This week at NKY government meetings, Independence is holding a special session to discuss the city’s use of Flock cameras; Fort Thomas continues its talk for a public meeting about the cameras.
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?
Taylor Mill Police Department to reallocate budgeted Flock camera funds
The Taylor Mill Commission approved reallocating money originally budgeted for new Flock automatic license plate reader cameras to replace the police department’s 18-year-old rifles with 12 new ones. Police officials said the department’s current rifles are outdated, replacement parts are no longer readily available, and some officers have had to use personal parts to keep them functional. Standardizing the rifles will also allow officers to train on the same equipment and make their use more consistent across the department. The new rifles will cost about $900 more than the amount available from the Flock camera funds, and the department may sell its old rifles to help cover the difference.
Read more about the reallocated budget here.
Boone County Transportation Improvement District eyes expanded state, federal funding
Boone County’s Transportation Improvement District (TID), established more than two years ago as Kentucky’s first county-level TID, is working to strengthen its ability to secure state and federal funding for local transportation projects. TID Chairman Larry Brown told the Boone County Fiscal Court that building a relationship with the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) is a key step toward becoming eligible for additional matching funds, with OKI considering bylaw changes that would better accommodate TIDs outside Ohio. Meanwhile, the Boone County TID is advancing its first project, a $1.6 million investment in new deceleration and turn lanes near the Walton-Verona Athletic Complex to improve safety. Officials hope to bid the project this fall and complete it by the end of the year, viewing the relatively small project as an opportunity to demonstrate that the TID can successfully coordinate public and private funding for future infrastructure improvements.
Read more about the Transportation Improvement District here.
Elsmere leaders look for answers after recent Garvey Avenue bridge changes
Elsmere officials are seeking answers after the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reduced the weight limit on the Norfolk Southern Bridge on Garvey Avenue from 27 tons to 13 tons following a structural analysis. While the city does not own the bridge, its public works department has installed about 20 signs directing heavier vehicles, including emergency and delivery vehicles, to detours. Officials say the lower limit poses a significant public safety concern because fire apparatus can no longer cross the bridge, potentially delaying emergency response when nearby Main Street is blocked by trains. Mayor Marty Lenhof is calling on Norfolk Southern and KYTC to quickly address the issue and expects more information about the bridge’s condition at a special city meeting on Aug. 18.
Read more about the bridge changes here.
Mixed-use redevelopment planned for former Silver Grove School
The former Silver Grove School could be transformed into a mixed-use development featuring a gym, salon suites, daycare, retail space, event center and bakery after the Campbell County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a zone change and preliminary plans on Aug. 11. The adaptive reuse project, proposed by Compass Leasing LLC, would bring more walkable services to Silver Grove without substantial new construction. Parking remains a key concern, with 45 existing spaces and plans to explore additional parking on former playground areas and elsewhere on the property. The daycare and event center would require separate approvals, and the zone change still needs final approval from Silver Grove City Council. No timeline for the development has been announced.
Read more about the proposed development here.
Former Grant’s Lick Elementary could become senior living facility
The former Grant’s Lick Elementary School could be converted into a senior living campus after the Campbell County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a zone change and preliminary plans for the property at 944 Clay Ridge Road. The proposal calls for remodeling about 21,200 square feet of the newer school building into 26 assisted-living units, with the existing cafeteria and kitchen becoming dining and community space, while future phases could add 14 independent-living units and an adult daycare. Some residents raised concerns about traffic and whether the zoning change could eventually allow high-density housing, but planning officials said the lack of a public sewer connection makes large-scale development unlikely. The project still requires approval from the Campbell County Board of Adjustments and final consideration by the Campbell County Fiscal Court, and no development timeline has been announced.
Read more about the senior living facility proposal here.
Park Hills approves zoning change for 24-unit housing development
The Park Hills City Council unanimously approved zoning changes that could pave the way for a 24-unit multifamily development on about 2.4 acres along Arlington Road between Dixie Highway and Aberdeen Road. The property was rezoned from residential urban to residential mixed following an application from developer Berling, with the development plan required to adjust parking to preserve sidewalk access, setbacks and buffer areas. Council also approved changes to Residential Mixed zoning standards that reduce minimum lot area and width, increase maximum density and allow off-street parking to connect directly to public streets. City documents indicate the revised lot requirements are consistent with zoning standards in several other Northern Kentucky communities.
Read more about the Park Hills zone change approval here.
Covington to join class-action lawsuit over firefighter exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
The Covington Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 11 to join a national class-action lawsuit against manufacturers of firefighter protective gear over allegations that the companies knowingly concealed the presence and health risks of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in turnout gear. The federal lawsuit, originally filed by the government of Butte-Silver Bow, Montana, names companies including 3M and DuPont and seeks damages related to PFAS exposure, which has been linked to several cancers and other health problems. A federal judge recently rejected an effort to dismiss the case, allowing it to proceed as a class action. Covington officials said joining the lawsuit could help the city recover costs associated with potential harm to firefighters and prevent taxpayers from bearing expenses allegedly caused by manufacturers’ negligence.
Read more about the class-action lawsuit here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Independence City Council special meeting: Monday, Aug. 17
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5409 Madison Pike.
What you need to know: The Independence City Council is holding a special meeting to talk about Flock cameras in the city.
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Board of Education meeting: Monday, Aug. 17
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Alexandria Educational Center at 51 Orchard Lane in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.
Edgewood City Council meeting: Monday, Aug. 17
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 385 Dudley Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Thomas City Council meeting: Monday, Aug. 17
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 130 North Fort Thomas Ave.
What you need to know: Fort Thomas will continue its discussion on Flock cameras and schedule a public meeting for it.
The city will also hold a first reading for its revised bike ordinance. Read more about that conversation here.
The agenda can be found here.
Union City Commission meeting: Monday, Aug. 17
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive in Union
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 18
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 18
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Fiscal Court meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth St. in Newport.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Wright City Caucus meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles lane.
The agenda can be found here.
Southgate City Council meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Villa Hills City Council meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 719 Rodgers Road.
Newport Board of Education special meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 30 W. 8th St.
What you need to know: The board of education will propose tax rates for 2026-2027.
The agenda can be found here.
Alexandria City Council meeting: Thursday, Aug. 20
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 West Main St.
The agenda can be found here.
