_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS October 24, 2022, 7:00 PM Minutes CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli Jr., on Monday, October 24, 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: 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, Ray Ebert Public Works Director, Lenny Kuntz Chief Financial Director. PERSONNEL ORDERS COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-063 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING TYLER S. WATSON TO THE POSITION OF ENGINEER MEDIC IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 19, 2022 Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-063. 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 1 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-064 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING NATHAN A. RAWE TO THE POSITION OF ENGINEER MEDIC IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 19, 2022 Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve R-2022-064. 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-2022-065 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING JAIME J. HUBBARD TO THE POSITION OF FIRE/MEDIC GRADE 3 IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 31, 2022 Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-065. 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-2022-066 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING DANNY MCNEW TO THE POSITION OF LABOR MAINTENANCE 1 IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 25, 2022 2 Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-066. 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 7:15 pm with all present. PUBLIC HEARINGS None PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Guidugli read a proclamation proclaiming October 24, 2022 as Michael “Micky” McElwain Day in the City of Newport, honoring him for his dedication to historic preservation in the City. Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Tony Watts gave an update on school testing scores and planes to make the schools perform better. He stated this is the first year bilingual classes are being offered to all elementary students. He explained incentives that are being offered to teachers as well as pay increases. They are partnering with area colleges to prepare students for higher education. He stated the district is now providing before and after school tutoring for struggling students. He also provided statistics of the readiness of kindergarten students and plans on how to better prepare first time students. He stated the schools provide free breakfast and lunch to those students that would otherwise go hungry. In conclusion he stated teachers and staff are doing their best to provide students with quality education. State Representative Rachel Roberts presented Stephen Collins of the West Side Citizens Coalition a Certificate of Appreciation from the Kentucky State House for his activism and dedication to improve the City of Newport. PUBLIC FORUM Hailey Powell expressed concern about the upcoming evictions of the Victoria Square residents. She asked the City adopt a Renters Bill of Rights. Speakers 2, 3, 4 and 5 echoed these concerns. 3 Elaine Brown co-owner of Ivy Gate, volunteer for the Fall Flea and Market on Monmouth stated the event was a big success and thanked all that participated. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022 and Special Call Minutes September 20, 2022. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2022 and Special Call Minutes of September 20, 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 OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-067 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIVE 2022 DODGE DURANGO POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES. Chief Fangman stated these vehicles will replace the Fords in the fleet. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-067. 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 4 COMMISSIONER’S ORDER NO. R-2022-068 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI, JR. TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY CONCERNING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT-CV FUNDS FOR REPLACEMENT OF ELEVATORS AT THE GRAND TOWERS SENIORS HOUSING PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. City Attorney Dan Braun stated through conversations with the State and the Housing Authority, this matter has been resolved and asked for a motion to remove this item from the agenda. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to remove R-2022-068 from the agenda due to the matter has been resolved through the State of Kentucky. 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 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-069 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH PAUL MICHEL’S AND SONS TO REPAVE THE FULL WIDTH AND RESURFACE OF E. 4TH STREET FROM WASHINGTON AVENUE TO MONMOUTH STREET. Ray Ebert, Community Service Director gave a brief description of the work. He stated the work should begin this fall, weather permitting. Commissioner Peluso asked were the residents would park during construction. Ray Ebert replied the residents would receive a notice informing them of the dates of construction. Commissioner Peluso asked how far in advance the residents would be notified. Ray Ebert replied he would communicate with the contractor to determine the start date and notify the residents within a week of that date. Vice Mayor Peluso asked if there were upcoming street projects from the utilities. Ray Ebert replied he had contacted the utilities and no work is planned. 5 Commissioner Fennell asked if the damaged caused on the street was due to resent construction and if the city has any recourse against the contractor. Ray Ebert replied he didn’t believe so, the street has been heavily patched. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-069. 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 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-070 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH PAUL MICHEL’S AND SONS TO REMOVE EXISTING CONCRETE PAVING BETWEEN CURBS AND REPLACE WITH CONCRETE PAVING ON GUGEL ALLEY FROM 6TH STREET TO 8TH STREET. Ray Ebert gave a brief description of the work. Mr. Ebert stated residents would be notified when the work would begin. Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve R-2022-070. 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 6 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-071 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY GRANTING A PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM TO TODD AND JEANNE DITTRICH RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF THE PROPERTY AT 638 MONROE STREET IN NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-071. 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 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-072 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY GRANTING A PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM TO KENDALL KRAMER RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF THE PROPERTY AT 327 W 8TH STREET IN NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve R-2022-072. 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 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-073 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 KUBOTA UTILITY VEHICLE FOR USE IN THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT 7 Ray Ebert explained this is a small utility vehicle which would be equipped with a plow and spreader, this will allow maintenance in small narrow areas of the City. Mayor Guidugli stated this is a welcome addition to City equipment, which has been needed for a long time. Commissioner Fennell asked what type of warranty will come with this equipment. Ray Ebert replied he was unsure and would provide the information at a later date. Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to approve R-2022-073. 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 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-074 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 THREE VEHICLES FOR USE IN THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Ray Ebert stated these are all flat beds that will be equipped with snow removal equipment. These vehicles will replace 2002 and 2003 Ford trucks. Due to supply shortage, expected delivery is a year. Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve R-2022-074. 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 8 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2022-075 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 PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR THE RALPH MUSSMAN COMPLEX AND BUENA VISTA PARK Ray Ebert explained the current equipment is over twenty years old making it a hazard. The old playground equipment has been removed. The new equipment has been purchased and will be installed through Game Time. He stated it will take eight weeks to order the equipment and three months to install; the parks will be ready in Spring 2023. Commissioner Rechtin made a motion to approve R-2022-075. 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 DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS Ray Ebert  Leaf Pick up has begun, the schedule is on the City website and Facebook page. Scott Clark  Thanked the City for the proclamation for Michael McElwaine. ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER COMMENTS  Thanked Ray Ebert on his efforts to replace playground equipment.  Update on Victoria Square evictions.  Update on River Chase evictions.  13th Street sidewalk closures and opening of new street within 2 weeks.  Commissioner Fennell asked about the traffic calming solutions for 13th Street.  John Hayden replied the developer will accommodate on the traffic calming solution but what will be used has not been determined.  Commissioner Fennell asked if owners of Victoria Square gave a timeline on concessions  John Hayden replied no.  Vice Mayor Peluso asked what authority allowed the opening of 13th Street onto US 27. He stated this was closed many years ago due to safety issues. He stated there are also 9  drainage issues and asked if those been addressed. He also expressed concern of the road being inspected to assure it is built to State regulations.  John Hayden stated he did not have the answers to these questions and would consult with Mr. Steffen and provide the Board with an update.  Commissioner Rechtin stated conversations had taken place early in the 13th Street Development concerning traffic calming. He asked if the development agreement included this language.  Mayor Guidugli asked Mr. Hayden to provide the Board with a complete update of the development.  Mr. Hayden replied he would provide these updates.  Mr. Hayden stated members of city staff have agreed to be part of Big Brother Big Sister Program in Newport Schools to provide mentoring to students. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS Commissioner Fennell  Stated a large portion of the City budget goes toward safety. She stated the purchase new equipment and hiring of Police and Fire speaks to that.  As the City’s OKI representative, the City will receive $600k to replace pavers on Monmouth Street. Ms. Fennell gave several examples of the use of OKI funds within the City. Commissioner Rechtin  Asked everyone to vote on November 8th  Report of explosions and a fire at RMR. He stated this company is a nuisance and asked city attorneys to look for current legislation to put an end to these activities.  Asked for update on recent shooting.  Chief Fangman replied he is working with city personnel and is doing all they can to investigate this issue. He stated the City of Newport has had no fatalities from gun shots in five years, Newport is a very safe city.  Commissioner Rechtin recommended block watches.  Chief Fangman agreed. Commissioner Peluso  Asked Chief Peluso for an update of two firefighters which had undergone surgery.  Chief Peluso stated both are recovering from kidney transplant surgery, both are doing very well. Vice Mayor Peluso  Gave some history of Ralph Mussman and why the Ralph Mussman Complex was named after him. 10 Mayor Guidugli  Echoed the importance of having a safe city.  Update on Levee event Kids Crew which the Police and Fire Department take part.  Halloween 6-9 on Monday October 31.  Actively working on resolution to Victoria Square issue. . ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Peluso made a motion to adjourn @ 8:40pm; Commissioner Rechtin 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 November 21 December 12 11