City of Lakeside Park
Minutes of Regular Meeting on 1/13/2025
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Markgraf called to order the regularly scheduled meeting of Lakeside Park City Council at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 13, 2025, in the Lakeside Park City Building located at 9 Buttermilk Pike. Those in attendance were Mayor Markgraf, City Clerk Teresa Bruck and City Attorney Greg Voss. The council members present were Tom Bernheimer, Dennis Landwehr, Cassi Schabell, Mary Ann Thaman, Brian Waite and Dave Wolfer.
AGENDA – There were no changes to the agenda; Mr. Landwehr made the motion to adopt the agenda, and Ms. Thaman seconded the motion. Voice vote was taken. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays; motion carried.
MEETING MINUTES – No corrections, additions or deletions were requested for December 9, 2024, minutes. Ms. Thaman made the motion to adopt the minutes. Mr. Bernheimer seconded the motion. Voice vote was taken. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays; motion carried.
CITIZENS ADDRESSING COUNCIL: Harry Hellings, 21 Arcadia, inquired about leaf pick up. He was advised that street sweeping occurs, but there has been no leaf pickup for years due to scheduling and contract issues. Street sweeping occurs to keep sewer catch basins clear of debris, not to pick up leaves. Mr. Hellings inquired if sidewalks had been paid for by the city in the past. He was told that sidewalks were replaced when street reconstruction damaged the sidewalks. When he asked if he had been misinformed, the answer was affirmative.
Ms. Schabell attempted to clarify her discussion about sidewalks and rolled curbs on North Ashbrook that were the reason for those sidewalk replacements, added that it was not fair to the people on Arcadia and that the ordinance was not being applied equally.
Craig Carlson, 2649 Shaker Rd, asked who determines committee assignment and questioned why the top vote-getter received only one committee assignment. The mayor replied that committee assignments are the prerogative of the mayor. Mr. Carlson complimented Ms. Schabell and criticized the other council members for not campaigning. Mr. Carlson referred to an incident concerning trespassers at his residence and was informed that the Police Chief was present at the meeting as well as three members of the Police Authority Board.
The mayor explained the reason for committee assignments as opposed to one large committee, referencing Kentucky Open Meetings laws.
Mr. Carlson commented that the mayor didn’t really win the last election because no one ran against him and asked if the city had any debt. The mayor replied that the city has no debt. He also asked about KLC training for council members and was informed that council members were invited to attend free training held locally for new council members.
Adam Perkins, 84 Arcadia Avenue, stated that he felt the city was in good hands, but seconded Mr. Carlson’s comments. He questioned committee assignments and requested the mayor to reconsider the assignments because it appeared to look like a good old boy network.
Jeff Schabell, 41 Arcadia Avenue, asked who paid for the sidewalks on North Ashbrook Drive and was informed that the city paid for them as part of a total street reconstruction. Mr. Schabell read section 41.100 and stated that there was no language concerning ease of construction. He stated that the city paid to replace the sidewalks on North Ashbrook, but not Arcadia and this created an equality issue. He then read section 41.004 of the city code, claiming mismanagement of city funds and calling for an investigation. The mayor advised that there was no mismanagement of funds.
Ms. Schabell requested a special council meeting to discuss sidewalks and made a motion for this purpose. Ms. Thamann seconded the motion. After no discussion, the motion was approved with a voice vote. 6 Ayes were heard, 0 Nays; motion carried.
After further discussion, Ms. Schabell moved to amend her motion to remove the audience comment portion of her proposed agenda. This amendment was adopted by voice vote. 6 Ayes were heard, 0 Nays; motion carried.
Mr. Waite asked Mr. Schabell for clarification of his comments about the city’s mismanagement of funds by the fact that sidewalks were included, he inquired about the position of the spending city money on Arcadia, how does he reconcile those two things? It seems a little backward. Mr. Schabell is not asking to pay for Arcadia sidewalks, he is asking the council to look at the ordinance where the council clearly does not understand it and pays for funds that they shouldn’t have. He would like everyone on North Ashbrook to pay for his sidewalk. Mr. Waite said from what he heard that there is a missing link here in the fact that North Ashbrook sidewalks abutted the road base. Mr. Schabell started to argue the point and Mr. Waite advised we need to leave it up to the attorneys. Mr. Schabell said the ordinance doesn’t mention means and methods.
MAYORS REPORT: The mayor advised there was a snow emergency last Sunday and Monday, and he thanked everyone for removing their vehicles from the road. The new snowplow drivers did have some issues from the vehicles left on the roadways. He thanked Mr. Greer for working extra time during this event as well as Ms. Bruck for helping to post the snow emergency notice.
Our engineering firm CT Consultants is now known as Verdantas.
The mayor thanked the city staff for all their work during this busy holiday season and for all the time spent on consuming matters that had arisen. The mayor advised that we are a fully open and transparent administration. We have done whatever we can to make the city business is accessible to the public. We are always open to telephone calls and listening to concerns.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: Mr. Voss advised there were no major issues for the month of December.
The mayor advised that he prepared and signed an Executive Order re-appointing Mr. Bernheimer to the TBNK board from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. Mr. Bernheimer has been on this committee and TBNK requested he remain on this board.
The mayor has also prepared and will issue an Executive Order that Mr. Brian Waite remain the primary representative for the Kenton County Planning and Development Services Committee, and Mr. Dennis Landwehr as the alternate to this committee.
Ms. Schabell inquired about the nomination process for the appointments? The mayor advised the committees are of this city council and typically a council person has always served, but that he is not certain if someone else could serve. Ms. Schabell requested that the next time the positions open if it could be advertised to the community. Mr. Voss advised it does have to be someone on council.
CITY CLERK/TREASURER’S REPORT:
Mrs. Bruck advised 13 property tax bills remaining to be collected, and the amount of property taxes still due is a little over $11,000. Delinquent notices were sent out January 7th. She indicated that they are now receiving the fourth quarter insurance premiums for 2024, and to date they have collected approximately $363, 000. She advised the Ethics Board members to be in tomorrow to review Financial Interest Statements. She planned to work on the annual Kentucky Retention schedule, but indicated there may be a delay. She indicated that the 2023-2024 Audit results are still pending but hope to have that presented at the next meeting.
FIRE/EMS:
Chief Jansing advised 138 calls to the Fire Department, but only 20 of those calls were in Lakeside Park. All 20 calls were general EMS calls. There were two minor fire runs in Lakeside Park. Mr. Wolfer asked if there were a lot of accidents caused by the snow, and the Chief responded the usual.
Mr. Waite also asked about the fire hydrants. Chief Jansing advised it is helpful to keep the fire hydrants clear.
PUBLIC WORKS:
Tom Bernheimer the project status reports have been review and the sidewalk project is on track; 2024 spot repair completed; Dixie Highway with Crestview Hills project is still in planning stage; Bellemonte resurfacing and curb replacement is on hold pending of a determination of grant funding; crosswalk improvements project is on hold; no updates on the bench project; 2025 Street Program will involve Shaker, Marlo Way, and Penwood, and will go out for bids soon. Mr. Bernheimer also noted that it is important to have your cars off the road because the snow plows to clean the roadways. He advised the radar sign was on Applewood and now has been moved to Farmington to make people aware of their speed. On New Years Eve, someone ran into the bench at Dixie and E. Lakeside, breaking a leg. It is being repaired. Finally, he noted the street sweeping project was completed.
Mr. Wolfer inquired if we still use JPS concrete for the road work. It was advised that JPS Construction is no longer in business and that projects must be sent out for bids, and they look for the best company and not necessarily the lowest bid. Mr. Wolfer also inquired about what CT Consultants do in this process, and he was advised they prepare the specs for the bids, and guide the bid process.
POLICE AUTHORITY:
Mayor Markgraf advised this is the year Lakeside Park has three members instead of two serving on the Police Authority Board. Mr. Waite will continue, along with himself and as Mr. Landwehr previously served on this board, he will return as the third member. The Police Authority meeting minutes were in the council members’ packets for review. 29.6% of calls made in December were for Lakeside Park. They filled the open position with Officer Ethan Boyers. The department received Grants for ballistic vests and new vehicle locking systems for patrol rifles. Sgt. Jackson completed Criminal Justice Executive Development training. Next meeting moved because of the holiday to January 27th at 5pm.
PDS:
Mr. Waite said PDS did not meet last month, so no report is available. Mr. Wolfer asked why the PDS report notes old cases and Mr. Waite advised because it may be from an ongoing process of appeals and get extended. Mr. Waite advised this would be something to discuss at the council’s next caucus meeting.
FINANCE:
Mr. Wolfer stated he came in last week with Brian Waite. The summary for the month showed total revenue of $641,000 with 80 % being from real estate taxes and waste fees. We had normal monthly expenses totaling $78,000, leaving a net income of $570,000 for the month. They reviewed the profit and loss details statement and found everything to be properly recorded. All bank reconciliations were to the penny. He restated that we have 13 outstanding property taxes still due. The balance sheet shows we are just shy of $4.9 million in checking and savings. Last, we reviewed the credit card charges and everything looks to be city related purchases.
The mayor made note that the budget works on a Fiscal Year calendar and what we received thus far will be used from now until the next fiscal year starting in July.
Ms. Schabell inquired about the city’s policy on overtime. The mayor advised overtime must be authorized, but most of the time the employees take comp time. Ms. Schabell inquired what is comp time. The mayor advised that comp time is personal time for the employee to use.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT LEAGUE OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY (MGLNK): Mr. Landwehr said there was no report.
RECREATION:
Ms. Thaman advised last month we hosted Senior Bingo here at Lakeside Park, and she thanked the sponsors of that event, Audrey Staley with Senior Living Locater, and Shelley Welch with Home Instead. The next Bingo will be March 11th at Fort Mitchell. The Holly Jolly days were well attended this year. We have tickets to the Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expedition available. Next event will be Snow Tubing at Perfect North Slopes on February 2nd that is currently full, but we are working on getting more spots. We considered having a play at Carnegie in Covington on February 15th at 2pm or 7:30pm but look on the website for more details. The recreation committee will look at having a meeting to establish events for the year so we can get it on the website and in the newsletter. If anyone has ideas, please let us know.
Ms. Schabell advised she had just found out that she was added to this committee, and she inquired about bylaws or guidelines for this committee. The mayor advised there is no agenda, but that is the reason for the committee needs to meet. There was additional discussion about recreation program, but further discussion would be held at a later time.
PUBLIC RELATIONS:
The mayor advised that the newsletter was mailed out this time. If residents want it sent electronically, to contact the office. He stated that we are working on being able to text communications with residents.
Ms. Schabell advised she would be willing to join the Public Relations committee with Mary Ann Thaman.
OLD BUSINESS – No old business reported.
NEW BUSINESS – Ms. Schabell held signs up and asked the council if anyone would be willing to vacate a committee seat or allow her to work with them on another committee. Discussions on this subject between the mayor and other council members were held and Ms. Schabell left it that she is available if anyone needs her help.
The mayor advised the committee assignments were something he made the decisions on based on people’s experiences on the committees and their experience with the different facets of the city work. He stated they are open to change, but since she is at the beginning of her term the decision was made by him to start her on the recreation committee to see how things go with her starting there.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL: No additional comments from council.
ADJOURNMENT: At 8:38 PM Mr. Waite made the motion to adjourn the meeting, and Mr. Bernheimer seconded the motion. Voice vote taken – 6 Ayes, 0 Nays; motion carried.