CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2026
Mayor Andy Schabell called the Alexandria City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the invocation and the pledge to the flag. The following Council Members answering roll call:
Tom Baldridge Present Patrick Blair Present
Laura Fincher Present Stacey Graus Present
Michael McGrath Present Robert Strong Present
Also: Stephanie Tarter, City Clerk David Plummer, City Administrator
Lucas Cooper, Police Chief Kelly Perry, City Treasurer
Mike Hoerlein, Public Works Supt. Mike Duncan, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 18, 2026, Regular Meeting
MOTION: Tom Baldridgemade a motion to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2026, Regular Meeting, seconded by Patrick Blair. All in favor, the motion passed, 6-0-0.
SCHEDULED VISTORS AND GUESTS
Adam Ritter, CC Superintendent: Mr. Ritter provided a brief personal and professorial background then he reviewed the goals of the Campbell County School System. He then reviewed the second phase of the building renovation and expansion project, which is already underway. Mr. Ritter emphasized the project is not being driven by a shortage of student space, but rather by the need to better align classroom layouts and facilities with the evolving educational programs and courses offered by the district. The renovation and expansion project is expected to be completed in 2028.
UNSCHEDULED VISTORS AND GUESTS
Brant Owens, Newport, KY: Mr. Owens provided a brief introduction and shared his background with Council. He stated that he is a candidate for Campbell County District 3 Commissioner and expressed his commitment to bringing positive change to the county.
Joshua Baker, Newport, KY: He provided a brief overview of his background and shared that he is a candidate for Kentucky State Senate District 24. While he does not come from a political background, he emphasized his desire to serve as a voice for his neighbors and community, representing their interests and concerns in Frankfort, KY.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & MUNICIPAL ORDERS
Municipal Order 2026-07: A Municipal Order of the City of Alexandria appointing and approving Justin Gamble to the City of Alexandria Planning & Zoning Commission to fill the unexpired term of Sam Ruebusch for the remainder of his four (4) year term to expire on December 31, 2028, or as soon as his successor is appointed, approved, is qualified and sworn in.
Mayor Schabell announced that Sam has resigned from his position in order to focus on his growing family and spend time at home with his first child.
MOTION: Robert Strong made a motion to approve Municipal Order 2026-07, seconded by Michael McGrath. All in favor, the motion passed 6-0-0.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Clerk: See attached report. Ms. Tarter added that they have received the Alexandria Fair Parade registration.
City Administrator: Mr. Plummer shared an update on several ongoing projects, noting that he has been working behind the scenes to finalize important decisions regarding the new building. He also provided an update on the Kroger development, sharing that the project continues to move forward as adjustments are being made in coordination with SD1 to address stormwater requirements. Additionally, Mr. Plummer reviewed several potential road funding options that have recently been presented.
Police Department: See attached report. Chief Cooper provided an update on the Police Department, sharing that when he hired an Assistant Police Chief, they established several goals focused on implementing new initiatives and improvements within the department. He reported that all of those goals have been successfully achieved. Chief Cooper also announced that a new officer will begin on July 21st, bringing the department to full staffing levels.
Mr. Baldridge asked about the Flock camera system and the concerns some residents have expressed regarding its use. Chief Cooper provided an overview of the system based on his current knowledge, explaining its purpose and highlighting some of the beneficial features it offers. He also noted that technology continues to evolve, with new advancements being introduced that he is still learning more about.
Public Works: See attached report. Mr. Hoerlein provided an update on the upcoming SD1 project on Ridgewood Drive, which is scheduled to begin on July 27th. The project will require a full road closure for approximately one week. He shared that all necessary parties, including dispatch, the bus garage, and other affected departments, have been notified and are prepared for the closure.
Finance Department: See attached report.
Zoning/Code Enforcement: See attached report.
Community Center: See attached report.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Public Works – Tom Baldridge: The committee met this evening to discuss the future plans for the existing city building, including potential next steps for marketing the property. The committee reviewed the city’s upcoming contract with Morton Salt for this year, as well as discussing several traffic-related items, including stop signs and crosswalk improvements. The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Safety – Laura Fincher: The committee met this evening and discussed several ongoing projects, they reviewed the proposed E-Scooter regulations, with the first reading of the ordinance scheduled for the next meeting. They also discussed the intersection of Pat Fanning Way and Roger Steffen Way and will continue evaluating potential solutions to improve safety and traffic flow. Additional discussion focused on the possibility of adding a crosswalk near the Arcadia pool and relocating it farther down the road to create a safer crossing area. The committee will also continue reviewing parking concerns along Elysian Way.
The committee reviewed engineering firms for the Safe Streets for All Grant. Mr. Plummer provided additional information regarding the grant and the RFQ process and shared that the committee selected Verdantas to provide engineering services for the project. The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Business Retention & Development – Michael McGrath: Next meeting will be September 3, 2026, at 6:00pm.
Personnel – Robert Strong: Next meeting will be August 20, 2026, at 6:30pm.
Future Planning – Patrick Blair: Next meeting will be August 6, 2026, at 6:00pm.
Finance – Stacey Graus: Next meeting will be August 20, 2026, at 6:00pm.
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
NEW BUSINESS
Amplify Alexandria: Mr. Strong shared that Logos Bookstore is the winner for the month of July. Cheryl thanked the city for taking the time to showcase their businesses in the city.
OLD BUSINESS – None
COUNCIL & MAYOR COMMENTS
Tom Baldridge: He attended the 536-extension meeting.
Laura Fincher: She commended the Park & Recreation department for all of their hard work on the events this summer. She also shared that she did a ride-a-long with Detective Rhoden and how that is open to everyone.
Michael McGrath: He gave a shoutout to the CCHS Baseball team for an incredible season.
Robert Strong: He gave an update on the building and all of the work that is completed and keys should be handed over in late September/early October.
Patrick Blair: He congratulated Kelly Perry and Megan Snyder on their upcoming graduation from the Kentucky Municipal Clerks Institute.
Stacey Graus: He attended the Johns Hill/AA connector, and he did talk to the engineers regarding the additional signs on the AA at Riley Road. He was told that it is a perceived safety issue and not an actual issue. He also spoke to them regarding the dips on the road on Riley Road that is a hazard. He asked them about a turn lane on the AA onto Poplar Ridge, but it does not seem like that is going to happen.
Mayor Andy Schabell: He attended the meeting for 536 extension he did not like the “value” engineering they performed as it appeared they are cutting corners. It has taken a long time to bring it about, and it should be done right the first time. He met with KYTC and spoke about the Rcuts. He thanked Marc Barone for providing the 250-celebration flag.
FUTURE MEETINGS
- July 21, 7:00pm – Planning & Zoning
- July 23, 7:00pm – Property Maintenance Board of Appeals
- August 4, 7:00pm – Planning & Zoning
- August 5, 7:00pm – Park and Recreation
COMMUNICATIONS
- July 23, 10:45am – Kids “Hike & Seek” at Alexandria Community Park
- August 6, 10:45am – Kids “Endless Summer Water Fun” at Alexandria Community Park
- August 26, 6:00-8:00pm – Dog Day at the Park, Alexandria Community Park
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Tom Baldridge made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patrick Blair. All in favor, the motion passed 6-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
For the official signed minutes, please contact the City Clerk’s office at 859-635-4125 or email starter@alexandriaky.gov.