HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 23, 2009 SpecialJEFFERSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION
Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 6:00 P.M.
City Hall
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in Special Session on Wednesday
September 23, 2009. Council President Connie Sellers called the meeting to order, and
on call of the roll those members present were: Councilpersons Mike Smith, Ed
Zastawny, Keith Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, and Ron Grooms. Absent was
Nathan Samuel. Also present were Financial Advisor Bill Mattingly and Chief Deputy
Clerk Treasurer Suzy Bass. Mayor Galligan arrived at 7:00.
The motion was made by Councilperson Zastawny to approve the agenda as presented,
seconded by Councilperson Smith passing 6-0.
Councilperson Grooms reviewed Budget Form 2 that he received from Deputy Barbara
Hollis. He feels the Council has about $600,000.00 to work with for the 2010 budgets.
Councilperson Grooms asked Chief Deputy Bass to send an invoice due to the Sewer
Board for payment in lieu of taxes in the amount of $200,000.00.
Attorney Greg Clark was asked to respond to a memo asking if he feels the Merit Board
members and other board members should be considered employees. Attorney Clark said
that in his opinion they are public officers and not board members.
The motion was made by Councilperson Grooms to proceed with the assumption that the
Police and Fire Merit Board members are not employees but public officers, second by
Councilperson Smith passing 6-0.
The motion was made by Councilperson Grooms to proceed with the assumption that the
Drainage Board members are not employees but public officers, second by Councilperson
Wilson passing 6-0.
The motion was made by Councilperson Grooms to proceed with the assumption that the
Sewer Board members are not employees but public officers, second by Councilperson
Smith passing 6-0.
Councilperson Zastawny suggested increasing longevity pay instead of or in addition to
percentage or merit raises for 2010. The Council asked Chief Deputy Bass to figure the
cost of raises for civilian tax rate employees in increments of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 3.8%.
Councilperson Grooms said that he feels the Council needs to be made aware of what the
Police Department is ordering for the new cars purchased.
Discussion was held on the Riverstage budget. Event Coordinator Bev Knight said that
she has had only about $35,000.00 to work with this year for expenses. After discussion,
the Council asked Ms. Knight to present a budget to the Council in the amount of
$75,000.00. The Council agreed to change the line #403 in the Parks Budget to read
"Riverstage Barge Expenses".
The Council agreed to remove the Oak Park Column from the Clerk Treasurer's Budget.
The Council agreed to keep their budget the same for 2010 with the exception of
removing $4,000.00 Concerts in the Park.
Attorney Larry Wilder was asked to appear before the Council concerning questions as to
whether the merit boards can hire an attorney or a clerk. According to Mr. Wilder, IC
Code 36-8-3.5 says that the boards have no right to hire.
Councilperson Grooms said that he will ask the Police and Fire Departments to attend the
Monday meeting to discuss their budgets.
Councilperson Grooms asked if the Council wanted to entertain the request from Street
Commissioner Hosea to approve raises or bonuses for some of his employees. The
majority of council members said no.
Councilperson Zastawny made the motion to adjourn at 9:55 P.M., second by
Councilperson Smith, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Council President Connie Sellers
Attest:
Clerk r a urer Peggy Wilder