Florence City Council March 10

Business Meeting: Video

Presiding: Mayor Julie Aubuchon. Council members present:  Ms. Patricia Wingo, Mr. Gary Winn, Ms. Lesley Chambers, Ms. Dianne Whalen, Ms. Angie Cable, and Mr. David Schneider. Numbers below match published agenda numbering.

2. Approval of Minutes – February 24, 2026, Business Meeting 

• A correction was noted by Mr. Winn regarding an error on page four, requiring reversal of the 50-foot buffer and 100-foot buffer references. 
• Ms. Cable moved to approve the minutes with the adjustment, seconded by Ms. Wingo. 
• No additional discussion occurred beyond the correction. 
• Amendment motion approved 6-0. 

3. Special Recognition – Cooper High School Varsity Cheerleaders 

• Ms. Katie James introduced the team, highlighting their victory in the UCA High School Nationals in the medium varsity division, marking the first national championship for Cooper High School. 
• Additional achievements included state runner-up status in the KHSAA medium varsity category, regional champions in the KHSAA medium varsity category, and grand champions at Northern Kentucky Cheerleading Coaches Association events. 
• Mayor Metzger-Aubuchon read a proclamation designating March 10, 2026, as “Cooper High Varsity Cheerleader Day.” 
• The mayor commended the team for their exemplary representation of Florence and Boone County; council members extended congratulations. 

4. Presentation – Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 

• President and CEO Brent Cooper presented the organization’s mission to promote strong businesses and a vibrant economy through leadership and advocacy. 
• Key strategic imperatives included member engagement, talent growth, attraction, and retention, as well as policy advocacy to enhance regional competitiveness. 
• Initiatives addressed infrastructure funding, housing, childcare, work-based learning (noting a 20% decline in high school work participation), mental health (ranked third in a relevant survey), talent attraction, and overall regional competitiveness. 
• Membership statistics indicated 1,741 members, with specialized councils such as the Florence Business Council. Florence was noted for having twice as many businesses as other Northern Kentucky cities but lower engagement levels. 
• Programs highlighted included Leadership Northern Kentucky, LaunchNKY (a new partnership with Northern Kentucky University and 1NKY), Regional Youth Leadership (in its 42nd year), NKYP for young professionals (180 members), and women’s initiatives. 
• Annual events numbered approximately 120, including Eggs & Issues with university presidents and the State of Northern Kentucky event (attended by 400 individuals). 
• Board composition featured diverse representation from mayors, superintendents, hospital and airport leaders, businesses of varying sizes, and regional organizations. 
• Member benefits included savings on health insurance, payroll services, advertising discounts, training opportunities, and exposure through podcasts, business journals, and social media. 
• A call to action encouraged businesses to join the Florence Business Council and attend events, such as the mayor’s presentation on March 14 at the Florence Nature Center. 
• Ms. Whalen praised the Leadership Northern Kentucky program (class of 2010) and noted upcoming participation in Leadership Northern Kentucky. 
• Mr. Cooper mentioned a planned June leadership visit to Washington, DC, focusing on infrastructure, immigration, and tariffs. 
• The presentation concluded with appreciation expressed to the council for their community leadership. 

5. Ordinance O-4-2026 – Second Reading 

• The ordinance amends insurance company license fee rates to 4% on first-year life insurance premiums and 4% on other insurance premiums, with quarterly collections and mandatory annual rate reviews pursuant to KRS 91A.080 and requirements from the Kentucky Commissioner of Insurance. 
• Ms. Whalen moved to approve, seconded by Mr. Winn. 
• Discussion included Ms. Whalen’s thanks for the annual review provision to evaluate collections and potential adjustments, noting 4% as an appropriate starting point for tax reduction. 
• Approved unanimously via roll call. 

6. Ordinance O-5-2026 – First Reading 

• The ordinance adopts a change in the concept development plan for a 0.47-acre site at 7276 Burlington Pike, permitting a jewelry store (a principally allowed use in the C-2 district) within a C-2/PD/PO district. 
• Background referenced prior review by the Planning Commission and discussion in the Planning & Zoning Committee; Mr. Morgan was available for inquiries. 
• Ms. Wingo moved to approve, seconded by Mr. Schneider. 
• No discussion occurred beyond prior committee deliberations. 
• Approved unanimously via roll call. 

7. Resolution R-1-2026 

• The resolution authorizes Mayor Aubuchon to execute a supplemental agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for signal improvements on US 42 and Ewing Blvd (Item 6-00466, Federal Project 3002346), incorporating up to $2,742,272 in SNK funds. 
• Ms. Whalen moved to approve, seconded by Mr. Winn. 
• Discussion highlighted the project’s significance for improving traffic flow amid growth along US 42 and in the Union area, with the goal of reducing congestion. 
• Approved unanimously via roll call. 

8. Mayor’s Report and Announcements 

• St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt continuing through March 17, involving nine hidden Irish symbols citywide. Participants submit photos of all symbols to scavenger.florence-ky.gov for a “pot of gold” prize, with the first clue referencing Yawkey Stadium. 
• Citizens Academy: An 8-week program hosted by the Florence Police Department from March 25 to May 13 (Wednesdays, 6:30–9 p.m.); applications available on the city website or by calling 859-647-5420.
• Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for March 28 at Thomas More Stadium, commencing at 10 a.m., featuring games, music, vendors, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Contact Tina Benjamin at 859-647-5425 for details. 
• Public Works Academy: the third annual 7-week program, June 8 to July 24, offering hands-on training in areas such as concrete work, storm sewers, and landscaping. Applications available on the city website or by calling 859-647-5416. 

9. Council Questions 

• Ms. Whalen sought clarification on the mayor’s upcoming “State of the City” speech, confirming it is not a formal budget address and is scheduled for June. 
• Ms. Whalen inquired about potential changes to the meeting schedule; the mayor indicated a possible cancellation of a caucus meeting during spring break (first week of April), with no final decisions yet. 

10. Adjournment 

Ms. Whalen moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Winn. The motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned.

Mayoral candidate David Rose and council candidates Shari Kilmer and Jim Leach were present for the meeting.