_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, July 24, 2023 MINUTES Call to Order: A regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli Jr. on July 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the op Multipurpose Room of the Newport Municipal Building at 998 Monmouth Street. The meeting was opened with a silent invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were: y Commissioner Radwanski, Commissioner Smith-Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Vice Mayor Fennell, Mayor Guidugli Jr., City Manager Thomas Fromme, Assistant City Manager John lC Hayden, Planning and Development Director Brian Steffen, Police Chief Christopher Fangman, Fire Chief Frank Peluso, City Clerk Tiffany Myers. Personnel Orders: COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-056 ca AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING ENGINEER/EMT DAVID ROMBACH TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2023. ffi A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Order R- 2023-056 as read. Comments: O Fire Chief Peluso stated that Mr. Rombach did very well on his exam. He has been in the fire department for twelve years and is our small equipment guru. Roll Call: An Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried-so ordered. ot COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-057 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, N PROMOTING ENGINEER/MEDIC ROBERT ALCOCK TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2023. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Order R-2023-057 as read. Comments: Fire Chief Peluso said Mr. Alcock has been with the fire department for ten years and takes care of the hazmat equipment. He did very well on his exam. Page 1|8 Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-059 op AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, y APPOINTING ED DAVIS AND STEPHANIE STEFFEN TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Order R- 2023-059 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Yes Yes Yes lC Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. ca ffi COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-060 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING GLEN TAYLOR TO THE CODE BOARD OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. O A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Order R-2023-060 as read. Roll Call: An Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. ot Mayor Guidugli Jr. adjourned for a 10-minute recess at 7:07 p.m. The Board reconvened the meeting at approximately 7:14 p.m. with Commissioner Radwanski, Commissioner Smith- N Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Vice Mayor Fennell, and Mayor Guidugli Jr. present. Public Forum: Charles Williams, Ambassador for Newport, stated he would like to see more Newport citizens come out and show their support for events in the city. Page 2|8 Approval of Minutes: A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve the Regular Meeting June 12, 2023, Special Meeting June 15, 2023, and Special Meeting June 16, 2023, minutes as presented. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. op y New Business: lC FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-008 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, REGARDING THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR CITY PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2023-008 as read. Comments: ca City Manager Thomas Fromme stated that looking back at prior park ordinances, we always had ffi the parks close at dusk. We have several parks now, and some cannot close at dusk because there might be city events, tennis, or pickleball games. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell O Yes Yes Abstain Yes An Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-009 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 93.63 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING OUTDOOR DINING ot AND/OR DRINKING UPON CITY SIDEWALKS AND/OR RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF. Comments: N City Manager Thomas Fromme said there was a first reading of the Outdoor Dining and Drinking Ordinance in April. After that meeting, some community members wanted to see residential bars/restaurants participate, and a word was changed in the Ordinance from seating to drinking to allow inclusivity. This Ordinance will be enforced. A discussion ensued among the board on how the Ordinance will be enforced. A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O- 2023-009 as read. Page 3|8 Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-010 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AMENDING SECTION 31.42 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER. op y Comments: City Manager Thomas Fromme gave brief descriptions of Ordinances O-2023-10 through O- 2023-012. lC A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2023-010 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Yes Yes ca Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. ffi Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. O FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-011 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 An CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2023-011 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes ot Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Abstain Yes N Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-012 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY CREATING SECTION 31.48 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ESTABLISHING THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO INCLUDE THE POSITIONS AND FUNCTIONS THEREIN. Page 4|8 A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2023-012 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-013 op AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 73 SCHEDULES y CONCERNING THE PARKING METER ZONES SCHEDULE. Comments: lC City Manager Thomas Fromme said that the meter charge increased by fifty cents. This increase is to help offset the credit card fees and maintenance of the meters. ca A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2023-013 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell ffi Yes Yes Abstain Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. O Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-014 An AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTIONS 32.007, 32.066, 32.100, 32.126, AND 32.205 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO MEMBERS OF VARIOUS CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve O-2023- ot 014 as read. Comments: City Manager Thomas Fromme said that due to inflation, it's time to increase the various city N volunteer board’s compensation from $100 to $200, and we are allowing the Historic Preservation Board to receive compensation; they are the only board, for some reason, that has never received compensation until now. This is a small way to show appreciation for our volunteers that take time out of their busy days to serve their community. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Page 5|8 Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-055 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, ACCEPTING THE BID OF AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH HAIRE CONSTRUCTION LLC FOR THE DAMAGED WALL REPAIR PROJECT. op y A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve R-2023-055, as read. Comments: lC Planning and Development Director Brian Steffen said this is from an accident with a borrowed fire truck at the City Garage. The fire truck somehow hit the building at a slow rate of speed. The old building has concrete panels, which you can’t get anymore, and a concrete roof. Since this project is complicated, an engineer had to do drawings on the building when putting this out to bid. A Kentucky-based business will be doing this project, which the city will get reimbursed for because it’s an insurance claim. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes ca Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell ffi Yes Yes Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. O Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-058 An 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 TRANSFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW. Comments: ot Fire Chief Peluso stated that this is for a local city that needs protective gear. This gear only has a shelf life of 10 years, and currently, we are not using it. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to approve R-2023- N 058, as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Page 6|8 Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. Department Head Comments: Fire Chief Peluso:  On July 6th, Engineer/Medic Bob Hug and Fire/Medic Seth Rosenhagen successfully delivered a healthy baby boy. Also, on July 8th, a woman at Kroger went into cardiac arrest. Nurse Practitioner Christy Bowling and Pharmacist Erin Latta performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. The woman has made a full recovery. City Manager Comments: op y  We had a large Agenda tonight, but this was a productive meeting.  Thanked Bev Holiday for her hard work on Homearama. The Builders Association recognized the city because we had over 10,000 attendees at this event. lC  Had an issue at the pool recently, and thanks to the pool staff acting quickly by contacting the authorities, this was shut down before it got too out of hand. Because of this incident, some new procedures were put into place. Large ca groups are not allowed to rent the pool from now on except for 501 (c) (3) groups. We don’t want to take away this benefit; we operate one of the only public pools in Campbell County. In addition, there was alcohol found in the bathroom, which is not allowed. Board of Commissioners’ Comments: Commissioner Rechtin: ffi O  Requested that the city manager copy the Commissioners when the new rules go out for the pool. Also, the parking issue at the pool is good because people are using it and are glad that the residents in that area listened to the city manager's recommendations. An Commissioner Smith-Morrow:  Extremely pleased with the Board appointments tonight.  The Tree Planting event at Newport Primary was a success. There were many volunteers for this event. ot The Cram the Cruiser event was another success, with excellent volunteer turnout and different groups within the city working together. N Vice Mayor Fennell:  We recently talked about electric charging stations and wanted to remind the city that OKI grant money is available with a 20% match. The next round is in the fall. I would be willing to get more information regarding different cost aspects. City Manager Thomas Fromme said the city has been trying to get electric vehicles for the police force and provide charging stations. Still, the cost of this plays a significant aspect in the budget. Page 7|8   The city had a contractor trim the rights-of-way in the city, which did not turn out well. City Manager Thomas Fromme said he has received complaints about this and will get this issue resolved. Commissioner Radwanski:  The police department handled the pool incident swiftly. This could have snowballed into something more severe for the city. Thanked the city manager for looking into changing the rules to keep the pool open. Mayor Guidugli Jr.: op y  City staff and volunteer groups like the Clifton Neighborhood Association did a great job at Homearama.  The pool is a great asset to the city. Our swim team, the Penguins, competes at a high level while representing our city. lC  Electric Charging Stations: we’ve been talking about this but would like to take action to bring them into our city. Adjournment: ca A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to adjourn the meeting. Accordingly, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, City Clerk Tiffany Myers ffi Date Approved: O Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli Jr. Attest: An City Clerk Tiffany Myers ot N Page 8|8