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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-1994COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY (IF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA FEBRUARY 22, 1994 The regular session Jeffersonvi]le, 1994. ]-he meeting Jr., with Clerk and Mayor Parker welcomed Common Council in Council Indiana, at of the City of Jeffersonville met in Chambers in the City-County' Building, ?:30 P.M. on the 82nd day of February, was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr~ at the desk. all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as Council President Steven Stemler gave the invocation. He then asked all those present to join him in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The roll was called and those present were Councilpersons Bill Wolpert~ Andrew Williams III~ Donna M. Frantz, Barbara Wilson~ Robert L. Potter, and Steven R. Stemler. Absent: Councilperson Peggy Knight Wilder. Mayor Parker presented the minutes of February the meeting of 1994 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Potter made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Williams~ and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council~ Following al) discussion, Council ~resident Stemler made the motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wolpert and c~rried unanimously. Council President Stemler introduced Mr. Jim Urban, Mai~n Street Director. Mr~ Urban distributed brochures titled "Jeffersonville Walking Tour" and "Historic Downtown Jeffersonville Shopping Guide"~ as well as a booklet "Jeffersonville Main Street, Inc., Organizational Goale &~ Committee Objectives 1994". Mr~ Urban explained the intersection work that is being done~ the low ~nterest rate loan pool that is being negotiated, and that Main Street Inc. is working with the Department of Redevelopment. Jeffersonville will be mentioned in an issue of Midwest Living Magazine in the auto tour section. There will be directional signage leading visitors to the Interpretive Center to downtown. the Center. Main Street Inc. plan. They are also woking with The brochures will be available in is looking to supplement the master the Historic Board. PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 22, 1994 Council President Stemler introduced Ordinance No. 9~-OR-lO, An Ordinance Amending Certai~ Portions Of Section i Of Ordinance No. 93-0R-48 (Sewage Department) for the third and final reading. Councilperson Williams made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 94-0R-10 on the third and final reading~ seconded by Councilperson Potter. The Ordinance paseed on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Wolpert~ Williams, Wilson, Stemler, and Potter. An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions Of Section 93-0R-48 (Park Department) for the third reading, Gillenwater had advised him this was not dead and Nays: Councilperson Frantz. Council President Stemler introduced Ordinance No. 94-0R-5~ 1 Of Ordinance No. explaining Attorney the Park Board had the agenda. Mr. Ed Voyles~ of the explaining this had come before 1993 when an employee of the Park Department terminated his employment with the City. The Superintendent requested the employee not be replaced, but to take the vacated salary and spread it around between various Park Department employees to bring them up to an acceptable level of pay. About this same time a Vehicle Maintenance employee terminated employment and the requeeed that it be placed back on Park Board addressed the Council several of the Council in September same was done with the money that the Park Department at this time. approval. It is his understanding being asked of the Council for Voyles would appreciate Council this~?does not have to be brought to the Council, however, it is his wish to get along. Council President Stemler read the Ordinance noting the difference in the salaries. Councilperson Potter explained passing this would not set a precedent as this was done in 1993 in three areas. He does feel there should be a vote. Councilperson Potter then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 9A-OR-5, on the third and final reading, seconded by Councilperson Williams. Councilperson Wilson explained she has gone over this Ordinance and the Park Department does do a fantastic ~ob. She is disturbed as to who is getting the increases. She has asked and understands, that Chuck and Eric will be picking up most of the load. Mr. Voyles explained that Superintendent Caldwell and Assistant PAGE 3 FEBRUARY BB~ 1994 Superintendent Poole did not want to accept this increase. The Park Board voted on, and rejected this request. Councilperson Wolpert explained he tends to agree with Councilperson Wileon~ Superintendent Caldwell explained this increase was requested by the Park Board at budget time. Councilpersons Frantz and Wilder came to his office objecting to it as it was recommended there be an $800 across the Board increases. Superintendent Catdwell's main request was for the $75~000 capital improvement which was granted and he appreciates it. He asked to forfeit his $800 raise to allow a $1,600 increase for Assistant Poole. This request was fulfilled and he also appreciates this. When the vacancy occurred he, aod then Park Board President~ Gene Bennet discussed and rationalized they could look the tmxpayer in the eye and rationalize and department. This is why Superintendent and Assistant prefer they could be taken out stated it will be a travesty because the Superintendent and justify this was the right thing for the the increase was requested for the Superintendent. If the Council would to allow the other raises. Mr. Voyles if the Council does not vote for this Assistant Superintendent are included. He would hate to see the others suffer if the Council does not feel the two are entitled to additional money. Mayor Parker asked if the Council would like to consider the option of deleting the two. After no response, Ordinance No. 94-0R-5 failed on the third reading w~th the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpecson Potter. Nays: Counci]persons Wolpert, W~lliams, Frantz, Wilson, and Stemler. Council President Stemler then asked Park Superintendent Caldwell to give an A.D.A. compliance update. Superintendent Caldwell explained the department is complying. 'They are receiving education~ and are sensitive to the needs of special citizens. A.D.A. is new and he is learning and trying. He has gone to three seminars, and has asked his staff to learn and progress. They are in the process of receiving bids for a consultant. Councilperson Frantz asked when there would be a park that would be accessible. Superintendent Caldwell asked for imput and three people came to the meeting. They are trying to meet every need. A survey has been done. The'~ Park PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 22, 1994 Department has met every need that has come before the Board~ explaining some of 'the new programs. Ae far as A.D.A., he does want to assure the Council tine Park Department is moving. The City has had this four years and this is his first. He has had to educate himself. He assurres the Council no special needs individuals have been denied anything. Public Relations is being done. Mayor Parker explained there will be a meeting to discuss whose responsibility is what. A report will be brought back to the Council. Mr. Goode asked how many handicapped will be at the meeting. Mayor Parker explained the list was not yet complete. Councilperson Potter introduced and read aloud Resolution No. 93-R-11, A Resolution In Support Of The Jeffersonv~lle High School Boys' Basketball Team. Councilperson Potter then made the motion to pass Resolution No. 93-R-11~ seconded by Councilperson Williams and carried unanimously. Councilpecson Wolpert reminded the Council of the Scottsburg trip. The question was raised if this should be advertised. Attorney Gillenwater feels if it is an educational or social trip it would not have to be advertised as long as it was announced. He wil~ check further. Councilperson Williams explained his ~ork at the YMCA with the "hay plan", which is a point system for jobs. He would l~ke to work with the personnel director to look at those low on the pay scale so that adjustments can be made. He would like to present this "hay plan" to the Council and the Mayor, before the salaries are set for next year. Councilperson Williams will be looking at employee assistance areas. This will be presented at the next workshop. Councilperson Wilson explained there will be a Greenway meeting at the Ken Ellis Building, March 1~ 1994 at 10:00 A.M. She feels the public should attend this. Councilperson Potter has been looking at funds and how the money is spent. A bond issue is being Considered by the Building Autlnority. In th~s is funding loc air conditioning and repairs which he has no problem with. However, the $1~30©,000 for computerization he does have a problem with. He does not intend for the City to pay one third for County computers. PAGE 5 FEBRUARY 2S~ 1994 Council organizations to draft Mayor Parker to make his presentation before the Board of Public end explained a financial President Stemler is working with several a tax abatement policy. introduced Agent of Record Cooper, who he asked to the Council following his presentation Works and Safety. Agent Cooper distributed status report on the Non-Reverting Health Insurance Fund. He then reviewed the proposed changes in benefits. It has been proposed to raise the employee share of prescriptions to $5.00 for generic and $10.00 for non-generic. He reviewed the advantages of having a third party administrator for perscriptions. A change of vendors for live insurance coverage will be made because of price. The health insurance wilt be bid, however it will be hard to compete. Negotions are underway with John Kenyon Eye Center for City employee discounts for eye surgery. There is discussion to have the City pay part of the cost for safety employees. The New Albany eye center will be contacted also. Mayor Parker announced that Mr. Ron Carroll is the new president of the Riverfront Steering Coommittee. As the blacktop season is nearing, Mayor Parker requestes the Council submit tbeir list to Administrative Assistant Baird. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the Council with the 1993 Annual. Report, part 1-6. He also distributed a the financing of $600,000 for repair of the streets. This would require Mayor and Council approval and he will be glad to be of help. The City is in sound f~nancial shape and this plan will not enhance a future tax increase. Council ~resident Stemler stated it is nice to be challenged and he appreciates the work done in the Clerk and [reasurer~s Office. Councilperson Williams said nothing has been determined regarding the central purchasing ~oncept. It is felt it should be stmrted small and relatively simple perhaps with office supplies. He does have a few more places to visit. He has visited the Spring Hill copies of basic outline for tax abatement procedure which was compiled with assistance of Attorney Bob Lanum. These are in general terms and thie does not substitute for reading the statute, while those with specific questions should be referred to the City Attorney. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer then read a proposal outlining his plan of creative PAGE 6 FEBRUARY B2, 1994 Pool. ;'here are options for repairs to the pool. He will with Housing regarding the lot at Riddle and Locust. It Greater Clark School System may become involved. He will be working is possible not be able to make the Scottsburg trip due to a previous committment. He has been contacted by Ms. Knowland regarding the safety of the children crossing Hamburg Pike. Officer Dennis Simon explained the Police Department has provided school crossing help for over 20 years. This was disbanded this year at the request of the school principal. Councilperson Williams explained the concern is not only in the school area but in the area of Magnolia. Off~cer Simon will work with the Police Chief, the school principal and Councilperson Williams. Councltperson Frantz has made available to the Council a draft of a vehicle policy. She thanks Clerk and Treasurer Spencer and Deputy Hollis for their work on the reports. Councilperson Wilson asked what the status of the Cherry Creek Road situation is. Engineer Miller will try to get this done this week. Councilperson Wilson has a meeting March 8 which she would like to have an update for. Councilperson Potter thanked Clerk and Treasurer Spencer, explaining many of the complaints he gets about the City have to do with the streets. 'Ihe tax abatement situation needs to be looked over as Indiana has to compete with Kentucky and they are very competitive- [hey do not care if companies ever pay taxes as they feel the employees will. Council President Stemler thanked Councilperson Frantz for chairing the workshop in his absence, the past Saturday. He asks the Council to get the infomation to him for the calendar. He also reminded the Council of the Master Plan meeting. Council President Stemler commended Councilperson Williams for his work on central purchasing. He then reminded the Council of the invitation to the Southern Indiana Radiation open house. Ms. Mary Goode stated there seems to be misunderstanding regarding A.D.A. She explained emotionally A.D.A. is the law. She has been to 186 meetings and she has yet to one in an accessible building. some that to go She asks the City to pay attention to the law instead of' ignoring ~t. PAGE 7 FEBRUARY 2~ 199A '[here being no further business to Councilperson Potter moved to ad,~ourn at 9:05 o~clock P.M. Councilperson Williams and unanimously car~~ied- come before the Council, seconded by ATTEST: CLERK _ )~r~l-~ ~. ~M~ JR. MAYOR RAYMOND J. PARKER JR.