This week, in NKY government meetings, Kenton County Schools will discuss phase two of the Hinsdale Elementary circulation project and more.
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?
Newport to advance medical marijuana discussion with split vote
Newport is advancing medical marijuana legislation after revisiting an initial 2024 ordinance deemed outdated. On Feb. 24, the city commission voted 3-2 to move the discussion to the legislative phase, focusing on zoning regulations and public input. While the county opted out of cannabis business operations, cities can establish their own rules. Opponents, like Commissioners Ken Rechtin and Julie Smith-Morrow, raised concerns over zoning restrictions and the lack of FDA trials. The planning commission will now assess zoning before the city commission votes on a final ordinance.
Read more about the discussion here.
Florence creates a Transportation Improvement District
Florence has become the first city in Kentucky to establish a Transportation Improvement District (TID), allowing for greater local control and funding flexibility for transportation projects. The city council approved the ordinance in a 4-2 vote, enabling the creation of a board to oversee project selection and development. Public Services Director Eric Hall supported the move, emphasizing its potential to secure more funding and improve local roadways. However, he noted the necessity of forming a TID to access these opportunities. The district aims to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and boost economic growth by prioritizing key infrastructure improvements.
Read more about the district here.
Kenton County infrastructure update: KY-536, Wolf Road and more
Kenton County Public Works updated the fiscal court on key infrastructure projects, including KY-536, Wolf Road, a new government center parking garage, and the Kenton Lands Road widening project. KY-536 improvements are ongoing, with the current phase expected to be completed by 2028 and future segments under design. Wolf Road repairs, including slide stabilization and guardrail installation, are moving forward with state funding, after which Covington and Taylor Mill will assume maintenance. Construction on a 248-space parking garage at the Kenton County Government Center is progressing, with foundational work underway. Meanwhile, the Kenton Lands Road widening project is on hold due to funding issues, though county officials continue to push for financial support.
Read more about the infrastructure updates here.
Newport teacher union calls for superintendent’s removal as board approves job cuts
The Newport Teachers Association called for a “no confidence” vote in Superintendent Tony Watts over dissatisfaction with his leadership, but the school board did not take action. The controversy stems from Watts’ recommendation to cut 21 teaching positions across Newport schools to address a $3.9 million budget deficit for 2026. The proposal sparked strong opposition from teachers, staff, parents, and students, who argued that the cuts would negatively impact education quality and student support. While the board approved the tentative allocations, Watts emphasized that the numbers are not final and could change before the May 15 deadline. The board will continue discussions at a March 12 meeting to evaluate all positions and funding sources.
Read more about the call for removal here.
Florence awards Medal of Valor to two first responders
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Florence honored Officer Jacob Sander and Sergeant Jon Ball with the Medal of Valor for their bravery during a Jan. 12 rescue. Responding to a woman who had fallen through the ice while trying to save her dogs, Officer Sander crawled onto the fragile ice to keep her head above water. Sergeant Ball arrived as the ice began breaking beneath him, pulling both to safety. Their selfless actions saved a life, earning recognition from the Florence Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, and a grateful community, including the rescued woman and her family.
Read more about the awards here.
Newport no longer receiving $1M federal grant for tree planting
Newport will no longer receive a $1 million grant from the USDA Forest Service for its West Side Reforestation Project, which aimed to plant 1,000 trees over five years. City officials announced the loss of funding at a Feb. 24 commission meeting, expressing frustration over the grant’s revocation after it had already been awarded. Commissioner Ken Rechtin called for federal representatives to address the issue, emphasizing the grant’s importance in fostering community engagement. Despite this setback, Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. assured residents that Newport remains committed to greening the community, even if progress is slower.
Read more about the tree grant here.
Kim Tuyn appointed as final Union city commissioner
Kim Tuyn has officially joined the Union City Commission after being appointed at a special meeting on Feb. 27. Her appointment comes after a long legal battle and several months of uncertainty following a Boone County Circuit Court judge’s ousting of the previous commission members. Tuyn was selected from a pool of candidates, with the final vote of appointment made by Commissioners Doug Bine, John Mefford, and George Eldridge. Tuyn, a retired professional with a background in regulatory, health, safety, and environmental sustainability, expressed her commitment to focusing on managed growth and community development projects, such as the Promenade and Union Town Square.
Read more about the final appointment here.
Newport officials oppose bill limiting short-term rental oversight
Newport opposes Kentucky Senate Bill 110, which would prevent cities from regulating short-term rentals like those listed on platforms like Airbnb. The bill, introduced in February, could significantly impact Newport, where there has been a history of unlicensed rentals causing enforcement issues. Currently, the city has designated areas for short-term rentals, but without the ability to regulate them, Newport could see an increase in illegal rentals, especially from investors targeting properties for short-term use.
Read more about the opposed bill here.
Section of US 27 may be renamed to honor Pat Crowley
Southgate passed a resolution to rename a section of US 27 in honor of journalist and public relations expert Pat Crowley, who died in December at age 63. The proposed “Patrick J. Crowley Memorial Parkway” would stretch from Highland Avenue in Fort Thomas to Fifth Street in Newport. Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lehman planned to introduce the request in Frankfort, with a Senate tribute recognizing Crowley’s contributions to the region. The resolution passed unanimously, with Fort Thomas also supporting the initiative, while Newport has yet to take an official stance.
Read more about the memorial parkway here.
Fort Thomas approves funding for street repair plan
Fort Thomas City Council approved the 2025-26 street repair and maintenance budget early to save money by allowing construction companies to plan ahead. The approval, made on Feb. 18, followed a recommendation from Public Works Committee Chair Adam Blau and included repairs to several streets, curbs, and sidewalks, totaling approximately $833,000. The city no longer assesses property owners for street repairs; instead, it funds them through the budget while still encouraging public input through notices and social media.
Read more about the street repairs here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government meetings?
Edgewood City Council: Monday, March 3
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Edgewood City Building at 385 Dudley Rd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Mitchell City Council: Monday, March 3
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 2355 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Union City Commission: Monday, March 3
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Wilder City Council: Monday, March 3
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilder City Building.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Kenton County Schools to discuss phase two of Hinsdale Elementary circulation project
Kenton County Board of Education: Monday, March 3
What you need to know: The school board will consider the construction drawings for phase two of the Hinsdale Elementary site circulation and renovation project. Bidding is anticipated to begin in late March, a bid award will be recommended to the board in May, and construction will begin in late May 2025 if a successful bidder is selected and approved by the board.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 1045 Eaton Drive in Fort Wright.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Highland Heights City Council: Monday, March 3
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 176 John’s Hill Road.
Independence City Council: Monday, March 3
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5409 Madison Pike.
Covington Board of Commissioners caucus meeting: Tuesday, March 4
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike Street.
The agenda can be found here.
Elsmere City Council caucus meeting: Tuesday, March 4
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Erlanger City Council: Tuesday, March 4
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
The meeting agenda can be found here when it is published.
Walton City Council: Tuesday, March 4
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 44 North Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, March 5
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at 8352 Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Wright City Council: Wednesday, March 5
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, March 5
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Kenton County Planning Commission: Thursday, March 6
The meeting starts at 6:15 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, March 6
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Alexandria City Building at 8236 West Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
