HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 1, 2015COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
June 1, 2015
The Common Council of the City ofJeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in Room 101, 500
Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, Indiana at 7:OOpm, on Monday, June 1, 2015.
Council President Gill, with Vicki Conlin, City Clerk, called the meeting to order at 7:OOpm. President Gill
asked those in attendance to stand as Mr. Bobby Campbell gave the Invocation. Council 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 Webb, President Gill, Councilperson Julius, Councilperson Owen, and
Councilperson Samuel. Absent were Councilperson Zastawny.
MINUTES TO BE APPROVED:
Councilperson Owen inquired about few things on the minutes from the Regular Council Proceedings on
May 18, 2015. He was absent so stated he would be abstaining from the vote. On page two (2) in the
first paragraph, Councilperson Smith made a motion to approve advertising for a new ladder apparatus
and tanker pumper, and I wanted to make sure there was only two (2) apparatus being bid out, it's a
quint which is a ladder apparatus and then the tanker pumper. President Gill clarified it was just two
(2). Councilperson Owen also asked about under Joe Hurt, number two (2), talks about a minimum of
four (4) people per apparatus. President Gill clarified this was just for the aerial apparatus's, not all of
them. Councilperson Owen stated he was not present for the May 18, 2015 meeting so just wanted to
clarification. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the May 18, 2015, Council Regular
Proceeding minutes with the changes, with Councilperson Smith seconding, PASSING on a vote of 7-0-1.
With Councilperson Owen abstaining.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
President Gill states they need to add Mr. David Simpson to New Business as number one (1) and move
everyone else down. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the agenda with the change,
Councilperson Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED:
General Claims: Assistant Controller Heather Metcalf presented the general claims list in the amount of
$1,554,796.61. She stated there were two (2) hand carried claims: $1,500.00 for Public Arts and
$1,700.00 for the Park's Department. This brings the new total to $1,557,996.61. Councilperson Samuel
made a motion to APPROVE the claims, along with the hand carried claims, with Councilperson Julius
seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
REPORT OF THE CLERK:
City Clerk Conlin stated she had a couple things. First, she would be in training with State Board of
Accounts next week. Second, her request was that if anybody is going to be on the agenda please make
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sure she is notified before Wednesday so we can start on the packets first thing Thursday morning.
Councilperson Smith asked what would be a good policy if something happens and we do have
somebody come up and we have to get them on. This is just in case something happens, it happens
seldom but it does happen. Clerk Conlin stated she needed to be notified as soon as possible, via text
was fine. What happens is paper and time is wasted. The last thing that is done is printing the agenda
and we start on the packets.
A. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Heather Metcalf — Public Hearing- 2015 -OR -24 An Additional Appropriation (Passed on rt
reading 5/18/15): Public Hearing opened at 7:10, closed with no discussion. Councilperson
Smith made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -24 on the Second and Third Reading, with
Councilperson Sellers seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
2. Heather Metcalf — Public Hearing - 2015 -OR -25 An Additional Appropriation (Passed on ft
reading 5/18/15): This was changed for the Fire salaries. Public Hearing opened at 7:12, closed
with no discussion. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -25 on the
Second and Third Reading, with Councilperson Julius seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
3. Heather Metcalf - 2015 -OR -26 An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within the Sam
Department (Passed on 1St reading 5/18/15): Councilperson Sellers made a motion to APPROVE
2015 -OR -26 on the Second and Third Reading, with Councilperson Smith seconding, PASSING
on a vote of 8-0.
B. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Dave Simpson, Report on Sponsorship Program: The City Partners Program has a focus on City
partners and what we can do to build a long term relationship. The concern was what to do in
order to get it in place and going for 2015; and in turn continue to grow it and continue it into
the years to come. Any numbers I give City Council are numbers that are contracted as of today.
Moving forward we have several businesses and large corporations alike that are getting
involved and we are presenting to. We have not had much response from the larger
corporations in years past. But we continue to get the support of local businesses like Walnut
Ridge, Snyder Lance, Krunchers, Security Pros, Coyle, and Chevrolet; just to name a few that are
on board this year as well. In addition to those, some of the other corporations that we've
talked about and are talking to are Thornton's, UPS, Coca Cola, Papa Johns; we are continuing
discussions with them now and trying to get them involved in events now and the ones in years
to come. With that said, the reviews we've been getting in the market have been great. These
meetings we've been having are not just one on one but they are City Partner focused, our foot
is in the door and we are moving in the direction we want to go in to build a business
partnership. We want to show them a return on their investment as they continue to support
us. We can show them as businesses how to grow their brands. Just wanted to share this
information with you.
2. Kenny Kavanaugh, Chief JPD — Memorandum of Understanding for JAG Grant and 2015-R-6:
Come before the council asking for a resolution that is in support of an Interlocal agreement
between Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and the government of Clark County. This is a justice
assistance grant. We've been participating in this report for fifteen years and it allows us to
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apply for this grant that is approximately $50,000.00. This would allow each agency to purchase
equipment. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE, with Councilperson Sellers
seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
3. Kelly Hoffman — Revolving Loan Fund Request Schimpff's: Last week the Revolving Loan
Committee approved a recommendation for City Council for a $100,000.00 loan to Schimpff's
for an expansion. Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the loan request, with
Councilperson Smith seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
Warren Schmipff wanted to thank the council for doing this. They are Jeffersonville's oldest
retailer. Serving Jeffersonville for 124 years. They are going to tear down the buildings in the
back and build a two story structure plus a basement. It is quite a huge project and they do
appreciate the help. This is going on with the next generation, his cousin's son. They are
digging into continuing the tradition in downtown Jeff. They will stay open during construction;
do not foresee any major closures.
4. Les Merkley — Public Hearing - 2015 -OR -27 An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map
Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 509 Ohio Avenue and Fully Described in
Attached Exhibit 1 from R3 to C1 (One Reading): This property comes on a favorable
recommendation from the Planning Commission. Kelly Muellen stated right now it is residential,
but she wants to put a two chair beauty salon in the property and an office in the back. Public
Hearing opened at 7:24, closed with no discussion. Councilperson Smith makes a motion to
APPROVE contingent upon the approval of the zoning change, with Councilperson Owen
seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
5. Les Merkley - Public Hearing - 2015 -OR -28 An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Map
Designation of a Certain Tract of Property Located at 1506 East 10th Street and fully Described
in Attached Exhibit A from C2 to C1 (One Reading): This comes on a favorable recommendation
from the Planning Commission. The applicant is Hall's Properties Incorporated. Public Hearing
opened at 7:26, closed with no discussion. Councilperson Smith makes a motion to APPROVE
2015 -OR -28, with Councilperson Wadsworth seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
6. Heather Metcalf — 2015 -OR -29 An Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing June
15, 2015): Need to remove this item from here and add to a transfer for the next meeting.
Councilperson Owen made a motion to APPROVE the transfer and add this item to the June 15,
2015 meeting, with Councilperson Julius seconding, PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
7. Kim Calabro — 2015 -OR -30 An Ordinance Amending 2015 -OR -17, Amending Ordinance 2014 -
OR -54 Fixing the Salaries of Appointed Officers and Employees for all Departments of the City
of Jeffersonville, Clark County, Indiana for the Year 2015: Christine Geiser, on behalf of Kim
Calabro, has three amendments to make: Court Clerk Position needs to be eliminated,
Administrative 1 to full time status for Park's, three fire fighters increasing the number from 19
to 22. Councilperson Samuel makes a motion to APPROVE 2015 -OR -30 on the First Reading,
with Councilperson Julius seconding, PASSING on a vote of 6-0.
8. Lisa Gill — Letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation for TIGER Grant: Emailed out and
there is a copy in the packet. The Core is applying for this to expand their rail. I just wanted you
all to have a chance to read this because I would love to get this to Redevelopment to hopefully
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up their chances of getting this grant. Councilperson Owen makes a motion to APPROVE
sending this letter on their behalf, with Councilperson Samuel 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:
Jim McCosky, 1934 Majestic Meadows Dr. Clarksville, Indiana, 47129 - Subject to be addressed: 10`h
Street: The condition of the medians on 10`h Street is detrimental to the city. The only way to describe it
is it is deplorable. In our retirement years my wife and I have had the privilege of driving around the
country. Every chance we get we try to get off the Interstates and go through the small towns and
country roads. Every time we come into a city or town and there is a beautiful sign and landscaping it
gives us a positive impression and makes us maybe want to stop and shop, eat, or get gas. But when we
come into a town and there is nothing it immediately leaves a negative impression and we don't even
want to stop for gas. In my opinion we have the same situation at 10th Street. If anyone entered the city
from 10`h Street and saw the condition of these medians, I'm sure they'd try to find the quickest way out
and have no incentive to do anything here. I think it is deplorable this has been allowed to happen, I
don't know who is responsible or done this, but it needs to be corrected. Another issues to be
addressed are the bios wells here in town. Those are in horrible condition in terms of weeds and
everything. My wife and I are part of City Pride and have been maintaining some for the last three or
four weeks. But it is getting to the point we can't get down there and pull out those weeds. This is a
situation that needs to be addressed yesterday. I don't know who is responsible or if you as a council
can do anything but I hope you can, I hope someone will take some pride. You can walk down different
portions of the streets and you can tell what City Pride is doing. But there are other portions in
Jeffersonville that it doesn't look like there is any city pride.
Councilperson Sellers stated that the Council cannot contract, hire, or tell city employees where to work;
that is an executive function of the city. This year there is a team of four individuals working to get this
Green Team going. President Gill stated that one of the board members in Drainage is concerned that if
we don't do something in the next couple weeks we will lose the Bios Wells. Councilperson Smith
showed multiple photos of the Bios Wells and medians that need attention. Park's Director Paul
Northam stated that they got a late start this year. Prioritizing as best he can, does not want to give
excuses, they are trying to get caught up. All the employees have been out working, not just Green
Space. This 10`h Street median issue is a huge job and that doesn't even touch the Bios Wells. They are
doing the best they can with what they have. Agrees that there are things that look a mess.
Councilperson Samuel stated that we need to put a plan on paper and go forward. Councilperson Sellers
stated it would be nice to have a schedule for the parks. Councilperson Julius stated that we need to be
knowledgeable on what we are doing and using the proper chemicals. Councilperson Smith asked
Councilperson Julius if he thought the Green Team was a waste. Councilperson Julius stated no, that he
wished it had started earlier. Councilperson Smith asked if some of this stuff could be addressed
quickly; should they come up with a plan to contract out. If this is done then Paul and his team can
manage better. Councilperson Sellers stated it could be quicker and cheaper if they contract out.
President Gill suggested to Paul that they have a meeting that week and have a dialogue to come up
with solutions. Councilperson Julius thanked City Pride because they are boots on the ground and they
appreciate that.
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COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilperson Mike 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: Wanted to talk about Schimpff's for a minute. Having a local downtown business
myself, using the low interest revolving loan years ago, it is a great tool that was set up years ago for
downtown business and downtown development. And that low interest, I mean, they are cutting the
interest rate by two-thirds; and it is a huge advantage for downtown businesses. The Schimpff's are
very loyal to Jeffersonville and good stewards to Jeffersonville and I applaud the council for approving
that because you will get a big bang for your buck.
Councilperson Owen: None at this time.
Councilperson Samuel: A couple things. First of all, I spoke with Andy Crouch and I've asked him if he
would come to the next meeting and do a sidewalk master plan update and talk about the sidewalks and
he has had time to start working on them and he said he'd come. So I'd ask our Clerk if he could be put
on the agenda. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is our second phase of our utility box paintings. And
in case we have a rain out or it doesn't work we will be doing it in two weeks. We have thirteen boxes
and you can see, these are the ones that were selected by the Public Arts Commission as the winners
and these thirteen different pieces will be wrapped around the box. Some are even on the top. Last
time we did it we had the trolley, this time we aren't doing that because they are spread out through
the city. These are all spread around. We are going to try and do something fun with it, like once they
are all done maybe have a contest if you take your picture with all the boxes you get something or post
it on Facebook or something. They are all over town and hopefully it will generate quite a bit of
excitement and I thought I would share with the audience and council people that if you are out and
about this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, if you see these people out there painting, thank them or holler
at them. That's another positive thing.
President Gill: We got a heartfelt thanks from the Bryant family that were for flowers we sent to Charlie.
And the 12th Annual Jeffersonville Celebration Freedom parade is July 4, 2015 at 11 a.m. This
Wednesday is the graduation for the first Citizen's Police Academy Class. I did survive, I will graduate. I
highly recommend it when they have another one for anyone to attend.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilperson Smith made a motion to ADJOURN at 8:18pm with Councilperson Sellers seconding,
PASSING on a vote of 8-0.
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Vicki Conlin, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
Lisa Gill, President
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