Melissa K. Beckett

The meeting includes a public hearing regarding updates to the text of the Unified Development Ordinance for the City of Fort Thomas. Additionally, the commission will address a land swap plat involving the conveyance of various parcels between the City of Fort Thomas and the Fort Thomas Independent School District.

The council held a public hearing regarding the budget followed by a regular session. Discussions included infrastructure updates such as park improvements, street repaving schedules, and utility work. The council reviewed reports from the Fire and Police departments, including a drug takeback initiative. Budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year was a central topic, covering operating revenues and expenditures. Additionally, the council discussed the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, potential updates to the bike ordinance, and naming conventions for community events. Legislative actions included the approval of municipal orders related to a field agreement and a school resource officer pay structure. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding real property acquisition and collective bargaining negotiations.

The committee discussed the 2025-2026 budget amendment and the proposed 2026-2027 budget, including a review of capital projects, long-term budget forecasting, and specific allocations for the Armory bathroom remodel and the K-DOT Fund. Key topics included budget revision procedures for capital items, April budget adjustments such as health funds and EMS coordinator roles, street program reconstruction plans, police overtime and medical insurance costs, and training opportunities for council members. The committee also evaluated Merchants and Music expenses, IT service billing and contracts, employee compensatory time policies, the status of the Grow Grant ordinance, and the potential adoption of an analytics program.

The council received updates from the Fort Thomas Business Council and heard public feedback regarding property clean up, community events, tower lighting initiatives, a proposed skate park, and revisions to the city bike ordinance. Reports were provided by the Fire and Police Departments, and the City Administrator discussed legislative updates and upcoming appointments. Committee reports included updates from the Law, Labor, and License Committee regarding bike ordinance revisions and the Finance Committee regarding the city budget and tax rate. The council also discussed a proposal for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program and approved municipal orders appointing members to the Tree Commission and Design Review Board, as well as an order amending the Renaissance Board. A first reading was conducted for an ordinance amending the bike ordinance.

The Finance Committee discussed the 2025/2026 amended budget and the 2026/2027 Fiscal Year Budget, projecting fund balances, revenues, and operating expenses. Key topics included a proposal for an additional School Resource Officer, plans for renovations at the armory involving in-house repairs for showers and gutter maintenance, and equipment purchases for General Services, including new pickup trucks and a trailer. Furthermore, the committee reviewed departmental budgets, insurance plans, and upcoming KDOT fund grant projects for street resurfacing. The schedule for upcoming budget public hearings and ordinance readings was also outlined.