_Board of Commissioners

CITY OF NEWPORT, KY REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS July 21, 2025 Minutes Call to Order: Mayor Guidugli Jr. called a regular meeting to order on July 21, 2025, at 6:30 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, Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, Commissioner Rechtin, Commissioner Sutherland, Mayor Guidugli Jr., City Manager John Hayden, Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen, City Attorney Dan Braun, Fire Chief Frank Peluso, Police Chief Fangman, Finance Director Lenny Kuntz, and City Clerk Tiffany Myers. RECOGNITION: The St. Elizabeth Emergency Department awarded the "Crew of the Quarter" to Engineer/Medic Austin Rosenbaum and Firefighter/EMT Brian Robinson for their exceptional dedication to the community and their collaborative efforts with the St. Elizabeth Ft. Thomas Emergency Department. PUBLIC FORUM:  Terry Rasche, a resident of Woodlawn, requested that the city consider removing a section of Waterworks Road from the floodplain due to the retention pond built in the area, noting the absence of significant flooding. Assistant Manager Steffen explained that the city had previously requested this change a few years ago, but FEMA rejected it; however, the city will make another attempt.  Dave Sharkey, a business owner in Newport, presented a petition to the Board on behalf of his tenants, expressing concerns that the new parking measures will negatively impact businesses in the area.  Business owner Wendy voiced concern about the rollout of the new parking app, stating it may hurt businesses. She also requested that the Board consider designating a loading zone for vendors, so they are not required to pay for parking or risk receiving a ticket.  Business owners Cynthia Hahn and Steve Black are concerned that the parking app could negatively impact local businesses.  Police Chief Fangman and Administrative Assistant Derick Dieters addressed concerns raised by the public during the meeting. Page 1|7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, to approve the special & regular meeting minutes from June 16, 2025, and the special meeting minutes from June 24, 2025, as presented. Motion carried -so ordered. NEW BUSINESS: FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-06 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 Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, seconded by Commissioner Rechtin, to approve the Commissioners Ordinance O-2025-06 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Sutherland Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-10 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY CREATING CHAPTER 103 WITHIN TITLE IX, GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, REGARDING AND ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR THE APPROVAL, PLACEMENT, AND DESIGN OF MURALS. A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland, to approve the Commissioners Ordinance O-2025-10 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Commissioner Sutherland Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. Page 2|7 FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-11 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AMENDING SECTION 99.99 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE RENTAL DWELLING LICENSE. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, to approve the Commissioners Ordinance O-2025-11 as read. Roll Call: Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Commissioner Sutherland Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. FIRST READING OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-12 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AMENDING SECTION 37.073(C)(3) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE ANNUAL OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEE. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Rechtin, to approve Commissioners Ordinance O-2025-12 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Rechtin Yes Commissioner Sutherland Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R- 2025-47 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI, JR. TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH HUB AND WEBER, ARCHITECTS REGARDING DESIGN CONCEPT AND PROJECT VISIONING WITHIN THE CITY. A motion by Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, seconded by Commissioner Rechtin, to approve Commissioners Order R-2025-47 as read. Page 3|7 Roll Call: Commissioner Sutherland Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R- 2025-48 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI, JR. TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CORPOREX DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, LLC REGARDING JAMES TAYLOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS. A motion by Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, seconded by Commissioner Radwanski, to table Commissioners Order R-2025-48. Roll Call: Commissioner Radwanski Yes Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Commissioner Sutherland Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R- 2025-49 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI, JR. TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH TEC ENGINEERING, INC. REGARDING THE TWO WAY STUDY FOR MONMOUTH STREET. A motion by Commissioner Rechtin, seconded by Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, to approve Commissioners Order R-2025-49 as read. Comments:  Business owner Jerry Peluso questioned how the city will pay for this project. City Manager Hayden advised that the city is working with OKI and exploring grant opportunities. Any decision to proceed with the project would depend on securing funding. Roll Call: Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Commissioner Sutherland Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Page 4|7 Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. COMMISSIONERS ORDER NO. R-2025-50 AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI JR. TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE A COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY STATEWIDE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MUTUAL AID AND ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT AS ENDORSED BY THE KENTUCKY DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REGARDING THE PROVIDING OF MUTUAL AID AND ASSISTANCE DURING TIMES OF EMERGENCY OR DISASTER. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland, to approve Commissioners Order R-2025-50 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Rechtin Yes Commissioner Sutherland Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-51 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT EXPRESSING ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING KINDERGARTEN READINESS AND ESTABLISHING A PLACE- BASED EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVE KNOWN AS READ READY NEWPORT. A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Commissioner Rechtin, to approve Resolution R-2025-51 as read. Roll Call: Commissioner Sutherland Yes Commissioner Radwanski Yes Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow Yes Commissioner Rechtin Yes Mayor Guidugli Yes 5-0. Motion carried- so ordered. DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS Finance Director Lenny Kuntz:  Reported that the tax roll was received today, and the preliminary numbers will be ready by the end of the week. Page 5|7 Economic Development Coordinator John Willis:  Announced the kickoff of Newport’s Entertainment District with a Pub Crawl taking place today and tomorrow. . CITY MANAGER COMMENTS  We had productive discussions tonight, driven by strong public participation. When the community shows up, we all succeed. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioner Sutherland:  With the Entertainment District enacted and the first event underway, Newport is on its way to becoming a vibrant and viable community that fosters business growth and encourages tourism. Commissioner Rechtin:  Ecstatic that the Board passed Commissioners Order 51, emphasizing a commitment to putting kids first. Commissioner Radwanski:  Happy that Commissioners Order 51 passed.  Requested staff to explore drafting legislation to exempt workers from paying for parking. Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow:  Also pleased with the passage of Commissioners Order 51. Noted that the legislation passed tonight reflects the city's commitment to the betterment of the community. Mayor Guidugli:  Acknowledged that the new parking program may have a few kinks to work out but expressed confidence that, once refined, it will bring shared success for the city and local businesses. Page 6|7 ADJOURNMENT A motion by Commissioner Radwanski, seconded by Vice Mayor Smith-Morrow, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried—so ordered. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tiffany Myers Date Approved: Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli Jr. Attest: City Clerk Tiffany Myers Page 7|7