Kremer’s unauthorized pension payment to the state and ongoing financial management problems uncovered in an audit. With mayor Eric Haas on medical leave and HR responsibilities currently shared between him and Kremer, the council wants to bring in a permanent HR professional to prevent future issues. Interim Finance Director Linda Chapman, a veteran finance official, was tasked with recommending HR firms for council interviews.
Read more about the policy violations here.
Covington to vote on debt payment extension for IRS site purchase
The Covington Board of Commissioners is preparing to vote in November on extending the payment schedule for up to $29.4 million in general obligation bonds issued in 2020 to purchase the former IRS site, now part of the Covington Central Riverfront development. Originally set to mature on Jan. 1, 2025, the debt extension to June 1, 2031, aims to ease pressure on the city’s strained finances, according to Finance Director Bre Gaffney. The bonds, backed by the city itself, were initially issued at a 2.04% interest rate and are used to finance major capital projects like city hall. While the extension vote will authorize staff to proceed with the process—interest rates will be set later—the move ensures Covington can manage repayments responsibly. The board held a first reading this week and will cast its final vote on Nov. 18, with no meeting on Nov. 11 due to Veterans Day.
Read more about the debt payment extension here.
Covington is using AI, here’s how
The Covington Board of Commissioners has approved an in-house artificial intelligence policy as part of a new citywide initiative called Covington Operational Vision–Advance Innovation (COV AI), aimed at integrating AI into city operations. The policy, developed by IT Manager Essam Elgusain and Mayor Ron Washington, establishes ethical guidelines, training requirements, and restrictions on AI use, including prohibitions against inputting sensitive data, creating deepfakes, or generating legal documents without oversight. Over the next year, the city plans to train employees, identify areas where AI can improve efficiency, and ensure transparency and accountability in its use. Department heads and the mayor have already completed AI proficiency training, with future staff training estimated at $5,000 per group. City leaders emphasized both the potential benefits—such as increased efficiency amid staffing shortages—and the need for strong safeguards to protect data privacy and maintain public trust.
Read more about the city’s use of AI here.
New police navigator program connects Kenton County residents to treatment
Kenton County and the city of Covington have partnered to launch a police navigator program designed to divert individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges and other social crises away from the criminal justice system and into treatment and recovery services. Funded through Covington’s share of opioid abatement settlement money, the program places non-sworn navigators within law enforcement to connect people with social services, conduct home visits, and support victims and families in crisis. The initiative expands Kenton County’s existing navigator program—already serving several neighboring cities—and builds on efforts to relieve police officers of handling complex mental health cases alone. Since its October launch, navigators have worked on 27 active cases, collaborating with community partners to find creative solutions. County and city leaders praised the program as an effective, cooperative use of opioid settlement funds from the national $26 billion agreement with major pharmaceutical companies.
Read more about the police navigator program here.
Wilder officials back zone change to allow 19-acre development
After decades of vacancy, more than 19 acres of land in Wilder may finally be developed following the Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous approval of a zone change to allow a 9,600-square-foot industrial building behind the Waffle House and McDonald’s. The developer, ANDIS LLC—a company specializing in utilities, excavation, and power-line maintenance—plans to build an office, maintenance garage, and limited outdoor storage area for about a dozen service trucks. The property, located near Pooles Creek Road and St. Johns Lane, has long been difficult to develop due to a large transmission power line easement, deterring past proposals for apartments and churches. City officials said the project represents the first feasible plan in years and could bring tangible economic benefits to Wilder. The zone amendment now moves to the city council for final approval.
Read more about the ANDIS project here.
Crescent Springs considers 17-townhome development
A proposed 17-townhouse development in Crescent Springs was discussed at a recent city council meeting following Council Member Jeannine Bell Smith’s appeal of the Kenton County Planning Commission’s September approval. The meeting, which served as an open forum rather than a vote, featured debate among council members, the landowner, and developers, with tensions arising after the developer’s attorney requested that three council members recuse themselves for alleged bias due to their prior opposition. The project, planned for about one acre at Ireland Avenue and Harris Street, calls for two buildings with 17 three-bedroom townhomes featuring rear-entry garages and reduced setbacks that require city approval. The site has a long history of stalled development dating back to 2007, with earlier plans for 32 townhomes never completed. Crescent Springs City Council will vote on the updated concept plan in November, which will determine whether the previously approved zoning variances remain valid.
Read more about the townhome development here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Kenton County Board of Education: Monday, Nov. 3
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1045 Eaton Drive in Fort Wright.
The agenda can be found here.
Independence City Council: Monday, Nov. 3
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at
The agenda can be found here.
Newport Commission special meeting and caucus meeting: Â Monday, Nov. 3
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 998 Monmouth Street.
What you need to know: During the special meeting, the commission will discuss authorizing the city to enter into a short-term rental agreement with LRT Restoration Technologies, LLC (LRT) for the ongoing rental and inspection of the emergency shoring system supporting the failed masonry pier on the Purple People Bridge.
Following the commission meeting, a special meeting will be held to focus on transparency, financial policies and procedures, audit readiness, and the first-quarter financial report.
The agenda can be found here.
Union City Commission meeting: Monday, Nov. 3
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
The agenda can be found here.
Wilder City Council meeting: Monday, Nov. 3
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 520 Licking Pike.
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Nov. 4
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington St. in Burlington.
The agenda can be found here.
Elsmere City Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 4
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here.
Erlanger City Council meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 4
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 4
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, Nov. 5
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at 8352 E Main St. in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Wright City Caucus meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 5
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Planning Commission: Thursday, Nov. 6
The meeting starts at 6:15 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington.
What you need to know: The commission will discuss a proposal to construct a fire training facility on Madison Pike in Fort Wright that includes a fire training center, vehicle storage area, off-street parking, and a future police training center. The proposal also includes the use of shipping containers for live burn training exercises.
The agenda can be found here.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, Nov. 6
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at
The agenda can be found here.
