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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 7, 2014COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA April 7, 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, April 7, 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 Sellers, Councilperson Gill, Councilperson Glover, Councilperson Samuel, President Julius, and Councilperson Owen. Absent was: Councilperson Payne. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the agenda with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. MINUTES TO BE APPROVED: Councilperson Samuel stated that he had emailed the City Clerk concerning two errors in the March 17, 2014, minutes and Clerk Conlin explained that the minutes in their packets include these changes. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the minutes from the March 17, 2014, regular Council meeting with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED: General Claims: Controller Amy Deering presented the General Claims list and the addition of two hand carried claims for property and casualty insurance for $278,612.94 and National Night Out Trivia for $120.00 bringing the new total to $1,261,369.08. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the General Claims list with the changes with Councilperson Gill seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: None at this time DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT: 1. Chief Chris Grimm — Travel Expenses for Honor Guards: Chief Grimm came before the Council to request approval for approximately $5,000 in travel expenses for the Jeff Police Department's Honor Guard to attend the Wall Ceremony in Washington, DC presenting fallen JPD Officer William Drury's name to the Wall of Fallen Officers. Chief Grimm stated that he has money within his budget to cover this expense. Councilperson Zastawny made a motion to APPROVE the travel expenses with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 2. Shane Corbin — Steamboat Days and Funding: Mr. Corbin presented the Council with an overview of the Steamboat Festival, its budgetary needs and the many activities that are going to take place. Mr. Corbin explained that the budget for the Festival has been estimated at $78,400, which was based upon the budget for Smokin' on the River. Mr. Corbin asked the Council to approve another $10,000 1 to the already $10,000 they have allocated for a total of $20,000, which is the same amount that the UEZ and Redevelopment allocated. After discussion, Councilperson Samuel made the motion to APPROVE 10,000 additional dollars for a total of $20,000 to come out of Gaming with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. The Council thanked Mr. Corbin for all the good work he is doing for the Steamboat Festival Committee as well as the Arts Commission. 3. Chief Eric Hedrick: Chief Hedrick stated that he sent an email to the Council regarding Thunder overtime. Chief Hedrick explained that last year they were able to use the Thunder budget item that the Parks Department holds to staff the incident command post and pay for the overtime. Chief Hedrick stated that Mr. Northam informed him that the Park's Authority does not want him to use that fund for that purpose this year. Chief Hedrick stated that he is here tonight to ask the Council for permission to use those funds after all. Chief Hedrick explained that his overtime budget started at $200,000, but was cut back to $180,000 last year and that is what they started with this year. However, last year they were allowed to use approximately $13,000 from the Parks Department for Thunder. Chief Hedrick stated that he just wanted to make the Council aware that the overtime that they are using was from a different source last year. Councilperson Sellers stated that that fund is actually a non -reverting fund that was established in 2009, and was never intended to pay salaries from it. Its purpose was to pay permit fees, security badges, office supplies, etc. Councilperson Sellers stated that she spoke to City Clerk Conlin who advised them that in the 1782 form for this year they have $15,000 in their overtime budget for Thunder. Councilperson Sellers stated that the overtime budget isn't a pressing matter at this time with the regular overtime being $165,000 and the additional $15,000. Councilperson Glover asked if the amount of personnel being used will be the same this year as it was last year. Chief Hedrick stated yes, but the calculation in the rate is actually a 30% decrease — the overall overtime rate has come down this year. Chief Hedrick also stated that he wanted to advise the Council on a costly repair to truck #45. The estimate for the repairs are approximately $8,000-$10,000. Chief Hedrick explained that this expense is within their budget and will be paid out of the Truck Repairs line item. A. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Scott Lewis — 2014 -OR -11 An Ordinance Amending Thunder Over Louisville Vendors (Passed on is` Reading 3-17-14): Council Attorney Lewis stated that nothing has changed on 2014 -OR -11 since Council passed it on the 1st reading. Councilperson Owen made the motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -11 on the 2nd and 3rd reading with Councilperson Smith seconding. AYE Councilperson Smith Aye Councilperson Zastawny Councilperson Sellers Councilperson Gill Aye President Julius Councilperson Glover Aye Councilperson Owen Aye Councilperson Samuel Aye NAY Nay Nay Nay After the roll call votes, the motion to approve 2014 -OR -11 on the 2nd and 3rd readings PASSED on a vote of 5-3. 2 2. Kim Calabro — 2014 -OR -12 An Ordinance Amending 2014 -OR -1 An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the City of Jeffersonville, Clark County Indiana, for the Year 2014 (passed on 15t and 2"d): Ms. Calabro stated that she wanted to clarify to the Council that the individual who is going from pay grade AA -1 to a AA -2 is currently at the maximum in pay grade AA -1, but is approximately $1,500 to $1,800 off the maximum in the new pay grade AA -2. This employee has 42 years of service with the City. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -12 on the 3`d reading with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 3. Amy Deering: Ms. Deering presented an ordinance to the Council for additional appropriation. PUBLIC HEARING — 2014 -OR -13 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation: Council President Julius opened the public hearing at 7:37pm and without further comment closed the public hearing at 7:38pm. Ms. Deering stated that there are no changes to 2014 -OR -13 and is requesting 3rd and final approval. Councilperson Glover made the motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -13 on the 3rd and final approval with Councilperson Zastawny seconding. Councilperson Smith stated that the ordinance had previously passed on only the first reading and this motion should be passed on the 2"d and the 3rd reading to make it final. Councilperson Glover made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -13 on the 2"d and 3rd reading with Councilperson Zastawny seconding. Councilperson Sellers asked if this ordinance passes, does it mean they will be going ahead with involvement in Code Red. Ms. Deering stated that it will indicate funding of the Code Red. Councilperson Smith stated that he is not in support of a long-term, four-year contract with Code Red due to the fact that there is a lot of free information that is available and he isn't sure the $15,000 is justified. Councilperson Smith suggested a two-year contract. Councilperson Glover RESCINDED his motion to approve 2014 -OR - 13. Councilperson Sellers asked Safety Director Amir Mousavi if he had an estimate for a two-year contract and he stated that he did not. Mr. Mousavi stated that it isn't a good idea to pull out from the emergency notification after two years because people become dependent upon it and although there are free weather apps, not all emergency information is free. Ms. Conlin stated that she has Code Red on her phone and during the flooding she received notification before anything came through from the National Weather Service, WHAS or WAVE and there was at least a 3 minute lag on those alerts. Ms. Conlin stated that two minutes can make a big difference in certain emergencies. Councilperson Samuel asked Mr. Mousavi to look into the cost of a two-year contract with Code Red and bring the information back to the Council to make a decision. Councilperson Smith stated that he would bring Code Red up at the next 911 meeting and suggests the cost be shared county -wide. Councilperson Smith made a motion to AMEND 2014 -OR -13 by removing Code Red with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -13 as amended with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 4. Amy Deering -2014-OR-14 An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds within the Same Department (passed on 1st reading 3-17-14): Ms. Deering stated that she has three new items and is requesting that the ordinance be amended. Item #1 is $200,000 in Gaming which was originally budgeted under Equipment and are requesting it be transferred to the transfer outline because it is typically used to support some of the Parks Department functions, Item #2 is the $20,000 that Council approved for the Steamboat budget, Item #3 is $3,000 for the Building Commission to be taken out of the Equipment and moved to the Training. Councilperson Owen made a motion to AMEND 2014 -OR -14 as described seconded by Councilperson Zastawny, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -14 as amended on the 2"d and 3rd reading with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 3 5. Les Merkley — Inter Local Agreements: Mr. Merkley requested that this be tabled. Councilperson Owen made a motion to TABLE with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. B. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Attorney John Kraft — Preliminary Discussion of the Vacation of Unimproved Roadway (Woodland Court): Mr. Kraft came before the Council with a petition to vacate roadway Woodland Court which was platted in 1941 and reflects the name of the street as Dorsey Avenue which was later changed to the name Woodland Court. Mr. Kraft stated that the roadway that he is requesting to be vacated is called Woodland DRIVE and doesn't actually exist. Mr. Kraft stated that he represents the estate of Thomas Osborne who is the owner of this real estate. Mr. Kraft explained that a public hearing would have to take place on this issue, but is here today to answer any questions the Council may have concerning it. After discussion, the Council thanked Mr. Kraft for coming to tonight's meeting. 2. Joe LaRocca — Clark County YMCA Community Outdoor Walking Trail: Mr. LaRocca and Mr. Bill Barber came before the Council to discuss funding the building of a walking trail on the property that is currently being used as a park behind the YMCA. Mr. LaRocca explained that the City has improved accessibility to the park from the Meadows Subdivision by creating sidewalks and they feel a walking trail would serve the general public and the approximately 1,500 homes in the Meadows well. Mr. Barber stated that they have received an estimate with Bobby Libs of $30,000. To finance the project, they are looking at grant options and other sources for funding and would like the Council to consider a grant of $10,000 toward the project. Councilperson Samuel stated that he sees the value in this project, but would like to discuss it at the next Park's Authority meeting. 3. Scott Lewis — 2014-OR/R Ohio River Greenway Memorial and Monument Policy: Mr. Lewis stated that it was brought to his attention by Shauna Graff of the Ohio River Greenway Commission that the City of Jeffersonville hasn't adopted the Memorial and Monument Public Art Policy of the Ohio River Greenway Commission. Clarksville and New Albany have already adopted this policy and in order for the Greenway Commission to continue to get their proper funding, this is a resolution that Jeff will need to create. Mr. Lewis explained that if the City adopts this policy, all City -owned property within the Ohio River Greenway boundaries then has to go through this process for any sort of memorials, monuments or public art and submitted to the Greenway's Committee for approval. Mr. Lewis warned that by accepting this policy, it will somewhat conflict with the existing resolution within the Public Arts Committee that we already have. Councilperson Smith asked what the boundaries are for the Greenway and Mr. Lewis stated that he has asked for this information, but has not been given an answer as to what specific property comprises the Greenway. Mr. Lewis stated that he is not asking for action on this tonight, but instead would like for the Council to read and digest the policy before making a decision. Councilperson Samuel stated that if the Council goes along with this Greenway Policy, he would like to determine a way to blend it with the Public Arts Committee Policy. 4. Les Merkley — 2014-R-6 Resolution Regarding the Amendment of the Inner City Road Economic Development (Matching Grant Funds for Amatrol Project): Mr. Merkley explained that a few weeks ago the Council approved a tax abatement for Amatrol for a proposed expansion. At that time, it was anticipated that the request to use TIF dollars to assist Amatrol in a grant they are receiving from the State of Indiana would be presented to the Council. The grant will go toward the matching portion of the job training grant which will assist them in their efforts to expand. Mr. 4 Merkley stated that Redevelopment and the Planning Commission have approved this request and it is now in being placed before the Council for approval. Assuming the Council approves, it will go back to the Redevelopment Commission for a public hearing and final consideration. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2014-R-6 with Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 5. Les Merkley — 2014 -OR -15 An Ordinance Authorizing and Approving First Supplement to Trust Indenture (Armstrong Farm Apartments): Mr. Merkley explained that back in 2000 when Armstrong Farms was built there was a bond issued that requires a governmental entity to approve for tax purposes. The City of Jeffersonville was the issuer of that bond and the borrower was the developer of Armstrong Farms. They are now requesting to rework that deal with the bank which will have no impact upon the City. They want to accomplish two things: 1) timing of the interest payments and 2) rework the schedule for the Sinking Fund redemption. Mr. Merkley stressed that the City is not obligated on this bond, but the City is the issuer and therefore, is required to consent to any changes to the arrangement with the bank pursuant to the agreement. Councilperson Smith made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -15 on the 1st and 2nd reading, with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 6. Les Merkley — 2014 -OR -16 An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 1014 Kehoe Lane and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit A from C1 ro R3: Mr. Merkley stated that this rezoning ordinance received a favorable recommendation by a 5-0 vote from the Planning Commission. Mr. Merkley introduced the applicant, Ms. Summer Packwood, to explain to the Council what she is requesting. Ms. Packwood explained that the original property was a C1 zoning for assisted living and she now wants to proceed with establishing an assisted living for adults with mental illness with the proper rezoning of R3 since the neighborhood is a residential area. President Julius OPENED the public hearing at 8:27pm and without any further comment, the public hearing was CLOSED at 8:28pm. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -16 with Councilperson Glover seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 7. Amy Deering — 2014 -OR -17 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation: Ms. Deering stated that this is in regards to the three line items that Chief Hedrick discussed in the Finance Committee Meeting for the Council's consideration. President Julius explained that the majority of this was money that was spent for training, etc., for the firefighters last year was to be reimbursed to the General Fund and stated that he explained this to Chief Hedrick during the Finance Committee meeting. Councilperson Glover questioned whether or not it made sense to go ahead and appropriate some of this money now to the fire training budget in the anticipation of being used. Councilperson Sellers stated that the training/travel requests have to come before the Council anyway and if necessary can appropriate more money. Councilperson Sellers explained that this will help the Council keep a handle on it. Vice President Gill explained that per the State Board of Accounts, reimbursements need to go back to where it was taken out of. Ms. Deering stated that the funds have already been placed back into the General Fund and this ordinance is asking only to appropriate to be able to spend them. Chief Hedrick stated that it is the expenses associated with the training such as the overtime that is the difficulty, not the training budget itself. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to vote on, with the expectation that it will be voted down, 2014 -OR -17 with Councilperson Zastawny seconding. 5 Councilperson Smith Councilperson Zastawny Councilperson Sellers Councilperson Gill President Julius Councilperson Glover Councilperson Owen Councilperson Samuel AYE X X After the roll call votes, 2014 -OR -17 FAILED to pass on a vote of 6-2 NAY X X X X X X 8. Les Merkley — 2014 -OR -18 An Ordinance Adopting Immediate Moratorium on Billboards and Digital Signage: Mr. Merkley explained that there has been a lot of discussion at the Planning and Zoning level concerning signage and specifically billboards. Members of the Planning Commission and P&Z Director Corbin have decided to update the sign ordinance and the comprehensive plan and feel that it makes sense to designate a moratorium in the interim. If approved, Ordinance 2014 - OR -18 will place a 6 -month moratorium on any new application that may come into P&Z requesting a billboard, digital billboard or variable sign (LED). Councilperson Zastawny made a motion to SUSPEND the rules in anticipation of passing 2014 -OR -18 on all three readings with Councilperson Smith seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. Councilperson Zastawny made a motion to PASS 2014 - OR -18 on all three readings with Councilperson Smith seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. CITY COUNCIL ATTORNEY REPORT: None at this time PUBLIC COMMENTS: None at this time COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilperson Smith: None at this time Ed Zastawny: None at this time Councilperson Sellers: on April 25th Kim Calabro is having a health fair and would like to borrow Council's popcorn machine and wanted to be sure that it was ok with everyone. Requested Les Merkley and Scott Lewis create an ordinance for an event area at the Steamboat Days Festival which was done for Thunder. This ordinance will keep out unwanted walking vendors within that area. Requested Mr. Merkley have Mr. Williamson with Pro Media provide a list outlining what department head he worked with during the month assisting them with their pages on the website, how many hours it took, what was changed on their website to insure that the extra $500 a month the City is paying Pro Media for this service is being used to the best of its ability. Also, request this same information be provided on any work that is provided on the City website monthly. Informed the Council that the Sewer bills that went out this month had an increase and has received telephone calls from constituents. Mayor Moore told constituents on his City Facebook page that the City Council is responsible for the Sewer bills and Councilperson Sellers stated that 6 the better answer to this constituent would have been there will be an additional rate increase in January and there are 90 million dollars in bonds the sewer users have to pay back as determined by the EPA. Increased sewer bills are not just happening to Jeffersonville, it's all the cities and towns that are near water that are affected. Mayor Moore should have explained that he is President of the Sewer Board, and the Council passes what the Sewer Board recommends. Councilperson Gill: Have a safe and happy Thunder this weekend. Councilperson Glover: None at this time Councilperson Owen: Go Big Blue!!! Nathan Samuel: None at this time President Julius: advised Mr. Merkley that he is getting a few phone calls regarding the change in the towing service for the police and asked if the City has requested any proof of liability insurance and licensing from them. Mr. Merkley stated that he was not involved in that, but will follow-up to make sure that they are. ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson Owen made a motion to ADJOURN with Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. Meeting ADJOURNED at 8:49pm. Vicki Conlin, City Clerk PPROVEDBY Dennis J , President 7