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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-30-1993COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE~ INDIANA SEPTEMBER 30~ 1993 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonvitle met in the Mayor's Conference Room~ in the City-County Buildings Jeffersonville, Indiana~ at 4:00 o~clock P.M. on the 30th day of Septembers 1993. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker Jr.~ with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr~ at the desk. The roll was called and those present were Councitpersons Andrew Williams III, Donna M. Frantz~ Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Robert L. Potter~ Absent: Councilpersons Gill Wolpert and Steven R. Stemler. Attorney Gi!lenwater presented and read aloud Resolution No. 93-R-27, A Resolution Prohibiting Private Contact Between Gaming Interests And Common Council Members, as revised. Council President Potter inquired what would happen if a casual contact on the street is seen and charges are brought. He fears a suit will be filed and action held up. Attorney Gillenwater suggests anyone with ,in interest should avoid contact during the next three weeks~ Jeffersonville~ it is necessary to make this Indiana has statutory laws which on the part of anyone improperly Passage of this Resolution would structure of any one of the applicants is total control. This Resolution would almost David Nachand, Attorneys is troubled by this, as by an honest prohibit tying to 426 East Court Avenue~ its nature~ it implies that procedure. The State of improper or illegal contact influence a council member. a game of "gotcha". The so large there cannot be encourage the planting of a saboteur. The impact on the City of Jeffersonville can bm monumental and disasterous. Mr. Nachand feels the State Gaming Commission will avoid communities that are embroiled in litigation. Another point to remember side of the Ohio River would This would be an opportunity to elected representative body~ Commission which is appointed. and he suggests is the possibility exists that the South like to see Riverboat Gambling fail. make allegations. This Council is an different from the Indiana Gaming Thim is an extremely complicated area · the ability to gain information not be cut off. Mr. PAGE ~ SEPTEMBER 3©~ 1993 Nachand would advise any individual that is not interested in talking to someone, "just say no". He requeste the Council say just that to this Resolution. out Councilperson Wilder inquired if the wording could be taken regarding the right to receive a license if communication is made. Attorney Gillenwater explained this has nothing to do with receiving a license, only the ability to lease and receive a recommendation. Attorney Gillenwater welcomes any changes. Council President Potter asked what would prevent someone from accusing another as the R.F.P.~s have not been seen. He sees the City as standing a chance of losing. Mr. Jim Keith, Executive Director of Tourism Bureau asked for a definition ,of "gaming had a long interest in bringing gaming to Southern Indiana and has almost daily contact with elected officials. Attorney Gillenwater explained it would mean financial interest. Mr. Keith would not have the Convention and intereet"~ as he has a personal financial interest, however the Bureau would have a financial interest. Attorney Gillenwater does not believe this is the intent. The intent is to have all deal on a level playing field. Councilperson Williams called attention to the Ethics Ordinance passed several months ago believing all understand the meaning of ethics. He believes this Reeolution would form a protective wall from a form of harrassment. There is the option of saying no. Councilpereon Williams thanked Mr'. Nachand for his this to if this comments. He does praise Attorney the Council as an option. It is Resolution is needed. Mr. Wayne Estopinal~ Gillenwater for bringing up the Council to decide President of the Estopinal Group of Jeffersonville~ under contract with the Ogden-Hughes Group explained he has had contact with the Council that has been beneficial and not a form of harrassment~ Members. He believes there is no need for As a businese he has contact with Council with the Ethics Ordinance and the media ~atching this Resolution. Mayor Parker believes this iea double edge sword as there are two sides to the issue and this is an important issue. PAGE 3 SEPTEMBER 30~1993 there will will be in could Counci!person Wilder believes if the referendum is to pass~ is a need to make a committment to the public that the Council not be undoly influenced. She encourages passage as she feels it be negative to the public if not passed. All information should the proposals. She suggests any questions that would come up go through someone such as Administrative Assistant Donn Baird. A Councilperson would have the right to make any contact public. rather on the time. Councilperson Williams would than a Resolution. There will be a policy adopted next Monday dealing with contact prefer a formal log be kept by the Board of Public Works with City employees on City Clerk and visiting other sites would be in a group. Treasurer Spencer questioned the possibility of and the If this is done it possible contact. 93-R-~7, amending it Nachand believes even a disadvantage as not believes the log is a Council President Potter likes the idea of the log. Councilperson Wilder made the motion to pass Resolution No. to include "taken into consideration". Mr. if this is diluted it places some applicants at ail applicants need a lease from the city. He good suggestion. Following further discussion~ Councilperson Frantz made the second to the motion made by Councilperson Wilder to pass Resolution No. 93-R-B? as amended. The motion was defeated by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Nays: Councilperson Councilpersons Frantz and Wilder. Councilpersons Potter, Wilson, and Williams. Wilder asks that all contact be kept in a · formal log and submitted to Council President Potter. Mayor Parker welcomed all explaining this exciting that the Council now begins the process Riverboat Gaming operator. Mayor Parker then presented porposals. The first proposal was received September 10:28 A.M. from Ohio Riverside Development Corporation. was received September 30~ t993 at 11:40 A~M. Group. The third proposal was received from is important and of selecting a the o'fficial 30~ 1993 at The second from Promus-Churchill the Ogden Group on PAGE 4 SEPTEMBER 30~ 1993 September 30, 1993 at 11:42 A.M. The deposits have been turned over to the Clerk and Treasurer's Office and the receipts are available. Each Councilperson will receive a copy of each proposal. The City has hired a consultant to help with the proposals. The next meeting will be Wednesday, October 6~ 1993 at ?:BO P.M. in the General Jackson Room of the Ramada Hotels Jeffersonville where presentations will be made by the proposal applicants. Redevelopment Director Gowens will have copies made for the press and any gamers who would like copies. This will be available at the Redevelopment Office. Section B, (banking and financial section) will be confidential. There will be a copy available for public review. The Council agrees with this. The basic plan will be made available to the libraries. Copies may be purchased for the amount charged for printing by the printer. Ms. Laura Moffitt of Spring Street Riverboat Casino Partnership has made information from the proposal available to the media. Ms. Ann Walker of DeMars Haka explained her group is in the process of making a copy available to the media. When questioned, Director Gowens explained he has been advised by the law firm of Baker and Daniels the financial information may be kept confidential ae was stated in the R.F.P. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Williams moved to adjourn at 5:00 o'clock P.M~ eeconded by Council President Potter and unanimously carried. MAYOR RAY~E~D J. PAR~ER JR. ATTEST: CLERK AND TREASURER C. RI~FCAR~ SPENCER JR.