This week in government meetings: Fort Thomas plans to discuss changes to its zoning regulation, Newport will consider purchasing two Teslas and Covington will discuss contracts for affordable housing rehabs.
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 in NKY government last week?
Kenton County assigns SROs to two private schools
Kenton County has appointed two school resource officers to safeguard two local private schools, Villa Madonna Academy and Holy Cross High School. The officers, Robert Bayer and Ed Butler were appointed by the Kenton County Fiscal Court at a meeting on Nov. 12, with their contracts starting on Nov. 18. The positions are funded by the Diocese of Covington, with the fiscal court covering a small funding gap. The appointment of the officers comes after the passage of House Bill 63, which requires statewide public schools to have school resource officers on campus to increase security.
Read more about the SROs here.
Southgate considers allowing accessory dwelling units
Southgate is considering allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on a case-by-case basis, which are separate dwelling units on the same lot as a stand-alone detached single-family home. The Campbell County Planning and Zoning Commission approved zoning amendments last September to allow ADUs in two county zones, and now, looking at the county’s urban areas, the planning commission approved the zoning text amendments to allow ADUs to be used conditionally. The item still needs to be approved by the Southgate City Council for final approval. The definition added to Southgate’s law was “An accessory dwelling unit that provides independent living facilities from a primary dwelling unit but resides on the same parcel as the primary dwelling unit.”
Read more about the ADUs here.
Bellevue group announces new website, plans for collaboration with Dayton
The Bellevue business group In View has launched a new website, visitbellevueky.com, which aims to promote the city’s small businesses and provide resources for visitors and prospective businesses. The group also introduced a new design for cups that can be used in the city’s entertainment district, known as the BED, which runs along Fairfield Avenue. In View is also working with the Dayton business group to collaborate with the city’s Rope Walk entertainment district, which starts at O’Fallon and runs along Sixth Avenue.
Read more about the collaboration here.
Dayton, Bellevue to share police social worker
The cities of Dayton and Bellevue in Kentucky will share the services of a full-time social worker, funded by the state’s opioid settlement. The position will be shared by the two cities, with each city using $50,000 from the funds for the position. The social worker will work through the Campbell County Police Department but solely with Dayton and Bellevue. The program will allow the department to connect people with resources and treatment for substance use disorders as well as provide support for people suffering from mental health issues, domestic violence, homelessness and more.
Read more about the police social worker here.
Florence approves paramedicine pilot program
The Florence community will benefit from a new pilot program that adds two part-time positions dedicated to providing information, support, and patient care management. The program, funded through a grant by the Copic Medical Foundation, aims to reduce the inappropriate use of emergency medical services and thus reduce healthcare costs. The program will provide citizens with additional resources and help in managing their care, easing the burden on emergency services, and building relationships between the community and Florence Fire and EMS. The program is a pilot and anyone hired in the positions will be clear that it is not yet a permanent program and is scheduled to end after one year.
Read more about the pilot program here.
Walton approves new short-term rental guidelines
Walton City Council has approved a new ordinance regulating short-term rentals, such as Airbnb or Vrbo rentals. The new policy requires short-term rental owners to pay a $500 annual fee to operate their rental, up from the original $15 fee. The penalty for violating city policies on short-term rentals is increased from $25 to $100 per violation. Additionally, the number of short-term rentals allowed per city street has been lowered from four to two, and the number allowed per subdivision from 10 to six. Only 20 short-term rentals are allowed in the entire city.
Read more about the new guidelines here.
New payroll tax may be coming to Walton
The Walton City Council has proposed a 2% payroll tax on all individuals working in Walton to raise funds for their sewer system, which is nearing capacity and could lead to fines if not improved. The tax is estimated to generate about $2.5 million annually, which would be used to expand the sewer system and avoid fines from oversight organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency. The expansion would cost around $20 million, and the council is considering the tax to minimize the impact on Walton residents. The council will vote on the first reading of the tax at its next meeting.
Read more about the new tax here.
Get a sneak peek of the proposed Covington Central Riverfront development
Covington Pointe Joint Venture, an LLC composed of the Funke Real Estate Group and its financial partners, has proposed to build 10 single-family detached homes and two mixed-use buildings on the site of the old IRS building in Covington. The proposal was approved by the Covington City Commission and will be voted on next week. The development will cost $8.545 million, and the city will be responsible for early filling, grading, and infrastructure work. The development is expected to generate about $1 million in TIF funds over the next 27 years.
Read more about the development project here.
Independence enacts new regulations for fences on residential properties
Independence has enacted new regulations related to fences on residential properties, allowing fences in front yards over three acres in size along collector and arterial roads in certain city zones. The regulations allow fences to have a maximum height of four feet and must be made of allowable ornamental materials. The proposed amendment comes as a result of a local couple’s attempt to put a fence in their yard, which had been up for nearly 70 years before the 2021 ordinance prohibiting fences in front yards was passed.
Read more about the new regulations here.
Independence approves zoning for medical cannabis businesses
The Independence City Council has approved zoning for medical cannabis businesses following a vote from the city council on Monday. The new regulations allow cultivation, processing, production and safety compliance facilities to operate in suburban industrial zones, and dispensaries to operate in rural commercial, neighborhood commercial, community commercial and suburban industrial zones. The legalization of medical cannabis in Kentucky came about on March 31, 2023, when Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 into law. The law established five kinds of allowable facilities: cultivating centers, processing facilities, hybrid facilities, dispensaries, and safety facilities. Medical cannabis facilities cannot be established within 1,000 feet of a school or daycare center.
Read more about the zoning here.
Dementia-care facility receives zoning approval in Fort Mitchell
Fort Mitchell has approved a zoning change to allow a new dementia-care facility to break ground off General Drive. The Kenton County Planning Commission recommended the change in September, and the Fort Mitchell City Council moved to approve it at their Nov. 11 meeting. The 16-bedroom facility, called Sages of All Ages, is owned by business partners Crystal Wilmhoff and Marky Kennedy. Construction is expected to start in April 2025.
Read more about the dementia-care facility here.
Ludlow appoints former police chief as city administrator amid controversy
Ludlow City Council has appointed Scott Smith as its new city administrator after a controversial vote. Smith, who previously served as the city’s police chief, was nominated by Mayor Chris Wright after a lengthy process of conversations and meetings with city staff and community members. However, some council members criticized the lack of community engagement in the process and the appointment of Smith, who was previously accused of holding two non-elected positions simultaneously. Smith has been praised for his qualifications for the position and his ability to attract economic development opportunities to Ludlow.
Read more about Smith’s appointment here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Campbell County Board of Education: Monday, Nov. 18
Those who want to attend the meeting can do so at theAlexandria Educational Center at 101 Orchard Lane in Alexandria. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Union City Commission caucus meeting: Monday, Nov. 18
Those who want to attend the meeting can do so at 1843 Bristow Drive. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Edgewood City Council: Monday, Nov. 18
Those who want to attend the meeting should go to the Edgewood City Building, 385 Dudley Road, at 6:30 p.m.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Consideration of Fort Thomas Planning Commission’s proposed unified development ordinance
Fort Thomas City Council special meeting followed by council meeting: Monday, Nov. 18
The Fort Thomas City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss any changes the council may consider to the planning commission’s proposed unified development ordinance. This ordinance is a set of local regulations that govern how land and buildings are used and developed.
Residents wishing to attend the meeting can do so at the city building located at 130 N Ft Thomas Ave. The special meeting will begin at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting will begin after.
More information can be found here about the update of Fort Thomas’ zoning ordinance.
The agenda can be found here.
Highland Heights City Council: Monday, Nov. 18
Those who want to attend the meeting can do so at 176 John’s Hill Road at 7 p.m.
Newport will consider purchasing two Teslas for the police department
Newport Board of Commissioners: Monday, Nov. 18
The Newport Board of Commissioners has several items on its agenda for discussion. These include officially appointing John Hayden as the new city manager and Bryan Steffen as the new assistant city manager.
The commission is also considering purchasing two more Teslas to add to its police department.
Those who want to attend the meeting should go to the Newport City Building, 998 Monmouth Street, at 7 p.m.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Fiscal Court to hear a zone change request
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Nov. 19
The Boone County Fiscal Court will hear a first reading regarding a zone map amendment for 19 acres located at 10637 Dixie Highway from suburban residential to urban residential.
The fiscal court will also hear a presentation from the Boone Conservancy Executive Director Christy Noll.
Those looking to attend the meeting can go to 2950 Washington Street. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington to discuss a contract to rehabilitate four homes for affordable housing
Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, Nov. 19
The board of commissioners’ agenda has many items for Tuesday, but some highlights include an agreement with Terracon for materials testing and special inspection services for city hall construction.
The city will discuss executing a contract with Entryway, Inc. for the rehabilitation of multiple single-family homes payable from the program year 2024 Home CHDO development project funds, which provides grants to state and local governments to create affordable housing for low-income households.
Those wishing to attend the meeting should go to Covington City Hall at 20 W Pike St. at 6 p.m.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council caucus meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 19
Those wishing to attend the caucus meeting should go to 8100 Ewing Boulevard at 6 p.m.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Erlanger special council meeting (followed by caucus meeting): Tuesday, Nov. 19
Those who want to attend the meetings can do so at505 Commonwealth Ave. The special meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. followed by a caucus meeting at 7 p.m.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Wright City Council caucus meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Those wishing to attend the meeting can do so at409 Kyles Lane at 6 p.m.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Those wishing to attend the meeting can do so at the Southgate City Building at 122 Electric Avenue. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
Villa Hills City Council: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Those who want to attend the meeting should go to719 Rogers Road at 6:30 p.m.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, Nov. 21
Those wishing to attend the meeting can do so at8236 West Main Street at 7 p.m.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Covington Board of Education to discuss partnership between Holmes and Newport High Schools
Covington Board of Education: Thursday, Nov. 21
The board of education will discuss a partnership for the Career & Technical Education Program Memorandum of Agreement between Holmes High School and Newport High School. The purpose is to establish a collaborative partnership between the schools to enhance and share career and technical education programs.
The agenda can be found here.