This week, in NKY government meetings, Erlanger plans to talk about appointing a city administrator, while Independence will discuss its leash laws.
What you need to know
- Fort Thomas: Residents call for more transparency in the city’s comprehensive plan update.
- Newport Schools: New policy bans student phone use during the entire school day.
- Erlanger: City council to discuss appointing a city administrator.
- Independence: Council to review and discuss leash laws.
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?
Residents urge transparency, involvement as Fort Thomas updates comprehensive plan
Fort Thomas has begun updating its comprehensive plan, a state-required document that guides future land use and development, prompting residents to call for more transparency and public involvement. At a July 21 council meeting, community members voiced frustration over the Planning and Zoning Commission’s initial review process, citing confusion, lack of access to meeting materials, and perceived over-involvement by consultants. Concerns stem from past controversy surrounding zoning ordinance updates, and residents fear the current process may repeat similar issues. City officials, including Administrator Matt Kremer, acknowledged the need for better engagement and are considering tools like a community survey and professional input to improve outreach. Council and planning commission meetings in August and September will further shape the plan, with residents encouraged to share their input before any drafts are finalized.
Read more about the comprehensive plan conversation here.
Newport Schools tightens cell phone use for students
Newport Schools has updated its cell phone policy to ban student phone use during the entire “instructional day,” replacing previous language that allowed phone use during non-instructional periods like passing time. While a stricter pilot program requiring seventh and eighth graders to lock up their phones showed positive behavioral results, the school board opted against expanding it due to concerns about student accessibility, cost, and practicality. Under the new policy, students must keep their phones on airplane mode but can carry them. A tiered system of consequences addresses violations, and repeated offenses can lead to confiscation and eventual loss of phone privileges. Board members emphasized the need for consistency and balance between discipline and communication access for families.
Read more about the updated cell phone use policy here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Kenton County School Board: Monday, Aug. 4
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1045 Eaton Drive.
The agenda can be found here.
Edgewood City Council: Monday, Aug. 4
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewood City Building.
The agenda can be found here.
Union City Commission: Monday, Aug. 4
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
The agenda can be found here.
Wilder City Council: Monday, Aug. 4
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 520 Licking Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Independence City Council: Monday, Aug. 4
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5409 Madison Pike.
What you need to know: The city plans to discuss its leash laws. Most Kentucky cities have “leash laws” on their books that require owners to keep their dogs leashed when on public property.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Aug. 5
The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. at 2950 Washington St.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Board of Commissioners caucus meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 5
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The board will discuss a second reading of the new Covington LOVE, Liquor Outdoor Venue Experience, District. The city’s board of commissioners performed the first reading of an ordinance establishing such an area, legally referred to as a common consumption area, in the Covington Business District on July 15.
Read more about the district here.
The agenda can be found here.
Elsmere Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 5
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Walton caucus meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 5
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 40 N Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Erlanger City Council: Tuesday, Aug. 5
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
What you need to know: Erlanger plans to discuss an order to appoint a city administrator.
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, Aug. 6
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 meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 6
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, Aug. 6
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Kenton County Planning Commission: Thursday, Aug. 7
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, Aug. 7
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 W Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
