Kevin Drohan

The board discussed several agenda items, including the approval of a contract with DWA Recreation for the Playground Equipment Project at 18th Street Clifton Neighborhood Park. Further discussions involved the authorization of payments and agreements with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regarding the KY 8 bridge reconstruction, specifically focusing on multi-color programmable aesthetic lighting installation and long-term maintenance responsibilities shared with the City of Covington. Additionally, the board considered the annual membership contribution to Southbank Partners and the acceptance of a bid from Riegler Blacktop for asphalt paving on various city streets associated with the Northern Kentucky Water District line replacement program.

This session served as the City's Strategic Planning Session, where the Board and city staff discussed various issues and developed strategies for upcoming city goals. Discussions covered several key areas organized by time slots. The Police Department provided updates, including information on the EV Fleet and Community Services Division. Project discussions focused on the US27 status, 2-way Monmouth Street, and Monmouth Streetscape (paver replacement). Subsequent discussions addressed parks, including Festival Park, James Taylor Park, and the FCC Mini Pitch, as well as bridge topics such as the 4th Street Bridge and the Purple People Bridge. General updates included Zoning Code, Comp Plan, Monmouth Historic District, City App, and the History of Newport project. The Consent Agenda involved ratifying several mayoral reappointments to various city boards and commissions, including the Historic Preservation Commission, Code Board, Board of Adjustments, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Newport Housing Authority Commission.

This document records a special meeting, identified as the City's Strategic Planning Session, where the Board and city staff discussed various issues and developed strategies for upcoming goals. Key actions included the approval of Personnel Order R-2026-01, appointing Adison Schwarber as Firefighter/Medic, effective January 13, 2026. New business involved approving Commissioners Order R-2026-02, declaring certain personal property as surplus property for disposal, and Commissioners Order R-2026-03, authorizing the renaming of a section of Central Avenue to Ovation Way. The session also included an awards presentation for the Holiday Window Display Contest Winners.

The special meeting included a presentation from Tristate Trails regarding a proposal to add bike lanes along the Saratoga Street Bikeway project to enhance safety and connectivity. Public comments stressed the importance of connectivity to the Purple People Bridge to boost foot traffic and economic activity. The main new business item was the approval of Commissioners Order No. R-2026-13, which authorizes the execution of a Progressive Design-Build Agreement with PRUS Construction for Festival Park Improvements. Discussions surrounding the Festival Park project included the design-build approach, concerns about potential disruptions from the SD1 project, the necessity of maintaining river and boat dock access, the importance of dedicated funding for tree maintenance, and the requirement for high-quality, durable materials in the park development.

The Board of Commissioners agenda included the first reading of an ordinance to close and vacate a portion of Banderman Alley, contingent upon receiving written consent from all abutting property owners, with the City retaining utility easements. Another key item was the authorization for the Mayor to execute an updated Interlocal Agreement for participation in the Northern Kentucky Regional SWAT Program, defining governance and funding mechanisms. The Board also considered authorizing the execution of a Funding Agreement with Cincy Bike Share ("Red Bike") for a one-time payment of $15,000 to support regional mobility initiatives. Finally, the agenda included an order to declare certain City personal property as surplus and authorize its disposal according to state law.