Florence City Council Special Meeting June 16
Council members present: Ms. Lesley Chambers, Mr. Gary Winn, Ms. Diane Whalen, Mr. David Schneider, Ms. Angie Cable. Absent: Councilwoman Patricia Wingo. Presiding: Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubuchond. Special Meeting. Video.
5. RECOGNITION – Florence Community Band Member Steven Popovich
The mayor read a proclamation declaring June 16, 2026, as Steven “Steve” Popovich Day in Florence. Honored as a self-taught percussionist, longtime Florence Community Band member, and first classical/symphonic/percussion inductee into Northern Kentucky Music Legends Hall of Fame. Steve Popovich spoke, thanking the mayor, council, band, family, conductor David Weber, President Jackie Crabtree, and others. Received signed poster and booklet. The council and audience congratulated him.
6. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-12-22026 – Bluegrass Backyard Recreations LLC
Change of concept development plan for 2.53-acre site at 7544 Burlington Pike (C-2/PD/PO district) to allow display and sale of outdoor furniture, sheds, playsets, and related items. Motion by Mr. Winn, seconded by Ms. Chambers. Approved unanimously on roll call (5-0).
7. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-13-2026 – Drury Project
Change of concept development plan in C-3/PD/PO district for ~7.5-acre area at 7911 and 7915 US Highway 42 to allow increase in intensity bonus for previously approved hotel and provide for two out lots for future development. Motion by Mr. Winn, seconded by Ms. Chambers. Approved unanimously on roll call (5-0).
8. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-14-2026 – Planet Fitness
Change of concept development plan in C-2/PD district for ~3.9-acre area along south side of Cavalry Drive for two-story ~33,000 sq ft Planet Fitness Health Club. Motion by Ms. Chambers, seconded by Mr. Schneider. Approved unanimously on roll call (5-0).
9. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-15-2026 -(Budget Amendment #2, FY 2025-26)
Amends current fiscal year budget for temporary employees, back taxes, health claims, depreciation, etc. Motion by Ms. Chambers, seconded by Mr. Schneider. Approved unanimously on roll call (5-0).
10. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-16-2026 – Official Budget FY 2026-27
Adopts official budget for fiscal year 2026-27. Motion by Ms. Chambers, seconded by Ms. Whalen. Approved unanimously on roll call (5-0).
11. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-17-2026 – Job Descriptions, Positions, Pay Plan
Amends prior ordinance relating to job descriptions, authorized positions, and pay plan (2.4% COLA and adjustments). Motion by Mr. Winn, seconded by Ms. Cable. Approved unanimously on roll call (5-0).
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-18-2026 – Personnel Policy Manual
Amends personnel policy manual for compliance with laws and updates. Motion by Ms. Chambers, seconded by Ms. Whalen. Approved unanimously on roll call (5-0).
13. ROCOGNITION OF FLORENCE FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT BY ST. ELIZABETH HEALTHCARE
Recognition of Florence Fire/EMS crew for outstanding performance. Award presented by St. Elizabeth representatives.
14. Mayor’s Report – Brief updates on upcoming city events and operations.
Expressed sincere condolences on the passing of longtime Florence Community Chorus Director Don Whitus.
15. CLOSED SESSION – None
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayoral candidate David Rose and council candidates Shari Kilmer, and Jim Leach were present in the audience.