This week in NKY government, almost all city meetings are canceled due to the holiday week, but last week kept many cities busy.
Here is a recap of those meetings.
What happened last week in NKY government?
Fort Thomas council divided over new member appointment process
The Fort Thomas City Council voted 3–2 to appoint former longtime school board member Brad Fennell to fill the vacant council seat left by Andy Ellison’s appointment as mayor, a decision that sparked division among council members and residents over the process rather than the candidate. Supporters of the appointment argued the city needed to act quickly to fill the one-year position with someone who could “plug right in.” At the same time, dissenting council members and the mayor criticized the lack of interviews, discussion, and full consideration of the 15–16 applicants. Procedural concerns prevented the council from entering executive session once a motion and a second were on the table, forcing a vote that some felt was rushed. Public comment reflected similar frustrations, with residents and applicant Steve Arey voicing concerns about transparency and due diligence.
Read more about the council appointment here.
Campbell County selects Conger Construction for new public safety building
Campbell County has awarded the construction manager-at-risk contract for its new public safety building in Alexandria to Conger Construction Group, following a competitive request-for-proposals process that drew seven submissions and three finalists. The facility, planned for 1114 Racetrack Road, will consolidate the county police department, emergency management, consolidated dispatch center, and coroner’s office into a single, purpose-built complex. Conger will first complete a pre-construction phase—costing about $76,000 to $80,000—focused on design review and coordination with Brandstetter Carroll Architects, before proposing a guaranteed maximum price this summer and moving into construction under a 2.1% fee structure. County officials emphasized that early contractor involvement is intended to improve efficiency, control costs, and ensure long-term functionality, while also replacing outdated and leased facilities currently used by several departments.
Read more about Conger Construction and the project here.
Corporex seeks zone change for 190-unit apartment complex near CVG
Corporex, a Covington-based real estate developer, is seeking approval to rezone a nine-acre parcel along Mineola Pike in Boone County to build a 190-unit multifamily apartment complex as part of its broader 650-acre CirclePort development near CVG Airport. The proposal would reclassify the site from Rural Suburban and Industrial to Urban Residential/Planned Development, allowing four apartment buildings with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units and more than 300 parking spaces, replacing nearly all former single-family homes on the property. Corporex argues the project would help address Northern Kentucky’s workforce housing shortage near a rapidly growing employment hub, but planning commission discussions have focused on traffic, pedestrian safety, and especially aircraft noise due to the site’s proximity to airport noise contours. CVG submitted a formal objection citing potential noise and liability concerns, and commissioners debated whether proactive sound mitigation should be required. With no formal noise study yet completed, the planning commission and Corporex agreed to defer further consideration of the zone change until February.
Read more about the zone change request here.
Residents raise traffic concerns at Memorial Pointe in Southgate
Two Southgate residents addressed the city council to raise concerns about increasingly unsafe traffic conditions along Alexandria Pike near Canon Ridge and the Memorial Pointe subdivision, citing speeding vehicles, dangerous U-turns, and difficulty turning left onto the road. While thanking police for their enforcement efforts, the residents urged further action, prompting Police Chief John Christmann and Mayor Jim Hamberg to explain that major traffic changes—such as installing a traffic light—fall under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s authority. City officials said repeated requests for improvements have been denied due to the road’s proximity to I-471 and existing nearby signals, and while police can enforce current rules, U-turns are generally legal and difficult to cite. Hamberg encouraged residents to contact KYTC directly, noting that increased public pressure could strengthen the city’s push for traffic safety improvements.
Read more about the traffic concerns here.
Boone County rubberstamps zoning changes for new UDF in Florence, school at Potter’s Ranch
The Boone County Fiscal Court approved zoning changes that will allow two separate projects to move forward: a redeveloped United Dairy Farmers gas station in Florence and the legalization of Union Pointe Christian Academy at Potter’s Ranch. The court authorized rezoning 1.8 acres at 8577 Dixie Highway from industrial to commercial, clearing the way for UDF to demolish its existing facility and build a modern 6,300-square-foot convenience store with eight gas pumps, a move partly driven by anticipated competition from a new Wawa planned across the street. In a separate decision, the court approved a planned development overlay for a 7.3-acre parcel at Potter’s Ranch, bringing Union Pointe Christian Academy into compliance with zoning regulations after it had relocated there from Florence Baptist Church. The change allows the small private school, currently serving about 12 students, to legally operate in the site’s Family Life Center and potentially expand in the future under additional planning review.
Read more about the zone change here.
Florence approves new electricity franchise agreements
After more than four months of review and seven separate considerations, the Florence City Council unanimously approved two 20-year, non-exclusive electricity franchise agreements with Duke Energy and Owen Electric Cooperative at a special meeting, formally authorizing both utilities to continue operating within the city’s public rights-of-way. The process began in August with the opening of a required bidding process, and although both companies already serve Florence and were the only bidders, city officials emphasized the agreements are a standard “housekeeping” measure that do not grant monopolies, require residents to change providers, or include franchise fees that could raise electric bills. City Administrator Joshua Hunt said the contracts simply govern the construction, maintenance, and operation of electrical infrastructure, and confirmed they were thoroughly reviewed by legal counsel before final approval, allowing Mayor Julie Aubuchon to sign the agreements.
Read more about the new franchise agreement here.
Newport Police Captain retires after 27 Years: ‘I love you guys’
After 27 years with the Newport Police Department, Captain Paul Kunkel is retiring, marking the end of a career widely credited with shaping the city’s approach to community-oriented policing. Hired in 1998, Kunkel rose through nearly every rank in the department and became known for his empathy, hands-on engagement, and deep connections with residents, particularly underserved populations. City leaders and Police Chief Chris Fangman praised Kunkel’s unique ability to build trust and foster meaningful relationships, highlighting his leadership in the community services division and initiatives such as Newport Night Out, neighborhood cleanups, youth programs, and public events like Newport Wheels on Monmouth. Recognized by the Newport Commission with a shadowbox honoring his service, Kunkel leaves a legacy of compassion, civic involvement, and lasting impact on countless individuals and families throughout Newport.
Read more about Kunkel’s retirement here.
Commission rejects development proposal for Union Landing
The Union City Commission unanimously voted to reject the proposed Union Landing development at its final meeting of 2025, denying a rezoning request that would have allowed a 319-unit, age-restricted housing project on the Robert E. Reeves estate along Hathaway Road. Commissioners cited concerns about high residential density, traffic impacts, resident opposition, and planning risks, echoing issues raised by citizens during earlier meetings and aligning with the Boone County Planning Commission’s prior unanimous denial. Despite the developer reducing the project from 382 to 319 units, city officials said the proposal conflicted with Union’s semi-rural character and raised liability concerns, particularly as the city works to update its 25-year-old comprehensive plan. Mayor Larry Solomon and several commissioners emphasized the weight of public input and the planning commission’s recommendation in reaching the final decision.
Read more about the rejected development proposal here.