Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-1992COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE~ INDIANA MARCH 23, 1992 The Common Council of the Citylof Jeffersonville met in special session in the Mayor's Conference Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville~ Indiana~ at ?:00 P.M. on the 23rd day of March, 1992. The meeting was called to order BY Mayor Raymond J. Parker Jr.~ with Clerk and Treasurer The roll was called Bill Wilder~ L. C. Richard Spencer Jr., at the desk. and those present were Councilpersons III, Donna M. Frantz, Peggy Knight Potters and Steven R. Stemler. Wolpert~ Andrew Williams Marie Clapp, Robert L. is to Absent: None. Mayor Parker explained the purpose of this informal meeting receive an update regarding the ~Hughes Development of the Riverfront. The Committee that has been w~rking with consists of Councilpersons Williams, Stemler, and Frantz. Mayor Parker then introduced Mr. Dan Shotwell: the Hughes Group, asking for his comments. Mr. Shotwell the Hughes Group Attorney for distributed a handout that listed by date the significant steps that had been taken by the Hughes Group, along with a copy of the actual Corps of Engineer's permit. Mr. Shotwell explained that original plans involved the riverfront from Jeff Boat tolthe Kennedy Bridge using a large sketch~ and giving details. He then explained that due to Corps of Engineer's special conditions there will be a loss in expected revenues due to the number of slips, the fwel restrictions, as well as more costly requirements for excavating and poles. The original plan is no longer financially feasible~ howe~er the Hughes Group would still like to see that something is done. Therefore, the Hughes Group now proposes the City take over the area from Riverside Drive to the River from Jeff Boat to the boat ramp, as well as do all 'the infrastructure work. The Hughes Group does have the Corps approved plans and this would be an advantage to~ the Council some of the cut backs were not d~e to the adverse visual impact historically. Mr. City. He reminded the engineering but due to Shotwell explained the PAGE 8 MARCH 83~ 1992 original lease called for a base rent of $40~000~ and the new proposal call for a base rent of $80~000. The rent on a proposed floating restraurant was reviewed. Councilperson Wilder questioned the time involved. Mr. Shotwell explained Hughes would start following the City making the shoreline improvements. Council President Williams stated his concern for the area proposed to be turned over to the City as ~here is significant erosion in this area. It is believed the required corrections could cost as much as three or four hundred thousand dollars. Financing would be a factor. This combined with the downscaling of the revenues leads him to feel this will not be acceptable. momentum. Mr. Shotwell replied there would like to be involved. There is a need is a permit and to continue some the Hughes Group Councilperson Frantz asked if the Hughes Group would "give" the permit to the City. Mr. Shotwll explained this would be only if the Hughes Group was involved. She has been getting calls with callers stating the City is getting the bad end of the deal. This is her personal feeling also as she does not feel this would be a "joint" venture. Councilperson Frantz then questidned the floating retaurant. Mr. Shotwell explained that under the lease agreement there would be a sublease with prior approval. If the Hughes Group does not become in the project the restaurant subIease would come back to the involved City. Councilperson Potter cannot go'fOr the proposal as the City would have the high-cost area, and all the maintenance, with the Hughes Group retaining the high revenue areas. Mr. Shotwell explained there are grants and funding available to municipalities that are not available to private firms. Councilperson Frantz questione~ the rental fee for the docks. Mr. Shotwell feels this would be i~ the $?00 to $800 range. Councilperson Stemler questioned how much support the City Group. Mr. Shotwell explained the more more valuable the corner properties hopes to ke~p the support of the Hughes could count on from the Hughes development in the area the become. Councilperson Stemler Group. PAGE 3 MARCH B3, 1998 Director of the Deparment of for a first-class operation to be William L. Weidner and John $30~000 a year and B5% charged does feel the City should do would like to be involved. professional the long run. D. Perkins that would give the City to any comme~rcial venture. Mr. Perkins this themselves, however if not they Tom Lindley stated he is in favor of letting a do a professional job as he feels it would be cheaper in He pieads~ "let's get it done". Nr. Lewis Newlan, President oflthe Jeffersonville Park and Recreation Board was in attendance with three additional Board members. Mr. Newlan reviewed the goals of the Park Board explaining the Board is a signator to the lease. .The City did not have the financial resources for the necessary worki so R.F.P's were advertised and one plan was received. This plan provided the same income as had been previously received from the boat docks. The estimated upkeep of the riverfront green area was at $50~©00 which was offset by dock income of $40~000. As he understaods the proposed figures, he rental feels it won't work. Mr. John Moffitt asked included the debris deflector. Mr. Mr. Shqtwell if the new proposal Shotwell answered no. Mr. Moffitt feels there is no benefit to the City under the new proposal. The questi'on of the money paid by the Hughes Group to the City was raised. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer explained approximately $92,500 has been received from the Hughes Group. This money has been put in the Council budget and has been spent for Park improvements. Mr. Newlan thanked the Council, the Mayor~ and the Clerk Treasurer for their support in providing funding. Mr. Carroll Gowens~ Redevelopment has an estimated cost between $900~000 and $9B0,000. If an agreement is not reached by April 1~ 1992, negotiations would have to be reopened. T~e money paid by the Hughes Group to this point would remain with the C~ity. Mr. John Perkins explained whatI he had been involved with over the last eight years. He feels it wo~ld be foolish for the City to do anything but by themselves. Mr. Perkins then presented a proposal for the development of the Riverfront from James L. Carter: lease. original PAGE ~ MARCH 23, 1992 Councilperson Wilder Attorney Gillenwater lease~ was to do the questioned Article VI of the original answered th~ Hughes Groups under the improvements.' Mr. Jim Gillenwater agrees with most statements, however there are other people in Jeffersonville t~an those on Spring Street and Riverside Drive. Mr. Bill Saurer stated the evidenced by the new elected officials. ivoters wanted change as He would like to see these done to the new officials given a change. Something needs to be Riverfront and this is an important decision. Mayor Parker stated he and the ~ouncil have since the first Council meeting in January ~and that is why committee was appointed. ~ keep our been involved the Mr. Jim Woerle agrees with most !here tonight. He wishes to riverfront like it is. He urges money be made some place else. MY- · Harry Wilder does not feel'development should be given away: but the City should do it on its own Mayor Parker set another meeting for Monday~ March 30: 1992 at 9:00 o'clock P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Potter made the motion to a~journ at 8:30 o'clock P.M., seconded by Council President Williams and carried unanimously. ~MAYO~R' RAYMOC~D J.~PARKER · ATTEST: CLERK AND TRE ~REN U~/~l~M SPENCER