_Board of Commissioners

City OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, May 11, 2020 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Peluso at 7:05 p.m. and held via video teleconference via the Zoom meeting application with a live stream to the City’s Facebook page. In attendance via video teleconference were: Commissioner Beth Fennell. Commissioner Thomas Guidugli, Jr.,, Commissioner Ken Rechtin, and Mayor Jerry Peluso. Commissioner Frank Peluso had not yet connected at the time of roll call but joined via video teleconference moments later at approximately 7:10 p.m. Also in attendance were: City Manager Thomas Fromme, City Attorney Daniel Braun, Police Chief Chris Fangman, Fire Chief Bill Darin, Community Services Director Doug Roell, Assistant City Manager Larisa Sims, and City Clerk Amy Able. At the request of the mayor, the city clerk read a notice explaining that in accordance with the Governors Emergency Order and the provisions of SB 150, it is allowable to conduct the meeting via a live video teleconference. The meeting notice advised the public how to comment in advance or during the meeting. No advance comments were received. PERSONNEL ORDERS The city clerk read Order R-2020-020 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPROVING AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL PURSUANT TO §33.05(B) OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY CODE OF ORDINANCES. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Fennell. (Commissioner Peluso connected via video teleconference at 7:10.) Mr. Fromme reviewed the procedure changes. Mr. Fromme explained any revisions are submitted to the city manager and then to the Board for approval within a year. All changes were based on case law or recommended by the accreditation body. One new change is arrests being allowable with probable cause for a misdemeanor/non-felony. Commissioner Fennell stated the change is important to the police and the community for safety. Mr. Braun noted that Commissioner Peluso had joined the meeting in time to hear the discussion and therefore it would be appropriate for him to vote. Upon hearing there were no further comments or questions, the mayor called for a vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2020 regular and April 27, 2020 special meetings. Second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Rechtin. Upon hearing there were no questions or corrections, the mayor called for a vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. NEW BUSINESS The city clerk read Order R-2020-021, AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH RIEGLER BLACKTOP FOR THE PROJECT TITLED “2020 BID PACKAGE 1” INCLUDING PORTIONS OF GRANDVIEW AVENUE (KYTC PROJECT NUMBER CS 1135), OVERLOOK DRIVE (KYTC PROJECT Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY May 11, 2020 Meeting Minutes NUMBER CS 1150), AND CENTRAL AVENUE. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Rechtin. Mr. Roell responded to questions and explained this is the second part of major reconstruction on Grandview; along with the pier work, road reconstruction will be needed from Central to near Main (including a portion of Central as an extension of Grandview) and, if necessary, improving a storm sewer at Central and adding a storm sewer at Grandview and Central. Additionally a portion of Overlook will be stabilized. The pier work will be completed first, there is no firm date but that is expected to take 30-60 days and the goal is for this second phase to be complete in September. Mr. Fromme added the funds will be from a $335,000 grant. Upon hearing there were no further comments or questions, the mayor called for a vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. COMMENTS FROM CITY DEPARTMENT HEADS Mrs. Sims stated the Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee work continues, a survey is available now through May 17. Mrs. Sims encouraged all residents to complete the U.S. Census. Funding for many valuable programs is based on the census. COMMENTS FROM CITY MANAGER The Memorial Day parade and ceremony have been cancelled due to the pandemic and recommendations for distancing. At this time there has not been a decision about Riverfest (Labor Day weekend). Budget work continues and the budget message and proposal will soon be forwarded to the Board. Guidelines for reopening businesses are coming from the Governor’s office. Review continues of guidelines for government facilities and plans are being made for some modifications at the city building. Census response is essential. About $2,000 per person per year for each of the next ten years in federal funding to the city is at stake. Mayor Peluso added landlords (as investors in the community) should encourage renters to complete the census, the most accurate response benefits everyone. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Peluso asked about sidewalk replacement work and Mr. Fromme replied work will begin at the start of the new fiscal year. Commissioner Guidugli • Noted it is good to see a lot of construction throughout the city and investment in the urban core. • He voiced appreciation of the continuing efforts of the public works department as well as public safety. He believes there is an increase in requests for service and appreciates all the efforts and all of them responding in ways that are cautious and remaining safe. Commissioner Fennell • Asked about the Census and Mr. Fromme said door-to-door census taking has been delayed, currently figures are available about self-reporting and the numbers are down compared to the previous year. • Echoed the recognition of city staff. Acknowledged the businesses and how residents are making efforts to support businesses and one another through checking on and encouraging neighbors. The City has done extremely well in this hard time. Page 2 of 3 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY May 11, 2020 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Rechtin encouraged support of small businesses who are struggling and have made great accommodations to safely serve customers. These businesses are the life blood of the employment base and vitality of the community. Mayor Peluso • Agreed small businesses are struggling and hopes the public will return to support them as soon as possible. • Noted the late frost warning calls for covering plants tonight for the 32 degree temperatures. • Thanked everyone for their cooperation and compliance with Governor’s orders and guidelines for practicing social distancing. Campbell County has had the third lowest number of (known) cases among the Northern Kentucky counties. Thanks to everyone for their efforts which keep the number low. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to adjourn; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Rechtin. The motion carried unanimously, 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. ___________________________ _____________________________ Date Approved/Signed Jerry R. Peluso, Mayor Attest: __________________________ Amy B. Able, City Clerk Page 3 of 3