HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 3, 2014COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
March 3, 2014
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in Room 101, 500
Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, Indiana at 7:OOpm, on Monday, March 3, 2014.
Council President Julius, with Vicki Conlin, City Clerk, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
President Julius asked those in attendance to stand as Councilperson Samuel gave the Invocation.
President Julius then led all those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The roll call and those present were: Councilperson Smith, Councilperson Zastawny, Councilperson
Payne, Councilperson Sellers, Councilperson Gill, Councilperson Glover, Councilperson Samuel,
President Julius, and Councilperson Owen.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
President Julius asked to make a change to the agenda by adding Tenth Street medians under NEW
BUSINESS #10 and Councilperson Smith asked to add discussion of the ordinance prohibiting
vendors in the 600 Block of Riverside Drive under NEW BUSINESS #11. Councilperson Gill made a
motion to APPROVE the agenda with the changes with Councilperson Payne seconding, PASSING on
a vote of 9-0.
MINUTES TO BE APPROVED:
Councilperson Glover made a motion to APPROVE the minutes from the February 18, 2014, regular
Council meeting with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED:
General Claims: Controller Amy Deering presented the General Claims list in the amount of
$1,097,658.40 for approval. Councilperson Samuel questioned a Duke Energy bill under the Parks
Department and asked if Little League reimburses the City for any utilities and Councilperson
Zastawny responded that the City pays for all their utilities. Councilperson Gill made a motion to
APPROVE the General Claims list with Councilperson Glover seconding. Councilperson Sellers
questioned the Police Department's ammunition being paid out of LOIT instead of the Police
Department's budget. After discussion, Council determined that ammunition should be taken out of
the Police Department General Fund or one of their Non -Reverting Funds. Councilperson Gill
withdrew her motion to approve claims as presented with Councilperson Glover withdrawing his
second. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the General Claims list with a change to
move the claim for ammunition out of LOIT and instead take it from the Police Department's budget
with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
Controller Amy Deering stated that the Annual Report was submitted to the State last Friday and it
is her understanding that she is required to present this to the Council before advertising it, which
they hope to do this week. The document is entitled Jeffersonville Civil City Clark County Cash Fund
Statement and it shows total receipts and disbursements throughout the year, all the bonds, capital
lease items, and all the federal grant money that was received in 2013. Councilperson Smith made a
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motion to ACCEPT the Jeffersonville Civil City Clark County Cash Fund Statement 2013 as being
received with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
REPORT OF THE CLERK: None at this time
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT: None at this time
A. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Amy Deering — PUBLIC HEARING 2014 -OR -5 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation: Council
President Julius OPENED the public hearing at 7:13pm and without further comment CLOSED
the public hearing at 7:14pm.
Councilperson Smith made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -5 on the 3rd reading with
Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
B. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Lisa Gill and Josh Rodriquez JNLA National Night Out: Councilperson Gill introduced Mr.
Rodriquez and asked him to give Council an update on JNLA 2013. Mr. Rodriquez stated that
16,124 communities and 37.8 million people in the U.S. participated in National Night Out.
Jeffersonville won an award by coming in 37`h place in Category 4 representing a population of
15,000 to 40,000. Mr. Rodriquez passed around the award plaque for the Council to see. Mr.
Rodriquez stated that he appreciates the Council's support and asked the other JNLA members
in the audience to stand and be recognized. The Council congratulated Mr. Rodriquez and the
JNLA members on a job well done.
2. Scott Lewis — 2014 -OR -6 An Ordinance for Flood Hazard Areas: Mr. Lewis explained that there
is a requirement every few years for FEMA to redo the flood zoning maps and they have
recently been working on maps for Jeffersonville and Clark County to be implemented in April of
this year. When the flood maps change, there is a requirement for the municipal governments
to implement an ordinance referencing those new flood maps. Mr. Lewis stated this
reclassification will benefit people who couldn't get flood insurance and will now be able to do
so. Councilperson Gill made the motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -6 on the 1st and 2"d reading with
Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
3. Dennis Julius — County Vehicles Service Agreement: President Julius brought to the Council's
attention the issue of establishing an Interlocal Agreement with the County for service work and
fueling. Councilperson Gill stated that she spoke with State Auditor Melissa Hayes who
explained that there should be two Interlocal Agreements in place — one for the fuel and one for
the maintenance. Another recommendation was to start providing detailed work orders.
President Julius explained that the City charges the County for parts, but recommends that they
also start charging for labor and recouping some of the cost of man-hours and overhead.
President Julius requested Corporate Attorney Merkley create a draft of an Interlocal
Agreement to bring to the next Council meeting. Mr. Lewis recused himself from drafting this
document due to the fact that he represents both fiscal bodies for both City and County.
President Julius stated that he isn't leaning either way about whether or not the City should
continue or not continue to service the County vehicles, but recommended that if it were to
continue, there should be an Interlocal Agreement in place. Councilperson Smith stated that he
is concerned with the liability to the City and suggests charging a flat discounted rate to service
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Clark County's vehicles. Mr. Merkley stated that he would speak to Vehicle Maintenance
Director Bubby Vissing to suspend working on County vehicles until an agreement is created.
4. Les Merkley — 2014-R-4 Resolution Approving Statement of Benefit for Proposed Real Tax
Abatement Amatrol: Mr. Merkley explained that Amatrol is requesting a 10 -year real estate
property abatement along with a 5 -year abatement on personal property to expand their
business. The real estate improvements would total over 2.2 million dollars over that period
along with 1.3 million dollars of personal property. Mr. Matt Hall with One Southern Indiana
spoke to the Council on behalf of Amatrol requesting that they approve this resolution for tax
abatements and expansion. Mr. Paul Perkins with Amatrol presented the Council a brief
overview of what the company manufactures and what this expansion will mean to their
continued success in Jeffersonville. Councilperson Samuel made the motion to APPROVE 2014-
R-4 with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
Mr. Rob Waiz, Director of Redevelopment, stated that they are looking for another incentive
that was discussed at the Redevelopment Commission called a matching Training Grant for
$200,000. Mr. Waiz explained in order to get this in motion he was advised by the City Attorney
to come before the Council for approval. Mr. Hall of One Southern Indiana explained that the
State has offered $200,000 from the Skills Enhancement Fund and Jeffersonville has tentatively
agreed to match up to $200,000, but they would utilize the State's money first. Councilperson
Glover asked Mr. Hall if there was a time limit as to when the money had to be used and Mr.
Hall explained that once Amatrol accepts the State's incentive package, it would be a two-year
time frame from then. Mr. Owen made a motion to APPROVE of the matching Training Grant
with Councilperson Smith seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
5. Les Merkley — 2014-R-5 Resolution Approving Statement of Benefit for Proposed Real Personal
Property Tax Abatement Menard: Mr. Merkley stated that Menards is a proposed project on
Veteran's Parkway and requests the Council approve the tax abatements for real estate
improvements over ten years - 9 million dollars. The project would bring 50 new employees to
Jeffersonville resulting in 2 million dollars in salaries. Mr. Merkley introduced Mr. Mike
Simmonds with Menards. Mr. Simmonds will Menards stated that this will also bring in 50-75
part time jobs to Jeffersonville.
Clerk Conlin noted that the year on the resolution was incorrect (2013) and needs to be
changed to 2014.
Councilperson Payne made a motion to APPROVE 2014-R-5 with Councilperson Glover
seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
6. Les Merkley — Introduction and Public Hearing 2014 -OR -7 Notice of Ordinance Changing
Zoning Map for 2405 Utica Pike from R1 to PD -R1: Mr. Merkley stated that this ordinance
came about as a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission to rezone a portion
of Utica Pike and start the second phase of Perrin Point II. Consulting Engineer Gary Brinkworth
stated that their firm designed this development with the help of an architect in Maine and
Jimmy Johns also worked with Greg Sekula from the historical group to make plans to save the
historical home that is on the property. President Julius remarked that when communication
occurs between all the neighborhoods and all the departments that are involved, it makes a big
difference on how well a project can come together. Councilperson Gill also commented
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favorably on the cooperation and communication. President Julius OPENED the public hearing
at 7:44pm and without any further comment, the public hearing was CLOSED at 7:45pm.
Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -7 with Councilperson Gill
seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
7. Les Merkley — Introduction and Public Hearing 2014 -OR -8 Notice of Ordinance Changing
Zoning Map of 1416 Spring Street from 15 to C2: Mr. Merkley explained to the Council that this
rezoning request has been favorably recommended by the Board of Planning and Zoning. The
property is presently zoned institutional and they are requesting that the property be rezoned
to C2 to allow for auto sales. Mr. Chad Sprigler, one of the partners who bought the building,
told the Council that the back lot of this property is rezoned differently and was advised by P&Z
Director Corbin to look into rezoning that portion to meet up with the rest of the property. Mr.
Sprigler explained that they intend to fix up the property by putting in an 8 -foot privacy fence
and landscaping. Councilperson Sellers stated that they would need to pave the back lot if they
intend to have cars there. Mr. Sprigler requested that the Council allow him one year to make
the necessary improvements to the property. Councilperson Sellers stated that one year is too
long of a period of time. President Julius OPENED the public hearing at 7:50pm and without any
further comment, the public hearing was CLOSED at 7:51pm.
Councilperson Payne made a motion to APPROVE the rezoning change with the stipulation that
the petitioner pave the lot by October 1, 2014, with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING
on a vote of 8-1 with Councilperson Payne voting nay.
8. Les Merkley — Introduction and Public Hearing 2014 -OR -9 Notice of Ordinance Changing
Zoning Map for 130 Riverside Drive, Unit B from NC to DC: Mr. Merkley explained to the
Council that this rezoning request has been favorably recommended by the Planning
Commission. Mr. Merkley stated that the property is currently zoned neighborhood/commercial
and the proposed Flat Twelve Brewery could operate upon a special exception; however, it was
recommended to go ahead and rezone since this area will trend more toward commercial with
the development of the Big Four Bridge. Mr. Chad Sprigler informed the Council that the
company intends to take the Targe warehouse next to Olive Leaf Bistro and the smaller
warehouse behind it as well. Councilperson Zastawny stated that he thought it would be a great
location for this kind of business. President Julius OPENED the public hearing at 7:55pm and
without any further comment, the public hearing was CLOSED at 7:56pm.
Councilperson Zastawny made a motion to APPROVE the rezoning change with Councilperson
Payne seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
9. Amy Deering — 2014 -OR -10 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing to be
held March 17, 2014): Ms. Deering briefly went through items and explained that the first four
items are corrections to the original budget. The Council questioned a leased vehicle being paid
out of EDIT for the Mayor's vehicle during the previous administration. Ms. Deering stated that
they didn't budget for it because they didn't know that the lease existed. City Clerk Vicki Conlin
explained that this is one of the issues she and Ms. Deering are working on to correct. The
Clerk's Office and the Controller's Office aren't getting copies of the leases. Ms. Conlin stated
that she believes the lease on this vehicle was paid early by the previous controller which Ms.
Deering was unaware of so therefore, it wasn't budgeted for this year. Ms. Conlin stated that
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she thinks that it has always been paid from EDIT. Councilperson Owen advised that the only
lease that should be paid out of EDIT is the Mayor's vehicle. Councilperson Smith requested
having more clarification on this issue. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE
2014 -OR -10 on the 1st reading with the removal of the vehicle under EDIT with Councilperson
Smith seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
10. Tenth Street Medians: President Julius stated that he read an article in the newspaper that said
the maintenance contract has expired on the median landscaping and the Department of
Redevelopment is no longer going to pay the contract to maintain the landscaping.
President Julius asked the Council who they suggest picking up the maintenance
contract and Councilperson Sellers stated that this was a Redevelopment project and they
can't say they are no longer going to maintain it. Councilperson Samuel suggested the
landscaping could fall under the category of landscape art and with so much work having gone
into the median landscaping, it would be a shame to walk away from it. Councilperson Samuel
stated that the Tenth Street Business Association wants to keep the landscaping and he would
like to see the Council try to come up with some solutions. Councilperson Glover stated that if
nothing is done the landscaping will become a public safety issue as it continues to grow.
Councilperson Smith stated that the landscaping was paid for and maintained with TIF dollars
and doesn't understand why it couldn't continue to be paid with TIF dollars. After discussion,
President Julius asked Councilperson Samuel to discuss this issue with Redevelopment.
11. Thunder Vendors on Riverside Drive: Councilperson Smith stated that he spoke to the residents
of the 600 block of Riverside Drive about their complaints regarding vendors in front of their
residences during Thunder. Councilperson Smith remarked that with the bridge construction it is
going to be havoc down there for the next several years. President Julius had remarked that
those vendors normally placed in that block could be moved to the 700 block of Riverside near
the Sheraton Hotel and parking lot. Councilperson Sellers stated that she has no problem
moving vendors in front of the Sheraton, but the contract Sara Kraft sends to vendors should
state that fewer vendors would be accepted because the City won't have room for them.
Councilperson Smith explained that the neighbors in the 600 block have numerous complaints
and the Parks Authority voted to ask the City Council to address this issue and make an
amendment to the ordinance. Councilperson Smith made a motion to AMEND the ordinance
prohibiting vendors in front of the Harbors in the 600 block of Riverside Drive with
Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0.
CITY COUNCIL ATTORNEY REPORT: None at this time
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None at this time
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilperson Smith: Received an email from County Councilman Vissing stating that they are
going to have a PERF workshop March 18th, 1:00-3:30pm at the Jeff Library and suggested
possibly city department heads attend.
Ed Zastawny: None at this time
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Councilperson Payne: By passing the tax abatements in today's meeting they have created
roughly 150 new jobs and is happy that Mendards is coming to Jeffersonville and Amatrol is
expanding.
Councilperson Sellers: None at this time
Councilperson Gill: Asked Mr. Merkley to let everyone know at the department head meeting
to say thank you from the Council to all those who worked during the snow/ice storm.
Councilperson Glover: None at this time
Councilperson Owen: Proud of the Street Department, Fire, and Police, who did such a good
job handling the snow/ice storm. Informed the Council that a local artist, David Smith, passed
away. One of his paintings of an Indiana covered bridge was purchased by the City and is
hanging in Human Resources Director Kim Calabro's office.
Nathan Samuel: The RFP on the (Tenth Street) berm has gone out and everyone should be
seeing something happening soon with that.
The Utility Box II project is returning this spring/early summer and new cross -walk art is coming
this summer as well.
The Arts Commission has been asked by Redevelopment to help select and coordinate some
bike racks and benches.
This Thursday night from 6:00-8:OOpm in the Council Chambers Mr. Scott Irick who does
Earthship work and is constructing a Targe bench for the City, will be participating in
"Community Talk" to get community input.
Has asked City Engineer Andy Crouch to attend the next Council meeting on March 17th to
discuss the sidewalk master plan.
President Julius: The visits to Amatrol and Voss/Clark that some of the Council members
participated in last week went very well and would like to continue to visit companies who are
such good stewards for Jeffersonville.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilperson Smith made a motion to ADJOURN with Councilperson Owen seconding,
PASSING on a vote of 9-0. Meeting ADJOURNED at 8:25pm.
Vicki Conlin, City Clerk
OVED BY:
Dennis Julius, P tsident
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