Engineering - Mr. Berling briefly mentioned that the projects on Calumet Ct., Woodspoint Dr. and Shinkle Rd. have been completed. Mr. Meier stated that residents he had spoken with seem to enjoy the sidewalk on Woodspoint Dr. and the resurfacing on Calumet Ct. There is striping still to be done on Shinkle Rd.
Fire & EMS Recommendation - Mr. Celarek stated that a nine member committee had been formed with Mr. Meier acting a chairman. The recommendation from committee is to contract with Edgewood Fire Dept. to cover residents and businesses on Legends Way, residents of Grandview Summit and Horsebranch Rd. and Summit Hills Country Club. It was not considered cost effective to build a fire substation in Crestview Hills.
Mr. Meier noted that the most concern was that the 911 operators would know which fire department to call. However, the members of the Ft. Mitchell Fire Dept. and Edgewood Fire Dept. were receptive to the idea of having separate contracts for certain parts of the City. Mr. Celarek said the contract would run from January 1, 1998 to June 30, 1998 and would cost an extra $6,000. Mr. Laird suggested that the contract come before council after six months for an evaluation. Mr. Meier made the motion to contract with Edgewood Fire Dept. for six months at a cost of $6,000 to cover aforementioned areas. Council voted aye. There were no nayes.
Motion: Mr. Meier
Second: Mr. Sommerkamp
Economic Development - Mr. Celarek introduced Carla Trott from DSI Architechs, Len Paulini, Director of Marketing for Communicare and John Curtain from Hemmer Construction Co. Stage II development plans have been approved by the NKAPC with contingencies by the Board of Adjustment and the Economic Development Committee. Mr. Paulini stated that the philosophy of Communicare is to hire class people to give class service to its guests. Communicare has been in business since 1984 and revenues are approaching seventy million dollars annually. Communicare specializes in assisted living but not hospital care. Assisted living is defined as a typical resident being female in the low to mid eighties, somewhat frail and needing assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, being reminded to take medication, etc. The facility will provide transportation for the residents as very few, if any, drive.
Mr. Paulini also showed drawings of other facilities and sketches of this proposed site. Other sites in Ohio and Michigan have already started building. Theses sites have lots of social areas with schedules of activities and three meals a day which may be eaten in a social area, a Florida room, the dining room or the individual's unit. Residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture, although, if needed, the facility can provide a furnished room.
Ms. Trott showed more drawings of this site, explaining that the building will be 3.5 stories with a series of garden units as well as a common garden with a nice view from Thomas More Parkway and I-275. The building will be 50,946 square feet, 69 units, approximately 18 on staff, smoke barriers in between sections of the building and a sprinkler system. There will also be two more handicap parking spaces added in the parking lot.
There was discussion on how a fire truck would access the building if necessary and whether this facility would need to be licensed. It does not need to be licensed according to current regulations because medical care is not provided, however, Communicare does go for licensing every year according to Mr. Paulini. Mr. Meier made the motion to accept the stage 2 development plans with the exceptions as noted by NKAPC and the Economic Development committee, seconded by Mr. Sommerkamp. All members were in agreement.
Telecommunication Study - Mr. Celarek noted the validation committee met last week to interview two companies. The committee interviewed Walter Group and Infotek for approximately five hours. The City has to decide if they want to be a part of the validation study by December 22nd or write a letter stating the City wishes to withdraw from the study. The study will cost approximately $126,500 and there are still about ten communities still interested in the study. Mr. Sommerkamp expressed concern that the project has not been sent out for bid. Rather, three companies have already been selected to either perform the studies or to oversee the project should the feasibility study turn out positive.
There was much discussion over whether Northern Kentucky needs a fiber optic network, media articles on the subject, whether government should be involved in running utilities and people on council with specific employment that could possibly bring about a conflict of interest.
Mr. Meier cited conflict of interest and said he would not vote. Mr. Sommerkamp made the motion to opt out of the validation study of the Northern Kentucky Telecommunications Authority, seconded by Mr. Laird.
The Mayor asked for a vote call. Mr. Drummey originally voted yes but after the motion was explained, Mr. Drummey rescinded his vote, then voted no.
VOTE CALL - Mr. Drummey - No, Mr. Laird - Yes, Mr. Sommerkamp - Yes, Mr. Meier - No Vote Mr. Maloney - No Mayor - Yes
YES - 3, NO - 2, ABSENT - 1, NO VOTE - 1
Crestview Hills opts out of the NKTA.