City Council

Florence City Council Business Meeting Tuesday, January 14, 2025 6:00 p.m. MINUTES The City Council of the City of Florence, Kentucky, met in regular session on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 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 five (5) members of council were registered present: Patricia Wingo, Lesley Chambers, Gary Winn, Diane E. Whalen, and Angie Cable. Councilmember David A. Osborne was absent. Staff members present were: City Attorney, Thomas R. Nienaber; Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren; Chief of Police, Jeff Mallery; Public Services Director, Eric Hall; Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua J. Hunt; City Engineer, Bill Viox; City Clerk, Melissa Kramer; Finance Director, Jason Lewis; Videographer, Perry Weber; and Police Lieutenant, Jason Reed. The following were also present in the audience: Resident of Florence, Thomas Judd; Resident of Florence, James Leach; Resident of Florence, Brad Cable; Executive Director/Community Services of Boone County Schools, Kathy Reutman; and NKY Tribune Reporter, Trisha Scheyer. MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORIAM OF DAVID A. OSBORNE: After the Roll Call, Mayor Aubuchon acknowledged the absence of Councilmember David A. Osborne informing every one of his passing. She requested a moment of silence in his honor. Following the moment of silence, Mayor Aubuchon shared the following: “It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of our beloved councilmember, David A. Osborne. David’s life was a testament to dedication, service, and love for the City of Florence. Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 David was born and raised here in Florence, and his deep roots in our community shaped his lifelong commitment to serving others. He began his journey as a councilmember in 1976, serving until 1989, and then again from 1992 to this very year, 2025. His tenure on the Florence City Council spanned nearly 50 years, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping Florence’s growth and character. David was just reelected to council, and his determination to serve was so strong that he was released from the hospital to be sworn in—an incredible testament to his dedication. David was a man who never met a stranger. To know him was to love him. His hearty laugh could brighten any room, and his grin could bring a smile to even the lowest of days. He had a unique way of making everyone feel valued and uplifted. His passion for Florence and its people was matched only by his devotion to honoring our veterans, as a proud U.S. Army veteran himself. David’s faith was central to his life. He was a longtime member of First Church of Christ, which began in the basement of the Florence Historic Main Street Fire House in the 1960s. David remained a faithful member throughout his life, and now he is rejoicing in his eternal home, having heard those beautiful words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Beyond his public service, David was a devoted husband to his sweetheart Pamela, a loving father to his two grown children, and a proud grandfather to two granddaughters. His family was his pride and joy, and we extend our deepest condolences to them during this time. David will be forever an integral part of Florence and of every person who was fortunate enough to know him. His contributions to our city are immeasurable, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. As we honor his extraordinary life, let us strive to continue his legacy of service, kindness, and joy. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Thank you, David, for all you have given us. Rest in peace, dear friend.” Councilmember Whalen noted that a moment of silence would not have reflected Mr. Osborne’s character and requested everyone to give a round of applause in his honor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2024, special meeting. Councilmember Whalen motioned to approve the minutes with a second from Councilmember Winn. All councilmembers present voted aye. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Aubuchon introduced Executive Director/Community Services of Boone County Schools, Kathy Reutman and welcomed her to the meeting in recognition of School Board Recognition Month. Mayor Aubuchon issued a Proclamation acknowledging the month of January 2025 to be “School Board Recognition Month” reading the following Proclamation into record: WHEREAS, our community values a quality education as a vital step along the pathway to success for our children; and WHEREAS, Carolyn Hankins Wolfe, Julie Maddox, Jesse Parks, Cindy Young and Karen Byrd, contribute greatly to this community through their service on the Boone County Schools Board of Education; and 2|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 WHEREAS, School board members, in conjunction with Superintendent of Boone County Schools, Dr. Jeff Hauswald, they are responsible for providing leadership that ensures a clear, shared vision of public education for their schools, that sets high standards for the education of all students, and requires the effective and efficient operation of their districts; and WHEREAS, these decision makers are responsible for maintaining strong, effective, budgetary oversight, high standards for employment and a safe, well-managed set of school facilities; and WHEREAS, these board members elected to school board positions deserve recognition and thanks for their countless hours of volunteer service to public education and the students of our state as they serve our community with integrity, honor and a commitment to our children’s futures. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT, 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 2025 as “School Board Recognition Month” in the city in honor of the members of the Boone County School Board of Education and urge all citizens to join me in recognizing their dedication to mold an education system that meets the needs of both today’s and tomorrow’s students. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Florence, Kentucky, to be affixed hereto, this 14th day of January 2025. RESOLUTION R-1-2025: Mayor Aubuchon read Resolution R-1-2025. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing Dr. Julie M. Aubuchon, as Mayor, to Execute on behalf of the City of Florence, Kentucky, a Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Transportation Cabinet, Boone County, Kentucky and the City of Florence, Kentucky to establish terms for operation and maintenance of traffic signals on US 42 in Boone County and the City of Florence from the intersection with KY 536 in Boone County to Ewing Boulevard in the City of Florence, Kentucky. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve Resolution R-1-2025. Councilmember Winn motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Wingo. Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Whalen, yes; Councilmember Cable, yes. Roll call recognized five yes votes approving Resolution R-1-2025 by unanimous vote. MAYOR’S REPORT: • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone the Valentines for Troops were due Friday, January 17. • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone the Florence Government Center would be closed next Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone of the Florence Parks Master Plan Update Tuesday, January 21 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Florence Nature Park. 3|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 RECOGNITION: Members of City Council: Councilmember Winn commended Mayor Aubuchon on her recent news story highlighting the “Valentines for Troops” initiative and praised the Florence Police Department for their heroic efforts in rescuing a woman who fell into a frozen lake. Chief Mallery expressed his appreciation to the Boone County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance noting that a deputy also assisted in the rescue. Chief Mallery also thanked the Florence Fire/EMS Department for providing medical assistance to the woman following the rescue. Councilmember Chambers mentioned recent social media posts concerning parking and snow emergencies and requested Chief Mallery provide a review of the guidelines for street parking during such events. Chief Mallery explained that if snowplows encounter a vehicle obstructing their path, a public services employee will first attempt to contact the owner to have the vehicle moved. If the owner cannot be located, the police department is notified and makes further efforts to reach the owner. He noted that in his twenty-five years of service, only one vehicle had ever been towed in such situations. Chief Mallery emphasized that during snow emergencies, the police department prioritizes more pressing matters, such as assisting with accidents, and is unable to ticket every vehicle in violation. However, if a particular vehicle becomes a significant issue, a ticket will be issued, with the fine set at $30. Councilmember Chambers stated that there are citizens that feel enforcement should be more harsh and others feel that it should be more lenient and believed that there was a balancing act that needed to occur. She also noted additional considerations she had not previously considered such as a car parked on the street during a snow emergency. This could cause a significant pile up of snow and potentially blocking mailboxes. Councilmember Chambers thanked Chief Mallery for explaining the process again. Additionally, Councilmember Chambers commended the city’s social media page which kept citizens informed about safety guidelines and ensuring their well-being during the snowstorm. Department Heads: Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren: Chief Wren did not desire recognition. Public Services Director, Eric Hall: Mr. Hall did not desire recognition. 4|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Chief of Police, Jeff Mallery: Chief Mallery did not desire recognition. Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua J. Hunt: Mr. Hunt did not desire recognition. Finance Director, Jason Lewis: Mr. Lewis did not desire recognition. Members of the Audience: James Leach, Resident of Florence, stated he observed the council meeting last week and expressed his disappointment of the lack of parking and snow enforcement in his neighborhood. He explained that during the recent snowstorm, at least three-four vehicles were never moved, leaving piles of snow behind and causing issues including a car parked backwards at the Dilcrest entrance. He stated that he felt parking enforcement was virtually nonexistent and the problem was especially severe on his cul-de-sac, where spots are often occupied by cars from out of the county or by residents who refuse to use their driveways. On weekends, he explained that it is nearly impossible to find parking for guests and felt that the city needs a zero tolerance parking policy and more active patrols to address the ongoing issues. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(f) appointment, discipline, or dismissal of personnel. Councilmember Wingo so moved with a second from Councilmember Whalen. All councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:16 p.m. Mayor Aubuchon advised they would return to the room to adjourn and did not anticipate any further business taking place following Closed Session. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to come back into session after the Closed Session. Councilmember Winn so moved, with a second from Councilmember Wingo. All councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:46 p.m. Mayor Aubuchon called upon Vice Mayor Whalen to provide an update regarding the decision to fill the current city council vacancy. Vice Mayor Whalen stated that following the passing of Councilmember Osborne, a vacancy on the Florence City Council had been created. In accordance with Kentucky law, the city council is responsible for filling the vacancy. She explained Florence City Council had decided to accept letters of intent from the public, which must be submitted to the city clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 22. Additionally, she explained the timeline would allow councilmembers time to review the letters prior to the next business meeting on January 28 in a closed session. During that meeting, council would discuss the submissions and aim to reach a consensus for the appointment. 5|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Councilmember Chambers requested Vice Mayor Whalen explain the qualifications. Vice Mayor Whalen stated that the applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have lived in the city for at least one year, plan to reside in the city for the entire term, and be a registered voter. Vice Mayor Whalen stated letters of intent should be emailed to the City Clerk, Melissa Kramer at melissa.kramer@florence-ky.gov. The information would also be available on the city website and Facebook page. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Whalen so moved, with a second from Councilmember Winn. Councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:48 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Julie M. Aubuchon Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Melissa Kramer Melissa Kramer, City Clerk 6|Page