Florence City Council March 25

All City Council members and Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger were present.

AGENDA POINT 6 – The new Mike’s Car Wash at 8534 US Highway 42 is requesting additional adjustments to their business signs that were not part of their initial concept plan. Mike’s Car Wash wants to add a digital sign along US Highway 42 and increase the sign on the side of the site on Old Toll Road. The digital sign, in concept, would match signs already in place by Culvers (8554 US Highway 42) and Ace Hardware (8515 US Highway 42). The adjustment was approved 6-0.

A discussion started by Councilwoman Chambers and involving Council members Whalen and Wingo and Mayor Aubuchon regarding the history and their slow evolution into an approved method of messaging by digital signs in the Florence area.

 AGENDA POINT 8 – Mayor’s report:

• Public Works Academy June 9-July 25; deadline to apply is May 9
• Youth in Government Program March 25
• Coffee with the Mayor March 28
• City photo contest
• Easter egg hunt
• Great American Clean Up April 26

Councilwoman Whalen brought up that 15-year-olds can now get learner’s driver’s permits in Kentucky. She appeared opposed to this, but no discussion occurred relative to Kentucky having considerable rural/farm areas where teens often learn to drive equipment much before 15.

Councilwoman Chambers brought up the seasonal family membership for the city swimming pool. The point of contact for the pool is Jason Lewis. Ms. Chambers requested a definition of family membership. Mayor Aubuchon stated the intent of the family membership was to make sure unsupervised children are not running around the pool. Also mentioned was the “Octopus Area” of the pool. Director Eric Hall mentioned this area was under repair, as it no longer met State Swimming Pool Standards. At this point, it is unknown if the new area will be ready for the coming season due to possible repair time and state standards.

Councilwoman Cable thanked Director Eric Hall for the quick repairs and the professionalism of the city workers involved in that project.

AGENDA POINT 9 – Three citizens came forward and stated their concerns at the podium:

• Naomi Liebson talked about the need for an indoor swimming pool as it could be considered medically therapeutic for those with health issues. Mayor Aubuchon stated it was under review but could not promise any results at this time.
  
• Zeb Gentry talked about issues with the solar panels being considered in Florence. Mayor Aubuchon advised Mr. Gentry it would be best if he addressed his comments during the coming public meeting.
  
• Robert Sergent talked about issues with speeding in the Plantation Point neighborhood. Mr. Sergent noted the posted speed limit is 35 mph and it is his perception people are driving at 55 mph from Mount Zion to US Highway 42. Also, per Mr. Sergent, Weatherington Boulevard is having similar traffic issues. The local Homeowners Association (HOA) can do nothing. Mr. Sergent stated he had spoken with Commissioner Chet Hand about the issue. Commissioner Hand referred him to the Florence City Council, since the area in question is in the Florence city limits. Mr. Sergent has previously talked to Council members Cable and Chambers regarding the issue and was very grateful for their sympathy on the issue. Enforcement of parking and speed limits is a recurring issue in the City of Florence.