Florence City Council Caucus Meeting July 21

Presiding Officer: Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubuchon. Council members present: Ms. Patricia Wingo, Mr. Gary Winn, Ms. Lesley Chambers, Ms. Diane Whalen, Ms. Angie Cable, and Mr. David Schneider. Video.

Numbers below correspond to the agenda published by the City of Florence

This was the first meeting since June 16, 2026, a five week gap in meetings by the Florence City Council.

1. RECOGNITION: Busald Funk Zevely, PSC 50th Anniversary

• Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubuchon opened the meeting by presenting a formal proclamation recognizing Busald Funk Zevely, PSC on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of continuous business operations in the City of Florence.
• The firm was founded in 1971 and has served the Florence community and the broader Northern Kentucky region for more than five decades, providing trusted legal counsel while contributing to the growth, stability, and success of the community.
• Mayor Aubuchon, on behalf of the members of Florence City Council, proclaimed July 21, 2026 as “Busald Funk Zevely Day” in the City of Florence.
• Representatives of the firm were invited to the podium. The founder’s remarks noted that the firm opened at 226 Main Street (described as the “beating heart of Florence” at the time) and has remained at the same location continuously. The location was selected in part because it was Bill Funk’s home and was on the bus line (and remains so today).
• Current partners and attorneys present introduced themselves: Mike McMain, Greg Urban, Drew Harris, Ryan Duck, Ethan Bustel, Caitlyn Pazowski, and Bill Katherine.
• City Attorney Tom Nienaber, an alumnus of the firm who served approximately 30 years with the practice, was also recognized and invited to join the group for photographs.
• Firm representatives expressed appreciation for the city’s support over the decades and stated that although opportunities to relocate existed, the firm chose to remain in Florence because of its attachment to the community.
• Mayor Aubuchon recalled the Florence Y’all Days when the stage was set up in the firm’s parking lot and the firm operated an “Ask a Lawyer a Question” booth for several years.
• Council members joined the mayor and firm representatives for a formal group photograph in the chamber.

2. OATH OF OFFICE: Police Department Promotions

• Chief of Police Jeff Mallery presented two promotions for the administration of the oath of office, stating the department is extremely fortunate to have both men and looks forward to their continued service in the new ranks.
  • Sergeant Derek Jackson – Has served the Florence Police Department for more than nine years as an officer in the patrol unit. In addition to his patrol duties, he serves as a Field Training Officer and as a drone operator.
  • Corporal Caleb Saalfeld – Has served the department for more than four years as a patrol officer. His additional assignments include Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Unit, Honor Guard, drone operator, and SWAT team member.
• Family members present were recognized, and the mayor and chief thanked them for sharing their officers with the Florence Police Department “family.” Group photographs were taken with the officers, families, and command staff.

3. DISCUSSION led by Chief of Police Jeff Mallery: Donation of Police Cruisers to Madison County Schools Police Department

• Chief Mallery explained the department’s annual vehicle rotation process. New cruisers are purchased with funds approved by Council and placed into the active fleet, and older high-mileage or mechanically problematic vehicles are moved to spare status. Spares are ultimately sold at auction or transferred to other city departments.
• Madison County elected to create its own school police department and Chief Wilcox has been required to build the agency from the ground up. He contacted police departments across the state seeking surplus cruisers to equip School Resource Officers so certified officers can be present in the schools. The new department needs approximately 20 vehicles.
• Florence requests Council approval to donate two surplus cruisers, numbers 2001 and 2003, both 2020 Ford Interceptors.
• No formal vote was taken at the caucus. The item was directed to be placed on the agenda for the next regular business meeting for formal consideration and approval.

4. DISCUSSION led by Todd Morgan, Director of Community Development: Resolution R-26-016-A (Commonwealth ABA/Already Autism Health

Mr. Morgan presented a request from Commonwealth ABA (dba Already Autism Health) as applicant, with Monohan Development Co. as co-owner, for a concept development plan amendment in an Office Two/Planned Development/Parkway Corridor Study (O-2/PD/PO) District.

• The subject property is an approximate 2.174-acre site at 7627 Ewing Boulevard, immediately near the Government Center.
• The request seeks an exception to allow a playground (and associated fencing) that already exists in the front yard of the tenant space occupied by Commonwealth ABA / Already Autism Health. Under the underlying Office zoning, fences and accessory structures are not permitted in the front yard.
• The playground consists of a fenced 56-by-70-foot area between the building and Ewing Boulevard containing a swing set and hammock. The applicant indicated it is used by one child and one counselor at a time and is fully supervised. An existing playground behind the building (associated with Easter Seals Redwood on the south end of the building) is not available for Commonwealth ABA use.
• The playground was constructed without permits; the applicant stated they were unaware a permit was required. Staff noted that the installation blends reasonably well with the site.
• The property is zoned Office Two Planned Development and is within Area 5 of the Central Florence Strategic Plan, which recommends an office-park environment. The Future Land Use Map forecasts commercial use for the site in 2045.
• Boone County Planning Commission voted 11–1 to recommend approval. The City’s Planning and Zoning Committee (June 24 meeting) recommended three conditions:
  • The fenced area shall be used only as a playground by Commonwealth ABA (Already Autism Health).
  • Only playground equipment shall be permitted inside the fence; sheds and similar structures shall not be permitted.
  • The playground fence and all associated equipment shall be removed from the site once Commonwealth ABA vacates the building.
• Council discussion included questions from Council Member Whalen regarding whether a fence had previously existed in the front yard under an earlier tenant (Boone County early childhood program). Staff and the applicant indicated the current fence was installed by Commonwealth ABA relatively soon after occupancy; staff agreed to review Google Street View and prior code-enforcement records for a precise timeline.
• Council Member Wingo and others noted the need to tread carefully when granting exceptions so that a precedent is not inadvertently created for other properties. The Committee’s condition requiring removal upon vacancy was viewed as an important safeguard.
• The item was advanced to the next regular business meeting agenda for formal action.

5. DISCUSSION led by Todd Morgan, Director of Community Development: Resolution R-26-018-A (Mackenzie and Paige Logistics)

Mr. Morgan presented a request from Mackenzie and Paige Logistics LLC (applicant/owner) for a change of concept development plan in a Commercial Two/Planned Development/Parkway Corridor Study (C-2/PD/PO) District.

• The subject area is approximately 1.7 acres located along the east side of I-71/75 between Tanner’s Gate Lane and Tanner Lane, approximately 150 feet south of Tanner’s Lane, immediately west of the property at 7900 Tanner’s Gate Lane (PIDN 061.00-00-124.07).
• The request would allow M&P Logistics to park 21 box trucks, 21 semi-tractors (tractors only, not trailers), and up to 50 passenger vehicles on the site as an accessory use to its existing office building and employee parking lot located immediately to the east.
• Site history: The property was rezoned to C-3 in 1987 to allow automotive and boat sales (no evidence that use ever occurred). In 2008 it was rezoned to C-2 as part of the Central Florence Strategic Plan update. The Strategic Plan recommends opening the Tanner’s Gate area with a pronounced access point on Ewing and encourages removal of industrial-looking buildings in favor of office development. The former Morris Fitness building on the site was demolished between 2010 and 2012.
• Motor freight terminals and warehousing are not permitted in the C-2 zone; therefore an exception is required through the Planned Development process.
• The concept plan (prepared by Viox & Viox) shows the box-truck parking area in the center, passenger-vehicle parking on the sides, and semi-tractor parking closest to the interstate. A modified Landscape Buffer Yard A is proposed, incorporating a three-foot berm and dense plantings of arborvitae, hollies, and junipers for year-round screening. The existing chain-link fence along the interstate is to be replaced with a three- or four-rail horse-style fence consistent with fencing used on other interstate ramps in Florence.
• Boone County Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously with two conditions:
  (1) parking/storage of semi-trailers, trailers, or freight containers is prohibited;
  (2) no loading or unloading of any kind is permitted on the site. The City’s Planning and Zoning Committee added a third condition limiting the parking/storage of box trucks, semi-tractors, and passenger vehicles to an accessory use of 7900 Tanner’s Gate Lane only.
• Applicant Steve Hall (President and co-owner with his wife of M&P Logistics) and landscape architect Brock McGay (Viox & Viox) addressed Council. Mr. Hall expressed pride in the office building renovation and commitment to high-quality screening. Mr. McGay explained that nursery stock will be approximately six feet tall at planting, providing an immediate 8-to-10-foot screen when combined with the berm, and that species were selected to remain under overhead utilities while still screening the lower parking lot without fully blocking the elevated office building.
• Council discussion focused on the current visual impact of the parked vehicles as viewed from southbound I-75, the growth rate and long-term effectiveness of the proposed landscaping, enforcement of the landscape plan, and responsibility for maintenance of Tanner’s Gate Lane (primarily private; a short section is city-maintained concrete). Council members were encouraged to drive the corridor and observe existing conditions.
• The item was advanced to the next regular business meeting agenda for formal action.

6. DISCUSSION led by Julie M. Aubuchon: Urban Forest Commission Appointment

• Mayor Aubuchon presented the appointment of George Selecki to the Urban Forest Commission to fill the unexpired term created by the resignation of Billy Allegress for health reasons.
• Mr. Selecki is a graduate of the Florence Police Department Citizens Police Academy and has expressed interest in greater civic involvement. His résumé was provided to Council in the meeting packet.
• No objections or additional discussion were raised. The appointment was advanced to the next regular business meeting agenda for formal confirmation.

7. DISCUSSION led by Eric Hall, Public Services Director: City of Florence Transportation Improvement District (TID) Board of Trustees Appointments

Mr. Hall introduced the proposed slate of appointees for the newly authorized City of Florence Transportation Improvement District Board of Trustees.

• By statute the Board consists of five voting members (all required to be residents of the City of Florence) and one non-voting member appointed by the Boone County Planning Commission. The Board’s role is to review, evaluate, and recommend transportation improvement projects; every project will still require final approval by City Council before advancing.
• The proposed nominees (staggered four-year terms so that no more than two seats expire in any single year) are: Michael Bova, Jim Henning, Kalia Holland, John Nent, Tammy Wilson, and Tom Zerlinsky.
• The selection process sought expertise across five categories recommended by the Montrose Group: transportation/infrastructure, economic development, community/civic leadership, financial professionals, and regional planning. Staff and consultants will supply the pure transportation expertise; the nominated board covers the remaining four categories.
• Ms. Amy Stewart (newly hired TID Project Manager) is a Covington native, holds a law degree from the University of Louisville, practiced litigation for approximately 15 years in Kentucky and Indiana, then moved into public-sector work as lead administrator for HUD Continuum of Care homelessness services in Cincinnati (approximately $30 million annual federal funding) and later Dayton (approximately $18 million). She has experience with federal, state, and local funding allocation, stakeholder coordination, and oversight boards. Since joining the City in January she has recruited board candidates, coordinated with KYTC and other cabinet agencies, consulted with existing Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio TIDs, joined the OKI Transportation Subcommittee (by Council appointment), facilitated the City’s membership in Kentuckians for Better Transportation, and contracted Strand Associates for a citywide traffic safety and congestion study. The study will supply data-driven project recommendations for the new Board. She is also preparing bylaws, operating procedures, and vendor contacts so the Board can begin work promptly once seated and is shepherding existing state/federal funding applications.
• Council members expressed satisfaction with the quality of the nominated slate. Questions clarified that transportation expertise will be provided by City staff and consultants rather than a dedicated board seat, and that dual service on the Planning Commission and the TID Board is required by statute for the non-voting member.
• The appointments were advanced to the next regular business meeting agenda for formal action.

8. DISCUSSION led by Eric Hall, Public Service Director: Street Inventory Resolution

• Mr. Hall presented a resolution that formally certifies the inventory of all city-owned and city-maintained streets to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
• The certification is a routine statewide requirement. Fiscal courts and other municipalities perform the same function. The certified inventory is used for state transportation planning and funding purposes and is incorporated into the distribution formula for Municipal Aid Road Funds (MARF).
• Public Services staff, including Greg’s team, have thoroughly reviewed the inventory through multiple iterations with KYTC. Staff expressed confidence in the accuracy of the list.
• No substantive discussion or objections were raised. The resolution was advanced to the next regular business meeting agenda for formal adoption.

9. DISCUSSION led by Eric Hall, Public Services Director: Local Public Agency Reimbursement – Hopeful Road and Seabree Drive

Mr. Hall reported the City was awarded funding in April 2026 under the Commonwealth’s Local Assistance Road Projects program for two resurfacing projects:

• Hopeful Road, also referred to as Old Hopeful Road ($384,000) and Seabree Drive ($98,000)
• Funding is an 80/20 match and may be used only for resurfacing work. The applications were included in the state budget legislation enacted April 2026.
• A Memorandum of Agreement will be executed. The City will have a three-year window to spend the funds. Design is not expected to begin until July 1, 2027, with milling and overlay following shortly thereafter.
• Total state funding to be received is approximately $482,000. These projects will not require a separate capital request during the next budget retreat.
• As a pilot exercise, the two projects have been assigned to Ms. Amy Stewart (TID Project Manager) so she can gain direct experience managing the state grant process while the TID Board is being seated.
• Council expressed support for obtaining external funding and reducing the burden on the local budget. The item was advanced to the next regular business meeting agenda for formal acceptance of the funding and authorization of the necessary agreements.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Popsicles with Police – Thursday, July 23, 2-4 p.m., at Lincoln Woods Park (lower lot by the tennis courts). Residents are invited to meet local officers and enjoy free popsicles. Major park improvements are underway at the site.
• Christmas in July – Saturday, July 25, Florence Aquatic Center. Admission is $5 per person or three canned goods (requested items include canned pasta and fruit cups) benefiting Go Pantry.
• Dive-In Movie Night – Monday, July 27, Florence Aquatic Center. Double feature: Lilo & Stitch at 4 p.m. and Twisters at 8 p.m. Free for Aquatic Center members; $5 admission after 4 p.m. for non-members. Contact 859-647-4619 for information.
• Crafts & Classics – Saturday, August 1, 9 a.m.-1p.m., at Bell Park and the Historic Main Street Firehouse. The event will feature more than 60 craft and vendor booths, a car show, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Parking will be available at Florence Christian Church. Contact the Administration Department at 859-647-8177.
• National Night Out – Tuesday, August 4, 5-7 p.m., Florence Government Center. Residents are invited to a grill-out style dinner, meet city departments, first responders, elected officials, and community organizations, view emergency equipment displays, and learn about available services. The Florence Veterans Commission will conduct a special dedication of a Liberty Tree on the Government Center campus in commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. A plaque has been prepared with approval from the Kentucky Historical Society.
• Safe Sitter Essentials – Thursday, August 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Cobb Gathering House. Nationally recognized course for students entering grades 6–8 covering babysitting skills, safety, and emergency response. Fee is $40 (includes Safe Sitter kit). Registration closes August 6; call 859-647-5441.

11. OTHER – Council Discussion and Public Comments

A. Alternative Mobility Vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, golf carts, and UTVs)

• Council Member Diane Whalen requested discussion of the comprehensive staff memo prepared by Director of Administration Josh Hunt on alternative mobility vehicles.
• The original conversation had centered on e-bikes and e-scooters; golf carts and UTVs were later added after recent state legislation (Senate bill) authorizing counties and cities to regulate UTV operation on certain roads. Boone County already maintains a comprehensive golf-cart ordinance (focused on the Triple Crown area) and is currently studying both UTVs and e-bikes/e-scooters through the County Attorney’s office.
• Staff emphasized the importance of regulatory continuity so that rules do not change abruptly when a rider crosses from a county road onto a city street.
• Existing local authority is limited. Electric scooters currently require the operator to be at least 16 years of age and to hold a license. E-bikes are generally treated as bicycles under existing law. Modified devices capable of speeds approaching 50 mph create classification and enforcement difficulties.
• Chief Mallery reported frequent resident complaints, particularly involving juveniles operating e-bikes and scooters in the Orleans neighborhood and in city parks. Officers often cannot safely or legally pursue riders who leave the roadway into wooded areas. When juveniles are cited, the matter typically proceeds through court-designated workers and ultimately rests with parents. Chief Mallery expressed concern about how such actions would tie up the juvenile court systems and its workers as well.
• Council Members Leslie Chambers and Gary Winn expressed concern about high-speed operation on sidewalks and multi-use paths, lack of helmet use by children, failure to obey traffic signals, and operation on major corridors such as US 42. One member noted recent observation of an e-bike being used for Uber Eats deliveries, illustrating a growing workforce component.
• Resident Survey options were presented:
  • Postcard mailer with QR code linking to an online survey – estimated cost $6,000–$8,000 (likely closer to $6,000); prior city workshops using this method achieved 60–70 % participation.
  • Full paper survey mailed to residences/businesses with written responses – estimated cost approximately $50,000 and would require outside consultant support for compilation.
  • Social-media and website promotion only – lower cost but uncertain reach across the full residential population.
• Council discussion included preferences for first coordinating with Boone County to understand the direction of its concurrent studies, then gathering public input without undue haste. Several members supported the lower-cost postcard/QR approach or pure online methods. One member suggested piggybacking on an existing city mailer (e.g., “What’s Happening”) if timing permits.
• Staff will continue dialogue with the County and report back. No formal action or survey authorization was taken at the caucus.

B. Public Comments

• Ms. Naomi Liebson – Shared personal experience from Bemus Point, New York, a small tourist community on Chautauqua Lake that legalized UTVs and golf carts several years ago. She described the result as “an unmitigated disaster,” citing chronic problems with golf carts and UTVs parking on private lawns, failing to parallel-park properly, leaving vehicles in the middle of the road, and generally disregarding traffic regulations, especially during the busy summer tourist season. She urged Council to consider parking rules carefully if Florence moves forward with similar regulations.
• Mr. Joe Berkshire– Raised several distinct issues:
  • Independence Day parking accessibility – At the July 3 celebration there was no usable handicap parking near the front of the venue; designated spaces behind the stadium were blocked off. Staff (Director Hunt) acknowledged that attendance exceeded expectations and the drop-off/parking plan did not adequately accommodate persons needing front-door access. Staff committed to evaluating shuttle service and expanded accessible parking for future large events, beginning with Halloween Night Out.
  • Senior Center food pantry – Concern that the honor-system pantry located behind the Senior Center (stocked once per week for seniors) could be accessed by non-seniors, placing elderly users at a disadvantage. Staff stated no formal complaints have been received and that seniors can report access problems through Senior Center staff.
  • Library parking and overnight vehicles – A vehicle remained parked in the library lot for multiple days (reports ranged from five days to two weeks) despite posted 8 p.m.-8 a.m. restrictions. An early morning fight on the library porch was also cited. Staff explained the library is not city property; enforcement of the posted hours requires a formal request from the library for trespass action. Patrol can be directed to check the lot, and staff will follow up with library administration.
  • Library bench design – The sidewalk bench in front of the library lacks armrests and is used for sleeping. The speaker suggested installing armrests similar to those used on transit benches to discourage reclining.
  • Mall Road painting permit fee – A local business owner (Gary Mundo) was reportedly required to pay approximately $450 for a permit to paint his building under the Mall Road design guidelines/color palette. The speaker viewed the fee as unreasonable for routine maintenance and stated the owner subsequently sold the building. Staff clarified that the Boone County Planning Commission sets the fee schedule; a site-plan application is required only when exterior colors are changed from the approved palette. Repainting in the same colors does not require a permit. Florence holds six seats on the Planning Commission.
• Ms. Karen Strayer – Opposed expenditure of $6,000–$8,000 on postcard mailers for the mobility-vehicle survey. She noted that many printed city newsletters end up in the trash and that active commentary already exists on social media. She recommended relying primarily on the city website and social-media channels. Staff acknowledged the point while noting that prior postcard/QR campaigns have produced substantially higher documented response rates than pure digital outreach.

12. CLOSED SESSION

No closed session was convened during the public portion of the meeting.

13. ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned.

Additional Notes
Florence mayoral candidate David Rose and Florence City Council candidates Joe Berkshire, Jim Leach, and Jeff Whittaker were present at the meeting.