_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, January 25, 2021 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. The mayor opened the meeting with a moment of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. 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 of record advised the public how to comment in advance or during the meeting. No advance comments were received by staff. 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 Dan Braun, Assistant City Manager Larisa Sims, Police Chief Chris Fangman, Fire Chief Bill Darin, Brian Steffen, Interim City Clerk Joy Rovno. Mayor Jerry Peluso began the meeting with an Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance followed by roll call. The Honorable Judge Daniel Zalla administered the oath to the Board and Mayor. City Manager Thomas Fromme thanked Judge Zalla for administering the oath. Mr. Fromme expressed his appreciation to Judge Zalla for his dedicated service to the residents of Campbell County and Newport. Mayor Peluso stated it has been an honor and privilege to serve as Mayor of the great City of Newport for the past 12 years. He stated the City has experienced a tremendous amount of change and development during this period and he is very proud to have been a part of that success. He stated earlier today, Bev Holiday the City of Newport Community Liaison presented me with a ceremonial gavel. She represented this gift from all city employees, he thanked everyone for the thoughtful gift. Mr. Peluso stated as his last duty as Mayor, it is his honor to pass the City Gavel to our next Mayor, Tommy Guidugli Jr. Mayor Guidugli thanked Mayor Peluso. Mayor Guidugli stated the transparency of the gavel, symbolizes the transparency of governing of the City of Newport. He went on to state that he is incredibly honored, yet humbled to serve as the Mayor of Newport. He stated he stands on the shoulders of those before him, who have led our city in a positive and prosperous direction. He pledged to work to continue our progress. While he is excited by all of the progress, he is fully aware and understands the many challenges that lay ahead. Creating a Newport that works for everyone is important to him. He was born in Newport and is raising is family here. He concluded with, This is home. Always has been. Always will be. NEW BUSINESS The city clerk gave first reading by title and summary. R-2021-001 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING FRANK PELUSO TO THE POSITION OF VICE MAYOR IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021. Mayor Guidugli congratulated Mr. Peluso and thanked him for his mentorship, he added he looks forward to working side by side with him. Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Peluso. The mayor called for a vote; the motion carried unanimously, 5:0. COMMENTS FROM CITY MANAGER THOMAS FROMME Mr. Fromme congratulated Board Members and the Mayor, he stated city staff looks forward to working together as we move forward into 2021. Mr. Fromme stated the city has had a lot of accomplishments over the past several years, 2020 has been a very challenging year, he looks forward to entering 2021 with a light at the end of the tunnel. He stated he is pleased with the stability of leadership which has help the progress of the city over the past twelve years. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Mr. Peluso expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the citizens of Newport for entrusting him with the responsibility and honor of serving as one of their elected officials. He stated this is not a responsibility he takes lightly, that he will continue to do his very best to maintain the trust as well as live up to the commitment he has made to all who call Newport home. He looks forward to working diligently with Mayor Guidugli and the Commissioners city administration and staff, business owners, neighborhood groups and most importantly all Newport residents to keep Newport moving forward into the best place to live work shop and play, while preserving our history and maintaining the small town feel that is part of Newport. Mr. Peluso also acknowledged his family his bride of 46 years Susan, whom he could not do this without, her continued love and support he is forever grateful. His children Cassie and Frankie Jr., his daughter in law Sarah and his granddaughter Mia and his grand pups. In closing to the citizens of Newport his commitment remains honesty, transparency and faithful dedication as one of the elected officials Commissioner Fennell Ms. Fennell thanked Newport residents for their faith in her to continue the positive path they started many years ago. All credit goes to the residents, city staff and the businesses large and small, the neighborhood groups, the people that believed the beautiful city we could become. She stated there is much work still to do and we are up to the task. Ms. Fennell looks forward to working with Mayor Guidugli and Commissioners. Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Rechtin Mr. Rechtin stated governing is a team sport. He congratulated the Mayor and Commissioners. He thanked Jerry Peluso for his service as Mayor, and looks forward to working with new Mayor Tommy Guidugli. He thanked the citizens and looks forward to serving and advancing the interests of the citizens of Newport. Commissioner Peluso Mr. Peluso congratulated the Board and Mayor. He stated the city has been successful over the past twelve years because of stable leadership, city staff and employees. The partnerships in the community such as Red Bike, Trash Bash, Tree Planting, Newport Dog Park and Community Gardens. He would like this participation to continue and increase over the next couple of years. He reminded residents if they see something suspicious to report it to the police. He encouraged residents and businesses to sweep their sidewalks and gutters. He asked residents to please check on your elderly or handicap neighbors. Lastly he encouraged new residents to resister their cars in Kentucky and parents of Newport students to get involved in the schools. And those that visit Newport to be respectful of our community. Mayor Guidugli stated we are all in this together, and together we share in Newport’s success. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to adjourn; second to the motion was offered by Commissioner Fennell. The motion carried unanimously, 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Joy Rovno, Interim City Clerk __________________________ _____________________________ Date Approved/Signed Thomas L Guidugli Jr., Mayor Attest: __________________________ City Clerk Page 3 of 3