_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS July 18, 2022, 7:00 PM Minutes CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli, on Monday, July 18, 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 Jerry Peluso, Commissioner Rechtin. Others Present: 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, Brian Steffen, Director Code Enforcement. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS None PERSONNEL ORDERS COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-039 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING DAVE RODGERS TO THE POSITION OF BUILDING INSPECTOR IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2022. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-039; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 Page 1 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-040 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING TERRI BAKER TO THE POSITION OF ANIMAL CONTROL/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2022. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-040; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-041 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING SETH ROSENHAGEN TO THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER/EMT IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE JULY 25, 2022. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-041; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 Page 2 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-042 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING CHRISTOPHER N. CRUZE TO THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC GRADE 3 IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE JULY 25, 2022. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve Order R-2022-042; Vice Mayor Peluso offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-043 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING LIEUTENANT JEFFERY M. STAHL TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2022. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-043; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 Page 3 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-044 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING ENGINEER/MEDIC KYLE B. BITTNER TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2022. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve Order R-2022-044; Vice Mayor Peluso offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 The Mayor called for a ten-minute recess, the meeting resumed at 7:25. PUBLIC HEARINGS None PUBLIC FORUM APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Minutes Special Call June 22, 2022 and Regular Meeting June 27, 2022 Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve the Special Call minutes from June 22, 2022 Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 Page 4 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes from June 27, 2022 Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Abstain Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Rechtin made a motioned to recuse Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli, Jr. from voting on R-2022-042 and any and all other future matters and votes pertaining to or regarding the City of Newport and the Newport Housing Authority and its affiliated entities entering into a partnership agreement concerning any Community Development Block Grant applications. Vice Mayor Peluso offered a seconded to the motion. Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 INFORMATIONAL STATEMENT FROM LEGAL DEPARTMENT Attached to minutes. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-045 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, DIRECTING CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO EXECUTE AND SUBMIT TO THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AN APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT-CV FUNDS FOR REPLACEMENT OF ELEVATORS AT THE GRAND TOWERS SENIORS HOUSING PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Page 5 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 Thomas Guidugli Sr. explained the elevators were used more than usual during the Covid pandemic. He stated the elevator company did a thorough inspection and recommends replacement. Mr. Guidugli stated this is a State grant, which the Newport Housing Authority is applying. Dennis Elrod stated the elevators made 15,000 trips per day during the Covid Pandemic, due to food deliveries, medical supply deliveries, and resident usage. He explained this is an application for these funds, these funds are not yet guaranteed. Vice Mayor Peluso asked when the funds would be awarded. Dennis Elrod replied hopefully within the next few months. Vice Mayor Peluso asked the installation time. Dennis Elrod replied 36 weeks, each elevator is custom made. Commissioner Peluso asked if there is a backup generator incase the electric would go out in the building. Mr. Guidugli replied yes. Commissioner Rechtin asked if this application would preclude the City from apply for funds from this grant. Dennis Elrod replied no, the City could apply for funds from this grant. Commissioner Peluso made a motion to approve Order R-2022-045; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Recuse Motion Carried 4-0 Page 6 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 FIRST READING COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE O-2022-006 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 130.24 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE DISCHARGE OF WEAPONS AND PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION THEREOF. Assistant City Manager John Hayden replied this ordinance gives the Police Department more leverage when instances like this happen, he explained this is a Cass B misdemeanor. Police Chief Fangman replied he is in agreement with the ordinance. Commissioner Fennell asked if the Police Department is successful in apprehending violators. Chief Fangman replied yes, they have been successful in prosecution. Commissioner Peluso stated irresponsible gun owners are the offenders. He stated he supports this ordinance. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve Order O-2022-006; Commissioner Rechtin offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 Page 7 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 FIRST READING COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2022-007 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY REPEALING SECTION 37.094(A) OF THE OFFICIAL CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING CREDIT FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEE PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ADT, LLC PREVIOUSLY APPROVED FOR INCLUSION IN THE KENTUCKY BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM (KBI). Assistant City Manager John Hayden stated ADT like other businesses is having difficulty with staffing, which makes them no longer eligible for this program. Commissioner Rechtin asked if there is a claw back provision, allowing the City to recoup funds. City Attorney Dan Braun replied he wasn’t sure but would look into the matter. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve Order O-2022-007; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 Page 8 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Assistant City Manager John Hayden  Thanked Staff in recruiting qualified building inspectors and animal control staff.  Commissioner Peluso asked who would enforce the vicious animal ordinance.  Mr. Hayden replied the animal control officer, which will collaborate with the Police Department. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS Commissioner Rechtin  Thanked Chief Peluso for helping a newly married couple at the Campbell County Court House by assisting them with jumping there care.  Suggested controlling the lighting of fireworks in the public right of way, by keeping it in resident’s yards or private property.  Mayor Guidugli asked that residents respect each other when using fireworks.  Commissioner Peluso stated the park at 6th and Patterson was littered with firework debris that had to be cleaned by Public Works. Commissioner Peluso  Reported so called contractors have scammed Newport residents. He suggested the following: get references, call the City to make sure they have a license, and insurance, ask for a time frame from start to finish and insist on a penalty if not completed on time, and do not give deposit.  Encouraged residents to take more responsibility for themselves and not to reply on government to always fix their problems, he quoted John F. Kennedy, “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” Commissioner Fennell  Congratulated Brian Steffen on staffing.  Welcomed new staff and congratulated those who were promoted.  Asked progress on speed cushions.  Chief Fangman replied staff has inquired about these speed bumps with the City of Cincinnati, which reported they are not effective. He stated he is looking into other options. Page 9 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 Vice Mayor Peluso  Recognized employees that will retire July 31, 2022 with 150 years combined of service, Doug Roell, Terry Fornash, Bob Bramel and John Glenn, Adam Peddicord and John Stiner. He thanked these employees for their many years of service to the City. Mayor Guidugli  Announced sale of properties: Victoria Square Apartments, Hilltop Site on Route 9, Riverchase and Big Daddy’s liquor. He stated each comes with opportunities.  Reminder Education Task Force presentation July 21 @ 6.  9th and Columbia water break has been completed by Northern Kentucky Water District.  Condolences to the Templeton family for the loss of Paul Templeton.  The City will not participate in BLINK this year.  National Night Out Tuesday August 2nd from 6-8pm.  Received many comments from residents and surrounding communities on the 4th Street Bridge construction.  Commissioner Fennell stated on the City’s web page the Commissioners email links were not working.  Deputy City Clerk Joy Rovno replied she is working on the issue and will coordinate with IT to get it resolved.  Suggested a welcome to Newport packet which gives a check list to new business owners on what is needed to open a new business. Page 10 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Fennell made a motion to adjourn @ 8:12pm; Commissioner Peluso offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell Yes Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 5-0 Respectfully submitted, _____________________ ______________________________ Date Approved/Signed Thomas L. Guidugli Jr., Mayor Attest: -------------------------------------- Joy Rovno, Deputy City Clerk Board of Commissioners Upcoming Scheduled Meetings 2022, 7:00 PM August 22 September 19 October 3 (Caucus) October 24 November 21 December 12 Page 11 of 11 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 07-18-2022