Florence City Council December 17

The meeting was focused primarily on awards and ceremonies. All city council members were present, including new members of the next city council, Angie Cable and Diane Whalen. Observations are arranged by the agenda points.

Agenda Point Five covers an award ceremony for the Florence police officers who responded to the July 6 shooting incident in Florence. The quick actions of the officers saved three of the seven victims. The officers awarded are Sgt Michal Gonterman, Officer Tyler Jackson, Officer Hunter Jacobs, Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Greenlee (did not appear to be present for the ceremony) and Detective Keith Guidance.

Agenda Point Six covers the welcoming and swearing of oaths of two new firefighters/paramedics, Cristian Espinoza and Zach Castleberry, and four new paramedics, Sami Corbin, Jonna Wilson, Lauren Goldfuss and Brooke Schermann, by the Florence Fire Department.

Agenda Point Seven brings the City of Florence into compliance with federal and state laws regarding gas stations and electric vehicle connections within the city. Passed by the Council 6-0.

Agenda Point Eight updated City of Florence budget requirements for the coming year. Passed by the Council 6-0.

Agenda Point Nine updated the City of Florence Personnel Policy Manual, which bring the manual into compliance with federal and state guidelines. Passed by the Council 6-0.

Agenda Point Ten updated City of Florence job descriptions.

Agenda Point Eleven was the mayor’s report. There was nothing significant stated in the mayor’s comments. Outgoing city council members were given appreciation awards for their service. 

Agenda Point Twelve was the swearing in of all council members for the coming year, including newly elected Boone County Republican Party-endorsed Angie Cable. Citing health issues, current council member David Osborne requested and was given permission to remain seated during the ceremony.

Despite a personal meeting with the mayor and the police shift captain at the end of the last meeting, parking on certain streets is still not being enforced; there is no change at this time. Considering six of seven public parking spots on one street are continuously occupied by people parking 24/7 against city ordinances, this is a real issue for snow emergencies and street sweepers.