Florence City Council December 16
Council members present: Patricia Wingo, Lesley Chambers, Gary Winn, David M. Schneider, Angie Cable, and Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon. Absent: Diane Whalen.
Item numbers below correspond to the published agenda
(5) – OATHS OF OFFICE
- Police Chief Tom Mallery announced promotions prompted by the retirement of Lieutenant Jason Reid after 23 years of service.
- Oaths administered for Police Department promotions:
- Tim Crowley (promoted to Police Lieutenant; 19+ years of service, roles including SWAT, firearms instructor, and drug unit oversight).
- Ben Kolkmeier (promoted to Police Sergeant; 13 years, drug unit, field training officer).
- Zac Eagler (promoted to Police Sergeant; 10+ years, criminal investigative unit, SWAT).
- Jacob Whitford (promoted to Police Corporal; 7 years, drug unit, SWAT).
- Tyler Jackson (promoted to Police Corporal; 5 years, criminal investigative unit, SWAT).
- Officers were sworn in, with families acknowledged and congratulations extended by the council and audience.
(6) – PRESENTATION
Kentucky State Representative Marianne Proctor provided an overview of the upcoming Kentucky legislative session. Key topics included:
- Housing task force findings: Shortages in starter, workforce, and senior housing due to regulatory/zoning barriers, infrastructure limits, and builders leaving the market. Recommendations: Promote townhomes, condos, and mixed-use developments; reform zoning (e.g., lot sizes, parking, density); speed up permitting processes; address infrastructure needs for workforce housing.
- Driver’s license issuance: Centralized system under HB 453 (2020) for Real ID compliance; post-2022 congestion from Real ID enforcement, vision exams, and permits; no immediate fixes but pushing for more regional offices via the Transportation Cabinet.
- Centralized occupational license taxes: Opposition due to risks including loss of local control, revenue delays, high IT costs, and administrative job losses; prefers maintaining Northern Kentucky’s current system.
- Budget session priorities: Lowering income taxes; potential SNAP reforms (citing 9.3% error rate, fraud concerns); addressing Medicaid fraud ($847M impacted, multi-state issues, new oversight board); MAHA task force for health improvements (nutrition education, food as medicine programs, PE credits in schools).
- Short-term rentals: Anticipates pro-Airbnb legislation from Louisville interests, but Northern Kentucky opposition; balances property rights with neighborhood impacts.
- Encouraged council and residents to provide input to legislators.
Q&A: SNAP employment stats unavailable; supports reforms with safety nets and private aid emphasis; opposes wage mandates.
(7) – MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-21-2025 (World of Golf)
- Approval of a management contract for the operation of the city-owned World of Golf facility to Troon Golf, LLC (or its subsidiary Indigo Sports, LLC).
- City staff (Mr. Josh Hunt) explained: Current contract with Landrum Golf expires; RFP process received two bids; Troon selected for organizational depth, continuity, sustainability, and financial accountability.
- Concerns addressed: No plans to demolish or sell the facility; honors existing passes and lessons; focuses on increasing programming and volume without major price hikes (possible minor adjustments); process compliant with KRS 45A.
- Motion passed 3-2. (Chambers and Cable opposed.)
(8) – RESOLUTION R-7-2025 (Owen Utility Franchise Agreement)
- Awarding a 20-year non-exclusive franchise for an electric system within city limits to Owen Electric Cooperative, Inc.
- Ensures continued utility services, infrastructure maintenance, and oversight.
- No impact on existing solar contracts with Duke Energy.
- Motion passed 5-0.
(9) – RESOLUTION R-8-2025 (Duke Utility Franchise Agreement)
- Awarding a 20-year non-exclusive franchise for an electric system within city limits to Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc.
- Similar to R-7-2025, focusing on reliable energy provision and regulatory terms.
- Motion passed 5-0.
(10) – DISCUSSION of RESOLUTION R-25-023-A OF THE BOONE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION (Comfort Inn Rebranding)
- Consideration of a recommendation of the Boone County Planning and Zoning Commission to approve (with conditions) a Change of Concept Development Plan requested by NOKY, Inc. (applicant/owner Bimal Patel).
- Involves a 1.1-acre site at 7454 Turfway Road (Comfort Suites rebranding to Spark by Hilton) in a Commercial Two/Planned Development/Houston-Donaldson Overlay (C-2/PD/HDO) District.
- Proposal allows two murals (151-169 sq ft each) as building signs, exceeding the 200 sq ft cap and permitting hand-painted elements (not allowed in HDO overlay).
- Planning/Zoning recommendations: Roof changed to charcoal gray (already completed); murals limited to hotel brand colors/patterns, no letters or LED elements; no additional uplighting.
- No questions raised; item forwarded to council for further action.
(11) – 2025 YEAR-END CITY ACHIEVEMENTS
Mayor Aubuchon presented a review of the city’s key accomplishments for 2025, including:
- Public Services: Reconstruction of the Veterans Memorial, new Fire/EMS station, parks master plan, and establishment of a transportation improvement district.
- Finance: Enhancements to governance, implementation of ClearGov software for digital budgeting.
- Fire/EMS: Multiple awards, fleet upgrades, and advanced training programs.
- Police: Community engagement programs (e.g., DARE, citizen academies), DUI enforcement awards.
- Administration: Secured $350M in investments, developed a visitor’s guide, legislative successes (e.g., tax reductions), and addition of a records clerk (as Freedom of Information Requests have increased).
- Employee survey indicated strong retention rates; thanks extended to teams and council members.
(12) – CLOSED SESSION
No closed session was held; the meeting adjourned directly with holiday wishes from the mayor.