The Voice - March 2020
/State of the City 2020
Submitted by City Manager Tom Fromme
As we enter 2020 it’s time to reflect and report on the activities and condition of the city during 2019. This new year has added importance since it is the city’s 225th birthday. While preparing to write this report, I looked through a few of the past annual reports and it became apparent that we are in the midst of one, if not the most productive period of our 225-year history.
From 2006 through 2018, Newport has enjoyed one success after another, even through one of the worst recessions in American history. Throughout the housing recession, property values held steady, and by 2019 the city’s overall property tax revenue increased by 58% compared to pre-recession values. 2019 was another very good year for the city, especially when you consider our rising pension costs.
In 2019 we celebrated many ground breakings and ribbon cuttings throughout the city. Corporex broke ground on the first phase of the Ovation project. This phase includes an indoor/outdoor music venue, a potential office building and parking garage. The Route 9 project is nearing completion of its final phase, opening up a new growth corridor for the city. The Academy on 4th residential development is nearly complete and currently leasing.
The former K-Mart site was redeveloped and is currently home to the ALDI grocery store, and Burlington and Ross Department stores. The former Baptist home site is also undergoing redevelopment as a 45-unit condominium complex, repurposing the old building. Newport on the Levee, under new ownership, has also commenced a $100 million renovation. When complete, the Levee will experience a new vision and fresh new look.
On the fiscal front, the city has continued working on securing and stabilizing our finances. For the calendar year 2019 the city ended with a general fund cash balance of $4,754,873, up $1,300,000 from 2018. We have established critical reserve funds for the general fund, compensated absences and legacy pension obligations. Our 2018-2019 budget reflected success with revenues surpassing budgeted projections. Over the last five years, the city’s net payroll revenues have increased nearly $1,200,000. In 2019 we gained a net 70 new companies doing business in the city, with 194 net new employees.
Business growth continues in the city, which is critical since we rely on payroll as our primary source of revenue, accounting for approximately 35% of all revenue. Our largest or fastest growing businesses are PL Marketing, Kroger, Defender Direct, Divisions, Inc., Impact Sales, St. Elizabeth, DJ Joseph Co., National Band and Tag Co. Inc., I-Wireless, CompMed, and Nexigen.
While many great things are happening in the city, we also are confronted with serious challenges in this new year. Increased costs related to personnel, specifically, crippling increases of over $1.6 million in pension costs dictated by the state pension system are expected over the next few years.
Due to these increases and other rising costs, we are continually examining ways to maintain an adequate level of service in the future within the constraints of our revenue. Perhaps the most difficult challenge for Newport and surrounding cities is addressing the delivery of public services to our residents. We continue to operate with a very small but efficient staff and make every effort to provide a high quality of service in a cost-effective manner (having reduced city staffing by nearly 30 employees in recent years). Currently we have approximately 114 full-time employees, with more than 80 in public safety.
The city has continued to invest in its aging infrastructure and equipment, however aging infrastructure and rising costs continue to be a challenge. During the next few years, we anticipate spending several million dollars on infrastructure-related projects and equipment acquisition, including upgrades to the 800 MHz radio system used for public safety. The 2019-2020 budget and work priorities include a focus on capital improvements, including expending the funds from bond issues for several critical projects.
Much was accomplished in 2019, and 2020 continues to look very promising. Construction on Ovation and changes at Newport on the Levee will continue throughout the year and beyond.
Construction on Carothers Road and design work on South Monmouth street (US 27) will commence and continue this year, including a partnership with surrounding cities on smart corridor initiatives. A mixed-use hotel and office development at the Peace Bell site is also expected to begin during the year. We will continue with our city-wide street and sidewalk repaving program and streetscape improvements on Monmouth Street. We are commencing our 5-year Comprehensive Plan review as required by statute.
Our goals for 2020 continue to include further redevelopment of residential and commercial properties; working on quality of life issues such as parks and recreation; and maintaining a safe, walkable community. From a fiscal perspective, we continue working on growing revenues and keeping our expenses reasonable.
The goals for 2020 are listed in their entirety in the Annual Report and metrics can be found on our online transparency portal at https://newportky.opengov.com.
Great things are happening in Newport!
For the complete State of the City, 2020, visit:
http://www.newportky.gov/City-Government/2019%20Annual%20Report_FINAL.pdf
As always, if you have any questions, email bholiday@newportky.gov or call my office at 859-292-3687. Thanks for your efforts to continue to make Newport a great place to live, work, shop and play.
NKY Restoration Weekend: March 21
Submitted by Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer & Newport History Museum Executive Director
Do you own a historic home? NKY Restoration Weekend provides a day of FREE practical advice, demonstrations, workshops, and services for the historic homeowner, property owner or building professional. Mark your calendars now for:
Saturday, March 21, 9am - 3:30pm
Newport Intermediate School, 95 W. 9th St.
Free parking in school lot off of W. 9th St.
RSVPs are helpful for planning coffee, sweet treats and lunch. To register online visit NKY Restoration Weekend 2020.
NBA Annual Meeting & Awards
Pat Budd, who for decades helped shape Newport and the East Row, received a well-deserved, posthumous Volunteer of the Year award at February’s Newport Business Association (NBA) Annual Meeting. Pat’s award was one of many that honored noteworthy individuals, businesses and organizations at this annual event. Congratulations to everyone recognized!
Community Leadership Awards
NBA 2019 Community Leadership Award to Police Captain Paul Kunkel for his continued support and compassion for Newport Night Out.
NBA 2019 Community Leadership Award to Pompilio’s Restaurant.
NBA 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award posthumously to Pat Budd.
NBA 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award to Newport resident and Community Organizer Josh Tunning.
NBA 2019 Business of the Year Award to Perfetti Van Melle, USA, Inc. for the KaBoom! Community Build project at the Bernadette Watkins Park.
Two additional businesses who made financial contributions to the KaBOOM! Community Build project are Neighborhood Foundations and Brighton Center.
NBA 2019 Business of the Year Award to St. Elizabeth Healthcare for its financial support of Northern Kentucky’s First Outdoor Gym at the Buena Vista Park.
NBA 2019 New Business Award to The Baker’s Table.
NBA 2019 New Business Award to Incubator Kitchen Collective.
NBA 2019 “Marvin” Award for long-standing unwavering commitment to the City was presented to two businesses who each have been part of the Newport Business community for over 100 years: Ebert’s Meat Market (123 years) and Kentucky Furniture (100 years).
NBA 2020-21 Officers
President, Mark Ramler, Mansion Hill Properties.
Vice President, Bev Holiday, City of Newport.
Secretary, Tammy Weidinger, Brighton Center.
Treasurer, Michael Bach, Michael P. Bach, P.S.C.
NBA 2020-2021 Board Members
Matt Atkins, Primary Principal at Newport Independent School District.
Chris Bednar, Nexigen & Newport Parks Renaissance, Chair.
David Dalton, The Think Shop.
Charlie Fry, Master Fry Defense Systems.
Joe Klare, The Catalytic Fund.
John Marlow, Mokka and the Sunset Bar & Grill.
Jack Moreland, Southbank Partners.
Rachel Roberts, The Yoga Bar.
Mike Smith, Headquarters Event Center.
NBA New Board Members
Brandon Quillen, Newport on the Levee.
Amber Sipple, Impact Cowork.
Nick Eberhard, Heritage Bank.
NBA Economic Development Panel Discussion is March 25
Join the Economic Development discussion! The Newport Business Association (NBA) will host a panel discussion on Economic Development at its meeting on Wednesday, March 25, from 8-9 am at Headquarters Event Center, 935 Monmouth St. Complimentary coffee from Trailhead will be available from 7:45-8 am. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Booze and Bootlegging Author Event is March 12
As the inspiration for “The Great Gatsby,” George Remus led a notorious lifestyle. Learn all about this criminal mastermind from the author who has chronicled the murder, mayhem and illicit activities that surrounded him.
“The Bourbon King: The Life and Crimes of George Remus”
The Newport Syndicate, 18 East 5th St.
7-9 pm Thursday, March 12
Author Bob Batchelor, a critically-acclaimed, bestselling cultural historian and biographer, tells the incredible story of Cincinnatian George Remus, his rise to infamy in the Prohibition Era and his ultimate downfall. “The Bourbon King: The Life and Crimes of George Remus, Prohibition’s Evil Genius” is a true-life story of love, murder, an extravagant lifestyle, and how Remus grew an illegal bourbon empire that stretched nationwide. He murdered his wife Imogene in cold blood in Eden Park, and the resulting trial was a national media sensation.
Batchelor currently teaches in the Media, Journalism & Film Department at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He will sign copies of his book after his talk. Refreshments will be provided along with a cash bar.
Note: The Newport History Museum will have a limited amount of architectural pieces from the former 1936 Fourth Street School available for purchase at the book signing event.
This adults-only event is made possible through a partnership among the Campbell County Historical & Genealogical Society, the Newport History Museum, the Campbell County Public Library, The Newport Syndicate, and American Legacy Tours (the Gangster Tour).
The event is free but registration is required. Register at www.cc-pl.org or www.cchgsky.org.
Maker Week is Coming! Newport Branch, Campbell County Public Library Programs
Our Newport library, 901 E. 6th St., 859-572-5035, is packed with programs this month, from the Booze and Bootlegging author event at the Newport Syndicate, to Library Night at Falcon Theatre, to library-based programs for adults, teens and babies with arts and crafts, book discussions, free tax prep, fairy and gnome home projects, the Friends book sale, a magic show, storytelling, and – well, you get the picture.
In particular, Maker Week offers a great opportunity to let your creativity shine. For one week in March, the Newport Branch will have a makerspace. Monday through Friday, March 9-13, you will have access to equipment from sewing machines, leather-making tools and more to make your creative dreams come true. Hours for Maker Week are 9 am - 6 pm. Questions? Contact Valerie, 859-572-5035, ext. 12 or vdavis@cc-pl.org. Ages 13 and up can participate and there is no need to register.
For more details about March programs, events and activities at the Newport library branch, visit the Campbell County Public Library’s website.
Be a Census Taker and Help Create a Positive Economic Impact for Newport
Census jobs are available now! This is your opportunity to help create a positive economic impact for Newport. Please note that the census counts all US citizens and when we miss one person, a census taker must travel to that address to re-canvas. For every person missed, the city and county loses approximately $2,000 per year for the next 10 years for federally funded projects such as infrastructure (highways, bridges, sidewalks) and homeland security (police and fire/EMS equipment/services, educational, health and wellness).
That is why Every Person Counts! The once-a-decade census counts everyone living in the US, not just citizens. To clarify, there are other Census Bureau surveys that ask about citizenship. The 2020 Census is to count people regardless of citizenship.
2020 census jobs provide:
Great Pay - $17 per hour (Rate for Campbell County census takers)
Flexible hours
Work in your own city
Weekly pay
Additional information:
Volunteer applications are only accepted online.
Individuals receiving monthly food stamps are eligible to apply. They will continue to receive their monthly Food Stamp allocation.
The Newport Branch of the Campbell County Library at 901 E. 6th Street will have computers available for online application access. A BIG Thank You to Campbell County for providing this FREE service to apply online!
2020 census mailers will be distributed mid-March.
For an online application, visit https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html / 1-855-JOB-2020
Beyond the Curb Urban Living Tour Returns to Newport
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 19, when some of Newport’s most luxurious and eclectic properties open their doors for Beyond the Curb. The tour includes Skypoint Luxury Condos, the in-progress Tailor Lofts on Monmouth and numerous other homes that take advantage of the views and access unique to our city. Newport’s West Side is featured, with its business investments, including New Riff’s rick house, and more.
“We are so excited to be back in Newport for our spring tour,” says Jill Morenz, Director of Community Initiatives and Communications, Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky. “We can’t wait to show off all the gorgeous properties and new projects.” Beyond the Curb, which runs 10 am - 4 pm, typically attracts 600+ enthusiastic attendees who love exploring neighborhoods, touring houses and learning the history of our river cities.
Get $15 early bird tickets and find more details on the Beyond the Curb Newport web page.
Street Cleaning/Sweeping is Back as of March 1
Let’s have a word about street cleaning! As you know, our Public Works crews operate the city´s street sweeper, which routinely covers the entire street grid of the city on a monthly basis from March through November. The street sweeper makes a huge difference in keeping our neighborhood clean and tidy. Please abide by the posted No Parking signs and remember that street cleaning in the East Row is the second Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
First, be aware that our crews frequently work in rainy weather since sweeping when the road is wet can be more effective.
Second, there are times that the street sweeper needs to return to make a second pass. Having the path cleared for the street sweeper is the best way for you to help us keep the streets clean.
Cars can be ticketed during the posted days and times for street sweeping even if you think the sweeper may have passed or isn't coming that day.
Please do not blow grass clippings, debris, and litter into the street because this can clog the storm sewer basins and cause localized flooding.
Our Very Own “Henge” Right Here in the East Row
Climb onto an East Row rooftop deck for some of the best views in town. Rich and Mary Sheer call this one St. Mark’s Henge. It’s a spectacular phenomenon that appears for just a couple days every February, aligning the sun perfectly between the gap of the steeple and their third-floor deck.
Photo credit: Rich Sheer.
The Voice
Editor: Paula Brandon
Send articles to voice@eastrow.org. The editor reserves the right to edit or reject submissions due to length or content.
