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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-19-1994COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA DECEMBER 19, 1994 The regular session Building, December Common Council of the City of in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room Indiana, at 7:30 P.M. on jeffersonville, 1994. The meeting was jeffersonville met in in the City-County the 19th day of Barbara Wilson, called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker Jr~ at the desk. those present 'to gave the invocation. He the pledge of allegiance Jr., with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Mayor Parker welcomed all in attendance~ asking all stand as Council President Steven Stemler then asked all those present to ~oin him in to the flag. The roll was called and those present were Councilpersons Bill Wolpert, Andrew Williams III, Donna M. Frantz, Peggy Knight Steven R. Stemler~ and Robert L. Absent: None. Wilder, Potter. with Councilperson Potter presented Council President Stemler plaque expressing appreciation for his outstanding service as Council President for the year. Special note was made President Stemler~s leadership and communiction. Council Stemler thanked the Council saying it was an easy group to that he appeciates the trust. Mayor Parker also appreciation for the cooperation Of the President. Mayor Parker presented the minutes of of Council President lead and expressed the meeting of November 21~ 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 as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wolpert and carried unanimously. Mayor Parker announced a newspaper article had suggested the Zurschmead property is on the agenda for this meeting. This is not on the agenda. Attorney Allen Morris said he will bring this before the Council at the January 177 1995 meeting. PAGE B DECEMBER 19, 1994 Council President Stemler reviewed the steps taken to this point regarding the Inner City Road. Mayor Parker has received calls on this and asked the Council to listen to comments from two of those that had called. Mr. Bill Sprig!er explained he purchased property five years ago and built Williamsburg which has been a success. It takes a lot of hard work and effort the Inner City Road would be a credit growth in surrounding areas saying anything to happen, progress does go things moving. It is hard for him to make things work and he feels to the area. Mr. Sprigler noted if you sit back and don't want on. It takes new growth to keep to believe people are against things like this and the bridge. A road system is needed. Mr. Carl Huber feels if the City of Jeffersonville wants to be aggressive it would be a great asset to the community to build this road. Business looks at the network of roads when considering settling in a community. Mr. Huber feels this road would be a greater asset to our children and grandchildren as a community is all about the future. Mayor Parker referred to a letter from Building Commissioner Gavin, asking him to comment. Commissioner Gavin stated the Eastern corridor is growing and something does need to be done for the future. Council President Stemler feels the decision before the Council this evening is whether to proceed with a feasibility study. Redevelopment Director Carrol Gowens presented a scope of services with a proposed cost. The goal of the study is to try to determine the cost of the project, the development potential of the area~ and the development of a financial strategy. This would be a detailed analysis. Director Gowens answered questions. His thought is this study is only for the proposed Inner City Road but would be broken down would into parts. However, he is willing like to have included. To Director practical means of financing this is with to include what the Council Gowens knowledge~ the only a TIF bond. The chances for any Federal Government involment is nil to none. The Build Indiana Fund could be a possibility for a small amount. The cost of the study is not to exceed $?~800, and could be complete in 90 days. Council President Stemler would like Council involvement in the study. He suggests Councilperson Wilson as Transportation Secretary~ PAGE 3 DECEMBER 19~ 1994 Councilperson Potter as Budget and Finance Secretary, and Council President Stemler as Economic Developement Secretary. Director Gowens agrees with this. Mrs. Prentice asks how much longer this is going to go on. She is fed up with this as she has lots to sell and can't sell them. Council President Stemler agrees this has gone on and it is frustrating. Mr. Charles Kenneth White says the Council keeps alluding to Clarksville and their tax base is unreal. He asks what is being done for the tax payer and the older businesses~ giving everything to the new business. He referred also to Eastbrook Subdivision where the taxes are high and there are low income duplexes next to it. Council President Stemler feels the right thing here is balance. Mr. White is thinking of the younger people and the older people on fixed incomes. Mr. Louis Hutt would like the Council to take into consideration running the road from Highway 68 to Holmans Lane. Mr. Charlie Ruck does not feel we are negative, we are positive, just wanting to see the road in the proper place. He feels haste makes waste. Mr. Louis Hutt referred to a study done quite a few years ago~ He does feel this should be brought up to date. Councilperson Wilder has a problem with the length of the road. She would like to see the road taken to Charlestown-New Albany Pike and stop. She feels this would take care of some of the flow. She feels this study will be redundant as it will reflect the same feelings that have been given. She does feel there is a conflict of interest here and would like to see Council participation. She would like to see a group that has no personal interest. Mayor Parker feels the members of the committee have the knowledge and expertise. The fee from another group would be astronomical. Director Gowens has never stated he is for or against the Road. That is not his job. He has been asked to do particular things and he has done them. He also has never stated he is for do the funding. missed by much. or against TIF, this The cost estimate is The difficult thing is the only way he knows how to not difficult~ that will not be is the development potential. The people on the committee are competent people and he does not feel they will lie. An effort will be made not to taint the study. PAGE ~ DECEMBER 19~ 199~ Engineer Jorge Lanz stated he did not dream up the Inner City Road. This came up a long time ago and has been on the back burner. The engineer for the road would be selected by the Mayor. Director Gowens says he is always cost conscious. Groups such as Jacobi~ Toombs, and Lanze, H. J. Humbaugh~ and Ice, Miller~ and Denoto~ will not be charging for their service on the study. Mayor Parker saying~ this has been hashed around for a long time and was inheritated from the previous administration. He would like to see it "put to bed". A fee of $42,000 paid for a study will have to be paid back to the Federal Government if the project is not continued. Mayor Parker feels it is his duty to bring this to the Council once and for all. This is the same thing the prior administration did~ he would like to see it taken one step better than what has been done in the past. Mayor Parker feels he has complied with all the Council has asked. A decision needs to be made. He will respect any decision. He is conservative and he feels Director Gowens is thinking of saving the City money by his committee selection. Mr. Wayne Estopinal~ saying he lives in the area in question and travels the roads~ feels something must be done. There are hundreds on cars traveling on what are only paved farm roads. Transportation must be dealt with immediately as it is a major problem and the City is missing the boat by delaying a decision. Mrs. Prentice said she lives out there and she has no trouble getting anywhere. Mr. Charles White is not against the road. He lives in Northhaven and he was not feels whatever is good commends Mayor Parker for it is good. Councilperson those on the committee Director Gowens stated asked when Buttonwood was opened. Mr. White for Jeffersonville should be done and he pushing this project as he personally feels Frantz questioned the charge of $9,500 if will not be charging for their services. he put that figure in as a "not to exceed be necessary. Councilperson Frantz feels there is a need for options as this study will be for the road as proposed. Councilperson Williams agrees in concept for the road. The biggest dilemma is how RAGE 5 BECEMBER 19~ 1994 to pay for it. This study is necessary. The means of financing are limited. There is a need to know who will come to the area. Councilperson Frantz asked if the study would name those interested in the area. Director Gowens believes there is interest in the area and if he can name them he will. However just because they are interested does not mean they will locate there. He will give the best information he can~ trying to be honest. Councilperson Williams feels deciding on TIF is a visionary decision that does seem like a gamble. Director Gowens cannot state exactly what will happen. When he talks to people like Mr. Sprigler he gets excited about development, however he does know what the Council has to deal with. He will try to give the Council the best possible information and that will not be ironclad. Council President Stemier feasibility study with the addition made the motion to accept the of the Council members~ reserving the latitude to include some of the other areas by Councilperson Rotter. Councilperson Wilder Council members will be permitted to sit on the of concern, seconded wishes to make sure Board. Mayor Parker feels this Stemler will desires. following Potter. is a good idea and will relinquish his position not veto it. Council President to Councilperson Wilder if she with the The motion to proceed with the study passed roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Woipert~ Williams, Wilson, Stemler, and Maschmeyer~ an overall Attorney representing Koetter view of Koetter Woodworking, Inc.~ operation. Mr. Mike Woodworking~ Inc. gave Nays: Councilpersons Frantz and Wilder. Mayor Parker announced Mr. Jerry Fuller has cancelled his position on the agenda as the Board of Public Works and Safety has approved the composting contract. City Services Director Kavanaugh explained the contract does not include a $1.00 fee for hauling. The per ton fee is $13.35 with the Solid Waste District Board reimbursing 50% the first year. There are some changes in trade jargin. The staging area is in Jeffersonville with removal within three days. Street Commissioner Trembly and Director Kavanaugh will oversee the PAGE 6 DECEMBER 19~ 1994 saying they wish to Jeffersonville which President Stemler his business and locate a wood slat venetian blind division in would employ t2 to 15 new employees. Council explained Koetter Woodworking~ Inc. is a customer of he will abstain from any vote. He did explain this is a good company. Councilperson Potter made the motion to pass Resolution No. 94-R-34~ A Resolution Designating An Economic Revitalization Area, Allowing Tax Abatement And Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatements seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing on a vote of 6-0-1. Council President Stemler abstained. Publication will be made and a public hearing held at the next Council meeting. Attorney Gillenwater has prepared a Resolution in support of the Ohio River Greenway Commission Master Plan. The Council has previously received this Master Plan. Mr. Wayne Estopinal, of the Greenway Commission presented Approximately one half million dollars money for the project through the help environmental study is being done. cleanest site. The Council is being All existing Corps of Engineer Chairman Greenway. in grant Construction funding is not anticipated until early 1997. Clarksville and New Ablany have approved the plan. Commissioner Gavin explained the Plan Commission has not approved this as yet. Mr. Estopinal has worked through the Department of Redevelopment. Attorney Gillenwater feels the Plan Commission should approve this first. Mayor Parker appreciates Mr. Estopinal's contribution to this project. Council President Stemler commends Mr. Estopinal on his building. Attorney Gillenwater referred to a letter sent to the Council regarding the settlement of a tort claim. He is at a point where the case must be settled or scheduled for trial. The cost to settle is $8~792. The case does have some merit and there potential for liability. He does recommend settlement at Councilperson Williams made the motion to approve settlement~ by Councilperson Potter and carried unanimously. is some seconded a drawing of the has been received of Congressman Hamilton. An Jeffersonville appears to be the asked to accept the Master Plan. Permits will be incorporated. PAGE ? DECEMBER t9, 1994 Attorney Gillenwater presented Ordinance No. 94-0R-40, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 85-0R-28 And The Zoning Code Chapter 151: Flood Plan Management. This was prepared using a model Ordinance from the Department of Natural Resources. Building Commissioner Gavin explained the City may by put on probation as far as flood insurance is concerned and may cause rates to increase. Attorney Gillenwater explained this will make it more difficult to build in flood areas. Councilperson Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 94-0R-40, seconded by Councilperson Wilder and carried unanimously. Councilperson Potter then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 94-0R-40 on all three readings~ seconded by Councilperson Williams, and carried unanimously. Council President Stemler presented the 1995 meeting schedule~ explaining he has reserved the room for the meetings. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented Ordinance No. 94-0R-41, An Ordinance Establishing A Non-Reverting Fund For The Purposes Of Alleviating Drainage Problems, explaining the need for a non-reverting fund for this purpose. Attorney Gillenwater has been working on a drainage problem and it appears the problem will be solved by the developers paying one third, the landowners one third, and the City one third. This is a compromise. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer referred to a letter from Council President Stemler explmining this Ordinance will alleviate paperwork. Councilperson Wilder made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 9~-0R-41, seconded by Councilperson Wilson~ passing unanimously~ Councilperson Wilder then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 9~-OR-~l on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented Ordinance No. 94-0R-42, An Ordinance Establishing A Non-Reverting Fund For The Purposes Of Park Cumulative Capital Expenditures, explaining this will allow money Councilperson Ordinance No. unanimously. Ordinance No. 9~-0R-4~ Councilperson Williams~ and left in the fund to be forwarded without contract. Wilson made the motion to suspend the rules for 9A-OR-42, seconded by Councilperson Wilder and carried Councilperson Wilson then made the motion to pass on ail three readings~ seconded by carried unanimously. PAGE 8 DECEMBER 19~ 199~+ Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented Ordinance No. 9~-0R-~3~ An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department <Building Commission, Council~ Vehicle Maintenance~ City Attorney~ Motor Vehicle, and Park). This represents transfers for the end of the year which is much shorter than years in the past. Councilperson Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 9~-0R-43~ seconded by Council President Stemler and carried unanimously. Councilperson Potter then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 94-0R-43 on all three readings~ seconded by Council President Stemler, passing on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Wilson~ Stemler~ Nays: Councilpersons and Potter. None. Wolpert~ Williams~ Frantz~ Wilder~ Council President Stemler referred to the recent media coverage of Orange County, California filing bankrupcy due to bad investments. He wants to assure the public that the City Jeffersonville is not in this situation. explained the City in is good solid shape. permit investments of this type. The Clerk and Treasurer Spencer The laws in Indiana do not laws are very conservative allowing only investments in money market accounts~ Repurchase Agreements~ and Certificates of Deposits~ making it virtually impossible to lose money. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer further explained all money is invested at all times. Due to interest rates the last three years investments have been in money market accounts. If interest rates increase in 1995 investments may be more in certificate of deposits. The City is safe and well protected financially. Park she has given to the Council. together on a bridge study. Councilperson Wolpert attended the renaming of Ingramville to Bob Hedge Park. This was a very nice and touching ceremony. Councitperson Wilson has a copy of Transportation News which Kentucky and Indiana have agreed to go Mayor Parker and Council for a Treasurer Spencer for Potter for the flowers presented thanked all the Department Heads~ employees: productive year~ He also thanked Clerk and his guidance. Thanks also to Councilperson to the members this evening. Special RAGE 9 DECEMBER 19~ 1994 thanks to the Parks Department for Bob Hedge Park. Mayor Parker invited the Council to the Christmas lunch in the Conference Room. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Mayor Parker also commended Council President Stemler for his good job as President. Council President Stemler also thanked the Department Heads for a good job this year as evidenced by the one page transfer ordinance. As Council President Stemler looks back over the year he thanks each Secretary for what has been accomplished in their field; Councilperson Potter as Secretary of Budget and Finance for the budget process and a reduction in the tax rate~ Councilperson Frantz for accomplishments in recycling and composting, Councilperson Williams for raises and work on affirmative action, Councilperson Wilder for her work on the drainage problems, and Councilperson Wilson for her work on transportation. All have reason to be proud. Substaintial strides have been made this year. Council President Stemler gave thanks also to Clerk and Treasurer Spencer and Deputy Barbara Hollis. Councilperson Potter also thanked the Department Heads for their work this year as he remembers in years past final tranfers of seven and eight pages. This is a conservative group that has worked well with a bare bones budget. Councilperson Potter wishes all a Very Merry Christmas. Councilperson Wilson thanks the Department Heads and wishes all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Councilperson Wilder wishes all a Merry Christmas. Councilperson Frantz thanked all that helped with the Toy Drive. A total of 2©© children have been helped this year. Councilperson Williams feels Ordinance No. 9A-OR-A2 should be named the "Wilder Plan". He commends Councilperson Wilder for her work on the drainage problems. Councilperson Williams and Street Department employee John Lewis will be providing the musical entertainment at the Street Department Dinner. Councilperson Williams compliments Council President Stemler on the fine job he has done as Council President. Merry Christmas to all. Councilperson Wolpert said all have done "a heck of a job". He wishes all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and God Bless All. PAGE 10 DECEMBER 19~ 1994 Mr. Clarence Keys asked how low can it get to have the telephone company collect taxes for the ambulance deal. Councilpereon Frantz has information that explaines the phone bill increase is for 911. The money cannot be used for ambulance service but will be used for Central Alarm. Mr. Keys asks why when the whole County is now paying~ there is an increase. Attorney Gillenwater is willing to meet with Mr. Keys to go over this. Jeff Township has been funding 911 through taxes. Township money that has been spent on 911 can now be used for other things. Attorney Gillenwater will ask Township Trustee Dale Popp. Mr. Charles K. White compliments Mayor Parker Depatment Heads. There has not been one time this year Citizens should see relief on Township taxes. and all his when he has called a Department Hemd compliments the they are doing happen!" that he Council, he does a good job. Mr. not always agree, but does believe White says "Mayor Parker make it There being no further business to come before the Council~ Councilperson Potter moved to adjourn at 9:20 o'clock P.M. seconded by Councilperson Wolpert and unanimously carried. ATTEST: