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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 15, 2024 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA April 15,2024 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on April 15, 2024. Council President White along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.The meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom. INVOCATION: Led by Councilperson Burns Pledge of Allegiance: ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Lisa Gill and present in Council Chambers were Council President White, Councilperson Burns,Councilperson Semones,Councilperson Anderson,Councilperson Reed, Councilperson Webb, Council Vice President Hawkins,Councilperson Snelling, and Councilperson Stoner. Let the record reflect that all 9 Council Members were present in Council Chambers. APROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes for April 1, 2024, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 9-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve the Agenda, seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed, 9-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$1,862,242.61 Council President White advised the Civil City Claims were in the amount of$1,862,242.61. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed,9-0. Parks$166,518.62 Council President White advised the Parks Claims were in the amount of$166,518.62. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve the Parks Claims,seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed,9-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-23 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing) Council President White advised this was for the Fire HSA contributions and HR HSA Contributions. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes from the last meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:05 PM; no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter. Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:06 pm. Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve 2024-OR-23 on the Third and Final Reading,seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. 2. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-24 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation(Public Hearing) Council President White advised this was for the Building Commission from Capital Improvement. Mrs. Metcalf advised this was for the paving of the parking lot and there were no changes since the last meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:06 PM; no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter. Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:06 pm. Councilperson Anderson made a motion to approve 2024-OR-24 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. 3. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-25 Ordinance of Transferring of Funds Within the Same Department Council President White advised this was for the Building Authority Operating fund, LIT Public Safety for Fire and Parks Activity. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since the last meeting. Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve 2024-OR-25 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; motion passed,9-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Chad Reischl 2024-OR-26(Public Hearing) Rezoning Change Request for Property Located at 3305 Holmans Lane from CO(Commercial-Office Only)to Proposed Zoning R3(Single Family Residential- Small Lot) Council President White advised this rezone was for a Change Request for Property Located at 3305 Holmans Lane from CO (Commercial-Office Only)to Proposed Zoning R3 (Single Family Residential-Small Lot). Mr. Reischl advised the applicant Mike Bary was in the process of purchasing a parcel of long and narrow property adjacent to the old CSX Railroad and would like to rezone that property from CO to R3 to build eight to ten (8-10)single family homes.The application comes with a favorable recommendation, unanimous from the Plan Commission and the staff is highly supportive of the project. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:09 PM; no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter. Clerk Gill stated there were no questions or comment directed to the Clerk's office. Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:09 pm. Councilperson Reed said she is excited to see the opportunity for more single family homes in Jeffersonville and anything the Council can do to utilize that space and create those opportunities for people would be amazing and she was grateful. Councilperson Snelling asked how many houses would be built. Mr. Reischl advised eight to ten (8-10). Councilperson Snelling asked what price range would be. John Campbell with Heritage Engineering, representing Mike Bary with Bary Built LLC advised the plan was for nine (9)total lots with one (1) open combination utility,open space and detention area that takes advantage of the overhead power lines that cuts across the property. The price range would be an estimated starting cost of$300,000.00. Councilperson Stoner advised that he had reached out to the Street Commissioner and Sanitation Director when he saw the presentation at the Plan Commission and asked if there would be enough space for emergency service vehicles to turn around in case of an emergency. Mr. Campbell advised they have not provided a turnaround, because the street is minimal with only nine (9) homes,they would design this as private access with the understanding in an unlikely event of a fire run they would be able to back out of the street itself. He advised the applicant would be at the Planning Commission for the actual plat and this would be brought up in the discussion. Councilperson Stoner said he would appreciate JFD being brought into that conversation. Mr. Reischl advised all projects go through various city staff at a technical review committee. When the projects come in, they go before the Police, Fire, Street, Water,Sanitation Departments so they all have a chance to go over them. Councilperson Stoner advised he had spoken to some of the residents in that area and no one seemed to have any problems with that rezone. There were concerns about full bus stops and drivers running through those stops. Mr. Campbell advised they are including a sidewalk all the way down the front edge of the private access to make sure children have a way to the road. Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve 2024-OR-26, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed,9-0. Council President White asked when they were planning on starting construction. Mr. Campbell advised sometime late June or early July of 2024. 2. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-27 Ordinance Transferring Funds Within the Same Department Council President White advised this was for Public Arts Department in the amount of$100.00 from Contractual Services to Social Security. Mrs. Metcalf advised it was not budgeted and a simple transfer could not be done. Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve 2024-OR-27 on the First and Second Reading,seconded by Councilperson Stoner; motion passed, 9-0. 3. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-28 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Council President White advised this was for LIT PS-Police Contractual Services.JPD Assistant Chief McVoy advised he was here to request two(2)things; an additional$25,000.00 to supplement the current Flock contractual service that currently is in place and a favorable recommendation to agree to a five year contract with Flock,which would need to be approved by the Board of Public works. Each Council Member was given a printout of the Flock ALPR Data Report,which was explained by JPD Assistant Chief McVoy(see attached). The additional$25,000 would allow them to purchase additional cameras and extend the contract for the term of five years keeping their rate per camera at$2500 instead of increasing to$3000. That additional cameras would make a total of thirty-six(36)fixed and mounted cameras and two(2) mobile cameras. Flock has agreed to waive the installation costs. If any of the cameras are broke or damaged,they will replace them at no charge. The Flock system has made a huge difference in assisting with catching criminals, keeps officers and citizens safe.With the Flock system the Police Department can assist and be assisted by other jurisdictions. The second request, if the Council approved the Additional Appropriation, would be that the Council give a favorable recommendation to the Board of Public Works for the 5 year contract. Councilperson Webb advised there has been a lot of success with the Flock system since 2022. JPD Assistant Chief McVoy advised that originally, citizens were worried about the cameras obtaining too much information, however,there has not been any complaints since they were installed. Councilperson Snelling asked how to get the neighborhood associations involved to help cover some of the cost. JPD Assistant Chief McVoy advised he has looked into that, however people want their privacy coming and going from their neighborhoods. There are different programs through Flock that would accommodate HOA's. Councilperson Reed asked if there are other companies with those types of services to compare to. JPD Assistant Chief McVoy advised there are other companies, however they are higher than Flock and Flock was the best fit for Jeffersonville. Councilperson Stoner asked if they would be going to the Board of Public Works with a five(5)year contract and is there money in the budget. JPD Assistant Chief McVoy advised yes, $75,000.00 is already budgeted and he is asking for an Additional Appropriation of$25,000.00. JPD Chief Kavanaugh outlined the process of the Flock program since it started in late 2020 and implied the success from it and asked for the Council's support. Councilperson Webb advised the safety and crime is a big part of this, but think of the time and money saved by not having to have so many police officers on the road tracking someone down and feels it would be a great asset overall. Councilperson Reed was glad that cars coming across the bridge from Louisville was discussed and the fact that they are stolen and high speed chases happen,the Flock system has helped deter that situation. Councilperson Stoner advised he has seen the Flock system work first hand and feels it has been great. Council Attorney Larry Wilder advised the Council not vote on the contract,that according to Statute 36-4-8-12 indicates that those are void obligations. Councilperson Reed asked if they were being asked to give a recommendation, not to ratify a contract. Council President White advised yes that is correct. He explained that long ago when department heads wanted to enter into contracts with the Board of Public Works,they would come to the Council and inform them of what they wanted to do. The Council is not voting on the contract,they are just saying that they understand. If someone says they (the Council) as a body say no,then they would not take it before the Board of Public Works. The only thing that would be voted on tonight is the Additional Appropriation. Also, there was approximately$200,000.00 of unbudgeted revenue 2024 in the LIT Public Safety. This would not come from the surplus. This would come from funds that are current revenues that have not been budgeted. Councilperson Reed asked are they already budgeted under Public Safety. Council President White advised, no, the money is in the bank. Council President White asked Council Attorney Wilder how the Council should move forward with the favorable recommendation for the five (5)year contract. Council Attorney Wilder advised that the motion should not address in any way the five (5)year contract talking about Additional Appropriation, separate and distinct from that, therefore the motion should be only for the Additional Appropriation. Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve 2024-OR-28 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; motion passed, 9-0. ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Larry Wilder-No Comment Les Merkley-Absent DEPARTMENT HEADS: No Comments PUBLIC COMMENTS: No Comments COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson Burns—No Comment • Councilperson Semones—Thanks to all of the first responders and everyone who was involved in the local response after the tornado a couple of weeks ago, she congratulates them on a good response. She had met with several people who are involved in an urban soil health program called SOIL that she will be partnering with along with Heidi Potters from Purdue Extension, Drew from the USDA to work on some initiatives to support that program and she will be bringing those to the Council. She would like some volunteers to work on the rules committee. She asked Council President White to appoint a committee to help finalize a draft of rules to present to the Council. She would like everyone on the Council to email her with their suggestions. • Councilperson Anderson—No Comment • Councilperson Reed—Congratulations to the Public Arts Department for an amazing opening night for the elementary art show. Bringing in Maker 13 and all of the different areas really created some energy and just a fantastic event and they did a great job. Congratulations to the EMS Telecommunicators on such a great job with everything they have to do. Congratulations to Jeffersonville High for all of their accomplishments last week, • Councilperson Webb—agrees with Councilperson Semones,the First Responders were awesome, cannot thank them enough for everything they done on April 2, 2024. With Thunder coming up and many concerts to follow, this will give the Police and Fire sort of a crash course of what could happen. • Council Vice President Hawkins—in regards to Police and Fire negotiations, which are ongoing, have made great progress in the past and propose to do the same thing again. Once we know what direction they are going, have an executive session, meet with the Mayor and everyone is on the same page with the language of the contracts,then it will be finished up with Police and Fire. There is a timeframe involved, he just wanted to let everyone know what the process was. • Councilperson Snelling—He agrees with Councilpersons Semones and Councilperson Webb regarding the great job First Responders and everyone else has done. He was not home the day of the tornado, however his wife was and did not hear the emergency sirens go off. He spoke with Gavin Hebner, Director Clark County Emergency in regards to the siren, it was advised that another siren needed to be placed at the backside of Crystal Springs Subdivision that would benefit surrounding neighborhoods. He has invited Gavin to speak at the next Council Meeting on May 6, 2024 in regards for the need of additional emergency sirens. • Councilperson Stoner—Thanks to the student ambassador at Parkview Middle School for inviting him to listen to the presentation on e-cigarette and vape usage among the youth, and sharing their perspective on the growth and the future of our city. An email was sent out to those that expressed interest in the homelessness committee to join a call with Senator Chris Garten on April 16, 2024 at 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm to voice concerns regarding the homelessness issues. Also thanks to the First Responders and everyone who helped with the tornado recovery process on April 2, 2024. • Council President White—He advised that he would go ahead and establish the Rules Committee. Councilperson Semones advised she would like the committee to be built up of at least four(4) members. Those on the Rules Committee are as follows: 1. Councilperson Burns 2. Council Vice President Hawkins 3. Councilperson Semones 4. Councilperson Stoner Councilperson Semones advised she would send an email to provide some ideas and guidance. Council President White asked how everyone felt about setting up the executive session on May 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm prior to the regular Council Meeting. Councilperson Anderson advised he will be out of town that whole week, Council President White advised they could still get the information to him. Council Attorney Larry Wilder advised 5:30 pm would be better. Council President White advised that if things were not ready on May 6, 2024 for the Police and Fire Contract negotiations, then they could reschedule. He also complimented the First Responders and everyone else for their hard work after the April 2, 2024 tornado. Councilperson Semones added, City workers make Cities work! ADJOURNMENT: Council Vice President Hawkins made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 6:55 p.m. DISCLAIMER: These minutes are a summary of actions taken at the Jeffersonville City Council meetings. The full video archive of the meeting is available for viewing at www.cityofjeff.net for as long as this media is supported. APROVED BY: .1 c_tx, Dustin White, Council President ATTEST: Lisa Gill, Clerk L.Kenneth Kavanaugh Jr. Mike Moore Lt.Col.Michael McVoy Chief of Police Mayor Asst.Chief of Police JEFFERSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT Jeffersonville Police Department Flock ALPR Data Report 2022(July-Dec) 2023 2024(Jan-Mar) Total Guns 2 9 1 12 Drugs 1 15 3 19 Arrests 28 80 30 138 Stop Sticks 3 9 2 14 Pursuit 5 23 3 31 Accidents 0 2 1 3 Veh. Recovered 4 95 35 134 Part I Crime 32 64 28 124 Part II Crime 12 45 11 68 FBI's Part I Definition(Serious Crime): FBI's Part II Definition(Less Serious Crime): Homicide Other Assaults Rape Forgery Robbery Fraud Agg. Battery Embezzlement Burglary Vandalism Theft Prostitution MV Theft DWI Arson Drug Offenses Human Trafficking Juvenile Offenses ♦ ;;�„•� 2218 E. 10TH STREET JEFFERSONVILLE,IN 47130 PHONE: 812-283-6633 FAX: 812-670-3020 � L.Kenneth Kavanaugh Jr. Mike Moore Lt.Col.Michael McVoy Chief of Police Mayor Asst.Chief of Police JEFFERSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT Jeffersonville Police Department Highlighting a Handful of Flock ALPR Success Stories Murder On October 17, 2022, a tragic murder occurred on Paddle Wheel Court, resulting in over 20 recklessly fired rounds outside of a multifamily apartment complex, leaving an unintended target deceased. This case was swiftly solved due to Flock ALPR technology. Flock successfully identified the suspect vehicle leaving the scene which guided detectives in solving the case. Road Rage Shooting On May 16, 2022, at 12:53 PM, a dangerous road rage shooting incident occurred at the intersection of East 10th Street and Nachand Lane. Multiple rounds were fired, striking a motorist in the back. Flock was crucial in identifying the suspect vehicle which led to a successful arrest, conviction, and sentencing of the shooter to 22 years in prison. Romanian Mafia Nationwide Card Skimmers On December 27, 2023, the detective division was alerted to a large-scale card skimming operation, prompting the entry of a suspect vehicle into Flock. The following day, Flock enabled law enforcement to successfully locate and stop the vehicle, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of crucial evidence. This case had been part of a massive interstate federal investigation for months with no arrests, but within 24 hours, the case progressed significantly thanks to Flock's ALPRs. Hit-and-Run Resulting in the Death of a Toddler On June 16, 2023, tragic struck as a 1-and-a-half-year-old toddler was fatally struck by a hit-and- run driver at the Value Inn. This horrific tragedy was quickly solved due to Flock's capability to read the suspect's license plate as they fled from the scene. Flock was instrumental in locating and apprehending the suspect swiftly. Home Invasion on an Elderly Stranger who was Brutally Beaten Unconscious On August 28, 2023, a career burglar and drug addict committed a daytime burglary at a random residence where an elderly man resided. The elderly man arrived home while the burglary was in progress, and he was subjected to a brutal assault, leaving him critically injured. Flock's cameras captured the suspect vehicle leaving the scene and read the plate, providing evidence for the apprehension and successful prosecution of the suspect. 2218 E. 10TH STREET JEFFERSONVILLE,IN 47130 PHONE: 812-283-6633 FAX: 812-670-3020 ��°�