HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-2000COUNCIL PROCEEDiNGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
MAY 15,2000
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 15th day of
May, 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 Galllgan 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, Ron Ellis, Denny
Frantz, Rob Wa[z, Barbara Wilson, Ron Grooms, and Vicki Conlin.
Absent: None.
Mayor Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of May 1, 2000 for consideration by the
Council. Councilperson Waiz asked the vote on Ordinance 2000-OR-26 reflect that he voted no.
Councilperson Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes as corrected, seconded by
Councilperson Waiz and carried unanimously. Councilperson Merkley made the motion to approve
the minutes of the April 10, 2000 workshop, seconded by Councilperson Wa[z, passing unanimously.
Council President Ellis made the motion to add the SIEDC appointment to the agenda,
seconded by Councilperson Merkley, passing unanimously. Council President Ellis made the motion
to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Councilperson Merkley, passing unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer W'flder presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Council
President Ellis made the motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson
Merkley, passing unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Bob Lanum, Attorney representing the Ogle Foundation, appeared before the Council
saying he would appreciate the Council support in the hiring ora veterinarian for the Animal Shelter.
City Court Judge Vicki Carmichael appeared before the Council to answer any questions
May 15, 2000 Page 2 of 6
regarding the need for passage of Ordinance No. 2000-OR-24, An Ordinance Establishing A Non-'
Reverting Fund For The Jeffersonville City Court. Councilperson Merkley made the motion to
remove Ordinance No. 2000-OR-24 from the table, seconded by Councilperson Grooms, passing
unanimously. Council President Ellis made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-24 on the
'first reading, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously.
Councilperson Merkley presented Ordinance No. 2000-OR-25, An Ordinance Protfibiting The
Leasing Of The City Property Beneath The Kennedy Bridge During Thunder Over Louisville,
explaining the changes that have been made. Councilperson Merkley then made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 2000-OR-25 on the second and third readings, seconded by Councilperson Wilson,
passing unanimously.
Councilpemon Merkley presented Ordinance No. 2000-OR-26, An Ordinance Prohibiting The
Leasing Of The City Property Beneath The Kennedy Bridge During Thunder Over Louisville, as
amended. Councilperson Merkley read the Ordinance aloud. Councilperson Merkley made the
motion to amend Ordinance No. 2000-OR-26, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing on a vote
of 6-1. Councilperson Conlin voted'nay. Councilperson Merkley then made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 2000-OR-26 on the second and third reading, seconded by Councilperson Ellis,
passing on a vote of 6-1. Councilperson Conlin voted nay.
Councilperson Wilson made the motion to override Mayor Galligan's veto of Ordinance No.
2000-OR-22, An Ordinance Amending SS96.06 Of The Jeffersonville Municipal Code, seconded by
Councilperson Merkley, passing on a vote of 6-1 with Councilperson Conlin voting nay.
Council President Ellis made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-23, An Ordinance
Requiring Jeffersonville City Vehicle Identification, on the second reading, explaining it is his
intention to amend the Ordinance for the third reading, seconded by Councilperson Merkley.
Councilperson Grooms has been asked to exclude some Animal Shelter vehicles as it may interfere
with the work of the Animal Shelter employees. Council President Ellis does plan to look into this.
Councilperson Grooms would also like to include an identification or definition of what is a vehicle.
Mayor Galllgan said decals need to be taken into consideration for those that answer complaints and
those that are working on economic development. The motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-23
on the second reading passed unanimously.
May 15, 2000 Page 3 of 6
Attorney Galligan introduced and explained Ordinance No. 2000-OR-27, An Ordinance '
Amending Certain Portions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. 99-OR-49 (Animal Sheker). Council
President Ellis would like a description ofjob duties. Mayor Galligan explained the Veterinarian will
run the Animal Sheker, do all spay and neuter, serve the Police K-9, address all problems and make
decisions. He feels the pay will be a "wash", or money should be made. Councilperson Wilson had
hoped to talk to the applicant. Also will there be a need for an operating room. Mayor Galligan said
an operating table will have to be bought as well as some incidentals, nothing major. There are funds
available in the Animal Shelter Building Fund. Council President Ellis asked about the interlocal
agreement, as he is concerned for expenditures and the ability to come to an agreement. Mayor
Galligan said there is an approximate difference of $11,000. He does feel there will be more
donations and volunteers. There will be programs to increase adoptions. Councilperson Grooms
reported he spent two hours at the shelter. He feels the need to increase the fees charged. There
does not seem to be a need for new or additional employees. The advantages would be the animals
would be healthier and the adoption rote would increase. The downside would be it would take some
income form local vets. Mayor Galligan feels more animals will be adopted and the sick will be dealt
with so they do not cause others to get sick. This will change the image of the shelter and will do a
lot for the community. Councilperson Grooms said there is a nice business at the Animal Shelter.
Mayor Galligan has heard a lot of positive comment. Council President Ellis would like to bring
attention to the fact that he cares about people and that the Council donated only $10,000 to Clark
County Health Care. He likes animals but people are his number one priority. If the Council is
willing to do this for animals, are they willing to do for people? Councilperson Coniin made the
motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-27 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Grooms,
passing unanimously.
Attorney Galligan presented and explained Ordinance No. 2000-OR-28, An Ordinance
Amending Ordinance No. 90-OR-9 Establishing A Spay-Neuter Program For Animals Adopted From
The Josepkine B. Ogle Animal Sheker. Councilperson Coulin made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 2000-OR-28 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Grooms, passing unanimously.
Attorney Galligan presented and explained Ordinance No. 2000-OR-29, An Ordinance
Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department (Animal Shelter). Councilperson Conlin made
May 15, 2000 Page 4 of 6
the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-29 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Waiz, '
passing unanimously.
Resolution No. 2000-R-21, A Resolution To Advertise For An Additional Appropriation
(General Fund - Fire Department) was presented. Fire Chief Smith explained the need for additional
overtime funding. Council President Ellis, saying he hopes to stay prepared for emergencies, could
support $50,000 now, asking Chief Smith to come back for more if necessary. Council President Ellis
then made the motion to amend Resolution 2000-R-21 to $50,000, seconded by Councilperson
Merkley, passing unanimously. Council President Ellis then made the motion to pass Resolutions No.
2000-R-21 as amended, seconded by Councilperson Conlin. Councilperson Merkley suggests the
amount for overtime be addressed for the next budget. Council President Ellis is aware the
department is operating at minimum staff. Chief Smith will present numbers for the future to the
Council at budget time. Councilperson Frantz said Chief Smith does a good job and tries to keep
costs down. Money is needed. The motion to pass Resolution No. 2000-R-21 passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 2000-R-22, A Resolution Of Inducement (Fore Property Company) was
presented for consideration. Representatives explained the plan and the area. Rent will range fi:om
$480 to $670, including appliances, water, sewer, and social programs. Councilperson Grooms made
the motion to pass Resolution No. 2000-R-22, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing
unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2000-OR-30, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation OrA
Certain Tract Of Property Being Part Of Survey No. 10 Of The Illinois Grant .was presented for
consideration. Attorney Gall/gan informed the Council the Plan Commission gave a favorable
recommendation. Mr. Dennis Julius explained the area and the intended use. Councilperson Merkley
made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR-30, seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing
unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2000-OR-31, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation OrA
Certain Tract Of Property Being Part Of Survey No. 34 Of The Illinois Grant was presented for
consideration. Mr. Charles Moreland explained the plans and the need for the zoning change.
Council President Ellis made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2000-OR~31, seconded by
Councilperson Merkley, passing unanimously.
May 15, 2000 Page 5 of 6
Councilperson Frantz made the motion to name Councilperson Les Merkley as the Council
appointment to Southern Indiana Economic Development Commission, seconded by Councilperson
Wilson. Councilperson Waiz said he understood the appointment was to be made later.
Councllperson Conlin (the current appointment to SIEDC) serves on the Urban Enterprise Zone. If
there is a problem with her serving on both she would prefer to remain on the Urban Enterprise Zone
as it is very important to the whole City. She will contact SIEDC regarding her position.
Councilperson Con[in would have hoped Councilperson Merkley would have come to her if he
wished to have the appointment. Councilperson Grooms feels continuity in economic development
is critical. He does not feel this appointment should be changed each year. He would support
keeping the same appointment. Councilperson Conlin nominated Councilperson Waiz as he sits on
the Plan Commission. Councilperson Wilson made the motion to close nominations. The nomination
of Councilperson Merkley as the Council SIEDC appointment passed on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons Merkley, Ellis, Frantz, and Wilson.
Nays: Councilpersons Waiz, Grooms, and Conlin.
Councilperson Grooms announced he and Councilperson Coulin ~vill be hosting a meeting at
Thomas Jefferson School on June 12, 2000 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. Councilperson Waiz will co-host.
The goal is to give more access and gather information. The meeting will move to each district
quarterly. The cost will be paid by Council members. Councilperson Conlin wants the public to
know that she and Councilperson Grooms serve at large. Councilperson Grooms said this is a good
way to see if the public is interested. Councilperson Grooms has been discussing a program to give
flee trigger locks to City residents. This would be paid for fi:om Police Department public relations
funds. The liability of the program will be discussed with Council Attorney Leveritt. He brings this
up only for consideration.
Councilperson Wilson reminds all to attend the Concerts in the Park.
Council President Ellis commented on the Fulton Terrace barricade, asking why not a
National Avenue barricade? Mayor Galligan explained this is a trial. Councilperson Merkley has
received many positive calls on this. Mayor Galligan said others may be considered if this works.
Councilperson Grooms said there has been talk about the Council meeting with the
Department Heads to get to know each other. All agree this is a good idea. Council President Ellis
May 15, 2000 Page 6 of 6
suggests meeting also with the Jeffersonville Housing Authority.
Mayor Gall/gan gave a paving report asking the Council to let him know of their needs.
Ms. Nellie Knowland announced the Jeffersonville Square Dance Club will be honored this
Saturday at the Convention Center at 2:00 P.M. She reviewed some of the projects of the club.
Council President Ellis announced the Council has been invited to a Boy's and Girl's Club
dinner scheduled for June 19. All agreed to move the Council meeting and workshop to Tuesday,
June 20.
Mr. Jim Paris, a resident on Thompson Lane asked why he had not been informed his land
would be taken away. He said he is always home and no one has come and talked to him. He Offered
the use of his land for storage. He asks what a taxpayer has to do to know what is going on with his
property. Mayor Galligan Said the City is not trying to buy any more right of way. The hill is being
lowered to create a situation so it can be mowed. Mayor Gall/gan said he is trying to get things done
and he is sorry he has not talked to Mr. Pads. He thought what was being done would help, not hurt
anybody.
There being no further business io come before the Council, Councilperson Merkley made
the motion to adjourn at 8:30 P.M., seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously.
ATTEST:
CLE-RK ~RI~ASL~ER PEGGY WILDER