_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, April 29, 2024 MINUTES Call to Order: A regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Guidugli Jr. on April 29, 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, Vice Mayor Fennell, Mayor Guidugli Jr., Assistant City Manager John Hayden, City Attorney Daniel Braun, Police Chief Christopher Fangman, Fire Chief Frank Peluso, Planning and Development Director Brian Steffen, and City Clerk Tiffany Myers. CALL TO ORDER Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS  Mayor Guidugli Jr. read the Historic Preservation Proclamation  Lynn Schaber with the Education Task Force gave a presentation on the state of the school system. (See attached presentation) Mayor Guidugli Jr. called for a five-minute recess at 7:27 p.m. At 7:35 p.m., the meeting resumed with the following members present: Commissioner Radwanski, Commissioner Smith-Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Vice Mayor Fennell, and Mayor Guidugli. CONSENT AGENDA COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2024-39 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, GRANTING A PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM TO BELLEVUE LAND LLC RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF THE PROPERTY AT 211-213 W 9TH STREET IN NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2023-40 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, GRANTING A PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM TO RAMZI NUSEIBEH. RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF THE PROPERTY AT 603 MONROE STREET IN NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Page 1|7 Roll Call: Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. PUBLIC FORUM  Victoria Washington, a former resident of Newport, requested clarification on why there were two Juneteenth celebrations, and she would like to see more activities for the youth. City Manager Fromme advised that one celebration is a city-sponsored event, and the other is not. Daylin Garland, an employee of Newport, is spearheading the city-sponsored event. Daylin Garland stated that everyone is invited to attend the ceremonies, which will take place on June 15th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Anthony Manning, a resident of Newport, would like to see more programs offered to help low-income residents buy a house.  Mitch Mayes, a resident of Newport, presented the Board with a proposal to start a program called Hometown Heroes, in which banners would be displayed of citizens who have served their country.  Jerome Bowles, president of NKY NAACP, would like the Board to consider all the items brought forth tonight. The city needs diverse community programs. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve the regular meeting minutes from March 25, 2024, and the special meeting minutes from April 15 and April 24, 2024. The motion carried—so ordered. OLD BUSINESS SECOND 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 Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2024-04 as read. Roll Call: Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 2|7 NEW BUSINESS 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 Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2024-05 as read. Comments:  Planning and Development Director Brian Steffen reviewed the steps taken to implement this district when it first started in 2018.  Historic Preservation Officer Scott Clark answered questions from the Board.  Attorney Steve Megerle stated he met with City Manager Fromme, Assistant City Manager Hayden, and Planning and Development Director Brian Steffen. Mr. Megerle submitted a plan to phase in sections of the district and see how it works. If it works, then expand the district. If the Board chooses to go through with this plan as is tonight, then he will take legal recourse.  Beth Johnson, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, supports the Buena Vista Overlay District.  Jason Kramb, 627 Linden Avenue, supports the overlay district.  Ed Davis, 839 York Street, supports the overlay district.  Catherine McElwain, 426 W 10TH Street, supports the overlay district.  Josh Tunning, 212 W 8th Street, supports the overlay district. Roll Call: Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes Commissioner Radwanski No Motion 4-1. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-06 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY TO INCORPORATE THEREIN THE BUENA VISTA LOCAL HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT. A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2024-06 as read. Comments: City Manager Fromme stated that to do the overlay district; we also needed to pass this. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski No Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Motion 4-1. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 3|7 FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-07 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AMENDING SECTION 99.05(A) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE APPLICATION FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTAL DWELLING LICENSES. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2024-07 as read. Comments:  City Manager Fromme said that ordinances 7, 8, and 10 are housekeeping measures where the landlord supplies lease agreements to staff for backup. Roll Call: Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-08 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AMENDING SECTION 37.075(a) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING THE APPLICATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to approve Ordinance O-2024-08 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-09 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 111.52(A) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING THE RETAIL SALES REGULATORY LICENSE FEE AMOUNT PAYABLE FOR CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to approve Ordinance O-2024-09 as read. Comments:  City Manager Fromme advised the Board on dealing with the regulatory license fee for certain transactions. The ordinance amended the fee from 2.5 % to 2%. This Ordinance is for regulations and the enforcement of police activities. In addition, this would cap the sale of distilled spirits at $4,000 with a license cap of $10,000. By taking these measures, the city is looking at long-term plans for the new development of Margaritaville; this will create fairness. Also, the city plans to have an ID system that will be supplied to all the bars, and IDs will be scanned for policing purposes. Page 4|7 A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, to amend the text of the Ordinance to read, “Upon the sale of any distilled spirits, the regulatory license fee amount due thereon shall be applied to the first $4,000 of the purchase price of each transaction or single item sale.” Roll Call: Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-10 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 111.50(A)(4) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING LICENSING PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES. A motion by Commissioner Smith-Morrow, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Ordinance O-2024-10 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-2024-11 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY REPEALING, IN FULL, CHAPTER 152 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING FLOOD PREVENTION DAMAGE. A motion by Vice Mayor Fennell, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to approve Ordinance O-2024-11 as read. Comments: City Manager Fromme stated that this is a housekeeping measure. Roll Call: Commissioner Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Abstain Vice Mayor Fennell Yes Mayor Guidugli Jr. Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Motion 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2024-36 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER THOMAS J. FROMME TO EXPLORE THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM RELATED TO BUENA VISTA HISTORIC DISTRICT. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to approve Order R- 2024-36 as read. Page 5|7 Comments:  City Manager Fromme stated that this shows support for the residents from city staff and the Board to look into a program to help qualified residents with necessary home improvements.  Attorney Steven Megerle said he supports this program and would recommend the city look at Horizon Fund to see how they can help. When implementing this program, it must be available to all.  Tyler Black, a resident of Newport, questioned whether derelict property owners can fund this program through Code Enforcement measures. 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 their leadership. It’s never easy to come up with a one-size-fits-all solution. Many of the items brought up tonight in the Public Forum are items we are currently working on, such as recreational opportunities. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioner Radwanski:  Asked about the short-term issues for bike lanes and when they can be implemented. City Manager Fromme advised that we plan on having a joint meeting with Covington later to agree on a plan.  Attended an HB 55 training session. I thank all the Board members for their volunteerism. Commissioner Rechtin:  I'm looking forward to the joint meeting.  I would like action items implemented, such as adjusting speed limits. Commissioner Smith-Morrow:  Appreciated the presentation by the Education Task Force tonight.  Excited that BLINK is coming to the city.  Buena Vista is moving forward, and so is the Façade Grant. V ice Mayor Fennell:  Thanked everyone who attended the meeting and stayed around for the duration. Mayor Guidugli Jr:  This was a productive meeting.  Excited for BLINK coming to the city.  Another exciting announcement coming soon. Page 6|7 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Radwanski moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Fennell, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried—so ordered. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, City Clerk Tiffany Myers Date Approved: Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli Jr. Attest: City Clerk Tiffany Myers Page 7|7