CITY OF FORT THOMAS,

CAMPBELL COUNTY, KENTUCKY, ON

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009

Mayor Mary Brown called the meeting of City Council to order at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. 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 Administrative Officer Don Martin, City Clerk Melissa Kelly, Finance Director Fred Ewald, Police Chief Mike Daly, and City Attorney Jann Seidenfaden. Absent: Fire Chief Mark Bailey.

Mayor Mary Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Minutes

The minutes of the February 2, 2009 meeting were presented to council for consideration. A motion was made by Mr. Doepker and seconded by Mrs. Steller to approve the minutes as written. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Visitors and Communications

Mr. Ken Hare of Image First Solutions was present to introduce himself to council and tell them about his business. Mr. Hare’s business is located at 20 North Grand Avenue in Fort Thomas. It is a marketing firm and printing company.

Reports of Boards, Committees and Commissions

Public Safety Committee Report: Members of the Public Safety Committee of Council met on Tuesday prior to the Council meeting to discuss the Tremont Avenue StealthStat Survey results. On December 11, 2008, a survey regarding the possibility of a reduction in the speed limit on Tremont Avenue was sent to the 62 residents living on the street. The city received 38 responses back. The responses included 24 residents that supported the reduction in the speed limit, 11 residents that were apposed to it, and 3 that did not specify yes or no but included a comment.

After the Public Safety Committee discussed several options to address the concerns of residents, the following recommendation will be presented to the full council:

We the undersigned members of the Public Safety Committee have reviewed the request for a speed limit reduction on Tremont Avenue. Based on the StealthStat survey, a reduction in speed is not recommended at this time. However, it is recommended that the city initiate an education program with St. Thomas School and church, review signage and street markings, and increase enforcement efforts on Tremont.

A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mr. Peterman to approve the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee of Council. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Reports of Officers

Recreation Annual Report, Dave Buerger: Dave Buerger, Recreation Director presented his annual report for 2008 to council. Tom Lampe thanked Mr. Buerger on behalf of the Recreation Committee on what a good year they had in 2008. A motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mr. Doepker to receive and file the annual report from the Recreation Department.

Fire Department Monthly Report: Mayor Brown asked for comments from council regarding the Fire Department Monthly Report for January. Chief Bailey was absent from the meeting. With no questions or comments, a motion was made by Mrs. Steller and seconded by Ms. Kelly to receive and file the monthly report from the Fire Department. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Police Department Monthly Report: Chief Mike Daly presented his monthly report to council for their review. With no questions or comments from council, a motion was made by Mr. Lampe and seconded by Mr. Haas to receive and file the monthly report from the Police Department. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

City Administrator’s Report: Don Martin presented his report to Council on the following:

New Business Assistance Program: The city has created a “New Business Assistance Program”. It is designed to assist prospective business owners in guiding them through the approval process of opening their business in Fort Thomas. Jay Treft will provide them with planning/zoning information, building permit, occupational license, signage, payroll, and other pertinent information.

Police Department Remodeling Project: The project is moving forward in a timely manner. The first phase of the asbestos removal component was completed on Friday. The second phase of the asbestos removal will wait until the weather warms up and the boiler can be shut down. It is expected that the general contractor will start construction before the end of February. The temporary facilities for the Police Department continue to work well.

Report on Vouchers

The Finance Committee presented its Report of Disbursements and recommended the payment of warrants numbered 57442 through 57537 for the period of February 2 - 16, 2009. A motion was made by Mr. Doepker and seconded by Mr. Haas to concur in the recommendation of the Finance Committee. Upon call of the roll, the following members voted “aye” – Mr. Doepker, Mrs. Steller, Mr. Haas, Mr. Peterman, and Mr. Lampe. Voting "no" - none. For the record, Lisa Kelly recused herself from the vote on vouchers due to the fact that she has a lawsuit against the city. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Ordinances, Resolutions, and Orders

Resolution R-4-2009: A resolution designating Fred Ewald as an applicant agent for obtaining financial assistance under the Disaster Relief Act was presented to Council for consideration. A motion was made by Mrs. Steller, and seconded by Mr. Haas to approve resolution R-4-2009. Upon call of the roll, the following 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.

Executive Order EO-1-2009: An executive order appointing Frank Twehues as a member of the Fort Thomas Tree Commission was presented to Council. No action was necessary.

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

APPROVED:

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Mary H. Brown, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Melissa K. Kelly, City Clerk