HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-1993COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE~ INDIANA
NOVEMBER 15, 1993
regular
Jeffersonville,
1993.
The Common Council
session in Council
Jr., with
Indiana~ at 7:30
of the City of Jeffersonville met in
Chambers in the City-County Building~
P.M. on the 15th day of November,
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker
Clerk and Treasurer' C. Richard Spencer Jr~ at the desk.
Mayor Parker welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to
stand as Councilperson Steven Stemler gave the invocation. He then
asked all those present to join
flag.
The roll was called
Bill Wolpert~ Andrew Williams
him in the pledge of allegiance to the
and those present were Councilpersons
III, Donna M~ Frantz~ Peggy Knigh~
Wilder,
October
Barbara Wilson, Robert L. Potter, and Steven R. Stemler.
Absent: None.
Mayor Parker presented
6, October 11~ October
the minutes of the meetings of
18~ and October 29~ 1993 for
the
consideration by the Council. Council President Potter made
motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson
Frantz~ and carried unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list with
two additional claims for consideration by the Council. Councilperson
Williams expressed concern for the small claims being taken from the
Cumulative Capital Development Fund. He would prefer to see 'these
come from the Departments and reserve this fund for large lease
payments. Following all discussion, Councitperson Williams made the
motion to approve payment of presented claims allowing only the
payment to Liberty National from the Cumulative Capital Development
Fund, asking the department to pay the others from within the
department~ seconded by Councilperson Frantz, passing on the following
roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons
Frantz~ Wilder~ and Wilson.
Nays: None.
Stemler, Potter~ Wo!pert~
Williams,
PAGE 2
NOVEMBER 15~ 1993
Mr. Greg Filer, Attorney representing Kovert Hawkins and
Armstrong presented Resolution No. 93-R-B1, A Resolution Confirming
An Economic Revitalization Area And Approving Statement of Benefits.
This has been published as a public hearing 'For the request for tax
abatement for the southeast corner of ?th and Walnut. Attorney Filer
explained the process. He then introduced Mr. Hal Kovert who gave a
history of the firm explaining they currently have no room to grow.
Mr. Kovert further explained the firm will have complete on-site
parking. The partners have been active in public services to the
community. When the question was asked if there were public comments.
Mr. James Bennett stated he does not feel a 10 year abatement is
appropriate with other businesses paying taxes. Ms. Nolan does not
feel this is fair to taxpayers with taxes going up. Mr. Kovert
explained that without tax abatement the project would either be
cancelled property tax being generated. Mr.
Charlie impact. Attorney Filer explained the
firm will tax on the equipment, and property tax
pay personal
reduction will be 90~
The average citizen
explained this is now
or delayed with no
White questioned the
property
the first year: 80~ the second year and so on.
would not be subsidizing. Mr. John Palmer
an empty lot and even with a ten year abatement
the City would be getting something~ Mr. Hawkins explained the firm
is asking for a little help to be able to increase their payroll by
increasing jobs at a family wage of $25,000 and up. Council President
Potter does not view this as giving away~ but building up the tax
base. Councilperson Stemler wishes to be supportive of downtown
efforts~ Following all discussion~ Council President Potter made the
motion to pass Resolution No. 93-R-31, seconded by Councilperson
Stemler~ passing on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons, Stemler, Potter~ Wolpert~ Williams,
Frantz, Wilder, and Wilson.
Nays: None.
Mayor Parker stating he does feel it is the general
consensus to develop the riverfront~ would like to initiate proposals
for a floating restaurant~ asking for imput from the Council. Mr.
Mike Maschmeyer Attorney for the Ogden Corporation requests the
Council allow those applicants that submitted R.F.P. responses~ a
PAGE 3
NOVEMBER 15~ 199B
reasonable time to submit a revised response. The advantages to this
would be time~ and ease in getting activity started quickly. He
requests a motion to allow applicants to submit a revised proposal by
December 1, 1993. Mayor Parker would like to have a stipulation to
have something started within a time frame if it is the Council's
desire to go ahead. Council President Potter is concerned for the
need to address the historic stipulations. Attorney Gillenwater
advice is that if the terms are changed~ others must be notified as
well. His suggestion is to start back where it was left last June
with the stipulation that if riverboat gaming became legal in
Jeffersonville in the future, the City be allowed to relocate the
restaurant or that the City be able to buy out the lease. He believes
an R.F.P. with historical stipulations could be ready by the end of
the week, and if 30 days are given, it would be possible to have a
restaurant next year. The City does have a permit and is in the
process of obtaining a revised permit. This should not be tied to
gaming or for more than 10 or 15 years. The Parks Board does want
better communication
suggested a
necessary to
between the Board and the Council~ They have
joint meetingl Councilperson Frantz asked if it is
rescind the Resolution to share in the gaming revenue.
To Attorney Gillenwater~s knowledge this never has been signed by all
parties. Ms. Sharon Smith asked why al! parties would be given a
chance and not just those that submitted proposals. Attorney
Gillenwater explained the law requires that all be given a chance.
Those that did not apply before may apply
provide a Corps of Engineers Permit. It
Council that Attorney Gillenwater should
R.F.P. for a floating restaurant and to
the Park Board. It is possible for two
now because the City can
is the concensus of the
proceed in preparing an
arrange a joint meeting with
parties to have a Corps ~ermit
for the same area. The Corps permit held by the City does not have a
design approval.
Councilperson Stemler introduced Mr. Brian de St. Croix~
President of the Southern Indiana Economic Development Commission~
stating that the Commission hired Mr. de St. Croix five years ago. tn
these five years the Commission has located B4 industries and secured
PAGE 4
NOVEMBER 15~ 1993
over $75 million in investments and helped create 1300 family wage
jobs. The Commission has won i0 national awards. Mr. de St. Croix
has been working with the Mayor and other departments of the City.
Mr. de St. Croix distributed printed information to the Council going
over the structure and the work of the Commission. He does feel the
Commission has done very well in the last five years and hopes for
more in the next 5 years. Following review of accomplishments Mr. de
St. Croix thanked local government for the tremendous support
explaining he feels the future is very bright for Southern Indiana as
we have a good product~ it is a quality area~ good workforce, and a
government that works well with the private sector. Marketing is done
internationally. The local officials are helping by creating a
solvent community that addresses the issues of growth. Councilperson
Stem!er asked what industries took at and what is unique with Indiana.
Mr. de St. Croix explained that Southern Indiana can be proud of the
people and the overall sense of working together, access to marketing
and supplies, ability to work in partnership with local institutions~
and the fact it is a great place to be. Inventory taxes are a
detrement. The EDGE legislation is highly likely to pass. Prosser,
adult eduction, and continuous eduction programs help provide a
workforce. The focus needs to be on technology education. Mr. de St.
Port Road
Croix believes the signature address
and Highway 6~ with the Crider and
area.
Council
for the area will be
Crider project locating
President Potter introduced Resolution No.
in this
93-R-3B,
A Resolution To Advertise For
be in the amount of $200,000
not administrative vehicles.
for WWTP payment in lieu
An Additional Appropriation. This will
to purchase on-street police vehicles~
He proposes to fund this with $100~000
of taxes~ $50,000 from Department of
Redevelopment payment in lieu of taxes, and $50~000 from the general
fund proceeds from the sa'le of the old WWTP. The money is available
for the insurance and the Vehicle Maintenance Department will install
the light bare and equipment taken from the old cars. Council
President Potter made the motion to pass Resolution No. 93-R-3~,
seconded by Councilperson Wolpert. Councilperson Williams has
recieved a letter of concern regarding the condition of the police
PAGE 5
NOVEMBER !5, 1993
vehicles. He is concerned for the condition of the vehicles however
there are changes in terms of cost. He would prefer 8, 9, or 10 safe
cars used in shifts. Councilperson Williams is not in support of take
home cars. He does underetand that these cars would need to be
rotated over
Resolution No.
Ayes:
Wilson.
a shorter period of time. Following discussion,
93-R-32 passed on the following roll call vote:
Councilpersons Stemler~ Potter, Wolpert~ Wilder~ and
Nays: Councilpersons Williams and Frantz.
The first meeting in 1994 wilt be scheduled for January 10~
1994.
Council President Potter introduced Ordinance No.
An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same
93-0R-63~
Department
(Vehicle Maintenance, Common Council, Clerk and Treasurer~ Fire
Department~ City Attorney~ Building Commissioner, Police Department,
Fire Department~ and Park Department). Council President Potter
explained the transfer in Vehicle Maintenance and Common Council will
allow for the repairs to be made to the Vehicle Maintenance Building.
Council President Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for
Ordinance No. 93-0R-63~ seconded by Councilperson Wolpert~ carrying
unanimously. Council President Potter made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 93-0R-63 on all three readings, seconded by
Councilperson Wolpert. Two transfers totaling $4,400 for' the Fire
Department were questioned. Following discussion it was agreed to not
approve these. Council President Potter then amended his motion to
pass Ordinance No. 93-0R-63 with the exception of the $A,400 in the
Fire Department on all three readings~ seconded by Councilperson
Wolpert passing on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons, Stemler, Potter, Wolpert~ Williams,
Frantz~ Wilder, and Wilson.
Nays: None.
Councilperson Frantz asked for a final reading on OrdiDancp
No. 93-0R-58, City of Jeffersonville Take Home Vehicle Policy saying
this would be necessary im order to get a declaratory judgement filed.
She also asked the Council to allow her to file that and to~ave money
PAGE 6
NOVEMBER 152 1993
in the budget to pay the fees, if any. Council President Potter
called attention to a copy of a letter that has been forwarded to the
Attorney General asking for an op'inion on the question of who has the
authority. He has been promised an answer in two to three weeks. He
realizes Councilperson Frantz has spent a lot of time on this~ however
he is asking her to wait for an answer to his letter as he is sure
this will be before the next meeting. Councilperson Frantz made the
motion to pass Ordinance No. 93-0R-58 on the third and final reading,
seconded by Councilperson Wilder. Attorney Gillenwater explained no
filing fees will have to be paid, however if a declaratory judgement
is asked 'For there will be a need to hire an attorney to present it in
court. In all likelihood that decision cannot be made by the court
any faster than receiving the opinion from the Attorney General and
will cost more money. Councilperson Wolpert appreciates Councilperson
Frantz's hard work although he does not feel it is the call of the
Council and could not vote for it. Mayor Parker asked why
Councilperson Frantz cannot wait for an Attorney General's opinion.
Councilperson Frantz feels this could have been done before now,
saying her motion stands. Mayor Parker is only thinking of saving the
taxpayer money. Councilperson Frantz said if it is necessary she wilt
pay for it herself. Ordinance 93-0R-58, passed on the following roll
Councilpersons Stemler, Williams, Frantz, Wilder, and
call vote:
Ayes:
Wilson.
Nays: Councilpersons Potter and Wolpert.
Attorney Giltenwater reviewed a letter from the Board of
Commissioners involving the recent deed transfer for areas of Warder
Park. This transfer included the footprint, but did not include the
parking area in the rear of the buildings~ The Commissioners are
requesting a similar exchange for the parking lots. A deed of
correction may be filed. Attorney Gillenwater will have the necessary
documents ready for the December meeting.
Attorney Gillenwater hopes to have an Ordinance ready within
the next week regarding retirees insurance.
Mayor Parker announced Mr. Bill Thornley has resigned from
the Ethics Commission. The Council will consider a replacement at the
next meeting.
PAGE ?
NOVEMBER 15~ 1993
Council President Potter wishes
Thanksgiving.
Councilperson Wolpert also wishes all
everyone a Happy
a Happy Thanksgiving.
He thanked Councilperson Stemler for the recent workshop.
Councilperson Williams said there are concerns for the
control or responsibility for the Ken Ellis Building. Assistant Park
Superintent Don Poole said this is being worked on and will be brought
up at the December Park Board meeting. Councilperson Williams would
like to be kept abreast of this. Council President Potter reviewed
the $5~000 donation to the Council for Aged and Aging.
Councilperson Frantz also wishes to thank Councilperson
Stemler for the workshop. She asked for an update on the Hamburg Pike
Sewers. Attorney Gillenwater has talked with Engineer Lanz and found
there is a preliminary plan that will be presented to the Board of
Public Works and Safety on Monday. There is no cost estimate at this
point
This is
limits.
project.
however~ it will be more
in an area of potential
Councilperson Frantz
and money toward a
The next
o'clock P.M.
than $50~000~ but less than $100,000.
commercial development within the City
also requested an update on the DeMars
Mayor Parker explained Mr. Carroll Gowens has been requested
to be at the next Council meeting.
Councilperson Wilder explained there are repairs being done
to all three fire houses ~ue to hail damage. The City has collected
$~3~000 from the insurance company for these repairs. Chief Dooley
managed to get a bid to do the roof repairs for $10,180 which has
allowed him to do additional repairs such as paintings a new furnace,
vehicle~
meeting will be Thursday~ December 16, at ?:30
Councilperson Wilson
Jeffersonville" which will be Friday,
8:00 P.M. She would like all to come.
Councilperson Stemler would also
DeMars Project. He appreciates the Council's
de St. Croix~ as he is doing a good
reminded a! 1 of "Light
December 3~ form 6:00 P.M.
Up
to
like an update on the
attention to Mr. Brian
job for Southern Indiana.
PAGE 8
NOVEMBER 15~ 1993
Councilperson Stem!er presented
the Saturday workshop.
Mr. Mike Hurt questioned if bids
police vehicles. The Crown Victorias will
the Council with a written summary of
were requested for the
cost $13~249 and be
purchased through the State Bid from a minority dealer in Indiana.
Mr, Russell Goode asked why the City will agree to allow a
tap in for a subdivision that is not in the City. Mayor Parker
explained this does make money for the sewer department and they have
given up the right to remonstate
Commissioner Gavis explained they will
fees and higher rates.
Ms. Mary Goode asked if there
this year, Shelter Director Wheatley
finished.
There being no further business
against annexation. Building
have to pay more on the tap in
is heat in the Animal Shelter
explained this is almost
ATTEST:
CLE~R~ AND TREASt~ER C. ~W~H~RD SPENCER JR.
seconded by Councilperson Stemler and unanimously carried.
to come before the Councii,
Council President Potter moved to adjourn at 9:B5 o'clock P.M.