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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2000COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA MARCH 6, 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 6th day of March, 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 Council President Ron Ellis 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 Merldey, Ron Ellis, Denny Frantz, Rob Waiz; Barbara Wilson, Ron Grooms, and Vicki Conlin. Absent: None. Mayor Galligan read a proclamation designating March 2000 as Disabilities Awareness month. Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of February 23, 2000 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Merktey made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Conlin and carried unanimously. It was asked that two items be added to the agenda; the presentation by Amy Haupert-Jarvis and Reggie Homer representing American United Live Insurance, and an amendment to the INAAP Agreement. Council President Ellis made the motion to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Wilder presented the claim list, for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Merldey made the motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wilson. Councilperson Grooms stated he has filed the appropriate documents regarding the claim on the list payable to Hanger's Pharmacy. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Charles K. White, referring to an article in the newspaper, asked who "dropped in" a member of the Council. Mayor Galligan replied he did not know. Mr. Doan Edmondson asked how much a sewer board will cost and what will the City get for March 6, 2000 Page 2 of 6 it? Councilperson Merkley said the Ordinance contains a cap of $1,000 per month per member. The Mayor, by law, would fix the salaries. The sewer board gives an opportunity for accountability. This is a large operation and would be good business. Mr. Mulflur asked, "What is the problem, we have survived up to now?" "Why add additional people?" Councilperson Grooms answered, his is not an attempt to fix anything, but an attempt to set a board for Council input, and citizen involvement. There is a need to look at our wastewater system as part of a region. We have an opportunity to partner with other cities, possibly officials of the INAAP property. This board would show, and allow the Mayor to show, that he has community and Council input and the tools are in place to communicate back to the general public. Councilperson Grooms feels it is a reinforcement of Jeffersonville's plant, and if necessary, make it better. The Council has to pass on rate increases, or any changes at the plant. This is difficult being part-time people. This is an opportunity to improve communications between the Mayor, the Council, the public and all of Clark County. Councilperson Merkley said this is a new Council that feels this is a better management style. This may be wrong. Councilperson Grooms noted the expenses of having a board is not pocket change, however in a 4.5 million dollar budget, 11,000 customers, approximately 18 million dollar bond indebtedness, it is not unusual to have a board such as the one being proposed. It is a big business and this is worth trying. This is not about personalities or abilities. It is based on a theory of management style. Councilperson Conlin stated she is not supporting this as she feels it is another layer of government and another expense to the people in the community. Mr. Jeff Sauffer asked for clarification of the number of members that will serve the sewer board. Councilperson Merkley said there will be three members plus someone to take minutes. Mr. John Johnston does not feel the system is "broken". He feels the Council can withhold funds as a means of control, and the Mayor can be removed at the next election. Mr. Johnston feels the sewers are the future of all of Jeffersonville. He sees no method of recall for anyone on the Board. There is a need to see Jeff`grow. He believes a straight line is the closest distance Mayor Galfigan said he has tried to participate with the County and Aquasource to no avail. He does feel that for the community to grow it must be together. Attorney Galligan explained the funds requested in Ordinance No. 2000-OK-10, An March 6, 2000 Page 3 of 6 Ordinance Of Additional Appropriation (Local Roads and Streets) have been received. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-10 on the second and third readings, seconded by Councilperson Merkley, passing unanimously. Planning and Zoning Director Jana Ecker explained the need for passage of Ordinance No. 2000-OR-12, Ordinance Of Additional Appropriation (General Fund). Councilperson Merkley made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-12 on the second and third readings, seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing unanimously. Director Ecker presented two claims that would be paid from these funds. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to amend the claims to include the two presented by Director Ecker, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Attorney Galligan presented Ordinance No. 2000-OR-13, explaining the need for passage. Councilperson Merkley made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR- 13 on the second and third readings, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Ms. Amy Haupert-Jarvis and Mr. Reggie Homer, representatives of American United Life Insurance presented and explained their company's deferred compensation plan proposal. Attorney Galligan introduced Ordinance No. 2000-OR-14, An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. 99-OR-49 (Police), explaining this is necessary to have the Chaplin covered by liability insurance. Councilperson Conlin stated the City is lucky to have Conrad Moore as the Chaplin. Mayor Galligan praised Chaplin Moore and all he does in an excellent manner. Councilperson Ellis made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR~14 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Coniin, passing unanimously. Councilperson Grooms said he is serving on a Millennium 2000 Committee that is applying for a grant to develop an entrance treatment celebrating the millennium. He is asking the Council for a $1,000 donation, reviewing the donations received to date. Council President Ellis has had a discussion with Mayor Gailigan regarding a larger project. Mayor Galligan said there is a need for coordination of all efforts and he would like to work toward a scheme. There is a need to recognize Jefferson. Councilperson Grooms said the grant would allow for design and input. There is a need for broad-based promotion. At this time, all that is necessary is a letter of commitment. Councilperson Ellis asked if once the plan.is complete will the committee come back to the Council for more funding. Councilperson Grooms said that is not the plan at this time. Councilperson Ellis March 6, 2000 Page 4 of 6 suggests the money be raised outside the Council and come back to the Council for funding of the project. Ms. Barbara Anderson answered questions about the grant and explained there is a committee to raise funds once a project if decided. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to support the Jeffersonville Main Street Millennium Committee with anticipated assistance up to $1,000 from the Jeffersonville City Council special projects, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing on a vote of 5-2. Councilpersons Ellis and Frantz voted nay. Councilperson Merkley presented and read aloud an amended version of Ordinance No. 2000~ OR-4, An Ordinance Establishing Sanitary Board, explaining the amendments. He then stated the reasons for voting against the previous amendment were the legality, and the issue of a deadlock. He feels the amendment provides for a "two-way street". It is built on trust for both the Mayor and the Council. There has been atot of dialogue on this: Councilperson Merkley then made the motion to amend Ordinance No. 2000-OR-4 as presented, seconded by Councilperson Grooms. Ms. Barbara Anderson would like to have a copy of the amendment. She sits on many boards with no compensations and feels the $12,000 per year is unacceptable. There are many issues the citizens have not heard. Councilperson Conlin is concerned for the cost, estimating the cost to be approx~ately $60,000 a year. The question was raised with regard to not agreeing on an engineer within 30 days. Mayor Galligan said somewhere along the line you have to trust somebody, somewhere. Mayor Galligan only wants people that are willing to work as hard as he does. The availability of sewers is critical to economic development. He feels he can work with this to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. The common goal is to make Jeffa better place to live. This board is seen as an oversight board, not a board to run the utility. Councilperson Merkley agreed, saying the day to day operations will remain the same. Council President Ellis feels all the Council are committed to working with the Mayor to make the sewer board a working committee that will enhance the City of Jeffersonville, not take away from the City. The motion to approve the amendment passed on avote of 6-1, with Councilperson Conlin voting in opposition. Councilperson Merkley then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-0R-4 as amended, on the third and final reading, seconded by Couneilperson Groom. Councilperson Grooms said that sometimes in the midst .of this type of negotiations, a lot of things come to mind. In a comment it was implied that the Mayor could not negotiate with other municipalities. He likes this type of board that now there March 6, 2000 Page 5 of 6 will be three people who all have the same interest. If there is a situation where the Mayor cannot negotiate, maybe other members can. Maybe because of this Board, Jeffersonville might benefit. Sometimes three is better than one, sometimes one is better than three. A benefit of the doubt has to be given. Contraxy to what some people believe, the Council does not approve, or check off, every claim that comes through the wastewater treatment plant. The Council does not participate in the wastewater treatment plant by approving the claims. The Council does set the rate, the salary, and approve bonds. Councilperson Grooms likes the board because he can identify with that type of management. There is nothing wrong with the Board ofPublic Works as it exists- They are fine people that have other concerns and problems. This board wilt be able to focus on one thing, to make Jeffersonville's wastewater treatment plant better, bigger, and more efficient. That is Councilperson Grooms philosophy. He feels it is worth a try and will benefit the citizens of Jeffersonville. Ordinance No. 2000-OR-4 as amended passed on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilpersons Grooms, Wilson, Waiz, Frantz, Ellis, and Merkley. Nays: Councilperson Conlin. Counc'fl President Ellis has proposed a retreat for the Council and the Mayor to have bridge- building sessions. He then introduced Mr. Gary Steedly who has made a presentation to the Council. Councilperson Conlin asked what the cost would be. Mr. Steedly reviewed the options and the costs. Council President Ellis explained it would be possible to hold this type of session without the press as long as no City issues are discussed. Councilperson Conlin stated she is not opposed, she would like the press invited. Council President Ellis made the motion to accept Mr. Steedly's proposal for a retreat, seconded by Councilperson Grooms. Councilperson Grooms likes the project, he is not ready for it now. The motion to accept Mr. Steedly's proposal failed on a vote of 1-6. Councilpersons Conlin, Grooms, Wilson, Waiz, Frantz, and Merkley voted against. Attorney Galligan explained an amendment to the INAAP Inteflocal agreement. She explained in detail the appointments and the financing. Attorney Galligan highly recommends the Council adopt the proposed amendment. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Resolution No. 2000-R-16, A Resolution Amending The INAAP Intedocal Agreement, seconded by Councilperson Grooms passing unanimously. Mayor Galligan commended Ned Pfau for staying with this board saying his leadership has been instrumental in making a lot of positive things happen. March 6, 2000 Page 6 of 6 Mayor Galligan thanks him and commends him, saying he will be reappointed. Mr. Pfau said it is a very worthwhile thing. It has been slow but it is moving well. He appreciates the support. Councilperson Conlin reviewed an invitation from CIS (Community In Schools). Councilperson Ellis said his daughter is one of the first 21st Century Scholars who did get a degree from Indiana University and is now a law student. This is a good program. Councilperson Wilson said Jeff Fest has been tentatively set for June 10. Councilperson Merkley made the motion to appoint councilperson Frantz to serve on the Board of Public Works and Safety effective April 1, seconded by Council President Ellis, passing unanimously. Council President Ellis notified all of a Drainage Board meeting, March 7, 2000 at 5:30 P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room There will be a guest speaker and he encourages all Council to attend. Mayor Galligan explained this will be a power point presentation, with a lot of information on the Clean Water Act and how to stay ahead of problems. This will eventually effect all. Water quality is a major issue. The public is invited. All are invited to a workshop on March 22 entitled Our Real Future Is Behind Us. Mayor Galligan said this will be a good function. Council President Ellis said he is committed to a working relationship with the Executive Branch of the City. Committed to bringing the Council and the Mayor together to work toward the betterment of Jeffersonville. He sends a word of encouragement to the business section that all are committed to the business section of Jeffersonville and nothing will be done to harm that. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Merkley made the motion to adjourn at 9:00 P.M., seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. ATTEST: CL~,RK AN~+rtS, EASURER PEGGY WILDER LIGAN p/