This week in NKY government meetings, Boone County will discuss an update on the Chambers Road/Hicks Pike Road swap, and Park Hills will talk about their proposed budget.
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?
Independence awarded $900K from Community Development Fund
The Kenton County Fiscal Court has selected the City of Independence as the first recipient of its new Community Development Fund, which supports property redevelopment projects that spur job growth and business development. Independence will receive $900,000, with a required $100,000 matching contribution, and has 36 months to use the funds. The fund, backed by a $5 million allocation from the Kentucky General Assembly, requires city mayors to submit proposals and provide a 10% funding match. Independence Mayor Chris Reinersmann sees the funds as a way to revitalize older commercial areas, though no specific projects have been announced yet.
To read more about the money awarded to Independence, click here.
Alexandria council member resigns amid domestic violence charges
Alexandria Councilmember Shane Collins, who was sworn into office on Jan. 16, has resigned following his Jan. 31 arrest on domestic violence assault charges. In his resignation letter dated March 13, Collins cited “personal reasons” for stepping down. He was later accused of violating a no-contact order with the victim, leading to a court affidavit on March 4. The city council accepted his resignation on March 20 and has 30 days to fill the vacant seat, with applications open until April 17.
Read more about the council resignation here.
Southgate prepares for Arbor Day, celebrates 20 years as Tree City USA
At a brief meeting Wednesday, the Southgate City Council discussed plans for the city’s Arbor Day celebration on April 25, hosted by the Park and Tree Board. The event will commemorate Southgate’s 20th year as a “Tree City USA” designee, a recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for cities committed to urban forestry. The celebration, held at the Community Center from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature students from Southgate School and a guest speaker.
Read more about the Arbor Day celebrations here.
Campbell County Fire District 1 to merge with Campbell Fire/Rescue District
The Campbell County Fire District 1 area is being annexed by the Campbell Fire/Rescue District following a joint petition filed on Feb. 28. A public hearing was held on March 19, with no objections raised. Fire District 1, located in Melbourne, serves Silver Grove, Camp Springs, California, and Mentor, while Campbell Fire/Rescue operates out of Alexandria. Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery confirmed he would sign the executive order to finalize the merger, calling it a long-awaited and necessary move.
Read more about the merger here.
Fort Thomas introduces intern from Highlands High School
Highlands High School junior J.P. Schafer, a city intern through a dual credit program with Northern Kentucky University, was introduced to Fort Thomas leaders at Monday’s council meeting by business and leadership teacher Elise Carter. Schafer, who has been working with city administrator Matt Kremer and city staff since January, is earning four college credits while gaining hands-on experience in business and leadership. His work includes city revenue analysis, marketing projects, and a utility pole tracking initiative using Google Earth to improve city aesthetics.
Read more about the internship opportunity here.
Covington considers video marketing, return on investment unclear
The Covington City Commission is considering a contract of up to $122,700 with local video production company Spotted Yeti Media to create marketing videos aimed at attracting new city employees and businesses. The proposal, presented at a caucus meeting, received mixed reactions from commissioners, with some questioning the return on investment and the necessity of producing multiple videos. The plan includes nine video assets each for the city’s economic development and human resources departments, with costs split between them and spread across fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
Read more about the video marketing proposal here.
Fort Thomas selects firm to improve Tower Park tennis courts
The Fort Thomas City Council approved a bid from Queen City Blacktop for $412,000 to improve the tennis courts at Tower Park, with work set to begin on July 7 to accommodate a school tournament. The project includes resurfacing the courts, replacing fencing, adding pickleball striping, improving pathways, and constructing a quarter-mile paved path. City Administrator Matt Kremer plans to request $425,000 in the next budget to include upgraded pickleball nets. The project is expected to take two to three months, factoring in weather and curing time. Additionally, Kremer is reviewing bids for the Midway streetscape project, initially estimated at over $4 million but now revised to $3.85 million, and will present it to the council after further review.
Read more about the tennis court improvements here.
$3.9M design contract awarded for CVG’s Hangar Row project
The Kenton County Airport Board has awarded a $3.9 million preliminary design contract to Cincinnati-based Woolpert Inc. for the Hangar Row Development at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Covering 350 acres, the project aims to expand aircraft storage and maintenance capabilities, including new hangars, a maintenance and repair facility, and training centers for firefighting and police. Woolpert will complete 30% of the design by the fourth quarter of this year, focusing on site layout, infrastructure, and feasibility assessments. The project is a priority for CVG leadership and is funded by a portion of the $20 million allocated by the Kentucky General Assembly. An environmental study is also underway to evaluate potential impacts.
Read more about the CVG Hangar Row project here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government meetings?
Crescent Springs City Council: Monday, March 24
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, March 24
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Mitchell Council to discuss the dissolution of Fort Mitchell Economic Development Authority
Fort Mitchell City Council: Monday, March 24
The agenda can be found here at 6:30 p.m. at 2355 Dixie Highway.
What you need to know: Fort Mitchell will discuss the dissolution of the Fort Mitchell Economic Development Authority related to the Fort Mitchell Gateway TIFF.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills to discuss proposed budget
Park Hills City Council caucus meeting: Monday, March 24
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County to discuss an update on Chambers Road / Hicks Pike Road swap
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, March 25
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington Street in Burlington.
What you need to know: The Boone County Fiscal Court will discuss an update on the Chambers Road / Hicks Pike Road swap. The Boone County Fiscal Court is considering swapping ownership of one of its county roads, Hicks Pike, with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which is responsible for maintaining Kentucky state roads.
Read more about the project here.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, March 25
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, March 25
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike Street.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, March 25
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Boulevard.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Newport Board of Education: Wednesday, March 26
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 30 West 8th Street.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
