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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-02-2004COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA August 2, 2004 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, August 2, 2004. Mayor Rob Waiz, with Clerk Treasurer Peggy Wilder at the desk, called the meeting to order. Also present were City Attorney Les Merkley and Deputy Clerk Barbara Hollis. Mayor Waiz welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as Reverend Siefert gave the invocation. Mayor Waiz then asked all those present to join him in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The roll was called and those present were; Councilpersons John Perkins, Ed Zastawny, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, Ron Grooms, and Phil McCauley. Absent: Councilperson Keith Fetz. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve the agenda with the deletion of agenda item #16 and the tabling of agenda item #13, #21, and #22, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 6-0. Mayor Waiz presented the minutes of the meeting of July 19, 2004 for approval. Councilperson Wilson made the moffon to approve the minutes as presented, second by Com)eiiperson Perkins, passing on a vote of 6-0. Clerk Treasurer Wilder presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Following discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson Sellers passing on a vote of 6-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ms. Patricia Lowery appeared before the Council to state the proposed sewer rate increase is high, asking if all will pay. Ms. Lowery was told all will have the increase. AGENDA ITEMS: Mr. Greg Fifer, Attorney representing Realty Equities, appeared before the Council to request passage of Ordinance No. 2004-OR-45, An Ordinance Vacating A Portion Of Wall Street, A Public Way In The City of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Augnst 2, 2004 2 Councilperson Perkins spoke of the need for passage due to the safety during demolition. Councilperson Grooms asked if the vacated area would stay with the property if the project is sold. Areas of the Ordinance were reviewed relating to this. Attorney Filer gave an update on the status of the financing of the project. Public comment was requested. As there was no public comment, Councilpersun Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 2004-OR-45, second by Council President McCauley, passing on a vote of 6-0. Councilperson Sellers then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2004-OR-45 on all three readings, second by Councilperson Perkins, passing on a vote of 6-0. Mr. Barry Cahill, Director of Redevelopment appeared before the Council distributing and reviewing information for Resolution No. 2004-R-19, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Tax Abatement, (Key Electronics, Inc.). Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 2004-R-19, second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 6-0. Councilpersun Perkins called attention to the benefit of the increase in CAGIT taxes. Director Cahill introduced Mr. Tom Hardy, President of Key Electronics who thanked the Council and expressed his excitement regarding moving to Jeffersonville. Mr. Barry Cahill, Director of' Redevelopment next presented CFI forms. Discussion ensued concluding that more information is necessary for Nova Tube and Dover. A meeting will be scheduled with these companies. Cotincil President McCauley made the motion to accept all CFI Forms with the exception of Nova Tube and Dover, second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 6-0. A meeting with these companies will be arranged. Mr. David Duggins, representing PI Louisville/Cardinal Investments, appeared before the Council to request passage of Resolution No. 2004-R-20, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatement. Mr. Duggins spoke previously at a Council workshop. Council President McCauley made the motion to pass Resolution No. 2004-R-20, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 6-0. City Attorney Merkley explained Ordinance No. 2004-OR-43, An Ordinance Regulating Off Street Parking In Residential Districts. Councilperson Perkins made the August 2, 2004 motion to pass Ordinance No. 2004-OR-43 on the third reading, second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 6-0. City Attorney Merkley explained the need for passage of Resolution No. 2004-R- 21, A Resolution Ratifying Settlement Agreement Between The United States Of American And Jeffersonville, Indiana Under The Americans With Disabilities Act. Following all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 2004-R-21, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 6-0. Council President McCauley said this is an amazing document, saying good luck, as this is quite an undertaking. Attorney Merkley introduced Ordinance No. 2004-OR-46, An Ordinance Amending Portions Of Ordinance No. 98-OR-26 Establishing Sewer Rates For The City of Jeffersonville. Attorney Merkley stated this is the first step in a series of steps, explaining the procedure. Mr. Jorge Lance of Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz, presented and explained maps. Mr. John Skomp of Crowe Chizek presented and explained a financial report. Councilperson Grooms asked if EDIT funds could be pledged. Mr. Skomp explained EDIT funds may be pledged for specific economic development projects only. Councilperson Zastawny asked how the proposed rates compare to other areas. Mr. Skomp reviewed charges in other areas. Council President McCauley noted the City has not passed on rate of inflation increases. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to pass Ordinance Bio. 2004-OR-46 on the first reading, second by Council President McCauley, passing on a vote of 5-0-1. Councilperson Perkins abstained, saying he had been out of town and had not had time to review the Ordinance. Council President McCauley noted no Council Attorney applicant received a majority vote, asking the selection committee to reconvene, suggesting it be open to others. CLERK TREASURER COMMENTS: Clerk Treasurer Wilder said the City is again looking at a cash flow problem, saying there may be a need to look at other areas. COUNCIL AND MAYOR COMMENTS; Council President McCauley congratulated Councilperson Perkins for his attendance at the Democrat National Convention. August2,2004 4 Councilperson Perkins urged participation in a national political convention. Councilperson Wilson gave a SIEDC report. She will be providing copies of the Parks Department claims. Councilperson Wilson noted the participation and enjoyment at the Concerts In The Park. She compliments the City, Main Street, and the Parks Department. Councilperson Grooms said the committee to study the Greenwood area pool is proceeding. Councilperson Grooms said the sewer rate increase is a challenge, noting the Wastewater Treatment Plant is the greatest asset and tool for economic development. It is hard to "bite the bullet". Council President McCauley said, in regard to the need for the sewer rate increase, the City cannot afford to risk the environment, or of being out of compliance. The risk of lack of service to current and future users cannot be made. Mayor Waiz announced the Chen-y Hill Kids 1-Mile Run for August 7, 2004, and the ground breaking for Homer Novelty the next morning at 10:30 A.M. Mayor Waiz thanked all for coming, m~e~ As there was no further business to co meeting was adjourned 9:35 P.M. ROBERT L. WAIZ, MAYOR ATTEST: PEGGY '~LDER, CLERK AND TREASURER