_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, October 23, 2023 MINUTES Call to Order: op A regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli Jr. on October 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Newport Municipal Building at 998 Monmouth Street. The y meeting was opened with a silent invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were: Commissioner Radwanski, Commissioner Smith-Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Vice Mayor lC Fennell, Mayor Guidugli Jr., City Manager Thomas Fromme, City Attorney Daniel Braun, Police Chief Christopher Fangman, Fire Chief Frank Peluso, Public Works Director Ray Ebert, Human Resource Coordinator Emily Moore, and City Clerk Tiffany Myers. Personnel Orders: COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-072 ca AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC JACOB SCHULTZ TO THE POSITION OF ENGINEER/MEDIC IN ffi THE FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 4, 2023. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve R-2023-072 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin O Yes Yes Yes An Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-073 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, ot PROMOTING LIEUTENANT ERIC HERMAN TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 11, 2023. N A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve R-2023-073 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 1|7 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-074 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING CHRISTOPHER SCHACK TO THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC GRADE III IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 24, 2023. A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve R-2023-074 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes op y Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-075 lC AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING ALBERT HOPPLE TO THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC GRADE III IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 24, 2023. ca A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve R-2023-075 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin ffi Yes Yes Yes Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. O Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. An COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-076 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, APPOINTING JACOB LIPPERT TO THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER/EMT IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 24, 2023. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve R-2023-076 as read. ot Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes N Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 2|7 COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-077 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING ENGINEER/MEDIC MICHAEL GOODRIDGE TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2023. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve R-2023-077 as read. Roll Call: 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. op y Presentations/Awards/Proclamations:   lC Mayor Guidugli Jr. read a Proclamation for Fire Prevention. Detective Jason Gabbard did not attend the meeting to receive the Bravery Award. He will come back later.   ca Chief Fangman presented the Police Medal Award to Police Officer Kenneth Little for saving a man's life by applying a tourniquet on him until EMS arrived on the scene. Chief Fangman presented Lieutenant Daniel Delaney with a Years of Service Award,  ffi showcasing his uniform with all the badges received throughout his career. Paige Ellerman with the Newport Penguins stated that the Newport Penguins finished 3rd Place this year. They have more than 180 athletes and 52 divers on the roster. The Penguins O offer free swimming lessons. Their senior staff comprises former athletes who competed on the team. Approval of Minutes: An A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to accept the special meeting minutes for September 18, 2023, and regular meeting minutes for September 25, 2023, as presented. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes ot Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Abstain Yes Yes N Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 3|7 OLD BUSINESS: SECOND READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-018 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 99.10 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING RENTAL DWELLING INSPECTION GUIDELINES. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2023-018 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Yes Yes Yes op y Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. lC SECOND READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-019 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY CREATING SECTION 111.36 OF CHAPTER ca 111: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING THE APPLICATION FOR AN ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION CENTER LICENSE AND ESTABLISHING THE NEWPORT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. ffi A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2023-019 as read. Comments: O City Manager Fromme said this will be a pilot program; if it doesn’t work, we will discontinue it. Roll Call: An Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes No Yes Yes Motion 4-1. Motion carried- so ordered. ot NEW BUSINESS: N FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-022 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 30.029 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCLUDE SECTION (F) CONCERNING MEETING ATTENDANCE. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2023-022 as read. Page 4|7 Comments: City Manager Fromme said that during the Pandemic, the city primarily used Zoom to conduct meetings. We are offering options to the Board in case someone is under the weather or out of town. This will be limited to only two members at a time to be able to use Zoom. If the situation arises, we can still conduct Zoom Meetings for the entire Board. Attorney Dan Braun advised the Board that this measure is for absent Board members and does not prevent the meeting from taking place in person, and there will be language added to the agenda once this passes on a second reading. Commissioner Rechtin wanted to make sure we have the technology in place. City Manager Fromme advised that we are closing working with IT to ensure we do. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Yes Yes Abstain op y Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-071 lC AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY ca AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO 2024 CHEVROLET 3500 SINGLE-WHEEL PICKUP TRUCKS. A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Order R-2023-071 as read. Comments: ffi O Public Works Director Ray Ebert advised that this replaces two 2002 Ford F350s. We chose to go with the Chevrolet trucks because they are cheaper and have a faster turnaround time in receiving them. Beau Bramer, 839 Monroe St., asked the Board if they are looking at electric vehicles. City An Manager Fromme advised that we have been looking into electric vehicles for over two years. The wait time to receive these vehicles is over two years out, and sometimes, we have a need right away and can’t afford to wait that long. The city has taken steps in getting Electric Charging Stations in the city. Roll Call: ot Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Commissioner Rechtin Yes Yes Yes N Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 5|7 COMMISSIONERS ORDER R-2023-078 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, THOMAS J. FROMME, TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH CUSTOM DESIGN BENEFITS TO ACT AS THE CITY’S THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR WITH VARIOUS INSURANCE COMPANIES AND WITH DELTA DENTAL PPO + PREMIER TO PROVIDE FOR THE CITY OF NEWPORT’S EMPLOYEES’ HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE NEEDS. op A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Rechtin, to approve Order R-2023-078 as read. Comments: y Michelle Middendorf and Mike Williams are with Sherrill Morgan. They are representatives for the city’s health and dental insurance. They recommended that the city keep its current health lC and dental provider and provided city recommendations and programs employees can use. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Yes Commissioner Rechtin Vice Mayor Fennell Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Yes Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. ca DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS: ffi O Assistant City Manager Hayden stated that on Wednesday night, there will be a Historic Preservation Commission meeting about the proposed Buena Vista Local Historic Destination. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:   An Happy to see all the promotions and awards tonight. I met with staff and our PR consultants about better communication. We are striving to get our message out there. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS: ot Commissioner Rechtin:  The Wave Foundation posted an article acknowledging Newport Resident Kevin Ellison's dedication to the Foundation and its mission. They even named him the Mayor of Fresh N Waterfalls. Commissioner Smith-Morrow:  Pleased that the city adopted the Entertainment District and appreciates all the staff has done. I would like for the city to work on holding events in the city to promote the NEDC.  The Historic Preservation is meeting this Wednesday. She would like to start a program to help the residents with the cost. Page 6|7   I’m glad our agenda has a notice to the public that audience members can ask questions or comment on Ordinance readings. Vice Mayor Fennell:  A gentleman who started Paddle Fest is trying to get Kayak Launch areas in the Rivercities. Commissioner Radwanski: op  Asked if City Manager Fromme has a date for the State of the City to take place in the Multipurpose room for those who cannot attend the luncheon on November 15th. City y Manager Fromme advised that he is looking sometime after the 15th.  Pleased the Entertainment District passed. If the city hires a Mainstreet Manager, I want to ensure everything is run through the City Manager first. Mayor Guidugli Jr.: lC  Happy with all the promotions and new hires that took place tonight.  Trick or Treating is next week, rain or shine, from 6-8 p.m. in the city. ADJOURNMENT: ca A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Rechtin, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried- so ordered. Accordingly, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m. ffi Respectfully submitted, City Clerk Tiffany Myers O An Date Approved: Attest: Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli Jr. ot City Clerk Tiffany Myers N Page 7|7