Florence City Council February 10
Business meeting: presiding officer Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubuchon. Council members present: Patricia Wingo, Lesley Chambers, Gary Winn, Diane Whalen, David Schneider, Angie Cable.
Numbers do not correspond to a numbered agenda, as in some prior meetings. This business meeting focused on procedural items, personnel recognitions, first readings of ordinances, announcements, council recognitions, public comments, and a closed session.
(5) POLICE DEPARTMENT OATHS OF OFFICE
Police Chief Mallery introduced five new recruits selected from 58 applicants, the largest applicant pool in recent department history: Connor Bridges (US Marine Corp veteran); Franklin Davis (US Navy veteran); Joshua Schlake (US Marine Corp veteran); Jesus Aaron Bola; Nathan Courtney.
- Recruits are completing online academy requirements and are scheduled to begin 18-week in-person training at the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond on March 8, 2026.
- Oath of office administered collectively.
- Congratulations extended; family members recognized and group photographs taken.
- Later in the meeting, Council and Chief Mallery recognized the new recruits’ veteran service and the department’s recruitment success.
(6) FIRST READING ORDINANCE 02-2026
An Ordinance approving a change in the approved concept development plan for an approximate 1.55-acre site at 4999 Houston Road, Florence, Kentucky, in a Commercial Two/Planned Development/Houston-Donaldson Overlay (C-2/PD/HDO) District to permit a drive-thru eating and drinking establishment, Jagger’s restaurant.
- Councilwoman Patricia Wingo gave a short presentation on the procedures for such a project to come to the city council from Boone County.
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Patricia Wingo, seconded by Councilman Gary Winn.
- Discussion referenced prior caucus presentation and Planning Commission review; applicant agreed to additional conditions, including potential suspension of drive-thru operations for traffic impacts.
- Motion passed 6-0.
(7) FIRST READING ORDINANCE 03-2026
An Ordinance recommending adoption of Boone County zoning text amendments to define and regulate motor freight terminals, commercial truck parking, freight containers, and related uses, primarily in I-1/I-2 and airport zones, with stricter Florence-specific standards. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Patricia Wingo, seconded by Councilman Gary Winn
- Councilwoman Angie Cable stated she did not believe she received all the information necessary via the Council SharePoint. Ms. Cable requested the issue be tabled for a week to allow her more time to study it. This was seconded by Councilwoman Lesley Chambers. The motion was defeated by voice vote. Mayor Aubuchon educated the audience on Robert’s Rules of Order and the lack of debate due to the type of motion requested. This was procedurally correct.
- Director of Community Development Todd Morgan explained provisions including no adjacency to residential/agricultural zones, required street frontage buffers, limited access to arterial/collector streets, no prolonged idling, maximum container stacking of 2 high/17 feet in Florence, and 100-foot street setbacks for containers.
- Motion passed 4-2. Councilwoman Leslie Chambers and Councilwoman Angie Cable voted no.
(8) MAYOR’S REPORT
- President’s Day display in Florence Government Center lobby, February16-20, 2026 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; offices open).
- Books and Bottles Literacy Festival: February 27, 2026, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Florence Nature Park Event Center, with authors Wes Brown and Bennington. $10 registration, light appetizers, cash bar. Children’s programming February 28, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon, featuring story time, puppet show, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library).
- St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt, March 6-17, 2026. Contestants submit photos of hidden Irish symbols for prizes.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Roger Burger inquired whether the city would oppose a potential ICE or Homeland Security detention facility within city limits. Mayor Aubuchon and City Attorney Nienaber council clarified:
- The government, such as facilities, are exempt from local zoning under KRS Chapter 100, and discussed the possibility of a non-binding resolution supporting state law changes.
- The city does not detain people. All detainees are taken to the Boone County jail for housing.
- The city cannot interfere with the sale of private land.
- Mr. Burger compared the detainment of illegal aliens to the internment of American citizens of Japanese descent during World War II and asked the city council to take a position on the detainment of illegal aliens. Vice Mayor Whalen advised Mr. Burger he would need to put his request in writing before city council administrative offices before the council would be able to discuss such a proposal
Spencer Carter inquired about (1) recent grading activity behind US Bank. This is unincorporated Boone County with no city development plans submitted. (2) Status of Hopeful Church Road townhomes; a court ruling upheld rental use despite initial condominium designation. (3) Current regulations on solar power installations. Installations are permitted subject to zoning compliance.
CLOSED SESSION
- Motion to enter closed session pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(c) (pending or proposed litigation) made by Councilman Gary Winn and seconded by Councilwoman Diane Whalen.
- Motion approved unanimously.
- Meeting adjourned following closed session; no return to open session.
Besides council members, public attendees included mayoral candidate David Rose and City Council candidates James Leach and Shari Kilmer.