HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 3, 2009COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
August 3, 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 August 3, 2009.
Mayor Tom Galligan, with Deputy Clerk Treasurer Barbara Hollis at the desk,
called the meeting to order. Also present were City Attorney Darren Wilder, and
Administrative Assistant Tiffany Timberlake. Mayor Galligan welcomed all in
attendance, asking all those present to stand as Councilperson Samuel gave the
invocation. Mayor Galligan then asked all those present to join him 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, and Nathan Samuel.
Absent: Councilperson Ron Grooms.
Councilperson Samuel made the motion to approve the agenda with the addition
of preapproval of Park claims and moving agenda item #13 to #10A, second by
Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Mayor Galligan presented the minutes for consideration. Councilperson Wilson
made the motion to approve the minutes of June 15, 2009 (5:30 P.M.) as presented,
second by Councilperson Samuel, passing on a vote of 6-0. Councilperson Samuel made
the motion to approve the minutes of July 20, 2009 (5:30 P.M.), second by Councilperson
Sellers, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Deputy Clerk Hollis presented the claim list for consideration by the Council.
Following discussion, Councilperson Samuel made the motion to approve the claims as
presented, second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 6-0. Councilperson
Samuel next made the motion to approve the Park claims in the amount of $52,245.87,
second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 6-0.
August 3, 2009
PUBLIC COMMENT:
2
Mr. Steve Mason, a resident of 6202 Westwood Drive, appeared before the
Council on behalf of Whispering Oaks Homeowners Association, thanking the Council
for the street lights. Mr. Mason now asks that the City force Mr. Furnish to finish the
neighborhood. Mr. Mason presented pictures and reviewed the problems. His request is
to give a date of October 1 to have the work complete and then revoke the bond.
Problems include empty lots not being mowed on a regular schedule, drainage problems,
unfinished streets and curbs as well as debris. He is concerned for the property values
and the ability to sell homes. There are safety issues. He also questions the loan for the
streetlights.
Mr. Greg Furnish, President of 21St Century Developers, owners of Whispering
Oaks, appeared before the Council. Mr. Furnish said the paving would be done by the
end of the paving season. He has had problems with the people doing the pouring of the
curbs. The Home Owners Association is to take over the streetlights loan. He will
continue to pave streets. He will respond in any way requested. Mayor Galligan said the
dug out curbs need to have barricades. He needs to pour curbs the same day they are dug.
The curbs have got to get done. Mr. Furnish said he now has a new contractor. Mayor
Galligan asked Mr. Furnish to have the new curb contractor contact Assistant Engineer
Andy Crouch. Mr. Furnish was requested to come to the meeting the second Monday of
September with a report. Planning and Zoning Director Jim Urban said the City does not
enforce private deed restrictions. He does not feel the bond money can be used to pay for
streetlights.
COUNCIL COMMENT:
There was no Council comment.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
City Growth Coordinator Rick Lovan told the Council he appreciates working at
City Hall. Coordinator Lovan reviewed his duties.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Planning and Zoning Director Jim Urban, explaining Cook Compression, requests
passage of Resolution No. 2009-R-11, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits
For Purposes Of Real And Personal Property Tax Abatement. Mr. Ernest McGurty of
August 3, 2009 3
Cook Compression explained what the business does. Mayor Galligan said welcome to
Jeffersonville and thank you for coming. Councilperson Samuel made the motion to pass
Resolution No. 2009-R-11 with the addition of the word years following TEN (10) on
page 2, second by Councilperson Zastawny, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Councilperson Fetz explained Resolution No. 2009-R-9, A Resolution Replacing
2008-R-39 Requiring The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana To Undertake Steps To Operate
Executive And Legislative Government In An "Earth Friendly, Responsible" Manner
And Fashion. Councilperson Zastawny would like to change the date to January 1, 2012
to coordinate with a new Council. Mayor Galligan would like to use this as a goal. He
will be coming back with a lot of Ordinance to become "green". Councilperson Samuel
is supportive in theory. He does not want to be set up to fail. Councilperson Fetz noted
the Council has the ability to budget for this. The intent is to use this as a guideline.
Councilperson Zastawny said he is working for a corporation that has tried to become
paperless; they are not there yet. He feels this is the right direction. Mayor Galligan
noted the need to start somewhere, and he is in support of this Resolution. There is a
need to change the mentality of the community. Council President Sellers called
attention to the cost of recycled paper. Councilperson Fetz suggests Coordinator Lovan
look into group purchases. Councilperson Wilson feels having the computer in front of
her during meetings is distracting. Councilperson Samuel suggests changing the words
require, to suggest. Mayor Galligan said he wants to strongly encourage this, as his goal
is to be a "green city". Councilperson Zastawny feels a need for a transition period.
Councilperson Wilson made the motion to table Resolution No. 2009-R-9, second by
Councilperson Samuel, passing on a vote of 6-0. Councilperson Fetz requests all to send
him suggestions before the next meeting.
Councilperson Fetz next explained Resolution No. 2009-R-12, A Resolution
Establishing "A Sustainable Jeffersonville" Committee. It should be changed to allow
for the Mayor to have two appointments to make five members. Councilperson Samuel
would like to add a sunset clause of December 31, 2011. At the conclusion of all
discussion, Council President Fetz made the motion to pass Resolution 2009-R-12,
second by Councilperson Samuel, passing on a vote of 6-0. Councilperson Fetz asks for
suggestions for the appointments. Council President Sellers made the motion to appoint
August 3, 2009
4
Councilperson Fetz to the committee, second by Councilperson Samuel, passing on a
vote of 6-0.
CLERK TREASURER COMMENTS:
There were no Clerk Treasurer Comments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, COUNCIL AND MAYOR COMMENTS:
Councilperson Samuel thanked Director Urban for the fencing on the Riverstage
Barge. Councilperson Samuel said first impressions are critical and have a ripple effect
and we should expect more from ourselves. He requests a berm or barrier to block the
Street Department area on 10th Street next to City Hall. He questions if there is an
interest to focus on "clean-up Jeff '. He has two ideas for control of the illegal signs.
One is to pay people to turn in signs; the other is to pay part-time workers during rainy
days. He encourages neighborhood associations to police their own neighborhoods for
signs in the rite-of--ways and on light poles. He would like to see self-defense classes
open to the public. Police Officer Grimes will look into this.
Councilperson Wilson noted City Pride has consisted of 20 to 25 people for
several years. She suggests more people get involved. The Concerts In The Park are
doing well.
Councilperson Smith would like to see that the sign regulations are enforced and
fines made. Director Urban explained the practices.
Councilperson Zastawny noted code enforcement overall needs to be enforced.
The multi-family code needs to be updated. Director Urban said he is working on this.
Councilperson Fetz had two calls asking if there was a limit of how many vehicles
are allowed per residence. Council President Sellers explained the law.
Council President Sellers received a letter from Home Depot regarding bulk
buying. Coordinator Lovan will look into it.
Mayor Galligan noted the grand opening for the LST is to be held on August 21 at
7:30 P.M. The streetlights on Spring Street are done; the papers will be signed tomorrow.
He explained the 4-wire process.
August 3, 2009
5
As there was no further business to come efore the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
THOMAS R. GALLIGAN YOR
A to
PEGGY WILDER, CLERK AND TREASURER