HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-2008 SpecialJEFFERSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION
Monday, January 28, 2008 - 5:30 P.M.
City Hall 3~d Floor Conference Room
(Moved to City Council Chambers, Room 101)
Council Vice President Connie Sellers called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M., and on
call of the roll those members present were: Councilpersons Ron Grooms, Barbara
Wilson, Connie Sellers, Mike Smith, Keith Fetz, and Nathan Samuel. Also present were
Ciry Attorney Darren Wilder, City Council Attorney Larry Wilder, Clerk Treasurer
Peggy Wilder, and DepuTy Clerk Treasurer Barbara Hollis.
Following discussion, Councilperson Grooms made the motion to move Agenda Item #12
to #8, delete #10, replacing it with #12, second by Councilperson Samuel passing on a
vote of 6-0.
New Hires For Fire Department
Fire Chief Tony Harrod and Assistant Fire Chief Tony Decker presented a request to hire
additional firefighters over the number paid for by a grant. Additional money is not
needed for the grant. The equipment cost for those in the grant hiring will be $16,000.
Councilperson Grooms noted the 2008 budget order has not been received and warned of
a potential deficit. Clerk Treasurer Wilder noted the need to operate on the worst-case
scenario. Assistant Chief Decker noted the request would reduce needs for annexation.
Following discussion, Councilperson Grooms made the motion to hice 6 firefighters for
2008, second by Councilperson Samuel. Assistant Chief Decker said following training
this would reduce overtime. Councilperson Grooms withdrew his motion and
Councilperson Samuel withdrew his second. Chief Harrod said this request would be
$21,000 under what has been budgeted. Councilperson Grooms is not sure if the funding
is available. Clerk Treasurer Wilder said she is not qualified to answer without a review.
Councilperson Fetz noted if cuts were necessary the Police and Fire Departments would
be the last cut. Councilperson Smith is concerned [he plans are to take the ladder truck
out of the first district where the taller buildings are, leaving one pumper truck in the first
district. Councilperson Smith made the motion to hire 6 firefighters, second by
Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Redevelopment Appointment
Mr. Jamie Lake, Counci] appointment to Redevelopment thanked the Counei] for [he
appointment, saying he is honored and will take the appointment seriously. He will keep
the Counci] up to speed and he is glad to serve.
January 28, 2008 (5:30 P.M.) Page 2
Council President Zastawny arrived at 6:05 P.M.
Historic Homc
Mr. Greg Sekula, Southern Regional Director, Historic Landmarks Foundation of
fndiana, presented a proposal [o relocate a historic home from 301 East Riverside Drive
to 115 West Chestnut Street. The group is prepared financially to make this move.
Architect Wayne Estopinal has pledged $10,000. Planning and Zoning Director Jim
Urban is in support of the concept. Council President Zastawny asked what the Financial
responsibilities of the City would be. Director Sekula said a police escort would be
requested as well as help with utility and traffic signals. Councilperson Samuel made the
motion to approve the move pending zoning approval, second by Council President
Zastawny. Councilperson Smith has talked with area residents and businesses and all
would like to see this happen. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson
Grooms made the motion to reduce the sewer tap fee, second by Councilperson Wilson,
passing on a vote of 7-0.
Zoning Issues
Planning and 7,oning Director Jim Urban is working on a unified development code for
the City. It should be complete in six months. A moratorium on multi-family
development has been proposed. It will take time to do the code right. Council Attorney
Wilder explained Ordinance No. 2008-OR-3, An Ordinance Declaring A Moratorium On
The Filing Of Certain Applications For Development Permits And Building Permits For
Multi-Pamily Dwellings In The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Attomey Greg Fifer
asked to comment. Councilperson Fetz asked if he was speaking as a representative of
the City. Attomey Fifer replied no, he only represents the CiTy for annexation matters.
Council President Zastawny made the motion to recess at 6:30 P.M., second by
Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 7-0.
The meeting reconvened at 6:40 P.M.
Council Attorney Wilder said comments are reserved for specific issues to the
moratorium not projects. Attorney Fifer noted the cost to the City in improvements.
With regard to a conflict Attomey Fifer said he told the Counci] be would not give up his
private practice. Council President Zastawny asked Attorney Fifer to please stick to the
subject at hand. Attorney Fifer is represeming a developer of the proposed Woods Of
Northaven, adjacent to the Bottorff property. Attomey Fifer presented his resignation as
the council representative for annexation. He noted the City is losing several hundred
thousand dollars in benefits. He only asked for a rational discussion. Councilperson
Grooms would like to hear comments regarding an approved project. Attomey Fifer
explained the developer is willing to fund the building of a new road and a traffic signal.
Councilperson Grooms noted the Ordinance is not about one or two projects. Mc Craig
H. Limner, PF., Vice President -Development, Pedcor Companies presented information
on a proposed project. Following all discussion, Councilperson Fetz made the motion to
January 28, 2008 (5:30 P.M.) Page 3
suspend the rules fox Ordinance No. 2008-OR-3, second by Councilperson Grooms,
passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Fetz then made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 2008-OR-3 on all three readings, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote
of 6-1. Councilperson Samuel voted against passage.
Refinancing Bonds
Mr. Steven A. Meno, CPA, Vice President and Mx. Jay Ryals, CPA, Assistant Vice
President of Fifth Third Securities, Inc. presented proposals for refinancing
Redevelopment and Sewer Bonds at lower rates. Council President Zastawny noted all
authorities have to agree. Clerk Treasurer Wilder noted the cash option is not available to
the City. Fees were discussed. Councilperson Samuel would ask Redevelopment to
consider the proposal. Mc Meno noted this is a good saving opportunity. Councilperson
Grooms would like to pursue.
Park Ordinance
Councilperson Fetz explained Ordinance No. 2008-OR-4, An Ordinance Establishing
The Jeffersonville Parks Commission And Rescinding Ordinance No. 83-OR-18 Entitled:
"An Ordinance Concerning Public Pazks And Recreation [n The City Of Jeffersonville,
Indiana, As Authorized By IC 36-]0-3", saying this would enhance and broaden the
Parks Deparcment. Councilperson Fetz made [he motion to pass Ordinance No. 2008-
OR-4 on the first meeting, second by Councilperson Grooms Clerk Treasurer Wilder
noted the need to have the original of all contracts. Councilperson Fetz would more than
welcome any input from [he Pazk Boazd. The motion to pass Ordinance No. 2008-OR-4
on [he first reading passed on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Fetz made [he motion to adjourn at 7:15 P.M., second by Council
President Zastawny passing on a vote of 7-~
Attest:
Q4.a,a1.s. ~:~,~,~
Clerk rer Peggy Wilder