Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-20-1996COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON cOUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA FEBRUARY 20, 1996 City of The Common Council of the regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room Indiana, at 5:10 P.M. Jeffersonville met in in the City-County on the 20th day of Building, Jeffersonvllle, February 1996. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Galligan, with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr, at the desk. Mayor Gatligan welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as Councilperson 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 Ron Ellis, Donna M. Frantz, Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Andrew Williams III, and Vicky Conlin. Absent: Councilperkins John Perkins Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of February 5, 1996, for consideration by the Council. Council President Williams made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wilson and carried unanimously. Ms. Hays Hendrlcks of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, presented a packet of information to the Council explaining assessments are being made for the hiring of a circuit rider that will represent four to five communities. The position has been advertised. Jeffersonville's assessment would be S4,000 a year. Following all questions and comments it was decided the Council would vote on this at the next meeting. PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 Councilperson Perkins arrived. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Following all discussion, Council Preslent Williams made the motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councltperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Mr. Bob Lanum, Attorney representing Voss Clark, explained the company is requesting a tax abatement for an expansion program that will involve the hiring of 10 additional employees. Councilperson Ellis asked if the company would undertake the expansion without the abatement. This is hard to say, however it is presumed the answer would be yes. Councilperson Ellis questioned the number of employees that are minorities, and how many are African American. Minorities represent 10-15%, with 2% African American. The average salary will be $21,000 plus benefits. Attorney Lanum stated Voss Clark is asking for a 10 year abatement on improvements and equipment. Councilperson Perkins explained the Council will have a review process and they will be taking a hard look to make sure goals are met. Attorney Lanum explained this is now a statutory procedure to file compliance reports. The S21,000 salary is conservative with the average salary in the $31,000 to $32,000 range with overtime and incentives. Councllperson Wilder explained there is a need to establish an internal procedure as the Council does not want to send a negative message. At the conclusion of all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-8, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatement (Voss Clark), seconded by Councllperson Wilson, passing unanimously. PAGE 3 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 Mr. Bob Lanum, Attorney representing MKM Machine Tool Co., Inc., and C.C.M. Properties, LLC. C.C.M. Properties has purchased Hillerich and Bradsby (bat factory). Attorney Lanum is asking the area be established as an Economic Revitalization Area and will be advertised for a public hearing for the next meeting. Attorney Lanum explained the planed use of the building and the hopes to make the area an industrial park. An Economic Revitalization Area must be established before tax abatements may be granted. Mayor Galligan was informed this is in the proposed T.I.F District and explained there will be no tax abatements given to new development in the T.I.F. District. Attorney Lanum explained this will eliminate some business. Mayor Galligan explained things will be done in the area that will be very advantageous. Attorney Sedwick said the Council will be looking a lot more closely at the number of years. Short abatements may be feasible. Following all discussion, Councllperson Wilder made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-9, A Resolution By The Common Council Of The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana, Designating Certain Development Jeffersonville, unanimously. Mr. explained Areas As "Economic Revitalization Areas" Within Indiana, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing Bob Lanum, Attorney representing Wyandot, Inc. Wyandot is undergoing an expansion of the facility. Attorney Lanum is asking the Council to amend Resolution No. 89-R-25 at the next meeting. He is also asking for a tax abatement on the improvements. When questioned by the Council, WWTP Facilities Manager Kendall Coleman explained Wyandotte has worked real well with him on PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 any problems. Engineer cooperative. Part of the equipment. Councilperson Bob Miller agreeded Wyandot is very improvments will include waste management Ellis explained Wyandot is in the area he represents and they have been a fairly good neighbor. Ellis questioned the number of minorities. Wyandot minorities of which other than Frito-Lay, Councllperson Wilson Councilperson employs 60% 25% are African American. In the snack area, Wyandot is one of the highest paying employers. has toured the facility and finds it very impressive. Councilperson Wilson then made the motion to approve Resolution No. 96-R-10, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatement. seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Mr. Greg Filer, Attorney representing Dick Inman, Developer of Ashley Square on Highway 62 appeared before the Council requesting a change of zoning from B-3 to R-2. Attorney Fifer provided blueprints and explained the project. This has passed the Plan Commission. Concerns were raised regarding "green spaces" and common areas have been added. These will be duplexes planned for "empty nesters" and older citizens. Councilperson Ellis explained he voted against this at the Plan Commission, due to the lot size. Suveyor David Blankenbaker explained there will be 28 feet between building. Attorney Flfer does not feel there will be many children in this type of development. will become low areas. Surveyor Attorney Fifer explained Councllperson Ellis' concern is that income with children and there will Blankenbaker explained the four there will be deed in 20 years this be no recreation common areas. restrictions. The sewer PAGE 5 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 line will be an 8 inch line that will be deeded to the City and the City will be given a right-of-way. Following all discussion, Councilperson Wilson made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-10, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation Of A Certain 13.038 Acre Tract Of Property From B-3 To R-2, on the first and second readings, seconded by Council President Williams, passing unanimously. City Attorney Sedwick explained the circumstances surrounding a vacancy on the Economic Development Commission saying the Council does need to replace Mr. Kevin Cecil. Most members of the Commission have had a banking background. At the conclusion of all discussion, Councilperson Wilson made the motion to appoint Council President Williams to fill the vacancy on the Economic Development Commission, seconded by Councllperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Attorney Sedwick presented Ordinance No. 96-OR-11, An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. 95-OR-25 (Sewage Department) explaining this renames a current position on the Salary Ordinance. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-11, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-11 on all three readings, seconded by Councllperson Conlin, passing on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Perkins, Ellis, Frantz, Wilder, Wilson, Williams, and Conlin. Nays: None. PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 Councilperson Frantz, recommends the Cabinet Position Ordinance be left as is for now. Council agree. Mayor Galligan said all did an excellent Job last week. following discussion at the workshop, Ail He announced meetings regarding He stresses Louisville. Resolution. recognized. all need to be Councilperson Councllperson Frantz recommends buttons It is believed the Chamber has buttons. the bridge for next Monday and Tuesday. there as Indiana needs representation in Perkins suggests adopting a formal so all can be Councllperson Perkins explained he is not opposed to a downtown bridge if a West end bridge is built. Charles Kenneth White suggests running an ad in the newspaper. Councilperson Perkins explained Congressman Hamilton has said he will not support funding for a downtown bridge. Mayor Galligan feels that Kentucky wants to kill the East end bridge and they don't care if a downtown bridge is built or not. There is no communication between Indiana and Kentucky. Indiana needs to make an impression. Councilperson Wilder made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-11, A Resolution Supporting The Construction Of A New River-Crossing At The Eastern Corridor (I-265) Location, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins apotigized for arriving late at the meeting as he was on the phone with Ms. Lamping of Lamping Real Estate regarding the Masonic Lodge purchase. He is concerned that the City made their intention public as they were led to believe there were no options on the property. Councllperson Perkins explained he spoke with Ms. Lamping as an angry person, and was not speaking for the PAGE 7 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 Council or the City. The information received from her agent was incorrect and the City made the offer information. Councilperson Perkins made it the City did everything honest and above in good faith on that clear to Ms. Lamping that board based on incorrect information by her agent. He does not know what will come of this. Mayor Galligan agrees with Councllperson Perkins. The City wanted to explore the idea and he feels he was misled. Councllperson Perkins intends, personally, to have an attorney write a letter to the State Board of Realtors as far as the real estate company and the agent. Councllperson Ellis, with regard to tax abatements, does not want to seem anti-businees, however he does want to see that the best interest of the taxpayers of Jeffersonvllle is served. He feels that only through asking questions, can he get this taken care of. Councllperson Frantz expressed concern regarding a fire this past weekend at the Maritime Center. Firefighters had to break in as they did not have keys or instructions. Councllperson Frantz' husband was on the run and he did leave a comment in the comment box in front of the business asking them to notify the fire department. She is concerned for the area and the possible loss of time. Fire Chief Smith explained that forceable entry will be used. He has met with companies and suggests the use of a KNOX box. Chief Smith explained the box, saying he is pushing the use of the box to businesses. Chief Smith explained a pre-plan with Utica will be done for all of Riverport this summer. Councilperson Frantz thanked Councilperson Ellis for his concern for green space. She has been discussing with PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 Ms. Nolin the problems in her neighborhood. She believes the Housing Authority has promised money for playground equipment. This does need to be addressed if any have suggestions. Councilperson Frantz noted the recent fire in Louisville at Allied Drum saying Louisville Barrel is still building. The possibility of annexing the Silver Creek Business Center was discussed in Workshop. Councilperson Perkins explained the talk was if the Council wants to control these areas they must have Jurisdiction. More control is desired. Mayor Galligan pointed out there are three annexation areas that need to be fulfilled, expressing concern for the expenses involved and the need for continuity as this is a great distance. He is not opposed. Councllperson Perkins feels there should be some kind of a shared responsibility when tap-ins and permits are given. He does understand this is the authority of the Board of Public Works and Safety. He desires some type of communication with the Council before issuing tap-ins and permits. Attorney Sedwick explained the area is zoned industry and the only use of the wastewater treatment plant will be normal usage. Therefore they cannot be turned down. Other wastewater will be shipped outside the area. If they want to pretreat their own they will have to obtain a permit from the state. Councilperson Perkins asks what would happen if the Council would not allow this type of treatment to occur in Jeffersonville? Attorney Sedwlck explained some other businesses may be cut out. Councllperson Perkins asked if certian chemicals could not be treated. A Wastewater Ordinance is being looked into. Councilperson Wilder suggests a hauling permit controlling the transportation of solid waste. PAGE 9 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 Councllperson Perkins asked if there is any way to tie the sewer system with the air quality? Attorney Sedwick said no. They do have an air permit. Councilperson Frantz requests an Executive Session. This will be held before the March 4, 1996 Council meeting at 6:00 P.M. Councllperson Conlin thanked the fire truck committee for the presentation. This will be taken to Indianapolis. Councilperson Conlin announced July 11 will be Jeffersonville Night at the Red Birds game. There will be 150 tickets available for under-privilidged children and 50 parents. Mayor Galligan will throw the first ball. She asks all to attend. On July 13 members of the Red Birds and the New Orleans Zephyrs will hold a clinic for children in the Claysburg area. She and Mayor Galligan will be meeting next week with Louisville Cardinal Coach Cooper for some type of clinic. Council President Williams welcomes Chemtrusion, congratulating them on their recent ground breaking. He then called attention to the goals and ob3ectives packet distributed asking the Council to review this. Council President Williams reminds all that March is ADA month. Promotional materials are available. Mayor Gatligan asked Police Chief Pavey to inform the Council of the police officer that was Just hired. Chief Pavey explained Joseph Hubbard has been hired as of the 15th of February. Officer Hubbard has six years military service. Councllperson Perkins congratulated Chief Pavey on the recent drug busts. Chief Pavey praised Detective Kelly Harrod as he has been working on this for at ~ ~h~ l~st 6 months. The City is looking into getting confiscated PAGE 10 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 funds back into the City under forfeiture law. Councilperson Perkins has talked with neighbors and they were pleased with the way it was handled. He feels the word is out that Jeffersonville is not the place to wholesale drugs. Chief Pavey explained more training has been available to the officers. A drug search was made with dogs at Jeff High and no complaints were received. The DARE program is also sending the message that drugs will not be tolerated. Mayor Galligan also commends the work that is being done. Councilperson Ellis also commends the work that is being done especially on Duncan. He also commends the department for the "bust" in the phone booth even if the young man was his nephew. Councilperson Ellis does not condone that type of behavior. He says~ keep up the good work. Council President Williams said the police do have their hands full as the drug business is such a lucrative business. An excellent Job is being done and he asks them to keep it up. Council President Williams wants the message sent that if you do drug business in Jeffersonvile, you will get busted. Councilperson Perkins said they will get phone calls, most of which will be positive, but some will be negative. The Council needs to be prepared to help provide the police and detectives to fight this war financially. Mayor Galllgan said he heard one officer say "we're back and we're going to do it" Clarence Keys reminds the Council to be aware of where the michrophones are when they are speaking. PAGE 11 FEBRUARY 20, 1996 There being no further business to come before the Council, Councllperson Perkins moved to adjourn at 6:45 o'clock P.M. seconded by Councilperson Conlin and unanimously carried. ATTEST: . . ~ CL~ ~ T~EASU~C. ~ S~ENCE~ ~. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA MARCH 4, 1996 City of Common Council The of the regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room Building, Jeffersonvllle, Indiana, at 7:30 P.M. March 1996. Jeffersonvllle met in in the City-County on the 4th day of The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Galligan, with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr, at the desk. Mayor Galligan welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as Councilperson 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 Perkins, Ron Ellis, Donna M. Frantz, Peggy Knight Wilson, Andrew Williams III, and Vlcky Conlln. Absent: None. Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of February 20, 1996, for consideration by the Wilder made the motion to approve the minutes Wilder, Barbara the meeting of Council. Councilperson as presented, seconded by Councllperson Conlin Perkins made the motion to 1996, Board of Finance Williams, and carried unanimously. Councllperson approve the minutes of the February 20, meeting, seconded by Council President passing unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list with two additional claims for consideration by the Council. discussion, Councitperson Perkins made the motion claims as presented as well as the additional, Following all to approve the seconded by PAGE 9 MARCH 4, 1996 Councilperson Frantz announced the Solid Waste Board is meeting the next day at 5:00 P.M. They do have an award program for recycling for individuals or groups. If any have recommendations for this award, please let Councilperson Frantz know. An award a month will be issued. She reminds the Council to be thinking about yard waste. Beginning April 1 the Sl.00 tags will be available. It may be taken to Clark County Compostlng themselves. Councllperson Perkins compliments the Mayor on his "War On Drugs". He also commends the detectives, the SWAT team, and Officer Harrodl He feels the word is out that Jeffersonville is not the place to do drugs. Councilperson Perkins said we cannot do too much to eradicate drugs. Councllperson Perkins said the Mayor said it, he meant it, and he is here to represent it. Councilperson Conlln announced Mayor Gal ligan' s first community event will be held at Spring Hill, April 16, 1996 at 7:30 P.M. This will feature Coach Ron Cooper. This is the first of many to come. Councllperson Conlin wishes Councllperson Wilder a Happy Birthday Councllperson Williams recommends action packet that has been distributed regarding goals for the next workshop. He Wilder a Happy Birthday. Mayor Galligan explained the the Council review the and make determinations also wishes Councilperson ditch know as Mill Creek is being cleaned as there have been flooding problems. He has had more phone calls of concern for the trees. The trees must be removed to keep water out of homes. He is sorry, but the cleaning must be done.