HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 26, 2009COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
January 26, 2009
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session
in Room 101, City Hall, 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 7:30 P.M.
on Monday January 26, 2009.
Council President Connie Sellers, with Deputy Clerk Treasurer Barbara Hollis at
the desk, called the meeting to order. Also present were City Attorney Darren Wilder
and Deputy Clerk Treasurer Tiffany Timberlake. Council President Sellers welcomed all
in attendance, asking all those present to stand as Reverend Conrad Moorer gave the
invocation. Council President Sellers then asked all those present to join her in the pledge
of allegiance to the flag.
The roll was called and those present were; Councilpersons Mike Smith, Ed
Zastawny, Keith Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, Nathan Samuel, and Ron Grooms.
Absent: None.
Councilperson Samuel made the motion to approve the agenda with the addition
of # 17A - State Board Of Accounts Audit Report Discussion as requested by
Councilperson Grooms, second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Council President Sellers presented the minutes for consideration. Councilperson
Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes of December 22, 2008 (6:30 P.M.) as
corrected, second by Councilperson Samuel, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson
Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes of December 31, 2008 (4:00 P.M.) as
presented, second by Councilperson Zastawny, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson
Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes of January 5, 2009 (6:30 P.M.) as
corrected, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson
Wilson then made the motion to approve the minutes of January 5, 2009 (7:30 P.M.) as
presented, second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Deputy Clerk Treasurer Hollis presented the claim list for consideration by the
Council. Councilperson Smith called attention to the claim for the testing of air bottles
and the cost. Councilperson Samuel asked about the paperwork for the Sampan claim.
January 26, 2008 2
Council President Sellers does have the paperwork. Councilperson Samuel requested
clarification of the Insight claim shared by the Clerk Treasurer and the Police. Deputy
Hollis believes it is for wireless service. She will check with IT Director Hardy.
Councilperson Grooms then made the motion to approve the claims as presented, second
by Councilperson Zastawny, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Grooms made the
motion to preapprove the Park claims second by Councilperson Zastawny, passing on a
vote of 5-0-2. Councilpersons Fetz and Samuel abstained, as they did not receive the list
in time to review.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Council President Sellers requested all wishing to speak to state their name and
address for the record.
Mr. Ron Smith, 3310 Holman Lane, Jeffersonville, said he preferred not to be
here. He feels the Clerk Treasurer is not bondable. He feels the Council needs to step up
and find out where money was spent. He asks how long the Council will let the City look
like "crap". He feels findings would never have come to light if Councilperson Smith
had not asked for accounting of all credit cards. It should be demanded that Ms Wilder
come to work. He says thank you to Mike Hutt for looking into this.
Mr. Derek Spence, 531 East Maple, Jeffersonville, feels the City should suspend
the use of City Credit Cards. If personal cards are used the receipts will be sure to be
turned in. Mr. Spence reminds the Council there is an open seat on the Ethics Board.
COUNCIL COMMENT:
Council President Sellers, along with the Council, presented a plaque to
Councilperson Zastawny for his outstanding service as 2008 Council President.
Councilperson Zastawny said this is a fine Council that works hard.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
There were no Department Head reports.
AGENDA ITEMS:
All agreed to delete Ordinance No. 2008-OR-47, An Ordinance Regulating The
Use Of City-Owned Motor Vehicles, from the agenda.
Ms. Shaunna Graff, Project Coordinator for the Ohio River Greenway
Commission, reviewed the annual report that was mailed to the Council and is available
January 26, 2008 3
on the web site. She explained the funding and the two programs that have been funded.
The Big 4 Bridge funding was reviewed. There have been two big actions. An Advisory
Committee has been formed and a monuments and memorial policy has been developed.
Councilperson Grooms stated his appreciation for the monuments and memorial policy as
he and Councilperson Wilson are serving on a committee for the City. Coordinator Graff
reviewed the focus. Mr. Gary Libs, representing Floyd County, and Ms. Regina Overton,
representing Clark County, are two new Commissioners. The web site has been
revamped, and entrance signs are planned. The Council is invited to a strategic planning
session scheduled for February 11, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. The Commission is
expecting $12,000 from the City this year.
Councilperson Grooms explained amendments to Ordinance No. 2009-OR-1, An
Ordinance Of Appropriation Reductions. These reductions are necessary due to the
reduction to the excess levy appeal. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 2009-OR-1 as amended, on the third reading, second by Councilperson
Zastawny, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Grooms presented Ordinance No. 2009-OR-2, An Ordinance
Amending Ordinance No. 2008-OR-79, An Ordinance Fixing Basic Salaries Of
Appointed Officers And Employees Of The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana For The Year
2009, explaining all full-time civilian employees salaries reflect a $1,000 increase,
permanent part-time employees reflect a $500 increase and the Fire Department reflects
the result of negotiations. He noted the change in Holiday and Clothing Allowance in
the Fire contract. Deputy Bass has done a lot of work on this. Councilperson Grooms
made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 2009-OR-2, second by
Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Grooms, then made the
motion to pass Ordinance No. 2009-OR-2 on all three readings, second by Councilperson
Fetz, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Grooms noted this Ordinance will have to
be further amended following negotiations with the Police and other requests.
Mr. Mike Gillenwater, Attorney on behalf of Teakwood Landing, explained the
request for passage of Ordinance No. 2009-OR-4, An Ordinance Rezoning Certain Real
Estate In The City Of Jeffersonville As A Planned Unit Development (Teakwood
Landing). Planning and Zoning Director Urban reviewed the actions of the Plan
January 26, 2008 4
Commission. The request received unanimous approval. Councilperson Samuel asked if
fire hydrants have been addressed. Director Urban answered yes, within the
development. Councilperson Smith questioned the position of the entrances. Director
Urban reviewed the tests that were taken and the reason for the locations. Councilperson
Zastawny asked about sidewalks. Director Urban said sidewalks are included for
Coopers Lane. Councilperson Fetz said no negative comments were made regarding this
project at the Plan Commission. Councilperson Samuel made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 2009-OR-4, second by Councilperson Zastawny. Council President
Sellers requested public comments. No comments were voiced. The motion to pass
Ordinance No. 2009-OR-4 passed on a vote of 7-0. Surveyor David Blankenbeker
reviewed a drawing.
Councilperson Fetz reviewed changes to Resolution No. 2008-R-39, A Resolution
Requiring City Council Of Jeffersonville, IN To Undertake Steps To Operate Legislative
Meetings And Legislative Government In A "Paperless" Manner And Fashion. This will
be made easier with the use of jump drives. Two more sections have been added. The
goal is to show all information on the screen in the Council Chamber. Councilperson
Fetz made the motion to pass Resolution No. 2008-R-39 as amended, second by
Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Grooms said the Finance Committee met with the Drainage Board
President regarding Council appointments to the Drainage Board. Following discussion,
Councilperson Zastawny made the motion to reaffirm Drainage Board Members Carol
Moon, Rick Madden, and Bruce Wright, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote
of 7-0.
Councilperson Grooms made the motion to appoint Mr. David Foresee, 1522
Sportsman Drive, Jeffersonville, as the Council's Republican appointment to the Ethics
Board, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Grooms referring to the State Board Of Accounts Audit Report of
the City of Jeffersonville for 2007, said the citizens want to know what is meant by the
audit report and they deserve answers. The Council also wants to know what is meant by
the audit report and they also deserve answers. The Council has fiscal responsibilities
and as the watchdog deserves all answers. Councilperson Grooms noted the current staff
January 26, 2008 5
of the Clerk Treasurer's Office does an excellent job. Councilperson Grooms made the
motion that the City Council of Jeffersonville seek the advice and direction of the staff of
IACT as soon as possible under the direction of Council President Sellers, and
Councilperson Grooms. If the Council is not satisfied, or further assistance is necessary,
legal and auditing services may be asked to perform duties related to the audit report and
the need for future action as necessary, second by Councilperson Zastawny, passing on
the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons Samuel, Grooms, Wilson, Sellers, Fetz, Zastawny, and Smith.
Nays: None
CLERK TREASURER COMMENTS:
There were no Clerk Treasurer Comments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, COUNCIL AND MAYOR COMMENTS:
Councilperson Samuel went on a tour of Fire Headquarters and Fire equipment.
He looked at the annexed areas for capacity versus needs. The Fire Department may be
coming back with potential needs. He would like others to go on this same "field trip".
Councilperson Samuel gave a Police Department hardware and software update. Four
computers have been activated and are being tested. June is the target date for all to be
up and running.
Councilperson Grooms welcomed back Marcus Sperzel. He reminded all there
are used garbage totes available for $25. He thanked Rick Lovan for hanging the photos.
Councilperson Wilson said the photos look good.
Councilperson Smith asked City Attorney Darren Wilder to work on an update to
the false alarm Ordinance. Councilperson Smith asked the Council to consider the
purchase order system as he feels it is "broke". He would like to consider doing away
with the purchase order system. He does not feel it is adequate.
Councilperson Zastawny noted the negotiations for the Police contract are to start
this week.
Council President Sellers thanked all for coming, hoping all get home safely to
prepare for the storm.
January 26, 2008
6
As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
THOMAS R. GALLIG N MAYOR
AA~TEST:
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PEG ILDER, CLERK AND TREASURER