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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-1994COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE~ INDIANA NOVEMBER 21, 1994 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room in the City-County Building~ Jeffersonville, Indiana, at ?:30 P.M. on the 21st day of November 1994. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Jr.~ with Deputy Clerk Barbara C. Hollis, at the desk. welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present Council President Steven Stemler gave the invocation. all those present flag. Bill Steven R~ Parker Mayor Parker to stand as. He then asked to join him in the pledge of allegiance to the The roll was ca}led and those present were Councilpersons Wolpert, Andrew Williams III, Donna M. Frantz, Barbara Wilson, Stemler, and Robert L. Potter. Absent: Councilperson Peggy Knight Wilder. Mayor Parker presented the minutes of the meetings of November 7, 1994, as well as the Board of Finance minutes of the same date, for consideration by the Council. Council President Stemler asked the minutes reflect on the first page last paragraph that no comments from the public were received on the Riverfront lease agreement. Councilperson Potter made the motion to approve the Council minutes as corrected, and the Board of Finance minutes~ seconded by Councilperson Williams and carried unanimously4 Deputy Clerk Hollis presented the claim list for consideration by the Council as well as two additional claims and a correction to a claim on the list. Following all discussion~ Councilperson Potter made the motion to approve the claims as presented with the additional and the correction, seconded by Councilperson Wilson and carried unanimously. Council President Stemler initiated discussion of the plan for the Riverfront Overlook. Verbal approval has been received from the Corps of Engineers. Written approval is expected this week or next. There is a signed contract to proceed and a notice to proceed has been issued. Mobilization of the project is to begin Monday. PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 81, 199A Council President Stemler then introduced Mr. Wayne Estopinal, who reviewed the history of the project. The players in this have been the Department of Redevelopment~ Mr. Estopinal's Firm and recently Mid Southern Builders. The task is to enhance the overlook and provide a more pleasing environment along with a focal point for Spring Street. Input from the public has indicated access from the overlook to the river is desired. There is a tight budget, and only through the agreement with Odgen is there enough money to do what is planned today. The plan has provided for the future addition of stairs and a ramp. The estimated cost for this addition is approximately $7370©0 and will not be included in the project currently. The estimated cost of the current project is $144~86i. Mr. Estopinal reviewed the project explaining 60 days are allowed for construction~ plus or minus weather. Mr. Clarence Keys expressed concern for the debris underneath the overlook. This is not included in the general contract. Mr. Ron Ellis asked if the work will be done by local and minority contractors. All subcontractors are local, with one minority. Women have been contacted however none have responded. Questions were raised and concern expressed for a sign visible from the River indicating Port Of Jeffersonville. Members of the audience and the Council feel Port of Jeffersonville should be included in the first phase. Alternatives will be explored and suggestions will be brought back to the Council. corners. Council President presentation. Deputy Clerk Hollis Ordinance Transferring There are two light standards on the Stemler thanked Mr. Estopinal for his presented Ordinance No. Certain Funds Within Same 94-0R-39~ An Department (Cumulative Capital Development and Motor Vehicle)~ explaining this will allow for payment on the street sweeper. Councilperson Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 9~-OR-39, seconded by Councilperson Williams and carried unanimously. Councilperson Williams explained the need for a street sweeper and how it will be used. Councilperson Potter then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 94-0R-39 on all three readings~ seconded by Councilperson Wolpert, passing on the following roll call vote: PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 81~ 1994 Ayes: Councilpersons Wolpert~ Williams, Frantz, Wilson~ Stemler, and Potter. Nays: None. Councilperson Frantz announced the Solid Waste District Office has recycling bin lids for sale for $1.50 and wheels and handles also for $1.50. Mayor Parker clarified the time for the Inner City Road Workshop wilt be December 1, 1994 at ?:00 P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room. He wishes all to have a Happy Thanksgiving. Councilperson Frantz announced the Clark County Toy Drive has been officially kicked off. She is happy to announce that Firefighter~s Local 55? is helping with the drive. She asked for all interested in donating toys, or helping: to contact her or the Fire Department. Councilperson Wilson reminded all of the arrival of Santa Clause and the tree lighting in Warder Park on December ~ 1994. Councilperson Potter wishes all a Happy Thanksgiving. He will not be able to attend the Inner City Road Workshop due to a previous committment to cook chili for the Hoosier Vally Fundraiser being held that same evening. Council President Stemler announced there will be only one meeting in December which will be December 197 1994. Fire Chief Jerry Dooley distributed a Hazmat Truck brochure to the Council stating a lot of time has gone into this. He expressed disappointment that only Councilperson Wolpert found the time to come to the showing of the truck that had been prevously announced. Much has been donated and he would have liked to have the Council attend so least read the asked for Attorney Gillenwater that he could explain this. He requests the Council at brochure. Mr. Bob haughton drainage problem. an update on the Elk Point explained Attorney Hill has reviewed the situation and agrees that litigation is not the answer to the problem. An attempt is being made the have ail parties involved make a contribution to the solution of the problem. All contacts have not been made but it is hoped this can be done this week. This should be taken care of by December. PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 21, 1994 Mr. Bobby Burgess St. addressed the Council, asking community members with him to stand and be recognized. This group represents concerned citizens of the Greenwood and Claysburg areas. Mr. Burgess read a statment from the group which asked to have drugs, crime, and violence stopped in the neighborhoods. They are demanding more law enforcement, and ask the City to work with them. Mr. Burgess explained there is a no loitering sign at Riddle and Penn where there always is loitering and gambling. Mr. Burgess has made numerous calls to the Police Department and sometimes he gets assistance~ sometimes he does not. Citizens are afraid to come out of their own homes. There has been gunfire in the neighborhood. Many of the license plates are from Kentucky, some from Indiana, and some are neighbors. They are asking to please work with them to eliminate the problems. It is so bad citizens are afraid to walk in the Park day or night. Help and support is needed from the Mayor and the Council. Mr. Burgess has suggested previously that the Ken Ellis Center be a Police Sub Station. Adults are distributing guns and drugs to children. It was disappointing to Mr. Burgess to come out of his front door at 4:00 on Sunday to see a dice game at the Ken Ellis Building. He suggests gates at the Ken Ellis Center. Mr. Burgess pleads for help to :'take back Front Street" (Riddle). The group will be back on December 19~ 1994 as help is needed. Councilperson Williams spoke in support of Mr. Burgess's statements saying we are not reacting as a community in crisis. It is important to understand these problems did not happen overnight and will not be solved overnight. The community has indicated they want to take an active part in solving the problem. This can only be done with solid support from City government. We are dealing with social and economic issues. Strict enforcement is being asked for. It must be understood that this can also bring about negative ramafications. The community must rise up and be willing to take the risk. This may mean those involved may be friends and relatives. Councilperson Williams feels the citizens are willing to take personal risks with the support of the Mayor, the Council, and the Police Force. He asks Officer Simon for ideas. There is a need to be aware of the safety issues. The community is no longer tolerant of what has been going on for years. He hopes the community continues to press for support. PAGE 5 NOVEMBER ~1~ 1994 Councilperson Potter asks from Louisville or from within explained there are licence plates if this is a problem inherited the neighborhood. Mr. Burgess from Louisville, Indiana~ North Tennesse and other counties in Indiana. He has seen more Carolina~ automatic fire power than the Police Department has. It is so bad he and his wife cannot walk in their own neighborhood~ but have to go to Perrin Park. He just wants a clean neighborhood. Moving from the neighborhood has been discussed but this would only be running away from the problem. Mayor Parker commended Mr. taking the initative saying they are Burgess and the neighbors for only asking what the City should give. Mayor Parker has talked with Mr. and Mrs. Burgess. Each time action is taken the problem subsides but then only comes back. He suggests sitting down with the Police Chief and other City departments to devise a new solution and keep after it. There are other areas in the City that have crime areas but not to this degree. Cooperation of the community and the residents is necessary. Some do fear retaliation. All comments will be kept in confidence. Help is needed from the residents. Mayor Parker thanked the residents for coming to the meeting saying they are welcome any time. Council President Stemler pledges his support to Councilperson Williams. There being no further Councilperson Williams moved to by Councilperson Wolpert business to come before the Council~ adjourn at 8:20 o'clock P.M. seconded and unanimously carried. ATTEST: ~ CLERK AND TREASL~ER C. ~AFi~) SPENCER JR.