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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-02-1996COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE~ INDIANA JANUARY 2~ 1996 City of Common Council The of the regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room Building, Jeffersonv~lle, Indlana~ at 7:3~ P.M. January 1996. Jeffersonvllle met in in the City-County on the 2nd day of The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Ga!llgan~ with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr, at the desk. Mayor Galligan welcomed all in attendance, asking ali_ those present to stand as Co~lncllperson Ron Ellis gave the invocation, He 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 Perklns~ Ron Ellls~ Wllson~ Andrew Wltllams Absent: None. Donna M. Frantz~ Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara III, and Vlcky Conlin. Mayor Galligan thanked all those for attending asking all to bear with them and all will try to make it smooth~ Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of November 29; 1995; for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Wilder made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Williams amd carried unanimously. Clerk a~d Treasurer Spencer presented consideration by the Council along with one Following all disc~]sslon; Councilperson Perkins approve the claims as presented as well as the additional, Counci!person Conlin~ passing unanimously. the claim list for additional claim. made the motion to seconded by PAGE 2 JANUARY 2, 1996 Council president Wilder explained she enjoyed serving as President of the Council and it was an honor, and she ls looking forward to the new year. She then made the motion to elect Councllperson Willlams as Council President for 1996~ seconded by Councllperson Wllson, passing unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented Resolution No~ 96-R-1, A Resolution Authorizing The Temporarily Dormant Funds. Following all discussion, Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-1, Councllperson Wllson, passing unanimously. 96-0R-1, Of Law. and explained Investment Of Counci!person seconded by Attorney Sedwlck presented and explained Ordinance No~ An Ordinance Creating The City Of Jeffersonvi!le Department Councl]person Wilder made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No~ 96-OR-1~ seconded by Council passing unanimously. Councilperson Wilder then pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-1 on all three readings, President Wllliams~ passing unanimously. President Williams, made the motion to seconded by Council Attorney Sedwich presented and explained Ordinance No. 96-OR-2, An Ordinance Creating The City Of Jeffersonvlllle Department Of Safety. Councllperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance Nor 96-OR-2~ seconded by Council President Williams~ passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-09-2 on all three readings~ seconded by Council President Williams, passing unanimously. PAGE 3 JANUAgY 2, !996 Attorney Sedwlck presented and explained Ordinance No~ 96-09-3, An Ordinance Amending Certaln Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. 957OR-25 (Mayor's Office, Department of Law, Planning and Zonlng~ and Sewage). Following all discussion, Counci!person Frantz made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No~ 96-09-3, seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing unanimously. Councllperson Frantz then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-09-3 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councllpersons Perkins, Ellis, Frantz, Wilder, Wilson, presented and Williams~ and Conlln. Nays: NoDe. Attorney Sedwick 96-OR-4~ An Ordinance Transferring Certain Department, (City Attorney, Planning and Zonings Fo]lowing all discussion~ Councilperson Ellis explained Ordinance No. Funds Within Same and Mayor's Office). made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-4, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Councilperson Ellis then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-4 on all three readings, seconded by Council President Wll!lams~ passing on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Perkins, Ellis, Frantz, Wilder, Wilson, Williams, and Conlin. Nays: None PAGE 4 JANUARY 2, 1996 for a 1996, Planning and Zoning Director Jlm Urban presented a proposal retreat which if agreed upon would be held Saturday, Jan!lary 13~ from 9:~0 A.M. until 4~0 P.M. The purpose of the retreat is to plan for the next four years, Director Urban then reviewed the proposal from Strategic Development Group, Inc.~ explaining the proposed cost would be a great first step, applauds Mayor Galligan and Frantz suggests meeting in Councilperson Wilder suggests contacting Mr. facility for common use. Director Urban information about Strategic Development Group, is S6;4~0 to $7,0~. Councilperson Perkins feels this suggesting input from other sectors. He Director Urban for this. Councllperson the City-County Building to save costs. Walt Bales as he has a gave some background Inc., saying they are familiar with this area. Councllperson Conlin agrees this is a good idea. Mayor Galligan believes he is an energetic person that wants to do a lot of things and there is a need for all to go in the same dlrectlon~ this is why be is suggesting this. Ideas do need to be prioritized. Councilperson Perkins asked if Mayor Galligan is familiar with the facilitator and does agree they would do a good Job. Mayor Galllgan does agree with the facilitator. Councllperson Ellis questions payment of the cost. Councl]person Wilder recommends the Mayor and Council share the cost from their promotion funds. All agree with the co.ncept and Councilperson Perklns made the motion for the Mayor and Council to share the cost, seconded by Counci!person Ellis, passing unanimously. PAGE 5 JANUARY 2; 1996 Mayor Galligan explained the boat dock rentals will be taken from the Park Department and put into the Building Commissioners Office. A policy for administering the boat docks will be created. A plan will be put together on how to development the riverfront in conjunction with the boat docks~ the greenway~ and all rlverfront development. This will be coordinated by the City Planner~ the Building Commissioner and the Parks Department. The boat docks will be controlled so that the City of Jeffersonvllle can be proud of them. It will be made nice for all the City to use and make it user friendly. Council President Wilder questioned if Park Board approval is needed. Councilperson Perkins does not believe so as the City owns the area as a common area. No changes will have to be made in the current Riverfront Non-Reverting Fund~ Attorney Sedwlck said some rules and regulations of the Parks Department will have to be rescinded. Counci!person Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution 96-R-2~ A Resolution Authorizing The Control Of the Boat Docks On The Riverfront Be Transferred From The Park Department To The Building Commission Offlce~ seconded by Councllperson Conlin, passing unanimously. There followed discussion regarding Ordinance versus Resolution. Counc.ilperson Perkins informed the Council the Court Of Appeals has ruled that Resolutions carry the same as Ordinances. Attorney Sedwick feels no need for an Ordinance now, however the policies may be put in Ordinance form at a later time. PAGE 6 JANUARY 2, 1996 Mayor Galligan has looked at the Masonic Lodge on Spring Street in Jeffersonville and is considering an option to purchase the building to use as a City Hall. This could only happen if an arrangement could be worked out with the County Commissioners to buy the City's equity o~t of the City-County Building. This would allow for the funds to fit the Lodge to the City's needs. The number one purpose for this is to be in a building where the City can control its' own destiny, and to have all the people in one building. Another consideration is to help downtown. This is a beautiful building that is part of ollr heritage. It would make a beautiful City Hall if all the numbers can be worked out. Mayor Galligan would like to take an option on the property to allow the City to get in the building to see what it will take and allow time to make an intelligent decision. He feels this money would be well spent. Councilperson Perkins feels the benefit would be seen in the short run. Mr. Charles Kenneth White~ as senior deacon of Masonic Lodge Clark 4~ would love to see the City buy the bullding~ but it is a "dog". More money would be spent there as all the plumbing needs to be replaced, the heat is fuel oil, the electricity is shot. The remodeling would have to be extensive as the ceiling in one room is 2~ feet. Mr. White does not want to have his tax dollars raised to put in that building. He is against that. Mayor Galligan understands, that is why he wants to have people look at it that can put the numbers together. If it is not financially a good move it will not be done~ He does want to explore the opportunity and all the options. This is for discussion only. Councllperson Wilder feels most people do not realize how much the PAGE 7 JANUARY 2~ 1996 City does spend in this building and that is why she feels it is good to look into this. Councllperson Perkins estimates the cost to stay in this building for the next four years at a million dollars plus. This is why he would llke to look into this beautiful historical building and to bringing traffic back to Spring Street, Even if this is a break even situation it would be a benefit and he does support the proposal. Mayor Galligan feels if the City spends $5~0~ to check it out without the option, the building could be sold, this is why he would like to buy the $1,000 option. The asking price of the building Is $20~,~ and they are offerlng $150,~. The Carnegie Library is not big enough and does not have enough parking. There is parking at the Masonic Lodge. Mayor Galligan said he is trying to make good business sense. This building is too small. This might not be the opportunity that is needed but he does want to look at it and he will be the first to say if it will not work. Councllperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution 96-R-3~ A Resolution Authorizing Mayor Galllgan and/or The Board Of Public Works And Safety To Enter Into A Binding Agreement And Place A $1~ Retainer To Buy Time To Make Explorations~ seconded by Councilperson Ellis, and carried unanimously. Councilperson Wilder explained the Council Secretary positions saying she would like to carry these forward. She requests the Council members review this for appointments at a later date. Mayor Galllgan stated he is glad to be here. He looks forward to working with everybody and answering anybody's questions that have them. He feels done for Jeffersonvllle. things will be made to happen. with this Council positive things can be A posltlve foot will be put forward and One of the ~rst things will be to PAGE 8 JANUARY 2~ 1996 take that ugly bridge over Highway 62 out. He has a quote of $5,200 to take it out. The materials then may be sold for scrap. He will take other bids but believes none will be lower. Some good things will be done to clean up Jeffersonville and make it a place to be proud of. Mayor Galllgan says "bear with me~ we'll get it done"~ Councllperson Perkins is glad to be back again to work with a lot of old friends. He does not feel all the meetings will be as cordial as this meetlng but that is what makes the world go around. In the past the Council has feel a healthy exchange of witho~lt being disagreeable, been acc~]ssed of bickering, he does not ideas is bickering. Ail can disagree Honest people have honest differences and he knows this will happen. Councilperson Perkins stated Mayor Galllgan will be the fourtt] Mayor he has had the opportunity to work with and in the past few months he has never been made more to feel a part of the team. He hopes all on the City Council and the citizens of Jeffersonvll!e appreciate the openness and sharing of ideas by the Mayor. Mayor Gal!igan is a talkers but he is also a good listener. Councllperson Perkins appreciates the administration. Councilperson Ellis thanks the citizens for glvlng him the opportunity to work with this opportunity to work with thls of Jeffersonville Council and the Mayor. He ls looking forward to a properous fou~ years. He would like to remlnd the Mayor there is another ugly bridge on 14th Street. Mayor Galllgan said "one bridge at a time". PAGE 9 JANUARY 2, 1996 Councilperson Frantz said there is money in the new budget to beautify the entrances to the City. She and Mayor Gatligan attended the Solid Waste Board this evening. She expressed the desire to remain on the Board for another year as there are a lot of issues coming up with the Board. She was not in favor of the new Director of the Solid Waste Board but she wants all to know that his first presentation to the Board was excellent. He did give a list of his goals to the members. Councllperson Frantz promises to watch closely to make sure they happen. If the first meeting is any indication, he will do a good Job. One of the big problems is recycling for multi-family homes. This will become mandatory. A lot that goes into the landfills can be reduced this way. Co%~ncllperson Frantz again expressed the desire to serve on the Board. Councllperson Wilder asks Council President Williams to call for the various Council appointments either tonight or the next meeting. Councllperson Perkins suggests leaving them as they are until the next meeting. Councllperson Wilder asks if the subdivision ordinance has been reworked. Planner Urban suggests the zoning ordinance be redone, Councllperson Wilder feels thls is important to do as it is frustrating serving on the Plan Commission. Councllperson Wilder welcomes the new Council members, thanking Mayor Galllgan for including the Council in all his plans. Council. person Wilson welcomes all the new members saying she feels all are in. for an exciting and productive foyer years, The Inner-City Road is on the go and there will be a greenway meeting soon. PAGE 10 JANUARY 2~ 1996 Councllperson Conlin thanks all for coming, saying she ls excited about working with the Council. She wants all to be able to contact her by calling her at home at 282-3286 or by page at 478-0388. She suggests filling the Council Secreatary positions that are vacant and allowing those Councilperson to keep the positions they had previously. Councllperson Frantz has talked with Ms. Nellie Nolan regarding housing projects that have been constructed, giving no consideration to the children that will live in the complexes. She does not feel this area is the only area with this problem. She does not know how to address the situation but it is her feeling a developer should provide green space and a possible playground. Planner Urban feels thls should be done through zoning. Councllperson Prantz asks if the developers could be contacted to donate property to the Park Department and have the department put the equipment on it. Council President Williams explained he had an opportunity a few years ago to meet a man that ran a "can do" campaign~ This man is now Mayor. He is impressed with his goals and objectives. Mr. Charles Kenneth White stated the Mayor did a good job. The retreat will be open to the public. Mayor Gslllgan will be holding his first office on Tuesday, January 23 from 6:~ P.Mo in his 10 minute appointments. Appointments can be make or come first served. There will be s Greenway meeting noon at the Falls Of The Ohio Interpretive Center~ Mayor Galllgan then introduced his department heads, "Mayor's Night In" to 8:00 P.M. with it will be first on January 5 at All are invited. Police Chief Mike PAGE I1 JANUARY 2~ 1996 JoAnn. Also Commissioner Ewton. Pavey; Assistant Chief Maynard Marsh, Building Commissioner Bill Gavin; City Engineer Bob Mlller~ Fire Chief Mike Smith, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Davis; City Planner Jim Urban, Safety Director Tony Harrod, Deputy Mayor Phil McCauley, Personnel Director "Pee Wee" Lakeman, Sewage Billing Director Bob Goldman, Parks Department Superintendent Rick Elliott; City Attorney Anne Marie Sedwick, Wastewater Treatment Director Kendall Coleman, his secretary Hona McBride and his wife out cleanlng the streets from snow are Street George Trembly, and Vehicle Maintenance Director Mike There being no further business Councllperson Perkins moved to adjourn st 8:35 o'clock by Councilperson Conlin and %~nan_~ously car~led. CLERK AND TREAS1 RD SPENCER JR. to come before the Council, seconded