Fiscal Court March 25
Commissioner Brewer had an approved absence due to travel. Hand, Flaig and Moore present.
Item IV.
A. Seasonal Staffing for the Parks Department and Boone County Course: Concession, 3 Appointments; Seasonal, 19 Appointments; New Hires, 5 Appointments. Approved 3-0.
B. Parks Department
Travis Rawe’s appointment to the Program Coordinator (Camps/Athletics) position. Travis comes to us with over a decade of experience. Approved 3-0.
C. Parks Department
Tony Beckett promotion to Landscape Technician. Tony has over 20 years of experience. His promotion will start March 31st. Approved 3-0.
D. Public Safety Communication Center
Madelyn Bier appointment to the position of Telecommunications Dispatcher. Madelyn fills a full time, vacant position. Approved 3-0. Note: there are other applications under review to fill other vacant positions.
Item V.
A. Second Reading of Susan Shuffett Applicant/Owner for a zoning map amendment. Nothing new presented. No Discussion. Approved 3-0.
Item VII.
A. Contract renewal for Decedent Removal and Transportation to Don Catchen Inc. for Boone County Coroner’s Office. Approved 3-0.
B. Bid Awards for Refuse Collection Non-Hazardous and Non-Infectious Solid Waste starting April 1, 2025 (county facilities only). Bids were awarded to: Best Way (20), Rumpke (4), Rumpke (5). Approved 3-0.
C. Declare Water Rescue Items as Surplus in exchange for $10,000 Trade Credit from Washington Marine. Approved 3-0.
These items are no longer used. Public Works verified fair value in what would have been received if had gone to auction. Unusual to be approved in Fiscal Court as items are county equipment that has accumulated through emergency management, donations, grants and fundraising. Status allows trade-in of county surplus property. Fiscal Court is the fiscal agent, as Water Rescue cannot incur debt; it is a volunteer agency on behalf of the county.
OLD BUSINESS
Chambers Road/Hicks Pike Road Swap Update
Hicks Pike Project Scope: 2.1 miles
Funding and Budget: Hicks Pike project has a $60 million state budget, which Boone County cannot fund. The project is financed through the state gas tax, returning funds to Boone County.
Project Timeline: Fiscal court presentation scheduled for April 8, 2025
Public Engagement: Public comments were accepted until March 21, 2025. 11,000 postcards were sent to residents encouraging involvement. Boone County website received 26,000 views and 130 comments. Community meeting held March 24, 2025, with strong citizen attendance.
Key Concerns and Considerations:
• Traffic and road design
• Community concerns include traffic volume, maintenance, speed, and overall design
• The state will determine the final road design; the county cannot impose restrictions
• Proposed improvements: realignment to remove curves, a flatter roadway and a turn lane
• Desire to avoid a five-lane highway similar to Pleasant Valley Road
• Hicks Pike sees 3,500 cars per day compared to 20,000 cars on Pleasant Valley
• County seeks a road design that aligns with community needs
• State and county collaboration
State Incentives:
• The project aims to improve travel safety and reduce backups on Hicks Pike
• Boone County will work with the state to ensure a design that fits the community
Legislative Input: Representative Marianne Proctor raised two points: will Boone County lose control of the project and final design recommendations are needed from the state before proceeding.
Dog Licensing Update: pros and cons will be presented April 8, 2025.
Landfill Update (This is a long process decision)
Public comments closed 1/31/2025. Public hearing February 3. Public meetings February 13 and February 14. Written responses to all who commented are available on the website.
Bavarian Trucking selected for Boone County Final Application for capacity increases to four times present capacity to serve all of Northern Kentucky. Returns to Fiscal Court with a mid-April report of what Bavarian presently handles.
NEW BUSINESS
Tornado Touchdown and Siren Activation
Event Overview: A tornado touched down but sirens did not activate and residents were calling Commissioner Flaig asking WHY? The entire event lasted only three minutes. The National Weather Service (NWS) did not issue a tornado warning.
• No breakdown in the emergency alert system occurred
• The tornado was short in duration and not detected on radar
• Emergency Management and Dispatch monitored the situation per protocol
• Meteorologists on TV did not report a tornado in the area or on the ground
• This was a unique situation with no prior warning indicators
Reported Damage: The airport sustained damage, including a roof blown off a building under construction and garage doors on the west side damaged (were left open at the time). Initially believed to be straight-line winds. No injuries reported.