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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-16-1996COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEF~ERSONVILLE, INDIANA JANUARY 16, 1996 The Common Council of the City of regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room Building, Jeffersonvllle~ Indiana, at 7:30 P.M. January 1996. Jeffersonville met in in the City-County on the !6th day of The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R~ Galllgan, with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr~ at the desk. Mayor Galligan welcomed all in attendance~ asking all those present to stand as Councl!person 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 John Perkins, Ron Ellis, Wilson, Andrew Williams Absent: None. Mayor Galligan presented the December 18, 1995~ December 30, 1995, called and those present were Councllpersons Donna M. Frantzt Peggy Knight Wllder, Barbara III, and Vlcky Conlln. mlnutes of the meetings of and January 2, 1996 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Wilder made the motion to approve the min~ltes of all three meetings as presented, seconded by Councilperson Conlin and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve the claims as presented with the exception of the claim to the Clark County Treasurer in the amount of S6,108.30 to allow time for review, seconded by Councilperson Wilder. Clerk and Treasurer PAGE 2 JANUARY 8; 1996 Spencer Councilperson withdrew hls approve the Treasurer in the amount of Clerk and Treasurer Spencer, unanimously. presented additional claims with discussion fo!lowing~ Wilder withdrew her second and Councl!person Perkins motion. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to claim list omitting the claim to the Clark County S6~108~30, and adding those presented by seconded by Councllperson Wilder, passing Allen Morris, Attorney representing Bestway Trucking, Inc, appeared before the Council explaining Resolution No~ 96-R-3, A Resolution Approving Continued Tax Abatement. Attorney Sedwick informed the Council State Statute does allow for this situation. Councilperson Ellis questioned if there is a follow-up procedure. Attorney Sedwlck explained those approved since 1991 do have to file an annual statment~ Councilperson Wilder feels the Council should have a formal review committee, which it does not have at this time. This would be a topic of discussion for a workshop. Attorney Morris assured the Council Bestway does intend to stay in Jeffersonvitle. Mayor Galligan asked how it was this was not picked up on the taxes. Attorney Morris does not know~ Following all discussion~ Coucllperson Wilson made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-3, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Mr. Jim Hil!~ and MF~ Jim Martin, two of six investors in Rimwood Inc., presented Resolution No. 96-R-4~ A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatement. They expleined the company and answered questions from the Council. Councilperson Perkins believes abatements on equipment should be for PAGE 4 JANUARY 8, 1996 Council appointments. Councilperson Ron Councltperson Frantz. carried unanimously. Council President Williams opened for discussion the various Councilperson Wilder made the motion to appoint Ellis to the Plan Commission~ seconded by There being no further nominations the motion Councilperson Wilson made the motion to appoint Councilperson Donna Frantz to the Solid Waste Board, seconded by Councilperson Wilder. There being no further nominations, the motion carried unanimously. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to reconfirm the appointments of Jim Urban and Dale Yost to the Redevelopment Commission, seconded by Councilperson Williams. There being no further nominations, the Attorney Sedwick asks the Council to be that will be open February 1, 1997, motion carried unanimously. thinking about an appointment on the Economic Development Commission. This would be a recommendation from the Council to the Mayor. Council President Williams made the motion to appoint Steve Stemler to the Economic Development Council, seconded by Councltperson Wilson. Councilperson Conlin asked if Steve Stemler had been asked if he is willing to serve. want to stay involved. unanimously. Council President Williams made Ordinance Transferring Surplus Funds From Council President Williams said Steve does Following discussion, the motion passed the motion to table the The Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund To The General Fund, seconded by Councilperosn Wilder~ passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins requests Ms. Jenniffer Mead, of the Department of Redevelopment, and all others that may be involved in the situation making this transfer necessary to appear at the next Council meeting for a question and answer period. PAGE 3 JANUARY 8, 1996 five years as oppossed to ten years. Following all discussion, Councllperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-4 making the change from 10 years Conlln, passing unanimously~ Councilperson Perkins to 5 years, seconded by Councilperson asked if the request for a tax abatment for Wall Street Cafe could be considered tonight as is waiting for approval before starting construction. Sedwick said as this is a restaurant there is a different the owner Attorney procedure which includes approval from the Economic Development Commission which did act favorably at a meeting held earlier this same day, saying it will be considered at the Council meeting of February 5, 1996. Councilperson Perkins asks if the Council could give preliminary approval so that ground may be broken. Council President Williams is oppossed to this as it may set a precedent. He favors following procedure. Councilperson Wilder stated she has voted in oppossition to tax abatments in the past as construction was started prior to the request. This will be considered at the next meeting. Mayor Galllgan would like to set the meeting schedule for 1996 for the first and third Monday of the month. He would like to continue the starting time for the first Monday at 7:30 P.M. He would like to change the starting time for the third Monday to 5:0~ P.M., to see if this will allow others to attend the meetings. Televising the meeting was discussed at the retreat and will be looked into. Following discussion it was decided to follow the suggested schedule. PAGE 5 JANUARY 8, 1996 Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented and explained Resolution No. 96-R-5~ A Resolution Approving Advertising For An Additional Appropriation. This will be for advertising purposes only. Following discussion, Councllperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-5, seconded by Councllperson Wilder, passing unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented Ordinance No. 96-OR-6, An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. Department is deleting the 95-OR-25. Police Chief Mike Pavey explained the Police deleting a records clerk and adding a dlspatcher~ and parking enforcement officer and adding a patrolman without increase in the budget. Councllperson Perkins feels this is great, commending Cheif Pavey. Park Superintendent Elliott explained some positions in his department are being combined, and other areas are being updated to reflect the budget. It was noted the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent have taken pay cuts. Following all disctlsslon, Councllperson Wilder made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-6, seconded by Council Presdient Williams, passing unanimously. Councilperson Wilder then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-6 on all three readings, seconded by Councllperson Wilson passing on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councllpersons Perkins, Ellis, ~rantzl Wilder~ Wilson, Williams~ and Conlin. Nays: None. PAGE 6 JANUARY 8, 1996 Deputy to the Mayor McCauley introduced Ms. Cheryl Pence and Mr. David Lasoncy~ representatives of Sprint Telecommunications Venture, explaining they are interested in leasing City property. No decision is required this evening, however the group is following a time line. Ms. Pence explained the F.C.C. has opened the area to certain licenses, one of which Sprlnt has aquired for personal communication services. The area of interest is a 40 by 60 (2400 sq. feet) site near the Animal Shelter for a 25 year lease. They do have other areas they are considering. She provided a rough draft of a proposal to the Council. There is a question of whether a zoning variance will be necessary. Sprint is here to spend money and provide a service. Ms. Pence answered questions saying it would be a 90 to 10~ ft. structure with the "beauty in the eye of the beholder", which will not be offensive. Councilperson Ellis is concerned and requests a picttire and/or a drawing. Environmental tests will have to be done in the area. The Board of Public Works and Safety will be the Board to approve this, however Mayor aware of the proposal~ Clerk and Treasurer Galligan wants to make the Council Spencer presented and explained Ordinance No. 96-OR-6~ An Ordinance Transferring Funds Within Same Department. There followed discussion regarding the transfer in the Council budget for the Health Insurance audit, the fringe area expenses and the sweeper. There was a question why the Health Insurance audt was not paid from the Health Insurance Fund. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer explained the Housing Authority gave the City PILOT PAGE7 JANUARY 8, 1996 funds in the amount of $6,~00 did go into the explained there were $6,~00 to be used for this purpose. This General Fund. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer questions during the last administration regarding this that Spencer feels this to pay the claim opinion in writing to this previously~ in regard to the were never clearly answered. Clerk and Treasurer is a matter of opinion and if this Council wishes from the Health Insurance Fund he would like the from the City Attorney. The employees did object Councllperson Frantz questioned where the City is next annexation. There will be a meeting this Friday~ Mr. Charles Kenneth White feels where the claim for the audit is paid for should have been worked out before the audit was done. Councllperson Wilder would like to see the Arthur Anderson claim paid as soon as possible. Council President Williams made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance 96-OR-6, seconded by Councilperson Wilson, failing on a vote of 6-1, with Councilperson Perkins objecting. Council President Williams then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-09-6 on the first and second reading, seconded by Councllperson Wilder, passing on a vote of 6-1, with Councilperson Perkins in oppossition. Council President Williams asks that the Council Secretary briefings be done during the Council remarks for now. Mayor Galligan said it has been an interesting two weeks, but "we're having a good time". Mayor Galligan announced Mr. Carrol Gowens~ Director of the Department of Redevelopment resigned last Friday so the Department. The 6:~0 to 8:00 P~M. administration is looking at reorganizing the first "Mayor's Night-In" will be next Tuesday from PAGE 8 JANUARY 8; 1996 Councilperson Perkins, as a citizen and Councllperson appreciated seeing Mayor Galligan Jump onto a grader and driving equipment during the recent snow storm: Thls is inspiring to other workers. Councllperson Perkins feels that good that it be told publicly. Councilperson Ellis commends holding the retreat thls past weekend. when someone does something the Mayor for the foresight for It was very informative and it let of hope for the coming year. Councllperson Frantz read Children's Choir of Jeffersonville. meeting. him know that a lot of ideas are common ideas. This gives a lot a thank you note from the Councilperson Wilson attended an Ohio River Greenway A grant has been received for a study, and it is hoped construction can start in 1997. should be completed in a couple Councllperson Conlin The third lane on the Kennedy Bridge of weeks. thanks the Police Department, Fire Department, and Park Departments for talking with her. She also thanks the Street Department for "putting up with me". She enjoyed this and learned a great deal. She commends them for the great work. Councllperson Conlln also commends the Mayor for all he does for the community, saying he gives all the drlve to go forward. Council President Williams explained the Council in the past was struggling with the financing of equipment, particularly for the Fire Department. This will be addressed again this year. PAGE 9 JANUARY 8, 1996 Mayor Galligan said the retreat was very productive in that he feels all have the same goals, they are jllst phrased differently. All want Jeffersonvil!e to go in the same direction. He feels all are on the same page of the play book and can make things happen. Jeffersonvllle has a lot of assets. The problems have been narrowed down so that specific action plan for the next four years can grow and prosper. All can be taken. Mayor Galllgan feels a can be formulated so that Jeffersonvllle that came were involved. Thanks to Tony Harrod February 3~ Preservation Station for the use of the facility and to for having everything the way it was suppossed to be. there will be a workshop on drainage. A grant has been received to bring in engineers to talk about drainage from the point of origin to the main stream. The County Commissioners and Oak Park Conservency Board of Directors will be Invited. Drainage involves the surrounding areas, Ms. Mary new Councilpersons, the new City reminding all there is still A~D~A. and they will be coming back. There was a question of ordinance~ Ordinance No. Councilperson Ordinance No. unanlmous!y. the rules for Ordinance No. Wilson, passing unanimously. Goode welcomes the returning Councllpersons, the Attorney, and the new Mayor~ work to be done in Jeffersonvllle clarriflcation on the last transfer 96-OR-6. Following discusslon~ Perkins made the motion to reconsider the motion on 96-OR-6, seconded by Councitperson Con!in, passing Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to suspend 96-OR-6, seconded by Councllperson Councilperson Perkins then made the PAGE 10 JANUARY 8, 1996 motion to pass Ordinance No. by Councllperson Wilson~ passing unanimously. Counci!person Wilder does not think adopted Parliamentary Procedure. Robert's Rules of Order were 96-OR-6 on all three readings~ seconded the Council has ever Councilperson Perkins said year ago adopted, This is difficult to understand. It is not believed this has ever been a problem. There being no further business to come before the Council~ Councilperson Perkins moved to adjourn at 9:1~ o'clock P.M. seconded by Councilperson Conlin and unanimously carried. M AN ATTEST: