CITY OF CRESTVIEW HILLS

MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

February 8, 2000

CALL TO ORDER - With the Pledge of Allegiance and a silent prayer, Mayor Paul W. Meier called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM.

ROLL CALL - Present were Messrs. Ralph Laird, Harold Ries, Joe Maloney, David Kramer, and Mrs. Jameson.  Mr. Frank Sommerkamp was in absentia.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA  -    Mayor Meier recommended the addition of the following items:  NEW BUSINESS  D)  Economic Development – discussion of HCR Manor Care project. Mr. Celarek desired addition of Chief Dave Merce and Cpt. John Hehman from the Ft. Mitchell Life Squad Dept. under the heading of Citizens and Guests.  Approved as amended.  Ayes carried.

Motion: Mr. Ries                                       Second: Mr. Kramer

APPROVAL OF MINUTES -  from the regular meeting of January 11, 2000.  Mayor Meier wished to clarify, under Citizens and Guests, there were two checks presented by Rep. Draud for $100,000 each.  One was to be applied to expenditures incurred for the Beverly Draud sidewalk and the other will be used to offset costs associated with the lane addition on Thomas More Pkwy.  Accepted as submitted.  Ayes carried.

Motion: Mr. Laird                                     Second: Mrs. Jameson

CITIZENS AND GUESTS

Mr. Celarek introduced Chief Dave Merce to report on the status of the Ft. Mitchell Life Squad Dept.  Chief Merce reported that in calendar year 2000 life squad runs were down slightly due to territory coverage changes and ongoing construction.  However, the department continues to grow with the addition of six members in 2000.  Twenty-nine volunteers are assigned to active duty, with a reserve of fifteen to fill in for active members when called upon.  There are currently two vehicles used for runs, which are performing well.

Cpt. Hehman reported that the majority of patients treated (24.2%) were for traumatic injury and 15.5% were treated for heart problems or difficulty breathing.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Celarek reported on the following:

1.      Every council person received a copy of the Telecommunications Board at their place.

2.      Ms. Judy Cox, Administrative Assistant, composed a new recycling flyer to be posted at the City Building and included in an upcoming edition of the Eagle’s View newsletter.

3.      Caywood School has announced the sponsorship of a Loyalty Day parade to be held Tuesday, May 1 at 8AM.

4.      The University of Cincinnati Planning class will present their findings of alternative uses for the Crestview Hills Mall on Wednesday, March 7th at 3PM to any resident wishing to attend and members of the Economic Development Committee.

5.      The deed and contract for the purchase of the parking lot adjacent to the City Building has been signed and staff awaits its arrival..

6.      Bids for fire and EMS services were sent to Crescent Springs, Erlanger, Ft. Mitchell, and Edgewood and are due February 21, 2001.  The Safety Committee will review bids received in the February 28th meeting.

7.      Panera Bread has not submitted an application for a hearing before the Board of Adjustments.  Members of council and residents in the College Park and Old Crestview areas will be notified.

8.      The Dept for Local Govt. will sponsor a budget workshop on Tuesday, March 20th at the N. Ky. ADD.

9.      The next newsletter should be mailed in approximately two and a half weeks.

OLD BUSINESS

A.  Zoning – Ordinance 2001-1-1

Mr. Celarek mentioned that this was discussed at length at the February Economic Development meeting.  The City of Crestview Hills submitted an application to the Kenton County Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission to review and make recommendations on the proposed zoning text amendment and said Planning Commission did vote to approve the zoning text amendment after conducting a public hearing on the application on January 4, 2001.  Other amendments to the code include the following:

 

A.        No motor vehicle, which is inoperable, shall be stored on any lot in any zone or parcel of ground unless it is in a completely enclosed building.  Parking shall be limited to the number of operable vehicles regularly used by members of a resident family and their guests.

 

B.        It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to live in any boat, automobile, camper, mobile home, or truck, within the limits of the city, except mobile homes may be permitted when located in a RMHP Zone (mobile home park).

 

C.        Outside storage of any trailer, R-V, mobile home, camper, boat, or other such type equipment, within any place or location in the city, shall be regulated as follows.  In no case shall more than one of the previously mentioned vehicles or similar type equipment be permitted outside of an enclosed building on any lot.

1.         Such equipment of 18 feet or less in length may be stored outside in the rear yards of residential districts with side and rear yard setbacks being maintained.  In cases which do not allow use of the rear yard, such as:  (a) special circumstances which do not generally apply to land in the general vicinity; and (b) the strict application of the zoning regulation would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of the land or would create an unnecessary hardship on the applicant, the zoning administrator may permit such storage in another part of the lot excluding the front yard.

 

2.         The storing of said equipment outside must be on a hard surface, such as asphalt or concrete.

 

3.         Such equipment greater than 18 feet in length may be stored within an enclosed garage, or in the rear yard as approved by the zoning administrator for appropriate location and screening from adjacent properties.

 

4.         Storage of a trailer, R-V, mobile home, camper, boat or other such recreational type equipment may be permitted on hard surfaced driveways during the period from June 1 through the following September 1 for a total of no more than 14 days, provided that the following conditions are met:

 

a.         The required off-street parking spaces are available in addition to the space used for the recreational equipment.

 

b.         The stored recreational vehicles shall not extend over any property or right-of-way line.

 

5.         No storage of recreational vehicles, campers, and/or boats on trailers is permitted within driveways in the front or side yards during the period from September 2 through the following May 31 of the next year.

Mr. Kramer stated that the committee is now looking at the potential predicaments imposed by direct visuals to said storage of recreational vehicles and possible solutions thereof.  Mr. Kramer made the motion to recommend acceptance of Ordinance 2001-1-1 as submitted to council for second reading and final passage.  Motion seconded by Mr. Maloney.  Ayes carried.

B.  Public Utilities

Mayor Meier recounted the meeting held at the Erlanger City Building on January 21st in which Cinergy informed the Noise Committee members of their anticipated monitoring results in a few locations near the Baptist Home and across the railroad tracks into the Old Crestview area.   There will be another meeting held March 1st at 4PM to discuss the finalized results of the Cinergy monitoring and compare them with results obtained by Riley Kinman, an environmental consultant hired by Crestview Hills.  The machines, according to Cinergy, will be calibrated to operate consistently at a safe noise level, as to not be very disturbing to surrounding residents.  However, Mr. Kinman and Cinergy will attend the March 1st meeting to discuss a noise compromise that would be sufficient for business and residents. 

Mr. Maloney inserted that although it appears as though the City is consenting to the construction of the mini-plant, the purpose of participation in the Erlanger committee meetings is to make sure that if the plant is built, that safety and noise restraints are in place.  However, it was made clear that Crestview Hills still firmly opposes the location and construction of the project.

Mayor Meier noted that Cinergy has applied for permits on two types of turbine engines and will receive approval on at least one of them.  There will be a public meeting held Monday, March 5th at Dixie Heights High School at 6:30PM so residents may express their concerns regarding the Cinergy application with the Kentucky Department of Air Quality.  All residents are encouraged to attend.

NEW BUSINESS

·           Finance

Mayor Meier introduced Linda Chapman, the City’s auditor, from the accounting firm of Rankin and Rankin, who updated council on financial compliance for the fiscal year 00.  It was reported that the City remains in excellent financial shape, although there will be significant changes in the accounting structure and procedures once GASB34 is adopted in full.  The City will go from a basic cash basis type of accounting to an accrual system, much like the private sector.  Motion was made by Mr. Laird to accept the audit findings as presented, seconded by Mr. Maloney.

·              Public Works

Mayor Meier introduced Jerry Metz and Tim Bayer from Rumpke who updated council on reasons for the problems that occurred with recycling and some garbage pick-ups over the holidays.  Discussion was held on solutions to those problems with the statement from Rumpke that they do not anticipate future annoyances of this type.

·        Communications

Mayor Meier introduced to council the idea presented by the Municipal Government League to adopt a uniform telecommunications ordinance that would assure the correct usage of right-of-ways, guarantee a franchise agreement between companies and cities, and would generate revenue for cities.  Recently two companies, Metrocom and Adelphia Communications, have approached local cities expressing interest in usage of right-of-ways for installation of high-tech telecommunications devices.  Contractual differences were discovered among larger market cities, however, in talks with the companies.  The Telecommunications Board of Boone and Kenton Counties voted to look into the development of a uniform ordinance and have hired an attorney practicing in Louisville, who has experience in dealing with telecommunications issues.  Mayor Meier will keep council informed as more information becomes available.

·        Economic Development

Mr. Celarek introduced Frank Wichmann, an attorney representing Manor Care Arden Courts.  History was given on the project.  Currently, the conditional use permit has expired and Arden Courts would like a twelve -month extension so the company can complete two projects in the Cincinnati area, then would be able to concentrate resources on the Crestview Hills facility.  Mr. Kramer noted that the Economic Development Committee recommended a six- month extension as a compromise with the project to be reviewed at the end of the extension for any major movement.  If the project is still stalled, the Economic Development Committee can recommend to the Board of Adjustment to rescind the conditional use permit, effectively canceling the project. 

Mr. Ries spoke out against the project with statistics from other assisted living facilities in the Northern Kentucky area.  They are not filling up as quickly as was anticipated and many are sitting close to empty.  They are also very expensive in nature and the average person probably would not be able to afford such a facility.

Mr Wichmann answered questions regarding the company and the project.

Mr. Maloney recommended taking no action in rescinding the conditional use permit for six months, seconded by Mr. Laird.  Ayes carried with one nay vote.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Works - Mr. Celarek commented projects at this time include:

·        Work on the 72 inch pipe under Campus Drive is under contract and will be completed as soon as weather permits.  This work includes underpinning the pipe at the outlet end and adding 15 feet of rip-rap at each end of the existing culvert.

·        Thomas More Pkwy. will be widened to provide a dual right turn onto northbound Turkeyfoot Rd.  Bids for this work will be received on February 28, 2001 and work will be completed before July 20, 2001.

·        Replacing the broken sections of concrete with new concrete paving will repair sections of Lookout Farm Drive northwest of this first intersection with Shinkle Rd..  Plans and specifications are in process.

·        The City is considering the removal and replacement of the concrete paving on Lookout Farm Drive from the Dixie Hwy. to the first intersection with Shinkle Rd. Bids for this work will be received on February 28, 2001.

·         The City, in cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Transportation, wishes to construct a left turn lane on Horsebranch Road at the intersection with Orphanage Rd.  Plans, specifications and construction cost estimates are in process.  Completion is anticipated August 1, 2001.

Police Authority –  Mrs. Jameson noted that Tom Jordan is now the Chairman, with Mr. Laird serving as Vice-Chairman.  A new officer is anticipated to graduate from the Academy on March 23rd.

Safety – Mayor Meier informed council that will be received from Ft. Mitchell Fire and EMS and Edgewood Fire and EMS by February 28th and a recommendation will be forthcoming.

Recreation –Mrs. Jameson stated that the committee is meeting to discuss annual summer activities and camps as well as ideas for the 50th anniversary celebrations. 

After general conversation, motion to adjourn made by Mr. Laird, seconded by Mr. Maloney at 9:27PM.

 

 

 

 

____________________________                     ______________________________

Mayor Paul W. Meier                                     City Clerk C.R. Wirthlin