HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 19, 2024 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
August 19, 2024
Regular Meeting Minutes
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on August 19,
2024. Council President White along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 6:01p.m. The
meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom.
INVOCATION:
Councilperson Burns 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
Burns, Councilperson Reed, Council President White, Councilperson Webb, Council Vice President
Hawkins, Councilperson Snelling and Councilperson Stoner. Councilperson Semones participated by
remote participation and Councilperson Anderson was absent. Let the record reflect that 7 Council
Members were present in Council Chambers, 1 was present by remote participation, and 1 absent.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Council President White advised the NCAAP Youth Council was present to give an update and thank the
Council for the donation for the sneaker ball. He would like to add NCAAP Youth Council to the agenda
after Report of the Clerk.
Councilperson Burns made a motion to amend the agenda adding the NCAAP Youth Council after the
Report of the Clerk, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
APROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes for Budget Special Meeting on August 5,
2024, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve the Minutes for Regular Proceedings on August 5,
2024, seconded by Councilperson Snelling; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
CLAIMS TO APPROVE:
Civil City$622,118.24
Council President White advised the Civil City Claims were in the amount of$622,118.24. Mrs. Metcalf
advised there were no changes.
Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Burns;
roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
Councilperson Reed asked Council President White to explain to those watching the meeting why the
Council was doing roll call votes for all action taken; Council President White advised due to having a
Councilperson participate remotely roll call votes were necessary.
Parks$159,368.75
Council President White advised the Parks Claims were in the amount of$159,368.75. Mrs. Metcalf
advised there were no changes.
Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Burns;
roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
REPORT OF THE CLERK:
Clerk Gill advised the next Council Meeting is September 3 (Tuesday) because of the Labor Day Holiday.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. NAACP Update on Donation - Kaelin Harley advised she was the current Youth Council President
and is a Senior at Jeffersonville High School. Due to the City Council's generosity they were
about to award 11 of their college students with scholarships. They appreciate the support so
much and presented the City Council with a plaque of appreciation. Council President White
read the plaque and thanked the NAACP for returning with an update.
2. Les Merkley 2024-R-11 Resolution Approving Interlocal Agreement Between Jeff
Redevelopment Commission, City Council and GCCS for Jeff High New Soccer Field—Tabled on
August 5, 2024—Council President White advised this was tabled on August 5, 2024.
Mr. Merkley advised this is for a scoreboard for the soccer field. The Redevelopment
Commission contributed $20,000 out of TIF specifically for the scoreboard.
Councilperson Reed moved to have the matter taken off the table, seconded by Council
President White; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2024-R-11, seconded by Councilperson Stoner;
roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Abstain
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 7-0-1 with Council Vice President Hawkins
abstaining.
3. Les Merkley—2024-R-12 Resolution Approving&Authorizing Petition for an Increase Above
the Maximum Levy—Council President White explained this was discussed at the last meeting
and a motion was never made, it went straight to the vote. Nothing has changed on the
Resolution, however the proper steps need to be taken to have it approved.
Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve 2024-R-12, seconded by Councilperson
Burns.
Councilperson Reed reminded everyone this does not raise taxes for constituents it just allows
the City to access more of the tax dollars that have already been collected.
Roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson —Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
4. Les Merkley—2024-OR-38 Ordinance Amending 2022-OR-44 The Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance—Mr. Merkley advised there have been no changes since the last meeting. This
Ordinance amends what was adopted by the Council in 2022 and when it was adopted in 2022 it
was adopted upon the recommendation of the DNR. Since then they have realized Article 5
Section B14 puts on a very difficult requirement of certain remediation if there is development
in the floodplain which would be very costly and also make the development of the Jeff Boat site
nearly impossible.
Council Vice President Hawkins made a motion to approve 2024-OR-38 on the third and final
reading, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson —Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
5. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-40 Ordinance of Transfer of Certain Funds Within the Same
Department—Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes from the last meeting.
Council Vice President Hawkins made a motion to approve 2024-OR-40 on the third and final
reading, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson —Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
6. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-41 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation—
Council President White advised this was in the amount of$5,000 out of the General Fund for
the Animal Shelter for utilities. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes from the last
meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:17pm and no members of the
community came forward to speak for or against the matter; the Public Hearing was closed.
Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve 2024-OR-41 on the third and final reading,
seconded by Councilperson Stoner; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed—Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
7. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-42 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation
Council President White advised this was for Local Roads and Streets in the amount of$10,000
for the 50/50 Driveway Program. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes from the last
meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:18 pm and no members of the
community came forward to speak for or against the matter; the Public Hearing was closed.
Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve 2024-OR-42 on the third and final reading,
seconded by Councilperson Snelling; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson —Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
8. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-43 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation -
Council President White advised this was for the Building Authority in the amount of$55,000 for
Computer Software/Maintenance Fees, $10,000 for Travel and Mileage, and $100,000 for
Repairs and Maintenance. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes from the last meeting.
Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:19pm and no members of the
community came forward to speak for or against the matter; the Public Hearing was closed.
Councilperson Snelling made a motion to approve 2024-OR-43 on the third and final reading,
seconded by Councilperson Reed; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. 2024-R-13 Inter-Local Agreement with Utica Township Fire Protection Board—Council President
White advised this was a Resolution approving an interlocal agreement between the City of
Jeffersonville and Utica Township Fire Protection Board. There is currently an automatic aid
agreement in place approved by the Board of Public Works where if there is a call for service in
Utica Township then Jeffersonville Fire Department answers that call. The Utica Township Fire
Protection Board has already approved this agreement. They have agreed to enter in the Fire
Territory but that cannot happen until 2025 and must be done between January 1, 2025 and
March 31, 2025. They will compensate the City of Jeffersonville for the service the City provides.
There is around $400,000 in debt that will need to be paid off but then the City would be
conveyed with the two firehouses and the tax disbursements. Councilperson Reed asked JFD
Chief Grant to come forward. Chief Grant confirmed providing this service would not affect the
services the residents of Jeffersonville receive. Chief Grant advised they are hoping to start their
own services for EMS. It is a big undertaking but he believes it can get done. They are looking at
adding 4 ambulances with a paramedic response vehicle and those would be a division of the
Fire Department. City Attorney Les Merkley advised Baker Tilly has done a full financial impact
study regarding this matter. Councilperson Reed thanked JFD Chief Grant for taking this on.
Councilperson Snelling thanked JFD for coming out to Utica's National Night Out and said
everyone enjoyed having them there.
Council President White thanked Kelly Khuri,Joe Jarles, and Randy Leverett from the Utica
Township Fire Protection District for the work they have done together to get this moving.
Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve 2024-R-13, seconded by Councilperson Snelling;
Councilperson Semones said she has been impressed to see everyone take a bold step forward
where there is great need and will happily vote in favor of this.
Roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
2. Chad Reischl 2024-R-14 Resolution of the City of Jeffersonville in Support of Vehicular&
Pedestrian Safety/Vision Zero— Mr. Shaughnessy with the Jeffersonville Planning and Zoning
Department advised they along with the Engineering Department have been working with KIPDA
to create a regional safety action plan for all users, not just motorists but also cyclists and
pedestrians. This plan has been created using funds through a safe streets and roads for all
grant. This effort includes doing an internal meeting with City Departments, circulating a
mapping tool on the City's Social Media platforms, and passing this ordinance that reaffirms the
City's goals to pursue safer roads with the end goal of having zero fatalities or serious injuries on
our road. Adopting this will allow for the City to pursue additional grants.
Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2024-R-14, seconded by Councilperson Reed; roll
call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
3. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-44 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation— Mrs. Metcalf advised this
was for Economic Development Abatement Fund for the annual payment to One Southern
Indiana.
Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve 2024-OR-44 on the first and second reading,
seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed—Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
4. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-45 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation—Mrs. Metcalf advised this
is for the Building Demolition Fund and the second one is for Building Authority for contractual
services to update the ac units in the building.
Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2024-OR-45 on the first and second reading,
seconded by Councilperson Reed; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson —Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
5. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-46 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation—Mrs. Metcalf advised
these were for the Police Department; the first one is from the LIT Public Safety Fund for$275,000
for the Axon contract.The next one is from the General Funds— Equipment and is reappropriating
insurance reimbursements that have been received. The last two are for Local Law Enforcement
Continuing Ed. Fund for Training and Mileage.
Councilperson Snelling made a motion to approve 2024-OR-46 on the first and second reading,
seconded by Councilperson Stoner; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
6. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-47 Ordinance of Transfer of Certain Funds Within the Same
Department—Mrs. Metcalf went over the transfers requested; the first is for the Building
Commission from Contractual Services and Repairs and Maintenance to Other Supplies, the
second is for LIT Econ Dev- MVH Capital Lease Payment to Vehicles, the third is for HR Background
Checks to Computer Hardware. The next is for the Finance Department from Computer Hardware
to Professional Services; The next two are for the Parks Department for the pool staff. The last
was added today for LIT Public Safety Uniforms to Equipment for a water heater.
Councilperson Burns made a motion to amend 2024-OR-47, seconded by Councilperson Stoner;
roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson—Absent
Councilperson Reed—Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve as amended 2024-OR-47 on the first and second
reading, seconded by Councilperson Webb; roll call vote:
Councilperson Burns—Yes
Councilperson Semones—Yes
Councilperson Anderson —Absent
Councilperson Reed —Yes
Council President White—Yes
Councilperson Webb—Yes
Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes
Councilperson Snelling—Yes
Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0.
ATTONEY COMMENTS:
Larry Wilder—No Comment
Les Merkley—No Comment
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
No Comments
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Comments
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
• Councilperson Burns—No Comment
• Councilperson Semones— No Comment
• Councilperson Anderson—Absent
• Councilperson Reed— Councilperson Reed thanked the Police Officers for upping patrols
around the school bus areas this week and congratulated Chief Grant on a good turnout for the
Firefighter Training. Councilperson Reed thanked everyone who applied for the Youth Advocate
Position and she looks forward to that being appointed during the next meeting.
• Councilperson Webb— No Comment
• Council Vice President Hawkins— No Comment
• Councilperson Snelling— No Comment
• Councilperson Stoner— Councilperson Stoner said he felt like they did something big during the
meeting with the interlocal agreement and being able to extend coverage. Councilperson
Stoner congratulated Chief Grant and also thanked Council President White for his due diligence
with this agreement. He appreciates the hard work.
• Council President White—Council President White said he just wanted to add that a lot of work
has been done behind this. There were a lot of meetings, a lot of time and effort to figure out
what needed to be done in a very quick way. He is glad that they were prepared to react as the
government body to the situation that occurred. Council President White thanked Chief Grant
for rising to the occasion and expressed gratitude to the Utica Township Fire Protection District.
The members are passionate about the district they represent and are proving to be a good
partner in this endeavor. Council President White thanked each of the Council for their
understanding and willingness to take the Fire Department and the City to the next level.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilperson Burns made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 6:48 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: atek ci—/A
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Dustin White, Council President ATTEST: Lisa Gill, Clerk