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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-1996COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL Q~ ~HE CITY OF JEFFERSONVIL~E, INDIANA MARCH 18, 1996 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonvllle, Indiana, at 5:30 P.M.. on the 18th day of March 1996. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas Iq. 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 Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Andrew Williams III, and Vicky Conlin. Absent: None. Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of March 4, 1996 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Wilder made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wilson and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council along with one additional claim. Following all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve the claims as presented as well as the additional, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins requests the claim llst be provided in 8 and 1/2 by 11 inch paper. Mayor Galligan announced two changes in the agenda. PAGE 2 MARCH 18, 1996 Mayor Galligan introduced Fire Chief Mike Smith who explained one of the highest fire department honors is to be awarded is the Medal of Valor. Several years ago a Jeffersonvitle Firefighter went below the structure of the Kennedy Bridge to make a successful rescue of a gentleman. Following the incident, then Deputy Chief Mac Klrcher, ordered the Medal of Valor which has never been presented. Chief Smith then introduced Captain Mac Kircher and Lt. Phil Lovan. Captlan Kircher related an introduction which took place 10 years earlier whereby Mike Smith said he had a lot of respect for Mac because he would not ask anyone to do anything he would not do himself. He has been under a bridge and he knows what the recipient went through to save the individual's life. He then presented the Medal of Valor to Phil Lovan. A standing ovation was given. Firefighter Lovan explained it was harder to stand in front of this group than go under the bridge. He then thanked those that were with him that night, Retired Firefighter Charles DeArk, Captain Tim Conlin and Sgt. Eric Schnatter. He further thanked Mac Klrcher for his leadership when he came on the department. This is extra special coming from Mac, and he accepts this for all his fellow firefighters. Mayor Galllgan then introduced Deputy Mayor Phil McCauley who has been named Executive Director of the Department of Redevelopment as of February 1. Director McCautey explained Ms. Jennifer Mead is a very valuable employee of the department who more than earns her pay as she is a certified grant administrator. He then reviewed the method by which she has been paid asking the Council to PAGE 3 MARCH 18, 1996 consider Ordinance Portions Of Section amount of her pay will come lieu of taxes. It is the income to discussion, No. 96-OR-15, An Ordinance Amending Certain 1 Of Ordinance No. 95-OR-25. The approximate into the City from ~ousing as payment in goal, in the future~ to generate enough pay the expenses of the Department. Following all Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-15, seconded by Council President Williams, passing unanimously. Councllperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-15 on all three readings, seconded by Council President Williams, passing on the following roll call vote: Williams, Ayes: Councllpersons Perkins, and Conlin. Nays: None. Agent of Record Ellis, Frantz, Wilder, Wilson, Edward Culpepper Cooper presented each Councilperson with a packet of information reviewing the financial standing of the non-reverting health insurance fund as displayed on a pie chart. This is a very healthy fund and the rates can stay the same. Agent Cooper has renogiated away a proposed 9% increase in dental and life insurance rates. This allows Deputy Mayor McCautey and the new agent of record to decide if this should continue to be a part of the self funding. He then reviewed the services of the Culpepper Group, choice of drug Hospital before can be coordinated with premiums stores. Negotiations were they were a part of Humana. the medical plan. one being the prescription program which allowed the made with Clark County Workman's compensation This results in reduced for workman's compensation. Agent Cooper then read his PAGE 4 MARCH 18, 1996 "goodby" letter which states it has been his privilege to have served as the City's agent of record for the past 14 years. He closed saying that Arthur Anderson said Agent Cooper charged 5% and he is worth it. Mr. J. Bruce "Corky" Scales, representing Eric Golden dba Golden Lawn and Landscape, 2109 Dutch Lane appeared before the Council requesting the Council consider the third reading for Ordinance No. 96-OR-13, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation Of A Certain 3.07 Acre Tract Of Property From R-2 To B-3. Following discussion, Councllperson Ellis made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-13 on the third and final reading, seconded by Council President Williams, passing on a vote of 6-0-1, with Councilperson Wilder abstaining. Mr. Bob Lanum, Attorney representing Wyandotte, appeared before the Council requesting passage of Resolution No. 96-R-15, A Resolution Amending Resolution No. 89-R-25. Attorney Lanum explained this amendment allows a tax abatement to be given for the same length of time for equipment and improvements. The current Resolution allows for 5 years only on equipment. Councilperson Ellis expressed some concerns. Attorney Lanum assured the Council this would only allow for the extention of the time period that an abatment can be applied Councllperson Wilson made the motion President seconded by Council for. Following all discussion, to pass Resolution No. 96-R-15, Williams, Partnership, passing unanimously. Mr. Alan Morris, Attorney representing Hensgen Brothers appeared before the Council requesting passage of PAGE 5 MARCH 18, 1996 Ordinance No. 96-OR-16, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation Of A Certain Tract Of Property Located At 3211 Coopers Lane, Clark County, Indiana From R-1 to B-3. Attorney Morris presented a map indicating the requested area and explaining the circumstances. Councilperson Ellis explained the Plan Commission did approve the request and he Councllperson Ordinance No. unanimously. recommends the Council pass the Ordinance. Ellis then made the motion to suspend the rules for 96-OR-16, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing Councllperson Ellis then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-16 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Perkins, passing unanimously. Attorney Sedwick presented an agreement for a Circuit Rider through the Historic Landmarks Foundation. The agreement calls for one half of the payment due June 1, 1996, and the other half will be due next year. Councilperson Perkins suggests payment from the Promotion of the City Fund. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to accept the contract as negotiated by Attorney Sedwlck and commit to the Circuit Rider Program, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Attorney Sedwick has done some research on the Animal Shelter Non-Reverting Donation Fund and found it is not designated for capital improvement or building. It is believed donations would be made to a fund of this type. Councilperson Ellis has talked with some of the Animal Rights People and they are willing to put on fund raisers to benefit a building fund. Following all discussion, Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-14, PAGE 6 MARCH 18, 1996 An Ordinance Establishing A Jeffersonvllle-Clark County Animal Perkins, passing unanimously. Fund For The Shelter, seconded by Councilperson Mayor Galligan announced there was a drug related incident in Greenwood this past Saturday and twelve people were arrested. The good work will be kept up. Fire Chief Mike Smith has been talking with the Council over the past several months regarding the purchase of fire equipment for the City. He is requesting two pumper trucks, and a 100 foot ladder truck to replace the snorkel truck which is inadequate in height and in poor condition. The truck is so old parts are expensive and may have to be made. Chief Smith has done some research regarding financing. He can get a rate of 4.2% interest for payments of S132,000 a year for 10 years. He does have approximately S60,000 in his budget. Chief Smith is asking the Council to give the Mayor permission to send a letter of intent. The specifications have been completed. He would like to be able to begin the bid process soon so that the new equipment could be in the City by the first of the year. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer explained the funds are there however it will be up to the Council as to how they want to do it. There are many options. Chief Smith has done some calling regarding his application to the Build Indiana Fire Department Revolving Fund. He has talked with many people including the local legislators. It is believed Jeffersonvllle is one of nine to be number twenty one on the list. Chief Smith suggests the Council write letters to our local PAGE 7 MARCH 18, 1996 legislators. Councllperson Perkins suggests meeting in Indianapolis. Councilperson Frantz requests Attorney Sedwick draft a letter to be sent to Senators Lewis and Smith and Representative Bottorff. At the conclusion of all discussion Councllperson Conlin made the motion that the Council is in support of issuing a letter of intent for a 100 foot ladder truck, seconded by Councilperson Wilder, passing unanimously. Councilperson Ellis told the Council he rode with the Police Department this past weekend on the drug sting operation. He then read a letter he wrote praising the department. He has also written a letter of to the State Police in praise of their participation. There will be a Council workshop April 3, 1996 at 6:00 o'clock P.M. with an executive session at 5:00 o'clock P.M. Council President Williams requests a report of the City cash flow for this workshop. Councilperson Perkins attended the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting and wishes to compliment the Mayor on how smoothly it was run. He also wishes to compliment the Department Heads for their participation. The meeting was brief Councllperson Perkins is concerned, as is the with the City's relationship with the Derby but business like. Board of Public Works, Festival and Thunder. There are on-going discussions regarding funding and sharing of the revenues. Mayor Galligan said the City is looking at Thunder like a business as it does not seem fair to the taxpayers. Councilperson Wilder said the Council has expressed concern for this in the past, therefore she appreciates the steps the Mayor is taking. PAGE 8 MARCH 18, 1996 There being no further business to come before the Council, Councllperson Perkins moved to adjourn at 6:50 o'clock P.M. seconded by Councilperson Conlin and unanimously carried. ATTEST: