_Board of Commissioners

City OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, November 18, 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, Finance Director Leonard Kuntz, Community Liaison Bev Holiday, and City Clerk Amy Able. PERSONNEL ORDERS The city clerk read tentative R-2019-072 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, REAPPOINTING COMMISSIONER ELISABETH FENNELL AS REPRESENTATIVE AND APPOINTING LARISA SIMS AS ALTERNATE FROM THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY TO THE OHIO-KENTUCKY-INDIANA REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. 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: Abstain Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC FORUM Mr. Josh Tunning stated the Education Task Force will hold an open house style meeting at Headquarters on Monmouth on Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 6 – 8 p.m. Ms. Jojo Benton stated she and her husband purchased the former Sylvia’s Restaurant at 15 East Seventh Street, they are interested in obtaining the property currently used for public parking [north west of Seventh at Orchard] to have an easement for a garage. She was advised to contact Mr. Steffen’s office. Mr. Ed Davis from the West Side Coalition spoke about tree planting and two issues on Route 9. The group is requesting consideration of elimination of traffic lights with a change to stop signs on Central at the intersections with Ninth and Tenth Streets. He stated the national average cost to operate traffic lights is $8,000 per year; the change would save time, fuel, energy, promote the neighborhood feel and decrease accidents. Semi-trucks in the neighborhood have increased and the curbs have already been broken at Ninth Street and Route 9. Ms. Elizabeth Robson of Linden Avenue promoted the East Row Christmas Tour on December 7 and 8 with ten houses and the history museum open for tours from 12 – 6 each day. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY November 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, October 21, 2019 regular meeting. Commissioner Fennell 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 Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Commissioner Fennell: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Motion carried 5-0. OLD BUSINESS The city clerk gave second 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 Fennell made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. Upon hearing there were no 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 The city clerk gave first reading by title and summary to tentative O-2019-027 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING § 111.03 AND § 111.27 (K) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. Mr. Braun explained this cleans up language making clear the hours of operation for each license type. Upon hearing there were no additional 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 gave first reading by title and summary to tentative O-2019-028 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING ORDINANCE O-2019-016 BY AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET FOR THE GENERAL AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT CONCERNING REVENUES, APPROPRIATIONS, AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Fennell. Mr. Fromme said there was a significant carry over due to equipment that was not purchased. Mr. Kuntz cdetailed, $660k carried over when multiple items were ordered but were not delivered or were delayed including vehicles and radios. Mr. Kuntz stated $1.5m in the general obligation note was issued and recognized as revenue in FY 2019 but not all the expenses occurred. Public Works vehicles are expected before winter weather. Mr. Fromme explained the necessity of the legacy pension transfer. Upon hearing there were no further 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. The city clerk read tentative R-2019-073 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, THOMAS J. FROMME, TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH CUSTOM DESIGN BENEFITS TO ACT AS THE CITY’S Page 2 of 4 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY November 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR WITH VARIOUS INSURANCE COMPANIES AND WITH DENTAL CARE PLUS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CITY OF NEWPORT’S EMPLOYEES’ HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE NEEDS. Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. Ms. Lisa Stamm, counsel with SDMA reviewed the recommendations approved by the City’s insurance committee including renewal with Custom Design Benefits, stop loss with Sun Life increased from $70k to $80k, resulting in a 1% overall fixed cost increase, increasing the flex spending maximum to the new federal limit, and contracting with Dental Care Plus which guaranteed premiums for two years, has a larger network, and includes dentists in Newport.. Following discussion of quotes received (fully insured plans are considered every year), projections, and averages, 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-2019-074 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY GRANTING PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM TO DARLENE ROGERS D/B/A ROGERS LAW OFFICE, LLC RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF PROPERTY AT 15 EAST SIXTH STREET IN NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. Mr. Fromme stated it is great to see this property restored. Upon hearing there were no 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. The city clerk read tentative R-2019-075 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL CONTRACT FOR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING WITH THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL CONCERNING THE PURCHASE OF A PIERCE ENGINE FOR THE NEWPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM FINLEY FIRE EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. Chief Darin thanked the committee. Compared to the one purchased in 2016, it is 12” longer and with capacity for an additional 250 gallons of water. This replaces a 1996 model which will be reserved and the 1989 will be auctioned. The 2016 purchase was not to exceed $500k, the cost for this unit is not to exceed $570k as budgeted and reflecting the 3% inflation projected. Upon hearing there were no 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. The city clerk read tentative R-2019-076 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, ACCEPTING THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE YEAR 2020. Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve; second to was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. 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. COMMENTS FROM CITY DEPARTMENT HEADS Page 3 of 4 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY November 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes Chief Darin thanked the Board for their support on the purchase of the engine. COMMENTS FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Fromme stated two major projects will be discussed at the November 26, 2019 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Fennell • Asked the status of the Skywheel project. Mr. Fromme recounted this is not a City project, it is a private project of Newport on the Levee; the City sponsored the development because it involves the floodwall and to get necessary approval from the Army Corps of Engineers. The project is believed to be good for the City, NOL, the Aquarium, Ovation, and the entire region. There are ongoing issues that are being worked out. • Thanked the Board for her reappointment as a representative on the OKI Board. Through OKI’s work, millions in Federal Road projects have benefitted the City. • Sound in the Commission Chambers continues to be an issue. Mr. Fromme stated there have been issues with the master panel and controls, once the roof and HVAC are complete we will revisit this. Currently the cable public access transmission is not working. Commissioner Guidugli • Voter turnout was better at 42% and topped all projections. Commissioner Peluso wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. • Asked about the Riverwalk continuation. Mr. Fromme said Newport kicked off the project 25 years ago, planned to link the cities from Ludlow to Fort Thomas. The current phase is the connection of walkways to the Taylor-Southgate Bridge. • Thanked the Police Department for their recent efforts on the South side. Commissioner Rechtin wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. • Everyone looks forward to the Christmas light display at Commissioner and Mrs. Peluso’s home starting the day after Thanksgiving. • Asked the Mr. Fromme for follow up on traffic concerns from West end residents. Mr. Fromme stated there are issues, impact studies must be considered. The State will not put a signal on Rt. 9 until work is complete. Ongoing delays stem from floodgate/railroad. Mayor Peluso extended Thanksgiving wishes. The tree lighting will be December 7. 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 7:55 p.m. ___________________________ _____________________________ Date Approved/Signed Jerry R. Peluso, Mayor Attest: __________________________ Amy B. Able, City Clerk Page 4 of 4