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MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 13, 1996 CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Mayor Harold A. Ries with the Pledge of Allegiance and silent prayer. ROLL CALL - Present were Mrs. Beverly Draud, Mrs. Peggy Sensel, Messrs. John Drummey, Ralph Laird, Joe Maloney, and Paul Meier. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - The agenda was approved with the following changes: 1) Under New Business add discussion regarding a county ordinance for emergency medical services. Motion: Joe Maloney Second: Beverly Draud APPROVAL OF MINUTES - The minutes of the May 9, 1996 meeting were amended as follows: pg 4 under Recreation towards the middle of the paragraph read as such: "a bike safety program, provided by DARE through the Ft. Mitchell Police Dept.", pg 6 under Police Authority "Mr. Meier reported that the police authority is being given an award...1996. KMRMA will give the Police Authority a 5%...1996." Motion: John Drummey Second: Paul Meier CITIZENS & GUESTS - Mark Knibbe, of Woodspoint Drive, brought forth some neighborhood complaints and asked council to consider either short trimming the bushes along the right hand side of the street, or just removing them. Mr. Knibbe mentioned there had been some problems with seeing around the bushes in the past and felt they presented a safety hazard. The residents living on Woodspoint Drive had signed a petition, also, asking council to look into this problem. Also, further down the road, some pine trees had been planted (with council’s objection per Mr. Meier) and did not make it through the winter and so therefore, need to be removed. Councilmembers and the Mayor assured Mr. Knibbe that the problem would be resolved. Mrs. Draud said that at one time the Crestview Hills Park Board had cleaned the big lake area and had resulted in a very visually pleasing landscaping. It was time, she mentioned, to do that once again. CORRESPONDENCE Mr. Meier mentioned that he wanted to attend the Eggs n Issues for July and the Business After Hours on June 27th. Mr. Kevin Celarek brought to council’s attention a letter received from a Shinkle Rd. resident, stating their appreciation for the new streetlights. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Mr. Celarek reported on the following: 1) The two new computers and server are in as is the new accounting software. The bugs between the hardware and the new software are being worked out. CR Monhollen and Judy Cox have attended some training on the financial module of the accounting software. 2) The Olympic Torch festival turned out well with an estimated 3 to 4 thousand in attendance before the storms. The Police Department had said that things went smoothly even though nasty thunderstorms and a two hour torch delay made the event more prone to accidents. 3) The citizen survey, which was included in the recreation newsletter, is receiving some response as, to date, 104 had been returned to the City Building. The survey will also go out in the next newsletter, toward the end of June. 4) Mr. Celarek attended a seminar at the University of Cincinnati Regional Economic Development Center which was very useful. A summary of the seminar will be mailed to the Crestview Hills Economic Development Committee. 5) The NKAPC meeting for June 26 will focus on regional transportation problems and solutions, specifically focusing on the I-71, 275 & 471 corridors. Dinner begins at 7pm. The Mayor and Mr. Drummey asked for reservations. Mr. Laird wanted to mention that some people, who had pulled off to watch for the Torch, thought the Crestview Hills policemen were very courteous and nice. Mr. Celarek said that even though it was storming, the overall mood of the crowd seemed to be cheerful and friendly. OLD BUSINESS A. Law - Second reading of the Northern Kentucky Municipal Dental Pool ordinance to enter into a cooperative agreement with nine other cities. Mr. Celarek stated that letters from Delta Dental and the dental pool were included in the council packets, which stated renewal rates. Also included was a sample of the interlocal agreement. It is believed by Mr. Celarek that the dental pool would be the plan for the City employees, as it is cheaper and possibly provides more benefits. The Mayor established that this was the second reading for the interlocal agreement. Mr. Celarek said that seven cities have shown interest, and those same cities have already had first reading on the agreement. Mr. Laird felt uncomfortable with the interlocal pool, saying that similar pools in that past have had problems. Mr. Meier cited that although cost is a concern, it is not the main focus; if the service provided by the pool is better for employees, then it should be tried. If it is not working well, then after two years switch to another dental plan. Motion: Paul Meier Second: Joe Maloney Roll Call - Mr. Maloney Mr. Meier Mr. Drummey Yes Yes Yes Mrs. Sensel Mrs. Draud Mr. Laird Yes Yes No Passed: Yes 5 No 1 B. Engineering - Mr. Berling reported that Thomas More Parkway Project is moving along. A lot of the underground cables, etc. are in place and some curbing has been put in near Dudley Rd. and that’s where the sidewalk will begin. Cincinnati Bell ducts are being put in also at the phone company’s expense but electric conduits are not. At the moment, all else is too confusing. If the weather continues sunny, then much progress can be made in the next thirty days. Mr. Meier was concerned that it might be easier to put electrical conduits now as opposed to later, however, Mr. Berling assured him the lines could go in afterwards with no problems. Mr. Berling also mentioned the speed limit in the construction area on Thomas More Parkway and felt that it could better be controlled by, for the time being, installing a four way stop at Centreview Blvd. The goal is to amend the design at that intersection to include a stop light when the road completely reopens in the fall. Mr. Meier inquired about cost. Mr. Berling estimated cost at around $30,000. Discussion ensued as to whether contributors might be willing to spend some extra on the intersection. Hopefully, the project will run under budget and it can then be taken out of the project fund per Mr. Berling. Mr. Meier suggested putting a line item in the City budget for this, with Mr. Laird suggesting if need be, put it in later. C.R. Monhollen brought to council’s attention that it is already included in the public works section of the budget. Mr. Wehrman stated that a stop sign can only be put in with an ordinance. Mr. Berling then questioned the current speed limit, suggesting lowering it to 35 MPH until construction is completed. Mr. Laird made a motion to install stop signs at the intersection of Thomas More Parkway and Centreview Blvd. and reduce speed limit to 35 MPH, within Crestview Hills city limits, contingent upon checking with Fred Anderson, Police Chief. Motion: Ralph Laird Second: Paul Meier Motion Passed: Yes 6 No 0 C. Solid Waste/Recycling Mr. Laird reported that he, Mrs. Sensel, Ky Webb, as representatives of the CHEER committee, met extensively with Bavarian Trucking and with Rumpke. The recommendation from the committee is to switch to Rumpke with option 2, being the twice a week garbage pickup on Tuesday and Friday, and once a week recycling collection, using the red Rumpke recycling containers. It is hoped that the special containers will double participation in the recycling program. However, Mr. Meier was wondering if the red containers, with no tops, will just create a litter problem on the streets, with easy accessibility for animals and easier for trash to blow out of the containers when there are storms. Discussion on the unsightliness of red containers and if they will really increase participation in the recycling program. Mr. Maloney felt garbage day is unsightly enough as is without adding more containers, although Mr. Laird did have a point in that people would be reminded once they saw the red containers. Mr. Meier pointed out that if the City had recycling pickup on a different day from garbage pickup, the pollution generated and the road deterioration caused by the heavy trucks would not be worth it. Mr. Celarek suggested recycling be on one of the regular garbage days and if residents did not approve, they would let the City know. Mr. Laird brought to council’s attention that the CHEER committee was made aware of the problems Rumpke is having in Ohio. Mr. Celarek informed that Tom Rumpke had sent a written response explaining the Ohio problems are almost all solved and the company is in the process of completing a recapitalization project. Plans are also in the works to improve routes and buy more land fills. Bob McQueary and Jerry Metz were introduced from Rumpke. A presentation was made regarding the recycling program, how it operates, where it goes, what types of materials are acceptable, etc. It was specified that trash collected in Crestview Hills would be taken to the Pendleton County landfill. Mr. Maloney wanted clarification of recent problems with the Cincinnati landfill and explanation of fines involved. Mr. Metz explained the problems and fines and said that Rumpke is working very closely with the EPA. The Hamilton County Waste District is satisfied with Rumpke’s efforts to correct problems. Mr. Lonergan was concerned with tipping fees in Pendleton County which Mr. Metz said was being negotiated, since there is not a 901 board in Kentucky. Mr. Bruggeman was introduced from Bavarian Trucking and remarked that Bavarian has a land fill in Boone County and the county charges a land fill fee that is not subject to negotiation. It was reiterated that Bavarian Trucking has done the waste collection in Crestview Hills for thirty years and had been very responsible to the residents for getting the job done at the least cost. Mr. Maloney asked if Bavarian had ever had any problems with the landfill or had ever had any fines imposed, to which Mr. Bruggeman replied that they had never had any problems whatsoever. Then ensued a discussion regarding land fill sizes and the anticipation of running out of space within the next twenty years and garbage truck comparisons between the companies. Mr. Maloney stated that he believed the City should go with past experience, recalling a derogatory flyer that was passed out by Rumpke in 1994 in Ft. Mitchell. Motion made by Mr. Laird to accept the Rumpke bid, option 2, with recycling pickup every Tuesday. Motion: Ralph Laird Second: Paul Meier Vote Call: Mr. Drummey Mr. Meier Mr. Maloney Yes Yes No Mrs. Sensel Mrs. Draud Mr. Laird Yes Yes Yes Motion Passed: Yes 5 No 1 D. Budget Ordinance 1996-5-1 Second reading of the ordinance which will implement the FY97 budget. Mr. Laird asked members of council to look over line items to make sure enough had been budgeted for prospective projects. Mrs. Draud cited that streetlighting needed to be increased to $40,000, Utilities to $16,000, and street repair to $65,000. Mr. Meier explained the Police Authority will be hiring a new officer in January, 1997, purchasing a new cruiser and now have the offices cleaned by a service. Before passage of the ordinance, C.R. Monhollen brought to Mr. Laird’s and council’s attention that the amount transferred to the sinking fund at the end of the year, per the ordinance, would have to be changed to $25,000, otherwise expenditures would exceed revenues. Motion made by Mr. Laird to accept budget ordinance 1996-5-1 as amended. Motion: Ralph Laird Second: Paul Meier Vote Call: Mr. Drummey Mr. Meier Mr. Maloney Yes Yes Yes Mrs. Sensel Mrs. Draud Mr. Laird Yes Yes Yes Motion Passed: Yes 6 No 0 E. I-71 Corridor Study Mr. Celarek reported specifically on the portion of the I-71 Corridor Study that has to do with closing Ft. Washington Way. A separate committee has been formed within the study to contemplate ramifications of the closing, with findings being reported to the oversight committee. The NKAPC would like to conduct their own study, with the help of the cities in Northern Kentucky, to survey effects on this area if Ft. Washington Way were to be closed. Mrs. Draud inquired as to the cost of the study proposed by NKAPC. Mr. Celarek replied that it is, at this time, unknown. However, Mr. Meier believed the study is important and made a motion for Crestview Hills to support the KNAPC study, should they decide to go forward. Motion: Paul Meier Second: Beverly Draud Motion Passed: Yes 6 No 0 NEW BUSINESS F. Valley View Ridge Mr. Celarek wanted to bring to council’s attention the details in connection with the completion of Rhine Valley Lane. At last month’s meeting, minor adjustments to the Stage 1 plan of Thomas More Centre were made by the expansion of Top Flight Gymnastics and the building of Flotman’s Printing. At that time, it was explained that Rhine Valley Lane would be a connector from Horsebranch Rd. to Centreview Blvd. It was determined that this was a Hemmer obligation as opposed to being connected with the Erpenbeck project. Mr. Berling stated that per John Curtin of Hemmer, Co. the road has been contracted out and construction should begin soon. G. Discussion of emergency medical services advisory board Mr. Wehrman brought to council’s attention an ordinance passed by the Kenton County Fiscal Court establishing an advisory council to review emergency medical services and to work with similar boards in other counties. Upon review of the status of the delivery of emergency medical services to Kenton, Boone and Campbell counties, the council shall make recommendations to each fiscal court as to how to best achieve the consistent and efficient delivery of emergency medical services necessary for the safety and convenience of the citizens of the counties residents. Mr. Laird maintained this as a good idea, noting that 911 calls should be picked up by authorized personnel as he recounted an incident involving Ft Mitchell Fire Dept. Mr. Meier suggested that at next month’s meeting, have a representative from the Ft. Mitchell Fire Dept. and St. Elizabeth’s EMS to give their perspectives on the county ordinance. Regarding the earlier conversation on a stop sign at the intersection of Centreview Blvd. and Thomas More Parkway, Mr. Wehrman told council that the second reading of that ordinance (unnumbered at time) could be waived if this situation was declared an emergency and received 2/3 membership. It could be considered an emergency since there are many safety factors involved. Mr. Meier said he would like to know the impact of a stop sign in that intersection on traffic from the NKAPC representatives that were involved with the traffic study on Thomas More Parkway. This could be considered a first reading if need be after input from NKAPC and our Police Authority, then an emergency meeting could be called to establish a second reading. Mr. Laird then withdrew his previous motion to install stop signs at the intersection of Centreview Blvd. and Thomas More Parkway and reduce the speed limit to 35 MPH within city limits. Mr. Meier withdrew his second. H. Telecommunications Study Mr. Drummey asked members of council to look over some telecommunications study information that Ft Wright has taken a lead, with several other cities. The study will be conducted with International Communications Service Inc. to determine what communications needs the cities have and to determine if it is feasible to establish a non-profit public utility to provide telecommunications services to its citizens and businesses. It could improve economic development in the cities by keeping current businesses and attracting new ones. Mr. Celarek stated that there is really no commitment or any cost involved with the study. Mr. Drummey said this is an issue since Thomas More Parkway is being reconstructed and currently Cincinnati Bell is laying fiber optic cables. He was hoping council would agree to participate in the study with other cities. Mr. Meier claimed it was a conflict of interest for him, however it would be interesting to see what findings come out of the study and what competing companies would come up with. Mr. Drummey made a motion for Crestview Hills to join in the telecommunication study. Motion: John Drummey Second: Beverly Draud Vote Call: Mr. Drummey Mr. Meier Mr. Maloney Yes No Vote Abstain Mr. Laird Mrs. Draud Mrs. Sensel No Yes Yes Motion Passed: Yes 3 No 1 Abstain 1 No Vote 1 I. Committee Reports There were no committee reports this month. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Motion: Ralph Laird At 9:37PM.
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