City Council

Florence City Council Business Meeting Tuesday, September 23, 2025 6:00 p.m. MINUTES The City Council of the City of Florence, Kentucky, met in regular session on Tuesday, September 23, 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: Lesley Chambers, David M. Schneider, Diane E. Whalen (Vice Mayor), Patricia Wingo, and Gary Winn. Councilmember Angie Cable was absent. Staff members present were: City Attorney, Thomas R. Nienaber; Finance Director, Jason Lewis; 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; Videographer, Perry Weber; and Police Sergeant, Erik Daniels. The following were also present in the audience: Police Sergeant, Tim Crowley; Police Corporal, Ben Kolkmeier; Police Lieutenant, Jason Reed; Police Captain, Nathan Rettig; Police Lieutenant, Mike Geis; Police Captain, Greg Rehkamp; Police Officer Mike Stanaland; Family of Police Officer Mike Stanaland; Retired Police Data Analyst, Leslie Runge; Police Property Clerk, Jackie Hart; Director of Community Development, Todd Morgan; Resident of Florence, Joe Berkshire; Resident of Florence, Mary Francis Berkshire; Resident of Florence, James Leach; Resident of Florence, Bill D’Andrea; Resident of Florence, Thomas Judd; Resident of Florence, Robert Sergeant; Resident of Florence, Nancy Corman; Resident of Florence, Shirley Pieper; Executive Director, Student/Community Services at Boone County Schools, Kathy Reutman; Link NKY Reporter, David Rotenstein; Wawa Representative, Patrick Warnement; Wawa Representative, Christian Danico; Wawa Representative, Eric Boyd and Wawa Representative, Randy Nguyen. Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2025, special meeting. Councilmember Schneider motioned to approve the minutes with a second from Councilmember Winn. All councilmembers present voted aye. FLORENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNITION – CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION: Mayor Aubuchon invited Chief Mallery to present a special recognition for the Florence Police Department. Chief Mallery explained that while a Distinguished Service Award typically honors an officer for exceptional service, this recognition was unique, it was being presented to an entire family. He explained, in October 2024, Officer Mike Stanaland and his family demonstrated remarkable compassion by opening their home to a child in need. Guided by their faith and values, what began as temporary care became a life-changing experience for everyone involved. Chief Mallery presented Officer Stanaland with a certificate and Distinguished Service Pin, commending the family’s kindness, generosity, and dedication to others. Officer Stanaland shared that his son had prayed to become a big brother, something he thought unlikely, but that prayer was answered. He thanked his family for their support and encouraged others to help where they feel called. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-19-2025: Mayor Aubuchon read Ordinance O-19-2025. An Ordinance Creating and Establishing for bid a non-exclusive Electric Franchise for the Placement of Facilities for the Transmission, Distribution and Sale of Electrical Energy within the Public Right-of-Way of the City of Florence for a twenty (20) year duration, reserving the right to impose a franchise fee in an amount up to five percent (5%) of franchisee's gross receipts per year from the franchisee’s sale of electricity to electric- consuming entities inside the City of Florence’s corporate limits and further providing for compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards; indemnification; insurance; cancellation or termination; and bid requirements; all effective on date of passage. The purpose of this Ordinance is to allow the City to publicly bid and award electric franchise rights to electric utility companies for a period of 20 years. This franchise will govern the placement and maintenance of equipment and facilities necessary for the transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity within the public rights-of-way. The Ordinance will include a provision allowing City Council to impose a franchise fee of up to 5% of the franchisee’s gross receipts generated from electric sales within the City’s boundaries. 2|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 The full text of Ordinance O-19-2025, 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 the second reading of Ordinance O-19-2025. Councilmember Wingo motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Chambers. Councilmember Whalen asked Joshua Hunt, Director of Administration/City Administrator, to clarify for residents what the proposed ordinance would and would not do. Mr. Hunt emphasized that the ordinance would not raise electric rates. He explained that it simply authorizes the city to seek bids from Duke Energy and Owen Electric to lease public rights-of-way for utility poles and related work. The franchise agreement would outline insurance requirements and protections for the city’s tree canopy. He also noted that, while the ordinance allows for a 5% franchise fee, Florence City Council has made it clear that no such fee will be imposed. If approved, the city would issue requests for bids, review responses from both utilities, and present final contracts to council for approval by Municipal Order. Councilmember Wingo added that Florence currently has franchise agreements with Duke Energy and Owen Electric, but those contracts must be rebid periodically as required. Mayor Aubuchon requested any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none and based on the motion by Councilmember Wingo and second from Councilmember Chambers, Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Whalen, yes; Councilmember Schneider, yes. Roll call recognized five yes votes approving the second reading of Ordinance O-19-2025 by unanimous vote. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-20-2025: Mayor Aubuchon read Ordinance O-20-2025. An Ordinance Relating to the levying of a Tax Upon Real Estate and Personal Property in the City of Florence, Kentucky; Levying a tax on all franchises taxable within the City of Florence, Kentucky; Specifying payment dates, discounts and penalties for the franchise tax on financial institutions measured by the deposits in the institutions located within the city; and Levying a special tax for the payment of current service costs for police and firemen in the County Employees Retirement System. (2025) This is the Ordinance by which the City establishes tax rates and levies annual taxes. The basic tax levied for General Fund purposes is a tax of eighteen and seven-tenths cents ($.187) per one hundred dollars of value on real property and a tax of twenty-three and nine-tenths cents ($.239) per one hundred dollars of value on personal property (except for motor vehicles and watercraft) and upon all franchises taxable by the City. In addition, this Ordinance levies a tax in the amount of four and four-tenths cents ($.044) per one hundred dollars of value upon all real and personal property (except for motor vehicles and 3|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 watercraft) and upon all franchises taxable by the City for the purpose of payment of the City's obligations for current service costs for police and firemen in the County employees' retirement system. All of the above mentioned taxes are due and payable upon final passage and publication of this Ordinance. A discount of two percent (2%) is allowed for any such taxes paid in full by November 1, 2025. Any such taxes remaining unpaid after January 1, 2026, are subject to a penalty of twelve percent (12%) plus interest on the amount unpaid at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from January 1, 2026, until paid. This Ordinance also establishes a franchise tax in the amount of twenty-five thousandths of one percent (0.025%) on all financial institutions measured by deposits in such institutions located in the City. This tax was levied by Ordinance No. O-18-96, pursuant to the Bank Franchise and Local Deposit Tax Act. (KRS 136.575) A two percent (2%) discount is allowed against this tax on bank deposits if paid before December 31, 2025. Any such taxes paid after January 31, 2026, will be subject to a penalty of twelve percent (12%) plus interest in the unpaid amount at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from January 31, 2026, until paid. The Ordinance establishes corresponding due dates, discounts and penalties for subsequent years. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance O-20-2025. Councilmember Whalen motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Wingo. Councilmember Whalen asked for clarification on the proposed tax rate reduction and its impact on Florence property owners. Finance Director Jason Lewis explained that the overall decrease results from lowering the Special Assessment for Hazardous Employee Retirement from 0.55 to 0.44. This adjustment sets the real property tax rate at $2.31 and the tangible property tax rate at $2.38 per $1,000 of assessed value. The change will save the average Florence taxpayer about $25 in real estate taxes for the upcoming year. Mr. Lewis noted that the reduction aligns with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and keeps the city’s revenues consistent with budget projections for the next fiscal year. Councilmember Schneider asked for confirmation that this marked the second consecutive year of tax reductions and Mayor Aubuchon affirmed that it was. Mayor Aubuchon requested any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none and based on the motion by Councilmember Whalen and second from Councilmember Wingo, Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Whalen, yes; Councilmember Schneider, yes. Roll call recognized five yes votes approving the second reading of Ordinance O-20-2025 by unanimous vote. Mayor Aubuchon commended city council for its important work, noting that it was always rewarding to see city staff, department heads, and council working together as a team. She emphasized the city’s ongoing commitment to transparent and conservative fiscal management. 4|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Additionally, Mayor Aubuchon explained that during the recent budget cycle, council reviewed a budget showing a modest revenue increase based on historical trends. This allowed for a 3% reduction in the total property tax rate for the second consecutive year, the first time since 2003– 2004 that Florence has achieved back to back tax cuts. She added that, through council’s adoption of a conservative spending plan, residents would benefit from a lower cost of living and, for some, a step closer to homeownership. Mayor Aubuchon thanked council for their vote to reduce the tax rate and noted that the adjustment would appear on tax bills mailed in October. FIRST READING ORDINANCE O-21-2025: Mayor Aubuchon read Ordinance O-21-2025. An ordinance adopting and approving a Change of Concept Development Plan in a Commercial Two/Planned Development (C-2/PD) Zone for an approximate 1.0 acre site located at 8748 US 42 and being located at the northeast corner of the intersection of US 42 with Farmview Drive, Florence, Kentucky, to allow modifications to conditions imposed with the previous concept development plan. (Bank of America) The effect of this Ordinance is to allow a Change of Concept Development Plan in a Commercial Two/Planned Development Zone for an approximate 1.0 acre site located at 8748 US 42 and located at the northeast corner of the intersection of US 42 with Farmview Drive, Florence, Kentucky, to allow modifications to conditions imposed with the previous Concept Development. The full text of Ordinance O-21-2025 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 the first reading of Ordinance O-21-2025. Councilmember Winn motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Wingo. Councilmember Whalen inquired as to which parcel the ordinance referenced. Mayor Aubuchon stated the ordinance referenced the Bank of America parcel. Councilmember Wingo stated discussion was held at the previous caucus meeting regarding minor changes to the approved concept development plan. The changes were to the roof and signage. Mayor Aubuchon requested any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none and based on the motion by Councilmember Winn and second from Councilmember Wingo, Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Whalen, yes; Councilmember Schneider, yes. Roll call recognized five yes votes approving the first reading of Ordinance O-21-2025 by unanimous vote. 5|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 MUNICIPAL ORDER MO-12-2025: Mayor Aubuchon read Municipal Order MO-12-2025. A Municipal Order approving the reappointment of Jeffrey P. Koenig to the Boone-Florence Water Commission as an Appointee of the City of Florence, Kentucky, for a four (4) year term. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve Municipal Order MO-12-2025. Councilmember Winn motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Whalen. Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Whalen, yes; Councilmember Schneider, yes. Roll call recognized five yes votes approving Municipal Order MO-12-2025 by unanimous vote. Mayor Aubuchon addressed Councilmember Chambers comments from the previous meeting regarding Mr. Koening’s residency status. She clarified that Bill Viox, a Boone County appointee, is in fact a resident of Florence. She noted the irony that while the city has a Boone County resident as an appointee, the county has a Florence resident serving as one of theirs, suggesting that during the next round of appointments, the city and county should switch appointees. DISCUSSION – RESOLUTION R-25-021-A OF THE BOONE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION: Mayor Aubuchon called upon Todd Morgan, Director of Community Development with regard to Resolution R-25-021-A of the Boone County Planning Commission recommending approval, with conditions for a request of CESCO Inc. (Applicant) for The Deters Company (Owner) and Vuong Xuan Nguyen (Owner) for a Change of Concept Development Plan in a Commercial Two/Planned Development (C-2/PD) District, for an approximate 3.8 acre area located at 8540 US 42 and including the property having a Parcel Identification Number (PIDN) of 062.00-00-039.00, and being located at the northeast corner of the intersection of US 42 with Hopeful Church, Florence, Kentucky and providing the recommendation be forwarded to the City of Florence, Florence, Kentucky. Mr. Morgan presented a proposed concept plan amendment for a 3.8-acre site at the corner of US 42 and Hopeful Church Road to allow construction of a Wawa gas station and convenience store. He explained that the property, originally rezoned in 1985 for office and retail use, currently includes a Blue Pantry, Snappy Tomato Pizza, Litas Tacos, a car wash, and an existing fueling canopy. The proposed plan would replace these uses with a 6,372-square-foot Wawa store, sixteen fueling stations, and 53 parking spaces. Access would remain right-in/right-out on US 42, with a new full-access drive on Hopeful Church Road relocated farther north to improve traffic flow. A traffic impact study, approved by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, estimated about 5,500 vehicle trips per day. To reduce neighborhood impacts, the plan includes fencing, landscaping buffers, and adjusted lighting to protect nearby residential areas. Additional design improvements were made at the request of the City’s Planning and Zoning Committee, including a brick exterior, modified signage, and updated monument designs. 6|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Mr. Morgan stated that the Boone County Planning Commission approved the project with conditions, and the Florence Planning and Zoning Committee, after meetings on September 10 and 22, recommended approval with the following revised conditions: 1. The approval shall be based on the following Concept Development Plans that were reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Committee on September 22, 2025, unless modified by other conditions below: a. The revised Concept Development Plans (Sheets 1-10). b. The revised building elevations and building perspectives. c. The revised gasoline canopy and trash enclosure elevations. d. The revised photometric plan, fixture details, and light spillover plans. e. The revised sign drawings. 2. The proposed development shall meet the minimum requirements of the zoning regulations, except for the following: a. The number of stacking spaces for a drive through eating and drinking establishment. The layout shall be consistent with the approved Concept Development Plans. b. The number of stacking spaces for a gasoline filling station. The layout shall be consistent with the approved Concept Development Plans. c. Four (4) building mounted signs shall be permitted on the front façade of the convenience store. The area and type of signs shall be consistent with the approved Concept Development Plans. d. The development shall be permitted a monument sign near each access point as shown on the Concept Development Plans. 3. The drive through shall be for pick-up only. 4. The following landscaping or buffer yard conditions shall apply to the development: a. The existing trees along Hopeful Church Road shall be protected and retained. Any tree located near or in the proposed access point shall be relocated or replaced at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator. b. The applicant shall be required to submit the landscaping plan to the proper utility companies and determine what landscaping will be permitted in the utility easements. Tree or shrub substitutions may be approved by the Zoning Administrator in the two street frontage buffers based on the utility company’s response. c. The final location of the required privacy fencing in the northwest property line buffer shall be determined once the Major Site Plan application is submitted for review. The privacy fencing shall be located to minimize sound and headlight impacts on adjoining residential property owners from the development. d. A 6’ tall privacy fence shall be required in the northeast buffer yard between the parking lot and retaining wall. The fence shall be constructed to minimize sound and headlight impacts on adjoining residential property owners from the development. The required fence shall not encroach into the front yard of the development. 5. The following signage conditions shall apply to the development: a. Menu board signage shall be prohibited. 7|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 b. A directional sign shall be provided in the vicinity of the underground fuel storage tanks directing fuel delivery trucks to use the Hopeful Church Road exit. c. The permitted monument sign designs shall correlate to one another and meet the following standards: US 42 Monument Sign • Maximum height – 8’ tall • Maximum area – Approximately 64.44 square feet • LED fuel price displays – No more than three as shown on the Concept Development Plan. • A minimum 18” brick base, which matches the building, shall be required. Hopeful Church Road Monument Sign • The sign design shall follow the approved Concept Development Plan. 6. The EV charging area shown on the plans is not approved since details were not submitted for review. A Change in Concept Development Plan application will need to be submitted and approved to allow EV charging on site. 7. A masonry CO2 tank enclosure shall be required if CO2 tanks are stored outside. The enclosure shall: a. Be constructed with the same masonry that is being used in the principal structure. b. Contain solid gates c. Conceal all tanks and associated wires or conduits from public view. 8. The following exterior speaker conditions shall apply to the property: a. Exterior speaker systems on the subject property shall not be audible on adjoining properties which are residentially zoned. b. Fuel pumps speaker systems shall be turned off between the business hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. 9. The applicant or future property owner shall be required to have further discussions with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet about making road improvements to Hopeful Church Road, in the area which would immediately adjoin the Wawa fuel station and convenience store site. Potential improvements to be discussed include: a. Extending the existing concrete median and/or adding breakaway bollards to prevent left turning movements into the retail center which is directly across Hopeful Church Road from the proposed development. b. Restripe traffic lanes to add vehicle stacking capacity on Hopeful Church Road at the Hopeful Church Road/US 42 signalized intersection. Mr. Morgan noted the applicant’s or future property owner’s conversation with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet should be documented and be provided to Boone County Planning Commission and the City of Florence at the time the Major Site Plan application is submitted for review. The future property owner shall be required to make the road improvements which are permitted by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Councilmember Wingo noted that the Florence Planning and Zoning Committee dedicated significant time to refining the project to make it acceptable, including reviewing traffic impacts compared to previously approved concepts such as a strip center with restaurants and offices. 8|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Councilmember Whalen appreciated the committee’s extensive review over two meetings and asked whether the Wawa would operate 24 hours and how the new ingress/egress would relate to nearby residences. Mayor Aubuchon confirmed it would be a 24-hour operation and that the access point would be south of the residential street. Mr. Morgan displayed an aerial map showing the residential street’s location relative to the development, confirming they would not be directly adjacent. Councilmember Whalen also requested clarification on traffic concerns and the city’s legal obligations. Mr. Morgan explained that council reviews projects based on the comprehensive plan and development standards, including architecture, traffic, lighting, and compatibility with neighboring uses. Mayor Aubuchon asked what would be required to overturn the Planning Commission’s approval. Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua Hunt, explained that council must act by November 4 due to a statutory deadline. A tie vote (3-3) would defer to the Boone County Planning Commission’s recommendation. He noted that traffic alone cannot justify denial because the state, which owns the road, had already approved curb cut locations. Mr. Hunt highlighted safety improvements recommended by the Planning and Zoning Committee, including relocating ingress/egress, restriping, median extensions, and installing bollards to prevent unsafe left turns into the plaza. He added that stormwater detention improvements would also benefit downstream residents. Finally, Mr. Hunt invited Wawa representatives to address the traffic study and explain how operations would function. Randy Nguyen, Wawa representative, presented a traffic analysis comparing current site traffic, the 1985 Concept Plan, and the proposed Wawa development. The study showed the Wawa would generate slightly more trips, 16 in and 20 out during the AM peak, 9 in and 12 out during the PM peak. He explained capacity analysis of six nearby intersections rated A–C, indicating acceptable performance. Proposed modifications, including bollards and relocating the access drive, are expected to improve safety and queuing along Hopeful Church Road. Councilmember Whalen expressed concern about explaining traffic impacts to residents and drivers using US 42. Patrick Warnement, also representing Wawa, emphasized that the project replaces existing businesses with a single, modern facility, adding landscaping, reducing curb cuts, and improving safety. 9|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Councilmember Chambers asked whether the city could delay voting until road improvements were finalized. Mr. Hunt explained the city cannot impose conditions on state owned roads, but KYTC supports planned bollards and restriping, which would occur through permitting and site plan review. Wawa confirmed they are willing to coordinate with KYTC. Fire/EMS Chief Rodney Wren noted his initial concerns about emergency vehicle access at the intersection were alleviated after reviewing the plans and the bollards would prevent blockages. Councilmember Chambers inquired about the marker for Sergeant Campbell, which Mr. Hunt confirmed would be relocated on site. She also questioned the loss of the current family owned business. Mr. Warnement highlighted the company’s history, employee ownership model, and plans to employ approximately forty people at the Florence location. He explained Wawa also partners with Tesla and Iona for EV charging and supports community initiatives through donations and charitable partnerships. Councilmember Whalen asked about the project timeline. Mr. Warnement stated Wawa anticipated opening in early 2027. Councilmember Wingo noted she was impressed with Wawa’s employee involvement, food offerings, and community engagement. With no further discussion, an ordinance would be placed on the next agenda for first reading. MAYOR’S REPORT: • Mayor Aubuchon announced that the City of Florence, in partnership with Hoxworth Blood Center, would host a community blood drive at the Florence Government Center on October 9. • Mayor Aubuchon announced registration was open for the next Safe Sitter Essentials Course on October 13. The course would run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kalb Gathering House. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the City of Florence Fall Clean Up would take place Monday, October 13 through Sunday, October 19 for City of Florence residents. Contact the City of Florence Public Services Department at 859-647-5416 for more information. • Mayor Aubuchon invited everyone to join us for a spooktackular evening at our Y’alloween Fest on Tuesday, October 28 at Thomas More Stadium, home of the Florence Y’alls from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Contact the Administration Department if you would like to obtain more information at 859-647-8177. 10 | P a g e Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 RECOGNITION: Mayor Aubuchon asked if any of the following desired recognition: Members of City Council: Councilmember Whalen requested that council discuss the Insurance Premium Tax in October, noting that it would allow time to review spending and identify potential reductions to provide tax relief for Florence residents. She emphasized that any changes would not affect the current budget, as the tax adjustment could not take effect until after July 1, and would benefit all residents with insurance policies, not just homeowners. Mayor Aubuchon acknowledged the importance of the discussion but explained it had been scheduled for the beginning of the year because two department heads would be unavailable in October. She noted that the Insurance Premium Tax generates approximately $5 million, about 10% of the city’s budget, and that a thorough review would require more than a few weeks to gather necessary information. She assured council the information would be provided as soon as possible. Councilmember Whalen pointed out that a summary paper with much of the information had already been provided. Mayor Aubuchon responded that any consideration of budget reductions would require a detailed review, which takes additional time. Councilmember Whalen stressed she wanted the discussion to occur promptly to demonstrate good faith to residents and show transparency in exploring potential tax reductions. 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. 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. Members of the Audience: Joe Berkshire, Resident of Florence, raised several concerns. He noted that a group of deer living on city owned property along US 42 frequently crossed the road, creating a safety hazard 11 | P a g e Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 for both the deer and motorists. He suggested the city clear brush on the lots to encourage the deer to move to more rural areas. Mayor Aubuchon said the city may consult the Department of Fish and Wildlife for recommendations. Director of Administration/City Administrator Joshua Hunt stated the city would look into the issue and follow up with Mr. Berkshire. Mr. Berkshire also expressed concerns about the Florence Library being closed on Sunday afternoons, while other county branches remain open, and noted that tulip bulbs were being planted at other branches but not at the Florence location. Mayor Aubuchon agreed that Florence should have a first class library open on Sundays and shared that city officials recently met with the library regarding plans for a new Florence location. Mr. Berkshire suggested the city have representation on the Boone County Library Board. Mayor Aubuchon stated that board members are appointed by Boone County and Florence does not have input on the appointments. Finally, Mr. Berkshire mentioned Lita’s Tacos, expressing familiarity with the family- owned business. Mr. Hunt confirmed the city has met with the owner and is maintaining ongoing communication as well as continued coordination with Dr. Jackson at the library. Nancy Corman, Resident of Florence, stated that she was a fan of Wawa but inquired as to where Lita’s Tacos and Snappy Tomato Pizza would go. Mayor Aubuchon stated that Florence has a great business climate, and the city had already reached out to meet with them regarding relocation, if the project were to be approved. Robert Sergeant, Resident of Florence, inquired whether safety was the only criteria for evaluating the intersection at US 42 and Hopeful Church Road, noting that he had heard multiple times that the proposed changes would make it safer. Mr. Sergeant also expressed concern about pedestrian safety along US 42 and in the surrounding area. Director of Administration/City Administrator Joshua Hunt explained that the current configuration allows left hand turns where they are not permitted, including into the strip center near the laundromat. One of the proposed conditions would block that left turn to improve safety. CLOSED SESSION: There was no need for Closed Session. 12 | P a g e Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 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 7:30 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Julie M. Aubuchon Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Melissa Kramer Melissa Kramer, City Clerk 13 | P a g e