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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 15, 2023 City Council COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA May 15, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on May 15, 2023. Council President Owen along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom. INVOCATION: Councilperson Ellis led the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Lisa Gill and present in Council Chambers were Councilperson White, Councilperson Burns, Councilperson Paris, Councilperson Anderson, Councilperson Croft, Councilperson Webb, Council President Owen, Council Vice President Hawkins and Councilperson Ellis. Let the record reflect all 9 Council Members were present in Council Chambers. APROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes of May 3, 2023 of the Regular Meeting, seconded by Councilperson Paris; motion passed, 9-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve the Agenda, seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed, 9-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$2,250,879.63 Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Councilperson Ellis asked what the $50,000.00 claim on page 7 was for. Council President Owen advised it is for the Catalyst Rescue Mission whom had requested the donation and it was put on these claims to be discussed. Councilperson Ellis advised that he is not in favor of this donation and will not be voting in favor of it, Councilperson Webb advised that he is in favor of this request. Councilperson White advised he will abstain voting due to him having previous business dealings with the Catalyst. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve all the Civil City Claims with the exception of$50,000.00 from fund number 2235 on page 7, bringing the total for Civil City Claims to $2,200,879.63, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion approved, 9-0. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve the claim in the amount of$50,000.00 to the Catalyst Rescue Mission, seconded by Councilperson Paris; motion passed, 7-1-1. Councilperson White abstained and Councilperson Ellis voted no. Parks $146,353.94 Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Parks Claims; seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed, 9-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Clerk Gill stated she had no comment. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Les Merkley 2023-OR-26 Ordinance Amending 2021-OR-12 (An Ordinance Regulating Parking of Shared Mobility Devices) Mr. Merkley advised there are no changes. This is amending the existing ordinance to give the City a better way to regulate where the devices can be in the City Parks and will be parked in a designated area. Mr. Merkley advised the company that provides the scooters will be notified. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-26 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; motion passed, 9-0. 2. Les Merkley 2023-OR-27 Ordinance Amending 2010-OR-30, An Ordinance Regulating the Maintenance of Existing Buildings and Property Within The City of Jeffersonville Mr. Merkley advised there are no changes. This is bringing the existing Ordinance in compliance with State Law. The only significant change deals with repeat offenders/violators of high grass to expedite the process with those individuals. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-27 on the Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Paris; motion passed, 8-1. Councilperson White voted no. 3. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-28 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing) Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Council President Owen advised this is the Additional Appropriation in reference to the 5 year Capital Plan. Council President Owen opened the public hearing at 7:16 pm. Vehicle Maintenance Director- Michael O'Brien thanked the Council and Finance Department for the commitment and courage to support the departments for their fleet needs, along with the Safety Director and Animal Control. As Fleet Director it is important to not only maintain the fleet but also to let the Council know the status of all vehicles and to advise the Council on the needs of each department. Thanks again for the time and efforts toward this plan. Clerk Gill stated there were no comments sent to the Clerk's office. Council President Owen closed the Public Hearing at 7:18 pm. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-28 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; motion passed, 9-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Les Merkley 2023-R-6 Resolution Approving Personal Property Tax Abatement of Bluegrass Supply Chain Services, LLC Mr. Merkley advised there are two Resolutions that pertain to the same applicant. The Personal Property Tax Abatement is a five (5) year abatement, the Real Estate Abatement is a separate Resolution as well for a ten (10) year full State Abatement, they both come with a favorable recommendation from the Redevelopment Commission. John Launius, Vice President of Economic Development of One Southern Indiana spoke on behalf of Bluegrass Supply Chain Services which is a technology driven third party logistics company who began their investment in Southern Indiana,Jeffersonville in 2017, expanded in 2018 and are now considering another investment which would construct a 250,000 square foot technology enabled warehouse at 1205 Bridgeport Drive, Jeffersonville. That total investment will be $16,776,000.00 and bring 25 new jobs with an average pay projected at$27.22 a hour. John Higgins, CEO was able to attend the Redevelopment meeting a couple of weeks ago, however, he was unable to attend this evening, but invited Raquel Summers, Chief Operating Officer along with Drew Goins, Chief People Officer of HR to speak on his behalf. Ms. Summers advised this company has been in the area for a little over 6 years with great success. Currently they supply to Ford. The growth will allow them to supply into Mazda and Toyota as well. All of the opportunities in this area are for a long term partnership with customers so they would like to bring in newer technology within the warehouse itself which would allow them to partner and bring in different skill sets as well. They will do automation with robotics and AGB that allows for all the needed safer processes with the facility. Ms. Summers advised they are asking for the Council's approval tonight so they are able to move forward with this building and opportunity with the customer and to bring in additional jobs to the Jeffersonville area. Council Vice President Hawkins advised this comes with a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Redevelopment, this company scored more than enough points, they are already established have grown and continues to expand. Council Vice President Hawkins advised he is in favor of this abatement. Council Vice President Hawkins made a motion to approve 2023-R-6, seconded by Councilperson Webb; motion passed, 9-0. 2. Les Merkley 2023-R-7 Resolution Approving Real Property Tax Abatement of Bridgepoint Partners REIG, LLC Council President Owen advised 2023-R-6 and 2023-R-7 go hand in hand. Council Vice President Hawkins advised his comments also apply to this Resolution as well. Council Vice President Hawkins made a motion to approve 2023-R-7, seconded by Councilperson Webb; motion passed, 9-0. 3. Kim Calabro 2023-OR-29 Ordinance Amending 2023-OR-13 & an Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Appointed Officers& Employees for All Departments of Jeffersonville (Salary Ordinance) Mrs. Calabro presented the requested amendments to the salary ordinance. Animal Shelter Director Sarah Green is requesting to change in her department: on page 1, Animal Control Officer went from 2 down to 1, Part-time Kennel Attendant went from 5 down to 3, and full-time Kennel Attendant went up to 3 from 2. Sarah Green, Animal Shelter Director advised another full time Admin is needed to meet the needs of customers bringing in animals and when people come in to adopt animals. Bringing the Animal Control Officer down to 1 is due to the after- hours and on call time being out sourced. Councilperson Croft thanked Mrs. Green for all of work that has been done. Mrs. Calabro advised if the changes are made, there will be the cost of insurance and a slight difference in salary for 1 more full-time person. Mrs. Calabro advised that on page 10 regarding the Police Retention Bonus, there is updated verbiage that states: Section II N: Police Retention Bonus: All officers who are a current employee on April 17, 2023 shall receive a one-time stipend in the amount of$5,000.00 to be paid no later than December 31, 2023. The stipend shall be paid in no more than two (2) equal separate checks from the regular pay check. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-29 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Paris; motion passed, 9-0. 4. (Scott Hawkins)Anthony Stewart Discussion on Opening FOP Contract Article 27.1 to Address the Probationary Pay Scale Council Vice President Hawkins advised the FOP reached out regarding negotiations and confirming the FOP was on the same page. FOP President Corp. Anthony Stewart was unable to attend this evening, Sgt. Drew Lydon from the Jeffersonville Police Department spoke on his behalf. Sgt. Lydon read the statement that Corp. Stewart wrote; it stated: FOP 100 comes before the Council tonight to request the opening of the current Collective Bargaining Agreements, specifically Article 27. This article addresses probationary pay and is possibly limiting applications and hurting recruitment for the department. We ask that the Council agree to form a committee to negotiate the specifities of this article that would reduce the probationary pay from three (3)years to one (1)year. Currently, a new hire is hired at fifteen (15) percent below base pay salary in their first year. The hope of the FOP is to start new recruits at five (5) percent below base salary,this would hopefully put us closer to that market rate for officers and attract recruits. Councilperson Webb asked Chief Kavanaugh, isn't this what was discussed. Chief Kavanaugh advised the starting pay for recruits is fifteen (15) percent below base pay and goes down to ten (10) percent, then five (5) percent over a three (3) year period. The main point regarding this is to start new recruits out at a higher rate of pay. Currently, new hire pay starts at approximately $49,000.00 and would like it to be increased to between $53,000.00 and $54,000.00. Chief Kavanaugh advised there is no appropriation needed, in order to do this Article 27.1 specifically of the contract needs to be amended. The body of the FOP is in favor of this, this came from the Administration working with the FOP and they are now before the Council to request it. After much discussion between the Council and Attorneys: Councilperson White made a motion to approve the reopening the FOP Contract, specifically article 27.1 as it relates to the percentages for patrolman's starting salary, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. Council President Owen advised that in the statement that JPD Sgt. Lydon read, it asked for a committee to be formed, however, there is no committee needed. The FOP is to bring back before the Council a rough draft of Article 27.1. 5. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-30 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised this Appropriation is to cover the City's portion of the 2023 Elections cost. Council President Owen asked if anything had been received yet regarding how much the cost is. Mrs. Metcalf advised it is still too early. Council President Owen advised that the Council pays a portion every 4 years, and this will be paid to the County. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-30 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; motion passed, 9-0. 6. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-31 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised that line 1 will be removed and discussed at a later date due to being in error. Line 2 is for the Finance Department for cash received to be re-appropriated in their department. This is funds received from INPRS for reimbursement for reports. Council President Owen asked if 2023-OR-31 is only for line 2 in the amount of$14,000.00. Mrs. Metcalf confirmed that was correct. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve line 2 of 2023-OR-31 in the amount of $14,000.00, seconded by Councilperson Webb; motion passed, 9-0. ATTORNEY COMMENT: Larry Wilder— No Comment Les Merkley—No Comment DEPARTMENT HEADS: Kim Calabro-in her opinion, opening up the FOP contract is not a bad thing, it is a start. From a HR perspective, it is not enough. She does not think this will fix the issue, there is a state wide problem also regarding Police and Fire recruitment and now a city wide problem. It is not all about money, they are looking for work/life balance also. There are many concerns such as current officers/fireman leaving and putting those remaining at risk. What is being done helps, but she is not sure if it is enough. She will do what she can to help. She doesn't feel looking at what other communities are doing is the answer, she wants to lead the way so other communities are looking to Jeffersonville. Sarah Green-Thanks to the Council for their support. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No Comments COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White—No Comment • Councilperson Burns—received an email from Paul Northam, Parks Director regarding Shirley's Arbor, he received a quote for$100,000.00 not the $250,000.00 that was expected. Speaking with Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Metcalf regarding the two small parking lots, the one at Wilcoxson Park is warranted, it is used on a regular basis, the other is one has gravel and not really warranted. Shirley's Arbor and Wilcoxson Parks are in need of new parking lots. Council President Owen advised that Redevelopment may be stepping in to help with Shirley's Arbor. Mrs. Metcalf asked the Council if the Appropriation for the two (2) parks parking lots should be on the next agenda, they advised yes. • Councilperson Paris—Mr. Paris advised that he spoke with Mr. Reischl prior to tonight's meeting and Mr. Reischl gave two (2) proposals. Option number 1 would be roosters shall not be permitted on any property that is not zoned for agricultural. Option 2 would be the rooster shall not be allowed where they can be detained in a coop that is at least 250 feet from a neighboring residence. After speaking with Mr. Reischl, Councilperson Paris feels option 2 would be best and ask for the Council's opinion before it goes to Planning and Zoning next month. After much discussion and suggestions, the Council feels that option B would be best. Council President Owen suggested that Councilperson Paris, Mr. Reischl and City Attorney Les Merkley meet and come up with somethings to discuss further. • Councilperson Anderson—No Comment • Councilperson Croft—3 to 4 years ago, there was a national catfish tournament here, the weigh in was at the Big Four Station. Another one was held this past Saturday and after speaking with the organizer, he said Jeffersonville was the finest place they come with excellent food, lodging, and hospitality. Councilperson Croft asked they let him know when the next one would be held. • Councilperson Webb—He appreciates everything that Mrs. Calabro brought up regarding the JPD. River Ridge is an awesome facility for Jeffersonville and has created a lot of jobs, but feels it has put stress on the Fire and Police Departments and feels that financial help from the River Ridge needs to be addressed. He feels they need to try and generate dollars from that area to help alleviate the stress. • Council Vice President Hawkins—No comment • Councilperson Ellis—No comment • Council President Owen—They have covered a lot tonight such as Tax Abatements for a 16 million dollar expansion here in Jeffersonville, supporting our Law Enforcement Officers through some increase measures for them and the rooster problems. The City of Jeffersonville still keeps rolling. They appropriated more than a million dollars appropriated for various departments throughout the City. It is worth the time spent making sure things are done right. He appreciates everyone working together to see things through. ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson Ellis made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 8:13 p.m. APRON/ED B AC .1 Matt Owen Counci •resident ATT ST: Lisa Gill Clerk