City Council

Florence City Council Business Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 2025 6:00 p.m. MINUTES The City Council of the City of Florence, Kentucky, met in regular session on Tuesday, August 12, 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; Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren; Police Captain, Greg Rehkamp; 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: Assistant City Clerk, Brandi Roundtree; NKY Tribune Reporter, Trisha Scheyer; Link NKY Reporter, David Rotenstein; Resident of Florence, James Leach; and Resident of Florence, Thomas A. Judd. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2025 business meeting. Councilmember Whalen motioned to approve the minutes with a second from Councilmember Wingo. All councilmembers present voted aye. Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 SECOND 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 called for a motion to approve second reading of Ordinance O-18-2025. Councilmember Schneider 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 second reading of Ordinance O-18-2025 by unanimous vote. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION OF RESOLUTION R-5-2025: Mayor Aubuchon called upon Joshua Hunt, with regard to a discussion and possible action of Resolution R-5-2025. Mr. Hunt explained the agreement referenced funds from the Kenton County’s Mental Health and Aging Tax Fund. He noted that the formula used to determine each county’s allocation was complex. Based on his understanding, the Florence Senior Center serves approximately 310 Boone County residents, 135 Kenton County residents, and 10 Campbell County residents each year. Kenton County applied the funding formula to its residents who attended the Florence Senior Center and those funds would be paid to the City of Florence to be included in the senior center’s budget. Mayor Aubuchon opened the floor for questions. Councilmember Whalen referenced a memo from Katie James, Human Services Administrator, which stated this was the first time Kenton County had granted funds. She inquired if it was also the first time such funds had been requested. Mr. Hunt confirmed this would be the first time Kenton County provided funding. He explained that Mrs. James had partnered with the YMCA to request the funds. Councilmember Whalen then asked whether this was an extension of a prior agreement. Mr. Hunt stated that he was unaware of any prior agreements. 2|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Councilmember Whalen noted that the Resolution stated, “the existing agreement between Kenton County and the City of Florence will be extended” and that the provided information referenced an extension of an agreement between the two entities. City Attorney, Thomas R. Nienaber, confirmed that a prior agreement existed allowing participants from other counties to attend the city’s senior center. He added the agreement would formalize the understanding between Kenton County and the City of Florence. Mr. Nienaber explained that although Kenton County residents had been using the facility, no payments had been previously received from the Kenton County Fiscal Court. Mr. Hunt stated that after reviewing the financial spreadsheet, he found no record of payments from Kenton County to the City of Florence. Councilmember Whalen requested confirmation that an agreement between Kenton County and the City of Florence was in place for Senior Center use. Mr. Nienaber confirmed stating he was informed by Kenton County that such an agreement existed. Councilmember Whalen said she had not seen such agreement and recommended council review it before granting an extension. Mr. Nienaber agreed to request a copy of the written agreement. He added that if no written version existed, the arrangement might be based on an unwritten understanding. Councilmember Whalen also asked whether Campbell County residents attended senior center. Mr. Hunt confirmed that ten Campbell County residents attended and there was no formal funding arrangement from Campbell County. He added that fourteen residents from other unspecified counties also participated. Councilmember Whalen expressed surprise noting that residents would attend senior centers in their own counties. Mr. Hunt stated he was surprised as well. Councilmember Whalen requested a copy of the agreement to review. Mayor Aubuchon inquired if councilmembers would be opposed to the city accepting the funds from Kenton County. Councilmember Whalen noted the agreement stated the YMCA would be responsible for completing all paperwork related to the funding. She asked if similar paperwork was already completed for Boone County residents and whether this agreement would create additional work for city staff. 3|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Mr. Hunt confirmed that similar paperwork was already completed for Boone County residents and that no additional work would be required. Mayor Aubuchon stated additional information would be presented at the next council meeting. Councilmember Whalen inquired whether a vote would be taken on the Resolution at this meeting. Mayor Aubuchon replied that council requested more information before voting and she asked whether council preferred to vote tonight or wait. Councilmembers agreed to wait until additional information was provided before voting on the Resolution. MAYOR’S REPORT: • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Aquatic Center would be open weekends through Labor Day, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. Mayor Aubuchon stated that another successful pool season would end on Labor day and the city was proud to have welcomed thousands of visitors to the pool this season. Mayor Aubuchon added that city officials were made aware of a social media post and received phone calls concerning an infection at the Florence Aquatic Center that was not reported to the pool management company. In an abundance of caution, the Northern Kentucky Health Department was contacted to investigate the issue and did not find any concerns regarding the facility’s safety or sanitation. Mayor Aubuchon reassured the public that the city remained committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Rededication Ceremony of the Boone County Veterans Memorial at the Florence Government Center that would be held on Saturday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. • Mayor Aubuchon invited everyone to the World of Golf, 7400 Woodspoint Drive, on August 30 for a Mini-Golf Tournament and Concert. The tournament would run from 4:30 -7:00p.m. followed by live music from the “What About Jane Band”. • Mayor Aubuchon reminded everyone that the City of Florence would host a Neighborhood Night Out on Tuesday, September 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Woods Park. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Arbor Day Celebration on September 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the Florence Government Center. 4|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 RECOGNITION: Mayor Aubuchon asked if any of the following desired recognition: Members of City Council: Councilmember Winn thanked Chief of Police Mallery and the Police Department for sharing safety information with the public regarding motorized scooters and motorized bikes. Councilmember Whalen stated on August 3, the City of Florence Mayor’s Facebook page announced a partnership with HomeServe to offer water service and sewer septic line breakdown insurance. She also received a letter in the mail on city letterhead from HomeServe regarding the program. She requested additional information be provided for residents who may have received the letter but did not see the Facebook post. Eric Hall, Public Services Director, reported that about five years ago the city began receiving inquiries from residents about insurance for private water and sewer lines, but at that time no reputable organizations endorsed a provider. Within the past year, the Kentucky League of Cities, National League of Cities, and Kentucky Rural Water began backing HomeServe. After consulting with other municipalities using HomeServe, Mr. Hall believed partnering with the company would benefit residents. He explained that the city is responsible for water lines up to the meter, while property owners are responsible from the meter to the home. The voluntary program offers plans for exterior water service lines, sewer lines, and interior plumbing and drainage. Mr. Hall apologized for not briefing council before information was mailed to residents. He noted the city would receive $0.10 for each customer enrolled in water or sewer related services and that City Attorney Nienaber had reviewed all documentation throughout the process. Councilmember Chambers asked about the average cost of a water or sewer line break and whether HomeServe conducted inspections before issuing coverage. Mr. Hall responded that no pre-inspection was required, but preexisting conditions are not covered. The program applies only to single family homes, excludes properties with multiple service lines, and does not cover commercial properties. The city’s agreement with HomeServe simply allows use of the City logo on letters to homeowners to build trust. Mr. Hall noted repairs or replacements can cost between $3,000 and $10,000. In one case, he advised a longtime homeowner with 50-year-old lines to consider the program due to the potential risk and expense. Mayor Aubuchon shared that several homes on her street had recently replaced water lines due to the type of pipe originally installed, with repairs costing between $3,000 and $7,000. She noted her neighbor had recommended obtaining insurance before issues arose, which was prior to the city’s partnership with HomeServe. In response to Councilmember Whalen’s question, Mayor Aubuchon confirmed the agreement with HomeServe was non-exclusive and would not affect other insurance providers. 5|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Councilmember Whalen noted ongoing water line issues at a condominium complex on her street, where the association had increased monthly fees to cover repair costs, and asked about the type of original pipe used. Mr. Hall reported that after meeting with the condo association, it was confirmed the lines, installed in 1999, were copper, a material no longer permitted underground due to frequent failures. The association had already spent about $1 million on repairs, and the city was offering assistance where possible. Mr. Hall also announced a new water usage portal for customers, allowing them to track usage, set alerts, indicate when they would be away, and cap usage during a billing cycle. The system was being tested to ensure accuracy before public launch. A condo association representative was participating in the pilot to monitor potential leaks. In response to a follow up from Councilmember Whalen, Mr. Hall confirmed the City’s Finance Department still notified residents of unusual or excessive water use. Councilmember Whalen encouraged residents to check existing homeowner’s insurance policies for leak coverage before purchasing additional protection. Councilmember Cable thanked Mr. Hall, Mr. Hunt, and Mayor Aubuchon for meeting with condo association members. Councilmember Cable requested an update on the TID Board Director position being filled. Mr. Hall reported the application period recently closed with the city receiving thirty-three applications. He explained that he would not rush the process and would reopen the application period if none of the candidates were suitable. He also noted that he had a scheduled meeting with an individual who had experience creating multiple TID Boards in Ohio to discuss the next steps. Department Heads: Police Captain, Greg Rehkamp: Captain Rehkamp did not desire recognition. Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua J. Hunt: Mr. Hunt did not desire recognition. Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren: Chief Wren 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. 6|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Members of the Audience: James Leach, Resident of Florence, thanked Florence Fire/EMS for their assistance during a recent medical emergency. He also shared that he had to repair his sewer line at a cost of $20,000, with insurance covering only $3,000 related to the earlier water line discussion. Mr. Leach also requested that the city restore the “Good Neighbor” requirements listed on the city website that listed such items as trailer storage requirements and yard maintenance requirements to allow resident to understand property maintenance expectations. Councilmember Chambers agreed noting the guidelines were very helpful when she first purchased her home in Florence. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to KRS 61.810 (1) (c) litigation, proposed or pending against or on behalf of the city. Councilmember Winn so moved with a second from Councilmember Schneider. All councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:28 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 Wingo so moved, with a second from Councilmember Winn. All councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 7:25 p.m. 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 7:26 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Julie M. Aubuchon Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Melissa Kramer Melissa Kramer, City Clerk 7|Page