HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-24-1994COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
JANUARY 84, 1994
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in
regular session in Council Chambers in the City-County Building,
Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 9:30 P.M. on the 84th day of January,
1994.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker
with Deputy Clerk Barbara Hollis~ at the desk. Mayor Parker
welcomed all in attendance,
Councilperson Steven Stemler
those present to join him in
asking all those present to stand as
gave the invocation. He then asked all
the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
The roll was called and those present were Councilpersons
Bill Wolpert~ Andrew Williams III, Donna M. Frantz~ Peggy Knight
Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Robert L. Potter, and Steven R. Stemler.
Absent: None.
Mayor Parker presented the minutes of the meeting of January
10, 1994 for consideration by the Council. Council President Stemler
made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by
Councilperson Wolpert, and carried unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Hollis presented the claim list with one
additional claim for consideration by the Council. Following all
discussion, Council President Stemler made the motion to approve the
claims, and the additional~ as presented~ seconded by Councilperson
Wilson and carried unanimously.
Mayor Parker gave the State of the City address which gave
the progress and condition of the City in 1993 and previewed some of
what is hoped to be accomplished in 1994. He thanked the employees
and all of the citizens who serve as appointed members of the various
boards and commissions. Following a review of each department and a
review of development and progress, Mayor Parker stressed the need for
cooperation and communication.
Council President Stemler presented the
City Council
Cabinet's 1994 priority areas and goals, explaining these are the
minimal standards. He gave the mission statement of "The
Jeffersonville City Council is a body of elected members in which
PAGE 8
JANUARY 84, 1994
members work together to develop orderly growth and enhance the
quality of life in their City", and the Knowland Principle of "That
the Jeffersonville City Council in all its agressive undertakings will
preserve the characteristic of simplicity and sense of belonging to
every citizen. This was followed by each secretary reviewing the
goals for their respective cabinets. Following this Councilperson
Potter made the motion to adopt the goals, seconded by Councilperson
Wolpert and carried unanimously.
Council President Stemler explained the Council does need to
make the appointments to the Redevelopment Board. Councilperson
Potter made the motion to nominate Councilperson Peggy Knight Wilder
and Bob Campbell to continue their appointments to the Redevelopment
Board. This motion was seconded by Councilperson Williams and carried
unanimously.
Council President Stemler made the motion to reappoint
Councilperson Wilder to the Planning Board, seconded by Councilperson
Mr. Leslie D. Albro, President of
a Statement of Benefits explaining
Williams and carried unanimously.
Attorney Sam G~in and
Bales Motor Co. Inc., presented
this is a request for tax abatement on the building of two new
showrooms. The plan calls for an additional 25 employees.
Councilperson Potter, encouraging Council approval, made the motion to
accept the Statement of Benefits for 10 years, seconded by
Councilperson Wolpert. Council President Stemier explained he will
abstain from the vote as his
contractor to bid on the project.
roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons
Wilson, and Potter.
Nays: None.
business has been contacted by a
The motion carried on the following
Wolpert, Williams, Frantz, Wilder,
Abstain: Council President Stemler.
Attorney Robert Lanum appeared before the Council
representing Industrial Water Recycling Co., Inc. Attorney Lanum
explained Industrial Water Recycling has purchased the land that was
the site of the old wastewater treatment plant. The company desires
to apply for a tax abatement which would involve declaring the area as
PAGE 3
JANUARY 84, 1994
an Economic Revitalization Area. In order to do this a legal notice
must be published and a public hearing held. There will be much clean
up and fix up done in the area. Mr. Wayne Estopinal is in support of
the efforts, however he does have concern regarding odor, and he would
like to have the abatement tied to the odor issue. Attorney Lanum
explained the Council does have the right to withdraw if something is
not right with the project. At the conclusion of all discussion,
Councilperson Potter made the motion to pass Resolution No. 94-R-3,
legal notice for a public hearing to be held on February ?, 1994,
seconded by Councilperson Frantz.
that this property has not been
will not apply to any existing
Attorney Gillenwater made the point
on the tax roles, and the abatement
structures, only to equipment and
improvements. Attorney Lanum explained with the
property by Industrial Water Recycling Co., Inc. the
for taxation went from -0- to $385,000 which will
abatement. The motion carried unanimously.
Attorney Maurice Byrne, representing
purchase of the
property value
not receive an
Prestwick Square of
Jeffersonville Associates, L.P., explained his client wants to invest
$3.2 million in constructing 84 apartment units in Jeffersonville.
This project would qualify under the Internal Revenue Code for
low-income housing. This area has not been designated as an Economic
Revitalization Area and would
published and a public hearing
Square further explained the
Department of Redevelopment and
also have to have a legal notice
held. Mr. Bill Ernst of Prestwick
project stating the Jeffersonville
Housing Authority currently has 131
eligible applicants. These two-bedroom units will rent for $345 a
month. Councilperson Williams has visited a similar project in New
Albany and encourages the Council to visit it as he was impressed with
it. This will be located off Highway 62 beyond Holmans Lane on ?.?
acres. Following all discussion, Counciiperson Potter made the motion
to pass Resolution 94-R-4, A Resolution authorizing a legal notice for
a public hearing to be held February ?,
Councilperson Wolpert and carried unanimously.
Mayor Parker introduced Mr. Jorge Lanz
the search for an independent operator for the
1994, seconded by
to give an update on
Wastewater Treatment
PAGE ~
JANUARY 84, 199A
Plant.
status of the contractor
process is being done objectively, and is on time.
Mayor Parker introduced Resolution No. 9~-R-5,
Regarding The Disposal Of Property By Lease. Mayor
Mr. Lanz presented the Council with a written summary of the
selection, reviewing the contents. This
A Resolution
Parker had
requested that Park Superintendent Caldwell invite the Park Board
members to this meeting. Superintendent Caldwell explained he had
talked with 4 of the 6 members. These members indicated they cannot
be here, however they do support the Resolution. Ms. Jennifer Mead of
the Department of Redevelopment reviewed the highlights of the R.F.P.
explaining they will be opened on March 21, with a decision to be made
on or ~fter March 28. There will be an annual minimum rent price of
$30,000 plus the minimum percentage of annual gross revenue will be
2~. The project must be complete and open for business on or before
April 1, 1995. Attorney Gillenwater stated there are provision to
bypass the highest bid process and the passing of this resolution wiii
allow to proceed with the R.F.P.
motion to pass Resolution No.
Wilder and carried unanimously.
Councilperson Potter
Council President Stemler made the
94-R-5, seconded by Councilperson
introduced Ordinance No.
(Draft ?), An Ordinance Establishing Retiree's Health
Benefits For City Employees, for the third and
Ceuncilperson Potter explained this will allow for a
for the family policy and $100 for the single policy.
93-0R-66
Insurance
final reading.
benefit of $200
Councilperosn
Potter made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 93-0R-66 on the third
and final reading, seconded by Councilperson Frantz. Firefighter John
Palmer would like to see this passed as this has been worked on since
last July and he would like to see the retirees helped. The motion
carried with the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons Potter, Stemler, Wilson Wilder, Frantz,
Williams, and Wolpert.
Nays: None.
Mayor Parker introduced Ordinance No. 94-0R-5, An Ordinance
Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 of Ordinance No. 93-0R-48
(Park) for the third and final reading. Due to a lack of a motion
Ordinance No. 94-0R-5 died. Park Superintendent Caldwell asked for
PAGE 5
JANUARY 24, 1994
an explanation. Council President Stemler,
explained there is an overall concern for
City, and for the setting of a precedent.
on behalf of the Council,
other departments in the
Council President Stemler
is aware the Park Board is in favor of this. Councilperson Potter
explained he did miss the workshop as he was out of town, however he
is in favor of the Ordinance for the Park Department, especially due
to the Nachand Fieldhouse operations. Superintendent Caldwell
explained this goes back to September of 1993 when an employee left
and the duties were absorbed by the remaining staff. This has been
done in other departments and compensation was made. The direction
the Park Board has chosen to go is to distribute the existing salary
to those that have taken the responsibilites rather than add another
person to the payroll. Superintendent Caldwell is getting the message
the Council does not trust the Park Board. Council President Stemler
pointed out it is easier for the Park Board to make this type of
decision as they only answer to one department. Superintendent
Caldwell is disappointed and feels the Council is not aware of the
responsibilities. He feels a good job is done. Superintendent
Caldwell pointed out the fact that the Park employees are the lowest
paid in the City. There is a Park employee with a college degree
earning $15,800. The employees have proved they are deserving of the
increase to the Park Board since September 1993.
Mayor Parker introduced Ordinance No. 94-0R-4~ An Ordinance
Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. 93-0R-48
(Sewer) which had been tabled at the last meeting. Mayor Parker
explained this money is not property tax money and all are aware of
the R.F.P. process that is underway. Council President Stemler
explained he would prefer the giving of a bonus. Council President
Stemler then made the motion to give Larry James a one-time bonus of
$5,000, seconded by Councilperson Wolpert. Councilperson Williams
feels this torment by the Council could Nave been averted by putting
Mr. James in position when Mr. Tolliver left. Now the Council is in
the rocking chair. He does feel Mr. James should be compensated~ it
could have been handled in a different way. He encourages immediate
steps with no trial basis. Mayor Parker explained it was discussed
PAGE 6
JANUARY 84, 1994
that Mr. James be in a probation period to ~llow time to prove. It
was his request to remove Mr. Tolliver's position from the salary
ordinance and to go through a salary ordinance amendment. Mayor
Parker received no recommendations from the Council at that time.
Councilperson Williams agrees there were no comments at the time and
this is hindsight. There is a need to deal with these situations in a
better way. Mayor Parker explained Mr. James had no experience and
there was no way to speculate or quess, however the man has earned
much more than the amount requested. Councilperson Frantz questioned
the month to month contract with P.D.R. Mayor Parker explained this
is being done on a month to month basis due to the R.F.P.
Councilperson Frantz questioned the delinquent
Collection Office Manager Matra explained these are
The motion carried on the following
they were before.
Ayes:
Frantz, Williams,
Nays:
Councilpersons
and Wolpert.
None.
Potter, Stemler,
sewer bills.
not as much as
roll call vote:
Wilson, Wilder,
Department
motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No.
Councilperson Williams, and passing unanimously.
then made the motion to pass Ordinance No.
readings, seconded
roll call vote:
(Vehicle Maintenance). Councilperson Frantz made the
94-0R-8, seconded by
Councilperson Frantz
94-0R-8, on all three
by Councilperson Wilder, passing on the following
Councilperson Potter explained the Council only has control
of the bottom line of the Park Department budget. He encourages
Superintendent Caldwell to set up his own structure at budget time.
Deputy Hollis presented Ordinance No. 94-0R-?, An Ordinance
Enacting And Adopting A Supplement To The Code Of Ordinances Of The
City Of Jeffersonvilte, Indiana, explaining the Ordinance.
Councilperson Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for
Ordinance No. 94-0R-?, seconded by Councilperson Stemier and carried
unanimously. Councilperson Potter made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 94-0R-? on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson
Williams, passing unanimously.
Deputy Hollis presented and explained Ordinance No.
94-0R-8, An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same
PAGE ?
JANUARY B~, 199A
Ayes:
Wilson~ Stemler,
Nays:
Councilpersone
and Potter.
None.
Wolpert~ Williams, Frantz~ Wilder~
Council President Stemler presented Resolution No. 9~-R-6:
A Resolution to Advertise For An Additional Appropriation. (Common
Council Drainage). Councilperson Wilder made the motion to pass
Resolution No. 94-R-6~ seconded by Councilperson Woipert and carried
unanimously.
Council President Stemler explained he has asked to have on
the agenda an area for the Cabinet Secretaries to give reports.
Counclperson Williams explained the tax rates and expressed
the need to address the funding for recycling. There is need to work
on a time schedule for considering transfers.
Councilperson Frantz announced the Solid Waste Board has
composting information. She displayed the bags that will be sold for
$2.08 for yard waste. Councilperson Frantz explained the possibility
of the City having a system for the emergency vehicles to be able to
control traffic signals. This will prevent a lot of accidents. She
will have information available to the Council on this system.
Council President Stemler would like ail to understand the
need to give serious thought to composting.
Councilperson Wilder would like to
downtown area by either declaring an Economic
expanding the T.I.F. district. She would
together to go to Scottsburg. She would also like
look into restoring the
Revitalization Area or
like to get a group
to start the
the downtown
process to .~pply for an "Iced Tea Grant" to
area. One possibility would be a trolley.
Councilperson Wilson has attended
greenway and there will be another one in
drawings for any who would like to see them.
help with
two meetings on the
March. She does have
The need now is for the
money. More will be known following the meeting in March. The KIPDA
meeting was cancelled. She has contacted the Governor's Office
requesting support of the I-~64 bridge. She encourages ail to do the
same.
PAGE 8
JANUARY ~4, 199A
Mayor Parker has talked with Clarksville and New Albany
about the Greenway as the Govenor has two appointments on the Greenway
Commission. The executives of the three communities will be sending a
letter to the Governor.
Council President Stemler asked about the timing on the EDA
Grant for the Northport Project. Mayor Parker reminded the Council
this was just an application. Council President Stemler asked the
Council to review the Master Plan and be prepared to have a session on
this. He asks for volunteers from the Council to serve on the Board
to revive the downtown. Councilperson Frantz suggests this include
the Riverside group. Council
the Council had a policy or
abatements.
Councilperson Potter has corrected copies of the
President Stemler would feel better if
procedure for handling requests for tax
survey
needed for the quit claim deed correction. Attorney Gillenwater does
have the deeds ready. Counciiperson Potter made the motion to
authorize the Mayor to execute the quit-claim deeds to the County and
to Jeff Clark Preservation, seconded by Council President Stemier and
carried unanimously.
Mayor Parker
explained the need for
has distributed documents to the Council
extra money due to the record-breaking weather.
The current
if requested. Mayor Parker wishes
especially the emergency departments,
the year, Street Commissioner George
on Sunday night when the storm began
hours straight. One tremendous job
City came together as one.
were exchanged between
departments called in to
thanks the citizens
medicine, took people
estimate is $59,197.35. A more detailed list is available
departments and
help with a lot
with 4-wheel drive
to the hospital, and
to thank all department heads
Police and Fire, and the man of
Trembly. A plan was implemented
and the crews were out almost 24
was done. All departments of the
The cooperation is appreciated. Vehicles
volunteers from other
of things. Mayor Parker
vehicles that delivered
took employees to work. A
special thanks goes to Civil Defense Director Harold Plummet. There
was the offer from the National Guard for use of vehicles. There was
an effort made to use the Reserves, however this takes Federal or
Presidential request. This was assisted by Ron Barnes. Mayor Parker
PAGE 9
JANUARY B4, 1994
thanks the 4-wheel drive people. A letter will go to these people.
There were over 1200 calls to the Police Department, and 49 Fire
emergency runs. The response was tremendous. Bales Motors donated 2
4-wheel drive vehicles to
Cities Roofing and F & T
vehicle locations. They
transport firemen to their shifts. Falls
Tire Company helped. Makowsky Oil went to
were tremendous in a time of need. Van
furnace at the Fire
the firemen and food
is proud to be a resident of
Councilpersons Frantz and Wilder
All jumped in to do the job that
Counci lperson Wilder asks all
drainage in to City Engineer Bob Miller.
great job done on snow removal.
Councilperson Wilson also commends
to get their requests for
She also stated there was a
the snow removal job.
Council
all to be aware
passed away.
Councilperson Potter
President Stemler thanks George also.
that Redevelopment Commissioner Bill
noted the snow removal job well done.
All one needs to do to appreciate
Louisville.
Mr. Mike Coyle~ a 29 year
it was to travel the streets of
resident at B9 Attic Springs~ and
President of Coyle Chevrolet in New Albany, addressed the Council
regarding the deplorable condition of the police cars. Twenty two of
He would like
Alldridge has
Gilder Heating and Air Conditioning fixed the
Department. Hardee's Restaurant provided food to
to needy people. Mayer Parker
Jeffersonville in the time of need.
took food to the Street Department.
had to be done. Formal thank yous will go out.
Councilperson Wolpert said he rode with George Trembly and
Ed Rose of the Street Department and.they did do a tremendous job.
Councilperson Williams also complitments George Trembly.
Councilperson Williams would like the Council to give some thought for
a long-range plan for the purchase of a fire truck. A snorkle will
run $450~000 to $500,000. He suggests the money designated for the
Fire Department in the Cumulative Capital Development Fund ~e allowed
to accumulate. He asks all to give thought to this.
Councilperson Frantz has recycling infomation available to
any who desire it. Councilperson Frantz, in honor of Martin Luther
King's birthday,i read two of Rev. King's favorite quotations.
RAGE 10
JANUARY 84, 1994
the Police cars have a combined value of about $18~000. He cannot
personally bid on cars. He asks the Council to give strong
consideration to the State Bid for Crown Victorias. He would love to
see the maintenance bills as he would rather sell the City parts than
cars. Mr. Coyle is just offering a suggestion.
There being no further business to come before the Council~
Council President Stemler moved to adjourn at 9:50 o~clock P.M.
seconded by Councilperson Williams and unanimously carried.
ATTEST: ~ ~ ~"~