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Home My WebLink About08-04-2008COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA August 4, 2008 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in Room 101, City Hall, 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 7:30 P.M. on Monday August 4, 2008. Mayor Tom Galligan, with Deputy Clerk Treasurer Bazbara Hollis at the desk, called the meeting to order. Also present were CiTy Attomey Darren Wilder Council Attorney Larry Wilder, and Clerk Treasurer Administrative Assistant Tiffany Timberlake. Mayor Galligan welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as Councilperson Samuel gave the invocation. Mayor Galligan 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 Mike Smith, Ed Zastawny, Keith Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, Nathan Samuel, and Ron Grooms. Absent: None. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to approve the agenda, second by Councilperson Samuel, passing on a vote of 7-0. Mayor Galligan presented the minutes for consideration. Councilperson Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes of July 21, 2008 (6:30 P.MJ as presented, second by Councilperson Samuel, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to approve the minutes of July 21, 2008 (7:30 P.MJ with the correction on page 5 from projection to presentation, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0. Deputy Clerk Treasurer Hollis presented the claim list for consideration by the Council Councilperson Smith noted only one credit cazd claim had no attachment. At the conclusion of all discussion, Councilperson Grooms made the motion to approve [he claims as presented, second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 7-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Jim Rogers, 6644 Westwood Drive, Whispering Oaks Subdivision Homeowners Association President appeared before the Council to ask for a small August 4, 2008 2 gesture. He explained the cul-de-sacs ace dark and he is requesting the installation of five streetlights. Mc Rogers reviewed other problems the subdivision has had with 21" Century Developers. Mayor Galligan said Planning and Zoning Director Jim Urban has been working with the developers. Mr. Urban will get back to Mr. Rogers. Ms. Mary Bell, 823 Prat[ appeazed before the Council regazding fireworks that have caused damage to her home, yazd, and vehicle. She explained the fireworks go on for weeks before and afrer July 4s'. The fireworks aze too big and too powerful for neighborhoods. Councilperson Smith noted the Ordinance regulating fireworks. Mayor Galligan said when the Police are called it is hard to try to find who it is. They do have the right to fireworks the problem is where they aze aimed. Councilperson Fetz said the State has approved fireworks for residential areas. He also noted the City does have the right to make an Ordinance stricter than the State. There is a need to look at the Ordinance. Ms. Bell said this is a safety issue. COUNCIL COMMENT: Council President Zastawny said he understands Mr. Rogers concerns. Mayor Galligan said he would get something done. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: There were no Department Head reports. AGENDA ITEMS: Council President Zastawny presented minutes to be ratified. Council President Zastawny made the motion to ratify the minutes of June 4, 2007, second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 6-0-1. Councilperson Samuel abstained as he was not present at the meeting. Council President Zastawny [hen made the motion [o ratify the minutes of June 18, 2007, second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Sellers explained changes made to Ordinance No. 2008-OR-43, An Ordinance To Control The Growth Of Weeds And Noxious Plants, making the motion to pass on the second and third readings, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 7-0 Councilperson Grooms explained the need for passage of Ordinance No. 2008- OR-45, An Ordinance Of Additional Appropriation (EDIT Funds), making the motion to August 4, 2008 3 pass on the first and second readings, second by Councilperson Wilsoq passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Wilson presented and explained the need for passage of Resolution No. 2008-R-16, A Resolution To Advertise For Additional Appropriation (EDIT Fund - Allison Lane Sidewalks), making the motion to pass, second by Councilperson Smith, passing on a vote of 7-0. Director Of Redevelopment Gayle Robinson presented and explained Resolution No. 2008-R-17, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Real And Personal Property Tax Abatement (Genesis Plastics Solutions, LLC). The request is fora 10-yeaz abatement on real properly and a 5-year abatement on equipment. The Redevelopment Commission has not approved this request. Councilperson Samuel would Tike to have input from the Redevelopment Commission. Following discussion, Councilperson Samue] made the motion to pass Resolution No. 2008-R-17, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0. Director Robinson next presented and explained Resolution No. 2008-R-18, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Real And Personal Property Tax Abatement (C&G Technologies). Councilperson Grooms, noting the projected salaries, made the motion to pass Resolution No. 2008-R-18, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0. Council President Zastawny presented and explained Ordinance No. 2008-OR-46, An Ordinance Regulating The Purchase Of City-Owned Motor Vehicles Acknowledging The Necessity Of Fuel Conservation And Fiscal Responsibility. Council President Zastawny made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2008-OR-46 on the first reading, second by Councilperson Sellers. Councilperson Grooms voiced concern regarding garbage trucks and other heary equipment. The motion to pass Ordinance No. 2008-OR- 46 on the first reading passed on a vote of 7-0. Council President Zastawny, noting the cost of fuel and how it affects the budget, presented and explained Ordinance No. 2008-OR-47, An Ordinance Regulating The Use Of City-Owned Motor Vehicles (Prohibiting Take Home Vehicles Outside City w/Gas Payment). He has reviewed how other cities deal with the situation. The City of Jeffersonville has 76 take home cars. A review shows 3032 employees live outside the August 4, 2008 4 City representing approximately 40%. His object is to put this on the floor for discussion. Council President Zastawny feels the allocation of benefits should go to the taxpayers of Jeffersonville. He then read aloud and reviewed several parts of the Ordinance making the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2008-OR-47 on the first reading. Councilperson Sellers [hanks the Police for paying $40 a month for two yeazs on their own. She does feel an exception should be made for Department Heads, as they do not have a choice. This is a huge issue that needs to be discussed. Councilperson Smith seconded the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2008-OR-47 on [he first reading. Councilperson Samue] feels each depatmen[ should have their own policy. The Police Department does have a policy. He values Police presence in neighborhoods as it helps the whole community. He would like to consider those that live outside the City limits pay a different amount rather than eliminate the right to take home vehicles. Councilperson Samuel concurs with Councilperson Sellers regazding Department Head use. This is a huge issue that needs to be discussed. Councilperson Grooms noted of each $30,000 paid for fuel, the Police and Fire Departments use $22,000 to $23,000. Councilperson Grooms also agrees with the Department Head excep[iou. Councilperson Sellers would like to consider the SWAT and K-9 officers as exceptions. Councilperson Fetz realizes the need to look at this as an economic issue. He does not believe an officer would take the job for a take home vehicle. Mayor Galligan reviewed a circumstance of an employee called out at night to repair a traffic signal at a fime when he did not allow the vehicle to be taken home. He then realized the importance of having the vehicle at home. Mayor Galligan does appreciate Council President Zastawny bringing this to the table. The vote to pass Ordinance No. 2008-OR-47 on the first reading passed on a vote of 7-0. CLERK TREASURER COMMENTS: There were no Clerk Treasurer Comments. COMMITTEE REPORTS, COUNCIL AND MAYOR COMMENTS: Councilperson Samuel has met with Building Commissioner Seagraves regazding the building authority and the building. He reviewed the discussion. There is a need for a building point man. The budget was discussed. There is a need for two appointments. Ordinance recommendations have been given to Council Attorney Wilder. August 4, 2008 5 Councilperson Samuel also met with Firefighter Jason Sharp and Planning and Zoning Director Jim Urban regarding the need for a fire hydrant ordinance. Councilperson Samuel would like the City to consider a "Welcome To Jeffersonville" sign on Veterans Parkway coming from Clazksville. Councilperson Grooms noted the attendance of Boy Scouts in the audience. Troop Master Mitch Hazlan of Troop #1, Wall Street Methodist Church introduces the Scouts and explained the badges the boys aze working on. Councilperson Grooms announced a meeting Monday, August 11, 2008 at 5:30 P.M. with representatives from Umbaugh who will be here for an excess levy appeal discussion. Also, August 12 and 13, representatives from Umbaugh will be here to discuss the fiscal plan. Council Attorney Wilder said Bob Clifford from Umbaugh would want to meet with the Department Heads. Councilperson Grooms references a DLGF memo regarding extended budget deadlines. The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled fox Thursday, August 14, 2008 starting at 8:00 A.M. expecting to last 6 hours. The Pazks Authority will meet next Monday. Councilperson Grooms announced the Jeff GRC Boys won today. Councilperson Grooms thanks Jeff High Student Matt for taping the meeting. He also thanks all the Police for being here. Councilperson Wilson announced the Beautification Committee has put up signs. She also noted the Scouts, here tonight, sell refreshments at the Concerts In The Park. Councilperson Fetz reminded all of the need for Planning and Zoning appointments. Council President Zastawny requested nominations for Planning and Zoning. Councilperson Grooms nominated Councilperson Fetz, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Sellers nominated Firefighter Mike McCutcheoq second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Sellers nominated City Engineer Bob Miller, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 7-0. Council President Zastawny noted the insurance inspection has been done with only one recommendation. That recommendation has to do with a cushion azea under the diving boazd ladder. Council President Zastawny then noted the Little League Team is a great representation for the City, making the motion to give $250.00, second by Councilperson Samuel, passing on a vote of 7-0. August 4, 2008 Mayor Galligan reviewed his meeting today with wrestlers from Japan. Mayor Galligan presented them with [he Commodore of The Por[ and books. They were very gracious and nice. This was a good thing to happen. They aze great young men and it was a good time. Councilperson Wilson noted she went to the Aquatic Center when the wrestlers were there. They were having a good time. The Jeff wrestling parents had food. Mayor Galligan commends the Pazks for the Aquatic Center. Many compliments were received from the recent swim meet. It is an expense to the Ciry. It does provide for economic development. The money has been well invested. It makes the community just a little bit better. As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned 9:05 P.M. ~ ~ (f ,(~ ///~n THOMAS R. GALLIGAN, MA1f~R ATTEST: , n ~,~r-,.r Geri PEG ILDER, CLERK AND TREASURER