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