HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-1996COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
APRIL 15, 1996
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonvltle met in
regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room in the City-County
Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 5~3~ P.M. on the 15th day of
April 1996.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Galligan,
with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr, at the desk. Mayor
Galllgan 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 Councllpersons
John Perkins, Ron Ellis, Donna M. Frantz~ Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara
Wilson, Andrew Williams III, and Vlcky Conlin.
Absent: None.
Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of April
1, 1996 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Wilson made
the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by
Council President Williams and carried unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim
three additional claims for consideration by the Council.
all discussion, Councllperson Perkins made the motion
claims as presented as well as the addittonal~
Councllperson Conlin, passing unanimously.
list with
Following
to approve the
seconded by
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APRIL 15, 1996
Deputy Mayor Phil McCauley reviewed a PCS Site Agreement for
the Council. This lease is between Sprint and the City for City-owned
property. Bids for the area were accepted and appraisals were done.
Sprint was the only R.F.P. received. Negotiations were conducted
with Sprint. The contract now calls for an initial payment of S50,000
representing $10,000 a year for five years. At the end of the fifth
year there would be a payment of S57,500. Other aspects of the lease
and the compensation were reviewed. The Board of Public Works and
Safety approved the contract this morning and the City Attorney has
also approved it. Some of the Council
Deputy McCauley appreciates their input.
first check from Sprint will go into the
helped with the lease and
Mayor Galligan explained the
newly created non-reverting
fund. Ms. Cheryl Pence, representing Sprint, was in attendance to
answer any questions. Councllperson Perkins made the motion that the
Common Council of the City of Jeffersonvllle ratify the contract that
was previously approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety this
morning, seconded by Council President Williams, passing unanimously.
Mr. Jack Vlssing, Attorney representing Eagle Steel a
minority owned steel slitting and processing firm in the River Port
Clark Maritime Center, appeared before the Council requesting a tax
abatement for a new building that will be used for offices so that
more area can be freed up for production. Attorney Vissing explained
employees typically make in excess of $20,000 with benefits. He then
reviewed the history of the area explaining they cannot purchase the
land. Councllperson Perkins feels several of the Councllpersons are
looking harder at abatements. Following all discussion, Councilperson
PAGE 2
APRIL 15, 1996
Perkins made the motion to table, until the next meeting, Resolution
No. 96-R-19, A Resolution approving Statement Of Benefits For
Purposes Of Real Property Tax Abatment as the Council packets were not
received until Friday, seconded by
unanimously. Attorney Vissing urges
arrange a visit to the facility.
Mr. Greg Watson, appeared
requesting passage of Ordinance No.
Councilperson Ellis passing
the Council to call him and
on behalf of Edward J. Watson
96-OR-20, An Ordinance Changing
The Zoning Map
2218 State Hwy.
the property and
zoned property.
Designation Of A Certain Tract Of Property Located At
62 From B-3 To B-2. Mr. Watson is wanting to sell
feels there is an interested buyer for multi-family
Commissioner Gavin explained the reasons for the
request. Councllperson Ellis explained the Plan Commission looked
favorably on this request. A request for public comment was made and
none was received. Councilperson Ellis made the motion to suspend the
rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-20, seconded by Councllperson Frantz,
passing unanimously. Councilperson Ellis then made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 96-OR-20 on all three readings, seconded by
Councilperson Frantz, passing unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer said the reason for the late
delivery of the Council packet was from a request from the Mayor's
Office and the agenda had not been advertised.
Attorney Alan Applegate, representing Schmitt Company, Inc.
appeared before the Council requesting passage of Ordinance No.
96-OR-21, An Ordinance Granting Petition To Vacate Portions Of
PAGE 3
APRIL 15, 1996
Easement. Attorney Applegate explained the plan for the area in
question. Councllperson Perkins has checked with Engineer Miller who
feels this easement is unnecessary. Following all discussion,
Councllperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for
Ordinance No. 96-OR-21~ seconded by Councllperson Frantz passing
unanimously. Councllperson Perkins then made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 96-OR-21 on all three readings, seconded by
Councllperson Frantz passing unanimously.
Ms. Theresa Brading, a Community Development
Representative of the
explained services of
distributed to the Council. Following the review
she has not given any money to Jeffersonville and
Field Service
Indiana Department of Commerce reviewed and
the department as outlined in a brochure
Ms. Brading stated
she does want that
agenda is Ordlnace No.
This is a request from
to change.
The next item on the
Ordinance Vacating Alleyways.
96-OR-22, An
Mr. Bobby Mauk
who is not in attendance. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to
deny Ordiance No. 96-OR-22. Councllperson Ellis investigated the
area and found it has been fenced. Engineer Miller feels the area was
vacated by the Board of Public Works and Safety during the previous
administration. Councilperson Perkins then withdrew his motion.
Councllperson Perkins then made the motion to table Ordinance No.
96-OR-22 until more information is received, seconded by Councilperson
Frantz, passing unanimously.
PAGE 4
APRIL 15, 1996
Ms. Sandy Lewis, Attorney representing Dr. Knight of Spring
Hill Commons, appeared before the Council on behalf of Resolution No.
96-R-20, A Resolutin Designating A Certain Area Of The City Of
Jeffersonville, Indiana, As "Economic Revitalization Areas". Attorney
Lewis explained the area and the proposed facility. Councllperson
Perkins said the Council is working on new rules and regulations that
will be enacted regarding compliance to tax abatements. Dr. Knight
also spoke on behalf of the project. The current residential property
to the back of the project will remain residential. Councilperson
Ellis congratulated Dr. Knight on moving the big metal barn. Director
Urban indicated the land is properly zoned. Dr. Knoght hopes the
project can be done soon. At the conclusion of all discussion,
Councilperson Ellis made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-20,
seconded by Councilperson Wilder, passing unanimously.
Mayor Galligan said the Repair Affair funding has been
discussed at a workshop and the decision is to donate S7,500. One
half ($3,750) will come from Sewage P.I.L.O.To funds and the other
half ($3,750) will come from the Council budget. Following
discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to appropriate
$3,750 from P.I.L.O.T funds from Sewage and $3,750 from the Council
budget, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. The
funds will be needed in May or June.
Mayor Galligan presented Ordinance No. 96-OR-23~ An
Ordinance Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No.
95-OR-25 (Sewer), and explained that due to the renogiation of the
contract with E.M.C. the City has the ability to hire up to three men
PAGE 5
APRIL 15, 1996
at the rate of $10 per hour, with City benefits. This will be
seasonal work and the employees have been told when the weather is bad
they will go home. They will be repairing sewers and drainage
ditches. Councllperson Perkins suggests creating a fund and a budget
for this. Mayor Galligan explained the sole purpose for this is so
that things can be done "in house" in the way they want them done.
Councllperson Wilson would like to know more about this. Mayor
Galligan explained the employees wi11 be paid from Sewer funds that
represent the savings from the lower payment to E.M.C. as the City
will be doing part of the work E.M.C. was doing. Mayor Galllgan and
Engineer Miller will be overseeing these employees. Councilperson
Perkins has felt for a long time
Mayor Galllgan feels money can be
this and change it if necessary.
the City can do more "in house".
saved. The City will keep track of
Councllperson Perkins then made the
motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-23, seconded by
Councllperson Conlln, passing unanimously. Councllperson Perkins then
made the motlon to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-23 on all three readings,
seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing on the following roll call
vote:
Ayes: Councllpersons
Frantz, Ellis, and Perkins.
Nays: None.
Clerk and Treasurer
96-R-21, A Resolution
Appropriation, explaining he has
Contin, Williams, Wilson, Wilder,
Spencer introduced
Authorizing Advertisment For
prepared this
Resolution No.
An Additional
for an additional
PAGE 6
APRIL 15, 1996
appropriation of $600~000 from the General Fund,
Cumulative Capital Development Fund and $100~000
Capital Improvement Fund. This has been prepared
$100,000 from the
from the Cumulative
in anticipation of
receiving a grant of
at a lower rate. This will
June or July before
reassessment and the
may want to pay for
S375,000. The amounts advertised may be approved
set up the mechanism,
approval is received from
delayed tax deadline. Mayor
the trucks over five years.
however it may be
the State due to
Galligan stated we
Council President
Williams would feel more confortable taking a larger amount from the
capital funds. Councilperson Wilson agrees. Councilperson Perkins
stated the grant money would go into the General Fund and would feel
better about spending it there as money cannot be replaced in the
capital funds. He would like to advertise larger from both funds and
reduce down as need be. Mayor Galligan is under the understanding
there was enough money last year to buy a $425,000 truck last year. A
year later there is a $375,000 grant for a total of S800,000. He is
not trying to bust the City at one time, it can be done over a fire
year period. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer was under the understanding
the trucks were to be paid for at one time. This is not what Mayor
Galllgan is saying. There is one truck at S475,000 and two pumpers,
one at S230,000 and one at $240,000. It is anticipated receiving the
trucks over this year and next year. There would be several options
on payment over five years. There followed much discussion regarding
financing. At this point some understand the $375,000 is not a grant
but money from a revolving loan fund which one half will be paid back
in five years with zero interest. Chief Smith has a meeting scheduled
PAGE 7
APRIL 15, 1996
this Wednesday morning regarding the grant. Councilperson Perkins
feels the money necessary this year will be less than $400,000.
Councilperson Wilson feels a lot of guessing is being done, she
doesn't feel anyone knows accurate figures and this Council is
committing a lot over a number of years. Mayor Galligan asked if the
loan is received can the money be spent. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer
explained it would have to be appropriated, that is why he suggested
the $600,000 from the General Fund which would include the $375,000.
Councilperson Wilson would like to table this until after a workshop
as all know she is not in favor of three trucks. Councllperson
Perkins suggests advetlslng S375,000 from the General Fund, and
$100,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund. The motion to table was
seconded by Council President Williams, failing on a vote of 2-5, with
Councitpersons Wilson and Williams voting for
further discussion on how much to advertise.
made the motion to pass Resolution No.
the motion. Following
Councilperson Perkins
96-R-21 indicating an
advertisement from the General Fund for S500,000, seconded by Council
President Williams passing unanimously.
Councilperson Wilder presented and read aloud Resolution No.
96-R-22A A Resolution Recognizing April As Alcohol Awareness Month In
1995. This follows the recommendation from the Clark County Youth
Coalition and The Govenor's Task Force For A Drug-Free Indiana.
Councilperson Wilder made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-22,
seconded by Councllperson Conlln, passing unanimously. Councilperson
Wilder remarked that Jackie McComb of the Govenor's Office does an
excellent Job and she will be sending this on to her.
PAGE 8
APRIL 15, 1996
Councilperson Perkins presented and read alout Ordinance No.
96-OR-24, An Ordinance Amending The Building Code Of The City Of
Jeffersonville To Regulate Companies That Treat Industrial Or
Commercial Waste And/Or Containers In Which Industrial Or Commercial
Waste Has Been Stored. Councllperson Perkins said this may seem
harsh, but in the light of certain environmental accidents that have
occurred around the world from India to New York to California, he
does not believe the taxpayers of the City of Jeffersonvllle should
ever be placed in the line of fire of a kind of catastophic or major
environment clean-up. He feels this is rather strict, but obtainable
costs to those businesses offering those types of services. He feels
this Ordinance will serve two purposes, one to insure that the
taxpayers will never have to pay the ticket, and second to protect the
environment. He apologizes to the Council for this not being included
in the packet, but this has been discussed at previous workshops.
Councilperson Perkins, on behalf of himself and Councilperson Wilder
who helped draft the Ordinance, made the motion to pass Ordinance No.
96-OR-24 on the first reading. Councilperson Frantz asked if some of
the wording needs to be changed as permits have been issued. Building
Commissioner Gavis stated Louisville Barrel has been issued all the
permits they have applied for from the City. Councilperson Perkins
feels there will be changes made to the Ordinance before final
passage, however he does feel it would be unfair for the City and the
Council to not go on record as saying something strict will be done.
PAGE 9
APRIL 15, 1996
The Council recieved a copy of a letter City Attorney Sedwick sent to
the President of Louisville Barrel, dated April 4, 1996, indicating
there is strong sentiment from the City Council as a group to pass
such an Ordinance. This will only apply to businesses whose primary
service involves the treatment of industrial or commerical waste
and/or the containers in which such waste is transported.
Councllperson Ellis then seconded the motion to pass Ordinance No.
96-OR-24 on the first reading, passing unanimously.
Mayor Galligan stated the City is getting ready to take the
bridge out. The exit ramp will have to be closed for three days. The
Riverfront is being cleaned up for "Thunder".
Councilperson Conlin thanked Director Lakeman for putting
together the first newsletter. This did take a lot of time and
councilperson Conlin has heard a lot of good comments throughout the
community on it. She wishes to remind the Council they may "dance
with the devil at the
regarding this.
Councllperson
burning". They are to contact Cheif Smith
Perkins wishes to compliment Councilperson
Conlln for all the work she has put in with
spearhead the upgrading of the fire equipment.
the negotitions with Sprint for the tower.
receiving about twice as much due to her input.
updated the Council regarding a workshop discussion regarding police
take-home automobiles. To the best of his knowledge there are 10
police officers that live outside Jeffersonvllle Township. This is
other people to help
Also for her part in
He feels the City is
Councllperson Perkins
for informational purposes.
PAGE 10
APRIL 15, 1996
Councilperson Frantz is receiving more complaints about the
overspray from Jeff Boat and she asks if there has been any follow up.
Mayor Galllgan has talked to the Vice President of Development. A
meeting will be set up to discuss how to abate the problem. Mayor
Galligan suggested the painting should be done in a building. He is
well aware of the problem. Jeff Boat has discussed covering the whole
yard from the standpoint of the loss of work hours. Mayor Galligan
did express a very intense desire to resolve the paint problem.
Councllperson Frantz asked Chief Smith to explain the inspection of
vehicles. Chief Smith explained he has come up with a program to have
the trucks inspected by a facility in Jeffersonville at a cost of
$42.00 a truck. Councilperson Frantz presented a plan for the
entrance to the City. This will include spots for organization
plaques. There will be lights in the signs and landscaping. This
will make a big difference.
Council President
Councltperson Perkins would
Williams suggests a workshop.
like to have discussion on the tax
abatement situation. The workshop will be Monday, April 29,
5:00 P.M. Council President Williams called attention to
situation in the news where a young lady was gunned down as
1996 at
a recent
a result
of a "professional hit". The plight of this young lady has to do with
her involvement in the drug trade, but also as negotitions of turning
informant. The community has e responsibility to protect those people
that take very grave step to help turn those in that are in the drug
business. He encourages all to give a lot of thought to what the
young lady and her family have undergone. This is a very risky
PAGE 11
APRIL 15, 1996
dangerous business. Those that turn against those that are the
profiteers in the business~ put their lives and those of their
families on the line. He encourages the Chief that all steps
necessary to protect those that do provide information are taken.
Police Chief Pavey is requesting ~3,000 in additional funds
to be used for "buy money" for informants. He is waiting for
forfeiture money, but this does take time. It is hoped to make this
fund self-sufficient in the future. He then explained how the fund
will be operated stressing it will be confidential, and they will try
to protect those involved as much as possible. Clerk and Treasurer
Spencer suggests tranferring money now as an additional appropriation
will take time. Chief Pavey explained the forfeiture system.
Following all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to
suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-25, An Ordinance
Transferring Funds Within Same Department (Police), seconded by
Council President Williams, passing unanimously. Councilperson
Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-25 on all
three readings, seconded by Council President Williams, passing on the
following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councllpersons Perkins, Williams, Wilson, Wilder,
Frantz, Ellis, and Perkins.
Nays: None.
It is the Council's intention to replenish these funds.
Mayor Galligan called attention to the sketch for the 10th
Street entrance to the City, asking that any comments be made known.
PAGE 12
APRIL 15, 1996
There being no further business to come befoFe the Council,
Council President Williams moved to adjourn at 7:40 o'clock P.M.
seconded by Councllperson Contin and unanimously carried.
ATTEST:
CLERK AND TREASURER C. RIC~KRD SPENCER JR.