Florence City Council October 14

All City Council members and Mayor Julie Aubuchon were present. Florence YouTube channel

Item numbers correspond to the published agenda

#5 – OATHS OF OFFICE: Police Department Promotions

• Ceremonial oaths administered for promotions within the Florence Police Department.
• Mike Geis sworn in as Police Captain.
• Erik Daniels sworn in as Police Lieutenant.
• Ceremonial item passed without discussion or vote.

#6 – SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-21-2025: Change of Concept Development Plan for Bank of America

• An Ordinance adopting and approving modifications to a prior Concept Development Plan in a C-2/PD zone for approximately 1.0 acre at 8748 US 42 (northeast corner of US 42 and Farmview Drive), adjacent to a Publix supermarket.
• Allows adjustments to conditions, including roof pitch and masonry finishes for the new Bank of America branch.
• Florence Director of Community Development Todd Morgan raised pre-meeting concerns about design elements like the roof pitch and masonry exterior.
• The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended approval with conditions, including a pitched roof and masonry exterior as shown in renderings.
• No extensive public comments or Q&A reported.
• The council unanimously voted to approve the ordinance.

#7 – FIRST READING ORDINANCE O-22-2025: Change of Concept Development Plan for Wawa

• An Ordinance adopting and approving a Change of Concept Development Plan in a C-2/PD zone for approximately 3.8 acres at 8540 US 42 (PIDN 062.00-00-039.00, northeast corner of US 42 and Hopeful Church Road).
• Permits demolition of existing gas station, convenience store, and restaurant to construct a 6,372-square-foot Wawa convenience store with gasoline pumps.
• Previously discussed at the September 23, 2025, meeting with presentations on design, traffic impacts, and residential neighborhood effects.

Key Speakers

• Councilmember Patricia Wingo (project overview and conditions);
• Councilmember Diane Whalen (legal constraints and concerns);
• Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon (voting rules);
• Councilmember Lesley Chambers (post-vote comments).

Concerns

• Traffic flow and residential impacts; regional draw unsuitable for area (Whalen: “It is a regional draw, which in my opinion, maybe doesn’t belong in a residential area where they’ve chosen to put it.”); state jurisdiction limiting control over entrances/exits (Wingo: “We can’t control access in and out of that location.”).
• Conditions: Nine additional conditions added, including signage (with approved rendering), lighting, and fences; developer cooperative on adjustments.
• Q&A Highlights: Emphasis on procedural adherence over personal views
• Council Member Whalen: “Personal feelings aside, this is the state law that we’re required to follow… based on the evidence presented to us.”);
• Council Member Mayor Aubuchon clarified need for four votes to overturn Planning Commission approval, no tiebreaker role; Whalen optimistic on Wawa as neighbor: “I believe that Wawa will be a good corporate neighbor and do everything in their power to make this as easy on our residents and our traffic flow as possible.”;
• Council Member Chambers post-vote: “This is a very hard vote. Everyone on council worked really hard to make the best outcome for the residents possible.”

The council voted 4-2 to approve the first reading, with Councilmembers Lesley Chambers and Angie Cable dissenting.

#8 – RESOLUTION R-6-2025: Statewide Emergency Management Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement

• A Resolution authorizing the City of Florence to enter the voluntary agreement for mutual aid among Kentucky entities during emergencies (police, fire, EMS, public works).
• Builds on prior caucus discussion; streamlines responses without added costs or penalties.
• No specific discussion, Q&A, or public comments reported; presumed routine based on Planning Commission recommendation.

Approved 6-0 without dissent.

#9 – MAYOR’S REPORT

• Tax bills issuance update: confirmed all real estate tax bills have been mailed with the 3% reduction applied; Sheriff’s Office continues to assist at the finance counter for any inquiries.
• Office closure reminder: reiterated the upcoming closure on Monday, October 13, for Columbus Day (noting it was the prior Monday, but serving as a general reminder for federal holidays).
• Fall cleanup event: ongoing drop off through October 19 at 7850 Tanner Lane; residency proof required for participation.
• Leaf collection program: scheduled from October 20 to December 18; residents encouraged to rake leaves to the curb without piling over storm drains.
• Upcoming community events:
  • Yalaween Fest (Halloween-themed wine event at Thomas More Stadium on October 28)
  • Trick-or-treating October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Household hazardous waste collection on November 1
  • Wreaths Tree Event from November 1-11 for veteran awareness
  • Veterans Day program on November 8 at the Government Center
  • Holiday card contest for seniors due November 12.
• General operations: Brief mention of smooth progress on seasonal preparations and invitation for residents to attend events for community engagement.

#10 – OTHER

Citizen Commentary

• Emotional public comment from Arrington Conner Davis, owner of Lita’s Tacos (a six-year family business at the Wawa site, originally a food truck), delivered post-Wawa vote. Highlighted displacement impacts: “Where are my kids going to eat at?” and “We’re going to be evicted. These people came in town and they’re the bigger fish.”
• Councilmember Lesley Chambers responded: “I hope that he will work with Arrington to find a new location to keep Lita’s Tacos in our city because what they bring to our community is priceless,” suggesting collaboration with Florence Director of Business Development Justin Finke for relocation assistance.
  
• Mr. Joe Witherspoon: Tied comments to the Wawa traffic concerns but expanded into city priorities, using humor (e.g., his recent cataract surgery). Key quotes:
  
  
  • On future housing and traffic: “I got some insider scoop—there’s 800 more housing units slated for that area, stuff folks ain’t even heard about yet. That’s gonna flood the roads with traffic. And the way it’s laid out now? Getting in and out of there is like solving Chinese algebra—twists and turns that don’t make a lick of sense.” On site flaws: “No matter how fancy you dress it up with lights and signs, that spot’s got problems baked in. You know what they say—no matter how you polish a turd, it’s still a turd. You’re gonna have wrecks piling up; might as well station a cop out there full-time to sort the chaos.”
  • On accountability: “I wish somebody had asked us locals before greenlighting this. Look, I’m the one paying your salaries through these taxes—don’t forget that. You gotta take care of the people already here, not just roll out the red carpet for whoever might show up next.”
  • Tangent on snow and bull at City Library: “And speaking of big ideas that don’t pan out, remember last winter’s snow debacle at the City Library? They promised that ‘snow day storytime’ event with hot cocoa and crafts, but half the roads weren’t plowed, and it turned into a no-show. All that bull about community engagement, and folks like me are slipping on ice just to get a book.”
  • If we’re throwing money at gas stations, how about clearing the walks around the library so kids don’t freeze waiting for ‘The Polar Express’ reading? That’s the real Florence spirit—not more cars honking at rush hour.”
  • Closing: “Just food for thought—keep an eye on the little things while chasing the big fish.”

Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon responded: “Joe, you always keep us grounded with that wit. Point taken on the library snow prep—we’ll loop in Public Works for better winter coordination on events.”

Councilmember Patricia Wingo added: “Love the ‘polish a turd’ line—classic Joe. We’ll make sure library programming gets the support it deserves next season.”

• Two skateboarders (Mr. Alex Evans and Mr. Jackson Jenkins) expressed concerns about ongoing issues at the Florence Skate Park, including inadequate lighting after dark and requests for extended hours or better maintenance. One stated, “We just want to be able to use it safely in the evenings without worrying about tripping over cracks or not seeing ramps.”
• Councilmember Lesley Chambers acknowledged the feedback, noting Public Works is addressing sensor replacements and timer adjustments to extend to 6 p.m., with Phase 1 upgrades (lighting and concrete repairs) planned over the next two years. Director Hall stated parts were on order and new plan was being worked on to fix the skate park but due to variables in the order and plan he could not state an exact date at this time.

Mr. Rodger Burger

• Context: Mr. Burger referenced a preliminary solar energy proposal floated in the prior caucus meeting (October 7, 2025), involving potential installations on underutilized city-owned lots near I-75 industrial corridors. His comments framed solar panels as a well-intentioned but poorly sited idea, shifting from environmental benefits to tangible resident harms. He brought printed photos of a similar installation in Union, KY, to illustrate his points.
  • Support going green in principle. But slapping these giant arrays on city land right by our homes? That’s a hard no for a lot of us neighbors.”
  • Aesthetics and Neighbor Views: “First off, think about the views—our backyards look out on open fields and trees that give Florence that small-town feel. These panels would block all that, turning peaceful vistas into a sea of shiny metal. My neighbors and I talked it over at the block watch last week; nobody wants their sunset ruined by what looks like a factory farm. It’s not just ugly—it’s erasing what makes living here special.”
  • Property Values and Economic: “And let’s talk dollars: Property values. Studies show these installations can drop home prices by 5-10% in suburban spots like ours—folks don’t want to buy next to an eyesore that screams ‘industrial zone.’ I’ve got equity in my house after 25 years; why risk that for some rebates the city might chase? Our neighborhood’s already seen enough from the US 42 boom—don’t compound it with this.”
  • Glare, Safety, and Broader Hazards: “Safety’s another big one. Those panels reflect sunlight like mirrors—glare straight into I-75 traffic could cause wrecks. I saw it firsthand driving by that Union project: three fender-benders reported in the first month alone from drivers blinded at dusk. We’ve got enough close calls on that highway without adding more hazards for our kids heading to school.”
  • Call to Action and Closing: “Prioritize Florence’s charm and our residents’ quality of life over quick green wins. Hold real hearings with we homeowners before moving forward—let us weigh in on sites that won’t hurt views or values. Thanks for your time.”
• Councilmember Diane Whalen: “Rodger, thank you for the thoughtful input and those photos—they’re helpful visuals. You’re spot on about balancing renewables with our community’s character. Any solar plans will include mandatory public hearings, setback requirements to protect views and minimize glare (like anti-reflective coatings), and property impact assessments. We’ll route this through zoning with resident feedback front and center—no rushing.”
• Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon added briefly: “Appreciate the economic angle, Rodger. It’s on our radar for the next energy committee caucus.”

NOTE: This meeting was going like clockwork until the commentary was opened. It was not easy to keep up with all the commentary.

Not one person interested in the city council race next November was in attendance.