_Board of Commissioners

City OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, January 27, 2020 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 Thomas Guidugli, Jr., Commissioner Frank Peluso, Commissioner Ken Rechtin, and Mayor Jerry Peluso. Absent was Commissioner Beth Fennell. Also in attendance were: City Manager Thomas Fromme, City Attorney Daniel Braun, Assistant City Manager Larisa Sims, Police Chief Chris Fangman, Fire Chief William Darin, Historic Preservation Officer Scott Clark, Community Liaison Bev Holiday, and City Clerk Amy Able. PERSONNEL ORDERS The mayor thanked all the residents and members of the business community currently serving on the various city boards and thanked those well-experienced and trained members who have accepted reappointments being made at tonight’s meeting. The city clerk read R-2020-001. AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REAPPOINTING JOHN ADKINS AND ROGER WEDDLE TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Peluso. Upon hearing there were no comments or questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote. Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. The city clerk read R-2020-002. AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REAPPOINTING NICK MILLER, WILLIAM “TOM” FISHER, ED DAVIS, AND MIKE KOLB TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Peluso 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 Peluso: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. The city clerk read R- R-2020-003. AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REAPPOINTING JUDITH LLOYD AND JERRY NEWBERRY TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Peluso 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 Peluso: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY January 27, 2020 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. The city clerk read R-2020-004 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REAPPOINTING TYLER WATKINS AS AN ALTERNATE TO THE URBAN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Peluso. Upon hearing there were no comments or questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote. Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. The city clerk read R-2020-005 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KY, APPOINTING TYLER HATFIELD, JASON SAMPLES, AND JAMES HAUENSTEIN TO THE POSITION OF POLICE RECRUIT, IN THE NEWPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 10, 2020. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Peluso. Upon hearing there were no comments or questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote. Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. The mayor administered the oath of office to the newest members of the Police Department, insignia were pinned, and they introduced their families. At 7:12 the mayor called for a brief recess. The meeting reconvened at 7:20 with Commissioners Guidugli, Peluso, and Rechtin and Mayor Peluso present. PRESENTATONS Ms. Heather Cochran of RHF, LLC gave the audit report for FY 2018-2019. She explained the unmodified audit opinion is a “clean” report as was the CAFR report of internal controls and compliance and there were no incidents of non-compliance or other matters needing to be reported. PUBLIC FORUM Mr. Al Shoemaker congratulated the City on repairs to Poplar which were well done. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, December 16, 2019 regular 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 Peluso: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. OLD BUSINESS The city clerk gave second reading by title and summary to O-2020-001. AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY PURSUANT TO SECTION 71.60 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ONE-WAY STREET SCHEDULE IN CHAPTER 73, ADDING THORNTON STREET IN THE 300 AND 400 BLOCKS AS A ONE-WAY WESTERLY STREET. Page 2 of 5 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY January 27, 2020 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. The mayor called for any comments or discussion. Mr. Kevin Spaulding addressed the Board stating his opposition to the change and adding he owns a building in the area but was not notified of the proposed change. Mr. Fromme recounted that numerous complaints were received from residents of Thornton and in addition to traffic counts, Mr. Bob Steffen of the traffic division did extensive outreach. Ms. Jackie Fleishner, part owner of Burkart’s Carry Out, in business at the location for thirty-five years, stated opposition to the change and presented a petition. Mr. Steffen reviewed the traffic counts and estimated he spoke with at least half of the residents of the street. Commissioner Peluso made a motion to table the matter; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. The mayor called for a roll call vote. Commissioner Peluso: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Peluso requested that any notifications for such changes to this or other streets be sent to owners via “registered mail.” Commissioner Rechtin requested that traffic counts be provided for other residential streets before the matter is discussed again. NEW BUSINESS The city clerk read R-2020-006. 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 NINE 2020 DODGE DURANGO PURSUIT VEHICLES. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Peluso. Chief Fangman stated the price for the vehicles was very favorable. Upon hearing there were no comments or questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote. Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. The city clerk gave first reading by title and summary to tentative O-2020-002 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING CHAPTER 37, TAXES AND FEES, CREATING AND INCLUDING THE INCENTIVE DRIVING ENTREPRENEURIAL ACCESSIBILITY (IDEA) PROGRAM Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Peluso. Mrs. Sims explained the program which is an expansion of the current tax incentive focused on entrepreneurs and small businesses. It will provide up to 40% rebate of payroll taxes for businesses locating in coworking or incubation spaces. There are eligibility requirements including use of previously vacant spaces to help stimulate rehabilitation. Responding to questions she explained it will be allowable anywhere typical office use is permitted and the incentive will be used for rent reduction or tenant improvements. Part of the review process includes a proforma to confirm the rent is not outside normal range. Like the JDIP program, businesses pay payroll tax upfront, at year end payment of occupational and business licenses are confirmed to determine the rebate back to the property owner. The incentive is for five years and any existing business can apply and opt in within three months. This may help to capture businesses not otherwise reported. Upon hearing there were no further comments or questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote. Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. Page 3 of 5 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY January 27, 2020 Meeting Minutes The city clerk gave first reading by title and summary to tentative O-2020-003 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION NOTES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,350,000 SERIES 2020; APPROVING THE FORM OF NOTES; AUTHORIZING DESIGNATED OFFICERS TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER THE NOTES; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FILING OF NOTICE WITH THE STATE LOCAL DEBT OFFICER; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT AND SECURITY OF THE NOTES; CREATING A NOTE PAYMENT FUND; MAINTAINING THE HERETOFORE ESTABLISHED SINKING FUND; AND AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPOSAL OF THE PURCHASER OF THE NOTES. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Peluso. Mr. Kuntz advised there was one response to the RFP from BB&T, no response was received from US Bank or Heritage and NY Melon declined this debt instrument type. Mr. Kuntz stated this includes the current roof project, fire apparatus, and large trucks for Public Works. Commissioner Peluso asked Mr. Kuntz to find out why other banks did not bid. Upon hearing there were no additional comments or questions, the mayor called for a roll call vote. Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 4-0. COMMENTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS Mr. Kuntz stated the Finance Department is now accepting credit cards and the 3.5% convenience fee (to cover bank and credit card fees) is paid by customers. Mrs. Sims stated the Census is hiring in Campbell County. Mr. Clark noted the Newport History Museum @ the Southgate Street School is open for Black History Month every Saturday in February from noon to 2:00. Mr. Steffen stated IPS is working to provide within a month an app to allow pay by smart phone for parking meters. Currently 143 meters in the City accept credit cards and will soon work with the smart phone app. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Rechtin • Congratulated Mr. Kuntz on the clean audit. • It is nice to see the enthusiasm of the new recruits. • Looks forward to a city-wide traffic study. Input is welcome. • Asked about progress for the Comprehensive Plan Update. Mrs. Sims confirmed outreach to committee members has begun. Mayor Peluso • Newport businesses and the park on Twelfth Street were highlighted in the Northern KY Business Journal. • Parking issues are under review on the 800 and 900 block of Saratoga. • Rehab in the West End continues. A letter of support was sent to Newport Millennium Housing for the plan to build ten new homes on Ann Street. • Sympathy is extended to the family of Anna Romito, a long time Newport resident who passed away at 97. • Sympathy is extended following the passing of Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune. Page 4 of 5 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY January 27, 2020 Meeting Minutes • Lana’s Country Kitchen will be non-smoking starting in April. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to adjourn; second was offered by Commissioner Peluso. Commissioner Guidugli: Yes Commissioner Rechtin: Yes Commissioner Peluso: Yes Mayor Peluso: Yes Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. ___________________________ _____________________________ Date Approved/Signed Jerry R. Peluso, Mayor Attest: __________________________ Amy B. Able, City Clerk Page 5 of 5