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·
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