This week, in government meetings, Boone County will discuss electric vehicle charging stations, Fort Thomas will continue conversations on its zoning regulations, and Covington will talk more about enhancing communication between elected officials and city staff.
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?
Bellevue discusses zoning for medical cannabis
Bellevue City Council has approved a zoning text amendment to allow medical cannabis facilities in the city’s industrial and shopping center zones. The council also approved releasing and allocating American Rescue Plan Act funds, which will be used to fund government services and infrastructure projects. The goal is to ensure that potential medical cannabis facilities are located in areas where they can be successful.
Read more about the zoning discussion here.
Bellevue’s In Vue business group unveils new website, projects
The In Vue downtown business group has redesigned its website and is inviting residents to visit VisitBellevueKY.com. The group is also encouraging residents to sign up for a quarterly newsletter for In Vue events and news. The group is actively recruiting new business members and is thanking the council for their support of the downtown business community.
Read more about the new website and projects here.
Bellevue council finishes out the year with appreciation for exiting members
The city council of Bellevue is preparing for a major change in 2025, with half of the council members set to be replaced. Newly elected members Chasity Bowman, Kara Harp and John Ondeck have attended the last two council meetings, while existing members Sean Fisher, Pat Hogan and Ryan Salzman are leaving. The council members praised the work of their colleagues, who have made an impact on the community of Bellevue.
Read more about the council members here.
Dayton awards keys to the city to two leaving office
Dayton Mayor Ben Baker honored two officials who will be leaving their positions at the end of their terms this year: longtime council member Jeff Volter and Kentucky State Rep. Rachel Roberts. Volter has served on the Dayton city council since 2017 and has dedicated his career to education. Roberts has represented Dayton in Frankfort and has helped the city get state funding for road repairs. Both officials were presented with keys to the city and thanked for their service.
Read more about the awards here.
Kenton County police officers recognized for life-saving actions
Five Kenton County police officers were awarded the Lifesaving Award for their heroic actions in responding to a single-vehicle collision near the Decoursey Pike and Alexander Road intersection in southern Kenton County on June 30. The officers provided life-saving treatment to two individuals who were ejected from a motorcycle and sustained critical injuries. The patients have since recovered from their injuries. Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann praised the officers for their service to the county.
Read more about the life-saving actions here.
Walton mayor, council member sworn into office
Terri Courtney was formally elected as mayor of Walton, defeating former Mayor Gabe Brown. Caleb Flege joined the council, replacing former councilmember Barbara Farrow. Rebecca McClure was sworn in as the new city clerk.
Read more about the members sworn in here.
Walton implements 2% payroll tax for sewer system expansion
Walton City Council has approved a 2% payroll tax for all individuals working in Walton to raise funds for its nearly at-capacity sewer system. The tax is expected to generate about $2.5 million annually, which will be used for improvements to the sewer system, including the construction of a new treatment plant. The city plans to move forward with a short-term solution to expand the sewer system’s capacity by constructing another holding tank at the current treatment plant. The anticipated cost to expand the sewer system is estimated to be about $20 million.
Read more about the payroll tax here.
Covington seeks applicants for committee to transition city government
The city of Covington is seeking applicants for a committee to transition its government from a city manager form to a mayor-council form. The committee, which will consist of nine yet-to-be-appointed Covington residents, will give recommendations to the city commission on how to make the transition. The new city council will have powers, duties, and expectations that will be established by the new commission following recommendations from the committee. The new commission will need to determine if the new council seats will be at-large positions or if they will represent specific wards or districts within the city.
Read more about the government transition here.
Newport Police Department considers adding social worker
The Newport Police Department is considering adding a police social worker position to its department, which will help limit the number of calls police officers have to respond to situations far outside their training. The position will be funded by the opioid settlement funds and will help provide support to people in crisis, including mental health and substance use disorders. The position will be on call, including in the middle of the night, and will have a caseload and work with people regularly.
Read more about the police social worker here.
Fort Mitchell council member leaves after 10 years: ‘We have been blessed’
Michael Stoeckle, a Fort Mitchell City Council member, has announced his retirement from council due to work-related reasons. Stoeckle, who has served on the city’s park board and the safety committee, was instrumental in the $2 million General Ormsby Mitchell Park renovation. He was also a member of the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky. Jared Arlinghaus, who ran unopposed for Stoeckle’s council seat, will take office in 2025.
Read more about Michael Stoeckle here.
Vacant industrial site in Wilder sold for nearly $5 million
Wilder Industrial Pointe, a large vacant industrial site, has been sold by Neyer Properties to MDG Wilder LLC, a holding company connected to Joey Madden, founder of the Madden Development Group. The site, which is located near downtown Cincinnati and I-275, was previously owned by Rumpke and used as a disposal site for fly ash. Neyer had planned to develop a light industrial complex on the site, but the property remains a grass-covered field. The city of Wilder will need to release Neyer from its development agreement due to the sale.
Read more about the vacant site sale here.
Florence City Council discusses updates to personnel policies
Florence city officials have proposed updates to city personnel policies, including additional benefits and updates that comply with state and federal requirements. The changes include three new official holidays, the inclusion of civil leave and voting leave policies, additional sick leave and parental leave, and updates to the city’s employment enrichment program. The changes aim to attract and retain the workforce and provide fair and consistent policies for employees.
Read more about the personnel policies here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Campbell County Board of Education: Monday, Dec. 16
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 51 Orchard Lane in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.
Union City Commission caucus: Monday, Dec. 16
The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
The meeting agenda can be found here when it is published.
Edgewood City Council: Monday, Dec. 16
The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewood City Building located at 385 Dudley Road.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Thomas to hold second reading on zoning changes
Fort Thomas City Council: Monday, Dec. 16
What you need to know: Fort Thomas City Council has begun the process of approving a new zoning ordinance plan, which combines both zoning and subdivision regulations. The council held the first reading of the proposed unified development ordinance on Nov. 18, which includes the removal of some items in response to council and public concerns. The council also decided to remove the Fort Thomas Avenue Overlay and city mural regulations from the final ordinance document. The historic overlay for homes in Tower Park was also discussed, and the council decided to continue not to permit murals at all and change the ordinance to include a simple prohibition of murals.
Read more about the zoning here.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at 130 North Fort Thomas Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Fiscal Court to discuss electric vehicle charging stations
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Dec. 17
The fiscal court will discuss a resolution relating to approving an agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the design of electric vehicle charging stations in Boone County. This discussion was tabled from Dec. 3.
The fiscal court will also hear two presentations: the sheriff’s 2025 budget and the county clerk’s 2025 budget.
The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington St.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission to continue a discussion on enhancing communication between elected officials, city staff
Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, Dec. 17
Here is what you need to know: The commission completed the first reading of an ordinance last week that would delegate greater powers to the mayor’s seat during the two-year transition. The ordinance would allow the mayor to inquire into the conduct of duties and actions performed by the city manager between meetings of the board of commissioners, enhancing communication between the city’s elected representatives and the city administrative staff. The commission will cast a vote on this ordinance at the legislative meeting. Mayor-elect Ron Washington expressed his readiness to shape how the transition is implemented and take direction from the city’s citizens.
Read more about enhancing communication between elected officials, city staff here.
The commission will also continue discussions on medical cannabis licensing structures.
The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike Street.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 17
The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Highland Heights City Council: Tuesday, Dec. 17
The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at 176 Johns Hill Road.
Erlanger Council oath of office ceremony: Tuesday, Dec. 17
The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, Dec. 18
The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Wright City Council caucus meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 18
The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, Dec. 18
The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Villa Hills City Council meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 18
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 719 Rogers Road.
Walton Verona Schools Board of Education meeting: Thursday, Dec. 19
The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at 18 School Road
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, Dec. 19
The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at 8236 West Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
