Radcliffe council passes flood-ordinance changes, budget amendment, animal-protection measure and approves transfer of Green River Waste franchise to Republic;
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Summary
At a special meeting, Radcliffe's council adopted multiple ordinances on second reading, approved a budget amendment, approved surplus disposals, and consented to Republic Services' proposed purchase/assignment of Green River Waste’s franchise; one rezoning was postponed.
Radcliffe — The Radcliffe City Council approved several ordinances and administrative actions Tuesday, including amendments to the city's flood damage prevention code, a mid-year budget amendment, an ordinance making it unlawful to confine animals in unattended vehicles under dangerous conditions, and the city’s assent to Republic Services taking over the Green River Waste franchise. The council also approved surplus property disposals and changes to the employee handbook; council postponed one rezoning (238 Cedar Oak Drive) for further review.
Key outcomes at a glance - Flood-damage prevention ordinance (Chapter 7.5) — Adopted on second reading. The amendment clarifies the definition of "substantial improvement," specifying a 5‑year cumulative threshold at or above 50% of market value before improvement work begins. (Roll call recorded as yes; motion carries.)
- Fiscal year 2024–25 budget amendment — Adopted on second reading. The ordinance amended anticipated revenues and appropriations across funds, including increased insurance premium tax receipts and adjustments to general fund and stormwater utility fund totals.
- Rezoning, 2787 Hill Street (Item 4) — Adopted on second reading. The council approved rezoning approximately 38.76 acres at 2787 Hill Street (PVA 139-00-00-002) per the Planning Commission recommendation.
- Animal confinement in motor vehicles ordinance — Adopted on second reading. The ordinance makes it unlawful to leave an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the animal’s health or well‑being; first responders are authorized to take reasonable steps, including forced entry under specified conditions. The penalty is a class B misdemeanor with fines and/or jail time as stated in the ordinance.
- Ad valorem tax ordinance — Introduced on first reading. The council held the first reading of the city’s ad valorem tax rates for fiscal year 2026; rates introduced included 0.129 per $100 for real property and 0.174 for personal property, among other specified rates. A second reading will be scheduled.
- Employee handbook changes and department surplus — Council approved revisions to the employee handbook (section 3.6.2 on police retirees) and authorized disposal/sale of listed surplus items using traditional local auction methods or online platforms for higher-value items.
- Assignment and consent for solid waste franchise — The council approved notice of assignment and consent allowing Republic Services of Kentucky LLC to assume substantially all assets of Green River Waste, with the franchise continuing under the same rates and contract terms through the franchise expiration. The ordinance authorizing the original franchise requires city approval for assignment; Republic provided a $100,000 surety bond and the council approved the assignment.
What officials and stakeholders said City staff summarized options regarding the franchise transfer: approve the assignment to Republic Services (the mayor’s recommendation), deny and risk service disruption, or revoke the franchise and re-open bids. The council and staff emphasized continuity of service: drivers, trucks and pickup schedules are expected to remain the same during the transition and the city sought assurances about maintaining a local office during the contract term.
"They're buying substantially all of the assets of Green River Waste," staff explained. "Republic has asked to step in the shoes of Green River for the franchise and has delivered a $100,000 surety bond guaranteeing performance under the franchise." (paraphrased from staff remarks)
Council procedure and votes Several items were adopted by roll call after standard second-reading procedure. Where recorded roll calls were given, the clerk recorded affirmative votes and the meeting minutes showed motions carried. For the franchise assignment the council approved the notice of assignment and consent by roll call (all recorded votes in favor at the roll call noted in the transcript).
Ending Council members asked staff to continue due diligence on the franchise transition (including local office arrangements) and to schedule the ad valorem tax second reading promptly so tax paperwork can proceed for the next property tax cycle.
