City Council

Florence City Council Business Meeting Tuesday, July 22, 2025 6:00 p.m. MINUTES The City Council of the City of Florence, Kentucky, met in regular session on Tuesday, July 22, 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 six (6) members of council were registered present: Angie Cable, Lesley Chambers, David M. Schneider, Diane E. Whalen (Vice Mayor), Patricia Wingo, and Gary Winn. Staff members present were: City Attorney, Thomas R. Nienaber; Finance Director, Jason Lewis; Assistant Fire/EMS Chief, Ryan Born; 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; Videographer, Perry Weber; and Police Corporal, Ben Kolkmeier. The following were also present in the audience: Human Services Administrator, Katie James; Resident of Florence, James Leach; Resident of Florence, Naomi Liebson; Resident of Florence, Robert Sergeant; Resident of Florence, Karen Strayer; Resident of Florence, Tonya Schmitz; President & CEO of meetNKY, Julie Kirkpatrick; Product Development Director of meetNKY, Josh Quinn; Owner/CEO of Florence Y’alls, David DelBello; Florence Y’alls General Manager, Max Johnson; Frontier League Commissioner, Steve Tahsler; and NKY Tribune Reporter, Trisha Scheyer. Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2025, business meeting. Councilmember Whalen motioned to approve the minutes with a second from Councilmember Schneider. All councilmembers present voted aye. PRESENTATION: Mayor Julie Aubuchon invited David DelBello, President and CEO of the Florence Y’alls, and Julie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of meetNKY, to the podium for a special announcement. Mr. DelBello proudly announced that the Florence Y’alls had been selected to host the 2026 Frontier League All-Star Game. He shared his excitement, noting that bringing the All-Star Game to Florence had been a longstanding goal for the organization. He explained that the five-day event would draw visitors from across the United States and Canada and would generate significant benefits for the entire Florence community. He expressed gratitude to the City of Florence for its continued support and investment in the Y’alls, offering special thanks to Mayor Aubuchon and former Mayor Diane Whalen. He credited their leadership and commitment as key factors in the team’s ability to maintain one of the best facilities in the Frontier League. Ms. Kirkpatrick echoed that sentiment, thanking Mayor Aubuchon, former Mayor Whalen, and City Council on behalf of meetNKY. She emphasized the importance of the event, stating that hosting the All-Star Game in Florence was both an honor and a valuable opportunity for economic development and community pride. She noted that the celebration would begin with the city’s annual July 3rd event and continue through the All-Star Game all while coinciding with America’s 250th birthday celebration. Mayor Aubuchon introduced Steve Tahsler, Commissioner of the Frontier League, and invited him to speak. Mr. Tahsler thanked Mayor Aubuchon and City Council and shared his enthusiasm for bringing the All-Star Game back to Florence for the third time, making Florence the first market in the league’s history to host the event three times in 20 years. He explained that the All-Star Game was the league’s marquee event, attracting fans from all 18 league markets including Quebec City, Canada to Pearl, Mississippi. He noted the success of this year’s game in New York, which played to a sold out crowd and expressed confidence that Florence would showcase Northern Kentucky just as successfully. He outlined the key reasons Florence was chosen to host the 2026 All-Star Game, highlighting the condition and continued upgrades to the Y’alls ballpark. Despite being over 20 years old, the stadium remained in excellent shape due to consistent investment and care. The stadiums amenities, central location, and strong community support make it a model venue for the Frontier League. 2|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Mayor Aubuchon reflected on the city’s early efforts to bring baseball to Florence, noting that she and Councilmember Whalen were the only councilmembers to go on the fact finding trip when the idea was first considered. She credited Councilmember Whalen for championing the vision and helping to make it a reality. She thanked Mr. DelBello and the entire Florence Y’alls team for their partnership and support, emphasizing that hosting the 2026 All-Star Game would be about more than baseball. It would be a celebration of community spirit and pride and an opportunity to showcase Florence’s hospitality, energy, and character on a national stage. She noted that the game would be held on July 14, 2026, making the event even more meaningful as it aligns with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Councilmember Whalen added that during early discussions with Mr. DelBello about acquiring the stadium, much of the conversation focused on how the facility could serve the community beyond baseball. From Christmas light displays to Halloween events, the stadium has become a year round destination, providing opportunities for residents far beyond the traditional baseball season. She believed this versatility contributed to Florence being selected to host the All-Star Game once again. FIRST READING ORDINANCE O-18-2025: Mayor Aubuchon read Ordinance O-18-2025. An Ordinance of the City of Florence, Kentucky establishing a disability signage program. The purpose of this Ordinance O-18-2025 is to establish policies and procedures for application, review, and installation of “Person With Disability Area” signs in residential areas within the City of Florence. The full text of Ordinance O-18-2025, including its exhibits, is available for examination in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Florence, Kentucky, in the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence, Kentucky, during regular office hours. Mayor Aubuchon explained that the signage program would enable people to have signs in residential areas to notify the public that people with disabilities lived at that property. This would ensure extra caution would be taken when dealing with individuals that may need extra attention. Mayor Aubuchon invited Human Services Administrator, Katie James, to the podium and opened the floor for questions. Councilmember Whalen requested additional details of the program. Mrs. James explained that the program was created for any individuals with disabilities and was not limited by age. Applicants would need to complete and submit an application along with a physician statement confirming the disability. The application would be reviewed by city staff and if approved, Public Services would install the sign. If the application was denied, the applicant would have the ability to appeal the decision to the city. An annual review would take place to ensure the individuals had not moved. 3|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Councilmember Whalen inquired as to what types of signs would be available. Mrs. James explained that one sign would be available stating “Person with Disability Area”. The sign would be available to anyone with an ADA certified disability. The city would not determine someone’s disability, they would rely on a medical doctor’s diagnosis. Mayor Aubuchon requested clarification that the sign could be installed for adults or children. Mrs. James confirmed there would be no age limit. Councilmember Chambers inquired as to how the request for the disability signs originated and if the idea was submitted by a community member. Mrs. James confirmed that a community member submitted a request to Public Services. Discussion was held within the Public Services Department and the Administration Department regarding the signs and the program was created through those discussions. Councilmember Cable expressed appreciation for the creation of this program. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve Ordinance O-18-2025. Councilmember Wingo motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Winn. Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Whalen, yes; Councilmember Schneider, yes; Councilmember Cable, yes. Roll call recognized six yes votes approving Ordinance O-18-2025 by unanimous vote. MAYOR’S REPORT: • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone to attend Christmas in July at the Florence Aquatic Center on Friday, July 25. • Mayor Aubuchon announced there would not be a council meeting on Tuesday, July 29. It was a 5th Tuesday. • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone the Car Show and Art & Vendor Festival would be held on Saturday, August 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Bell Park and the Historic Fire Station on Main Street in Florence. • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone the City of Florence would host a National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The event would be held here at the Florence Government Center. The Police Department, Public Services Department, and Fire/EMS Department would have equipment on display with vendors and food provided to attendees. 4|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 RECOGNITION: Mayor Aubuchon asked if any of the following desired recognition: Members of City Council: Councilmember Whalen stated that during the budget retreat, discussion was held with regard to the Insurance Premium Tax wherein Mayor Aubuchon stated she would review the tax. Councilmember Whalen stated that she had received her insurance renewal notice and realized that the cost of insurance across the board continued to accelerate, along with property assessments. She explained that at one point the city had an 8% Insurance Premium Tax which was lowered to 5%. However, in addition to the 5% being charged by the city, her insurance company was also charging her 2% which means residents were paying 7% of their insurance premium taxes to the city. She added that this amount did not include the police and fire surcharge paid to the state for the pension fund. Councilmember Whalen requested a review of the Insurance Premium Tax by council to make a determination to allow some relief to residents as all residents pay for some type of insurance, home, vehicle, renters insurance. Mayor Aubuchon recommended council review the Insurance Premium Tax in conjunction with the tax rate hearing in August. Councilmember Cable requested an update on the foreclosure proceedings for the property located on Goodridge Avenue. Thomas R. Nienaber, City Attorney, stated he contacted property owner’s father regarding a proposal for a resolution. The father said he would contact Mr. Nienaber the next day but has not reached back out. Councilmember Cable inquired as to how much time Mr. Nienaber would allow him to contact him. Mr. Nienaber stated he would follow up tomorrow to see if he would be willing to assist with a resolution. Mayor Aubuchon requested confirmation that the city has had no contact from the property owner. Mr. Nienaber confirmed he had not received any type of communication from the property owner. Councilmember Whalen inquired if code enforcement had seen any improvements to the property. 5|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Mr. Nienaber stated there had been no changes to the property. Department Heads: 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. Assistant Fire/EMS Chief, Ryan Born: Assistant Chief Born did not desire recognition. Finance Director, Jason Lewis: Mr. Lewis did not desire recognition. Public Services Director, Eric Hall Mr. Hall did not desire recognition. Members of the Audience: Naomi Liebson, Resident of Florence, expressed concerns about the lack of seating throughout the city. As someone living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that causes fatigue and joint issues, she shared that she often struggles to find nearby places to rest when out in the community. She also noted that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can be particularly difficult for individuals with certain disabilities. In light of this, she requested that benches with shade coverings or awnings be installed at the Florence Aquatic Center to better accommodate those with similar needs. Tonya Schmitz, Resident of Florence, explained issues with parking on her street, Kathryn Avenue. She explained that parking is only permitted on one side of the street and there was an 18-foot space between her and her neighbor’s driveways. When vehicles park in that space, it significantly obstructs her visibility when pulling out of her driveway, creating a safety hazard. Ms. Schmitz referenced a city ordinance requiring vehicles to park at least five to seven feet from the edge of a driveway but said she was told by Jeremiah Rice from the Public Services Department that Code Enforcement could not take action in this case. In an effort to deter parking in the problematic area, Ms. Schmitz installed a pole near her driveway, but it was later removed. She requested that the city install a sign to discourage vehicles from parking in that location. Mayor Aubuchon recommended she speak with Eric Hall, Public Services Director, and Police Chief Jeff Mallery following the meeting to further address the concern. 6|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 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 Winn so moved, with a second from Councilmember Whalen. Councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:25 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Julie M. Aubuchon Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Melissa Kramer Melissa Kramer, City Clerk 7|Page