by Michael Monks
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A $10,000 raise for Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Lynda Jackson motivated angry posts at Facebook and even led to the creation of a page there called Covington KY 411 that mostly takes aim at the district's shortcomings. The tone got angrier following Thursday night's school board meeting in which the district's portion of property taxes will now rise from $105 per $100,000 value to $111 per. The move is expected to bring in $800,000 in revenue.
Board members Krista Athey, Mike Fitzgerald and Jerry Avery voted to pass the increase. Denise Varney voted no. Glenda Huff was not present.
As of this writing, there has been no public response from the district, the superintendent or the publicly elected board members. The River City News will post their comments as soon as we hear back from them.
"The Covington School Board's decision to raise taxes, once again, is a huge blow to the viability and quality of life in Covington," City Commissioner Shawn Masters tells The River City News. Both Masters and fellow Commissioner Steve Frank expressed their opinion at Tuesday night's Commission meeting, urging the public to understand that if property taxes are raised, that the schools would be to blame.
"We are already challenged with attracting residents given the state of this economy and to have one of the highest, now higher, school tax rates in the state, well, it's just disappointing," Masters continued.
Amid the online and political attacks on the schools and Jackson, former board member and current Chairman of the Kenton County Democrats, Col Owens posted an op-ed in the Cincinnati Enquirer, highlighting several points that make Covington's situation a unique one:
360 Fireworks Party
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
COV SCHOOLS CONSIDER TAX INCREASE; DAYTIME CURFEW APPROVED, ACLU TO SCRUTINIZE
by Michael Monks
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The Covington Independent Public Schools will host a public meeting at 6PM Thursday as the district decides whether to raise its tax rate on property owners. If a move is made by the schools raising property taxes, the Covington City Commission wants the public to know that the increase did not come from City Hall.
"I think that at a time when we have to learn to live within our means" the schools should too, said Commissioner Steve Frank, Tuesday night. "If you see property taxes go up, it's not us, it's the schools." The commission voted unanimously to keep its portion of the tax rate at the same level as the previous year.
Daytime Curfew Approved
Covington City Commission also unanimously approved the daytime curfew for all minors that should be in public or private school during regular school hours. City Solicitor Frank Warnock indicated the American Civil Liberties Union is expected to "scrutinize" the curfew ordinance. Mayor Bowman asked if the ACLU would be scrutinizing the longer-standing curfew in Newport that served as the model for Covington's. That answer was not immediately known.
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The Covington Independent Public Schools will host a public meeting at 6PM Thursday as the district decides whether to raise its tax rate on property owners. If a move is made by the schools raising property taxes, the Covington City Commission wants the public to know that the increase did not come from City Hall.
"I think that at a time when we have to learn to live within our means" the schools should too, said Commissioner Steve Frank, Tuesday night. "If you see property taxes go up, it's not us, it's the schools." The commission voted unanimously to keep its portion of the tax rate at the same level as the previous year.
Daytime Curfew Approved
Covington City Commission also unanimously approved the daytime curfew for all minors that should be in public or private school during regular school hours. City Solicitor Frank Warnock indicated the American Civil Liberties Union is expected to "scrutinize" the curfew ordinance. Mayor Bowman asked if the ACLU would be scrutinizing the longer-standing curfew in Newport that served as the model for Covington's. That answer was not immediately known.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
GOODBYE ARTS DISTRICT, HELLO TEAM PUMA
by Michael Monks
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Covington's failed attempt at redefining the once thriving central business district into an arts and technology zone is finally over. The City Commission passed a resolution Tuesday night to submit an application to the Kenton County Area Planning Commission that would change the zoning along Pike Street corridor back to the central business district.
"(The arts zoning) really made it more difficult to get the right kind of businesses," said Jackson Kinney, Covington's Community Development Director. "It was counterproductive. Arts businesses thrive in mixed use environments."
The Arts & Technology District never really gained traction and today many of the vacant buildings that were expected to be revived remain vacant, a sad display behind a sculpture of legendary Covington artist Frank Duveneck.
"Not having this arts zone will bring in the businesses that arts businesses want to be near," Kinney added.
The death knell for the arts zone may be part of the newly announced Covington Center City Action Plan, the so-called plan-of-plans, that seeks to combine nineteen previous plans that also sought to revitalize the central business district. Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates will oversee the new plan.
"We know you've been planned to death here," said PUMA President Brad Segal. "We want to do different things to move forward."
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Covington's failed attempt at redefining the once thriving central business district into an arts and technology zone is finally over. The City Commission passed a resolution Tuesday night to submit an application to the Kenton County Area Planning Commission that would change the zoning along Pike Street corridor back to the central business district.
"(The arts zoning) really made it more difficult to get the right kind of businesses," said Jackson Kinney, Covington's Community Development Director. "It was counterproductive. Arts businesses thrive in mixed use environments."
 |
| Splat! goes the Arts District |
The Arts & Technology District never really gained traction and today many of the vacant buildings that were expected to be revived remain vacant, a sad display behind a sculpture of legendary Covington artist Frank Duveneck.
"Not having this arts zone will bring in the businesses that arts businesses want to be near," Kinney added.
The death knell for the arts zone may be part of the newly announced Covington Center City Action Plan, the so-called plan-of-plans, that seeks to combine nineteen previous plans that also sought to revitalize the central business district. Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates will oversee the new plan.
"We know you've been planned to death here," said PUMA President Brad Segal. "We want to do different things to move forward."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
MAYOR VERSUS WORLD AT COVINGTON CITY HALL
by Michael Monks
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It was a ceremonial resolution to honor City Manager Larry Klein for receiving the 2011 City Manager of the Year award from the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. "Aye", responded Commissioners Sherry Carran, Steve Casper, Steve Frank and Shawn Masters.
"I disagree," said Mayor Denny Bowman. "I vote no."
That resolution was near the bottom of the Commission's agenda for Tuesday night's meeting and followed several other 4 - 1 votes, with Bowman on the steadfastly defiant, losing end.
An ordinance defining job titles and salaries that would increase pay for some non-union employees who are taking on additional responsibilities: 4 - 1.
An order to hire a new law clerk to replace one that resigned: 4 - 1.
An appointment to the position of division supervisor (recreation & facilities) in the Department of Public Improvements: 4 - 1.
An appointment to the position of division supervisor (urban forestry and parks) in the Department of Public Improvements: 4 - 1.
"These people are great people, I like every one of them," said Bowman. But the firing of public workers and early retirements of others amid a $4 million budget deficit followed by raises and new hires did not sit well with the Mayor.
"It bothers me that we can tell our citizens to go to thirty 'road shows'" and scare them into believing that bankruptcy was imminent, the Mayor said. "Then, all of a sudden, boom, $450,000 for computers."
An ordinance to upgrade the city's computers and operating systems: 4 - 1.
"We had to do reorganzation in public improvements," said Klein, justifying the pay increases. "We have one that went from supervising two to supervising eleven. They'll keep doing their old job in addition to their new job."
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It was a ceremonial resolution to honor City Manager Larry Klein for receiving the 2011 City Manager of the Year award from the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. "Aye", responded Commissioners Sherry Carran, Steve Casper, Steve Frank and Shawn Masters.
"I disagree," said Mayor Denny Bowman. "I vote no."
That resolution was near the bottom of the Commission's agenda for Tuesday night's meeting and followed several other 4 - 1 votes, with Bowman on the steadfastly defiant, losing end.
An ordinance defining job titles and salaries that would increase pay for some non-union employees who are taking on additional responsibilities: 4 - 1.
An order to hire a new law clerk to replace one that resigned: 4 - 1.
An appointment to the position of division supervisor (recreation & facilities) in the Department of Public Improvements: 4 - 1.
An appointment to the position of division supervisor (urban forestry and parks) in the Department of Public Improvements: 4 - 1.
"These people are great people, I like every one of them," said Bowman. But the firing of public workers and early retirements of others amid a $4 million budget deficit followed by raises and new hires did not sit well with the Mayor.
"It bothers me that we can tell our citizens to go to thirty 'road shows'" and scare them into believing that bankruptcy was imminent, the Mayor said. "Then, all of a sudden, boom, $450,000 for computers."
An ordinance to upgrade the city's computers and operating systems: 4 - 1.
"We had to do reorganzation in public improvements," said Klein, justifying the pay increases. "We have one that went from supervising two to supervising eleven. They'll keep doing their old job in addition to their new job."
WHINE & DINE: Ruby's Desperate Pouting for a Taxpayer Subsidized Restaurant
by Michael Monks
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Is Mother Nature secretly working as a Covington City Hall agent? Afterall, she is the only entity that has spoken publicly about not wanting Jeff Ruby's The Waterfront along Covington's Ohio River shoreline, when she instructed the then-high-rising waters to wash it away nearly six months ago. So why then has the bombastic restaurateur suggested to the Cincinnati Enquirer that the City of Covington has apparently come "down with amnesia", and has not made a single offer to keep the 25-year old floating restaurant?
Ruby told the Cincinnati Enquirer's Mike Rutledge: "I'm disappointed in Covington. I spent 25 years in Covington, and not Newport, and I thought Covington would respect that."
Cincinnati Enquirer: Ruby May Try To Move Waterfront To Newport
But if talk of non-egagement surprised Covington's leaders, talk of engagement has also surprised their counterparts in Newport, where Ruby now says he is interested in taking The Waterfront.
Covington Commissioner Steve Frank took to Facebook to write, "The question on any investment is one of payback. At $2 million, what rate of return would the city have to reap each year to justify the expense," in regards to the amount of money necessary to stablize and improve a location for The Waterfront. Frank also noted that the City collects $50,000 in rent in addition to payroll taxes.
The Cincinnati Enquirer article explains that $2 million figure was the conclusion of a federally-funded study that explored the relocation of The Waterfront to Covington Landing. The Waterfront wanted direct pedestrian access to its first floor instead of the second. Klein tells the Cincinnati Enquirer that the price was too high for the city, in the mindst of budget cuts and layoffs.
The money quote from Klein to the Enquirer:
The fact is, Mother Nature has spoken and so has Jeff Ruby. And only one of them appears to be speaking the truth.
Email Michael
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Is Mother Nature secretly working as a Covington City Hall agent? Afterall, she is the only entity that has spoken publicly about not wanting Jeff Ruby's The Waterfront along Covington's Ohio River shoreline, when she instructed the then-high-rising waters to wash it away nearly six months ago. So why then has the bombastic restaurateur suggested to the Cincinnati Enquirer that the City of Covington has apparently come "down with amnesia", and has not made a single offer to keep the 25-year old floating restaurant?
Ruby told the Cincinnati Enquirer's Mike Rutledge: "I'm disappointed in Covington. I spent 25 years in Covington, and not Newport, and I thought Covington would respect that."
Cincinnati Enquirer: Ruby May Try To Move Waterfront To Newport
But if talk of non-egagement surprised Covington's leaders, talk of engagement has also surprised their counterparts in Newport, where Ruby now says he is interested in taking The Waterfront.
"We're always interested in new businesses in the city, but I wouldn't do anything to sabotage or to harm a neighboring city - I just wouldn't do it," Newport City Manager Tom Fromme told Rutledge, adding in the article that no one from the City of Newport has spoken to Ruby or his alleged co-conspirators at Newport-On-The-Levee."I believe we have extended every courtesy possible to Mr. Ruby," Covington City Commissioner Shawn Masters tells The River City News. "I certainly do not want to see Covington lose The Waterfront, but at the same time we must be prudent in investing in the overall riverfront, not just one establishment."
Covington Commissioner Steve Frank took to Facebook to write, "The question on any investment is one of payback. At $2 million, what rate of return would the city have to reap each year to justify the expense," in regards to the amount of money necessary to stablize and improve a location for The Waterfront. Frank also noted that the City collects $50,000 in rent in addition to payroll taxes.
The Cincinnati Enquirer article explains that $2 million figure was the conclusion of a federally-funded study that explored the relocation of The Waterfront to Covington Landing. The Waterfront wanted direct pedestrian access to its first floor instead of the second. Klein tells the Cincinnati Enquirer that the price was too high for the city, in the mindst of budget cuts and layoffs.
The money quote from Klein to the Enquirer:
"(Ruby) and the city have never arrived at a single concept of whether he wanted to be on the land or be in the water. They kept going back and forth. And I don't think we could accomodate his timeline, either. I think he wanted to be able to open his doors as soon as possible and you don't implement a $2.5 million plan overnight."So is Jeff Ruby lying? He says Covington officials did not engage, when clearly that is not the case. Ruby says Newport is interested, only no one at Newport City Hall has any record of that.
The fact is, Mother Nature has spoken and so has Jeff Ruby. And only one of them appears to be speaking the truth.
Friday, August 19, 2011
NKU PRESIDENT TO STEP DOWN
by Michael Monks
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Dr. James Votruba's fifteenth year as President of Northern Kentucky University will be his last in that role. In announcement today during the Highland Heights school's state of the university address, Votruba informed the campus community of his decision.
When reached late last night by telephone, Dr. Votruba granted a one-on-one interview with the River City News.
Votruba assumed the role of NKU's President in August of 1997 when the school was, as he a described, both a community college and a four-year undergraduate institution. Since then, NKU has increased its admission standards, its number of graduate and doctoral programs and now boasts of 16,000 students on a transformed campus that now includes multiple completed and new construction projects spearheaded by Votruba.
The Bank of Kentucky Center, a new student union and the new College of Informatics building are the latest high-profile, multimillion dollar construction projects that now define the campus as a growing metropolitan university.
"Fourteen years ago the budget was $85 million," Votruba said. "Today it's $210 million. "Ten years ago we had fifty-two undergraduate programs and today we have seventy. We had ten masters programs and today we have forty-nine and two doctoral programs."
Votruba arrived in Highland Heights from East Lansing where he was Vice Provost for university outreach and a professor of higher education at Michigan State University. His Bachelor's degree in political science, his master's in political science and sociology and his doctorate in higher education were all earned at Michigan State, a school that many thought would lure Votruba away a few years ago when its presidency was vacant.
Instead, he stayed at Northern Kentucky where his wife, Rachel, was also on faculty and where his daughter, Emily, graduated.
"We're an NKU family," Votruba said. "I get contacted by headhunters pretty regularly asking if I'm interested."
For Votruba, it's about legacy and impact, though.
"I never saw a place that looked like more fun than NKU, it's about that simple," he said. "I like building. It's more difficult to build at larger schools. This has been a good fit for me and the community has been a good fit. You have to decide if you're going to unpack your bags and leave a legacy."
Votruba will remain in the NKU and Northern Kentucky community. After stepping away as president following the 2011-12 academic year, he'll leave campus for a full year and then return as a facutly member in the education doctoral program.
"I'm a teacher, fundamentally. It's the way I've approached my work here and my entire career and I'm excited about the doctoral program in educational leadership because it's an opportunity to educate the next generation of leaders, not only at a university, but superintendents and principals who have a lot of responsibility," Votruba said.
"I'm also excited about more flexibility in my life for Rachel and me to spend time with our children and our grandchildren."
He and Mrs. Votruba have three children and six grandchildren. Votruba plans, after becoming a professor, to be simply that at NKU, a professor.
"I'm going to stay out of the president's business and give the new president the freedom to move in their own direction," he says.
President Votruba's accomplishments have made the NKU job more attractive and likely more competitive. He says that NKU is a good place to be a president and that Kentucky is a good state in which to be a president. The Board of Regents will likely use a consulting firm to conduct a national search for the school's next leader, Votruba said.
Votruba's are big shoes to fill. "My proudest achievement is the overall coming of age of the university as a full-blown major institution," he said. "Universities look to NKU as an example in community engagement."
The President says that there was not precise moment when he knew it was time to step aside and allow a new leader to come in, explaining that it happened gradually. "It's evolutionary," he says. "You listen to voices inside you, you ask yourself after fifteen years, 'this is a long time, do you want to go out while you're still on top?'"
"My father told me when I was a young man and he was still working, 'I want to know when it's time to go before someone has to tell me'. I think that's good caution."
Asked which building on campus now or in the future he would like to have his name on, he laughed. "How about that old log cabin that sits out by the Honors House," he chuckled.
Friday morning, Greaves Hall on NKU's campus was completely full for Votruba's final fall invocation, according to university spokesman Chris Cole, who also announced that the President will select a NCAA Division I conference in which the athletics teams would compete following the transition from Division II, another testament to the successful presidency of Dr. James C. Votruba.
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Dr. James Votruba's fifteenth year as President of Northern Kentucky University will be his last in that role. In announcement today during the Highland Heights school's state of the university address, Votruba informed the campus community of his decision.
When reached late last night by telephone, Dr. Votruba granted a one-on-one interview with the River City News.
 |
| Dr. James C. Votruba |
"I think the university is in great shape right now for a transition," Votruba said. "One can always stay another year or two but this is timing. Timing on transitions is very important and the timing now could not be better because the university is in a strong position academically and financially, given the times."
The Bank of Kentucky Center, a new student union and the new College of Informatics building are the latest high-profile, multimillion dollar construction projects that now define the campus as a growing metropolitan university.
"Fourteen years ago the budget was $85 million," Votruba said. "Today it's $210 million. "Ten years ago we had fifty-two undergraduate programs and today we have seventy. We had ten masters programs and today we have forty-nine and two doctoral programs."
Votruba arrived in Highland Heights from East Lansing where he was Vice Provost for university outreach and a professor of higher education at Michigan State University. His Bachelor's degree in political science, his master's in political science and sociology and his doctorate in higher education were all earned at Michigan State, a school that many thought would lure Votruba away a few years ago when its presidency was vacant.
Instead, he stayed at Northern Kentucky where his wife, Rachel, was also on faculty and where his daughter, Emily, graduated.
"We're an NKU family," Votruba said. "I get contacted by headhunters pretty regularly asking if I'm interested."
For Votruba, it's about legacy and impact, though.
"I never saw a place that looked like more fun than NKU, it's about that simple," he said. "I like building. It's more difficult to build at larger schools. This has been a good fit for me and the community has been a good fit. You have to decide if you're going to unpack your bags and leave a legacy."
Votruba will remain in the NKU and Northern Kentucky community. After stepping away as president following the 2011-12 academic year, he'll leave campus for a full year and then return as a facutly member in the education doctoral program.
"I'm a teacher, fundamentally. It's the way I've approached my work here and my entire career and I'm excited about the doctoral program in educational leadership because it's an opportunity to educate the next generation of leaders, not only at a university, but superintendents and principals who have a lot of responsibility," Votruba said.
"I'm also excited about more flexibility in my life for Rachel and me to spend time with our children and our grandchildren."
He and Mrs. Votruba have three children and six grandchildren. Votruba plans, after becoming a professor, to be simply that at NKU, a professor.
"I'm going to stay out of the president's business and give the new president the freedom to move in their own direction," he says.
President Votruba's accomplishments have made the NKU job more attractive and likely more competitive. He says that NKU is a good place to be a president and that Kentucky is a good state in which to be a president. The Board of Regents will likely use a consulting firm to conduct a national search for the school's next leader, Votruba said.
Votruba's are big shoes to fill. "My proudest achievement is the overall coming of age of the university as a full-blown major institution," he said. "Universities look to NKU as an example in community engagement."
The President says that there was not precise moment when he knew it was time to step aside and allow a new leader to come in, explaining that it happened gradually. "It's evolutionary," he says. "You listen to voices inside you, you ask yourself after fifteen years, 'this is a long time, do you want to go out while you're still on top?'"
"My father told me when I was a young man and he was still working, 'I want to know when it's time to go before someone has to tell me'. I think that's good caution."
Asked which building on campus now or in the future he would like to have his name on, he laughed. "How about that old log cabin that sits out by the Honors House," he chuckled.
Friday morning, Greaves Hall on NKU's campus was completely full for Votruba's final fall invocation, according to university spokesman Chris Cole, who also announced that the President will select a NCAA Division I conference in which the athletics teams would compete following the transition from Division II, another testament to the successful presidency of Dr. James C. Votruba.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
New Facade Grant Available For Qualifying Homeowners!
The Homeowner Facade Program, funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program, is administered by the City of Covington's Community Development Department. The purpose of this program is to assist homeowners with improvement to facades (visible from the public right-of-way) of qualifying residential properties. The funds are available in two targeted redevelopment areas: Central Core and targeted streets in the Latonia area. Under this program, households which meet income and other requirements may obtain grants to assist with certain exterior improvement.
The facade improvements will be made available to address exterior code violations, which must be addressed prior to undertaking other improvements, on facades visible from the public right-of-way. Examples of eligible repairs include roof repair/replacement, gutter repair/replacement, repair/repainting of exterior walls and trim, porch repairs, handrails, steps, and walkways. Lighting and security improvements may be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Other improvements may be eligible as funding is available.
Homeowners wishing to participate in the program must submit an application and required documentation to the Community Development Department. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis as funding permits.
Questions? Contact Jeremy Wallace, CDBG/HOME Program Coordinator, Community Development Department, at 292-2163 or jwallace@covingtonky.gov
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
"TIME TO MOVE ON," regarding Commissioner's DUI; "OUR LAST CHANCE," to save Downtown Covington; TV'S KIT ANDREWS speaks at Commission meeting
by Michael Monks
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CITY HALL - A packed commission chambers Tuesday night was mainly the result of concern over whether to change a portion of Latonia's Church Street near Holy Cross High School to a one-way. But the issues at hand ran deeper than that, including the approval of yet another plan to revitalize downtown Covington and an outpouring of support for Commissioner Steve Frank from his fellow commissioners, following his arrest and guilty plea for DUI.
SUPPORT FOR STEVE FRANK
"I would have done the same for any one of us up here on Commission," said Commissioner Steve Casper, explaining why he elected to pick up Frank from the Kenton County Jail and attended Frank's court appearance.
"I don't condone nor do I condemn," Casper continued. "I am one for moving on so we can make Covington a better place to live and work."
"I admire (Frank) for the way he admitted what he had done and offering his apologies," said Commissioner Sherry Carran.
"Sensationalizing this in the media is counterproductive and it's time to move on," offered Commissioner Shawn Masters.
Explaining that it would be the last time that he apologizes publicly over the issue, Commissioner Frank repeated his apology and remorse. "I'm sorry I caused attention to the city when doesn't need it," Frank said. "We need to be focusing on economic development." Frank added that he hopes that his example reminds people to take a cab home after drinking alcohol.
Mayor Denny Bowman did not comment on the issue.
THE PLAN OF PLANS!
Community Development Director Jackson Kinney explained the Center City Action Plan (CCCAP), the latest in a long list of plans to revitalize Downtown Covington. This new plan, the result of a federal grant worth $359,000 for consulting purposes, is slated to bring together the other 19 plans initiated by the city since 2000. Kinney says CCCAP creates a broad based strategy to guide revitalization efforts.
"We need a big project to happen quickly," said Mayor Bowman. "This might be our last opportunity."
"We have plans sitting on shelves," added Carran. "With this group on board we'll take the best part of these plans and put them together. It's gonna energize all of us to work together."
"We have one last chance to get this right," said Frank.
CHURCH STREET
The nearly three hour-long meeting started with the Church Street issue, in which a portion from East Southern Avenue and 36th Street would be rerouted as a one-way, an important issue to neighbors and families with children that attend Holy Cross.
Local TV news anchor Kit Andrews, of Edgewood, spoke before the commission saying that her kids attend Holy Cross and that she is a regular customer at the Latonia Kroger because of that. Andrews believes that a one-way street is not the answer to traffic and pedestrian problems, instead suggesting a turnaround and speedbumps. "When people stop using Holy Cross, you're gonna lose business," Andrews said.
A representative from the City explained that speedbumps cost $15,000 apiece, are also difficult to deal with during snow plowing and may even inspire young drivers to speed up to become airborne.
Mayor Bowman supports closing the street during school hours to all traffic. A vote is expected at the next commission meeting in two weeks.
Questions? Comments? Contact!
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CITY HALL - A packed commission chambers Tuesday night was mainly the result of concern over whether to change a portion of Latonia's Church Street near Holy Cross High School to a one-way. But the issues at hand ran deeper than that, including the approval of yet another plan to revitalize downtown Covington and an outpouring of support for Commissioner Steve Frank from his fellow commissioners, following his arrest and guilty plea for DUI.
SUPPORT FOR STEVE FRANK
"I would have done the same for any one of us up here on Commission," said Commissioner Steve Casper, explaining why he elected to pick up Frank from the Kenton County Jail and attended Frank's court appearance.
"I don't condone nor do I condemn," Casper continued. "I am one for moving on so we can make Covington a better place to live and work."
"I admire (Frank) for the way he admitted what he had done and offering his apologies," said Commissioner Sherry Carran.
"Sensationalizing this in the media is counterproductive and it's time to move on," offered Commissioner Shawn Masters.
Explaining that it would be the last time that he apologizes publicly over the issue, Commissioner Frank repeated his apology and remorse. "I'm sorry I caused attention to the city when doesn't need it," Frank said. "We need to be focusing on economic development." Frank added that he hopes that his example reminds people to take a cab home after drinking alcohol.
Mayor Denny Bowman did not comment on the issue.
THE PLAN OF PLANS!
Community Development Director Jackson Kinney explained the Center City Action Plan (CCCAP), the latest in a long list of plans to revitalize Downtown Covington. This new plan, the result of a federal grant worth $359,000 for consulting purposes, is slated to bring together the other 19 plans initiated by the city since 2000. Kinney says CCCAP creates a broad based strategy to guide revitalization efforts.
"We need a big project to happen quickly," said Mayor Bowman. "This might be our last opportunity."
"We have plans sitting on shelves," added Carran. "With this group on board we'll take the best part of these plans and put them together. It's gonna energize all of us to work together."
"We have one last chance to get this right," said Frank.
CHURCH STREET
The nearly three hour-long meeting started with the Church Street issue, in which a portion from East Southern Avenue and 36th Street would be rerouted as a one-way, an important issue to neighbors and families with children that attend Holy Cross.
Local TV news anchor Kit Andrews, of Edgewood, spoke before the commission saying that her kids attend Holy Cross and that she is a regular customer at the Latonia Kroger because of that. Andrews believes that a one-way street is not the answer to traffic and pedestrian problems, instead suggesting a turnaround and speedbumps. "When people stop using Holy Cross, you're gonna lose business," Andrews said.
A representative from the City explained that speedbumps cost $15,000 apiece, are also difficult to deal with during snow plowing and may even inspire young drivers to speed up to become airborne.
Mayor Bowman supports closing the street during school hours to all traffic. A vote is expected at the next commission meeting in two weeks.
Questions? Comments? Contact!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
FRANK PLEADS GUILTY, PAYS FINE; CRUISER CAM LOCKED UP BY JUDGE
by Michael Monks
mmonks@deanmproductions.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645
Commissioner Steve Frank pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle under the influence and disregarding a stop sign in an early morning off-docket appearance at the Kenton County Justice Center. The first term Commissioner paid a fine of $784.00 and will be on nonsupervised probation, meaning that if another offense is committed over the next two years, Frank, 55, could serve seven days in jail. Frank's license is suspended for sixty days (a request for "hardship" can be made after thirty days) and he will also attend alcohol treatment classes.
Frank was arrested early Saturday morning after a Covington police officer claimed to have seen him run a stop sign, prompting a stop. The Commissioner spent eight hours in the Kenton County Jail before being released.
Crusier cam video of that arrest will not be released following an order by the presiding judge who honored a request to keep the video sealed. A clerk at the courthouse did not know who made the request. The judge describes the video as "confidential" and has ordered the Covington Police Department never to release the footage regardless of the request, unless used in a confidential, official manner.
SEE COMMISSIONER FRANK'S STATEMENT BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW
mmonks@deanmproductions.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645
Commissioner Steve Frank pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle under the influence and disregarding a stop sign in an early morning off-docket appearance at the Kenton County Justice Center. The first term Commissioner paid a fine of $784.00 and will be on nonsupervised probation, meaning that if another offense is committed over the next two years, Frank, 55, could serve seven days in jail. Frank's license is suspended for sixty days (a request for "hardship" can be made after thirty days) and he will also attend alcohol treatment classes.
Frank was arrested early Saturday morning after a Covington police officer claimed to have seen him run a stop sign, prompting a stop. The Commissioner spent eight hours in the Kenton County Jail before being released.Crusier cam video of that arrest will not be released following an order by the presiding judge who honored a request to keep the video sealed. A clerk at the courthouse did not know who made the request. The judge describes the video as "confidential" and has ordered the Covington Police Department never to release the footage regardless of the request, unless used in a confidential, official manner.
SEE COMMISSIONER FRANK'S STATEMENT BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW
Sunday, July 31, 2011
COVINGTON'S RON EINHAUS HONORED WITH STREET NAME
David Street in Botany Hills is now officially "Ron Einhaus Way", named for one of Covington's most active citizens who died late last year. About thirty people gathered Sunday morning outside St. John Congregational Church for the unveiling of the new street sign.
"He was a tremendous man, he loved Kentucky, he loved Covington, his neighborhood, this church and his family," said Ray Kingsbury of Botany Hills. "Above all, he loved a celebration. Today we celebrate the life of Ron Einhaus and the dedication of Ron Einhaus Way."
Mayor Denny Bowman brought to the ceremony multiple photographs taken by Einhaus over the years and discussed them briefly before the crowd. Einhaus's photography was well known within the community and he could be seen all over town, particularly during events, capturing shots of his beloved Covington.
"Ron Einhaus will be taking aerial photos today," added Kingsbury.
Dustin Einhaus spoke of his father on behalf of the family. "His name will be remembered for generations to come and we hope it inspires more people to become involved in their communities," Einhaus said. "He didn't like pomp and circumstance, he preferred a supporting role, but he would take the lead on important issues."
Visit www.roneinhaus.com for some of Ron Einhaus' photography and more. More photos from Sunday's street name unveiling courtesy of Barry Johnson are available by clicking the "Click here for the rest of the story" link below.
"He was a tremendous man, he loved Kentucky, he loved Covington, his neighborhood, this church and his family," said Ray Kingsbury of Botany Hills. "Above all, he loved a celebration. Today we celebrate the life of Ron Einhaus and the dedication of Ron Einhaus Way."
Mayor Denny Bowman brought to the ceremony multiple photographs taken by Einhaus over the years and discussed them briefly before the crowd. Einhaus's photography was well known within the community and he could be seen all over town, particularly during events, capturing shots of his beloved Covington.
"Ron Einhaus will be taking aerial photos today," added Kingsbury.
 |
| David Street is now Ron Einhaus Way in Botany Hills |
Dustin Einhaus spoke of his father on behalf of the family. "His name will be remembered for generations to come and we hope it inspires more people to become involved in their communities," Einhaus said. "He didn't like pomp and circumstance, he preferred a supporting role, but he would take the lead on important issues."
Visit www.roneinhaus.com for some of Ron Einhaus' photography and more. More photos from Sunday's street name unveiling courtesy of Barry Johnson are available by clicking the "Click here for the rest of the story" link below.
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