|
|
by Michael Monks
|
CONSULTANTS: CITY SHOULD ELIMINATE POSITIONS, CONSOLIDATE SERVICES
Close two firehouses (and build a new one), brown out a fire truck; privatize ambulance services, eliminate code enforcement, and more -- all part of the 59 recommendations for the City of Covington to adopt in an effort to save $3.2 million. Full story at the link.|
MAYOR SCHEPER CHECKS ITEMS OFF 10-POINT PLAN, LOOKS TO OTHERS
Covington Mayor Chuck Scheper also took the stage at the Madison Event Center Tuesday evening to offer an update on his 10-point plan. In fact, he took the stage twice: first to reiterate what he has dubbed the "brutal facts" Covington faces in terms of finances and services, and second for an encore presentation of his ambitious plan originally set forth in January. "A lot of work has been accomplished in the last eight months," Scheper said. "Some of it is very visible, a lot of it, not so much."
|
 |
| Covington Mayor Chuck Scheper |
|
Before Tuesday evening's meeting, Mayor Scheper sat down with The River City News in his office at City Hall where he expressed optimism on what he hopes to accomplish once the budget is settled. "I don't want to be just a caretaker mayor, I want to lead the changes that will lead to a much brighter future for the City," Scheper said in his office. "Now the focus has to be, how do we grow the pie? How do we stimulate economic development?"
|
At the Madison, Scheper hinted that the pie may be growing sooner rather than later. "There are thirty-four possible projects (involving vacant city-owned properties) that I can't talk about publicly yet, but I think the direction and focus needs to be, let's get the systemic challenges resolved and let's start focusing on how to grow this city," the mayor said. "I have six months left in my term and hopefully in the coming months we'll be able to talk more about those opportunities. There is a lot going on behind the scenes to move these initiatives forward."
|
At the Madison, Scheper hinted that the pie may be growing sooner rather than later. "There are thirty-four possible projects (involving vacant city-owned properties) that I can't talk about publicly yet, but I think the direction and focus needs to be, let's get the systemic challenges resolved and let's start focusing on how to grow this city," the mayor said. "I have six months left in my term and hopefully in the coming months we'll be able to talk more about those opportunities. There is a lot going on behind the scenes to move these initiatives forward."
|
The projects he mentioned are being explored with the Center for Great Neighborhoods who may look into turning some of the troubled properties into pocket parks, dog parks, or off-street parking and is part of one point of his ten-point plan: to get optimum value of city-owned property to help fund infrastructure. "We asked (the Center) to come back to us with ideas on what to do with that property. We want to put power to the people and we'll be working with the Center for Great Neighborhoods to develop that."
The projects he mentioned are being explored with the Center for Great Neighborhoods who may look into turning some of the troubled properties into pocket parks, dog parks, or off-street parking and is part of one point of his ten-point plan: to get optimum value of city-owned property to help fund infrastructure. "We asked (the Center) to come back to us with ideas on what to do with that property. We want to put power to the people and we'll be working with the Center for Great Neighborhoods to develop that."
|
Scheper proceeded to rattle off points from the plan that have been accomplished. Conduct independent reviews of each department within City Hall, check. Think regionally, specifically in terms of 911 emergency dispatch services, check. Reduce payroll tax rate from 2.5% to 2.45%, check. Enhance incentives to fill empty storefronts, check. Settle contracts with the City's public employee unions, check.
|
Other goals are still in the works. This budget cycle, the mayor hoped to conduct a zero-based budgeting strategy that required financial justification of every line item. "It was sort of a modified approach this year, given the timing, but we continue to challenge the status quo and ask if there is a different way to do it." As for another point on the plan, to make it easier to do business with the city, the Mayor lauded the creation of a barrier-removal team. "We'll continue to focus on that and move some of those recommendations forward, and you will probably hear more about that in the coming weeks," the mayor said. Gateway College also approached City Hall about creating a customer service program that would help employees and citizens become better ambassadors for the City.
Other goals are still in the works. This budget cycle, the mayor hoped to conduct a zero-based budgeting strategy that required financial justification of every line item. "It was sort of a modified approach this year, given the timing, but we continue to challenge the status quo and ask if there is a different way to do it." As for another point on the plan, to make it easier to do business with the city, the Mayor lauded the creation of a barrier-removal team. "We'll continue to focus on that and move some of those recommendations forward, and you will probably hear more about that in the coming weeks," the mayor said. Gateway College also approached City Hall about creating a customer service program that would help employees and citizens become better ambassadors for the City.
|
Forming a marketing committee was also a top priority for the mayor and the newly formed group held its first meeting Tuesday morning. Currently, the committee is developing banners to welcome visitors to Cincinnati's World Choir Games, to Covington. "What a wonderful opportunity to welcome a couple hundred thousand people who will be visiting Cincinnati," Scheper said. "We want them to feel welcome. As a City we can send a strong message that we are very welcoming."
Forming a marketing committee was also a top priority for the mayor and the newly formed group held its first meeting Tuesday morning. Currently, the committee is developing banners to welcome visitors to Cincinnati's World Choir Games, to Covington. "What a wonderful opportunity to welcome a couple hundred thousand people who will be visiting Cincinnati," Scheper said. "We want them to feel welcome. As a City we can send a strong message that we are very welcoming."
|
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR JACKSON KINNEY RESIGNS
The River City News learned that Jackson Kinney, the City of Covington's community development director, informed his staff Tuesday morning that he will be stepping down from his position. City leaders were mum on the issue Tuesday evening but said to expect more information at Thursday night's special city commission meeting at City Hall. Kinney has been with the City of Covington since June of 2010 after spending more than two decades in a similar role in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
|
SINKHOLE IN MAINSTRASSE SHUTS DOWN STREET
Around 5:30AM Wednesday, emergency crews were called to West Seventh Street between Bakewell and Philadelphia in Mainstrasse Village after the road partially collapsed. A crew member from the NKY Water District was unsure this morning whether the sinkhole was caused by the sewage pipe underneath and whether that pipe would need to be replaced. This story will be updated.
|
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF SPIKE JONES TO HOST COMMUNITY FORUM
For the first time in his new role as acting Chief of Police, Spike Jones will host the monthly community forum at Police Headquarters (20th & Madison) tonight at 7:00PM. All are welcome.
|
QUICKIES
|
How high are the stakes for municipalities these days? Stockton, California becomes the largest city in America to file for bankruptcy Reuters
How high are the stakes for municipalities these days? Stockton, California becomes the largest city in America to file for bankruptcy Reuters
|
Smog alert issued for Wednesday Cincinnati Enquirer
|
KY state representative among those laid off at UofL WFPL
|
Frantic co-worker calls 911 after finding child locked in hot car WKYT
|
Holy Cross senior offered athletic scholarships from NKU, Ohio U Cincinnati Enquirer
|
Terrence Jones helps bring joy to UK fan Stone Cold Willow Herald-Leader
|
LEARN SELF DEFENSE IN TAYLOR MILL'S PRIDE PARK
From the City of Taylor Mill:
There is still time to register for our Self Defense Seminar at Pride Park on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Please call 859.581.3234 for more information.|
CITY PRIDE: PADUCAH LAUNCHES 'CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE' CAMPAIGN
Having the right attitude can go a long way for a city:
After earning awards in categories valuable to any community, Paducah, Kentucky announces its Celebrating Excellence campaign for 2012.West Kentucky Star
“Receiving awards in so many important, yet diverse areas shows just how talented and dedicated our citizens are to achieving excellence,” says Paducah Mayor Bill Paxton.
Paxton adds, “The various awards reflect areas of excellence that the community will use toward achieving its economic development goals.”
|
NATIONAL STORYTELLING CONFERENCE IN COVINGTON TODAY
The National Storytelling Network will hold its 2012 National Storytelling Conference today through Sunday at the RiverCenter Marriott. Storytellers from all over the country and there are opportunities for the public to come and watch a few. Click the link below for full details.
|
COVINGTON KIDS CELEBRATE FIELD DAY AT SUMMER PROGRAM
From Covington Independent Public Schools:
Students at John G. Carlisle Elementary School brought home the gold at the first annual Olympic Field Day at Holmes High School.The field day was sponsored by the Covington Summer Program, which focuses on academic enrichment with a twist. The program is mixing learning and fun. In the spirit of the summer Olympics, each elementary school in the summer program has selected a country to represent their school. The Olympic Field Day was the culminating event for the first week of the program. “It was awesome,’’ said Stacie Strotman who oversees the summer program.Students mocked the summer Olympic Games in their own way. As the Olympic theme song played, students paraded around the track waving flags and carrying banners from the countries they represented. Students also competed in six Olympic events such as cornhole, tug of war, dizzy bats, obstacle course and hula hoop relays.Latonia Elementary School came in second and Ninth District Elementary took third place. More than 300 students participated, along with youth workers, teachers and fitness coaches.Students can still enroll in the summer program. Each Covington elementary school, in partnership with the City of Covington Recreation Department, is hosting the summer program. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m., Monday – Friday, June 18 - July 27 (closed the first week of July). The schools provide breakfast and lunch for students.Students participate in reading and math activities, but also can join in on Fitness Rocks, take arts and crafts classes, go on field trips and take drum and piano lessons. Students can also check out library books on site.The Holmes Campus will host its summer program from 10 a.m., - 2 p.m., Monday-Thursday, July 9 - August 2. Transportation will be provided. For more information, contact Stacie Strotman, 392-3179.
See lots more photos of the kids in action: CIPS @ Facebook
|AROLDIS CHAPMAN'S FUN ENDING TUESDAY NIGHT AS REDS BEAT BREWERS
After scoring the save in the Reds 4-3 victory over the Brewers at Great American Ballpark last night, this happened (and was the talk of Twitter for several hours):
No comments:
Post a Comment