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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 PAGE 2 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.