Florence City Council February 25
All City Council members and Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger were present.
AGENDA POINT FIVE (5)
The Florence Police Department recognized Officer Jacob Sander and Sheriff Deputy Sergeant Jon Ball for bravery. The officers were instrumental in rescuing Ms. Kristin Barber after she fell through the ice on a city pond while trying to rescue her dog. Ms. Barber was suffering from hypothermia due to exposure to the cold water. Fortunately, both Ms. Barber and her dog were rescued.
AGENDA POINT SIX (6)
This was a presentation by Ralph Landrum of the City of Florence World of Golf (WOG). Due to reinvestment by WOG, the golf course is moving forward to pay for itself again. WOG has programs such as veterans golf; Special Golf Olympics; winter coat drive (donation earns 30-minute golf lesson); PGA Junior League; LPGA golf; school programs (five schools participating); and youth memberships.
Suggestions were made for future upgrade’s to the WOG course: four new carts; GPS for carts, which would allow for geofencing to keep carts on the course; golf ball sensor systems; and ordering systems for any service required on the course; night golf for nine holes (Glow Golf), which is becoming popular across the country; new nets on the driving range to eliminate potential ongoing safety hazards.
Currently, WOG had revenue of approximately $3 million and expenses of approximately $2.2 million. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) is approximatey $700,000. All in all, WOG is now debt free and able to move forward with paying for itself.
AGENDA POINT SEVEN (7)
Second Reading of the Transportation Improvement District (TID). Director Hall was asked to explain the TID. Director Hall stated he felt the TID is a good idea as it would help consolidate all road funding under the City of Florence. Director Hall stated he did not have definite answers as what the future would be like for the city with the TID. This passed 4-2 with Councilwomen Angie Cable and Lesley Chambers voting no.
AGENDA POINT EIGHT (8)
Second reading of updates to city codes for traffic enforcement. The only real question on this issue is whether the police will actually enforce traffic codes to the letter of the law, given Chief Mallory’s previous statements. This passed 6-0.
AGENDA POINT NINE (9)
Second reading of updates to city codes for snow emergencies. The intent is to match Boone County’s definitions of snow emergencies to cause less confusion in the city. Like traffic enforcement, this is only as good as the city’s willingness to enforce the code.
AGENDA POINT TEN (10)
First reading for a zoning amendment for a Brew Team drive-through coffee shop to be located at 8109 US 42 next to White Castle. Councilwoman Cable had some concerns about potential traffic issues. Director Josh Hunt stated studies showed no additional issues on that section of US 42. The zoning amendment passed 6-0.
AGENDA POINT ELEVEN (11)
First reading for a zoning amendment for the addition of Life Learning Systems Care at 45 Cavalier Boulevard. Councilwoman Cable mentioned her appreciation for such a center in the city. The zoning amendment passed 6-0.
AGENDA POINT TWELVE (12)
First reading for a zoning amendment for expansion of the Tesla charging station in the Meijer parking lot on Houston Road. This will be paid for with private funds. The zoning amendment passed 6-0.
AGENDA POINT THIRTEEN (13)
The mayor’s report covering issues such as Books & Bottles event Feb. 28 featuring local authors Ashleigh DuBois and Patricia McLinn. Tickets are available here: $15 for adults, cash bar; Saint Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt; and Florence Police Department Citizen Police Academy scheduled for Wednesdays. Applications for the academy are available here. Councilwoman Chambers expressed her gratitude for the events reported by the mayor.