_Board of Commissioners
Regular MeetingNewport, KY · October 21, 2019
Minutes
City OF NEWPORT, KY
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, October 21, 2019
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Peluso at 7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the
Newport Municipal Building at 998 Monmouth Street. The meeting was opened with a moment for
silent invocation and the mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.
In attendance were: Commissioner Beth Fennell, Commissioner Thomas Guidugli, Jr.,
Commissioner Frank Peluso, Commissioner Ken Rechtin, and Mayor Jerry Peluso. Also in
attendance were: City Manager Thomas Fromme, City Attorney Daniel Braun, Police Chief Chris
Fangman, Fire Chief Bill Darin, Historic Preservation Officer Scott Clark, Community Liaison Bev
Holiday, and City Clerk Amy Able.
PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor’s Cannoli Awards were presented to Mrs. Catherine McElwain and Mr. Joshua Rosen in
recognition of their civic contributions including their efforts in beautification through independent
neighborhood cleanup efforts combatting litter.
Historic Preservation Officer Scott Clark stated the application for Buena Vista’s addition as a
National Historic Register District will be reviewed by the Kentucky Heritage Council on October
22, 2019. If approved it will be forwarded to the National Parks System for final approval.
Ms. Paige Ellerman gave an update on the growth and success of the Newport Penguins Swim
and Dive Team and recognized Ms. Caroline Bruns as well as team members, families, and
volunteers in attendance. With the addition of a Junior Team there were three programs all summer
and over 300 children served. Requests for future expansion include additional pool time, a water
fountain, a pool record board, and a trophy case. Ms. Kim Ward was recognized for coordinating a
grant and new swim family Ms. Kelsey and Sierra Parton were introduced and spoke about their
experience. The Mayor congratulated the team, thanked the volunteers, and noted any specific
appeals for funding will go to the Newport Foundation.
PUBLIC FORUM.
Ms. Chris Comte, a resident of Park Avenue, President of the Garden Club, and Chair of the Tree
Committee, addressed the Board. The Garden Club has participated in the planting of over 450 trees.
Bike lanes and projects are very appropriate. Bike lanes on Sixth Street would feed bike-friendly
enhancements in Bellevue.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, September 23,
2019 regular meeting and the Monday, October 7, 2019 caucus meeting. Commissioner Guidugli
offered a second to the motion. Upon hearing there were no changes, corrections, comments or
questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote.
Commissioner Fennell: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes
Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY
October 21, 2019 Meeting Minutes
The city clerk gave first reading by title and summary to tentative O-2019-026
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF
NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 32.018 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES CONCERNING ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS.
Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by
Commissioner Guidugli. Mr. Fromme said the simple change clears up any ambiguity making clear
code enforcement officers have discretion. Upon hearing there were no comments or questions, the
mayor called for a roll call vote.
Commissioner Peluso: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes
Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Fennell: Yes Motion carried 5-0.
The city clerk read tentative R-2019-071
AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT,
KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE
PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO [2019/2020] RAM 3500
TRUCKS, A [BRAND/STYLE] LEAF COLLECTOR, AND A JOHN DEER SKID STEER
FOR USE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by
Commissioner Fennell. Mr. Roell explained the current leaf collector is 15-20 years old and
susceptible to break-downs and other issues. The trucks included here are part of replacing the
existing fleet which are mostly 1999-2005 models. The older diesels are now very expensive to repair
(in excess of $5,000 to remove cab). The skid steer has a variety of attachments (such as a hoe-ram
(hammer)) used almost daily. The items are over budget due to attachments such as replacing the
damaged skid steer hammer and also due to tariffs for steal. The proposed two tanks on trucks adds
to the cost; this is to apply beet juice at the spreader which is more effective. The bids received for
the trucks were lower than the State contract pricing. Upon hearing there were no comments or
questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote.
Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes
Commissioner Fennell: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Motion carried 5-0.
COMMENTS FROM CITY DEPARTMENT HEADS
Mr. Roell
The project to replace the roof and HVAC at the municipal complex began today and will
take several months to complete.
Leaf pickup will now be by schedule which has been published on the website. Most
streets will have three pickups but some (in areas with fewer trees) will have two.
Residents are asked to put leaves out to the curb just before their collection day.
COMMENTS FROM CITY MANAGER
Extensive sidewalk repairs were done two months ago.
Currently an inventory is being done to find sidewalks with damage from trees in the right-
of-way. The inventory of the East Row is complete, the West Side is in progress, Clifton
will follow.
TMS did a great job working around trees and with alignment to existing walks.
The whole City can be proud of the Penguins Swim and Dive team and their results in
competitions. The team has been great for building community.
Corporex is moving forward with Ovation. About 700 of the 800 piers are in.
Trick-or-Treat will be from 6-8 on Halloween.
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY
October 21, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Fennell
OKI is collecting traffic counts on the bike lane project. She asked for next steps, Mr.
Fromme responded many issues would need to be resolved including outside
funding/considerable grants. She thanked ReNewport and Mr. Gordon Henry for
assistance with the project. Resident Ms. Kelsey said parking is already bad on Saratoga
and there are concerns about privacy with no front yards. Mr. Henry replied Saratoga
would not have bike lanes due to the narrow lanes and median but could have “sharrow”
markings to promote awareness.
Congratulated the Penguins on their exciting accomplishments and inclusive spirit.
The new Bernadette Watkins Park playground build is another example of working
together with many staff members, community members, Perfetti Van Melle, and KaBoom
coming together.
Commissioner Guidugli
Thanked the Penguins families for coming out, being a part of the City, and demonstrating
community and team pride by participating in City parades.
Commissioner Rechtin
Thanked all the volunteers without whom there would not be such successful tree planting
projects, bicycle racks, or swimming program. It all adds to the services provided by the
City. Recognized Ms. Comte for organizing the 104 trees that were planted by 75
volunteers in three or four hours.
Regarding Corporex moving forward on the music venue, Mr. Banta will give a
presentation at the Westside Coalition meeting on October 22 at 7 pm at 8th and York at
the Baptist Church.
Mayor Peluso
Also thanked the many volunteers.
Extended sympathy to the friends and family of long-time resident Mike Baroni who leaves
an impressive legacy through his children and grandchildren.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to adjourn; second to the motion was offered by
Commissioner Peluso.
Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes
Commissioner Peluso: Yes Commissioner Fennell: Yes Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
___________________________ _____________________________
Date Approved/Signed Jerry R. Peluso, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Amy B. Able, City Clerk
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