The newly appointed members of the Union City Commission, excluding the mayor, from left to right: John Mefford, Doug Bine and George Eldridge. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

This week, in NKY government meetings, Newport will discuss allowing medical cannabis operations, while Union will appoint its final commission member.

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 meetings?

Florence reviews plans for 7 Brew Coffee, life skills facility, EV chargers

Florence is reviewing plans for a new 7 Brew Coffee, an autism support facility and EV charger expansion in the city. On Tuesday, Florence officials discussed the three projects the Boone County Planning Commission recommended, and Director of Community Development Todd Morgan presented requests for proposals. Council did not vote on the recommendations, but had an opportunity to discuss them. The vote is planned for their next council meeting.

Read more about the three projects here.

Parents push for suicide prevention in Boone County Schools

Parents and community members in Boone County are urgently calling for action after multiple student suicides have been reported in the school district. At a Feb. 13 Board of Education meeting, Jaimee Seitz, whose 13-year-old daughter died by suicide in December, and her mother, Sue Neltner, voiced concerns about the district’s response and the need for stronger mental health support. Seitz’s sister launched a petition advocating for a liaison-based suicide prevention program, quickly gaining over 3,200 signatures.

Read more about the push for suicide prevention here.

Fort Wright leaders travel to learn about roundabouts

Fort Wright City Council members recently traveled to Carmel, Indiana, to study the impact of roundabouts as they prepare for potential traffic changes from the Brent Spence Corridor Project. While the decision ultimately lies with the state, city officials want to stay informed and keep residents updated. Carmel, known for its extensive use of roundabouts, provided insights, but council member Margie Witt expressed concerns that Fort Wright’s proposed roundabouts are too close to existing traffic lights, potentially causing congestion. The city plans further discussions with Carmel officials and will relay findings to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in hopes of influencing the final road plan.

Read more about the roundabouts here.

Union postpones final commissioner appointment

The Union City Commission postponed the appointment of its final member despite earlier statements from Mayor Larry Solomon that a decision would be made in February. The appointment is now set for a special meeting on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. The commission, recently reshaped after a court ruling ousted all but the mayor due to ballot distribution issues, currently includes Solomon, Doug Bine, John Mefford, and George Eldridge. Former commissioner Brian Garner, who was affected by the court decision, has applied for the open seat. The meeting will be held at the Union City Building and is open to the public.

Read more about the appointment here.

New program helps Campbell County students access summer meals

Campbell County Schools is partnering with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to help families access food through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. This federal initiative provides eligible students with a one-time payment of $120 to cover summer meal costs. Students receiving SNAP, Kentucky Transitional Assistance, or Kinship Care for at least one month are automatically enrolled, while others can apply based on income eligibility. The district will receive $12,000 for administering the program and must provide monthly updates on eligible students.

Read more about the program here.

Campbell County Middle School to get $28m more in renovations

Campbell County Schools is beginning phase two of its middle school renovations, following a district facility plan approved in 2021. This phase includes extensive renovations to sections built between 1939 and 1969, covering HVAC replacement, electrical upgrades, new flooring, ceilings, painting, exterior improvements, and paving, with an estimated cost of $28.53 million. The project is in the early planning stages, requiring multiple board approvals, and initial steps like environmental studies and infrastructure assessments are underway.

Read more about the project here.

Plans for new amphitheater at Boone Woods Park move forward

Boone County is moving forward with plans for a new amphitheater at Boone Woods Park, replacing the existing structure. The Boone County Fiscal Court approved a resolution selecting DWA Recreation to design and install the prefabricated wooden amphitheater, complete with two dressing rooms, for $231,680.

Read more about the amphitheater here.

What’s happening this week in NKY government meetings?

Crescent Springs City Council: Monday, Feb. 24

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.

The agenda can be found here when it is published.

Newport to discuss medical cannabis in the city

Newport Board of Commissioners: Monday, Feb. 24

What you need to know: The city commission plans to have a discussion on allowing medical cannabis operations in the city. This is just a discussion. No action will be taken during the meeting. The board will also discuss an IRB project by Nexigen-an IT service company. The city states this will create 75 new jobs, develop the former US Bank on Monmouth Street and require the acquisition of Muehlenkamp Funeral Home property.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 998 Monmouth St.

The agenda can be found here.

Park Hills caucus meeting: Monday, Feb. 24

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.

The agenda can be found here when it is published.

Cold Spring City Council: Monday, Feb. 24

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 East Alexandria Pike.

The agenda can be found here when it is published.

Kenton County to discuss purchasing law enforcement equipment

Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 25

What you need to know: Kenton County will discuss entering into an agreement with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to support the purchase of law enforcement equipment under the Law Enforcement Protection Program Grant.

The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at Kenton County Government Center at 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington.

The agenda can be found here.

Union to appoint final commission member

Union Commission special meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 25

What you need to know: The Union City Commission postponed the appointment of its final member at its last meeting despite earlier statements from Mayor Larry Solomon that a decision would be made in February. The commission, recently reshaped after a court ruling ousted all but the mayor due to ballot distribution issues, currently includes Solomon, Doug Bine, John Mefford, and George Eldridge. Former commissioner Brian Garner, who was affected by the court decision, has applied for the open seat. The meeting will be held at the Union City Building and is open to the public.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.

The agenda can be found here when it is published.

Covington to talk about creating job development incentive agreement

Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, Feb. 25

What you need to know: The commission will discuss authorizing the mayor to execute a job development incentive agreement with the Carol Ann and Ralph v. Haile Jr. Foundation.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.

The agenda can be found here.

Florence City Council: Tuesday, Feb. 25

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.

The agenda can be found here when it is published.

Newport Board of Education: Wednesday, Feb. 26

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 30 W 8th St.

The agenda can be found here when it is published.

Covington city government meeting transition: Thursday, Feb. 27

The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.

Ludlow City Council caucus meeting: Thursday, Feb. 27

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.

The agenda can be found here when it is published.

Haley is a reporter for LINK nky. Email her at hparnell@linknky.com Twitter.