HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-1996COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
'OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
OCTOBER 7, 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 7:00 P.M. on the 7th day of
October,
1996.
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 Councllpersons
John Perkins, Ron Ellis, Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Andrew
Williams
III, and Vlcky Conlin.
Absent: Councllperson Donna M. Frantz.
Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of
September 23, 1996 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson
Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes as presented,
by Council President Williams and carried unanimously.
Councilperson Perkins presented and explained the
Ordinance No. 96-OR-69,
Within Same Department
seconded
need for
An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds
(Common Council). Following discussion,
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the
Ordinance No. 96-OR-69~ seconded by Council President
passing unanimously. Councllperson Perkins then made the
rules for
Williams,
motion to
PAGE 2
OCTOBER 7t 1996
pass No. 96-OR-69 on all
Councilperson Ellis, passing on the following roll
Ayes: Councilpersons, Conlin, Williams,
Ellis, and Perkins.
Nays: None.
Clerk and Treasurer
consideration by the Council
Ordinance
three readings, seconded by
call vote:
Wilson, Wilder,
Spencer presented the claim list for
along with two additional claims.
Following all discussion, Councllperson Wilder made the motion to
approve the claims as presented as well as the additional claims,
seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously.
Mr. Gene Herde, representing Jeffboat, explained Jeffboat
is pleased with the results of the experimenting being done with the
electro static painting. There are some technical problems which are
being worked out. Mr. Bob Herre, said there are four electro static
guns purchased and in use. Two more are on order. The containment
spider E concept is still being investigated.
PAGE 3
OCTOBER 7, 1996
Mr. Bob Lanum, Attorney represtlng P.G.P., Inc., d/b/a Voss
Clark appeared before the Council to ask for passage of Resolution No.
96-R-37, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of
Property Tax Abatement. Deputy
formula which has been developed,
procedures. Clerk and Treasurer
come through the Clerk and
creation of a new fund
Councilperson Perkins made
contingent upon the
and
the
guidelines.
Mayor Phil McCauley explained the
the fees involved and the monitoring
Spencer inquired if the fees will
Treasurer's Office which would require the
additional work in the office.
motion to pass Resolution 96-R-37,
Councilperson Ellis seconded the
motion stating one of his pet peres since being on the Council was
that there were no guidelines and no accountability. He is 100% in
favor of the process. The motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-37
passed unanimously.
Mr. Bill
Corporation, appeared
Resolution No.
For Purposes
Corporation).
guidelines, made the motion to pass Resolution No. 96-R-38,
by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously.
Ms. Susan LeMay appeared before the Council on behalf of
Tom Kempf, requesting passage of Ordinance No. 96-OR-70, An Ordinance
vacating City Street Broadway Between Seventh And Ninth Streets. Ms.
LeMay explained the request has been presented to the Board of Public
Chaput, Treasurer, International Machinery
before the Council requesting passage of
96-R-38, A resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits
Of Property Tax Abatement (International Machinery
Councilperson Wilder, stating this clearly meets the
seconded
PAGE 4
OCTOBER 7, 1996
and proper notice has been
Attorney Sedwlck did receive
Works and Safety,
property owners.
Railroad regarding this and explained utility use
statute saying the
Mr. Gary Reynolds,
vacation saying he railroad would be
railroad does not have grounds
representing CSX Railroad voiced
feels the
given to adjoining
a call from CSX
is protected by
for remonstrance.
objection to the
affected. Following
passing unanimously.
pass Ordinance No.
Councilperson Conlin,
Ms.
Partnership, appeared
Ordinance No.
all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the
rules for Ordinance No. 96-OR-70 seconded by Councllperson Conlin,
Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to
96-OR-70 on all three readings, seconded by
passing unanimously.
Sandy Lewis, attorney representing, Springhill Commons
before the Council requesting passage of
96-OR-71, An Ordinance Granting Petition To Vacate A
Portion Of A Public Way. Attorney Lewis explained the request also
stating all required steps have been taken. Following all discussion,
Wilson made the motion to suspend the rules for
Councilperson
Ordinance No.
unanimously.
Ordinance No.
unanimously.
Ms.
96-OR-71, seconded
Councilperson Wilson
96-OR-71, seconded
by Councllperson Ellis, passing
then made the motion to pass
by Councllperson Ellis, passing
Ann Northam, speaking on behalf of the Children's Choir
of Jeffersonvllle, explained the program and requested a donation.
Following all discussion, Councilperson Wilder made the motion to
support the Children's Choir of Jeffersonville with a donation in the
PAGE 5
OCTOBER 7, 1996
amount of Sl,000, seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing
unanimously.
Assistant Director of Redevelopment, Jennifer Mead explained
the need for passage of Resolution No. 96-R-39, City Of
Jeffersonville, Indiana Regarding The Enlargement Of The Inner City
Road Economic Development Area. Assistant Mead noted a public hearing.
was held with no comments or remonstrances received. Following all
comments, Councllperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No.
96-R-39, seconded by Councllperson Wilder,
Assistant Mead informed the
Redevelopment has been asked to assume
homeless shelter grants. These grants
passing unanimously.
Council the Department of
the administration of two
response grants"
are "quick
which the Department of Redevelopment would monitor. A synopsis of
what is involved in the grant was reviewed for the Council.
Councllperson Conlin stated she is an advocate of the homeless in the
area and is very much in support of this as there is now a very fine
Board of Directors. Councllperson Wilder feels the homeless situation
should be separated from Hoosier Valley and is also in support. She
does not feel the City will incur any obligations relative to Hoosier
Valley. Council President Williams then read a prepared statement
stating a majority of the Council have addressed the homeless
situation as applies to the resolution, and it is the desire of the
majority not to approve the Resolution due to the potential liability.
Ms. Barbara Anderson, Director of Haven House asked the Council for
help as the homeless need this grant and there is a need for a
PAGE 6
OCTOBER 7, 1996
downtown shelter. Councilperson Wilder questioned when the "majority"
had decided not to support the resolution. Council President Williams
stated he had talked with other members of the Council. Ms. Mary Beth
Gothay told the Councl how Haven House had helped her and her
children. A group of Clarksville High School students who voluntered
at the shelter spoke in support of helping the homeless. Rev.
Cleveland Williams also spoke in support of a homeless shelter. Ms.
Anderson has investigaed the liability and stated it is limited to
being a sponsor or co-signer. There is no money obligation. Ms.
Dorothy Clarissa, following a statement of frustration with regard to
trying to talk to the Mayor, told of her support in the cause of the
homeless. Ms. Jenny Herfel, Jeffersonvllle High School teacher
displayed a page from the Jeffersonville High School yearbook devoted
to students helping the homeless. Mr. Jim Urban, as a member of the
Board of Directors, spoke of the need to have a range of housing
opportunities. There is a need to get involved and the Board of
Directors is dedicated to do it right. Rev. Susan Mills, St. Pauls
Espicopal Church, noted the number of people that need a place to stay
and urged the Council to support the Resolution. Ms. Pat Griffith, a
teacher at Parkview Middle School, sees results of poverty every day
at school, and urges a favorable vote. Ms. Barbara Williams,
Presdident of the Board of Directors of Haven House, promised the
Board will work their hearts out and it will not be a "fly by night"
operation. The Board will do their Job with great care and all will
profit. Deputy Mayor Phil McCauley gave a history of his involvement,
PAGE 7
OCTOBER 7, 1996
and asked the Council to consider taking a first mortgage on the
property to somewhat diminish the risk. He asks the Council to also
consider the rewards. Councllperson Wilder made the motion to pass
Resolution No. 96-R-40, Approving The Taking Over Of The Acquisitions
Grants, seconded by Councilperson Conlin. The motion failed on a vote
of two to four. Councllpersons Wilder and Conlin voted in favor with
Councllpersons Perkins, Elis, Wilson, and Williams voting against.
Mayor Galligan stated he conducts the meetings and respects
the wishes of the Council as they are the fiscal body. He further
stated he did nothing to deter this grant. He has done everything in
this community to support those that do not have a chance. There are
people who need help with the people that are homeless to keep them
out of their property and to help uphold their rights. The action
taken tonight is the wish of the Council. As he is Mayor that does
not give people the right to character assassination and personal
attack. Mayor Galllgan feels he and the rest of the Council have the
best interest of the citizens of Jeffersonvllle in mind. All need to
work together to acheive an end. Mayor Galligan stated humiliation
and telling him he is not doing his Job is about as ignorant a
statement as he has ever heard. Mayor Gall!gan then stated examples
as to how accessible he is. Anybody can walk in his office as it is
open. Intimidation, threats and character assassination are not what
he is into. He is into dealing with the facts.
Ms. Barbara Anderson invites all
to a candlelight vigil
tonight in Warder Park.
PAGE 8
OCTOBER 20, 1996
Councllperson Conlin made
seconded by Councilperson Perkins and carried unanimously.
96-R-41,
Jeffersonville, Indiana, Urging Prompt
The Sale Of Ephedrine-Based Products
Voluntary Removal Of These Products
a motion to recess at 8:30 P.M.,
Mayor Galligan called the meeting back to order at 8:45 P.M.
Attorney Sedwlck introduced and explained Resolution No.
A Resolution Of The Common Council Of The City Of
Legislative Action To Prohibit
Without A Prescription And The
From Store Shelves. Council
President Williams spoke with Pharmacist Ron Grooms and would endorse
this as written. Following other comments, Council President Williams
made the motion to pass Resolution No.
Councllperson Conlin, passing unanimously.
96-R-41,seconded by
EMC Facilities Manager Kendall Coleman reviewed the
revisions that have been made to Ordinance No. 96-OR-72, An Ordinance
Amending Sewer Tap Fees since being tabled at the last meeting.
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for
Ordinance No. 96-OR-72, seconded by Council President Williams,
passing unanimously. Councllperson Perkins then made the motion to
pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-72 on all three readings, seconded by
Council President Williams, passing unanimously.
Mr. Alan Schuler, representing homebuilders, read a
prepared statement, containing questions, regarding the financial
standing of the sewer department. He ask the Council get the facts
and then make a determination. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer explained
the loan from the sewer department to the City. The loan for the
PAGE 9
OCTOBER 7, 1996
inner city road was also discussed. Mr. Schuler has offered his
assistance in long range planning. Mr. Ed Lankford does not feel this
increase if fair, he Just called regarding the building of his home
and was told it is going to cost Sl,000 more. Manager Coleman
explained the sources of funds and stated the desire is to stabilize
rate. Mr. John Zurschmeade builds "affordable housing" and this is a
substantial increase to a home in the moderate price range and is hard
to explain to people.
Councllperson Perkins made the motion to pass Ordinance No.
96-OR-72 on all three readings, seconded by Council President
Williams, passing unanimously.
Ordinance No. 96-OR-73, An Ordinance Transferring Certain
Funds Within Same Department(City Engineer) was presented and
explained. Councilperson Wilson made the motion to suspend the rules
for Ordinance No. 96-OR-73, seconded by Council President Williams,
passing unanimously. Councilperson Wilson then made the motion to
pass Ordinance No. 96-OR-73 on all three readings, seconded by
Council President Williams, passing unanimously.
Attorney Sedwlck presented and explained Resolution No.
96-R-42, A Resolution Referring Proposal To Amend Zoning Ordinance.
Councilperson Perkins explained this is a result of nine years of
constituents phone calls. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to
pass Resolution No. 96-R-42, seconded by Council President Williams,
passing unanimously.
Councllperson Conlin thanked all those who voiced their
support of the Haven House.
PAGE 10
OCTOBER 7, 1996
Councilperson Ellis stated his support of the location of a
hog processing plant in Jeffersonville as the people of Jeffersonville
need Jobs. He is in support if it is in his backyard or not.
Councilperson Perkins stated this is 13th year of Council
votes and the hardest vote he ever made was the vote tonight regarding
the homeless. He has mixed feelings, however tonight, he represented
the residents in the first district who have called and begged him for
help. He had to vote the way his constituents urged him to vote. He
is willing to work with Ms. Anderson on some resolution to this
problem. This is not an apology but an explanation.
Mr. Charles White thanked the Mayor and his staff for
advertising the meeting and publishing the agenda.
Ms. Melba Doggett requests a microphone for those who make
presentations in front of the Council so the audience may hear.
Council President Williams
sentiments. It is hoped there can
situation. The door is not shut.
Ms.
the meeting.
Mr.
offers Councllperson Perkins his
be a resolve to the homeless
Dorothy Clarissa apoliogized for her actions earlier in
David Malone asked what the status of the 10th Street
entrance to City is. Mayor Galligan explained this project is being
done by City employees. This has been a slow process as they are
trying to do it without additional cost to the City. Mr. Malone asked
about the removal of the trees. Mayor Galligan explained they are
PAGE 11
OCTOBER 7, 1996
trying to open up the entrance to the City. He is t~ying to improve
the City without major expense to the City. This is taking awhile as
he is trying to be frugil and trying ~o do it in a positive manner.
Ms. Barbara Anderson thanked Councilpersons Wilder and
Conlln for their work. She appreciates the comments from
Councllperson Perkins. She does not feel the doors are shut.
Mayor Galligan apologiges to any who may have taken offense
at any of his earlier comments. The homeless issue is not Just one
issue, but several issues. This is a tough call at best and is a
lose-lose situation. He cannot please all, he is doing the best he
can and sometimes he gets upset, This is because some things are
taken out of context and all do not understantd everything that is
going on. He, and no one on the Council want to see anyone homeless.
There is an obligation to do the best they can. It is hoped at the
end of four years all can say a better Job has been done than a bad
Job. This is the best that can be done.
his office and he will talk to anyone.
There being no further business
Councllperson Perkins moved to adjourn at
He invites any to come to
to come before the Council,
9:33 o'clock P.M. seconded
by Councllperson Conlin and unanimously carrle~.~
MAYOR THOMAS ~. GAL~AN
ATTESTs ~ · ~
TR AS R fO. SPeNCeR