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Covington commissioners approve riverfront utility agreement, zoning change for manufactured homes and multiple personnel moves
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Summary
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with Duke Energy for underground utilities at the Central Riverfront, adopted an ordinance allowing "qualified manufactured homes" as a single-family detached dwelling type, and approved a package of promotions, resignations and appointments on Jan. 27, 2026.
Mayor Ronald L. Washington called the City of Covington Board of Commissioners to order on Tuesday, Jan. 27, and the body approved a package of personnel actions, infrastructure agreements and a zoning change in a meeting that lasted roughly 44 minutes.
The commission voted unanimously to authorize an agreement with Duke Energy Kentucky to install an underground utility system for Blocks A and B of the Covington Central Riverfront development (Commissioners’ Order No. ORD-028-2026). Commissioner Tim Downing moved the motion and Commissioner Tim Acri seconded; the vote was 4–0 with Commissioner Shannon Smith absent.
On zoning, Commissioners adopted on second reading Ordinance No. O-01-2026 amending Chapter 158 of the Covington Code of Ordinances to allow "qualified manufactured homes" to be treated as a single-family detached dwelling building type. The ordinance passed 4–0 on a roll-call vote after the title was read by City Clerk Susan Ellis.
The commission also approved a consent agenda that included an MOU with Kenton County, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority and the Catalytic Fund for an economic development project at the former Duro Bag site (ORD-029-2026), a contract amendment with KZF Design Inc. for additional Phase 1 public infrastructure design services (ORD-030-2026), and authorization for the mayor to execute an MOU with the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center (ORD-035-2026). Each consent item was moved and seconded as read and approved by unanimous voice vote.
Personnel actions taken included multiple promotions in the Fire Department (ORD-021-2026 through ORD-027-2026) effective Feb. 1, 2026 — including the promotion of Captain Kaleb Miller to battalion chief — and acceptance of several resignations and a retirement: Firefighter Glenn Caminiti (resignation effective Dec. 18, 2025), Police Officer John Mairose (effective Jan. 14, 2026), Police Officer Jeffrey Tolliver (effective Jan. 25, 2026), and the retirement of Battalion Chief Joseph Bowman (effective Feb. 1, 2026). Allison Paige Hermes, Hugo Biondo and Kris Knochelmann were appointed or reappointed to city boards and authorities with the terms noted in the orders.
The commission also approved a contract with SwimSafe Pool Management, Inc. for the 2026 pool season (ORD-039-2026).
All motions recorded in the transcript were adopted unanimously (voting yea: Commissioners Tim Acri, Tim Downing, James Toebbe and Mayor Ronald L. Washington; voting nay: none). The meeting recessed at 6:17 p.m., reconvened at 6:28 p.m., and adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Votes at a glance: ORD-021-2026 (promotions, Fire) — motion moved by Commissioner Tim Acri, seconded by Commissioner Tim Downing; approved 4–0. ORD-028-2026 (Duke Energy agreement) — moved by Commissioner Tim Downing, seconded by Commissioner Tim Acri; approved 4–0. O-01-2026 (zoning ordinance allowing qualified manufactured homes) — second reading adopted, roll-call vote 4–0. Other consent orders (ORD-029 through ORD-039) — approved by unanimous voice votes as read.
The board did not record substantive debate on the floor for these items in the provided transcript; items were read by the City Clerk and approved after motions and seconds. The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Washington at 6:44 p.m.