Mayor Guidugli called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Roll call was taken at 7:01 p.m. as follows: Commissioner Jan Knepshield (present), Commissioner Beth Fennell (absent), Commissioner Ken Rechtin (present), Commissioner Jerry Peluso (present), Mayor Thomas L. Guidugli (absent). Vice Mayor Peluso chaired the meeting until approximately 7:16 p.m. when Mayor Guidugli arrived.

Also present at the meeting were: Mr. Philip G. Ciafardini, City Manager, Mr. Michael Schulkens, City Solicitor and Ms. Paula Williamson, City Clerk. Representing the Police Department was Police Chief Thomas Fromme.

PERSONNEL ORDERS

Nothing scheduled this meeting.

PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS & PROCLAMATIONS:

AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI TO PROCLAIM DECEMBER 9, 2002, AS "NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC BOYS SOCCER TEAM DAY" IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rechtin and seconded by Commissioner Knepshield. Upon roll call, all yea.

At this time, Vice Mayor Peluso read the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, the Newport Central Catholic Boys Soccer Team had a tremendous 2002 season finishing with a 17-6 record.

WHEREAS, the Newport Central Catholic Boys Soccer Team were runner-ups in the 27th District Tournament, Champions of Region 14, Champions of Sub-Section 7, and Runner-ups of Section 4.

WHEREAS, the Newport Central Catholic Boys Soccer Team advanced to the Elite 8 in the State Tournament.

WHEREAS, Elliot Rechtin, defender for the Newport Central Catholic Boys Soccer Team, was named to the 1st Team All Region and 2nd Team All-State.

WHEREAS, Patrick Riesenberg, goalkeeper for the Newport Central Catholic Boys Soccer Team, gave up only 16 goals in 23 games and was named to the 2nd Team All Region.

WHEREAS, Jeff Saalfeld, defender for the Newport Central Catholic Boys Soccer Team, was named to the 2nd Team All Region.

NOW, THEREFORE, I THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, IN RECOGNITION OF AN OUTSTANDING 2002 SEASON DO HEREBY PROCLAIM DECEMBER 9, 2002 AS

"NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC BOYS SOCCER TEAM DAY"

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused this Seal of the City of Newport, Kentucky to be affixed this 9th day of December 2002.

Thomas L. Guidugli, Mayor

The Vice Mayor and Board of Commissioners all congratulated the boys for a great job.

At this time Doug Millay, Newport Central Catholic Varsity Boys Soccer Coach introduced the young men in attendance from his soccer team. Mr. Millay also pointed out that Matt Wagenlander was accidentally omitted from the Proclamation. Matt was 2nd Team All Region and Honorable Mention All-State Team.

CABLE BOARD MEETING:

Nothing scheduled this meeting.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Nothing scheduled this meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA:

The City Clerk presented the Consent Agenda to the Mayor and Board of Commissioners that consisted of the Minutes of the December 2, 2002 Regular Meeting and the Minutes of the December 4, 2002 Special Call. A motion was made by Commissioner Knepshield and seconded by Commissioner Rechtin. Upon roll call, all yea and no comments.

PUBLIC FORUM:

Vice Mayor Peluso recognized Beverly Holiday, 342 Monmouth Street, Kentucky Haus Craft Gallery, Inc. Ms. Holiday submitted a letter regarding the construction in front of her business located on Monmouth Street an explained the financial impact on her business. Vice Mayor Jerry Peluso and Commissioners Knepshield and Rechtin apologized for any delays and the impact to her business.

Mayor Guidugli recognized Ian Budd who was upset with the East Row being denied meaningful input into the sidewalk restoration program in the East Row Historical District. City Manager Ciafardini explained that he had meetings with Mr. Budd but the City was unable to receive significant responses as to the plan/method for sidewalk restoration from the District.

Mayor Guidugli recognized Mr. Corey Siddall, 501 East Second Street. Mr. Siddall pointed out what he believed to be unfinished developments in the City and suggested that we finish those items before beginning new developments such as the Cote Brilliante and the Ann Street Redevelopment. Mr. Siddall also inquired as to when he might be receiving the crosswalk and streetlight he was promised a year ago. Commissioner Knepshield explained to Mr. Siddall the inaccuracies of his opinions on the unfinished developments.

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS:

Commissioners Ordinance No. O-2002-32 was read for the second time entitled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES, SERIES 2002 IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12,000,000; APPROVING A FORM OF NOTE; AUTHORIZING DESIGNATED OFFICERS TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER THE NOTES; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FILING OF NOTICE WITH THE STATE LOCAL DEBT OFFICER; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT AND SECURITY OF THE NOTES; CREATING A NOTE PAYMENT FUND; CREATING A SINKING FUND; AUTHORIZING AWARD OF THE NOTES TO SEASONGOOD & MAYER, LLC FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC; AUTHORIZING A PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND FINAL OFFICIAL STATEMENT FOR THE NOTES; AUTHORIZING A CONTINUING DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT FOR THE NOTES; AND REPEALING INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rechtin and seconded by Commissioner Knepshield. Upon roll call, 3 yeas, 1 nays, Commissioner Peluso voting no.

Commissioner Rechtin stated he would like the record to show that this bond issue is in an effort to push the project forward that Neyer had began.

AN ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY AUTHORIZING A LOAN RELATIVE TO THE NEWPORT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NHDC) FROM THE REVOLVING LOAN FUND FOR ACQUISITION AND DEMOLITION OF FIVE (5) ADDITIONAL HOUSES ON ANN STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $196,325.00.

Motion was made by Commissioner Rechtin and seconded by Commissioner Knepshield. Upon roll call, all yea.

Pat Wingo outlined the nature of the Newport Housing Development Corporation Ann Street project and the addition of these five homes. Commissioner Rechtin stated he would like to see an accelerated pay back to the City from surplus funds from each closing.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

INFORMATION UPDATE - UPCOMING MEETINGS, EVENTS, ISSUES:

City Manager Ciafardini gave information concerning Items 1 through 3.

STAFF, ADVISORY COUNCIL, COMMISSION UPDATE:

Ms. Verna Fenhoff announced that the Advisory Council has seated their officers the following: Terry Richter, Chairperson, Bob Yoder, Vice Chair, Allen Weber, Treasurer, Ray Butts, Secretary, and Verna Fenhoff, Public Relations. She also stated that Tuesday, December 17, 2002 would be the Christmas Party and Program for Buena Vista and all were encouraged to attend. Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Michael Schulkens stated that diplomacy and good manners generally dictate no response to citizen complaints about individual performances, but the viewing public needs to know what the Board of Commissioners already know. The City Manager, Police Chief, and Doug Roell far exceed what is expected of them in the performance of their duties and that although some people calls may not be returned and some may have legitimate complaints, these people do a great job for the City as a whole.

Commissioner Rechtin

Item 1 - Stated Greg Engelman had done an excellent job with the detail of his letter regarding the Urban Coalition Meeting.

Commissioner Knepshield

Commissioner Knepshield requested a motion to meet in Executive Session immediately following tonight's meeting to discuss personnel matters in the Office of the City Manager, pursuant to KRS 61.810(f). A motion was made by Commissioner Peluso and seconded by Commissioner Rechtin to meet in Executive Session. Upon roll call, all yea.

Item 1 - Stated the festivities this weekend were great and commended the Newport Business Association for the decorating of their businesses.

Item 2 - Wished Norma Tyree good luck with her retirement and stated it was a big loss for the City.

Item 3 - Encouraged all Senior Citizens to take part in the Lights and Sights Tours on December 19th.

Commissioner Peluso

Item 1 -Indicated it was a fantastic Victorian Christmas Tour and thanked all who participated.

Item 2 - Commended Richard Maloney for a great job with decorating his business.

Mayor Guidugli

Item 1 - Stated he was sorry for missing the Tree Lighting and other events this weekend.

Item 2 - Stated the Christmas Tour is an amazing event and it is things like this that make the community strong.

Item 3 - Thanked all who are working hard to make Newport better.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, motion was made by Commissioner Knepshield and seconded by Commissioner Fennell to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. All yea.

MEETING ADJOURNED.

MAYOR THOMAS L. GUIDUGLI

ATTEST:

PAULA D. WILLIAMSON, CITY CLERK