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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 2, 2015COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA February 2, 2015 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in Room 101, 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, Indiana at 7:00pm, on Monday, February 2, 2015. Council President Gill, with Vicki Conlin, City Clerk, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm_ President Gill asked those in attendance to stand as Councilperson Samuel gave the Invocation_ President Gill then led all those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll call and those present were: Councilperson Smith, Councilperson Wadsworth, Councilperson Sellers, Councilperson Julius, Councilperson Webb, President Gill, Councilperson Owen and Councilperson Samuel. Absent was Council Vice President Zastawny. MINUTES TO BE APPROVED,: Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the January 19, 2015, minutes, with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGEND,A: Councilperson Smith requested adding to the agenda purchasing a table for Council members at the Jeff Main Street fundraiser "Chili 8c Brew". Councilperson Owen made a suggestion to place it under NEW BUSINESS as item #10. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the agenda with the addition of Item #10, 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 in the amount of $858,713.96. Councilperson Sellers requested the removal of two claims under City Court: reimbursement to Ken Pierce for Annual Indiana Attorney's dues for $180 and a claim to Sherman Minton American for membership renewal dues for $200. Councilperson Sellers stated that this has nothing to do with being City Court Judge since you don't have to be an attorney to hold the position of City Court Judge. Ms. Deering stated that the claim to Ricoh for $530.17 included a late fee and after calling the company they waived the $7.91. Ms. Deering stated that the new total is $858,326_05. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the general claims list with the changes with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Ms. Conlin requested that people who come to speak at the Council meetings to please walk up to the podium. Ms. Conlin stated that they have had difficulty in picking up discussion on our recording system from people who speak from the back of the room, or who are seated on the side_ Ms. Conlin stated that she recently attended the IACT Legislative Committee meeting and noted that there are some hearings that are coming up on a couple of bills next week that Council members may be interested in calling the legislators on. Ms. Conlin stated that she will forward this information to them along with her notes regarding those bills. 1 Councilperson Owen reminded the Finance Department that the signature pages on the claims list needs to be updated to reflect the new Council members' names. A. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -1 PUBLIC HEARING — An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation for Specific Sidewalk Projects: Mr. Merkley stated that the next two items on the agenda are related and reference the sidewalk projects. 2015-0R-1 which has passed on the first and second readings specifically outlines the projects to be funded pursuant to the appropriation and 2015 -OR -2 is the ordinance that will actually appropriate the money for the sidewalk projects. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -1: Council President Gill OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:06pm and without further comment the Public Hearing was CLOSED at 7:07pm. Councilperson Samuel made the motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -1 on the Third and Final Reading, with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 2. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -2 — An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation: Mr. Merkley explained that 2015 -OR -2 is an appropriation for the entire amount of the Specific Sidewalk Projects. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -2: Council President Gill OPENED the public hearing at 7:08pm and without further comment the public hearing was CLOSED at 7:09pm. Councilperson Samuel made the motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -2 on the Third and Final Reading, with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 3. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -3 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2012 -OR -62 Establishing the Police Non -Reverting Fund: Mr. Merkley stated back in 2012, the ordinance that established certain non -reverting funds was amended and the amendments, created by the previous City Controller, violate State Statue and needs to be brought to compliance. Certain funds that the Police Department collect need to be segregated into their own non -reverting fund. Previously, the Controller placed all these funds into one. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -3 on the Third and Final Reading with Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 4. Amy Deering — 2015 -OR -4 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation: Ms. Deering requested approval of 2015 -OR -4 stating that there have been no changes since the prior meeting. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -4: Council President Gill OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:10pm and without further comment the Public Hearing was CLOSED at 7:11pm. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -4 on the Third and Final Reading with Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. B. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Rob Waiz — 2015-R-2 Resolution Approving Statement of Benefits for Proposed Real Property and Personal Property Tax Abatement (Chemtrusion, Inc.): UEZ Director, Kelly Phillips, introduced Ann Keller and Matt Hall from One Southern Indiana along with representatives from Mytex Polymers and Chemtrusion. Ms. Phillips explained that they are present tonight to request abatements and Matt Hall will be presenting both of these together as it is a joint project; however, they are two separate companies and have two separate tax abatements. Ms. Phillips stated that the personal property abatement amount for Mytex Polymers was quoted 2 incorrectly. The original amount in their packets states 1.7 million, but should be 2.3 million and Ms. Phillips passed out the corrected paperwork to the Council. Mr. Matt Hall stated that this is a joint project between Mytex Polymers and Chemtrusion, not a partnership project. Mytex Polymers is the customer and Chemtrusion is the supplier. Mr. Hall explained that these two companies are returning after a downturn of the economy and are witnessing increase in growth. Mr. Hall explained the project they are discussing tonight would increase the competitiveness for the Port of Indiana location through scale of operations, the use of new technologies and it would make their presence here in Jeffersonville stronger. The scope of this project includes the removal and relocation of existing equipment, the acquisition and installation of new equipment, expansion of rail storage and the expansion of their warehouse capacity. With this project, eleven new jobs will be created with an average wage of $19/hour excluding benefits adding $434,949/annually in new payroll to the regional economy. The real investment by Chemtrusion would be $1.4 ML, the personal property investment by both companies totals over $6.1 ML. The total project investment for this particular project is $7,431,000. Mr. Hall respectfully requests Council's support for these two projects. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2015-R-2 for Chemtrusion, Inc. with Councilperson Webb seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 2. Rob Waiz — 2015-R-3 Resolution Approving Statement of Benefits for Proposed Personal Property Tax Abatements (Mytex Polymers): Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2015-R-3 for Mytex Polymers with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 3. Chris Grimm —Jeffersonville Police Department Training Request Form Force Science Certification: Assistant Police Chief Greg Sumler explained that this training request is a course that is conducted by a psychologist teaches the officer what their body goes through and what you experience in a dynamic use of force situation. With the addition of body cameras, a lot more of what happens will be scrutinized. This training helps them to understand why they did what they did (or did not). Asst. Chief Sumler stated that the training is within their budget. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the training request with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 4. Amy Deering — 2015 -OR -5 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation: Ms Deering stated that this request is up for a first reading tonight. Chief Grimm made a request at the last meeting to appropriate insurance proceeds to buy a new vehicle, the second item is the annual Greenway contribution and the last two items to fund the Woehrle Athletic Complex. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -5 on the First Reading with Councilperson Julius seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 5. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -6 PUBLIC HEARING An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 628 Michigan Avenue and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit A from C2 -DC: Mr. Merkley stated that this property is currently owned by the Department of Redevelopment and is the old Gray and Wells Building. Planning and Zoning Director Shane Corbin is recommending that this property currently zoned Commercial C2 be changed to Downtown Commercial (DC) which is more consistent with the surrounding area. This request comes to Council with a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -6: President Gill OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:22pm and without further comment the Public Hearing CLOSED at 7:23pm. 3 Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -6 with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 6. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -7 PUBLIC HEARING An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 405 Meigs Avenue and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit A from NC to R3: Mr. Merkley stated that the property is currently zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and he is requesting a rezoning to R3. This request comes with a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission. The property had previously received a variance to operate a flower shop, but since moving the shop, they are requesting it now go back to its original zoning of R3. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -7: President Gill OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:25pm and without further comment the Public Hearing CLOSED at 7:26pm. Councilperson Sellers made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -7 with Councilperson Owen seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 7. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -8 PUBLIC HEARING An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property located at 2413 Utica Pike and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit 1 from R1 to PD -R1 2413: Mr. Merkley stated that this property is located next to Perrin Pointe. The rezoning request received a unanimously favorable vote from the Planning Commission. Attorney Alan Applegate stated that they will be building five additional units in Perrin Pointe that look identical to the other units and will be built with the same construction materials, etc. Mr. Corbin asked them to continue a mixed-use pathway across this property which they have agreed to do. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -8: President Gill OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:28pm and without further comment the Public Hearing CLOSED at 7:29pm. Councilperson Sellers made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -8 with Councilperson Webb seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 8. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -9 PUBLIC HEARING An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 1013 E. Market Street and Fully Described in Attached Exhibit A from C1 -M1: Mr. Merkley stated that this request comes before Council with a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission. The property is located across the street from Jeff Boat. There are three parcels of property and this one sits in the middle. Both side properties are zoned Multi -Family. Mr. Merkley stated that they are requesting that this property be changed from C1 to Mufti -Family (M1), the same as the other properties on each side of it. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -9: President Gill OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:30pm and without further comment the Public Hearing CLOSED at 7:31pm. Councilperson Sellers made the motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -9 with Councilperson Webb seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. 9. Les Merkley — 2015 -OR -10 PUBLIC HEARING State of Indiana Plan Commission Recommendation to Jeffersonville Common Council to Amend Portions of the Jeffersonville Zoning Ordinance 2000 -OR -61: Mr. Merkley stated that this request comes before Council with a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission. Mr. Corbin is requesting that our zoning ordinance be amended to include a list of special exceptions in the M1 zoning classification including assisted living. Currently the assisted use is permitted in the M3 districts and also special exception can be granted in the M2 district. They are asking Council tonight for 4 special exception to the zoning ordinance under the M1 as well. Councilperson Julius stated that there should be stipulations of a 100 bed maximum, one floor (no high rise) and cap it at 60,000 square feet. Councilperson Samuel stated that Councilperson Zastawny wanted him to confirm to the Council in his absence tonight that the three stipulations Councilperson Julius just mentioned he is in agreement with. Mr. Merkley suggested Council make a motion to amend this ordinance to reflect those three restrictions and then take a vote to adopt the ordinance as amended. Once this is done, it will have to go back to the Planning Commission. PUBLIC HEARING — 2015 -OR -10: President Gill OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:34pm and Marty Chalfant, 2304 St. Andrews Road, came forward to address the Council on behalf of the property owners who adjoin this property. Mr. Chalfant stated that if the plans for the project continue as they have stated, they feel that it is a good project for the City, good for the neighborhood and they all look forward to it happening. Councilperson Sellers stated that the only thing that came before the Planning Commission was the change in the zoning ordinance and they haven't seen any of the plans that Mr. Chalfant was presenting tonight. Without further comment, the Public Hearing CLOSED at 7:44. Councilperson Julius made the motion to AMEND 2015 -OR -10 with the three stipulations with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. Councilperson Julius made the motion to PASS 2015 -OR -10 as amended with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. (Clerk Conlin requested someone from Council bring the amendments to her tomorrow so that she can attach to the ordinance.) 10. Purchase a table for Council at the Chili & Brew Fundraiser sponsored by Jeff Main Street: Councilperson Smith asked Council members if they would like to purchase a table ($400) to support the Jeff Main Street fundraiser "Chili & Brew". President Gill explained that this is an event that Council purchases a table to every year and is generally well attended by Council members. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE purchasing a table at the "Chile & Brew" with Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. CITY COUNCIL ATTORNEY REPORT: None at this time. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: None at this time. PUBLIC COMMENT: President Gill requested an addition to all future Council meeting agendas for a section entitled BOARD REPORTS in order to stay abreast of what is going on within the different boards, committees and commissions. Ms. Conlin stated that she will include this on future agendas. Marty Chalfant — Update on Redevelopment Commission: Mr. Chalfant stated that the Meijer Tax Assessment Ruling was discussed at the Redevelopment meeting. There was a recent ruling at the Indiana Tax Board that Meijer wants to get their assessment reduced by 50% in Indianapolis and if this holds, all the other big box users are going to ask for the same thing. Mr. Chalfant explained that it affects the City and Redevelopment by TIFS, bonds, debt capacity and anything we have tied to property taxes. Mr. Chalfant stated that he knows that some of the other big box users are queuing up to do the same. Ms. Conlin stated that this was brought up in the IACT Legislative Committee. IACT is working on some language to assure that the municipal financial bodies are made aware of these appeals. Councilperson Julius stated that this could also be made retroactive and Mr. Chalfant stated that it could. Mr. Chalfant shared an executive summary of a downtown parking study to Council members. 5 Mr. Chalfant stated that Redevelopment approved a change order to the Police Station for the enhanced radio system coverage which will give them a boost in areas where cell phone coverage doesn't exist. Mr. Chalfant stated that bids will be opened on February 11, 2015, at 6:OOpm in the Mayor's Conference Room for the Gateway project. Regarding the White Reach contract, Mr. Chalfant stated that they are attempting to get a little bit of earnest money back. There was $10,000 in earnest money and only $2,500 of it was paid by White Reach. Mr. Chalfant stated that there was a vendor who agreed to do a lot of work on the ten acres and White Reach left town and didn't pay them so the vendor came to Redevelopment asking for payment from the City. Redevelopment had no contract with White Reach or this vendor, the contract was between White Reach and the vendor, but Redevelopment paid it. Mr. Chalfant stated that the explanation that was given is this cost can be passed on to the next Gateway developer. President Gill thanked Mr. Chalfant for coming tonight and asked that he keep them updated on Redevelopment issues and the tax assessment ruling. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilperson Smith: None at this time. Councilperson Wadsworth: None at this time. Councilperson Sellers: None at this time. Councilperson Webb: None at this time. Councilperson Julius: None at this time. Councilperson Owen: None at this time. Councilperson Samuel: Stated that Jeff Public Arts Commission is looking into leasing the old Gray and Wells building for one dollar for the Arts Commission to use it as an arts studio facility. By leasing the building for one dollar, this will allow them to control the artists that go in there. Councilperson Samuel explained that the lease can be easily broken at any time if something else presents itself and needs to move into that location. President Gill: Wants to let the public know that the Public Arts Commission is asking for people to complete a survey that they have developed to help them gather some valuable information. Ms. Conlin requested that Arts Administrator Dawn Spyker email her the link to this survey and she will have it placed on the City Council's FB page and web page. Councilperson Samuel stated that he would contact Ms. Spyker. President Gill reminded Council members of the Bliss House Valentine fundraiser that is being held Saturday, February 7' 5:OOpm at Slugger Field. 6 President Gill reminded Council members that Senator Ron Grooms is to have a Town Hall meeting here at City Hall this Saturday, February 7th President Gill asked Council members if in the future, they would please respond yes or no to emails that she sends to them inviting them to an event where a confirmation of attendance is needed. For example, invitations to events that offer assigned seating, or a tour of a company who would like to know how many people they can expect, it is important to respond to them. ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson Owen made a motion to ADJOURN at 8:04pm, with Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. ATTESTED BY: Vicki Conlin, City Clerk APPROVED BY: `L si a Gil , President 7