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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.