Frankfort · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Frankfort public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New aerial ladder truck for fire protection
The city's new aerial ladder truck arrived at Station 3 after nearly two years, replacing a truck downtown, at a final cost of about $504,721 fully paid.
Weekend transit gaps and Ride United program
United Way's Ride United program, backed by a $10,000 city grant, will use Lyft rides to fill gaps when buses don't run on weekends, with a 48-hour advance booking number coming.
Riverfront development committee
A new committee with at least two elected officials will push riverfront development forward, with the order up for approval at the October voting meeting.
Gas franchise ordinance and fee
Frankfort wants its first gas utility franchise — Columbia Gas would pay 3% of gross revenues annually for a 10-year franchise, with possible increases to 5%.
East Frankfort Park community plaza and LWCF grant
A proposed $1 million community plaza next to the new pickleball courts — restrooms, shade, game courts — funded half by a $500,000 federal grant, half by bond money. Commissioners discussed scaling it back if the grant comes in smaller.
Neglected and abandoned properties program
Code enforcement ran 756 active cases this year — most started proactively, not by complaint — and three foreclosures are underway under the neglected property program.
FY2027 employee health insurance renewal
City and employee health premiums rise about 9% next year, but a new pharmacy vendor should cut generic copays from $15 to $10 and keep international sourcing for expensive drugs.
College Park historic designation
The city may pursue National Register status for College Park, the first Frankfort subdivision developed by Black residents (1958). It's honorary and unlocks preservation tax credits of 30% on qualifying rehab work.
Short-term rental concentration in South Frankfort
Commissioners flagged that non-owner-occupied short-term rentals are piling up along Paul Sawyier Drive. The city caps them at 56, and the zoning code calls for looking at concentration when new permits come in — a policy conversation is brewing.
Copperleaf Apartments sewer extension
A sewer extension contract clears the way for 80 new apartments at 207 Copperleaf Blvd., with the developer paying construction costs and the city collecting $160,000 in combined fees plus about $8,500 a month in future sewer revenue.
Fire Engine 22 refurbishment
Rather than wait 2-5 years and spend up to $1 million on a new fire engine, the city is refurbishing its 2001 Engine 22 for about $499,000 — roughly half the cost of new.
$12.05 Million Bond Issue for Downtown and Parks Projects
A proposed $12.035 million bond would fund downtown and parks master plan projects, including reimbursing the general fund for the Lazy River at the Aquatic Center, paid entirely by the insurance premium tax.
Forks of Elkhorn sewer extension interlocal agreement
The county wants city sewer participation in a $3.3 million extension to Forks of Elkhorn: a $100,000 sewer department investment plus a waived application fee, in exchange for about 115 new ratepayers a year.
Transit bus shelters and stop upgrades
Only 26 of 129 bus stops have shelters. Transit is awaiting grant funding for 11 more, wants more benches citywide, and is exploring an advertising policy to pay for them.
Multi-generational farm rezoning at 2075 C0 Road
A landowner wants agricultural zoning so family members working the farm can each build a home on the 17-acre property. Staff say it matches the comprehensive plan, though septic limits will cap how many homes actually get built.
Transit fare suspension and ridership
Free fares nearly doubled July ridership (13,015 vs. 7,068), but some riders are just riding to ride, crowding out commuters. The board held off on extending the suspension and will study the data before a September committee meeting.
Second Street School pedestrian safety
Kids walking and biking to Second Street School have had close calls due to the lack of a private driveway; a meeting is being set up to make it safer.
Police repeaters and E-911 agreement with county
Dispatch radio repeaters still need funding, and the city manager is working with the county judge on a renewed E-911 agreement that would also cover capital costs and fix the 75/25 split. A new quote and work session update are coming.
Pedestrian occupancy ordinance on arterial roads
A new ordinance would bar pedestrian occupancy on arterials and state rights-of-way, with $20-$100 fines. The sponsor says it's about safety on narrow medians, not outlawing panhandling, and wants a grace period.
Parcel C riverfront linear park
The city is spending about $91,000 on 30% design plans for a Broadway linear park so it can chase an October grant, keeping momentum on the riverfront vision alongside the event center development.
FY 2025-26 Budget Amendment
A mid-year fix to the current budget adds about $2.39 million in revenue and $1.08 million in spending to the General Fund.