By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune
FLORENCE
Louis Kelly, Boone and Gallatin Commonwealth Attorney, came to the Florence Council meeting last week to talk about the crime numbers in the counties. He also listed the cases that are due to come to court in the near future.
Mayor Julie Aubuchon announced that cleanup week will be October 14 through October 20.
COVINGTON
Covington City Commission listened to two orders that were added to the caucus agenda last week. The first was an order approving a revision to the syringe exchange program due to the fact that the Northern Kentucky District Health Department and the Kenton County District Health Department will be opening a new office building just off the campus of St Elizabeth Hospital in Covington on James Simpson Way.
The needle exchange program is an attempt to prevent transmittable diseases. Mayor Joe Meyer commented that this issue was controversial a few years ago, but it seems to be settled down now. The issue will be on the consent agenda.
The second order authorizes documents to help Hotel Covington refinance with traditional financing, since the original financing was obtained during the pandemic in 2020. Legislative approval was given by the commissioners for the refinancing of the hotel.
FORT WRIGHT
The city of Fort Wright has put out a call for help for the storm victims in North Carolina. At the regular council meeting CAO Jill Cain Bailey told council members how she contacted North Carolina City and County Management Association, and partnered the city of Ft Wright with them to collect and deliver non-perishable items to the residents who desperately need help. She stressed that they do not want clothing or toys. Items needed include floor and window fans, first aid supplies, batteries, toilet paper, trash bags, all sizes of diapers, baby wipes, soap, bottled water, flashlights and coolers. A complete list can be found on the website.
“When you lose everything, you are in such a state,” Bailey said, mentioning that a fire had left her in that state some time ago. “You don’t know where to turn. I couldn’t even get dressed for work.
She said the items will be accepted until close of business on October 10, and first responders will take all the collected items to a key distribution center in North Carolina the weekend of October 11.
Council passed the second reading of an ordinance setting the tax rates for the year, at .215 per $100 of valuation for real estate, and .385 per $100 of valuation for tangible property. CAO Bailey said that the rates are historically low, and commented that council’s stewardship to the city’s residents was admirable in the trying economical times.
A resolution passed which honored Fire/EMS Lieutenant Jeff Hatter SR for 16 years of service to the city. He received a plaque from council.
BOONE COUNTY
Carrie Herrmann, Executive Director of the Boone County Library, came to the meeting last week to give the court an update on the progress of the library. She said they have five full service branches and one hybrid branch in Petersburg. She also mentioned the tax rate for real and tangible property is 4.1 percent, down from 4.4 percent, and in 2005 the tax rate was 8.7 for real property and 19.07 for tangible property.
Christy Noll, Executive Director of the Boone County Conservancy, talked to the court about the properties. She said the Conservancy was formed in 1999 to protect natural areas. There are about 1000 acres in the conservancy, mostly in Boone County.
A third presentation had to do with the first reading of an ordinance changing the concept development plan in an Urban Residential zone district for a 13.6 acre area at the terminus of Sherwood Lakes Drive. The project was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission with conditions.
Commissioner Jesse Brewer asked if the school board had been notified, and Boone County Planner Steve Lilly said that they didn’t receive a response from the school board. Brewer said he would like to see a response by the second reading.
Commissioner Cathy Flaig asked if they had garages, and Lilly said there would be no garages, but 32 one bedroom units, 82 two bedroom units and 48 three bedroom units, and open space parking.
Second reading of the ordinance is on October 22.
CAMPBELL COUNTY
Kristy Dangel from the Ion Center for Violence Prevention, previously the Women’s Crisis Center, came to the meeting to tell the court what the center does, and how they help people. The organization covers 13 counties in Northern Kentucky.
The Court designated October as Domestic Violence awareness month, and Judge Executive Steve Pendery presented Kristy Dangel with the proclamation.
Dave Waters came to discuss the issue of a public entry to the river. He also said he is retired but he would be happy to help the county on the project. Judge Pendery said they have tried to find a place, and even enlisted the help of the Army Corps of Engineers, but although there are private accesses to the river, there are no places that can be used as a public location.
Two police officers were advanced to the next level. Samuel Broomall and Robert Latham received an upgrade to their job descriptions.
The fall cleanup will be October 11 and 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at three locations. More information is on the website.