_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS September 19, 2022, 7:00 PM Minutes CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli Jr., on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 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: City Manager Thomas J. Fromme, City Attorney Dan Braun, Deputy City Clerk Joy Rovno, Chief of Police Christopher Fangman, Chief of Fire/EMS Frank Peluso, Ray Ebert Public Works Director, Lenny Kuntz Chief Financial Director, Matthew Shipp Staff Accountant. PERSONNEL ORDERS COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-057 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING JUSTIN J. HUBBARD TO THE POSITION OF FIRE/MEDIC GRAD 3 IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve R-2022-057. 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 1 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-058 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING PAULA BROWDER TO THE POSITION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST IN THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-058. 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 The Mayor called for a ten minute recess. Meeting was called back in session at 7:10 pm with all present. PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Pursuant to KRS 132.027, as amended by the Kentucky General Assembly Extraordinary Session of 1979, the City of Newport, KY will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. local time in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Newport City Building, 998 Monmouth Street, to hear comments from the public regarding a proposed real estate tax rate of $2.74 per $1,000 valuation and proposed personal property tax rate of $2.74 per $1,000. As required by law, this includes the following information: Page 2 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022  Tax Rate Per $1000 Revenue Assessed Valuation Preceding Year Tax Rate and $2.74 $2,302,488 Real Property Revenue Tax Rate Proposed for 2022 and $2.74 $2,427,641 Expected Real Property Revenue Compensating Tax Rate and $2.64 $2,334,270 Expected Real Property Revenue Revenue Expected from $2.74 $22,680 New Real Property Tax Rate Proposed for 2022 and $2.74 $291,679 Expected Personal Property Revenue All revenues in excess of the amounts generated in 2022 will be allocated to all City operating departments and divisions, including: Police, Fire/EMS, Public Works, Recreation, Code Enforcement, and General Administration. Posted at 998 Monmouth and on www.newportky.gov on 9/6/22. Scheduled for advertisement in the Kentucky Enquirer on 9/6/22 and 9/12/22. Thomas Fromme gave a summary of the tax rate through a PowerPoint presentation. Commissioner Rechtin asked Mr. Fromme to explain why school taxes are collected on the City tax bill. Thomas Fromme replied an agreement was made with Newport Independent School District to combine the collection of taxes. This agreement has been successful with over a 90% collection rate. Vice Mayor Peluso asked when the current tax bills would be mailed and if the informational flyer listing Newport’s and surrounding cities taxes rates would be included. Lenny Kuntz replied the bills will be mailed the last week of September and the flyer will be enclosed. Page 3 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS Jody Robinson and Wade Johnson of Tri-State Trails explained the proposed protective bike and pedestrian lanes on Girl Scout Bridge through a PowerPoint presentation. She stated the City of Newport, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) along with Devue Good are working toward making the bridge safer. There will be community engagement with KYTC the City of Newport and Tri-State Trails on a comprehensive bike plan. She thanked everyone involved for their quick response to make the needed changes after the death of a cyclist on the bridge. Commissioner Rechtin asked which side of the bridge will have the protected lanes. Jody Robinson replied the north side of the bridge will have two 10’ two- way lanes with protective concrete barriers. Thomas Fromme asked if this will be a permeant barrier or if it will be temporary until a final solution is made. Jody Robinson replied the barriers on the Girl Scout Bridge could last indefinitely or until KYTC has a better solution. Commissioner Fennell asked if KYTC if funding this project. Jody Robinson replied Devue Good will be funding the project in the interim until KYTC starts funding the project. Vice Mayor Peluso stated cyclist use the bridge year round, and asked with the barriers in place, would equipment be able enter the bridge for cleaning. Jody Robinson replied yes. Commissioner Rechtin stated there is some congestion at Brighton Street and the foot of the bridge, and asked if KYTC is looking for solutions to this congestion. Jody Robinson replied yes this is a major issue trying to resolve the congestion in the 11 th Street corridor. Wade Johnson of Tri-State Trails stated he is excited to work with the city and its residents on a comprehensive bike trail plan. Commissioner Fennell asked how long it would take to complete the comprehensive bike plan. Wade Johnson replied 6 to 12 months. Page 4 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 Mayor Guidugli stated there are two plans, the immediate action plan to address the dangers of the bridge to make it safer for cyclist and pedestrians is to be completed within 6 to 8 weeks and the second is the comprehensive bike plan which should be implemented next year. He thanked KYTC, the City of Covington and Devue Good for their collaboration and quick response to this issue. Commissioner Fennell asked if KYTC is waiting for the comprehensive study to be completed before they move forward on their end. Wade Johnson replied KYTC wants an agreement between Covington and Newport about the egress and ingress on the bridge before they move forward. Commissioner Fennell stated as the City’s representative to OKI, OKI would help with the funding or help find funding for this project. Commissioner Rechtin asked who would oversee the project. Wade Johnson replied there would be a steering committee with representatives from both cities and key stake holders that would guide the direction of the plan. Mayor Guidugli stated the city would match a portion of the grant funding. Vice Mayor Peluso recommended a portion of the general fund be earmarked for bike lanes. Thomas Fromme agreed with Vice Mayor Peluso and stated bike lanes have been integrated in the current US 27 corridor project. Commissioner Fennell stated bike lanes are also incorporated in the new Route 9 corridor. Page 5 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 PUBLIC FORUM With regard to the attached sign-in sheet for addressing the Commission during the Public Forum, all spoke in favor of the issue presented. Regarding Victoria Square and Riverchase in respect to eviction notice and low income housing necessity #’s 1, 2 , 9, 17 and 18. Regarding the bike lane on Girl Scout Bridge #’s 3, 4, 7, 1 0 , 11,1 2, 13 and 14 Other numbered persons choose not to speak. Mr. Radwanski spoke on another issue. Mr. Yoder not on sing-in sheet spoke on bike issue. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Regular Meeting Minutes August 22, 2022 Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2022. Commissioner Rechtin offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: Commissioner Beth Fennell abstain Commissioner Jerry Peluso Yes Commissioner Ken Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Frank Peluso Yes Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion Carried 4-0 OLD BUSINESS SECOND READING COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2022-008 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY REPEALING SECTIONS 91.30 AND 91.99 OF CHAPTER 91 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING FIREWORKS AND ADOPTING NEW PROVISIONS WITH REGARD THERETO Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve O-2022-008. 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 Page 6 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 Motion Carried 5-0 SECOND READING COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2022-009 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 30.025(A)(2) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERING THE SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve O-2022-009. 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 SECOND READING COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2022-010 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 31.46 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING POSITIONS IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve O-2022-010. 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 Page 7 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 NEW BUSINESS FIRST READNG COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2022-011 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY LEVYING AND ASSESSING AD VALOREM TAXES FOR CITY PURPOSES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 2023 ON ALL PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY Commissioner Rechtin asked if barrel taxes are included with the tangible property tax. Lenny Kuntz replied yes. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve O-2022-011. 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-2022-059 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 STREET SWEEPER FOR USE IN THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Ray Ebert stated this would replace a 20 year old street sweeper with an anticipated delivery date of a year. The old sweeper will be surplused. Commissioner Peluso asked if the new sweeper will hold more trash than the old. Ray Ebert replied yes it will hold 5 yards of material. Mayor Guidugli asked if the new truck operated in the same way. Ray Ebert replied the new sweeper is a high dump which allows it to dump directly into a dumpster. Page 8 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve R-2022-059. 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-2022-060 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI, JR. TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET REGARDING THE CITY OF NEWPORT TWO-WAY STREET STUDY Thomas Fromme there has been discussion for many years on the conversion of Monmouth Street and York Street for two- way. The impetus for this study is Route 9 and the 4th and 5th Street corridor. The last block of 4th and 5th Street is currently two- way. This study will look at the impact of making 5th Street two-way up to Washington Street. He stated staff is looking internally at making Brighton Street one-way to reduce the traffic of the Girl Scout Bridge. Mayor Guidugli stated the City submitted for this grant through OKI. A comprehensive study needs to be completed before any action is taken. Commissioner Peluso asked who will be consulted during the study. Thomas Fromme replied in previous studies stake holders and traffic simulation is done along with outreach to affected residents and businesses. Vice Mayor Peluso stated some of the current traffic signal post would not be in compliance with the State, this would be an additional cost to convert them. Thomas Fromme replied the current post may be able to be used if not then they would need replaced he stated these are State Routes. Page 9 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve R-2022-060. 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 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-061 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY DECLARING CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT AS SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW Chief Peluso stated the 2006 F450 Horton ambulance would be sold and the funds from the sale would go toward purchase of a new ambulance. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-061. 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 DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS Scott Clark gave an update on the Arts and Music Festival, October 1 from 10-4 at the Southgate School. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS  Working diligently to help residents of Victoria Square and Riverchase Apartments.  Many projects throughout the city take many years to complete. The city is not hiding or having secret meeting about projects. These votes are all taken in public meetings, an example is Riverfront Commons which was voted on and started in 1995 and is still in progress. He wanted to make clear these decisions are not made in a vacuum, and stated the process simply doesn’t work that way, he encouraged residents to contact him with any questions about these ongoing projects. Page 10 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS Commissioner Fennell  Thanked the Police Department for quickly directing traffic out of the City after Riverfest.and thanked Public Works for the quick cleanup afterwards.  Thanked Bob Yoder for his comments on bike and pedestrian routes. Commissioner Rechtin  Reported River Metals explosion which resulted in a fire. He thanked Chief Peluso for his quick response in extinguishing the fire.  Result of this fire was a large cloud over part of the City, expressed possible health concerns.  Asked legal staff to look into some way the City can regulate or control this behavior.  Asked legal staff to push the current legal action against this company for resolution. Commissioner Peluso  Stated there would not be a car show this year due to lack of volunteers.  Gave details about Fall Flea Market on Monmouth on October 15th from 9-2. Vice Mayor Peluso  No comments Mayor Guidugli  Thanked Devue Good and Tri-State Trails for their partnership  Thanked Devue Good’s willingness to fund infrastructure of a management team to facilitate these projects.  Looks forward to a positive lasting relationship with Devue Good.  Thanked Commissioner Peluso for his efforts on the Flea Market.  Car Show in the future. Dan Braun requested the Board make a motion to meet in Executive Session following this meeting to discuss an economic development issue, no action will be taken. Page 11 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022 Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to meet in Executive Session. 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 . ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to adjourn @ 9:10 pm; Commissioner Fennell offered a second to the motion. The Mayor called for a vote: 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 September 20 (Special Call) October 3 (Caucus) October 24 November 21 December 12 Page 12 of 12 BOC Regular Meeting Minutes 08-22-2022