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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 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6