HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-2000COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
FEBRUARY 23, 2000
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 7:00 P.M. on the 23rd day of
February, 2000.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Galligan, with Clerk and Treasurer
Peggy Wilder at the desk. Mayor Galligan welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to
stand as Charles K. White gave the invocation. Mayor Galligan asked all those present to join him
in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
The roll was called and those present were Councilpersons Les Merkley, Denny Frantz, Rob
Waiz, Barbara Wilson, Ron Grooms, and Vicki Conlin.
Absent: Council President Ron Ellis.
Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of February 7, 2000 for consideration
by the Council. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to approve the minutes as presented,
seconded by Councilperson Merkley and carded unanimously.
Councilperson Merkley made the motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by
Councilperson Wilson, passing unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer Wilder presented the claim list with three additional claims, for
consideration by the Council. Following explanation and discussion of the additional claims,
Councilperson Wilson made the motion to approve the claims list and the additional as presented,
seconded by Councilperson Merkley, passing unanimously.
Mr. Charles K. White asked for "accountability" regarding how much money is being spent
for Council Attorney Short Leveritt, how much is being paid for Roberts Rules Of Order, and the
proposed retreat. Mr. White was told the contract for Council Attorney Shon Leveritt is on the
agenda and the retreat will be discussed.
Ms. Nellie Knowland, a resident of 120 Fairview, requested help in getting the drainage
ditches in her neighborhood cleared.
February 23, 2000 Page 2 of 5
Ordinance No. 2000-OR-3, An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of
Ordinance No. 99-OR-49 (Motor Vehicle, Sanitation, Sewer) was presented for the third and final
reading. Councilperson Merkley made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-3 on the third
and final reading, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, and carded unanimously.
Ordinance No.2000-OR-5, Ordinance Of Additional Appropriation (Common Council) was
presented for the third and final reading. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 2000-OR-5 on the third and final reading, seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing
unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2000-OR-6, Ordinance Of Additional Appropriation (Sanitation) was
presented for the third and final reading. Councilperson Merkley made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 2000-OR-6 on the third and final reading, seconded by Councilperson Groom, and carded
unanimously.
Councilperson Merkley presented Ordinance No. 2000-OR-7, An Ordinance Authorizing The
Jeffersonville Department Of Redevelopment To Borrow Funds From The City Of Jeffersonville
Municipal Sewer Fund. Councilperson Merkley explained this Ordinance was passed on the first
reading at a previous meeting. This was taken to a workshop for discussion and now offers an
amendment which Councilperson Merkley read aloud. Councilperson Merkley then made the motion
to approve the amendment to Ordinance No. 2000-OR-7, seconded by Councilperson Grooms,
passing unanimously. Councilperson Merkley then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-
OR-7 on the second and third readings as amended, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing
unanimously.
Mr. Ron Barnes appeared before the Council to explain the need for passage of Ordinance
No. 2000-OR-8, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation Of A Certain Tract Of
Property Being Part Of Lots No. 12, 13, And 14 In Block 38 From R-2 To B-1. Mr. Barnes
explained the area and the history of the use. An accounting business has been operating under a
variance in the recent past. The proposal is now to operate an insurance office. This request received
a favorable recommendation from the Jeffersonville Plan Commission and there was no opposition
at the zoning meeting. Attorney Galligan informed the Council it is not necessary to suspend the rules
for zoning changeyhe Ordinance may be passed on all three readings without suspension of the rules.
February 23, 2000 Page 3 of 5
Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-8 on all three readings,
seconded by Councilperson Grooms, passing unanimously.
Ms. Sharon Anderson, owner of the property at 502 W. Riverside Drive, appeared before the
Council to request passage of Ordinance No. 2000-OR-9, An Ordinance changing The Zoning Map
Designation Of A Certain Tract Of Property With A Street Address Of 502 W. Riverside Drive. Ms.
Anderson explained the location, showing pictures of the property, explaining that in 1999 she
replaced 9 windows due to the nearby bridge traffic. She would like to put in a coffee shop type of
business at this location. Attomey Galligan informed the Council this address is in the historic district
and any changes would have to be approved by the Historic Board. This request did receive an
unfavorable recommendation from the Jeffersonville Plan Commission. Councitperson Merkley said
this is in his district and he has received calls. He feels the residential integrity of the area on that side
of the bridge should be preserved and he will not support the change. Ms. Anderson said she is sure
other houses in the area do not shake from the bridge. Councilperson Merkley feels the Council
should support the Plan Commission and respect their recommendation. A member of the audience
asked if it is fair to ask someone to live in this house. A resident of 432 W. Riverside Drive stated
there have been no problems with the expressway or noise in the 16 years at this address. They do
not want to see it commercial. Councilperson Waiz stated he will abstain from the vote as he owns
property in the area. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to deny passage of Ordinance No. 2000-
OR-9, seconded by Councilperson Wilson. Passage of Ordinance No. 2000-OR-9 was denied on a
vote of 5~0-1. Councilperson Waiz abstained.
Attorney Gailigan explained the passage of Ordinance No. 2000-OR-10, Ordinance Of
Additional Appropriation (Local Roads and Streets) would allow the City to spend the funds already
received. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-10 on the first
reading, seconded by Councilperson Merkley, passing unanimously.
Director of Planning and Zoning, Jana Ecker, appeared before the Council to request passage
of Ordinance No. 2000-OR-11, Ordinance Of Additional Appropriation (Cumulative Capital
Improvement), stating the urgency. These funds represent a 20% local match for the Terrace Lawn
Project. Director Ecker does not anticipate use of the full $375,000. Councilperson Wilson made
the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 2000-OR-11, seconded by Councilperson Merkley,
February 23, 2000 Page 4 of 5
passing unanimously. Councilperson Wilson then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-
11 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Merkley, passing unanimously. Director Ecker
announced the ground breaking and the estimated completion date of July 28, 2000 for the project.
Mayor Galligan has contacted the Louisville Orchestra to perform for the completion ceremony.
Councilperson Grooms has been asked about boat docks. Director Ecker explained there will be no
boat docks from the Overlook to Pearl. She does have the plans for the project in her office for any
to see.
Director Ecker next explained the need for passage of Ordinance No. 2000-OR-12, Ordinance
Of Additional Appropriation (General Fund). Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 2000-OR-12 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Merkley, passing
unanimously.
Councilperson Merkley explained he has worked with Councilpersons Conlin and Ellis on the
Contract For Legal Services. Councilperson Merkley made the motion to approve the contract,
seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing unanimously.
The subject of donating to Repair Affair will be taken to workshop.
Attorney Galligan presented and explained Ordinance No. 2000-OR-13, An Ordinance
Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. 99-OR-49 (Sewage Department,
Department of Redevelopment). Following discussion, Councilperson Merkley made the motion to
pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-13 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Grooms, passing
unanimously.
Councilperson Merkley introduced Mr. Gary Steedly. Mr. Steedly has met with Council
President Ellis regarding a retreat. Mr. Steedly reviewed his training, saying the would base a retreat
on the book "7 Habits Of Highly Effective People". Mr. Steedly will attend the workshop on
Monday, February 28, 2000 at 7:00 P.M~
Councilperson Conlin attended the SIEDC introduction of newly appointed Port Director
Patrick Mulligan. Councilperson Conlin feels Mr. Mulligan will be a great asset to the community.
She suggests he be invited to a workshop.
Councilperson Grooms has talked with Clerk and Treasurer Wilder about an employee of the
month program and a monthly employee newsletter as well as a fund raiser for youth organizations.
February 23, 2000 Page 5 of 5
Councilperson Grooms would be willing to work on these projects. Councilperson Conlin suggests
Personnel Director Ellis be involved. Mayor Galligan announced he has talked with WAVG radio
regarding a ~/~ hour program one Sunday a month called "What's Up Jeff". This would be a call-in
type program involving the Mayor and the Council.
Councilperson W'flson said she also attended the introduction of Port Director Mulligan and
she agrees with Councilperson Conlin. Councilperson Wilson said the Concerts In The Park will be
starting soon.
Mayor Galligan, with regard to the recent heavy rain, asked alt to pray for a lighter rain.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Grooms made
the motion to adjourn at 8:15 P.M., seconded by Counci~erson Mer,kley, passing unanimously.
k h ,/o t mo ,t S GALL
ATTEST:
CLERK Aisl31~'~JREAS~R PEGGY WILDER