This week at NKY government meetings, Edgewood will discuss keeping Flock Cameras in the city.
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?
Jim Gilpin sworn in as Kenton County Police Chief
James “Jim” Gilpin was sworn in as Kenton County’s new police chief Tuesday after the Fiscal Court unanimously approved his appointment at an event attended by dozens of officers, family members and colleagues. Gilpin, who will earn $134,680 annually, has served as interim chief since August, following the departure of Michael “Spike” Jones to become Covington’s assistant city manager. A 20-year veteran of the department, Gilpin retired as a captain in 2019 before returning as assistant chief in January 2024. Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann and Commissioner Beth Sewell praised Gilpin’s leadership and reputation within the department, with Knochelmann noting that he stood out during a competitive hiring process. Gilpin called the appointment overwhelming and described it as a new chapter in his life.
Read more about the new police chief here.
Here’s how you can read the new Covington Axon contract
The City of Covington has publicly posted its roughly $6 million contract with Axon Enterprises for police equipment and technology, including tasers, body cameras, dashboard cameras, a drone and AI-assisted software. The contract, which costs approximately $591,000 annually over 10 years, underwent several changes after residents raised concerns about surveillance and data privacy, particularly the inclusion of automatic license plate readers. Those changes included removing license plate readers, prohibiting future pole-mounted readers under city jurisdiction, requiring monthly reports on technology use and creating an online portal to track police drone activity. The city also opted out of automatic software upgrades and Axon’s data-sharing and AI training programs, with limited exceptions. The agreement was revised to an initial one-year term with options to renew for nine additional years. Covington posted the contract following residents’ requests for greater transparency about the agreement.
Read more about the contract here.
Extended Covington alcohol sales for Madrid Bengals game approved
The Covington Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to temporarily extend Sunday alcohol sales hours on Nov. 8 ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals’ game against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain. The ordinance allows licensed businesses to begin selling alcohol by the drink at 6 a.m., three hours earlier than the usual 9 a.m. Sunday start time. The game is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 a.m. local time. City Solicitor Frank Schultz said the change was requested by local businesses hoping to attract customers for early game-day festivities. The ordinance passed unanimously among commissioners present, with Vice Mayor Shannon Smith absent. The extended hours apply only to Nov. 8, after which the city’s normal Sunday alcohol sales rules will remain in effect.
Read more about the alcohol sale change here.
Covington approves nearly $490K in additional garage design costs
The Covington Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 Tuesday to approve a roughly $490,000 contract amendment for parking garage designs at the Covington Central Riverfront development. The amendment increases the original $565,190 design budget with KZF Design, which is overseeing the project’s second phase of infrastructure planning. That phase also includes an entertainment area, looping road, land bridge and concession and restroom facilities. The city paused the garage’s initial design work in May to gather feedback from prospective developers. The revised plans would allow for up to two seven-story office buildings and two two-story buildings to be constructed above portions of the garage. Commissioner Tim Downing cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concerns about whether the design services aligned with the city’s development goals. Vice Mayor Shannon Smith was absent from the meeting.
Read more about the garage designs here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Edgewood City Council meeting: Monday, Nov. 2
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 385 Dudley Road.
What you need to know: The city council will continue its discussion on keeping Flock Cameras in Edgewood.
Read more about the city’s previous Flock discussions here.
The agenda can be found here.
Independence City Council meeting: Monday, Nov. 2
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5409 Madison Pike in Independence.
Union City Commission meeting: Monday, Nov. 2
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
What you need to know: The Union City Commission is considering a zoning change for approximately 3.5 acres at the southwest corner of Old Union Road and U.S. 42. The proposal would change the property’s zoning from residential and neighborhood office uses to commercial use, allowing for potential commercial development. The Boone County Planning Commission has recommended approval of the request, submitted by Steve Berling on behalf of property owner Arlinghaus I LLC.
The agenda can be found here.
Wilder City Council meeting: Monday, Nov. 2
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 520 Licking Pike.
Boone County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 3
The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. at 2950 Washington St. in Burlington.
The agenda can be found here.
Highland Heights City Council meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 3
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 176 Johns Hill Road.
Campbell County Fiscal Court meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 4
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at 8352 E Main St. in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Wright City Council meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 4
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
What you need to know: The city will discuss multiple projects including, the Amsterdam Road Repaving Project, the Dixie Highway/Fortside Drive Intersection Re-alignment Project, the Fort Wright 2027 Road Resurfacing Program and the Loop at Banklick Creek Project.
The agenda can be found here.
Alexandria City Council meeting: Thursday, Nov. 5
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8822 Constable Drive.
The agenda can be found here.
