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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-1992 The Common Council of the regular session in Council Chambers Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 9:30 P.M. stand as asked all flag. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA APRIL 6~ 1992 City of Jeffersonville met in in! the City-County Building~ on t~e 6th day of April, 1992. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker Jr.~ with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr.~ at the desk. Mayor Parker welcomed all in attendance~ asking all those present to Councilperson Steven Stemler gave the invocation. He then those present to join him in the'pledge of allegiance to the The roll was called and those present were Councilpersons Bill Wolpert, Andrew Williams III~ Donna M. Fcantz, Peggy Knight Wilder, L. Marie Clapp~ Robert L. Potter, ~nd Steven R. Stemler. Absent: None. Mayor Parker presented the minutes of the meeting of March 16~ 1992 for consideration by the Council. Council President Williams made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wolpert, and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Wilder inquired why the Animal Shelter had presented a car phone claim. Animal Shelter Manager Wheatley explained this is the only link the employees have with the Polices and it does save fuel!and the vehicles as well. Councilperson Clapp made the motion to approve the claims as presented~ seconded by Council President Williams and carried unanimously. Mayor Parker introduced Mr. Carroll Gowens, Director of the Department of Redevlopment. Mr. Gowens explained he has reviewed grant applications and plans for the development of the Riverfront. He suggests a special meeting be held with the Park Board to review these. The plan he has in mind is similar to the Hughes project on the land side with no buildings. The Park Board will meet Monday, April 13~ 1992 at ?:0© o'clock P.M. at ~he Park Departmmnt and the Council will meet with them. Mayor Parker explained he has received PAGE 8 APRIL 6, 1998 an over abundance of names to serve onI the Riverfront Committee. Councilperson Potter will chair this committee and Mayor Parker appoints Mr. Gene Hensley, Mr. Welby Edwards, Mr. Mike Wise, and Mr. Ted Throckmorton. Councilperson Frantz expressed a desire to be involved. Mayor Parker encourages the Council and the public to attend the meetings. Councilperson Wilder desires Mr. Chuck Whittaker of the Sunnyside Boat Club to be on the committee as she feels the boaters should be represented. Councilperson Potter indicated Mr. Throckmorton has been a dock renter for 25 years. Mayor Parker said again that he had numerous names and he does not should be any larger. Mayor Parker then feel the committee introduced Mr. Gene Bennett of the Parks Board. Mr. Bennett announced an extensiye Riverfront clean up will begin in the morning. There is a need to ~repair and replace a lot of the boat slips, so they may be rented as soon as possible. The cost for the upkeep of the Riverfront is $40,0©0 to $50,000 a year and this needs to be addressed. These issues will be taken up at the April 13, 1992 meeting. Councilperson Stemler encourages the Council to keep in their concerns. involved in the Following all to serve as a non-voting it is his desire to be the residency of the local businessmen. This have the final vote. no more than three touch with Councilperson Potter and the committee with Councilperson Wilder again asked that Mr. Whittaker be committee as the Boat Club has agreed to help. discussion~ Mayor Parker asked Mr. Whittaker volunteer. Mr. Whittaker replied yes~ as involved. The question was raised as to Committee. Mayor Parker replied these are committee is for input only as the Council does The meetings will be open to all, however Councilpersons may attend to avoid violating the open door policy. Following further discussion on this Councilperson Frantz stated she did not feel the Council was concerned loc power, only a desire to be involved. Councilperson Clapp expressed a desire to attend the first meeting and trust the judgement of ~he committee after that. Councilperson Stemler feels confident in ~ouncilperson Potter and the committee, and if he were to be the fourt~ Councilperson to attend a meeting he would leave. The April 13~. 1992 will be an official PAGE 3 APRIL 6~ 1992 meeting. The question was raised where to rent the Boat docks. The Parks Board will have this authority. Mr. Shotwell has received some 1992 boat dock rents and these were inclluded in the Hughes January payment to the City. Firefighter Dennis Frantz suggested that if Mayor Parker had a lot of people to choose from for the Committee that he appoint City residents. but they do need time. then made Requiring uncertain~ Councilperson Frantz reported she has been in contact with Liter's Quarry as late as today~ and they are working on the problems The residents are happy. Councilperson Frantz the motion to table Ordinance No. 92-0R-17~ An Ordinance Barricades Around Quarries A~d Other Open Pits~ time seconded by Councilperson Wilder and carried unanimously. Councilperson Clapp thanked Mr. George Trembly for his work on recycling. She also reminds everyone of Earth Days April ~5~ asking for partisiaption and the wearing of green ribbons. Councilperson Clapp then introduced Resolution No. 92-R-12 A Resolutionn Establishing An Environmental Charter For The City Of Councilperson Clapp then made the motion to pass 92-R-12~ seconded by Councilperson Potter and carried Jeffersonville. Resolution No. unanimously. Councilperson Stemler introduced Ordinance No. 92-OR-2B, An Ordinance Changing Requirements For Electrical Licenses And Heating And Air Conditioning Licenses. He then explained the current pass rate for the test is 80%, and he personally feels it is too stringent. Mayor Parker urges continuity for the me~ropolitian area. Following all discussion~ Councilperson Stemler mad~ the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 98-0R-~3~ seconded by Councilperson Potter and carried unanimously. Councilperson Stemler then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 92-0R-23 on all ~hree readings, seconded by Councilperson Potter~ and passed unanimously. Councilperson Wilder introduced .Ordinance No. 92-OR-PA, An Ordinance Requiring Builders And Developers To Provide Funding For Drainage Improvements In Subdivisions And ~evelopments. Councilperson - Wilder explained her reasons for wanting this as it is in the best interest of the City to stop problems before they begin. She has PAGE 4 APRIL 6, 1992 discussed options with investiage a different researching the Ordinance this. Councilperson Wilder then made No. 92-0R-24 indefinitely~ carried unanimously. City Engineer Gavin and would like to Ordinance. Counbilperson Potter euggests in effect in Indianapolis that is similar to the motion to table Ordinance seconded by Councilperson Clapp, and Councilperson Williams is in re~ceipt of Salary Ordinance Amendments which will be presented at the next Council meeting. These have been done individually as requested previously. Council President Williams feels there is a need for clarification as to the Council's responsibility and introducted Agent of Record Mr. Edward (Pepper) Cooper. Mr. Cooper began by explaining that when the self-insurance program was started the intent was to mirror the HMO benefits so that employees would change from the HMO Plan. This is why the well-care and prescription programs were started by the City and administered by the City. Self-funding is a three year program and it is working. The same benefits are being provided that were provided 12 years ago at the cost of 3 years ago. He is willing to work with the City in any way to make this.work. Councilperson Frantz feels this Council feels obligated to promises made by the previous Council. She feels the funds in the self-insurance fund should be built up to benefit the employees with lower rates and she does not want to take money out of the fund for what she feels is Mr. Cooper's job. Mr. Cooper explained this is mot true as he cannot legally handle City funds to administer the well-care and prescription programs. Permission was granted by the State Board of Accounts to do this in this way. Councilperson Wilder raised the question regarding the informational meetings. Mr. Cooper or one of his associates were at every meeting. Ms. Nevitt was made available at these meetings to make the insurance more assessable to th9 employees. At this point Councilperson Wilder read aloud a lettgr from the Jeffersonville Firefighters Association. The statements ~and questions in the letter were answered and reviewed. Comments were made by the Firefighters and Clerk and Treasurer Spencer regarding the comments made by the Office no longer handling the hospitaliztion claims due to the amount of overtime is was requiring. There would be no change in the PAGE 5 APRIL 6, 1992 well-care and prescription programs at this time. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer apologizes for any misunderstanding that came from this situation. Councilperson Frantz has been oppossed to this since December and is oppossed to anything other than across the board raises. When asked, Mr. Cooper explained the City of Muncie has a Clarksville has at Cooper is ,willing to help in any way, employee in the Clerk and Treasurer's full-time employee to handle the insurance and least a half-time employee. Mr. however he does not feel an office should be paid by him and be his employee. be receiving a notice on their next paycheck with help with their insurance claims. The volunteered on an interim basis to handle well care program. It would cost 12.7% moce this portion. Mr. Cooper answered a question by stating he feels if The employees will numbers to call for Clerk Treasurer in May the prescription card and to have Humana administer the Clerk and Treasurer's Office did not iadminister the prescription and well-care programs, there would be a shift in employees to the HMO that would put the self-insurance plan in jeopardy. Councilperson Stemler recommends a review of the who~e plan along with a job description. The question was raised as tq the obligation of the City to have an Agent of Record. to have an Agent of Record. the City is being explained this is and Humana~ Mayor Parker asked Firefighter Union he and the Firefighters have been pleased with the latest incident. Mr. Lovan explained for ~the most pleased. Mayor Parker feels this is a very good program given the three years. Councilperson Frantz would like fund up and does not want to take out ,an additional duties of an never still be explained obligation Mr. Cooper explained the City is allowed Councilperson Stemler also questions what charged to have an Agent of Record. Mr. Cooper negotiated according to his performance by the Mayor President Lovan if plan up until the part all have been and should be to build the $5~000. The Agent of Record were reviewe~. The Agent of Record has been bid for. Most times the Agent,of Record can get a better The questions was raised if the position was funded would there an obligation to pay overtime. Attorney Gillenwater this would be two different jobs and there would be no for overtime. Councilperson Wilder commented that she PAGE 6 APRIL 6~ 1998 feels Suzy Nevitt is doing an excellent job, her concern is that some of the duties she has performed should have been the responsibility of Mr. Cooper. Others stated that Mss Nevitt is doing an excellent job. The claim for overtime is being held at this time. If this is paid~ it could come from the Non-Reverting Health Insurance Fund according to the State Board of Accounts. Councilp~rson Frantz questioned what will happen if this is not resolved? Thi~ is a it will cost. This request is for $5~OOO and prescription card it will cost at least $50~000. Spencer again noted this is not Councilperson Wolper commented he was and Suzy was working at that time. stated they would like to see this question of how much if Humana does the Clerk and Treasurer a ~aise it is a position. in the building Saturday morning Following all discussion: all resolved and Council President Council wishes to continue with this sublease. The restaurant would like to open at the end of May and this would provide 60 jobs. They are willing to pay $257000 a year plus a percent of gross if the total infrastructure is provided. however some type of sewer to pay $10~000 if just the sewers are provided. Council are not aware of a signed lease. They up to date, regarding the City's obligation. stated the sublease has never been presented to He notes this cannot be completed by May~ is needed by that time. They are willing Mayor Parker and the are not familiar, and Attorney Gillenwater this Council, or the previous Council. Attorney Gillenwater would like the opportunity to wait a week and speak with Mr. Shotwell. i Councilperson Frantz would like to know if this Council does not agree to the present sublease, could they renegotiate? Attorney Gillenw~ter feels this is what the invitation is. Other questions regarding the lease and sublease were Williams will ask to have this on the agenda for the next meeting. Mayor Parker explained the use ~f an Agent of Record is to receive the most cost effective plan for the employees and the taxpayers. It is obvious this has been cost effective and it is working. Mayor Parker then introduced Mr. Dan Shotwell~ Representative of the Hughes Group~ who addressed the Council regarding the sublease the Hughes Group has with the Star of Louisville for a floating restaurant. They would like to know if the PAGE ? APRIL 6, 1992 discussed. When asked, Utility Director Steve Tolliver stated the time problem with installing the sewer would be the permit required to penetrate the floodwall. A contractor wou~d estimated cost would be between $14~00© and could be complete in about 45 days. It was have to be hired and the $16,000. This probably agreed to keep the door open and the negotiations positive. Attorney Gillenwater and Mr. Shotwell will meet. Mayor Parker agreed tq go ahead with the required permit and suggests a presentation for thelnext meeting. Mr. Shotwell suggests the Council tour the boat. The restaurant will require 400 feet of riverfront. Mayor Parker has had the opportunity to view the refurbished fire truck and it appears new. Chief Dooley said there are a few minor problems~ however the truck should be on line within the week. He extends an invitation to the Council to.see the truck. Councilperson Wilder will be scheduling a redistricting meeting. Councilperson Councilperson Stemler commends the efforts of Liter's Stemler urges the Scheduling of the quarterly Assistant be included in these April 147 and 157 1992 at 6:30 Councilperson Stemler wishes the Over Louisville the audience like for arranging for the Council President Williams wil~ be presenting a transfer request for the Animal Shelter for the ~nstallation of a new phone system. Animal Shelter Manager Wheatley explai.ned the current telephone problems. Mayor Parker request for a meeting questioned Councilperson Frantz regarding her with A.T.~T. ~oni the Police phone system. Assistant Chief Elder explained the problems the Police Department is having. He estimates losing about 6 calls a day to the Police number, not 911. This would not be a luxury~ bu~ a necessity. A repairman Quarry. meeting with Parker requests his Administrative meetings. These meeting will start P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room. Police Department the best of luck for the Thunder celebration. Councilperson Potter hopes the Council and the microphones. He thanks Mr. Steve Kempf electrician to install these. the Department Heads regarding the appropriations. Mayor PAGE 8 APRIL 6~ 1992 said the current system is not worth working on. Attorney Gillenwater suggests the County be contacted to see just whose responsibility the system is. A meeting will be set up with the Building Authority. An informal meeting will be set up for April ~?~ 1992. Mayor Parker explained there has been a lot of good corrective criticism and information gathering. The Council and the Mayor do not always agree~ however this is in the best interest of the taxpayer. He does appreciate the Firefighters being here also. Mayor Parker further stated we are all a team aOd have the best interest of the City of Jeffersonville in mind. He thanks all in attendance. There being no further business ~o come before the Council~ Council President Williams moved to adjourn at 10:00 o'clock P.M. seconded by Councilperson Stemler and unanimously carried. M~'YOR'~AY~D~D J. 'AR~ER ATTEST: