CITY OF FORT THOMAS,

CAMPBELL COUNTY, KENTUCKY, ON

MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2010

Mayor Mary H. Brown called the meeting of council to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 2, 2010. The Clerk called the roll and the following Councilmembers were present: Lisa Kelly, Jim Doepker, Jill Steller, Eric Haas, Roger Peterman, and Tom Lampe. Staff members in attendance included: City Administrator Don Martin, City Clerk Melissa Kelly, Fire Chief Mark Bailey, Police Chief Mike Daly, Finance Director Fred Ewald, and City Attorney Jann Seidenfaden.

Mayor Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Minutes

The minutes of the July 6, 2010 meeting were presented to council for consideration. A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mr. Peterman to approve the minutes at written. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Visitors and Communications

4^th of July Parade Awards: Mayor Brown presented the awards to the winners of 4^th of July Parade. She thanked them for their hard work in making this parade one of the best we have had. Mike Jansen thanked the YMCA, city and others who helped make the parade a success. He indicated that there were more participants in the parade than in past years.

The following were the winners of the contest:

Most Original:

1. Highland Baptist Church

2. It's fun to be a kid on Tower Place

3. Hosea Dirt Divas Softball

Most Entertaining

1. Standing Room Only (HHS Drama Club)

2. Highland United Methodist

3. Ft. Thomas/Southgate Girl Scouts

Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy: Bert Thomas the chairman of the Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy updated council on the past year’s accomplishments. The major achievement of the Conservancy in the past year has been achieving tax exempt status through the IRS. They can now receive donations. The Conservancy has a room in the new Fort Thomas Community and Military Museum and has received a grant to plant a native garden around the museum.

Olde Fort Pub Regarding Outdoor Dining Times: Pat Crowley addressed council regarding the outdoor dining permit ordinance. Mr. Crowley was speaking on behalf of the Olde Fort Pub. The owners would like council to consider a change in the hours of outdoor dining and are receptive to any ideas they may have regarding a change in the ordinance. Ken Bowman was also present and read a statement from the Renaissance Board indicating that the board is in favor of changing the ordinance to extend the dining times. Bob Arnzen, owner of the Olde Fort Pub asked about suspending the ordinance for 2 weeks to identify any problems that may take place. Jann Seidenfaden noted that we cannot legally suspend an ordinance. Tom Lampe indicated that he would like council to schedule a special meeting to move this process along more quickly so that the businesses do not loose the fall for outdoor dining. A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mr. Haas to refer this matter to the Law, Labor and License Committee of Council to review the current ordinance and possibly recommend changes to the ordinance. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. A special meeting of the Law, Labor, and License Committee was scheduled for Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 6:15 p.m. for review of the Ordinance. A special Council Meeting was scheduled immediately following the committee meeting for a possible first reading of the new ordinance.

Walden Lane Zone Change: For the record: Mr. Jim Doepker, Sr. recused himself from any action or discussion regarding the Walden Lane Zone Change due to the fact that his son is involved with the development. Mr. Peterman recused himself from any action or discussion because he served on a non-profit board with Mr. Yocum. Tim Theissen was present on behalf of Tom Yocum a resident of 55 Elsmar who is disputing the zone change on Walden Lane. Mr. Theissen noted that they were at council to request a special hearing so that their concerns could be heard by Council. A motion was made by Mr. Haas and seconded by Mr. Lampe to deny the request for a special hearing and to support the decision of the Fort Thomas Planning Commission. Upon call of the roll, the following voted “aye”: Ms. Kelly, Ms. Steller, Mr. Haas, and Mr. Lampe. Voting “no”: none. Recused: Mr. Doepker and Mr. Peterman.

Melanie Ethridge of 37 West Southgate Ave. was present to address council. Ms. Ethridge asked for more police presence on West Southgate until the speed humps are installed. She asked what the approximate time line for installation was and Don Martin indicated that it can be appealed through August 16, 2010. Once that deadline has passed, staff will schedule the installation.

Joe Powers of 34 Overlook Drive addressed council. Mr. Powers asked that the city take a closer look at people who leave political signs out in their yards months after the election or primary. He also noted that he has contacted Ralph Hopper to address the issue. Ralph Hopper was present and indicated that he had sent a letter to a resident that had a political sign out but was not aware of any additional signs. Council recommended talking to Mr. Hopper to indicate the locations of the signs so that they could send a letter.

Larry Blair of 1143 Highland Avenue addressed council. Mr. Blair noted that his neighbor’s yard needs to be cleaned up of trash and debris. Mr. Blair notified the General Services Department several weeks ago and indicated that the owners have not yet cleaned the yard. Mr. Blair passed out photos of the property with the date for council’s review. This matter was referred to city staff for review and enforcement.

Report of Boards, Committees, and Commissions

Report from the Public Safety Committee of Council: Mr. Doepker reported that the committee met prior to the meeting to discuss a grant that was awarded to the Police Department for the acquisition of tasers. The Public Safety Committee recommends the following:

“City staff has applied for a Justice Assistance Grant for the purpose of assisting with the acquisition of Tasers for the police department. The city has been awarded a grant in the amount of $7,354 which will cover 75% of the cost of purchasing nine Tasers. The remaining 25% of the cost, $2,451, has been budgeted in the current fiscal year budget. After meeting to review and discuss supporting documentation provided by staff, we the undersigned members of the Public Safety Committee of Council recommend to the Board of Council that the city accept the Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $7,354 and proceed with the purchase of nine Tasers for use, after required training, in the police department.”

A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mrs. Steller to concur in the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee. Upon call of the roll, the following members voted “aye”: Ms. Kelly, Mr. Doepker, Mrs. Steller, Mr. Haas, Mr. Peterman, and Mr. Lampe. Voting “no”: none. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Reports of Officers

Fire Department Monthly Report for June, Chief Mark Bailey: Chief Mark Bailey presented his monthly report for June to council for review. A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mr. Peterman to receive and file Chief Bailey’s report. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Police Department Monthly Report for June, Chief Mike Daly: Chief Mike Daly presented his monthly report for June to council for review. Chief Daly noted that we recently had two officers retire from the Police Department. Lt. Mark Dill and Officer Ray Metz retired effective July 31, 2010. Mr. Lampe thanked them for their service with the Police Department. A motion was made by Mrs. Steller and seconded by Mr. Doepker to receive and file Chief Daly’s report. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Report from City Administrator: Don Martin presented a report to council. The report included the following:

Shoveling or Plowing Snow into the Streets: During this past year’s snow events, it became apparent that a tool was necessary to address instances where individuals, contractors, businesses, etc., plow or shovel snow into the streets or onto the public sidewalks. A motion was made by Mr. Haas and seconded by Mr. Lampe to direct staff to draft an ordinance regarding shoveling and plowing snow onto city streets for consideration at the next regular meeting of council. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Transitional Signage: Several months ago there were concerns from residents regarding signage located at 919 N. Fort Thomas Avenue. Their concerns centered on the size, design and illumination of the sign in relation to the residential zoning district. A motion was made by Mrs. Steller and seconded by Mr. Haas to direct staff to draft an ordinance for review at the next regular meeting of council. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

New Business

West Southgate Speed Issue: The city received an appeal letter from Mr. James Gerding of 73 W. Southgate Avenue stating that he was against the installation of speed humps on the street due to health reasons. Opposition or appeals should be based on engineering-type information that the city may have missed while considering the project. A motion was made by Mrs. Steller and seconded by Mr. Haas to deny the appeal from Mr. James Gerding. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. The deadline for appeals is August 16, 2010, if no additional appeals are received, the city will schedule the installation of the speed humps in mid-August.

Finance Committee Report on Disbursements: The Finance Committee presented its Report of Disbursements and recommended the payment of warrants numbered 60506 through 60667 for the period of July 3 – August 2, 2010. A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mr. Doepker to concur in the recommendation of the Finance Committee. Upon call of the roll, the following members voted “aye” –Ms. Kelly, Mr. Doepker, Mrs. Steller, Mr. Haas, and Mr. Lampe. Voting "no" - none. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Ordinances, Resolutions, and Orders

Ordinance O-12-2010: An Ordinance repealing Section 97.32 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the repair of public sidewalks was presented to council for a first reading. This ordinance will be laid over to the next regular meeting of council for consideration.

Ordinance O-13-2010: First Reading of an Ordinance adopting the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve a zone change of property located at 40 Walden Lane from Residential-One AA (R1-AA) to Residential-One A (R1-A). This ordinance will be laid over to the next regular meeting of council for consideration.

Municipal Order MO-09-2010: A Municipal Order appointing Jann Seidenfaden as city attorney was presented to council. A motion was made by Mr. Doepker and seconded by Ms. Kelly to approve Municipal Order MO-09-2010. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Municipal Order MO-10-2010: A Municipal Order re-appointing Mark Leopold as a member of the Tree Commission was presented to Council. A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mrs. Steller to approve Municipal Order MO-10-2010. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Municipal Order MO-11-2010: A Municipal Order re-appointing John Cody as a member of the Tree Commission was presented to Council. A motion was made by Mrs. Steller and seconded by Mr. Doepker to approve Municipal Order MO-11-2010. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Municipal Order MO-12-2010: A Municipal Order appointing Michael Rowland as a police officer first class to the police department was presented to council. A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Ms. Kelly to approve Municipal Order MO-12-2010. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Municipal Order MO-13-2010: A Municipal Order appointing James McKenna as a police recruit to the police department was presented to council. A motion was made by Mrs. Steller and seconded by Ms. Kelly to approve Municipal Order MO-13-2010. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

With no further business to come before council, the meeting was adjourned.

APPROVED:

_____________________________

Mary H. Brown, Mayor

ATTEST:

____________________________

Melissa K. Kelly, City Clerk