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Council tables railroad‑trestle land trade, discusses redistricting plan ahead of June deadline
Summary
Covington’s council tabled a proposed land swap beneath a railroad trestle pending a site marking and additional information, and discussed redistricting options after meeting with Knox County advisors; a motion favoring option #3 with a 1.4% deviation was proposed but the minutes do not record a final vote.
The Covington City Council on March 3 reviewed several land‑use and planning matters and postponed a proposed property exchange under a railroad trestle.
Mayor Crain distributed a map regarding the land beneath a railroad trestle connected to a proposed trade with Brian Tyson (appears in the minutes with a numeric designation). Councilmembers raised questions and the council tabled the matter so the mayor could meet with Rodger Azar to mark the parcel and return with more information at the next meeting.
Councilmember Randles reported that department heads and the clerk‑treasurer have met about policy changes for 2026; Clerk‑Treasurer Knecht will circulate a draft for council review. Randles also raised concerns about dull street lighting at City Park; Mayor Crain said new lighting will be installed by year‑end using a DNR grant.
Councilmembers Smith and Copenhaver described redistricting work required for third‑class cities following the 2020 census and noted the June 30, 2025 deadline. They met with Dave Shelton of Knox County at no cost to the city about deviation percentages. Councilmember Copenhaver made a motion to adopt option #3 with a 1.4% deviation based on the 2020 census; minutes record that certification and an ordinance will be required, but do not include an explicit recorded vote on that motion.
Mayor Crain also asked whether the council would accept Stringtown Road (from the 11th Street Bridge to the I‑74 Bridge) if the county transfers it; council discussion indicated willingness to accept the road should the county agree. The mayor proposed giving county land north of the cell tower near the old jail to Knox County for 911 use; the council indicated agreement in principle.
These items were tabled or left pending additional action: the railroad‑trestle land trade will be revisited after a site marking, and Attorney Powell was assigned to prepare any necessary certification or ordinance language for redistricting if the council moves forward.
