CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Meeting Minutes of September 3, 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 Duncan, City Attorney Mike Hoerlein, Public Works Supt.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 20, 2026, Regular Meeting
MOTION: Tom Baldridge made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2026, Regular Meeting, seconded by Patrick Blair. All in favor, the motion passed, 6-0-0.
UNSCHEDULED VISTORS AND GUESTS
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & MUNICIPAL ORDERS
Ordinance 2026-07 (2nd Reading): An Ordinance of the City of Alexandria, in Campbell County, Kentucky, adopting the 2026 S-26 Supplement to the City of Alexandria Code of Ordinances, as prepared by the American Legal Publishing Corporation.
Mr. Duncan gave a brief overview of the process and added American Legal also updates the Code of Ordinances with any changes from the state.
MOTION: Stacey Grausmade a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-07, seconded by Robert Strong. All in favor, the motion passed 6-0-0.
Ordinance 2026-08 (2nd Reading): An Ordinance of the City of Alexandria, in Campbell County, Kentucky, providing for the assessment of real property within the corporate limits of the City of Alexandria and levying an Ad Valorem Tax of $0.140 on each one hundred dollars ($100.00) of assessed valuation (1.40 per thousand) of real property in the city for the 2026 assessment tax year and specifying the purpose for which the tax is levied.
MOTION: Michael McGrath made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-08, seconded by Robert Strong. All in favor, the motion passed 6-0-0.
Mr. Plummer provided an update regarding the extension of the property tax payment deadline for the current tax year. Property owners will be granted an additional 30 days to pay their property tax bills.
Ms. Tarter added that the property tax bills are being updated to clearly highlight the extended payment deadline. The updated bills will also include a QR code that will direct taxpayers to the City’s website for convenient online payment of their property taxes.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Administrator: See attached report. Mr. Plummer referred to the attached report and reviewed the proposed sign designs, presenting several options for updating the North and South signs. The estimated cost for both sign locations is $12,000. Additional improvements to the signs will include painting and necessary repairs.
Mr. Graus suggested incorporating an additional color to provide more definition to the signs and recommended using white lettering. He also asked about the expected longevity of each proposed option and the monument requirements associated with each.
Mr. Plummer noted that, in order for staff to move forward and provide Council with an accurate comparison of materials and costs, Council would first need to establish the desired overall look and design of the signs.
Council discussed the proposed sign colors, wording, and materials. There was consensus to retain the navy-blue background with white lettering. Staff will provide Council with several mock-ups incorporating the proposed slogan and the City’s established date for further consideration.
Police Department: He thanked everyone for their efforts in making the Fair Parade safe and successful, noting that it was truly an all-hands-on-deck effort. He also announced that Coffee with a Cop will be held on October 8, and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be observed on October 24.
Public Works: He provided an update on the Breckenridge Road work, noting that the project has begun. The contractor is currently onsite replacing catch basins and has completed approximately 80% of the work. Road work is expected to begin following the holiday weekend.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Public Works – Tom Baldridge: Next committee meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Safety – Laura Fincher: Next committee meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Business Retention & Development – Michael McGrath: Met this evening and discussed the Alexandria Business Council. Next meeting will be November 5, 2026, at 6:00pm.
Personnel – Robert Strong: Next meeting will be October 15, 2026, at 6:30pm.
Future Planning – Patrick Blair: Next meeting will be October 1, 2026, at 6:00pm.
Finance – Stacey Graus: Next meeting will be December 3, 2026, at 6:00pm.
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Planning & Zoning: The committee met this past Tuesday and discussed and approved a zone change to allow for an ice cream shop on Washington Street.
NEW BUSINESS
Amplify Alexandria: The Amplify Alexandria Business Spotlight for August is Ken’s Auto Care.
OLD BUSINESS – None
COUNCIL & MAYOR COMMENTS
Tom Baldridge: He expressed his excitement about the upcoming opening of WaWa, noting that he believes the additional competition will help drive down prices. He also commented that the Fair Parade was well attended and a great success.
Robert Strong: He provided an update on the building project, noting that landscaping has begun and seeding of the area is expected to begin next week. He added that work on the interior of the building continues to progress.
Patrick Blair: He commended Mayor Schabell, Councilman Strong, and City Administrator David Plummer for their dedication and efforts in keeping the City Building project on schedule and within budget. He also commented on the success of the Fair Parade, noting that it is always impressive to make the turn onto Washington Street and hear the echoes of the crowd surrounding the streets.
Stacey Graus: He hopes everyone has a fun and safe Fair Week.
Mayor Andy Schabell: He shared a letter from Regina expressing her appreciation for the members of the Planning Commission and for providing residents with the opportunity to speak and be heard. He also shared fond memories of participating in the Fair Parade for 14 years.
FUTURE MEETINGS
- September 9, 7:00pm – Board of Adjustment
- September 10, 7:00pm – Code Enforcement
- September 15, 7:00pm – Planning & Zoning
COMMUNICATIONS
- September 7 – City Offices Closed in observance of Labor Day
- September 22, 7:00pm – Free Yoga at 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 7:28 p.m.
For the official signed minutes, please contact the City Clerk’s office at 859-635-4125 or email starter@alexandriaky.gov.