HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 16, 2014COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
June 16, 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 June 16, 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 Bobby Campbell 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 Payne, Councilperson Sellers,
Councilperson Gill, Councilperson Glover, Councilperson Samuel, President Julius, and Councilperson
Owen. Absent: Councilperson Zastawny.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
President Julius stated that Paul Northam has asked to be taken off tonight's agenda and Amir Mousavi
has asked to be put on the agenda under Department Heads. Remove Jim Bosley with New Hope under
New Business #4 and Attorney Les Merkley requested #5 under Unfinished Business be removed.
Councilperson Samuel stated that he would like the Council to give the Drainage Board members who
were invited to attend tonight's meeting certificates of appreciation for their service. President Julius
stated that this will be done after the approval of the agenda. Vice President Gill made a motion to
APPROVE the agenda with the changes, with Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-
0.
The Drainage Board members that attended tonight's meeting were brought forward and given a
certificate of appreciation by the City Council. Those members are: Rick Madden, Steve Gill, Chester
King, Grant Morton, Curt Jacobs, Bob Rogge, Steve McCreight, Dan Christensen and Charlie Bryant. Vice
President Gill, Council liaison to the Drainage Board, stated that these members work very hard, do their
due -diligence, and expressed her appreciation for all that they do.
MINUTES TO BE APPROVED:
Councilperson Glover made a motion to APPROVE the minutes from the regular Council meeting on
June 2, 2014, with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED:
General Claims: Controller Amy Deering stated that she wants to add a hand -carried claim for City Clerk
Conlin for $387 to come out of the Clerk's budget bringing the total to $361,892.87. President Julius
stated that he will be abstaining from voting on tonight's claims list. Councilperson Sellers stated that
the claim to Estes for Allison Brook Park paid from the Parks Department budget needs to come from
Redevelopment. In addition, $300 of the $2,060 claim to Sounds Unlimited Productions under the
RiverStage budget needs to be moved to the Mayor's Promotional budget for his Thursday movie night
showing of Psycho", which he agreed to. Vice President Gill and Councilperson Sellers asked Controller
Amy Deering to remind Paul Northam that any expenses for Allison Brook Park and the Marina need to
be taken out of Redevelopment. After discussion, Council asked Ms. Deering to pull the claim to Estes
for $180 to be rebilled to the Redevelopment Department making the new total for tonight's General
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Claims List $361,712.87. Councilperson Owen made the motion to APPROVE the General Claims List
with the changes, with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 7-0-1 with President
Julius abstaining.
REPORT OF THE CLERK: None at this time.
DEPARTMENT HEAD/COMMISSIONS/BOARD REPORTS:
1. Andy Crouch — Master Plan for Summer Workers: City Engineer Andy Crouch had two items to
present to the Council. The first was previously presented in March and proposed a mobility
projects at that time. Mr. Crouch explained that they want to move forward with the Middle
Road sidewalks project which will connect between Pebble Creek Drive and Allison Lane,
connecting multiple neighborhoods. This project was in the sidewalk master plan. The cost
estimate for this project is $260,000. They currently have $241,000 from 2010, and are
requesting to bump it up to $260,000 due to inflation. Currently, there is approximately
$250,000 in the sidewalk project budget that has been set aside by the Council through EDIT
funds. Mr. Crouch stated that they will be spending $150,000 to $160,000 of that budget for the
Vissing Park sidewalk that will go from 10`h Street back to Vissing Park, leaving approximately
$90,000 to $100,000. Vice President Gill suggested having Mr. Crouch attend the Council's
Finance Committee meeting to discuss funding and President Julius requested Clerk Vicki Conlin
to add this to the agenda for the next Finance meeting.
Mr. Crouch presented a green space maintenance plan for the City of Jeffersonville. Mr. Crouch
gave Council a list of all the green spaces that need to be maintained on a seasonal basis starting
around March or April through October. Mr. Crouch suggested hiring four additional employees
for the remainder of the season at a cost of $33,000 ($32,000 for labor and $1,000 for
miscellaneous equipment needed). Mr. Crouch suggested a trial basis this year to see if this idea
meets expectations. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to move forward with the
expectation of paying the $33,000 out of the Beautification fund, with Vice President Gill
seconding, PASSING on a vote of 7-1.
2. Chris Grimm — New Police Officer Proposal/COPS Grant: Police Chief Chris Grimm came before
the Council to present his plan for hiring police officers for the City of Jeffersonville. There are
currently 75 sworn officers and plans to hire 5 new officers every year over the next five years.
Chief Grimm outlined and explained for the Council hiring benefits, the Rule of "60" and 2007-R-
11 (Jeffersonville's Fiscal Plan for Annexation) which states that as a result of the annexation,
needs to maintain a ratio of 2 police officers per 1,000 population. The estimated population by
the US Census for 2013 is 45,929 which translates into 92 officers. Twenty-five additional
officers would bring the staffing to 100 which is in anticipation of future growth. Chief Grimm
outlined for the Council the cost of this hiring plan. The General Fund budget for this year's
salaries is $4,089,000 and LOIT budget is $542,100. To hire 5 officers in August, 2014, they
would have to add approximately $150,000 to their General Fund budget and would add
$250,000 to their LOIT budget. Chief Grimm stated that the LOIT budget could be offset by a
year because they wouldn't purchase cars for the new officers this year. Vice President Gili
asked if the cars are fully equipped and Chief Grimm stated yes, they will have everything an
officer needs to hit the ground running. Chief Grimm explained that every year the incremental
cost slowly increases to pay for the additional police officers: 2015 - $362,040, 2016 - $389,755,
2017 - $430,905, 2018 - $474,340. Chief Grimm stated that based on the surplus that the City
has in the General Fund, it funds this plan with no problems and stated that Controller Amy
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Deering can verify the numbers. Chief Grimm stated that this plan spreads the cost over a 5 -year
time frame and will produce no tax increase to the public because the money is already there
and can be funded. Chief Grimm stated that as the City grows they need more officers to meet
the response times and currently we don't have the manpower to be proactive. President Julius
stated that no one here is saying we don't need additional police officers, but the main goal is
how to be fiscally responsible. President Julius explained that his problem with Chief Grimm's
scenario is he doesn't know how they can be fiscally responsible and assume that we will get
more money in every year and if we don't, tap that fund dry. Chief Grimm clarified that it is not
a $5,000,000 increase, but a $2,000,000 increase. President Julius stated that you need to
compound those numbers and Chief Grimm stated that they have been compounded. President
Julius disagreed. Councilperson Samuel stated that they have built up the reserves (emergency
fund) over the last number of years and it appears that the plan taps into their savings. Chief
Grimm stated that it doesn't touch the Rainy Day Fund at all and stated that there is 4.7 million
dollars in the Rainy Day Fund, which is the emergency fund, and there was 5 million dollars left
over in the General Fund for the City of Jeffersonville at the first part of this year and remarked
what better way to spend it than on public safety? Councilperson Samuel stated that his
apprehension is at the level that they are going to be pulling funds from their savings, they could
be faced with the decision to lay off or raise taxes when the savings is gone. Councilperson
Smith suggested the administration, including the Mayor, Chief Grimm, Chief Hedrick and
Controller Amy Deering put together a plan breaking down every officer and the cost, break into
a tax rate and then have the administration along with the Mayor go to Indianapolis and put a
referendum on a ballot that asks for a tax increase to pay for this plan warning that it's not going
to be about just the Police Department, it's going to be about the Fire Department too. Chief
Grimm stated that this isn't the Mayor's plan, this is a plan that the Police Department has been
working on for three months that the Mayor supports. Councilperson Smith stated that he will
not vote for a tax increase or vote to raise sewer bills. Councilperson Owen stated that Council
needs to keep in mind this is a 5 -year plan, nothing is binding and tonight we just need to
discuss what we can do with the next calendar year budget. Councilperson Owen asked Ms.
Deering if this plan was feasible and Ms. Deering stated that she feels that the plan is 100%
fundable. Councilperson Julius made a recommendation for Council to have a workshop on this
proposed plan and include Chief Grimm and Ms. Deering. Also suggests reviewing 2007-R-11
and see what the City committed to and stated if the City committed to something we're not
funding, then we need to find out how to make it happen. Councilperson Glover questioned
what else in a workshop would be presented to Council other than these facts presented by
Chief Grimm, 2007-R-11 and the Controller's point of view of the financial situation.
Councilperson Glover stated that if Council isn't for the plan, go ahead and vote it down now
and be done with it. Councilperson Glover stated that his residents in the 6th District are still
living with County roads, still dealing with response times that are not adequate and they were
promised those things when they were annexed into the City. President Julius explained that
this information was handed to four Council members on Thursday of last week and questioned
how Council can be fiscally responsible by voting on a $5,000,000 claim just four days later.
Councilperson Glover stated he doesn't think if they sat there for six months and had fifteen
different workshops that these figures would change, the Controllers figures would change, or
anybody's opinion would change. He stated that the residents that are paying taxes deserve
police protection that they pay for. Councilperson Glover stated all he asks is if they want to
have a workshop that's fine, but stand up and make a decision and live by it. Vice President Gill
stated that she totally agrees with him, but by asking to look at numbers isn't saying that Council
doesn't want to give them the officers, she just want to make sure they can sustain their 25 -year
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career. Chief Grimm stated that the COPS Grant Deadline is June 23, 2014, and can't apply for
this grant unless we hire. Matt Owen made the motion to APPROVE the Chief to hire three
police officers in conjunction with receiving the COPS Grant, seconded by Councilperson Sellers,
PASSING on a vote of 8-0. Chief Grimm also stated that he would like to have a workshop to
discuss the rest of his proposed plan, and Council members agreed to do so.
Resident Terri Hicks came before the Council to voice her opinion regarding the hiring of the
Police Officers and stated that she understands the Council's hesitance in approving big funds,
but thinks an understaffed force can lead to serious crime issues.
Resident Ron Smith said he is wary of the City spending too much money and warned Council to
not assume that they're going to have the money to pay for it.
Resident Wes Bricker stated that he doesn't think that the Council can afford these new Police
Officers and suggests looking at a hiring alternative to the plan.
Resident David Newton came before the Council to express his concern about the traffic woes at
the corner of Hwy. 62 and Utica-Sellersburg Road. Mr. Newton stated that the turning lane that
the City recently constructed to correct the problem has only been made worse with people
coming out of the Circle K stating that it is now a dangerous situation. Requests that Council
look into an alternate exit out of the area.
3. Amir Mousavi — Update on Fire Truck: Safety Director Amir Mousavi stated that he has been
working with the adjuster, the Fire Department and a Council member regarding fixing or
replacing the truck that was involved in the accident. Travelers Insurance stated that their
adjuster estimates a minimum of $100,000 to repair. The engine, alignments, and ladder will
cost approximately $250,000 to $270,000 to fix. Once they decide what the truck is worth and
how much it will cost to repair it, then we can decide to either keep the truck or decide to buy a
new one. Councilperson Smith recommended the Mayor claiming this issue a state of
emergency or something similar to hurry the process and eliminate the bidding process. Council
Attorney Lewis stated that this request would have to go through the BPW, if it's a true
emergency.
A. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Amy Deering — PUBLIC HEARING on 2014 -OR -25 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation:
Ms. Deering requested approval of this Ordinance stating no changes have been made with the
additional amounts, but have added four reduction items that were circuit breaker cuts that
were discussed at the Finance Committee meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING — 2014 -OR -25: Council President Julius opened the Public Hearing at 8:40pm
and without further comment closed the hearing at 8:41pm.
Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -25 on the 2nd and 3rd reading, with
Councilperson Payne seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
2. Amy Deering — 2014 -OR -29 An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds within the Same
Department: Ms. Deering requested approval of this Ordinance stating that it was approved on
the 1St reading at the last Council meeting and there have been no changes. Councilperson
Sellers made a motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -29 on the 2nd and 3`d reading, with Councilperson
Payne seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
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3. Les Merkley - 2014 -OR -28 An Ordinance Prohibiting Unauthorized Camping: Mr. Merkley
explained that this Ordinance prohibits camping on public property and more importantly
establishes procedures that law enforcement needs to follow when enforcing this Ordinance.
Mr. Merkley stated that he has had correspondence with the Mayor's Homeless Taskforce and
they are comfortable with this Ordinance. There was one request that we notify the homeless
advocates prior to having any sweeps of the homeless camping areas, however, doesn't feel like
this should be included in the Ordinance and instead be kept with the Board of Public Works in
order to give the City more flexibility. Councilperson Samuel stated a couple of concerns that
Ms. Keeney with the Homeless Taskforce had asked for clarification and were they dealt with or
why were not they. Councilperson Samuel read the questions raised 1) Ms. Keeney as asked
about the scope of the Ordinance being limited to this one area since public parks are already
limited to a certain time. Mr. Merkley responded he did not feel comfortable from a legal
standpoint of adopting an Ordinance dealing with one area of the City he thinks we have a much
stronger this is an Ordinance that has been upheld legally in other cities and other communities
and if you say we are going to apply this to on area or one park you have some legal issue that
would have to be answered in Federal Court. 2) The scope of the Ordinance to include private
property seems unnecessary. Mr. Merkley again this is a model Ordinance that has withstood
scrutiny from the courts and at the end of the day very little we can do about private property
anyway this is a way to assure that this is not stricken by the court. Councilperson Smith made a
motion to APPROVE 2014 -OR -28, with Councilperson Owen seconding. Councilperson Payne
stated that although Mr. Merkley stated that this is a model Ordinance, he does not believe the
language in this should include private property so he will be voting against it for that reason.
After discussion, 2014 -OR -28 PASSED on a vote of 7-1.
4. Les Merkley 2014-R-11 A Resolution Approving and Ratifying Interlocal Agreement Between
Clark County (Maintenance/Repair of County Owned Vehicles): Mr. Merkley stated that due to
the fact that there are pages missing from this packet he is requesting that it be tabled.
Councilperson Samuel made a motion to TABLE 2014-R-11, with Councilperson Owen seconding,
PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
B. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Art Greer — Southeast Marines 2014 Car and Motorcycle Show: Mr. Greer explained that the
Marine Corp League is a congressionally chartered veteran's organization. They voluntarily aid
and assist all Marines, Fleet Air Force Corpsmen as well as their widows and children. Mr. Greer
stated that he is here tonight to let Council know what this organization does and the City can
use them as a resource for "Toys for Tots", one of their biggest programs. Mr. Greer stated that
they would love the City's help in collecting those toys. They are having their second annual car
show at Gray and Wells and extending an invitation to Council to the car show.
2. Matt Hall and Wendy Chesser — One Southern Indiana: Ms. Chesser stated that One Southern
Indiana is the economic development and chamber organization for Clark and Floyd Counties. As
of last week, they have 985 business members and they look for partners to help them support
the business community. Ms. Chesser stated that she believes that the best social program in
the world is a good paying job and that is the premise under which their development team
works. Ms. Chesser stated that they were here tonight to give the Council a return on the City of
Jeffersonville's investment in One Southern Indiana. Ms. Chesser stated that their numbers are
good because they work with the existing businesses that want to expand and stay in
Jeffersonville. Mr. Hall gave Council an outline of the progress and current activity in Clark and
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Floyd Counties. President Julius requested One Southern Indiana to create a worksheet on a
company requesting a tax abatement outlining what income we are going to derive over a five
year period stating that needs to be done in order to decide whether to continue giving tax
abatements. The Council thanked Ms. Chesser and Mr. Hall for coming to tonight's meeting and
giving that presentation.
3. Mike Smith — Discussion on the Extension of 911 Consolidation Budget from July 1, 2014 to
August 1, 2014: Councilperson Smith stated that he is on the Fiscal Board and they have all of
the building requirements with the existing building and are in the process of ordering all of the
computer-aided dispatch equipment. Councilperson Smith stated that the hang-up is the
personnel issues and several members on that board have gotten very close to that. The board
had agreed to give the final budget by July 1, 2014, and because of the personnel issues and the
questionnaires that were sent out to all of the municipalities asking for information coming back
so slowly, every representative is going to their municipality and asking for an extension simply
due to personnel. Councilperson Smith said he is requesting that it be extended to August 1,
2014.
4. Kelly Phillips — Resolution Finding Substantial Compliance with Statement of Benefits for Tax
Abatement for 2014: Ms. Phillips presented the Resolution along with the spreadsheet of the
25 companies who filed tax abatements for this year. Councilperson Owen made the motion to
APPROVE, seconded by Council -Vice President Gill PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
5. Lisa Gill — JNLA (Jeffersonville Neighborhood Leadership Association) National Night Out:
Josh Rodriguez, JNLA Chairperson request $6,000.00 for National Night Out (NNO) August 5,
2014. Mr. Rodriguez reported supply schools supplies to 180 children, 22 neighborhood and
roughly 50 neighborhoods, and have won three awards past year, NNO is a crime fighting night.
Councilperson Glover made the motion to APPROVE, seconded by Councilperson Samuel
PASSING on a vote of 8-0. Mr. Rodriquez stated he would like to have a line item in the budget
instead of coming every year to request the money.
CITY COUNCIL ATTORNEY REPORT:
1. Scott Lewis — Dennis Julius Conflict of Interest Statement
Mr. Lewis presented the forms for Approval of the Conflict of Interest Statement with Council
Vice President presiding. Councilperson Samuel made the motion to APPROVE, seconded by
Councilperson Sellers PASSING on a vote of 7-0-1 with President Julius abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
1. Rebecca Doss and Scott Moore — stated that their father lives are the corner of Mulberry and
Market Street at 303 W. Market and the parking has gotten extremely difficult since the bridge
opened and is requesting a resident only parking sign. Mr. Merkley stated that there is a •
moratorium on residential parking signs at this time. Mr. Merkley suggested they take this
request to the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilperson Smith: None at this time.
Councilperson Payne: None at this time.
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Councilperson Sellers: The Mayor vetoed the Ordinance regarding the Steamboat Day Pins
and commented on line that the pins were a tax. Last year, at a Steamboat Day Committee,
Lisa Gill and myself discussed funding and the need to have private and public partnerships.
Free events but overtime has to be paid to police, fire, sanitation, etc. Individuals requested the
Cities Vendor list, was going to contact, and never did. After the first of the year budgets are
set and Shane Corbin went to the UEZ, Mayor to Redevelopment and the Council each
appropriated $20,000. Sara Schultz had stated selling pins for the event could raise
approximately $20,000 for admittance to events. Mayor called the selling of the pins a tax,
UEZ, TIF and Council are all tax dollars, the Council appropriates money for the skating rink and
an admission is charged. Dennis Julius and I met with Paul Northam to hire a contract
employee to go after corporations in Jeff to donate. Two months have gone by now and out of
the one-person name Mr. Julius submitted and the two others that Mr. Northam stated he had,
no one has been contacted or interviewed. Louisville, New Albany, Clarksville and Madison
charge for events, Jeff cannot continue financially to have all events free.
Vice President Gill: Vice -President Gill wanted a workshop on the Police Issue and after the
Finance Committee meeting, she had contacted Councilperson Glover and at that, time was
agreeable to go to workshop. It is important for her to try to make the best decision she can
and there are nine members on this council, going to have opposing positions, but to be more
respectful to each other. It was stated it is fundable and City will be receiving more money into
LOIT, but out of LOIT is purchasing of a new fire apparatus, PSAP, and for new Police Station
portion. Mayor wants 100% of LOIT spend on the new Police Building. Vice -President Gill
wants to sit down and look at LOIT to be able to do her due diligence, not saying she doesn't
support the hiring of new officers but wants to make sure able to fund and sustain these
officers.
Councilperson Glover: None at this time
Councilperson Owen: Mr. Smith, left unfortunately, but I appreciate his passion and views, we
had a little bit of disagreement on some figures and will give him a call.
Councilperson Samuel: Over the weekend, Councilperson Samuel received an email with an
attachment that had a snap shot of Chief Hedrick's Facebook Page. Councilperson Samuel read
the statement. "It is time that the Jeff City Council steps up to the plate and commits to
providing the level of Public Safety the citizens of Jeffersonville deserve. Both the Police and
Fire are presently understaffed. Out of all Class 2 cities in Indiana Jeffersonville ranks LAST in
Firefighters per population and LAST in Firefighters per square mile. LAST, Now here is the
kicker — If you added 15 Firefighters tomorrow -Jeffersonville would still be Last. You Deserve
Better." Councilperson Samuel stated, Past 6+ years he has been on the Council most request,
if not every request brought before us has been granted We may seek out clarification or do
our due diligence but approved. Examples are: New fire headquarters with top amenities;
New training tower; New Safety Town for children's education' 2 new fire trucks totaling
approximately 1.6 million and about to replace another. Fire Board for new river patrol plus
new dually truck, 2 Quad Cab 4wheel drive trucks for Chief and Asst. Chief's;; just to list those I
could recall without looking back.
Councilperson Samuel stated he is disappointed that our Chief chose to go this route, he is a
better man than this, and I feel this Facebook post/social media is disingenuous, irresponsible
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and totally unprofessional. Citizens of Jeffersonville deserve better by our leadership. It
presented as if we (the Council) had denied a proposal. We have not. We have yet to even
receive a written proposal both making the request and justifying the need as well as
appropriate recommendations to fund it. Saying 15 isn't enough, are you asking for 30? We
don't know because no request has been made. Our entire general fund budget is spoken for
or appropriated especially after we just had to cut $3.5 million due to our property tax cuts,
due to our property tax caps. If we use our emergency savings or as other call it "reserves",
without adding revenue, we will blow thru those and then be faced with two options, Layoffs
or raising our taxes. We want neither of those and I am concerned for the Tong -term stability
not just looking at here and now. I would expect our Chief to professional manage our
Department and stop managing via Facebook post or Social media outlets and bring a proposal
to the table where we can have a workshop to openly discuss our options. This Council is very
opened and receptive to whatever our Public Safety needs. We have constraints and want to
do what is right but our job is to make sure we can pay for it. When these statements are
made via social media before a request comes to us it is a slap in all nine councilmembers face
and we deserve better than that.
President Julius: President Julius stated he had received an e-mail from the Jeffersonville
Professional Firefighters Union 558 agrees with growth of the city and comparison to Indiana
2nd Class Cities warrants additional personnel. However, we will not engage in public debate on
the matter until able to sit down with city leaders and discuss all aspects of the city budget and
city growth in order to develop a long-term plan to protect current and future firefighter's jobs.
President Julius stated earlier he had made a comment to Chief Grimm would make everyone
life easier not to hear or read in the media to sit down and collectively try to come up with a
plan instead of pinching others into a corner. It makes sense but doesn't seem like this can
happen. President Julius appreciated the Local 558 making the statement.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilperson Owen made a motion to ADJOURN at 9:35pm, with Councilperson Payne
seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
APPROVED BY:
s
Dennis Juli • resident
Vicki Conlin, City Clerk
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