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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-1995COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA NOVEMBER 20, 1995 The Common Council of the regular session in Building, Jeffersonville, November 1995. The meeting was Jr., with Clerk and Mayor Parker welcomed City of the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room Indiana, at 7:30 P.M. Jeffersonvllle met in in the City-County on the 20th day of called to order by Mayor Treasurer C. Richard Spencer all in attendance, asking all Raymond J. Parker Jr, at the desk. those present to stand as Councllperson Steven Stemler gave the invocation. He then asked all those present to join him in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Bill Wilder, Potter. The roll was called Wolpert, Andrew Williams Barbara Wilson, November and those present III, Donna M. Steven R. Stemler, were Councilpersons Frantz, Peggy Knight and Robert L. Absent: None. Mayor Parker presented the minutes of the 6, 1995, for consideration by the Council. meetings of Councilperson seconded Potter made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, by Councilperson Williams and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Following all discussion, Councilperson Stemler made the motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councllperson Willson, passing unanimously. PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 questions time for Council regarding questions. President Wilder explained there have been many the proposed annexation and she would open this One question that she has been asked is if the Council intends to open the area to light or heavy industry. The answer to this is no. Mr. Tom Bodine, 3512 Holmans Lane thanks President Wilder for this opportunity. He has presented a petition to Council President Wilder containing signatures in opposition to annexation. The majority signing the petition oppose annexation due to the tax increase as many are on fixed income. The second opposition is to commercialization in the area. Council President Wilder explained the lntent for commercialization is at the beginning and end of the road. Redevelopment Director Gowens explained when annexation is done the area comes into the City with the same zoning. Mr. Bodine asked why the annexation is necessary. Council President Wilder explained it is necessary to establish a T.I.F. District. This means the taxes on any improvements in the area will go to pay off the bonds. Mr. Bodine says on drainage problems and there are some the County has been notified of. page 13 it states there are no severe problems in the area that Mr. Bodine feels there is no incentive as the investment is not worth the dividend. He then asked what the steps are. Attorney Gillenwater explained the first step is to adopt a fiscal plan and adopt an Ordinance which has been done. The next step is to record the Ordinance in the fiscal plan. The required advertisement has taken place. Mr. Bodine inquired as to the cost to each homeowner to hook into the sewer. Attorney Gillenwater explained the City is responsible to provide sewers within three years PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 and it is the homeowners responsibility to pay the tap in fee. The tap-in fee is 3500 with a $25 inspection fee. It is possible to make installment payments. Building Commissioner Gavin said there has not been any discussion of changing any zoning. Mr. Leland Creech, 3708 Holmans Lane asked how the project is paid for. Council President Wilder explained the road would be paid for with essentially borrowed money and repaid by property taxes many lanes there would be. it will be on the improvments. Mr. Creech asked how Engineer Jorge Lanz answered for now two-lane with one turning lane. This is subject to study. Mr. Randall DuVall, 3713 Holmans Lane would like how much property will be taken on each side of the road. to know Engineer Lanz explained there is no design as yet, however he thinks the right of way is 50 feet. It is possible 10 feet on each side will be needed. There is no certain plan for the curve at Ice Cream Willies, however it will probably be flattened. Engineer Lanz explained the road from beginning to end. Mr. Don Adams has concerned a traffic signal at ruin his business. Engineer Lanz however his concern is realistic. into the final plans. the only business involved and he is Holmans Lane and Charlestown Pike will explained signals can be programed, His concerns can be incorporated A gentleman that road and the sewer work can be done at the same time. explained this will be planned very carefully and this into consideration. owns property on Holmans Lane asks if the Engineer Lanz will be taken PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 Mr. Ron Smith, 3310 Holmans Lane, asks if there is any recourse to being annexed. Attorney Glllenwater explained he can remonstrate and he would need an attorney. Mr. Smith explained he has received his new assessment and it is already unbelievable. There are a lot of older people on the Lane and they are not getting raises. He asks what these people are getting other than a wider road, more traffic, and more noise. Mr. Smith feels the Council is sitting in a position of control that affects everyone of our lives and made decisions to bring in all kinds of businesses, some of which are not good. He feels they would be better off in some cases with vacant ground. He then referred to the barrel company saying he has driven into that company in Louisville and going to happen when we are "taxed Wilder explained the Council is not it is a mess. into oblivion". volunteering He wonders what is Council President to allow Louisville Barrel in, they are doing everything they can to prevent it. She does understand the concerns for the tax rate. The City has tried to make sure the tax bill does not go up. The City taxes have gone down. The City services that will be available will be police protection, fire protection which should make homeowners insurance go done, and garbage pick up. Mr. Smith would personally rather spend a lot of money fighting the annexation than give the money to people who don't understand. He wishes something could be worked out. The question was raised as to why the plan to have the Inner-City Road go through Buttonwood Subdivision was "scrubbed", and why the road is made to "ship" the people to Clarksville. He then asked if Clarksville is PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 going to help pay for the road. Council President Wilder explained the Council will be meeting with the Clarksvllle Town Board November 27, 1995 at 7:00 o'clock P.M. to discuss an agreement on this matter. She is hoping the road will open Jeffersonvllle for economic development. Jeffersonvltle has one of the lowest assessed valuations in the State and she would like to see this grow to even out the tax base. The road will take people from Ctarksvllle to Jeffersonville as well. Mr. Mike Hurt wants all to know that if no, or not enough development, occurs, property taxes could go up as much as $.85. Mr. Hurt further stated the downtown area bond issue is going to cost another $.30. Redevelopment Director Gowens explained the original bond was for S3,4~,000 and only half has been spent. If the rest is not spent there won't be a need for a tax increase. Mr. Hurt asked why it was so important to suspend the rules and vote on all three readings on October 2, 1995. Mayor Parker explained the City is on a time schedule for T.I.F. District. Engineer Lanz explained much time has been spent on this issue and the time to move is now. Concern was stated that the people involved in the area did not know. Another question raised was why Holmsns Lane is being used and not vacant land. Concern was raised that the last time work was done grass seed was not done. There is a sour taste from before on land values. Engineer Lanz explained the location of the road and the reasons for the recommendation. Councilperson Frantz asked if there was a commlttment in writing from a commercial developer. Engineer Lanz explained it is on its way. Councilperson Frantz stated the Council asked in executive session if they could proceed with the annexation PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 and the Council was reassured they could. Director Gowens explained the result all are trying to achieve is to try to provide opportunity for people to come into our community to spend money, to provide Jobs that will provide tax money so that taxes will not go up so fast. They are looking to companies to come to town. There is a company that is considering spending 10 million dollars to build and then hire 600 to 700, and they are not asking for tax abatements. Areas have to compete to get this kind of business in the area. Currently the infrastructure is not there. Annexation is never a nice word. However this area is surrounded on three sides by City. The T.I.F. area is like an hour glass with development expected at both the top and bottom end of the road. If the infrastucture ls developed hopefully development will continue. Director Gowens explained the future plans for I65 and the development. We are trying to provide opportunities. The question was raised as why this is being done with Hlghway 265 only one mile away. Engineer Lanz explained Highway 265 is a limited access road which does not promote development. Engineer Lanz also explained the Phase 1 project involving the northerly corridor from Charlestown-New Albany Pike to Interstate 65 construction should start in the Spring of 1997, and the Holman Lane project should start Spring 1998. A gentleman asked what the City can give the annexation area people they do not already have, noting one neighbor recently spent $4,000 on a septic system. Mr. Cooper explained police and fire service would be faster, as well as street maintenance, park and recreation facilities and sewer. No new sewer plant will be needed. PAGE 7 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 Allen Morris, background information explained all documents Ordinance Changing The Jeffersonvllle~ Indiana, Attorney representing Wyandottes Inc. gave on the company as well as presented and pertaining to Ordinances No. 95-OR-49, An Zoning Jurisdiction Of The City Of And Also Amending The Zone Maps To Reflect Such Change, and Ordinance No. 95-OR-50, An Ordinance Vacating A Street Within The Jurisdiction Of The City Of Jeffersonvitte, Indianai And Amending The City Maps To Reflect Such Change. In attendance are Senior Vice President Bob Schmidt and the Vice President in charge of the Jeffersonvllle operation Don Mount who will answer any questions. The company is willing to make any changes with regard to truck traffic to be good neighbors. Wyandotte would like to run a direct line to the sewer plant if the plant can handle it. Councilperson Stemler noted there has been a positive relationship between Wyandotte and the City of Jeffersonvllle and he does support their efforts. Councilperson Williams has received concerns from some of the residents of the area. Attorney Morris said the Company is aware of these and the Company is working on them. The Company however cannot control the incoming trucks. truck drivers and they will do regarding the trucks and the The Company has posted signs for the what they can. Ms. Nolan has concerns school children. Council President Wilder explained improvements in the road are a part of a 10 year plan. Mr. Greg Fltzloff of the Chamber of Commerce stated Wyandotte has done an outstanding Job and has gone out of their way to be good neighbors. Councilperson Stemler made the motion to suspeDd the rules for Ordinance No. 95-OR-49, seconded by Councilperson Potter, passing PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 unanimously. Councilperson Stemler then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 95-OR-49 on all three readings~ seconded by Councilperson Potter and passed unanimously. Councilperson Stemler then made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No4 95-OR-5~, seconded by Councilperson Williams~ passing unanimously. Councilperson Stemler made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 95-OR-5~ readings, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing on all three unanimously. Mr. owner of Jeff Chris Sturgeon, Attorney representing Mr. Dick Wright, Vending Service, presented Resolution No. 95-R-23, Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatement. Attorney Sturgeon explained the planned move to Jeffersonvi!le. Following all discussion, Council President Wilder made the motion to pass Resolution No. 95-R-23, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously. Mr. Kelth Se!lmer, Jeff JayCees Membership Vice President, reviewed a history of the club along with the recent projects. He did explain the Building Commission shut down the Haunted House after the first weekend for running a business in a residential area. The club did not feel this was any more of a business than a yard sale or lemonade stand. They did move to another site the second weekend. Mr. Sellmer invites the Mayor and/or Councilpersons to come and give a State of The City speech. The club meets the first Wednesday and the third Tuesday. PAGE 9 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented Ordinance No. 95-OR-51, An Ordinance Transferring Funds Within Same Department (Cumulative Capital Development, Clerk and Treasurer). Following made the motion to suspend the seconded by Councilperson Wilson, Potter than made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 95-OR-51 three readings~ seconded by by Councllperson Wilsont passing Common Council, City Engineer, and all discusslon~ Councllperson Potter rules for Ordinance No. 95-OR-51~ passing unanimously. Councilperson on all on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Co]lncllpersons Frantz, Williams, and Wolpert. Nays= None. salary Potter, Stemler, Wilson, Wilder, Council President Wilder explained the elected officials Ordinance has not been addressed since 1989. She made reference to a memorandum distributed earlier regarding the increase in cases in City Court, recommending a $3,000 increase for the City Court Judge. She further recommends an increase of $1~00~ for the Mayor and Clerk and Treasurer, wlth the Council salary to remain the same. Mr. Charlle White feels the Job of the Mayor is an important position and feels the salary should be high enough to attract qualified professional individuals. Council President Wilder stated it is difficult to give raises to elected officials and she does agree the Mayor position is slightly underfunded. Council President Wilder then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 95-OR-52~ An Ordinance Fixing Basic Salaries Of Elected Officials Of The City Of Jeffersonvllle~ Indiana For The Year 1996, on the first and second PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 20, 1995 reading seconded roll call vote: Ayes: Wilson, Stemler~ Nays: meeting by Councilperson Williams passing on the following Councilpersons and Potter. None. Clerk and Treasurer date for the third Wolpert, Williams, Frantz, Wilder, Spencer requests to be informed of the reading of Ordinance No. 95-OR-52 as publication must be made 30 days before final passage. Councllperson Potter wishes a Happy Thanksgiving to all. Councilperson Stemler thanks all for the support of Wyandotte. Councilperson Wilson reminds all of Christmas in the Park, December 1, for the tree lighting. She personally invites all Council to attend. She also wishes all Coqjncilperson WolpeFt for maD. y blessings. Happy Thanksgiving. says Happy Turkey Day and give thanks Councllperson Frantz has been contacted by Street Commissioner Trembly recommending leaf pick up be extended until December 15 as all the leaves have not fallen. This will be an additional cost of g3,000. Leaves can be taken to Clark County Composting Center at no charge. The Councll agrees to extend the collection until December 15, 1995. Councllperson Frantz noted the request foe the composting center to be made into a race track has been turned down by the Board of Zoning. Councilperson Frantz has been doing some research regarding Lo~lsville Barrel. She does not understand why something the Council PAGE 11 NOVEMBER 20~ 1995 passed is not on the agenda for the Planning and Zoning meeting. Building Commissioner Gavin was not contacted regarding this. Attorney Glllenwater stated the matter could be raised at the meeting. Attorney Gillenwater sees no problem with the form. Councilperson Frantz questioned environmental attorney fees. Attorney Gi!lenwater has not received any bills and has not been involved in any discussions regarding fees° Councllperson Frantz has letters on the table asking the Council look at them and sign them if they wish. Louisvll!e Barrell has started work. order on environmental grounds. She to stop work. Council President Wilder She is requesting a stop work feels it is to everyones benefit announced the Council will meet with the Clarksville Town Board November 27, 1995 at 7:~ P.M. The workshop scheduled for November 30, 1995 has been changed to a special meeting November 29~ 1995 at 7:~ P.M. Council President Wilder will be attending the Planning and Zoning Meeting and will be happy to present the matter Councllperson Frantz is questioning and will also discuss the possibility of a special meeting in December. Mayor Parker says Happy Thanksgiving. Councilperson Stemler reported Ms. Ruth Lee of Arthur Anderson will have a report on the health insurance to him by Monday. He commends Councilperson Frantz for her efforts regarding Louisville Barrell and her work with the Solid Waste Board. Councllperson Williams recommends Ms. Nancy Kempf be appointed to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board. The Council agrees with this. PAGE 12 NOVEMBER 2~, 1995 Councllperson Frantz said the Toy Drive has officially started and Local Flreflghters 558 is helping again this year. They are asking for donations of toys and money· Last year over 20~ in Clark County were helped. There being no further business to come before the Councll, Councllperson Potter moved to adjourn at 9:15 o'clock P.M. seconded by Councilperson Wolpert and unanimously carried· ~TTEST' t