Florence City Council August 26

On September 3 at 4:30 p.m. there will be a public meeting on city tax rates.

Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger and all City Council members except Gary Winn and David Schneider were present, the second consecutive absence for Winn. With two council members absent, quorum was not attained and no voting took place. Numbers below match the official agenda.

#5 – PRESENTATION: Children’s Home of Kentucky. From funds the city received for opioid issues, a $5,000 check was given to Children’s Home of Kentucky to help fund its substance abuse programs.

#6 – Franchise agreements for rights of way on Florence City streets: wherever a utility follows a city street, rights of way have to be leased from the city, called a franchise fee. Florence is now in the process of a new 20-year negotiation with Duke Energy and Owen Electric. This issue has generated some controversy. Councilwoman Leslie Chambers wants the city to make sure costs are not passed on to residents. Councilwoman Angie Cable is concerned future city councils could vote to pass on costs to the residents of the city. Council intended to do a first reading approval on this issue but could not vote due to lack of quorum.

#7 – City Initiatives: City Manager Joshua Hunt went over several city initiatives coming up. 

A.  A mural of a stagecoach to represent the city’s history as a major stop between Cincinnati and Lexington.  A second mural also is planned.
B.  Future expansion of the Florence Senior Center.
C.  Planned city park expansions.
D.  Historic preservation of the First Baptist African American Church building located at 21 Girard Street, Florence.

#8 – Mayor’s Report

A. The Aquatic Center will close after Labor Day weekend.
B. A public meeting on city tax rates is planned for September 3 at 4:30 p.m.
C. Neighborhood Night Out at Lincoln Woods Park is planned for September 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.
D.  The city will celebrate Arbor Day on September 21 at 10 a.m.
E.  Starting October 22 and running for five weeks, the city will sponsor a five-week Police Teen Academy. Applications are now being accepted.