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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