By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
INDEPENDENCE
Independence city council approved the second reading of an amendment to the current ordinance outlawing solicitors. Since the city has seen its share of persistent solicitors who have disregarded the law, the city has decided to raise the fines significantly for first, second, and third offenses.
Council listened to the first reading of the amended parking ordinance, and the changes were pointed out to the council members. One of the clarifications is that no one is allowed to park on a roundabout, and another clarifies that a citation is not always given with impoundment of a vehicle.
They also listened to the first reading of an ordinance changing the zoning for Brandicorp from RRE to CC and PUD for 40 acres on the west side of Oliver road, and east of Ky 17.
A resolution passed which authorized Mayor Chris Reinersman to buy the property at Cox road/Taylor Mill Road. The property will be purchased with economic development funds, and will improve the Cherokee area as far as visibility and possible alignment.
Mayor Reinersman gave a report on the delay on the splash pad, saying restrictions from the state caused the delay, but they hope to have it up and running soon.
ERLANGER
The business spotlight for Erlanger this month was Stewart Ironworks, a business that was created in 1862. Bill Morgan told council about his business, and there was a short film about the company.
Ralph Sydnor, Market Manager of the Erlanger Farmer’s Market, encouraged people to come to the market on Thursdays, from 2-6 p.m., and said they have everything from jams, jellies and sourdough bread to freeze dried candy and apple butter. He said they were about two weeks away from having tomatoes.
Mayor Jessica Fette talked about the new dog park in the Eons preserve. She also talked about the bike park, up the hill from the dog park, and she said there will be a 1000 foot jumpline, and activities for beginner, intermediate and pro bikers.
Fette is very proud of the new 24/72 hour shift change in the Fire department and credited the teamwork of the police and fire, culminating in reduced response time for the firefighters, and setting a new standard for the area.
She said there is a potential new donor for the Eons Preserve, which will result in a Memorandum of Understanding between the city of Erlanger and the Preserve, something that members of council have requested.
The subject of front yard fencing was brought up, a subject Council member Michele Fields has been championing due to families with autistic children. A resident who is a grandmother of a five year old autistic child said she has trouble keeping up with the child, who has a strong tendency to wander. She begged council to make a front yard fence something they can achieve for their yard because it can slow the child down enough for someone to notice she is out and in danger.
Council member Chris Farmer said that since autistic children are oftentimes drawn to bodies of water, Swim Life can give lessons to these children for survival purposes.
A resolution passed which accepts a grant for $1 million to be distributed over 2 years for Capital projects at Eons Preserve. Council member Jennifer Jasper-Lucas voted no, because she is adamant about having some kind of document between the city and Eons Preserve in place.
Another resolution passed which accepts the lease agreement between the city and Lease Servicing Center Inc, for police vehicles.
TAYLOR MILL
The city of Taylor Mill honored City Administrator Brian Haney for his 36 years of public service Wednesday night at the regular commission meeting This was his last commission meeting as CAO of the city. City Attorney Jack Gatlin, who has known Haney since the early nineties, read the proclamation, noting the beginning of his career in May of 1990 as a senior planner at the state Department for the division of water, and ending with 8 years as the Chief Administrative Officer at the city of Taylor Mill.
“Brian has consistently approached his responsibilities with creativity, intelligence, and foresight, executing them with exceptional accuracy and competence,” he read from the proclamation. “This commission recognizes exceptional individuals who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service, and Brian embodies professionalism, diligence, reliability, ethical standards, compassion, teamwork, and a positive attitude.”
He added that Haney will be profoundly missed, and he leaves behind an unparalleled standard of public service. Each commissioner and Mayor Dan Bell expressed their gratitude for being able to work with him these 8 years.
There will be a party for Haney at the Firehouse on July 31, at noon, and Haney said, “There will be cake!”
Interviews for Haney’s replacement are going well and they will have a choice soon.
The second reading of an ordinance passed which confirmed the hours that the liquor stores should be open. The new hours are 6 a.m.-2:30 a.m. every day.
Commissioners also approved work to be done on Vincent road. Upon recommendations from Haney and engineer James Schumate, they accepted the bid of Rector Excavating for $2.736 million for storm drains and curbing.