_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, August 17, 2020 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Peluso at 7:00 p.m. and held via video teleconference via the Zoom meeting application with a live stream to the City’s Facebook page. Clerk’s note: 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 agenda published on the city website, posted at the city building, and distributed to media or record advised the public how to comment in advance or during the meeting. No advance comments were received. In attendance via video teleconference were: Commissioner Beth Fennell. Commissioner Frank Peluso Commissioner Thomas Guidugli, Jr., Commissioner Ken Rechtin, and Mayor Jerry Peluso. Also in attendance were: City Manager Thomas Fromme, City Attorney Daniel Braun, Police Chief Chris Fangman, Director of Finance Leonard Kuntz, Community Services Director Doug Roell, Assistant City Manager Larisa Sims, and City Clerk Amy Able. Fire Chief Bill Darin joined via audio. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve minutes of the July 20, 2020 meeting. Second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Rechtin. Upon hearing there were no corrections or questions, the mayor called for a vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. OLD BUSINESS The city clerk gave second reading by title and summary of O-2020-011. AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING THE APPROPRIATIONS PROVISION OF THE GENERAL FUND SET FORTH IN THE AMENDED BUDGET ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE O-2020-007 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Rechtin. Upon hearing there were no comments or questions, the mayor called for a vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. The city clerk gave second reading by title and summary of O-2020-012. AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING THE APPROPRIATIONS PROVISION FOR THE GENERAL FUND SET FORTH IN ORDINANCE O-2020-008 WHICH ADOPTED THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021. 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 vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. The city clerk gave second reading by title and summary of O-2020-013. AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING §111.58 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES. Commissioner Fennell 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 vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY August 17, 2020 Meeting Minutes NEW BUSINESS The city clerk read by title and summary R-2020-030. AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY DECLARING CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW. (Re: 1989 Fire Engine.) Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Fennell. The city clerk confirmed it is likely the pumper will be sold via online auction as early as this autumn. 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. The city clerk read by title and summary R-2020-031. AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY GRANTING PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM TO JEFFREY ZEMANEK DBA ZMAN’S PROPERTIES, LLC RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF PROPERTY AT 915 YORK STREET IN NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. The city clerk confirmed the application indicated the property is being converted from a four-family to single-family use. 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. The city clerk read by title and summary R-2020-032. AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY GRANTING PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM TO RHETT BARBOUR RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF PROPERTY AT 16 WEST NINTH STREET IN NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Guidugli made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Rechtin. Mr. Fromme responded to a question stating moratoriums are for a five- year period and can be transferred if the property is sold. 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. The city clerk read by title and summary R-2020-033. AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH STRATEGIC ADVISERS, LLC FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT’S JOB DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM (JDIP) PURSUANT TO SECTION 37.212 ET. SEQ. OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES. Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Guidugli. Mr. Fromme noted this is a local program for new jobs in the City and there will be a 40% rebate on payroll tax generated by employees. Some companies reapply those funds to ongoing costs, others apply it as an incentive to employees. This company is locating at 515 Monmouth with 5-7 employees. Upon hearing there were no other comments or questions, the mayor called for a vote; by show of hands, the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. COMMENTS FROM CITY DEPARTMENT HEADS Mr. Kuntz stated he is working on the tax rate calculation and awaiting figures from the State for public service utilities. Last year’s real public service property totaled $19m and tangible public Page 2 of 4 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY August 17, 2020 Meeting Minutes service property totaled $24m. Adoption of the property tax rate, billing and collection is expected to be on schedule. COMMENTS FROM CITY MANAGER • City project list will be forthcoming. • Development at the Peace Bell lot is moving forward. • Sidewalk replacement program work beg in the next two weeks for areas damaged by trees with work this season to complete by November 1. • Piering on Grandview should complete next week. • Ralph Mussman basketball and tennis courts have been resurfaced, the latter will be stripped for both tennis and pickleball. • A junior basketball court at Bernadette Watkins Park is being planned. • Leasing is progressing at the Academy on Fourth. • Ovation building progress is visible. Mr. Butler has an ambitious plan with work to be done that will strengthen the floodwall. He has licensed a hotel and is working with potential office tenants all as a part of Phase I in addition to the music venue. • Newport Racing anticipates opening this fall. • Bridge Company met and the projects including lease of space are moving forward. • The new dog park is behind the library and there are bike trails being cleared. This will bring more people to use the under-utilized space. Thanks to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for working with the City to make this area available for recreational use. • Chief Fangman confirmed the Citizens Police Academy will begin September 15 if possible, there has been a lot of interest. • Reopening of the city building to the public is contingent on safety improvements and materials are hard to acquire. • Commissioner Guidugli said he has received questions and asked if litigation concerning gaming based on historic racing has posed any complication for the progress of Newport Gaming. Mr. Fromme said he has not been advised of any delay. Commissioner Fennell said she has been asked about how the historic gaming works. Mr. Fromme explained the game machines randomly select historic races. There was litigation elsewhere in the State based on the machines appearing to be slot machines. The second component of the facility, in a separate room, is simulcast room. The facility, owned by Churchill Downs, is an extension of Turfway Park. • Commissioner Fennell asked about Lowell and Twelfth Streets. The Army Corps of Engineers approvals are complete, once flood gate areas are done the City will meet with Mr. Yeager of KYTC District 6 about signalization. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Peluso • Urged everyone to complete the census as it is essential for the City to receive funds to provide services. It is believed that Newport is still underreported. Commissioner Rechtin • Thanked Mr. Roell for responding on Sunday to concerns with the Grandview piering. • Expressed condolences to family and friend of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Gayle Laible. The loss will be felt throughout the community. Commissioner Fennell Page 3 of 4 Board of Commissioners of Newport, KY August 17, 2020 Meeting Minutes • The real estate market in Newport is exciting right now. Renovation efforts continue to spread through the City including through the work of Newport Foundation and the efforts of the City. It is exciting to see the improvements spreading through all parts of the City. Mayor Peluso • Recognized Mark Glover for beautification efforts untangling flags on Monmouth Street following winds during a storm. • Thanked residents who report suspicious activity. Recently a report by an observer resulted in finding a wanted person. • Birthday wishes to resident Ruth Glaser who is celebrating her 95 th. 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 7:45 p.m. ___________________________ _____________________________ Date Approved/Signed Jerry R. Peluso, Mayor Attest: __________________________ Amy B. Able, City Clerk Page 4 of 4