City Council

Florence City Council Business Meeting Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:00 p.m. MINUTES The City Council of the City of Florence, Kentucky, met in regular session on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, Kentucky, with Mayor Julie M. Aubuchon presiding as chair. CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME: Mayor Julie M. Aubuchon called the regular meeting to order and declared the regular session open for the presentation of all city business. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Aubuchon and Members of City Council recited the invocation. All attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: The roll was called, and the following six (6) members of council were registered present: Mel Carroll, Lesley Chambers, Jenna Kemper (Vice-Mayor), David A. Osborne, Patricia Wingo, and Gary Winn. Staff members present were: City Attorney, Thomas R. Nienaber; CFO/HR, Linda Chapman; Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren; Police Chief, Tom Grau; Public Services Director, Eric Hall; Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua J. Hunt; City Engineer, Bill Viox; City Clerk, Melissa Kramer; Videographers, Perry Weber and Jay Gordon; and Police Sergeant, Jon Newton. The following were also present in the audience: Human Services Administrator, Katie James; Florence Christian Church Lead Pastor, Dr. Susan Ward Diamond; Parents, Coaches and Players of the Cooper High School Varsity Football Team; Cooper High School Football Coach, Randy Borchers; Resident of Florence, Angie Cable; Resident of Florence, Nancy Corman; Resident of Florence, Thomas Judd; and Northern Kentucky Tribune Reporter, Trisha Scheyer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2023, special meeting. Councilmember Winn motioned to approve the minutes with a second from Councilmember Kemper. All councilmembers present voted aye. Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 RECOGNITION – COOPER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM: Mayor Aubuchon introduced the Cooper Varsity Football Team including their Head Coach, Randy Borchers, assistant coaches, and members of the team. Head Coach Randy Borchers thanked Mayor Aubuchon and councilmembers for recognizing the team. He expressed his appreciation the team received from the community and local businesses and stated the team will remember this season for the rest of their lives. Mayor Aubuchon issued a Proclamation recognizing the Cooper High School Football Team reading the following Proclamation into record: WHEREAS, the City of Florence recognizes, with respect, pride, and admiration, the contribution, dedication, and hard work of our students within our community, and commends the Cooper High School Varsity Football team for their teamwork and athleticism in the sport of football; and, WHEREAS, the City of Florence celebrates the Cooper High School Varsity Football team, the Jaguars, through their hard work and perseverance throughout the season of 15 games, 1,240 yards rushing, 6.8 yards per rush, 323 yards receiving, 11.5 yards per reception, 1,563 total yards, 22 touchdowns (18 of those rushing); and, WHEREAS, the City of Florence enthusiastically applauds the 12-3 season record, with eight consecutive wins including three victories in a row on the road, that culminated into a trip to the state championship game which completed their journey as the 2023 Kentucky Class 5A state runner-up; and WHEREAS, the City of Florence is proud to congratulate the members of the Cooper High School Varsity Football team, their head coach, Randy Borchers, assistant head coaches, and all the parents for their hard work, support, and perseverance in recognition of the outstanding accomplishments. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JULIE M. AUBUCHON, Mayor of the City of Florence, Kentucky, and on behalf of the members of Florence City Council, do hereby proclaim January 9, 2024, in the City of Florence, Kentucky and invite all citizens to note this occasion, CO OP E R H I GH S CH O OL FO OT B ALL T E AM DA Y IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Florence, Kentucky, to be affixed hereto, this 9th day of January 2024. FLORENCE MASTER PLAN PARKS SURVEY: Mayor Aubuchon called upon Public Services Director, Eric Hall, regarding the Florence Master Plan Parks Survey. Mr. Hall provided an overview of the survey regarding the Florence Master Parks Plan. The survey went live on January 2 and is currently on the website, being promoted on social media, as well as, signs placed throughout the city for the public to engage in the process. Additionally, there will be an open house on January 31 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Nature Park Event Center. Mr. Hall explained the survey, questions, and the process for which the results would be obtained. He anticipates the results and master plan to be completed by September. 2|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Councilmember Chambers inquired regarding the company used for the master plan. Mr. Hall stated the city is utilizing the services of KZF Design and Human Nature, Inc. Councilmember Chambers inquired if these were the same companies used previously regarding the Florence Aquatic Center. Mr. Hall stated the process had not reached that point. Councilmember Chambers inquired if the city would be exploring the possibility of expanding the water park as a result of Coney Island closing. Mr. Hall stated the city would analyze the current uses and possible future additions or updates to the parks following the conclusion of the survey. He explained the survey had specific components with regards to updates, features most utilized at the parks, and recommendations of features. MAYOR’S REPORT: • Mayor Aubuchon expressed her enjoyment of the recent “Mayor for the Day”. She explained Reese a second grader with St. Paul School was crowned Mayor for the Day on December 29. As part of her duties for the day, Reese proclaimed St. Paul Day in Florence and visited various city departments. • Mayor Aubuchon encouraged everyone to visit the science projects on display provided by St. Tim’s Catholic School in the lobby until January 19. She stated Assistant Chief Black participated in the judging. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Florence Government Center would be closed on Monday, January 15, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Valentines for Troops initiative. She explained the city would be collecting cards, handwritten letters, or notes for deployed troops. All Valentine’s should be dropped off to the Florence Government Center Administration Department by January 24. For more information, contact the Administration Department at 859-647- 8177. • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone the City of Florence Master Parks Plan Survey is online on the website and encouraged everyone to attend the public meeting which would be held on Wednesday, January 31 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Florence Nature Park Event Center, 7200 Nature Park Drive in Florence. RECOGNITION: Mayor Aubuchon asked if any of the following desired recognition: Members of City Council: Councilmember Wingo encouraged everyone to recycle their Christmas lights that are no longer working at the Boone County Extension Office. Department Heads: Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren: Chief Wren did not desire recognition. 3|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Public Services Director, Eric Hall: Mr. Hall did not desire recognition. Chief of Police, Tom Grau: Chief Grau did not desire recognition. Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua J. Hunt: Mr. Hunt did not desire recognition. Members of the Audience: None desired recognition. CLOSED SESSION: There was no need for Closed Session. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Carroll so moved, with a second from Councilmember Winn. Councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:22 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Julie M. Aubuchon Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Melissa Kramer Melissa Kramer, City Clerk 4|Page