This week at NKY government meetings, Covington is considering a contract amendment for designs of the parking garage at the Covington Central Riverfront development.
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 in NKY government last week?
Southgate votes 3-2 to cover its Flock cameras
The Southgate City Council voted 3-2 on Oct. 21 to suspend use of the city’s five Flock license plate-reading cameras amid growing concerns about privacy, data security and constitutional protections. The cameras will be covered and deactivated while Kentucky lawmakers consider potential regulations during the 2027 General Assembly session. Eight residents spoke against the technology during the meeting, with one presenting a petition containing 124 signatures opposing the cameras. Council members supporting the suspension cited concerns about how collected data could be accessed and shared with outside law enforcement agencies, while opponents emphasized the cameras’ role in solving crimes and protecting public safety. Southgate Police Chief John Christmann criticized the decision, arguing that some council members had not taken the time to understand how the system operates or its investigative benefits. The city’s approximately $15,000 annual contract runs through March 2027, when council could reconsider the technology if state lawmakers take no action. Southgate joins several other Northern Kentucky cities that have suspended use of Flock cameras.
Read more about the Flock cameras here.
Covington eyes sidewalk assessment specialist
The city of Covington is considering hiring a sidewalk assessment specialist as part of a broader effort to improve sidewalk conditions throughout the city. Mark Ward, who previously worked for Cincinnati/Altafiber from 1997 to 2025, is expected to be considered for the position at next week’s legislative meeting. If approved, Ward would begin inspecting Covington’s approximately 800,000 linear feet of sidewalks and creating a centralized database documenting their conditions. The information would help city officials identify problem areas and guide future sidewalk maintenance and improvement decisions. The potential hire follows city commissioners naming sidewalks as a priority earlier this year amid ongoing discussions about pedestrian safety and the city’s existing ordinance requiring property owners to maintain sidewalks in front of their homes. While no ordinance changes have been proposed, officials hope the new position will support long-term efforts to make Covington safer and more walkable.
Read more about the sidewalk specialist here.
Erlanger Council to consider adopting Kentucky landlord-tenant law
Erlanger City Council could soon consider adopting the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), a state framework establishing rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants. Councilwoman Jennifer Jasper-Lucas introduced the proposal this week, recommending a first reading at the Nov. 4 council meeting. The law establishes minimum housing standards, requires landlords to provide 48 hours’ notice before entering a rental unit except in emergencies, protects tenants from retaliatory eviction and outlines procedures for handling security deposits and lease violations. It also establishes tenant responsibilities, including timely rent payments and property maintenance. Jasper-Lucas said the law would provide greater clarity and protections for both parties without additional costs to the city, as enforcement occurs through civil courts. At least 30% of Erlanger’s housing units are renter-occupied, according to the 2020 Census. More than a dozen Northern Kentucky cities have already adopted URLTA, including Covington, Florence, Newport and Bellevue. If adopted, the law would not change Erlanger’s existing rental permit enforcement ordinance.
Read more about the landlord-tenant law here.
Boone County Fiscal Court denies proposed Richwood Kroger development
A proposed Kroger Marketplace development in Boone County will not move forward after the Boone County Fiscal Court voted 3-0 on Oct. 20 to deny a zoning change for the roughly 20-acre property near Frogtown Connector Road and Paddock Drive. The development, known as Richwood Pointe, would have included a 99,000-square-foot Kroger grocery store, a wine and spirits store, fuel center and additional retail and restaurant space. The fiscal court upheld the Boone County Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny the project, citing concerns about increased traffic, neighborhood safety and the development’s proximity to homes in the Heritage Trail subdivision. Kroger representatives argued that the project aligned with the county’s comprehensive plan and that traffic studies showed surrounding roads could accommodate the development with improvements. However, nearby residents disputed those findings, raising concerns about congestion, truck traffic, noise and pedestrian safety. The decision also denies associated requests for a buffer variance and special sign district, leaving the property under its existing Employment Planned Development zoning.
Read more about the development here.
Fort Thomas honors YMCA staff, first responders after cardiac arrest rescue
Fort Thomas officials recognized several community members and first responders for their life-saving actions after a man suffered cardiac arrest at the Fort Thomas YMCA on Sept. 21. During Monday’s City Council meeting, Fire Chief Chris Amon presented commendations and community hero challenge coins to YMCA employees Arielle Dawson and Madison Coons, Covington firefighter Timothy Petry, Officer Wayne Dutle and five Fort Thomas firefighters and paramedics. Before emergency crews arrived, the YMCA staff and other responders performed CPR and administered two shocks using an automated external defibrillator. Fort Thomas emergency personnel continued treatment, and the patient regained consciousness and began speaking during transport to Christ Hospital. Amon praised the group’s quick response and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of bystanders being prepared to act during medical emergencies. The man has since returned home and is recovering with his family.
Read more about the rescue here.
Kenton County to name new park pavilion for retiring Commissioner Jon Draud
The Kenton County Fiscal Court voted unanimously last week to name a future pavilion at Fox Ridge Park in honor of longtime public official Dr. Jon Draud, who is retiring at the end of the year at age 87. The Dr. Jon Draud Pavilion will be part of Adventure Ridge, one of three sections planned for the 225-acre park, which will also feature mountain bike trails, a pump track, climbing areas and an aerial adventure course. The county broke ground on the project this fall and expects the park to reopen in 2028. Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann proposed the naming as a tribute to Draud’s decades of public service, which include roles in education, the Kentucky House of Representatives, the Crestview Hills City Council and the Kenton County Fiscal Court. Draud, who has served on the fiscal court since 2010, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized his support for public parks. The project, located on the former Fox Run Golf Course and neighboring Lincoln Ridge Park, represents the largest investment in Kenton County’s park system history.
Read more about the naming here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Cold Spring City Council meeting: Monday, Oct. 26
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 East Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills City Council meeting: Monday, Oct. 26
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Crescent Springs City Council meeting: Monday, Oct. 26
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 27
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way Covington.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 27
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The city is considering a contract amendment with KZF Design Inc. for additional design and engineering services related to phase 2 public infrastructure improvements at the Covington Central Riverfront.
Read more about the project here.
The agenda can be found here.
