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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: ~ ~ ~"~