By Ryan Clark
NKyTribune reporter
A man who was recently arrested on charges related to possession and distribution of child pornography resigned Tuesday from his appointment to the city’s Human Rights Commission, Covington officials said.
Christensen
At the very end of Covington’s regularly-scheduled city commission meeting Tuesday night, Mayor Joseph U. Meyer noted that there was a vacancy on the Human Rights Commission, which consists of nine members, each of whom are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Commission.
The reason for the vacancy?
Keram Christensen was arrested last week, after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Kentucky State Police enabled Covington police to execute a warrant at his house on Euclid Avenue.
After searching the residence, police arrested Christensen on charges of Possession of Matter Portraying Sexual Performance By Minor (a Class D Felony) and Distribution of Matter Portraying Sexual Performance By Minor, 1st Degree (a Class C Felony).
Christensen had been appointed to the city’s Human Rights Commission twice, most recently in August 2018. His term was set to expire in May 2021, but city officials confirmed that he resigned Tuesday.
“During the execution of the search warrant multiple items of evidence were seized to include: computer equipment, cellular devices, printed photographs and other evidence to suggest Mr. Christensen was involved in the possession and distribution of sexually explicit matter involving juveniles,” a press release from Covington police stated. “Mr. Christensen was taken to Covington Police Headquarters where he was interviewed and then arrested.”
Mayor Meyer noted that anyone interested in being considered to fill the vacancy can go to the city’s website and fill out an application.
He declined to comment further on the situation.
Pointe Benton Gets Flooding Help
The Commission approved an order to execute a public cost share program agreement with the Sanitation District No. 1 for the Pointe Benton Flooding and Storm Water Management Project.
The city has been approved for a $412,500 FEMA grant (the FEMA grant requires a match of $137,500, and SD1 has agreed to contribute a grant in the amount of $277,500) to install flooding and storm water management systems in the neighborhood.
Director of Public Works Makes It Official
Again noting how many officials across the state are retiring to combat the commonwealth’s pension crisis, City Manager David Johnston said goodbye to city Director of Public Works Rick Davis, who officially resigned Tuesday night, effective Aug. 31.
Noting how Davis “served the city well” and “management enjoyed having him as a partner,” he again said he was “sad to lose him.”
“He’s one of the best (directors) I’ve ever seen,” said Commissioner Denny Bowman.https://nkytribune.com/wp-admin/profile.php
So the city is now tasked with finding a replacement in two major positions: Director of Public Works and City Engineer.
Johnston said the Public Works position has been posted and officials are looking at firms to possibly find an interim director.
Fire Department Turnover Begins
Due to other fire department workers retiring, others were promoted, including:
*Engineer Joseph Vance to Lieutenant
*Firefighter Jordan Warner to Engineer
*Firefighter/Paramedic Kurt Thomas to Engineer/Paramedic
Ad Valorem Tax Rate Gets First Reading
Commissioners heard a first reading to decide the tax rates for real and personal property: 0.327 for each $100 of all assessed or assessable real property and 0.349 for each $100 of all assessed or assessable personal property. The Commission will vote after hearing the second reading of the proposal in two weeks.
Downing absent Tuesday
Commissioner Tim Downing was absent from the meeting Tuesday night.
The next regularly scheduled Covington Commission meeting will be a caucus meeting held at 6 p.m., Sept. 3, at the Covington City Hall at 20 West Pike St.
Contact the Northern Kentucky Tribune at news@nkytrib.com
