Florence City Council January 28

All City Council members and Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger were present.

Agenda Number Five (5) addressed an award ceremony for the excellent work conducted by firefighters/paramedics Christian Ritchie and Ryan Johnston. Working as a team, both quickly identified a patient having a stroke and were able to evacuate the patient with utmost haste to St. Elizabeth Health Care.

Agenda Number Six (6) was a first reading regarding a zoning change for properties at 5935-5945 Merchants St. Essentially, the Kemba Credit Union property was shrunk while the other property was increased. This will make room for a new hotel in the area that will be approximately 62,000 square feet. Other than some miscellaneous questions by Councilwoman Cable requesting clarification on issues regarding the zoning change, this passed 5-0.

Agenda Number Seven (7) was the mayor’s report including the following events: (1) Hoxworth Blood Drive on 6 February at the Florence City Complex; (2) Presidents Display in the Florence City Complex Lobby; (3) Children’s Book Festival.

Agenda Number Eight (8) was led by resident Naomi Liebstein. Ms. Liebstein wished to voice her concern about KKK fliers being distributed in the City of Florence. Ms. Liebstein was concerned about any disruptions the KKK may cause in the area and wanted to make sure the Council was aware of the issue.

Agenda Number Nine (9) was a closed session by the Council to replace deceased Councilman David Osborne. Council adjourned for non-public executive interchange, and returned with a unanimous support for David Schieder.