CITY OF CRESTVIEW HILLS

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2006

7:30 PM

 

CALL TO ORDER - With the Pledge of Allegiance and a silent prayer, Mayor Paul W. Meier called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

ROLL CALL - Present were Messrs. David Kramer, Thomas Moser, David Thiel, and Frank Sommerkamp. Ralph Laird did not attend.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Meier wished to note that committee appointments for 2006 will be discussed after new business.  Agenda approved as amended.

Motion: Mr. Sommerkamp                      Second: Mr. Kramer

Ayes carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Special meeting minutes of December 14, 2005.  Mr. Moser noted that Dave Jansing’s name was misspelled on page 4 and that there was some question as to the wording “local alarms” in the second sentence under the Fire and Safety committee report. 

Mr. Kramer desired change to the sentence “There is no formal Sunday, packaged liquor requirements” under the Economic Development committee report.  Sentence changed to “Crestview Hills follows the Kenton County ordinance regarding Sunday package liquor sales and to date has received no requests for revisions thereto.” Approved as amended.

Motion:  Mr. Kramer                              Second:  Mr. Moser

Ayes carried.

CITIZENS AND GUESTS

            None.

MAYOR’S REPORT

1)     On Tuesday January 17, the next Eggs and Issues meeting will be held at the METS Building on Olympic Blvd. to discuss the 2006 Economic forecast for the region.

2)     The Municipal Government League of Northern Kentucky will meet Thursday January 19 at the Independence City Building.

3)     The next meeting of the Kenton County Mayors group is Saturday January 21 at the Gardens in Park Hills.

4)     Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission will hold their winter meeting at Twin Oaks Tuesday January 31.

5)     The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a day and night in Frankfort on Thursday February 2.

6)     Tuesday February 21 is cities night in Frankfort, sponsored by the Kentucky League of Cities.

City Administrator’s Report

            None

 

OLD BUSINESS

A.             Ordinance 2005-12-1 - Mayor Meier read the header of this ordinance which would incorporate the 2003 International Property Maintenance Code into the City’s permanent records.  Mr. Moser moved approval of passage as submitted, seconded by Mr. Sommerkamp.  Ayes carried

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.             Appointment to KC&MP&ZC Board - Mayor Meier recommended the appointment of Lynn Hood.  Motion to accept made by Mr. Sommerkamp, seconded by Mr. Kramer.  Ayes carried.  Ms. Hood will resign from the Board of Adjustment to accept the position.

B.             Ordinance 2006-1-1 – First reading.  Mr. Groth explained the ordinance updates the City’s requirements when excavation is required [mostly by utility companies] on streets, sidewalks, or any public way. 

C.       Appointment of New Council Member – Mayor Meier informed council that he and the Personnel Committee [Mr. Sommerkamp and Mr. Thiel] interviewed five interested parties and their recommendation was Tony Maschinot.  Motion to accept Mr. Maschinot to fill the unexpired term of David Meier II made by Mr. Sommerkamp, seconded by Mr. Thiel. 

 

Mr. Moser abstained stating his ponderance and objection as to how council members can be asked to make a decision when all council members were not invited to participate in the interview and selection process as stated by the Code of Ordinances.  Ayes carried. 

D.    State of the City Address as given by Mayor Meier.

 

This past year, 2005, was probably one of the most exciting and rewarding years in the 53 year history of the City.  The new Crestview Hills Town Center was completed and over 70 upscale new stores and restaurants became a part of our city.  Also economically, new medical and office buildings were either constructed, or under construction, in the Thomas More Research Park.

 

Because of our growing police department that we share with the City of Lakeside Park, we began construction of a new City Building which will house our Administration, Public Works, and Police Departments, all with ample room to operate and grow.  Also, an assembly room will be a part of the new City Building and offer additional recreational activities and meeting space for residents and city officials.

 

The City also joined a “One Stop Shop” with the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission whereby residents, businesses, and contractors can now go to one place to receive and pay for building permits.  We will also be a part of a Code Enforcement Board which will help expedite complaint issues involving property violations within the city.

 

D.            Mayor’s 2006 Goals and Objectives as given by Mayor Meier.

In my eighth year as Mayor, my goal is to work closely with City Council to continue to improve our city in regards to continued economic development projects, recreational programs for all residents, and maintaining our infrastructure through our Public Works Committee.

2006 OBJECTIVES

1.                  Work effectively with our contractor and architect firm for a successful finished product of our new City Building.

2.                  Continue with economic development projects by retaining existing businesses and adding new businesses in the Thomas More Research Park and the Crestview Hills Town Center.

3.                  Maintain a healthy infrastructure through street, sidewalk, and curb resurfacing, repair, and reconstruction.

4.                  Continue quality recreation programs for all of our residents.

5.                  Work with the Kentucky Department of Transportation to relieve traffic congestion and promote safety on Turkeyfoot Road (KY 1303) and Dixie Highway (U.S. 25).

6.                  Continue to offer our citizens one of the lowest tax rates in Northern Kentucky, while maintaining top quality services, such as police and fire safety, and free trash collection and recycling services.

7.                  Apply for grants to increase beautification projects throughout the City and to work with the Crestview Hills Park Board to resolve problems with lakes and ponds in Old Crestview.

8.                  Interact effectively with local, State, and Federal agencies to promote our City as one of the best cities to live and work in the entire Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.

 

After the Mayor’s messages, a committee list was distributed to council members, who stated neither objections nor concerns, and requested no revisions.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Works

Mr. Sommerkamp reported on the following:

 

1)        Phase one of Dixie Hwy. and Summit Drive storm sewer construction is completed.  The new piping network now crosses Dixie Highway and is completed to a point 120 feet up Summit Drive.  The balance of the job should be bid in February.

2)        The storm water surface drainage problem at the intersection of Calumet and Lookout Farm Drive has been eliminated by constructing a new storm water drainage system in the area.  A few small items still remain to be completed.

3)        The public works committee met with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet last month to discuss problems and solutions to accommodate the new traffic that has been generated on Turkeyfoot Rd. since the opening of the Crestview Hills Town Center.

 

Police Authority – Mr. Kramer reported that the auditor went over the prior fiscal year’s finances and therefore, Lakeside Park and Crestview Hills received “rebates” of premiums paid.  A small reserve has been set aside for furniture purchases in the new building.  Col. Herbst reported that Sgt. Schutte has enrolled in a Masters Degree program at NKU.

 

Fire and Safety – Mayor Meier noted that contracts are under review with Ft. Mitchell and Edgewood Fire Depts. regarding Mr. Sommerkamp’s suggestion that more of the research park area be covered by Edgewood.  Mayor Meier also asked Mr. Sommerkamp to attend aforementioned meetings as they occur.

 

Economic Development – Mr. Kramer noted that in the Tuesday January 11 meeting, Panera Bread expansion was discussed as was possible ideas for the animal ordinance.  Panera Bread wants to build a 26’ x 30’ expansion off the southeast wall of the building to serve as a meeting room with a minimum of 22 seats.  Additional parking may be needed; therefore action was postponed until next meeting when Panera should submit an amended proposal.

 

RecreationMayor Meier and Mr. Groth reported the obtaining of the Party Deck for 2 Cincinnati Reds games, an evening at the Florence Freedom (date to be determined), the Easter egg hunt, and August 8 for the City picnic at Summit Hills CC as recreational activities in the planning stages at this time.

 

Communications – Residents can expect an updated website in the near future.

 

Building – The project is only 2 weeks behind at this point according to Endeavor Construction.  Mayor Meier, Mr. Groth, and Col. Herbst met with and discussed security features and systems for the new building.

 

After general discussion, motion to adjourn made by Mr. Maschinot, seconded by Mr. Sommerkamp at 8:06 PM.

 

 

 

 

____________________________                     ______________________________

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