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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 7, 2016COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA MARCH 7, 2016 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in Room 101, 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, Indiana at 7:00 pm, on Monday, March 7, 2016. Council President Owen along with City Clerk Conlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Mr. Campbell gave the Invocation and Council President Owen asked those in attendance to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll call was conducted and those present were: Councilperson White, Councilperson Zastawny, Councilperson Jahn, Councilperson Maples, Councilperson Gill, Council President Owen, Councilperson Hawkins, Councilperson Webb, and Councilperson Samuel. MINUTES TO BE APPROVED: Minutes from the Council Regular Proceedings February 15, 2016 — Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE the minutes with Councilperson Maples seconding PASSING on a vote, 9-0. Minutes from the Council Workshop February 15, 2016 - Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE the minutes with Councilperson Maples seconding PASSING on a vote, 9-0. Minutes from the Council Workshop February 29, 2016 - Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE the minutes with Councilperson Maples seconding PASSING on a vote, 9-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: City Attorney Les Merkiey made the request to TABLE 2016 -OR -6. Councilperson Samuel asked if the Parks Authority Appointments could be added under new business as item 14. Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE the agenda noting that Item 1 under Old Business (2016 -OR -6) would be TABLED and adding Item 14 — Parks Authority Board Appointments, with Councilperson Maples seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED: $786, 891.61 Councilperson Gill stated she had went through the claims and it seemed the new claims list had not been handed out. Councilperson Gill asked City Controller Metcalf if the total was the same. Controller Metcalf stated the total was the same and only the account numbers had been changed. Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE the claims with Councilperson Samuel seconding. Councilperson Samuel asked if the claims were all legal claims and receipts were collected as needed and Controller Metcalf stated they were. As a motion and a second had already been presented, the Council approved the claims on a vote, 9-0. 1 REPORT OF THE CLERK: Nothing at this time. AGENDA ITMES: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Les Merkely — 2016 -OR -6 An Ordinance Adopting an Ordinance Violation Bureau (Passed on 1st reading 1/25/16, Tabled 2/1/16) —Tabled 2. Les Merkley- 2016 -OR -11 Proposed Ordinance to Amend Animal Shelter Ordinance Regulation the Treatment and Keeping of Domestic, Dangerous and/or Vicious Animals within the City of Jeffersonville (Passed on 1st reading 2/15/16) — City Attorney Les Merkley presented this. We still have two more readings for this. There were certain discussions between a few Council members and Sarah Green, Director of the Animal Control. Ms. Green stated since the last meeting she had met with some of the Council and had agreed on a few things that she was not pleased with the outcome or comfortable with. Upon further reflection later there were a few of those things she is not willing to compromise on. She did remove the stipulation that said if the weather is below 20 degrees the animal would need to be brought inside. She spoke with animal control officers in Indianapolis and they are compiling specific research data on this matter and Ms. Green will bring it before the Council at another time. Councilperson Gill asked what was the specific reasoning of removing that part of the Ordinance, she was not a part of those meetings with Ms. Green and would like to know why that part was removed. Council President Owen stated there are other places in the Ordinance that allow Animal Control Officers or Law Enforcement Officers to remove an animal if they are in immediate danger being a result of the cold or any other danger. Setting a 20 degree limit on all domestic animals did not seem to make sense to those of us that sat down. 20 degrees wasn't appropriate for the dog to be outside but 21 degrees was, it seemed arbitrary. Ms. Green stated she would like to point out also that the part of the Ordinance that Council President Owen was talking about was Life and Imminent Danger so what that means is that if the Animal Control Officer leaves the yard without that animal they are not going to survive. So that is not going to be if an animal is shivering out in the cold. The Animal Control Officers cannot just go and take people's animals unless it is dire circumstances and they have to be able to prove those circumstances and that the animal's life was in immediate danger. Council President Owen stated there were some other changes that were discussed in a small group, and then Ms. Green and he discussed later because Ms. Green had some changes from what was discussed in the small group. Ms. Green stated there were certain things such as if you hit an animal you have to call the police and give certain information to the police and it was felt that it was 2 overreaching so they took out that the individual had to leave their license plate or even their name, but an individual does still need to call and report what kind of animal was hit and the location so it can be dealt with and Animal Control can be dispatched. Councilperson Samuel stated part of the conversation, and it was over a two hour conversation and there is some frustration because all of that time was taken to sit down and meet and then when it is presented in the Council Meeting some of those things that were agreed on to change have been changed back to the original ordinance. A lot of the discussion dealt with the word "shall". Councilperson Samuel asked Councilperson Maples to repeat what his thoughts were about the word "shall". Councilperson Maples stated that the word "shall" leaves no officer discretion in his opinion. If the Ordinance says you shall impound a dog, or if the dog is loose it shall be impounded. According to the Ordinance it would read to him that even if the person came and had been looking for their dog and arrived at the same time as Animal Control the dog would still have to be impounded because "shall" takes out all officer discretion. May is an acceptable word. City Attorney Merkley stated his only concern with that is trying to enforce a Resolution or Ordinance where it says "may" is going to be very difficult and anyone who hires a good defense attorney is going to argue that because of the wording it does not have to be followed. It is going to be very difficult enforce and ordinance that says should or may. Councilperson Gill stated one thing that needs to be kept in mind is that all of these are going to be complaint driven. In the purpose of this whole ordinance is to protect the animals that cannot protect themselves. Is it like a police officer where your Animal Control Officers are acting like a Police Officer, when they go out do they get to use their discretion as whether to issue a warning or a ticket? Ms. Green stated the Animal Control Officers do have the discretion to make these decisions. Councilperson Maples said he is more concerned about the wording of the executive function Council President Owen asked if the ordinance reads that the Animal Control Officer "shall" impound a dog for a various reason and then they issue a warning for whatever reason, if that dog gets out two hours later and bites someone, is the City liable because the Animal Control Officer did not follow the ordinance? City Attorney Merkley stated the City would not be liable because they have immunity, meaning we are the government and have the right to be wrong. Councilperson Maples asked if the Animal Control Officer would have immunity and City Attorney Merkley stated they would have immunity because they were acting in their role. Councilperson Gill stated we do have a leash law and asked if the Animal Control Officers had the time to go out and look for dogs that are not on leashes. Ms. Green stated recently Animal Control Officers will be asked to go out and observe if they are not on calls, but most of the time this is complaint driven. We are trying to keep animals and people safe, not looking to give tickets. It's rare that Animal Control comes upon an animal and their owner comes right after them. When that happens as 3 long as it isn't a habitual offender, the Animal Control Officers do their best to help the citizens, if the animal is getting out they offer ideas on how to prohibit that behavior. Animal Control's intent is not to just go out looking for ways to give people tickets. And to address the frustration for the changes back to previous language, it is difficult when Ms. Green is talking to the City Attorney and the people who helped to write this ordinance and they are saying that taking out that language would prevent it from being enforceable it is concerning because it is important that these things can be enforced. Councilperson Maples asked about the appeals process for the vicious animals section. It was agreed that an appeals process could be added and it could go before the Board of Public Works. Councilperson Zastawny made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -11 on the second reading with the thought that it will come back with changes for the third reading. Councilperson Gill seconded the motion. Mayor Mike Moore came forward to speak on this ordinance. He said he is not going to ask Ms. Green to make changes she is uncomfortable with. Mayor Moore recommended that the Council make the changes they wanted to see and pass their ordinance opposed to asking Ms. Green to change the ordinance she feels strongly about. Council President Owen asked for the Council vote, PASSING on a vote 8-1 with Councilperson Maples voting against the Ordinance. 3. Les Merkley — 2016 -OR-12 An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions of the Jeffersonville Comprehensive Plan 2015 -OR -58 (Passed on 1st and 2nd reading 2/15/16) — This is coming with a favorable recommendation from the Board. Councilperson Zastawny made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -12 on the third and final with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 4. Heather Metcalf — 2016 -OR -13 An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within the Same Department (Passed on 1st and 2nd reading 2/15/16) — City Controller Metcalf presented this ordinance, there have been no changes since the last meeting. Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -13 on the third and final reading with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 5. Heather Metcalf — PUBLIC HEARING - 2016 -OR -14 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Passed on 1st reading 2/15/16) — City Controller Metcalf presented this ordinance, there have been no changes since the last meeting. Public Hearing opened at 7:30 PM and as no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter was closed at 7:30 PM. Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE 2016 - OR -14 on the second and third reading with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 4 NEW BUSINESS: 1. Les Merkley — 2016-R-2 Resolution Regarding the Amendment of the Inner City Road Area Economic Development Plan — City Attorney Les Merkley presented this and 2016- R-3 as identical resolutions, one is for the Inner City Road and one is for Falls Landing. Redevelopment and Planning Commissions are in favor. 95% of all of the needed properties are acquired and the remainder should be complete in the next 60 days. INDOT is saying to be prepared to move forward before July 1, 2016. We can begin clearing and look at moving utilities but we need to adopt the Construction Phase to move forward. Mayor Moore was present and asked the Council if they had any additional questions and if not to please vote for the Resolution to move the project forward. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2016-R-2 with Councilperson Webb seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 2. Les Merkley — 2016-R-3 Resolution Regarding the Amendment of the Falls Landing Area Economic Development Plan - City Attorney Les Merkley presented this and 2016-R-2 as identical resolutions, one is for the Inner City Road and one is for Falls Landing. Redevelopment and Planning Commissions are in favor. 95% of all of the needed properties are acquired and the remainder should be complete in the next 60 days. INDOT is saying to be prepared to move forward before July 1, 2016. We can begin clearing and look at moving utilities but we need to adopt the Construction Phase to move forward. Mayor Moore was present and asked the Council if they had any additional questions and if not to please vote for the Resolution to move the project forward. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2016-R-2 with Councilperson Webb seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 3. Nathan Samuel — Clark/Floyd Tourism Bond — Mr. Jim Keith came to present this. What the Tourism Board is requesting is approval from the Council for sponsorship of the bond. This is paid for from fees that all local hotels collect. The City signs off on the bond but the Tourism Board pays for it. This is how Riverstage was purchased. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the sponsorship with the understanding that if it goes against the City's bond capacity the decision may change. Councilperson Hawkins seconded, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. Councilperson Gill asked if Redevelopment was on board with these plans and City Attorney Merkley stated that was a question he did not have the answer to. 4. Les Merkley 2016-R-4 A Resolution Recommending to the Common Council Application for Tax Abatement for Koetter Five Star Properties Indiana, LLC — City Attorney Les Merkley presented this ordinance. This will be right off Veterans Parkway. It will be a 3400 sq. feet facility with a totally employee count of 41. Using the guideline for Tax Abatement this does meet the criteria for the amount they are requesting. Mr. Todd Stocksdale spoke on behalf of the company. It is important to be on both sides of the river. There is currently an office in New Albany, Indiana. They provide insurance to their customers. Councilperson Zastawny stated the company is very successful. Mr. 5 Stocksdale stated the company has both growth through acquisition as well as organic growth. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2016-R-4 with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 5. Les Merkley — PUBLIC HEARING - 2016 -OR -15 An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 629 Michigan Avenue and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit A from C2 to DC — City Attorney Les Merkley presented this Ordinance. It is downzoning. Councilperson Samuel asked if there was a specific plan for this property. This property is going to be the location for Maker 13. Council President Owen opened the Public Hearing at 7:58 PM and as no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter, the Public Hearing was closed. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -15 with Councilperson White seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 6. Les Merkley — PUBLIC HEARING- 2016 -OR -16 An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 1742 E Tenth Street and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit A from C1 to C2. — City Attorney Les Merkley presented this as coming with a favorable recommendation from the board, this is for Huber's Auto Sales and there is a representative here to discuss more specifically the request. Mr. Dennis Huber was present to answer any questions. This is going to be used as additional parking for his current business. He purchased the property and took down the former restaurant that was there and this will be used as a parking lot. City Attorney Merkley stated there was an application in for this prior to the beginning of the Automotive Moratorium so it is exempt from that. Councilperson Gill stated she has had calls expressing the satisfaction that the former structure was taken down. Council President Owen opened the Public Hearing at 8:01 PM and as no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter, the Public Hearing was closed. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -16 with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. Councilperson Zastawny asked if the company had been before the BZA and the company has. 7. Les Merkley — PUBLIC HEARING 2016 -OR -17 An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 3032 E Tenth Street and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit A From C1 to C2 — Ms. Laura Harbison from Applegate Fifer Pulliam Law firm spoke on behalf of the company. This is actually to go from a C2 to a C1. This is going to be a Burger King and it needs to be a C1 in order to have a drive thru. This is near the Norton's Immediate Care center. Councilperson White asked if the Burger King further down 10th Street was going to be shut down because of the new build. Ms. Harbison stated she did not think so. Councilperson Zastawny asked what 6 variances were asked to be approved by the BZA. Ms. Harbison said the variances have to do with the amount of parking spaces and also the building to have a flat roof. Council President Owen opened the Public Hearing at 8:04 PM and as no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter, the Public Hearing was closed. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -17 with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 8. Kim Calabro — 2016 -OR -18 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2016 -OR -3 An Ordinance Amending 2015 -OR -57 An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Appointed Officers and Employees for All the Departments of the City of Jeffersonville, Clark County, Indiana for the Year 2016 — Human Resources Director Kim Calabro presented 2016 -OR -3. This is going over the information that was presented in the last two Council Workshops with Human Resources. Council President Owen stated it would be best to go through the changes line by line because there were some that had support and others that did not. Plumbing and HVAC Inspector — supported, either as a City Employee or contracted work. Utility Billing Office Clerk — This position has been approved by the boards, supported by Council Engineering — just been reclassification of two employees. We haven't had an Assistant Engineer for some time now. The Project Manager is a new title, used to be Engineer Technician. Supported by Council Finance Department — looking to change Payroll Specialist to Payroll Manager and add a Payroll Clerk. There is a lot going on with Payroll for one person to complete, cannot currently cross train anyone in this area for assistance, it makes it very difficult for the Payroll Specialist to miss work for any reason including scheduled vacation. Accounts Payable Clerk was changing from a paygrade 2 to a paygrade 3 but it is a $0 change. Leave this in for now, may readdress during the second reading. Fire Department — Administrative Assistant Part -Time — remove this from the Ordinance. Human Resources — Manager of Safety had been crossed out and moved to its own department, we need to leave this under Human Resources. Motor Vehicle — Change from part time labor to seasonal labor — supported Parks & Recreation Division — what was covered in the Workshops — supported Planning and Zoning — Going from two Planning Administrators to a Zoning Administer and Planner 1— supported Safety — Staying under Human Resources Wastewater —these positions have been approved by the board. Removing Administrative II and reinstating Executive Assistant as job duties have changed over time — supported by Council Utility Billing Office Clerk is the position that is split with Drainage. Pg. 9 on are changes that reflect from the Council Workshop on Seasonal Employees. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -18 on the first reading with Councilperson Webb seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 7 9. Heather Metcalf — Annual Report — Encumbrances — Two -Year -Old Checks — City Controller Heather Metcalf stated this is for you (the Council) to accept into the record the annual report for 2015, also included is encumbrances for 2015 to 2016 and the outstanding checks that we can now void because they are two years old. Councilperson Gill asked what the amount of the outstanding checks that are being voided. Civil City Bank account is $742.69, in the Health Insurance Fund it is $3,468.25, and the Payroll $109,826.42 and in Grant $5,250.00. Councilperson Samuel noted there is a number of the checks that have not been cashed that the City still works with and asked if those checks will be able to be reissued. Councilperson White asked if these people would be attempting to contact these people. City Controller Metcalf stated the checks could be reissued and after looking at the list the Finance Department will be attempting to get in touch with those individuals to let them know and reissue payment. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to ACCEPT the report and two year old checks into the record, with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 10. Heather Metcalf — 2016 -OR -19 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing March 21, 2016) — This is for the Building Authority Improvement fund for $70,000.00 for the renovations to the first floor of City Hall. The second one for $298,700.00 is for the Engineering Department. We get 90% of that back. Councilperson Gill confirmed that we get 90% of this back and it is just needed up front coming from the Federal law that we have to do the reflective signage in the City. Council President Owen noted the $70,000 is not coming out of the General Fund but rather the Building Commission's 420 and they have plenty there to be appropriated. Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -19 on the first and second reading with Councilperson Webb seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 11. Heather Metcalf — 2016 -OR -20 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Police (Public Hearing March 21, 2016 — This is for the requests of the Police from the Workshop that was done two weeks ago. Chief Kavanaugh came forward to answer any questions that the Council had. Council President Owen stated that two groups met on this to discuss and one group had a philosophy on how to approach these additional requests and the other group went through and combed through them a little more with different questions. Council President Owen said there were questions specifically about the Buy Back amount. Apparently that is an amount we are going to expend because of some retiring officers and contractual obligations for to pay out their vacation time. Chief Kavanaugh said there was a retirement and that retirement was a payout of approximately $41,000 following behind that there were two unexpected departures from the department that totaled approximately $20,000. Council President Owen pointed out the $90,000.00 that was budgeted would not cover these contractual obligations. Councilperson Samuel said the philosophy of the group he met with was that the Council is going to be approached with Additional Appropriations from all of the different departments because all of the departments have their lists of needs and the budgets had to be cut during budget hearing. It is concerning because the Council 8 approves appropriations one at a time as they come before the Council and we want to be supportive of all departments. Based on the knowledge that there are going to be a lot of additional needs coming up maybe the Council looks at the budget and gives a number that is agreed upon to the administration and then a list of all of the department needs are prioritized and an additional appropriation for those funds are then brought back before the Council. The concern is if the Council does not determine an amount of money they are comfortable spending, there will be more than that spent or a department may not get what they need based on spending totals. This goes for both the General Fund and LOIT. The second approach is to do it the way that we have always done it. Councilperson Samuel recommended doing the large sums of money. Councilperson Gill said she is concerned because Circuit Breakers still haven't come back and we don't know how the County Mandate is going to come back. Councilperson Gill said she has no problem giving the additional appropriations as long as the departments have used what is already in their budget for those particular lines but if they still have money in their budget, not to come back and ask for an additional appropriation in March. Councilperson Gill asked Chief Kavanaugh what on the appropriations list is a necessity right now that there is not money in the budget to operate on. It is concerning to come in here in March and the Council is already going into the reserves for additional appropriations and it is very alarming. If there is no money in the budget for these items and they are needed immediately then okay, but if there is money sitting in the budget and this additional is going to be used for future costs then maybe we wait. Chief Kavanaugh said he has done some research concerning the "one pot" method that the Council is talking about and it has not been done in the past few administrations. In this theory right out the gate the departments are having to make transfers to get funds into the appropriate lines and they can do that but at the end of the year they will be coming back for the rest of the year. Councilperson Samuel said his thought is to give them the pot of money and then let them spend it as they need. Councilperson Webb said this will take out the micromanaging. Councilperson White asked if the Council had the money to cover the requested appropriations and he believed the answer was yes. Councilperson Webb asked Chief Kavanaugh about the department's involvement over in River Ridge. Chief Kavanaugh said the department is increasing time spent there due to runs and needs. Councilperson Webb stated the problem is that the department is providing that services, but that area does not pay taxes to help support the department. So the budget need is increased without a source of revenue to provide that. Councilperson Jahn asked if the Council is prepared to make a decision on the amount that is available right now or if this is a thought moving forward in 2017. Councilperson White said these are essential things that the department needs to operate and are not luxuries but necessities. Councilperson Jahn said both Chiefs also went through these line by line during the Council Workshops and if there had been questions then, they should have been asked then. 9 Councilperson Webb said his thought was not that the money wouldn't be appropriated for this request, but possibly even more money however once that money ran out, it was out so there would be a need to be fiscally responsible with the additional. Councilperson White made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -20 with Councilperson Maples seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 12. Heather Metcalf — 2016 -OR -21 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Fire (Public Hearing March 21, 2016 — This is for the Fire Department, Chief Hederick stated he thought giving the bigger pot of money was a great idea. Councilperson Webb asked the Chief if he would like to manage his own money. The Chief stated he would like to and come before the Council once a year. Councilperson Webb made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -21 with Councilperson Maples seconding PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 13. Heather Metcalf — 2016 -OR -22 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing March 21, 2016) — Council President Owen stated this is based on changes in the Salary Ordinance so this would need to be reduced by the amounts that were struck out of the Salary Ordinance earlier in the meeting. Ms. Metcalf stated she had the two in the Fire Department to remove, the Safety Specialist, and Director of Safety Management to remove. City Clerk Conlin asked if Ms. Metcalf could identify these by numbers so she could mark them out. Councilperson White asked if he could make a recommendation that the Council vote on this and Ms. Metcalf go back and make the changes and then submit those during the next Council Meeting to vote on. Ms. Metcalf stated she could do that. Councilperson White made a motion to APPROVE 2016 -OR -22 on the first reading with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. 14. Parks Authority Appointments — Council President Owen nominated Josh Cornberg from the 152 District. Councilperson Hawkins nominated Ralph Scales who was on the Parks Advisory. Councilperson Zastawny nominated Paul Dougworth, Councilperson White nominated Larry Jordan. Council President Owen asked if there would be a conflict with Mr. Dougworth because of his position with the league. Councilperson Zastawny withdrew his nomination of Paul Dougworth. Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE the nominations with Councilperson White seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. CITY COUNCIL ATTORNEY REPORT: Nothing at this time. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: Chief Hederick came forward — there will be a Public Safety Job Fair on March 12, 2016. This will give an overview about what a job in the Fire Department entails. Also trying to get public sponsors to help with the cost associated with the test. Will not pay for the whole test, but do not want financial constraints to restrict a qualified applicant from applying. 10 PUBLIC COMMENT: COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilperson White — Nothing at this time. Councilperson Zastawny — When you look at the budget process, when it was recognized what was suggested was going to be more than what was expected in revenue we asked the department heads and Mayor to reduce the budgets to match the expected revenue but they didn't come back with anything. That's why we did what we did when we cut the budget. This is not directed at any one department, but when we look at department heads, I guess I lean towards Mr. Webb when he asked "Wouldn't you like to manage your budget?" and I agree coming from the business world, but our Department Heads are not put in their positions because they can balance a budget, they are politically motivated. As for the Parks Authority, the first meeting of the new formation, the Authority gave away one of the City's assets before the Council had even made their appointments. Councilperson Jahn —Just a report back from the Redevelopment Meeting, excited about the 10th Street widening and lots of new businesses coming to Jeffersonville, it is a very exciting time right now for Jeff. Councilperson Maples —There is a new red and blue flashing light on Hamburg Pike. If anyone has any questions about why he voted no on the Animal Ordinance he will be happy to talk to them directly, he believes Due Process is an absolute necessity. Councilperson Gill —There is a new program at the fire station, every Saturday they have safety tours and are opened to the public. They have partnered with the Red Cross and they are there and will go out to peoples home and correctly install smoke detectors. In regards to additional appropriations, we have to weigh all requests, it is concerning because we are unsure of the outcome of the EPA mandate right now. It is important to be fiscally responsible and working from the standpoint of a revenue neutral budget. Councilperson Hawkins — Nothing at this time. Councilperson Webb —To the Fire and Police Department, all of the Council supports you, it's just a matter of finding the funds to do so financially. Councilperson Samuel — In the future there is a need to be concerned about the status of the General Fund. Councilperson Samuel said he is going to internalize the "pot of money" theory and in the future if he votes no to an additional appropriation it will be because the amount of additional appropriations has reached that limit. He too is disappointed that 11 such a decision was made at the Parks Authority Meeting and that they didn't even wait for the Council's appointments. Council President Owen — Nothing at this time. ADJOURNMENT: Council President Owen asked for a motion to adjourn, made by Councilperson Gill and the meeting adjourned at 9:26 PM. APPROVED BY: Matt Owen, •: - ATTEST: Vicki Conlin, Clerk 12