Florence City Council July 28

Meeting Information

• Video
• Presiding Officer: Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubuchon
• Council Members Present: Ms. Patricia Wingo, Ms. Lesley Chambers, Mr. Gary Winn, Ms. Diane Whalen, Mr. David Schneider, Ms. Angie Cable
• Paragraph numbers match the official agenda

5. OATHS OF OFFICE – FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT

• Oath administered to five new members; each provided brief personal/professional background
• Charles Woodring – Firefighter/EMT
  • Grew up in Covington, KY; Scott High School (2024); EMT-B at Gateway; Fire Academy of Kentucky (Nov 2025); former Covington Fire cadet
• Stephen (Matt) Combs – Firefighter/EMT
  • From Grant County, KY; volunteer firefighter Williamstown Fire Department since 2014; accompanied by wife Abby and children Delaney & Madeline
• Collin Crowley – Firefighter/EMT
  • Grew up in Burlington, KY; Union Fire District; EMT-B; Fire Academy of Kentucky (Nov 2025); family present
• Kathryn Cheap – Paramedic
  • Grew up in Fort Wright, KY; B.S. Emergency Medical Care / Fire Science Engineering, Eastern Kentucky University (Dec 2025); previously Mason County EMS; parents present
• Kaitlyn Walton – Paramedic
  • From Harlan, KY; combat medic Kentucky Army National Guard since 2019; EMT Dearborn County, IN (3 years); Associate’s & paramedic Gateway (Dec 2025); family present

6. PROCLAMATION – Recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month

• Parks and recreation programs integral to community quality of life and public health
• High visitation rates and broad public support for youth and older-adult programs noted
• City continues investment in parks master plan and enhancements
• U.S. House has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month
• Mayor Aubuchon proclaimed July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Florence

7. FIRST READING – ORDINANCE O-19-2026

• Concept Development Plan – 2.174-acre site at 7627 Ewing Boulevard
• Purpose: Allow fenced-in playground for children with special needs in the front yard (Already Autism Health / Commonwealth ABA)
• Background:
  • Playground/fence already exists (~56 × 70 ft); used one child + one counselor at a time under supervision
  • Installed without permits (Aug 2025); applicant stated unawareness of requirement
  • Boone County Planning Commission recommended approval 11–1
• Recommended Conditions:
  • Fenced area used only as playground by Commonwealth ABA (Already Autism Health)
  • Only playground equipment permitted inside fence; no sheds or similar structures
  • Fence and equipment must be removed when applicant vacates the building
• Council Discussion: Removal condition viewed as important safeguard against precedent
• Motion by Mr. Winn, seconded by Mr. Schneider
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

8. FIRST READING – ORDINANCE O-20-2026

• Change of Concept Development Plan  ~1.7-acre area along east side of I-71/75
• Location: Between Tanners Gate Lane and Tanners Lane, ~150 ft south of Tanners Lane, west of 7900 Tanners Gate Lane (PIDN 061.00-00-124.07)
• Purpose: Allow parking for 21 box trucks, 21 semi-tractors, and 50 passenger vehicles (Mackenzie and Paige Logistics, LLC)
• Background:
  • Accessory use to existing office building at 7900 Tanners Gate Lane
  • Motor freight terminals/warehousing not permitted in C-2; exception via Planned Development required
  • Proposed: 3-ft berm + dense evergreen screening; replace chain-link with horse-style fence
• Recommended Conditions:
  • No parking/storage of semi-trailers, trailers, or freight containers
  • No loading or unloading of any kind on the site
  • Limited to accessory use of 7900 Tanners Gate Lane only (non-subdividable)
• Council Discussion: Visual impact from I-75 and effectiveness of landscaping/berms emphasized
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (TID) BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTMENTS

• Board consists of five voting members (Florence residents) + one non-voting member appointed by Boone County Planning Commission
• Role: Review, evaluate, and recommend transportation improvement projects; final approval still required by City Council
• Terms staggered so no more than two seats expire in any single year
• Nominations previously discussed in detail at the July 21, 2026 Caucus Meeting

9. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-9-2026

• Appointment of Jim Henning to the City of Florence, Kentucky Transportation Improvement District (TID) Board of Trustees for a Four (4) Year Term
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

10. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-10-2026

• Appointment of Tami Wilson to the City of Florence, Kentucky Transportation Improvement District (TID) Board of Trustees for a Four (4) Year Term
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

11. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-11-2026

• Appointment of John Nugent to the City of Florence, Kentucky Transportation Improvement District (TID) Board of Trustees for a Three (3) Year Term
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

12. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-12-2026

• Appointment of Michael Bova to the City of Florence, Kentucky Transportation Improvement District (TID) Board of Trustees for a Two (2) Year Term
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

13. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-13-2026

• Appointment of G. Kalea P. Holland to the City of Florence, Kentucky Transportation Improvement District (TID) Board of Trustees for a One (1) Year Term
• Ms. Holland was present in the chamber
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

14. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-14-2026

• Appointment of Thomas E. Szurlinski to the City of Florence, Kentucky Transportation Improvement District (TID) Board of Trustees as a Non-Voting Member for a Four (4) Year Term
• Boone County Planning Commission representative (required by statute)
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

15. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-15-2026

• Declare two Ford Interceptor police vehicles surplus
• Transfer to Madison County Schools Police Department
• Vehicles: Cruiser 2001 and Cruiser 2003 (both 2020 Ford Interceptors)
• Reached end of primary service life under annual vehicle rotation
• Supports newly formed Madison County Schools Police Department / School Resource Officers
• Previously discussed at July 21 Caucus
• Motion by Mr. Winn, seconded by Mr. Schneider
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

16. MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-16-2026

• Appointment of George Sulecki to Urban Forest Commission
• Fills unexpired term of Alegra Spille (resigned for health reasons)
• Sulecki: Graduate of Florence Police Department Citizens Police Academy; expressed interest in civic involvement
• Had attended a prior Urban Forest Commission meeting
• Motion made and seconded
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

17. RESOLUTION R-2-2026

• Authorize Mayor Aubuchon to execute MOA with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (Department of Highways)
• Local Public Agency (LPA) for Local Assistance Road Programs (FD-14)
• Up to $482,000 reimbursement for resurfacing Hopeful Road ($384,00) and Sebree Drive ($98,000)
• 80/20 match; funds for resurfacing only; three-year expenditure window
• Design not expected until July 1, 2027; no separate capital request needed at next budget retreat
• Motion by Ms. Whalen, seconded by Ms. Wingo; no discussion
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

18. RESOLUTION R-3-2026

• Adopt and classify all streets within City of Florence geographical boundaries for maintenance purposes
• Routine statewide certification required by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
• Used for state transportation planning and Municipal Aid Road Funds (MARF) distribution formula
• Public Services staff thoroughly reviewed inventory with KYTC; confidence in accuracy expressed
• Advanced from July 21 Caucus with no substantive objections
• Motion by Ms. Wingo, seconded by Mr. Winn
• Action: Approved unanimously on roll call (6-0)

19. DISCUSSION – Proposed Boone County Clerk’s Office Lease Agreement

• City Manager Josh Hunt summarized proposed lease for Boone County Clerk’s Office relocation
• Location: ~9,500 sq ft at 8020 Veterans Memorial Drive (adjacent to EPA building)
• Key Terms:
  • Term: 30 years with 5% rent increase every five years
  • Tenant improvements: half reimbursed upon signing; balance over 20-year plan with interest
  • Will house voting machines; more ADA-compliant than current location
  • Final cleaning-contract cost details still to be confirmed
• No formal vote; full contract expected at a subsequent business meeting

20. MAYOR’S REPORT

• Popsicles with Police – Thursday, July 30, 2:00–4:00 p.m., Orleans Park (final summer event; free popsicles)
• Crafts & Classics – Saturday, August 1, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Bell Park / Historic Main Street Firehouse (60+ vendors, car show, food trucks, live music); parking at Florence Christian Church
• National Night Out / No Caucus – Tuesday, August 4, 5:00–7:00 p.m., Government Center (grill-out dinner, department displays, Liberty Tree dedication at 6:15 p.m. for nation’s 250th anniversary)
• Safe Sitter Essentials – Thursday, August 13, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Cobb Gathering House (grades 6–8; $40 fee; registration closes August 6)

21. OTHER – Alternative Mobility Vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, golf carts, UTVs, bicycle safety)

• City Manager Hunt: Boone County Fiscal Court expected to address topic late September / early October 2026; no legislative action anticipated before year-end
• Options: Delay to mirror county regulations OR proceed with no-cost public survey (social media, website, press releases)
• Council consensus: Initiate free survey while continuing coordination with County
• Councilmember Lesley Chambers – Commentary and Questions:
  • Expressed strong concern regarding juvenile safety on bicycles and e-bikes
  • Referenced recent incident of a child struck by a vehicle in nearby Union (Boone County)
  • Noted event did not occur in Florence but underscored urgent need for aggressive attention to dangerous situations
  • Stated trust in Police Chief to handle enforcement as he deems most appropriate; indicated full support for his judgment
  • Acknowledged some individuals use devices for legitimate livelihood; overriding priority remains safety of children
  • Asked what steps Council could take to “untie the hands” of officers so they can effectively perform their duties
  • Supported no-cost public survey; observed that input might surface considerations not yet identified by staff or Council
•  Police Chief Jeff Mallery – Commentary on Enforcement, Citations of Minors, and Education:
  • Citing a 12-year-old does not result in conventional court appearance; directed instead to Court Designated Worker (CDW) system
  • CDW process requires parental involvement and can consume significant officer time
  • Not all parents or juveniles treat the process with equal seriousness
  • In many instances there is no specific ordinance prohibiting reckless bicycle operation on roadways
  • Bicycles generally permitted on the road and expected to obey traffic laws; enforcement limited when officers do not personally observe the violation
  • Formal citation of adults is comparatively straightforward; for juveniles a more productive approach is often to stop the rider and provide immediate education on safety rules
  • Formal citations reserved for repeat offenders or particularly egregious conduct
  • Department exploring bicycle-safety instruction modules in Teen Academy and Citizens Police Academy
  • Examining whether similar content can be incorporated into D.A.R.E. program for fifth-grade students (subject to program content restrictions)
• Council members expressed support for obtaining direct input from street officers and prioritizing education and targeted enforcement over broad prohibitions
• No formal ordinance action taken at this meeting
• No public comments recorded during the open portion of the meeting

22. CLOSED SESSION

• None. No closed session was convened

23. ADJOURNMENT

• Motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Winn
• Approved by voice vote; meeting adjourned

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• All legislative and appointment items advanced from the July 21, 2026, Caucus received unanimous approval
• Meeting duration approximately 59 minutes; focused primarily on formal action on previously discussed matters
• Extended discussion under Item 21 reflected ongoing community concern regarding safe operation of e-bikes, e-scooters, and bicycles by juveniles and practical limitations of current enforcement tools.
  
  
• Council candidates Shari Kilmer, Jim Leach, and Jeff Whittaker were present for the meeting.