_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, March 25, 2024 MINUTES Call to Order: A regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli Jr. on March 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the 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: Commissioner Radwanski, Commissioner Smith-Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Mayor Guidugli Jr., Assistant City Manager John Hayden, City Attorney Daniel Braun, Police Chief Christopher Fangman, Fire Chief Frank Peluso, Finance Director Lenny Kuntz, Planning and Development Director Brian Steffen, Public Works Director Ray Ebert, and City Clerk Tiffany Myers. Attended Via Zoom Vice Mayor Fennell. CALL TO ORDER Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call PERSONNEL ORDERS COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2024-32 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, RATIFYING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF BRANT OWENS TO THE TREE BOARD OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Order R-2024-32 as read. 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-2024-33 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING NOLAN KRESSER TO THE POSITION OF ENGINEER IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2024. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Order R-2024-33 as read. Page 1|7 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-2024-34 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PROMOTING WILLIAM MURPHY TO THE POSITION OF ENGINEER IN THE NEWPORT FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2024. A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to approve Order R-2024-34 as read. 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. Mayor Guidugli Jr. called for a recess at 7:22 p.m. The meeting resumed at 7:26 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioner Radwanski, Commissioner Smith-Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Vice Mayor Fennell, and Mayor Guidugli Jr. PUBLIC HEARINGS None PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Guidugli Jr read a Fair Housing Proclamation PUBLIC FORUM  Steve Megerle advised the board that there could be legal repercussions if they passed the overlay district for Buena Vista. Mayor Guidugli Jr. advised Mr. Megerle to approach the podium when this matter is read. The Public Forum portion is for items not on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Rechtin, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on February 26, 2024, and the caucus minutes from March 11, 2024, as presented. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 2|7 OLD BUSINESS SECOND READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY ENACTING AND ADOPTING A SUPPLEMENT TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2024-02 as read. 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. SECOND READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-03_ AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 153 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, MAKING TEXT AMENDMENTS TO VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE OFFICIAL ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY AND AMENDING SECTION 153.43 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING AMENDMENTS IN GENERAL. A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to approve Ordinance O-2024-03 as read. Comments: City Manager Fromme advised the board that the ordinance was slightly changed to allow tattoo studios on the first floor. This slight change does not constitute this Ordinance to start over with two readings. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin No Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 4-1. Motion carried- so ordered. NEW BUSINESS FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-04 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 32.074 CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, REGARDING ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION GUIDELINES. A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to approve Ordinance O-2024-04 as read. Page 3|7 Comments: City Manager Fromme advised the Board that Mr. Megerle would shortly voice his concerns, but the guidelines should not be held up. The guidelines are the guidelines regardless of the district. Also, the city has taken great pains to allow public input and concerns, which are reflected in the guidelines. The city does not want to price anyone out of their homes. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-05 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY APPROVING AND ESTABLISHING THE BUENA VISTA LOCAL HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2024-05 as read. Comments: Mr. Megerle prepared a list of reasons why this case for the Buena Vista Overlay District could be held up in litigation. The staff and the Board discussed what should be done tonight regarding these Ordinances for the Buena Vista Overlay District. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to go into executive session for KRS 61.810 ( C ) discussions of proposed or pending litigation against or on behalf of the public agency. Motion carried- so ordered. The Board returned to regular session with the following members present: Commissioner Radwanski, Commissioner Smith-Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Vice Mayor Fennell, and Mayor Guidugli Jr. Mayor Guidugli Jr. advised that the Board would hear a discussion from the public on Ordinance O-2024-05. Comments:  Beth Johnson, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, supports the approval of the historic district overlay. She states that this Ordinance will help with sustainability, economic growth, and neighborhood stability.  Brant Ownes is part of the Westside Citizens Coalition, and they support this.  Katherine McElwain, 426 W10th Street, supports the local overlay. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to table Ordinance O-2024-05 to allow more time for the staff to research and bring back up later. 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. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to table Ordinance O-2024-06 and Order R-2024-36 since they both concern Buena Vista. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes. Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Page 4|7 Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. City Manager Fromme requested clarification on the motions. He questioned whether their motion was for staff to review the issues tonight, but the Board intends to bring the ordinances tabled at another meeting to vote on. The Board confirmed yes. The City Manager advised the Board that we have until April 28th to pass these. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2024-28 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY ADOPTING THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY REGINAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, 2024. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Order R-2024-28 as read. 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-2024-31 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 DIGITAL VISIONS FOR THE CAMERA SYSTEM PROJECT. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Order R-2024-31 as read. Comments: Chief Fangman stated that the police department was awarded the Port Security Grant for $81,000, which we will use to expand our citywide cameras to serve the community better. The cameras we currently use have helped assist in investigations. 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-2024-35 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 PRUS CONSTRUCTION FOR THE MONMOUTH STREET STAMPED CONCRETE REPLACEMENT PROJECT. A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Order R-2024-35 as read. Page 5|7 Comments: Public Works Director Ray Ebert advised the Board that this will replace concrete panels and brick pavers in Monmouth's 600 and 700 Blocks. The project was put out to bid, and Prus was the lowest bidder. 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. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Thanked the Board for all their effort tonight. This is not a defeat on Buena Vista but a regrouping. The city plans on bringing this up again for a vote. A lot of time and money has been spent on this. When the Board votes on Buena Vista, they will also vote on a facade grant to help homeowners in that district with repairs and renovation costs. Lastly, the city is heading into the busy season with summer events and projects. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Vice Mayor Fennell  Congratulate the boys' basketball team on a fantastic season.  Happy to see a full tree board.  Wished everyone a Happy Easter. Commissioner Rechtin:  Asked City Manager Fromme to advise the Board on the difference between our two tree boards. City Manager Fromme stated that the city has a grant to plant trees, so we have a committee for this purpose. Once the grant money runs out, the committee is no longer needed. The other tree board is a standing committee, and it will hear appeals for issues that staff has cited them for.  When there will be a caucus meeting to discuss parking and the bridge. The City Manager advised that the Bridge will be on April 15th, and we will meet about parking later. Commissioner Radwanski:  Felt that the city exceeded Buena Vista's expectations per the 2020 Comprehensive Plan.  Would like to see a program to educate homeowners on repairs to their historic homes.  Wishes everyone a Happy Easter. Commissioner Smith-Morrow:  Congratulated the boys' basketball team.  Remains committed to Buena Vista and feels the city has some robust guidelines.  Supports a facade grant for Buena Vista. Page 6|7 Mayor Guidugli Jr:  Congratulated the boys’ basketball team on being 9th Region Champions.  There are talks with Covington about having a joint meeting for the bike plan. We will know more shortly. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried- so ordered. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, City Clerk Tiffany Myers Date Approved: Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli Jr. Attest: City Clerk Tiffany Myers Page 7|7