MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF FORT THOMAS, CAMPBELL

COUNTY, KENTUCKY, ON MONDAY,

MARCH 20, 2006

The Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Barbara H. Runge at 8:00 P.M. on March 20, 2006. She asked the Clerk to call the roll and the following Councilmembers were present: Jim Doepker, Karen Lied, Eric Haas, Roger Peterman and Tom Lampe. Mayor Brown was absent from this meeting. Mrs. Runge then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Other staff members attending included: City Administrative Officer Jeff Earlywine, City Attorney Jann Seidenfaden, Assistant to the CAO Jay Treft, City Treasurer Fred Ewald, Fire Chief Mark Bailey, and Police Chief Mike Daly.

Mayor Runge asked if there were any visitors having topics to bring before Council. Mr. Jeff Newbanks, 46 Sterling Ave., requested that penalty and interest on his real estate tax bill be waived due to the fact that he didn't have a mail box at the property he was rehabbing and didn't receive the tax bills. His bill is now three (3) months delinquent. Mr. Ewald stated that tax bills were duly mailed on the third week in September and in fact, the Finance Office had send the bill to Deutch Bank when it was returned, posted the bill in mid-December and mailed out delinquent bills in January, February and March with no response. He said that the Finance Office had no way of telling that the property owner did not in fact receive the bill; however, the proper action was taken by his staff members.

Mr. Newbanks said he was trying to negotiate a fair request and did "try to get in touch with Deutch Bank." City Attorney Jann Seidenfaden stated that at time of closing, tax bill amounts are pro-rated and money given to the new owner to pay the bill. Mr. Newbanks admitted that he had received this money at the closing. Any taxpayer, who buys a piece of property would know that he is expected to pay a tax bill and is also liable for that payment. Mr. Ewald suggested that maybe his complaint would lie with the postal service and not with the City. After considering the facts in the request for abatement, it was moved (Doepker) and seconded (Lied) to deny the request. Upon voice vote, all voted Aye; motion carried.

Fire Chief Mark Bailey presented his monthly report and it was moved (Lampe) and seconded (Lied) to receive and file. Then, Chief Mike Daly presented the Police Department's monthly report. It was moved (Lied) and seconded (Doepker) to receive and file; upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Doepker asked Chief Daly how many residents are reflected in the number of drug and alcohol-related arrests this year as compared with last year? The Chief said he would provide that information to Mr. Doepker as it relates to the statistic he reported that drug arrests had increased stemming from traffic stops.

The Finance Committee met prior to Council to review a proposed Fiscal Year Budget Amendment and they are recommending Council approval for this document in ordinance form later on the Agenda. Mr. Earlywine reviewed the major items for Council, which were provided on a line-item basis to the Committee members. Several factors for the increases were noted, especially higher fuel costs, some unanticipated expenses, and necessary repairs. So moved (Lied), seconded (Doepker) and upon voice vote, all voted Aye; motion carried.

Under Old Business, Mr. Earlywine provided information on the 901 North Fort Thomas property, and asked that the Minutes reflect that there was specific directive from the Council to take down the building on that property. The City wants to move forward with taking bids for that demolition and the implementation of a concept and plan (possibly at the next Council meeting) for improvements to that corner. He said that bids have already been solicited, advertised and opened with two bids received and the low bidder being Acme Co. at $7,402. They would complete this work within 45 days. It was moved (Doepker) and seconded (Peterman) that the demolition be authorized and the staff directed to prepare the necessary documentation. Upon voice vote, all voted Aye; motion carried.

Mr. Earlywine then discussed the Holiday Lane Water Main agreement with the Northern Ky. Water District and recommended approval so that the contract can proceed. This construction would go from Aqua Vista to Hanover Place; the Water District Board will address this issue on March 31st for approval of the low bid on this work. Mr. Peterman stated that due to the fact that his law firm does work for the Water District, he wishes to recuse himself from any discussion or vote on this matter. The Clerk noted this for the record. It was moved (Haas) and seconded (Lampe) to approve the agreement. Upon voice vote, the following voted Aye: Doepker, Lied, Haas, Lampe. Motion carried.

Bids received on surplus property (flagpole) were presented and reviewed by Mr. Earlywine. He said that the one bid received (Pendery Insurance) was from a company planning to reuse the pole. Their bid was $300. It was moved (Lampe) and seconded (Peterman) to award the bid for the sale of the flagpole; upon voice vote, all voted Aye; motion carried.

The Finance Committee presented their Report on Vouchers and upon motion (Lampe), second (Doepker) and unanimous Aye Roll Call vote, it was approved to concur in their recommendation for payment of the vouchers as presented.

Ordinance O-6-2006, Amendment to Open Burning Ordinance, was adopted upon motion (Doepker), second (Lied) and unanimous Aye Roll Call vote. Ordinance O-8-2006, Closing and Vacating a portion of Baker Road, was given a 1st Reading and will be laid over for Council's review and vote at the next Regular meeting. Also, Ordinance O-9-2006, Amending the Fiscal Year Budget, was given 1st Reading, with the same action to apply.

Resolution R-5-2006, Approving a TEA-21 Grant Application, was approved unanimously, upon motion (Peterman), second (Lampe) and voice vote. Resolution R-6-2006, Authorizing Release of Restriction on 0.329 Acre Parcel (belonging to the Highland Country Club) was presented and approved upon motion (Lied), second (Haas), Mr. Tom Lloyd, representing the Highland Country Club, was present and offered to answer any questions that the Council may have. Mr. Lampe and Mr. Peterman both stated that they wished to recuse themselves from any discussion or vote on this matter since they are members of the Highland Country Club. So noted, by the City Clerk. A voice vote was taken with all voting Aye; motion carried.

Executive Order EO-1-2006, Appointing Greg Merrill to the General Services Department as a Class A Laborer, was presented with no Council action necessary. Municipal Order MO-10-2006, Appointing Laura Randall to the Planning Commission for a four (4) year term, was adopted upon motion (Lied), second (Doepker) and unanimous Aye voice vote, 5 - 0; motion carried.

Mr. Earlywine noted that there will be a joint meeting of the Board of Council with the School Board on Monday night; he and Dr. Larry Stinson are working together to prepare an brief agenda for this meeting. Also, on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, at 7:00 P.M., the Public Works Committee will be conducting the 2006 Street Resurfacing Public Hearing for those affected by the resurfacing, as well as the general public. There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting was adjourned.

APPROVED:

______________________________

Mary H. Brown, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Dorothy A. Ivie, City Clerk