CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Mayor Harold A. Ries with the Pledge of Allegiance and a silent prayer.

ROLL CALL - Present were Mrs. Peggy Sensel, Messrs. John Drummey, Ralph Laird, Joe Maloney, and Paul Meier. Mrs. Beverly Draud was absent.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Items IV - Approval of minutes and Item VIII B - New Business Economic Development were deleted from the agenda. Approved as amended.

Motion: Joe Maloney Second: Peggy Sensel

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - This item was deleted.

CITIZENS AND GUESTS

The Mayor recognized Mr. Steve Stephens from the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Shaun Cox from the Homeowners Association, Mr. David Malone from Peck, Shaffer & Williams, and Mr. George Hope who manages Key Property Management at Lookout Farms.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Celarek reported on the following:

• Mr. Wehrman, City Attorney, and Mr. Berling, City Engineer, are running approximately ten minutes late.
• The newly formed Thomas More College Park Board will be handling the big pond, which has been considered for drainage. The duck problem is being researched.
• Thomas More College has approved the erection of an AT&T monopole. It will be located on the college grounds. More details will be discussed at the next Economic Development meeting, which will then report to council next month.
• The telecommunications study is moving along. Much information has been gained and is currently being discussed. The group hopes to be done with its study by the end of October or November.
• A brief discussion on the Quest project for Northern Kentucky. A booklet describing the project’s basic objectives was passed out. The most dynamic of Quest’s suggestions is a consolidation of county governments. Mr. Laird mentioned that the project was also to be discussed at the September Eggs n Issues.
• A letter received from the NKAPC approving the current design of the Horsebranch/Rhine Valley Rd intersection as submitted by Bayer and Becker Engineers. Letters contesting this decision were sent by Mr. Lou Noll, CAO of Edgewood and Mr. Celarek. However, the KC&MP&ZC, in it’s September meeting voted to approve the plans as submitted, but noting that the options will be revisited before any new or unnecessary work begins.
• More OKI workshops on the I-71 corridor study are being held at various dates, times and locations. Mr. Celarek reviewed these and encouraged councilmembers to attend the workshop that is most convenient for them.
• In the September 10^th Board of Adjustment meeting, the request from 2839 University Circle for a garage was denied. The garage is too close to the property line. The owner had already built the structure and now has thirty days to remove it.
• A meeting with the Mayor, Mr. Celarek, Mr. Laird, Mr. Drummey, Mrs. Sensel and Rumpke representatives was held September 4^th at the City Building. Rumpke was put on notice for their poor handling of the contract so far. With regard to garbage and recycling collection, whole streets and sections were being missed. This was presented as being completely unacceptable. Mr. Celarek mentioned that if this continues to happen, it could be cause for more serious action by the City.

OLD BUSINESS

B. Law

Second reading of Ordinance 1996-8-2 to allow for the issuance of city bonds for tax exempt loans in conjunction with various projects at Kentucky’s independent colleges. Mr. Wehrman read the basics of the ordinance. Mr. Malone said there must be a public hearing before the ordinance is passed. He explained the financing program is being created to provide Kentucky’s independent colleges ready access to tax exempt funds for a variety of purposes at a fixed interest rate. The city or county government of the institution’s jurisdiction will join an Interlocal Cooperative specifically formed to provide the tax-exempt loan funds. One or more of these municipal entities will serve as the conduit issuer of bonds to provide the funding for the program. There were no questions or comments from members of the audience. Mrs. Sensel motioned to close the public hearing with Mr. Maloney seconding. Mr. Maloney then motioned to accept the ordinance as written, with Mr. Drummey seconding. Mr. Laird abstained.

Motion Approved

Yes - 4 No - 0 Absent - 1 Abstain - 1

C. Finance

Mr. Wehrman had second reading of an ordinance that would allow Kenton County Fiscal Court to begin collection of the City’s business taxes as of January 1, 1997. Mr. Larry Klein from the Fiscal Court was introduced by Mayor Ries and briefly described how the County feels that it would be more beneficial, not only to the companies that conduct business in the area, but to the City itself. Kenton County currently collects business taxes for 10 of the 14 cities located in the county. It is a concept supported by the Kenton County Mayors Group because in most cases thusfar, revenues have increased from county collection. There is a $2500 start up fee, which is collected from monthly revenues 1% at a time until the fee is collected. Also, there is a 1% monthly collection fee that will be taken out for as long as the agreement between the City and County exists. This 1% covers mailings, administrative and collection costs. Revenues collected will be mailed once a month during low collection months and twice a month following the end of a quarter. The City should have its revenues, plus interest, by the tenth of each month.

There was input from Mr. Cox and Mr. Stephens regarding their respective organization’s support for the City collection of business taxes being handled by the County. Mr. Meier believed it would be appropriate to try the County service for one year effective 1/1/97, which was put into a motion, seconded by Mr. Drummey.

ROLL CALL

Mr. Laird - No, Mrs. Sensel - Yes, Mr. Maloney - No, Mr. Meier - Yes, Mr. Drummey - Yes.

Motion Approved

Yes - 3 No - 2 Absent - 1

A. Engineering

Mr. Berling reported that since the summer weather has been very cooperative, quite a bit of work has been done on Thomas More Parkway. There have been a number of undercuts needed, therefore the cost is expected to increase. Section 4B, however, is already three lanes, so that section need not be redone with the exception of curbing, guttering and installation of the sidewalk. The process has been to take care of widening the road first then do the sidewalk installation. Dirt must be built up from the outside still and the catch basins and drainages are currently being worked on in front of the Four Seasons Country Club. Things are still expected to be finished on time.

4. 1. Public Works

Mr. Wehrman read Ordinance 1996-8-4, which would authorize the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Centreview Blvd. and Chancellor Drive. Mr. Meier suggested "stop ahead" signs be put in to warn drivers of the four way stop at that intersection. Motion was made by Mr. Meier to accept the ordinance as written, seconded by Mr. Laird.

Motion Approved

Yes - 5 No - 0 Absent - 1

5. 1. Telecommunications Board

Mr. Wehrman read Ordinance 1996-8-5, which amends the Interlocal Agreement to allow 180 days rather than 90 to enter the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky. This is the second reading of this ordinance. Mrs. Sensel stated that some cities are still undecided and need the extra time to make their decisions. Motion to accept the extension of days made by Mrs. Sensel, seconded by Mr. Meier.

Motion Approved

Yes - 5 No - 0 Absent - 1

NEW BUSINESS

A. Public Works:

Mr. Celarek presented Resolution 1996-9-1, which endorses the construction of a sidewalk along Turkeyfoot Rd from the I-275 exit ramp south to the city limits, approximately fifty yards beyond College Park Drive. If the State approves the ISTEA grant, the moneys would probably be received in calendar year 1997. The sidewalk installation is contingent upon grant receipt. The City’s contribution would be approximately $14,094. Motion made by Mr. Meier to grant approval to apply for the ISTEA grant and build the sidewalk contingent upon grant approval. Seconded by Mrs. Sensel. Mayor called for vote:

Vote Call

Mr. Drummey - Yes, Mr. Meier - Yes, Mr. Maloney - Yes, Mrs. Sensel - Yes, Mr. Laird - Yes.

Motion Approved

Yes - 5 No - 0 Absent - 1

3. 1. Property Tax Rate

Mr. Laird commented that the tax rate for 1995 was .1586 per $100 and the Finance Committee had a majority vote for a rate for 1996 of .1525. Yield for 1995 was $264,484 and there was much discussion amongst councilmembers as to what was felt to be an "appropriate" yield for property taxes. Mr. Meier made the points that the City has taken on more responsibility with the rebuilding and maintenance of Thomas More Parkway, maintenance of sidewalks, right of ways, streetlighting, roadways, city building, etc. The financial burden of maintenance is increasing yearly and provisions need to be made accordingly to make sure the City has enough revenues. Mr. Laird and Mr. Maloney agreed that there was enough in reserves to cover whatever the City might need. There was disagreement as the point was made that a single event, such as tornado, fire, flooding, lawsuit, could wipe out the City’s reserves and that a progressive stance needs to be taken as opposed to a completely conservative stance. There was concern that if the rate is continually lowered, it could hurt the City in the future. Discussion was held about reassessments by the County. Mr. Meier stated that this was just the first reading of Ordinance 1996-9-2 and the rate was agreed to be .1525.

Mr. Laird inquired about the bank shares tax rate. It was explained that because of HB 416 passed by this General Assembly that the structure and procedure for collecting the taxes has changed. It is now a bank deposits tax and is levied on all banks within city limits. At present, the taxable deposits figure has not arrived from Frankfort. It is anticipated that the rate will be ready for voting in December or January.

The Mayor mentioned the unveiling of a new sign for Thomas More College at the 75^th Anniversary luncheon held this afternoon.

Committee Reports

Economic Development

Mr. Meier wanted to discuss the proposed building permit applied for in the Lookout Farm office area to build a garage maintenance facility. The building is 12’ x 16’ and would be built by the clubhouse tennis courts. It would house vehicles, bagged salt, and other tools. Mr. Meier wanted to approve this based upon review by Walter Blair and make a minor change to the RPUD zone. Seconded by Mr. Drummey. Mr. Hope stated that plans will be submitted in accordance with the wishes of council and that could be accomplished shortly.

Motion Approved

Yes - 5 No - 0 Absent - 1

Police Authority

Mr. Meier said that the Police Authority would be receiving an award at the KLC convention for low risk management.

Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Laird, seconded by Mr. Maloney at 8:51PM.

________________________	___________________________
Harold A. Ries, Mayor	C.R. Monhollen Clerk/Treas.