KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT MINUTES Independence Courthouse 5272 Madison Pike Independence, KY 41051 July 11, 2017 7:00P.M. Call to Order Judge Kris Knochelmann called to order the July 11, 2017 meeting of the Kenton County Fiscal Court. Commissioner Joe Nienaber led the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Staff: Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann Commissioner Jon Draud, District 2 Commissioner Joe Nienaber, District 3 County Attorney Stacy Tapke Joe Shriver, County Administrator Scott Gunning, Assistant County Administrator Roy Cox, County Treasurer A Appoint County Administrator Joe Shriver as the acting Fiscal Court Clerk for the meeting of July 11, 2017. Commissioner Nienaber made the motion for approval; seconded by Judge Knochelmann. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of Minutes from the meeting of Jrme 13, 2017. B. Approval of Minutes from the meeting of June 21, 2017. Citizens Address No citizens came before the court at this time. General Business A. Claim's List-Dated June 23rd and July 7, 2017. There were no questions on the Claim's Lists.
County Administrator Joe Shriver stated that he sent out some outstanding invoices for WSP today on the project management of the Bavarian Brewery project. He asked for a motion for the court to at least add the two outstanding invoices to the Claim's List for the February and March bills. Treasurer Roy Cox stated that one is for February for $98,867.37, and the other is for March for $25,913.32. Commissioner Draud asked if these are part of the contract? Treasurer Roy Cox answered that yes they are part of the contract. B. Presentation of a Proclamation for National Parks and Recreation Month. Assistant County Administrator Scott Gunning stated that it is the busy season for the parks, and he felt it was appropriate to invite Rhonda Ritzi and some members who attend our parks to the meeting tonight. Right around this time last year, Ms. Ritzi took over as the Recreation Coordinator. It has been a seamless transition, and she has added many programs. He thanked Ms. Ritzi for all of her hard work. Rhonda Ritzi stated that this month we want to discover the power of play and adventure. Play is vital to children and adult's well-being, physical health and personal interactions. During Parks and Recreation Month we encourage and challenge everyone to get out and play. It could be at a summer camp, in an adult sports league or exploring a trail. Tonight, we invite the Judge to honor the parks. Each of the families at the meeting tonight participate in the park's programs, and lend a helping hand at events. Ms. Ritzi then introduced the Morgan family (Jaime, Son Clark, Daughter Jade, Daughter Felicity and Son Riker), the Ward Family (Elisa and Jeff, Daughter Rachel, Son Yoni, Son Ava and Daughter Naomi) and Marilyn Long with Carolyn and Lilly Dinges. All of these people have been a part of our program. They were presented with copies of the Proclamation. Judge Knochelmann stated that on behalf of the county, he is very thankful for everyone's hard work. Ms. Ritzi then thanked the Fiscal Court for all of their support. It has been a great year. They have kept some of their signature programs, such as Wild Wednesday and Almost Every Other Thursday Sciences. They have continued the partnerships with Dominic's Tech Window Academy, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Greater Cincinnati Foundation Summer Kids, Kenton County Library, Girl Scout's of Kentucky Wilderness Road Council, Boy Scouts, Cherokee Subway and Snappy Tomato Pizza. Some of the new partnerships that we have gained this year is Kenton County School's Student Nutrition Program, Youthbuild and the Kenton County YMCA. There are some programs that are coming up in the fall. There will be the Haunted Trail, a character trail and kid's day, letters to Santa, a SK at the golf courses, some family fun nights and teddy bear day at the park. Commissioner Draud asked who planned all of the activities?
Ms. Ritzi answered that it was her that planned the events. Scott Gunning has been great at supporting her in her efforts. C. Discussion regarding the Bavarian Site. County Administrator Joe Shriver stated that we are working diligently on a lot of issues to get the contract finalized, and will have something for the Fiscal Court on July 18th at 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Draud asked if they anticipate any major changes? Mr. Shriver answered that they had talked about more efficient designs. They are working with the architect to incorporate the pieces from the other proposal into their design. The major concepts are still the same. D. Waive the Conflict of Interest between the Kenton County Fiscal Court and the Dinsmore Law Firm. County Attorney Stacy Tapke stated that in the past, Roger Peterman has served as the bond counsel for the county. When the conflict check was done, his firm Dinsmore came up as serving as council for our handcuff case that is still pending. Because of this, both parties need to waive any conflict. Everything is separate, as the cases are not near one another. Roger Peterman stated that he is not worried about the situation. These waivers are fairly routine, because they represent a lot of banks and financial institutions. Commissioner Draud asked who brought up this issue? Mr. Peterman answered that they have a very sophisticated conflict checking system. Ms. Tapke stated that the Fiscal Court needs to vote to waive the conflict, and a written waiver will be signed. Resolutions A. Resolution No. 17-0lK A Resolution for the Kenton County Fiscal Court concerning Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget Adjustments. Treasurer Roy Cox stated that the budget adjustment is for three hazardous waste cleanups that have occurred. We have already received a $14,000 check for one of the cleanups, so the adjustment is to allow us to make payment to the organizations that responded to the events. Commissioner Draud asked what cleanups are included in this adjustment? Steve Hensley answered that one is a fuel tanker, and a couple others are as a result of the I-75 construction project which include accidents or fluids.
Commissioner Draud asked if we are reimbursed to clean up after these incidents? Judge Knochelmann answered that this is correct. B. Resolution No. 17-19 A Resolution for the Kenton County Fiscal Court approving the adoption of the Northern Kentucky Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Steve Hensley stated that this is a planning document that gets reviewed every four years, and re-adopted every five years. It is done with the NKADD, and it makes projects eligible for payment reimbursement in the event of a disaster. C. Resolution No. 17-20 A Resolution of the Kenton County Fiscal Court authorizing the advertisement of bids for refunding general obligation bonds for the Kenton County Detention Center, Series 2017 A, in an aggregate principal amount of $31,000, 000 and General Obligation bonds for the Kenton County Administration Building, Series 2017B, not to exceed 31,000,000. Treasurer Roy Cox explained that the $31,000,000 is for the refinancing of the Detention Center, and basically we don't have to take that money if it is not favorable to the county. The other part of the Ordinance is for the new money, which is $31,000,000 that includes the $25,000,000 for the building plus one million dollars for possible contingencies, four and a half million dollars for the land (gives the ability to bond the land) and bonding fees. Commissioner Draud asked if $31,000,000 is enough? Mr. Cox answered that this is the number that was calculated. Ordinances A. Second Reading- Ordinance No. 225.77 An Ordinance of the Fiscal Court of Kenton County, Kentucky, relating to the imposition and the levying of a transient room tax for the purpose of promoting convention and tourism activity, setting interest and penalties relating thereto; the imposition and the levying of a special tax for the purpose of operating a Convention Center, setting interest and penalties relating thereto; and the imposition and the levying of an Kentucky Convention Center and regional efforts to promote tourism and convention business and setting interest and penalties relating thereto.
There were no comments on this Ordinance. B. Second Reading - Ordinance No. 225.78 An Ordinance of the County of Kenton, Kentucky approving and authorizing execution of a lease in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,600,000 (which amount may be increased or decreased as necessary) for the financing of the costs of acquiring certain assets related to the operation of a 911 Emergency Call System; providing for the payment and security of the lease and maintenance of a Sinking Fund; and authorizing the execution of various documents related to such lease. Treasurer Roy Cox stated that the $5.6 million is what we believe will be the maximum amount that will need to be spent. The lease agreement provides a better interest rate than what we could get if we bonded the money. Judge Knochelmann stated that we will go out to bid on these. Roger Peterman stated that Campbell County just did this, and banks are willing to fix interest rates out for ten year loans. There are a lot lower transaction costs when it is done this way. C. First Reading - Ordinance No. 310.4 An Ordinance relating to the collection of membership charges and/or subscriber fees for the Crescent Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. in Kenton County. Chief Wendt stated that they have exhausted all of their efforts to collect on the fees, and the Ordinance stated that this will be put on the tax bills of the businesses and residences in the fire protection area of their department. The rate is sixty seven cents per thousand. Commissioner Draud commended them for pursuing this issue. He feels that the court is doing the right thing. Judge Knochelmann stated that this will be on the next agenda for final approval. D. First Reading - Ordinance No. 225.79 An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation public project bonds (Kenton County Administration Building), Series 2017, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $31,000, 000 to finance the construction, installation and equipping of a new Administration Building. Judge Knochelmann stated that this is for the Administration Building, and will have action taken at the next meeting.
Consent Agenda A. Exhibit No. 17-66 Request approval of an agreement in lieu of taxes for the John R. Green Lofts Project. B. Exhibit No.17-67 Request approval of an agreement between the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) and the Kenton County Fiscal Court for Kenton County's share of the OKI budget. C. Exhibit No. 17-68 Request approval to award the Fuel Control System bid to W.C. Storey and Son, Inc. for the Kenton County Fleet Department. D. Exhibit No. 17-69 Request approval to surplus a Rim Clamp Tire Changer, New/Old stock of brake parts for vehicles and 21 spare Ford tire rims for the Kenton County Fleet Department. E. Exhibit No. 17-70 Request approval to award the plumbing services/repair bid to Triton Services, Inc. for various departments of the Kenton County Fiscal Court. F. Exhibit No. 17-71 Request approval for the Judge/Executive to enter into an agreement with Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP to act as the Kenton County Fiscal Court's Bond Counsel. G. Exhibit No.17-78 Request approval to award the Tri-County bid for a single axle dump truck to Fyda Freightliner for the Public Works Department. H. Exhibit No. 17-79 Request approval to extend the in-place paving contract with Len Riegler Blacktop, Inc. on a month by month basis, staring in July of 2017 for the Public Works Department. Judge Knochelmann asked for a motion to remove Exhibit 17-66 from the Consent Agenda. Judge Knochelmann then asked for motion to approve the Consent Agenda minus Exhibit 17-66.
Executive Orders A. Executive Order No.17-72 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the re-appointment of Melissa Koester to the NKADD Board of Directors, with the term expiring on September 25, 2020. B. Executive Order No. 17-73 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the re-appointment of Willie Schadler to the NKADD Board of Directors, with the term expiring on September 25, 2020. C. Executive Order No. 17-74 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the Order of Affiliation for the Kenton County Government and the Kentucky Search Dog Association. D. Executive Order No. 17-75 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the appointment of Rick Messingschlager to the Independence Fire District Board, with the term expiring on June 30, 2020. E. Executive Order No. 17-76 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the appointment of Scott Guenther to the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) Board, with the term expiring on July 1, 2021. Judge Knochelmann stated that this was Jean Miller's position, and she resigned. He thanked Ms. Miller for her years of service. F. Executive Order No.17-77 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the re-appointment of Patricia Sommerkamp to the Water District Board, with the term expiring on August 28, 2021.
G. Executive Order No.17-78 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the hiring of Chris Goshorn as a Part-Time Evidence Custodian/Equipment Manager for the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, with an effective date of July 10, 2017. H. Executive Order No. 17-79 An Executive Order relating to the Fiscal Court approving the hiring of LaCresha Blevins as a Call Taker for the Kenton County Emergency Communications Department, with an effective date of July 24, 2017. Administrative Reporting Chief Jones stated that Sergeant Gary Helton graduated from the Academy of Police Supervision on June 23rd this year. They are very proud of Sergeant Helton for his performance. They just sent Sergeant Alan Johnson to the same course. Also, Aaron Schihl has once again received the Governor's Protection Award. Chief Jones then stated that the department had their 95th anniversary of the County Police. It was a very successful event. It was hosted at Honey Locust Farms, and about 140 people attended. He thanked Joe Shriver from coming and presenting the Proclamation. There was a retiree there that started on the Police Department in 1964. Chief Jones then stated that on June 29th the QRT team met with the HIRT Director Amanda Peters to discuss how they can work together. Also, a reporter from Denmark rode along with the QRT team. Commissioner Draud stated that he understands that there are a lot of other important issues going on in the county, but he thinks that a merger between the Police Department and the Sheriff's Department is the right thing to do. He understands that Jim Parsons will be analyzing the date for fee. Is this correct? Judge Knochelmann answered that this is correct. Emergency Communications Assistant Director of Operations, Ashley Hawks stated that they have been gathering information in regards to merging services with the Erlanger Dispatch Center. Erlanger will be voting on this on July 18th. Also, there was a kickoff meeting with Motorola today, which
begins the implementation process of the new radio system. Finally, they just received a grant for an Emergency Medical Dispatch package. Public Works Nick Hendrix stated that Bromley /Crescent Springs Rd. is still a budgeted priority, and we are waiting for some final information to come back for the Phase Two design contract. Latonia Lakes conflict with Duke Energy is settled, and Duke has finished their work. Duke did a great job of working quickly on this project. Our contractor is ready to remobilize, and the project should conclude mid-august. Nick Hendrix then stated that as of today, the county maintains 19 fewer light duty and police vehicles than were maintained a year ago. There are 24 new light duty and police vehicles that have dramatically improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. He thanked the Fiscal Court for their commitment to the Fleet program. Finally, we recently the $250,000 mark on GovDeals. He thanked Mike McKenney for doing such a great job. Parks and Recreation/Golf/Building and Grounds Scott Gunning stated that Davey is ahead of schedule on the tree project for the golf course. They are 75 % complete in removing the 426 ash trees. Their estimated completion date is at the end of August, depending on the weather. The RFP is being finalized for the resurfacing and landscaping of the parking lot. The hope is to start the project in late fall, with the completion to be in the early spring. The booths finally arrived, and the renovation of the clubhouse is complete. Scott Gunning then stated that a Master Service Agreement is being completed for several services throughout the county. Tonight the plumbing agreement was approved, and we are working to get electrical services and fencing as well. Lastly, Mr. Gunning stated that a new playground was installed at Lincoln Ridge Park near shelter house one and two. The staff also finished a new sidewalk at Mills Rd. Park, which connected a new neighborhood to the park. This was a venture between the City of Independence and the county, which included our portion of in-kind labor and equipment. He then thanked Sara Sgantas for setting up the new rain out line. This is a web based system that allows people to check online thru Facebook or emails on the current field conditions. Also, he received notification from the R.C. Durr Foundation that the county was awarded a $75,000 grant for sign improvements at Doe Run Lake. This was a joint application from the Banklick Watershed Council, the Kenton Conservancy and the parks. Commissioner Draud asked if the golf course is ahead of the projections for the year as far a revenue? Mr. Gunning answered that in the month of June the golf course had some bad weather, and they are behind where they were this time last year. Commissioner Draud asked if they are still getting major complaints about the course itself? Mr. Gunning answered that the greens and the fairways are in good condition, and we are moving in the right direction.
Commissioner Draud asked what came of the issue with people playing nine holes? Mr. Gunning answered that this was addressed, and they are honoring the coupons. Commissioner Nienaber stated that he saw some commercials for the Kenton County Golf Course. Commissioner Draud asked if the Fiscal Court is paying for the repaving of the parking lots? Judge Knochelmann answered that this is correct, and that is part of the Capital Plan. This will be brought before the court before the money is spent. Director of External Affairs John Stanton stated that at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow the Pension Board is going to come to an agreement. A couple of months ago, the Pension Board tied on setting the actuarial assumptions for the county and city pension systems. Since that meeting, three different appointments have been made to the Pension Board, so tomorrow they are going to make another effort to set the actuarial assumptions. Commissioner Draud stated that he watched Governor Bevin on a program, and he said that there would be no question that if they don't get the pension system fixed that people will be losing their pensions in the future. Mr. Stanton stated that tomorrow will be a milestone in the process. Commissioner Draud stated that the way he understands it is that they are not committed to raising any revenue. Mr. Stanton stated that there are probably people in Frankfort that have different opinions about how that might turn out. The Governor has been pretty direct about setting his goals with tax reform, but you also see a steady stream of legislators articulating what the co-equal branch of government has in mind for that process also. Mr. Stanton then praised Sara Sgantas for organizing the almost 40 volunteers that went out door to door to 1,600 homes in Park Hills. The process was well executed by Ms. Sgantas. Our work is probably about half done in Kenton County. We will be walking Villa Hills and Crescent Springs on July 29th, and we are looking for as many volunteers as possible. Commissioner Draud asked how the outcome of these efforts will be measured? Mr. Stanton answered that first Kim Moser will give a comprehensive presentation to the Fiscal Court. At that time, she should bring some linear measurements of the heroin hotline calls. This is the primary publicity effort associated with the heroin helpline. Also, there are anecdotal responses. It was reported by Chris Hamilton at the last meeting that they received three calls immediately in the aftermath of the Independence door to door effort. Mary Birch went door to door in Park Hills, and reported a positive interaction with a resident related to the distribution of the door hangers. Lastly, there is a sense of community engagement. There are very few ways that an average citizen can get engaged in this effort. They can't be involved
in treatment, so this is an avenue where citizens can participate. St. Elizabeth's has made a significant investment in this effort. They have added two people to help out. Mr. Stanton then stated that the Tri-State Veteran's Alliance is working on how to better address veteran's needs in Northern Kentucky. It is nice to see one of Northern Kentucky's own, Rusty Mardis, lead the efforts. County Attorney's Report County Attorney Stacy Tapke had nothing to report. Commissioners' Reports Commissioner Jon Draud Commissioner Draud had nothing to report. Commissioner Joe Nienaber Commissioner Nienaber had nothing to report. Judge/Executive's Report A. Amend the Kenton County Fiscal Court schedule to change the July 19, 2017 Special Meeting to July 18, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Executive Session A. Pursuant to KRS 61.810 (1) (B) and (C) potential sale or acquisition of real property and proposed or pending litigation. B. Pursuant to KRS 61.810 (1) (F) discussions which may lead to the appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee Commissioner Draud made the motion for approval of Executive Session; seconded by Commissioner Nienaber. Judge Knochelmann called for a voice vote, and the motion passed unanimously 3-0. Commissioner Nienaber made the motion for approval to return from the Executive Session; seconded by Commissioner Draud. Judge Knochelmann called for a voice vote, and the motion passed unanimously 3-0. Adjournment Having completed all business before the Court, Commissioner Draud offered a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Commissioner Nienaber. Judge Knochelmann requested a voice vote whereupon all members present voted in the affirmative with a 3-0 vote.
Text for all proposed and recently passed ordinances may be acquired by accessing the Fiscal Court web page at http://www.kentoncounty.org or by contacting the administrative offices at 859.392.1400. CLERK CERTIFICATION I, Sue J. Kaiser, having been appointed to the office of Fiscal Court Clerk, do hereby certify that this is a true and accurate record of the actions taken by the Kenton County Fiscal Court at the meeting of July 11, 2017. Sue J. Kais Fiscal Court Clerk