florence
The Florence City Council witnessed the swearing-in of five members of the Florence Fire/EMS Department – Ryan Bourne promoted to assistant fire/emergency chief, Daniel Steiner hired from St. Elizabeth Hospital as paramedic battalion chief; Joey Markham promoted to Fire/EMS Battalion Chief John McNamara was promoted to Fire/EMS Captain and Jimmy Rose was promoted to Fire/EMS Lieutenant.
Five employees have been promoted to new positions in the Florence Fire/Emergency Department (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune)
Mayor Julie Aubuchon declared May 12 to May 18 National Police Week and May 19 to May 25 National Public Works Week. May 19th to May 25th was also declared as Emergency Medical Week. Mr. Aubuchon also proclaimed May as ALS Awareness Month and shared the proclamation with Ray Townsend and her family. Ray has ALS.
Boone County Planning Commission Executive Director Kevin Costello gave a presentation on the budget. He told Congress that the total budget was $2,363,000, with Florence's share coming in at $421,949. Mr Costello said Florence's amount was only $11,800 higher than last year, representing a 2.8 per cent increase.
The City Council voted to pass a human resources ordinance to update job descriptions, authorized positions and pay plans. This includes the job description for Human Resources Coordinator, a position that will soon be filled.
Park Hills
Park Hills Mayor Kathy Zembrot addressed the concerns and accusations made by resident Gretchen Stevenson during last month's caucus meeting. Zembrot pointed to specific times when new buildings purchased by the city were discussed in council and how the report on the website shows all the money spent. She cited dates by which Congress was kept informed of the progress of the case.
Park Hills Mayor Kathy Zenbrot (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune)
“If you know me, I think I care about money,” Zembrot said. “I don't waste money. I spend it wisely and spend it well.'' What I've learned in my career is, “As an elected official, it's important to spend taxpayers' money wisely.'' , keeping the budget in the black, or as some people say, green, keeping the infrastructure in good condition, and keeping the city safe.'' I have followed the rules and upheld my obligation to do these three things. ”
Later in the meeting, Stevenson spoke again, denying some of Zembrodt's statements and asking for more information about police sick leave laws. She accused the city of gaslighting residents.
Eagle Scout Deacon Schwarber came to ask for approval to do a garden project to attract pollinators across the street from the trolley park, and the council agreed.
His father, Aaron, then reminded the City Council that he attended a meeting three years ago asking for speed bumps at Lawton and Audubon, and said nothing was done despite what was promised. . He said the council's success has been abysmal on some issues and attacked the city's agreement with Covington regarding Park Point Drive. Park Point Drive is a public road maintained by Park Hills, but it's gated and last year he asked to leave when he was there to watch the fireworks. If it's a public place, he has a right to be there, he said. Mayor Zembrot agreed to look into it.
Another resident, David Costas, was in full attack mode, accusing Councilmember Pam Spoor of influencing the direction of the city. He read a statement saying no one in the city wants the tree bill and accused Spoor of having selfish motives for pushing the bill.
“Okay, you slandered me,” said Spoor, the attorney. Mayor Zembrot said Spur is not the bill's sponsor and that any notion that Spoor has influence over the city is incorrect.
Council had agreed to repeal the tree ordinance at the beginning of the meeting.
In other legislation, the City Council agreed that it could hold its meetings in city buildings and then at the fire station, unless those who cannot negotiate the stairs wish to attend.
They also voted in favor of amending the human resources policy regarding sick leave.
lakeside park
The Lakeside Park City Council passed second reading of an ordinance forming a rental registry for residential and business properties in the city. There are no fees, but there are penalties. Mayor Paul Markgraf said owners need to be able to be contacted in the event of an emergency.
Another ordinance amends the nuisance ordinance to prohibit unusual or unreasonably loud noises between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The ordinance passed 4-1, with Chris Gongora voting against it. Several City Council members were concerned about how this ordinance would affect the Barley Tribe and their ability to enjoy musical entertainment.
Mayor Markgraf reminded the County Council that the deadline for applications to the County Council is June 4th.
“I wanted to tell you guys because I wanted you guys to come back,” Markgraf said. “I think we work well together.”
Mayor Markgraf also declared May 19-25 as National Public Works Week in the city.
