_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 27, 2022, 7:00 PM Minutes CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli, on Monday, June 27, 2022, 7:00 PM. The public had access to the live stream meeting through the City of Newport, KY Facebook Page Facebook.com/CityofNewportKY and YouTube/CityofNewportKY. In Attendance: Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli Jr., Vice Mayor Frank Peluso, Commissioner Beth Fennell, Commissioner Rechtin, Commissioner Jerry Peluso was absent. Others Present: City Manager Thomas Fromme, Assistant City Manager John Hayden, City Attorney Dan Braun, Deputy City Clerk Joy Rovno, Chief of Police Christopher Fangman, Chief of Fire/EMS Frank Peluso, Lenny Kuntz, Chief Financial Officer, Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS None PERSONNEL ORDERS None PUBLIC FORUM Gordon Henry 922 Park Avenue Apt. 2, thanked the City for recognizing Juneteenth and June as Pride month through proclamation. He asked why the proclamations were not read at this meeting. He suggested celebrating these dates next year with various festivities. Mayor Guidugli replied these dates fell on days the Commission did not meet; the City wanted to recognized these dates in a timely manner and posted both proclamations on social media. He stated these events are valued by the city. Melissa Whalen announced she is a candidate for Campbell County Commissioner. Page 1 of 7 BOC Minutes 06-27-2022 APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Regular Meeting Minutes May 23, 2022 Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve the May 23, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 SECOND READING COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE O-2022-004 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING ORDINANCE O-2021-005 BY AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET FOR THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2021 TO JUNE 30, 2022. Thomas Fromme gave a brief recap of the amended budget. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order O-2022-004; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 Page 2 of 7 BOC Minutes 06-27-2022 SECOND READING COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE O-2022-005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2023, INCLUDING AN ESTIMATE OF REVENUES AND RESOURCES AND MAKING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH. Thomas Fromme stated the City operates effectively on a very conservative budget; he gave a recap of the adopted budget. Mayor Guidugli stated city personnel work hard to find funding through various grants and other funding available to cities. He gave examples of projects funded through grants. He asked Mr. Fromme to clarify Program Income Grants. Thomas Fromme replied these grants, which are no longer available, were funds that came through the City that allowed projects such as the Monmouth Street Facade Program. Commissioner Rechtin suggested black topping the City parking lot and recommended plantings to beautify the parking lot. He also suggested collaborating with other cities to offset the costs. Mayor Guidugli agreed with Commissioner Rechtin on beautification and partnering with other agencies for funding. Thomas Fromme stated the city is replacing playground equipment throughout the city. Commissioner Fennell asked how the residents would be informed of the new playground equipment. Thomas Fromme replied signs would be placed at the park and posted on social media. Mayor Guidugli thanked all those that worked on the budget. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-005; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 Page 3 of 7 BOC Minutes 06-27-2022 NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-037 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH KENTUCKY LEAGUE OF CITIES (KLCIS) FOR PROPERTY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE AND WITH KENTUCKY EMPLOYERS MUTUAL (KEMI) FOR WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE. Thomas Fromme stated the insurance costs increased 5.5% do to general liability with an increase to the cap from 3m to 6m. Steve Crawford, Assured Partners stated the increase is state wide, and explained the increase of general liability. Mr. Crawford stated the city is at the end of a three year rate stabilization, and will start exploring providers for the best rates. Mayor Guidugli asked the cost doubling the general liability from 3m to 6 m. Steve Crawford replied $30,000. Mayor Guidugli asked if the rate stabilization could be extended. Steve Crawford replied no, the rate is determined after the current has expired. Mayor Guidugli stated the workers compensation rate lowered, he asked what was the major factor that influenced the lower rate. Steve Crawford replied these rates are going down in general and the cities filings have dropped as well. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-038; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 Page 4 of 7 BOC Minutes 06-27-2022 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-038 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2022 DODGE RAM 1500 PICK- UP TRUCK FOR THE NEWPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT. Chief Peluso stated this truck would replace the current OIC vehicle, which is an SUV. Firefighters are at a 250% greater risk of contracting cancer. There is a push for clean cabs, meaning after a fire the firefighter can put his or her gear in the back of the pickup truck keeping the cab clear of less contaminates .The current vehicle will be used as a staff vehicle. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-038; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS Chief Peluso  Happy and Safe Fourth of July Lenny Kuntz  Announced City receiving $2 million ARPA check, which was 62k higher than originally projection. John Hayden  Thanked staff for their hard work on the budget Scott Clark  National Alliance of Preservation Commissions is coming to Cincinnati mid-late July and the City of Newport will be represented. Page 5 of 7 BOC Minutes 06-27-2022 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS  Thanked the budget committee and staff.  Wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS Commissioner Rechtin  Thanked Budget Staff and Department Heads.  Scott Clark will speak at the West Side Citizens Coalition meeting @ 7pm about historic preservation.  Wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Vice Mayor Peluso  Asked that trees that obstruct stop signs at intersections to be trimmed. He asked that someone reach out to the group scheduled to plant trees this fall to make sure these trees are planted away from the signs and traffic signals. Commissioner Fennell  Asked that the weeds that grow up around the trees be cut.  Asked for update on Festival Park and the tree plantings.  Mr. Fromme replied trees would be planted after phases of construction with native species, construction should begin in 2024 he reported the park had been hydro seeded.  Ms. Fennell gave an update on the new construction of the 4th Street Bridge.  Mr. Fromme stated the City is part of the Design Review Board for the new bridge. Mayor Guidugli  Gave an update on construction of the new bridge, changes to the design and when to expect construction to start.  Commissioner Rechtin recommended having direct access to the river for the Cincinnati Rowing Club, park space and parking under the bridge.  Mayor Guidugli replied all these ideas are being considered.  Thanked staff for the budget work and all those that work for the City. Page 6 of 7 BOC Minutes 06-27-2022 ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 Date Approved/Signed Thomas L. Guidugli Jr., Mayor ATTEST: Joy Rovno, Deputy City Clerk Page 7 of 7 BOC Minutes 06-27-2022