HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-29-2002October 21, 2002 1
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
OCTOBER 29, 2002
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in special session in the
Mayor's Conference Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana at 7:30 P.M. on
October 29, 2002.
Council President Denny Frantz called the meeting to order at 7:45 with Deputy Clerk
Barbara Hollis at the desk
The roll was called and those present were; Councilpersons Les Merkley, Ron Ellis,
Denny Frantz, Rob Waiz, Barbara Wilson, and Vicki Conlin.
Absent: Councilperson Ron Grooms.
Council President Frantz presented a claim that was discussed at the hast Council meeting
payable to Jeffersonville Housing. Following explanation, Councilperson Waiz made the motion
to approve the claim as presented, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing on a vote of 5-0.
Council President Frantz did not vote.
Councilperson Merkley made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2002-OR-33, An
Ordinance Re-Districting Council Districts, seconded by Councilperson Waiz. Mr. Gary Leavell
of the local chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., stated his concern for Precinct 15 becoming a part of
District 2, as there are no common interests with the other precincts in the District. There is need
for homogeneous interest in a District. Mr. Leavell has met with Ms. Ellis and Mr. Tutt and they
offer an alternative. Mr. Leavell stressed the need to encourage the Commissioners to reestablish
precincts. Although Mr. Leavell's alternative results in a 22% minority representation, he does
feel common interests prevail. Cotmcilperson Conlin made the motion to amend Ordinance No.
2002-OR-33 as presented by Mr. Leavell, second by Councilperson Ellis. Councilperson
Merkley reviewed the statute regarding continuity. Councilperson Waiz noted that at the hast
Council meeting Mr. Leavell's concern was not to dilute minority representation and he now
presents a proposal that does dilute minority representation. Mr. Leavell feels the intent of the
law needs to be considered stating commonality needs to be considered. Cotmcilperson Waiz
stated the districts should be remain as close as possible to the same without diluting minority
representation and was told, when he called Indianapolis, commonality should not be considered.
October 21, 2002
2
Mr. Leavell again stated bis concern for commonality. Councilpers0n Merkley said
commonality is not a requirement. Mr. Leavell again noted the need to redraw precincts. He is
willing to back offthe 24% minority to encourage commonality. Council President Frantz feels
commonality is achieved by the original proposal. Council President Frantz noted Mr. Leavell's
proposal has District 1 and District 2 boxed in. The following roll call vote was recorded for the
amendment:
Ayes: Councilpersons Wilson, Ellis, and Conlin.
Nays: Councilpersons Merkley and Waiz.
The motion failed due to a lack of a majority.
The motion to pass Ordinance No. 2002-OR-33 on the 2nd and 3rd readings failed on a
vote of 3-2. Councilpersons Wilson, Conlin, and Ellis voted against passage. Council President
Frantz did not vote.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned
at 8:20 P.M.
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ATTEST:
PEGO~ ~Lq~R, ~IT~,RK AND TREASURE