Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-29-1994COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA AUGUST 29, 1994 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in Council Chambers in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 4:30 P.M. on the 29th day of August, 1994. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker Jr., with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr, at the desk. Mayor Parker welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as Council President Steven Stemier gave the invocation. He then asked all those present to join him in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The roil was called and those present were Councilpersons Bill Woipert, Andrew Williams III, Donna M. Frantz, Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Steven R. Stemler, and Robert L. Potter. Absent: None. Mayor Parker presented the minutes of the meeting of August 2~, 1994, for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Potter made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wolpert and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list with two additional claims for consideration by the Council. Following all discussion, Councilperson Potter made the motion to approve the claims and additional claims as presented, seconded by Council President Stemler and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented Ordinance No. 94-0R-28 (A-J) Ordinance For Appropriations And Tax Rates for public hearing. There being no comments, Councilperson Potter made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 94-0R-28 (A-J) for the third and final reading, seconded by Council President Stemler, passing on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Wolpert~ Williams, Frantz~ Wilder, Wilson, Stemler, and Potter. Nays: None. PAGE 8 AUGUST 89, 1994 Mayor Parker introduced Resolution No. 94-R-26~ A Resolution To Proceed With Development Of The Jeffersonville Inner City Road commenting the Inner City Road has been on the agenda for some time and a decision has been on the burner for 20 to 25 years. This is a major decision that will allow for potential development for the City of Jeffersonville and the surrounding areas. Much time has been involved in meetings and phone calls. The recommendation of the Mayor has been in the hands of the Council for approximately one week and includes annexations, creating a TIF district, selling bonds and using the increased revenue to pay for bonds. Mayor Parker believes it to be his job as Mayor to make a recommendation. KIPDA has been the major source of funding for mayor projects. This is very competitive and this project is down on the list. Mayor Parker read the Resolution aloud, stating the intention is for no new taxes to residents. He then introduced Mr. Jorge Lanz, Engineer with Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz, Inc. Mr. Lanz explained this roadway will become a major connector that will join 1-65 and possibly New Albany. The federal aid looks grim. If the project is kept on hold picture for the entire corridor will be overtaken. It is felt commercial development will come this way if access is provided. A sewer interceptor is being planned that will serve into the future. He then introduced Mr. financing. Mr. Authority which Gary Malone with H. J. Umbaugh to explain the Malone explained the plan is to create a Redevelopment would issue tax free bonds on behalf of the city which would be used for the road and sanitary sewer. Following completion this would be leased back to the City by the Redevelopment Commission. The Redevelopment Commission has the ability to collect tax increment on the real property to make the payments to retire the bonds. The estimate is to sell $6.9 million in bonds. With no development, the worst case would be a tax levy of about $.42 per $100 of assessed valuation. Mr. Rick Dickman, President of the Clarksville Town Board explained the plans for the 1-65 frontage road system have been extended to inner city road. for 1-65. This will allow for and development. Mr. Dickman district in Ctarksville has been happened to Clarksville taxpayers. the This will be a major intersection corrections as well as future growth explained the formation of a TIF the friendliest thing that has He agrees with ail that has been PAGE 3 AUGUST 89, 1994 said this evening~ as without the inner city road everything will be bottlenecked. He feels Jeffersonville will not see development without the inner city road. Mr. John Minta, Clarksville Town Board Member, stated if growth is expected, you have to look toward the future. Proper infrastructure is needed to establish proper growth. The plan presented is very good and he personally feels this is a win win situation for Jeffersonville and Clarksville. The meeting was opened for questions. It was explained the plans for the road were started in 1985 or 1986 by a firm in Indianapolis with Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz as local consultants. Several studies were done including a corridor study, an environmental study, and a displacement study. An important item was try not to go through anybody's house. Another important item was cost, and another was environmental. The origial concept was to select an alignment that could, in the future, connect Utica Pike and New Albany. The total cost of the study was about $60,000. At this point no houses are included. The plans are for a limited access road through Buttonwood. The design will be friendly to neighborhoods with homes 100 to BOO feet on each side of the road. The curve in the plan was discussed. Councilperson Wilder is not in favor of the alignment of the road and fears the Council will lose control if the concept is agreed to. None of the studies that have been done should have to be done again. Many permits pertaining to the environment will have to be obtained. Mr. Lanz explained the project was looked at as a global picture to make the road work, and the alignment given was the process of watching to be will not have to be used. best available. Mr. Malone explained the sure that TIF is working so property tax Council President Stemler asked if the Council was being asked to approve Lanz explained if a better way is it. Mayor Parker stated the route the concept and not the plan. Mr. found he would have no problem with is not iOOW written in stone and if a better route is found it can be done. The route proposed is the most logical and practical found from the studies that have been done. Mayor Parker is asking for approval of the concept, not the exact detailed route. Mr. Lanz explained a lot of homework has been done to arrive at the route. Mayor Parker hates to put this by the wayside. PAGE 4 AUGUST 89, 1994 There is a need to proceed as there is a potential millions of dollars in development. It is up to engineers to decide the route and this is the best with. Hutt and Dr. Councilperson Williams has spoken Prentice to this meeting. Mr. for millions and the professional they have come up with, and invited, Mr. L. Hutt does not understand the curve near his property and is concerned with the drainage problems in the area. There are drainage problems now and he feels development of the road will make them worse. Fog is also a problem in the area. He is concerned the road is too close to Northaven School. Mr. Hutt doubts anyone in the room will live to see the road completed to Utica Pike. Mr. Lanz explained these are situations that will be addressed as they come through the design stage. Mr. Hutt feels this could be done on higher terrain at a shorter distance. Mrs. Prentice noted the plan calls for the purchase of 25 lots in Buttonwood and quoted costs amounting to $1,205,000. Dr. Prentice presented plans for Buttonwood Subdivision, explaining the flow of the plans of 10 years ago. He then was told the the development due to road would not go through where he was originally told and development plans were changed. The word is out the road will be coming through the subdivision and he will lose 25 lots and "chop up" the subdivision. As far as Dr. Prentice is concerned the plans "devestate my subdivision". He questions going between Buttonwood and Foxboro. Prentice's situation and would be glad alignment~ as there is no question to the the possibility of the road Mr. Lanz understands Dr. to consider any alternate impact to Buttonwood. There is completed. Mr. moving the road to explained the Point is a common property line between Buttonwood and Foxboro. Dr. Prentice called attention to the potential proprerty tax if Buttonwood Mike Hurt noted the advantages and savings of between Buttonwood and Foxboro. Mr. Lanz again is well taken and the alignment can be looked at. Mr. Hutt explained he is for a road, but for the best possible route. Mr. Carroll Gowens reviewed the history of development of the route stating Mr. Lanz and the engineers have done the job they were given to do. They have, in fact, done what they were asked to do according to the orders given to them. Approval of the alignment is not being PAGE 5 AUGUST 89~ 1994 asked for tonight. The plan presented is the best guess at this point. Mrs. Prentice explained the importance of deciding the alingnment so they can proceed. Mr. Gowens explained the necessary steps to proceed with annexation and the process for the development of the TIF district. The major plan for the road is to start development in this area. Mr. Lanz said one of the major problems is that it has taken so long. As in any project those that are going to be hurt by a project are not going to be for it. Mr. Lanz has presented what he was asked to do. More public meetings can be held and other plans can be looked at. Dr. Prentice asked if the Council can hold up the vote until it is considered if the road could run between the subdivisions. Councilperson Frantz asked where the plans are that Ron Grooms presented when he was on the Council. Mr. Lanz has copies and the plan presented is very similiar. Mrs. Prentice again explained the need to know where the road will go so that they can proceed with the subdivision. Mayor Parker explained that is the reason for the Resolution as he feels it is the obligation of this administration to make decisions and not procrastinate any longer. He does plan to proceed with the road. This was an inheritated decision and should not be put off. The plan can be deviated from as far as the route. Mayor Parker is asking for a decision to go on or not. This has been put on the shelf for 25 years and a decision should not be shunned. Dr. Prentice asked again to delay the vote until the route is decided. Mr. Lanz explained in a preliminary study it was found more damage would be done if the road was run between Buttonwood and Foxboro, however if this is the most feasible way to do it, it can be done that way. Councilperson Wilder asked if alternate routes will be looked at and how long it would take to look at them. Mayor Parker said whatever the Council would like to study and how long it takes can be done~ however it should be done in an expeditious manner. Councilperson Wilson asks if a vote is taken on 94-R-86 will it bind the Council on the alingment. Attorney Gillenwater answered it will not. Council President Stemler, in an attempt to get off dead center, made the motion to proceed with the inner city road iO concept, as presented, contingent upon the final alignment to be determined and PAGE 6 AUGUST 89, 1994 contingent upon the Mayor agreeing to immediately commission the engineers to go ahead and suggest the feasibilities of other alignments. Councilperson Frantz asked to include in the motion the Council vote on the final alignment. Mayor Parker explained that is not how the system works. Attorney Gillenwater explained if the Council wishes to deviate from the engineer's alignment it will cost more money. Councilperson President Stemler to pass Treasurer asked if including a copy may be done rather than amending Stemler stated that would be fine. decision is not made by January 1995, be dropped so the Prentice's can move was explained it would be necessary to TIF district work. forward with their include the area Councilperson Wilder feels a need Potter seconded the motion by Council Resolution No. 94-R-26, Clerk and of the motion with the Resolution the Resoluion. Council President Councilperson Wilder asked if a that the plan through Buttonwood plans. It to make the for a time limit. Councilperson Williams stated he is in support of the concept itself. He does have reservations regarding TIF, as if the development does not occur the taxpayers may be on the hook. He wishes all to be mindfull of this. will include only new development. the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Stemler, and Potter. Nays: Councilperson Frantz. Councilperson Frantz introduced It was explained the TtF district Resolution No. 94-R-26 passed on Wolpert, Williams, Wilder, Wilson, Ordinance No. 94-0R-30, An Ordinance Creating The Clark Memorial Bridge Administration Building Historic Preservation District, explaining the intent is to preserve the integrity of the building. As papers have been received recently she is asking for passage on one reading only. Councilperson Potter referred to a letter from Mr. Wayne Estopinal advising against this. Mr. Jim Keith of the Southern Indiana Convention and Tourism Bureau has tentative plans to use the building for a Visitor Information Center. This building needs a new roof, new windows, electrical repairs and has no heating and air conditioning. Changes are necessary to make the building functional and accessable. It would be difficult to make the changes if the building is in the historic PAGE ? AUGUST 89,1994 district. building something He would like the opportunity to present ~he plans for the to the Council, so he might work with the Council for good and positive. Ms. Trish White, explained there is excitement regarding moving into the building and the intent is to keep the integrity. The plan is to lease the building from the City. Changes would be necessary to the exterior of the building. Mr. David Boome, Board of Historic Review Member, reveiwed the history of the building, citing it's uniqueness as a rare and important structure. The single site historic district would protect the exterior of the building. This exterior is the interest of the Board as the other concerns can be met. It is hoped the changes to the building can be sensitive to the historic area. Ms. Mary Goode feels historic sites are exempt from A.D.A. requirements. Mr. Boome feels this is a fine line as the building is owned by the City. Ms. Hayes Hendricks, Southern Regional Director for Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, explained the building was listed in the National Historic Register of Historic Buildings in 1984. Her concern is for the care of the building in the future. There is a need to protect this building. Councilperson Wilder questioned the A.D.A. requirement. Attorney Gillenwater feels it would be a poor example if the City owned a building open for public purposes which was not accessible. Attorney Gillenwater answered the question as to if the building would have to be handicap accessible if it is a historic building by saying that A.D.A. has not had a lot of cases, however he thinks it would be a poor example if it were not purpose. The letter of the law law would dictate the building accessible if used for a municipal may exempt, however the spirit of the be accessible. The citizens have a right to have access. Councilperson Wilder feels it is pointless to have a historic district in the City and not have a building with historic magnitude in the district. She feels there is an obligation to protect this building. Ms. Betty Moore of the Downtown Merchants Association is thrilled with having a visitor center in the building. She does feel the Historic Board is very restrictive. She does want the building protected. Ms. Moore asks for a chance to grow and not be given a stumbling block. Mr. Jim Urban, Jeff Main Street Director, PAGE 8 AUGUST 29, 1994 stated it would be a shame to also be President the question is how to do it. spoke regarding the building. a need to work closely with a shame to lose the building Stemler said there is a need Frantz made the motion to pass Ordinance No. reading, seconded by Councilperson Williams, reading with the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Wolpert, Williams, Wilson. Nays: Councilpersons Potter and Stemler. Councilperson Williams introduced Mr. Gerald of Chris Miles. Mr. Miles informed the Council his lose the visitor center and it would as a historic site. Council to preserve the building and He has met with many of the people who It does come down to risk and there is the agencies involved. Councilperson 94-0R-30 on the first passing on the first Frantz, Wilder, and Miles, father son came up with a program designed participating Clarksville, called The Pride Of Southern Indiana. This is a program to promote pride~ self-esteem, commitment and hope within the discussion there was a consensus of opinion to support the program. Councilperson Wolpert introduced Ordinance No. 94-0R-31, An Ordinance Amending Jeffersonville's Historic District Ordinance. Following all explanation and discussion, Councilperson Wolpert made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 94-0R-31, seconded by Council President Stemler~ passing unanimously. Councilperson Following all Wolpert then made the motion to three readings, seconded by unanimously. pass Ordinance No. 94-0R-31 on ail Councilperson Williams, passing communities of New Albany, Jeffersonviile and Indiana, by providing a community service for the citizens, coroprations and vendors. The official kickoff will be September 89 as a joint community effort. Councilperson Williams has discussed this program with Mayor Parker and finds him in full support. Each community is being asked to make a one-time contribution of $2,500 to set up a community endowment fund to be controlled by the Southern Indiana Foundation. Mayor Parker has heard Chris Miles speak and is in support of the program. PAGE 9 AUGUST 89, 1994 explained the area and need Ordinance Granting Petition To Vacate Portion Of Street. been advertised as a public hearing. The Board of Public Safety has passed on this contingent upon Council Councilperson Ordinance No. unanimously. Sill Smith, Attorney for Clark Memorial Hospital, involved in Ordinance No. 94-0R-32, An This has Works and approval. Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for 94-0R-32~ seconded by Councilperson Wilder and carried Councilperson Potter then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 94-0R-38 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Williams and carried unanimously. Mr. Virgil Bolley~ Attorney representing Ms. Dora Marie Stevens explained the request as presented in Ordinance No. 94-0R-33~ An Ordinance Vacating Real Estate. There are no present plans for the property as it is for sale. Following all discussion, Councilperson Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 94-0R-33, seconded by Councilperson Wilson and carried unanimously. Councilperson Potter then made 94-0R-33 on all three readings, carried unanimously. Mayor Parker thanked information presented on the inner benefit the whole community as concerned. Councilperson Potter meetings at 4:30 o~clock P.M. the motion to pass Ordinance No. seconded by Counciiperson Wilson and the Council for listening to the city road as he feels this will far as economic development is is in favor of having the Council A letter has been received, signed by all the Department Heads~ supporting the 4:30 time. Council President Stemler feels there is a consensus of opinion to meet at 4:30. Councilperson Wilson has heard comments that people that work will not be able to attend. Councilperson Frantz would like to have it on the that was should be meeting of the committee. important that the Council agenda for the next meeting to receive comment from the public. The next meeting will be September 19, 1994 at 9:30 P.M. Councilperson Williams has concerns regarding the committee formed to consider hiring policies and feels the Council represented. Mayor Parker will present this at the first Councilperson Williams feels it is observe these meetings. Councilperson PAGE 10 AUGUST 29, 1994 Williams has concerns for the amount of leaves and the financial hardship that may come. He feels the Council may have to consider options. Councilpersons Stemler and Frantz, City Services Director Kavanaugh and Street Commissioner George Trembly have met and are working on the situation. Councilperson Williams encourages the updating of the City comprehensive plan. Councilperson Williams would like to consider annexation of an area near the YMCA at a workshop. Council President Stemler announced there will be a Council workshop, Thursday~ September 1, 1994 at 6:30 o'clock P.M. in the Conference Room. Some of the topics will be the inner city road~ annexation, and composting. Council President Stemler and Councilpersons Potter and Wolpert have met with the Ogden Corporation to discuss their proposal. He will bring the Council up to date as this progresses. Ms. Nolan commented the water fountains of the not working well. Mr. Tom Galligan announced these will be replaced. There being no further business Councilperson Potter moved to adjourn at 7:20 o~clock Councilperson Wolpert and unanimously carried. ~ ~AY~AYMdND J. PARtiER JR. ATTES~ /~ ,t l~ in the building are Building Authority to come before the Council, P.M. seconded by