Commission Highlights

Staff Changes

Commission approved the following staff changes:

• The employment of Lisa V. Desmarais as the Information Technology and Data Manager, effective March 5, 2014. Ms. Desmarais has 20+ years of experience in data and software management. Her data management background includes employment with American Express and Fidelity Investments which brought her to Covington to implement their data systems for the new Covington campus. She has also held similar positions with Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Villa Madonna Academy. She recently served as the Executive Director of Family Promise of Northern Kentucky. 
• The employment of Jacqueline Stephens as the Finance Technician in the City of Covington Finance Department, effective March 5, 2014. Ms. Stephens will assist the Finance Director and the Purchasing Manager, work the customer service window and assist the Finance Director in administrative duties  related to budget and other projects as needed. Jackie has over twenty year experience and has worked in the City's Finance Department as a temporary clerk since May of 2013.

Smart Car Comes to Covington

Commission approved a change in the zoning ordinance of the City to allow new vehicle and equipment sales, light uses in the central business district (CBD) zoning districts through the conditional use process subject to use specific standards. The motivation for the amendment is the possible arrival of a Smart Car dealership in the Ascent’s first floor retail space, a residential high rise designed by internationally known architect Daniel Libeskind.

City and CIPS Partnership

The City and School Board will continue their partnership to provide the Summer Program.  The program was restructured several years ago to better align with the strategic efforts of the Covington Independent Public Schools. Under this program, the City will partner with reimbursement funding up to $52,000 for staff and $17,000 for field trips and supplies. 

The Kenton County Library has been involved in the program for 15 years. Other partners in the program include the Center for Great Neighborhoods, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, the Covington Parks & Recreation Department, Covington Partners and the Covington Independent Public Schools. Last year, approximately 500 children attended the Summer Program.

The Summer Program will run from June 23 until July 25 and registration forms can be accessed by calling 859-392.1000.

HOME Consortium’s Annual Action Plan Amendment

Commission approved an amendment to the City of Covington’s and the Northern Kentucky HOME Consortium’s Annual Action Plan for the program year beginning July 1, 2013 allowing for the reprogramming of certain funds. The HOME Homebuyer Purchase Program has shown  renewed interest this program year. In the first six months of the program year, all the funds available have been committed. In order to continue the program as well as meet HUD’s requirement to keep HOME funds moving, a reprogramming of prior year funds is requested. 

Caroline Avenue Update

Commission approved an amendment in Ordinance Resolution (O/R) 11-14 updating contracts and costs associated with the Caroline Avenue retaining wall replacement project. OR-11-14 was approved for the construction contracts awarded on an emergency basis for the replacement of the training wall on Caroline Avenue. Contracts and costs have been established. This amendment will also allow CDBG funds to be used to cover the construction costs rather tha General/Capital funds that were originally allocated. The approval amends a previous Order Resolution that was approved as an emergency measure.

Board & Commission Changes

Commission approved the following Board and Commission changes:

• The resignation of Chas Brannen from the Devou Park Advisory Committee, effective February 19, 2014.
• The resignation of Lisa Desmarais from the Covington Audit Committee, effective March 4, 2014.