HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-1992COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
AUGUST 24~ 1992
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonvitle met in
regular session in Council Chambers in the City-County Building,
Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 9:30 P.M. on the 24th day of August, 1992.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond J. Parker
Jr., with Deputy Clerk Barbara Hollis, at the desk. Mayor Parker
welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as
Councilperson Steven Stemier gave the invocation. He then asked ail
those present to join him in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
The roll was called and those present were Councilpersons
Bill Wolpert~ Andrew Williams III~ Donna M. Frantz~ Peggy Knight
Wilder, L. Marie Clapp~ Robert L. Potter, and Steven R. Stemler.
Absent: None.
Mayor Parker presented the minutes
3, 1998 for consideration by the Council.
the motion to approve the minutes as
of the meeting of August
Councilperson Potter made
presented, seconded by
Councilperson Wolpert, and carried unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Hollis presented the
consideration by the Council explaining a claim for
claim list for
$6.40 was listed
twice and should be stricken from the Motor Vehicle Department
listing. Following all discussion, Councilperson Potter made the
motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson
Ciapp and carried unanimously.
Mayor Parker introduced Mr. Mike Forsee, Attorney for the
Jeff Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals to speak regarding
the 2-mile fringe. Attorney Forsee reviewed the history of the
situation to this point. There is a good line of communication
between the City and County officials. There is a need for an
inter-government agreement. The City and County zoning codes are the
same and the master plans are similar. Attorney Forsee has been
informed the infrastructure projects funded thru the County will be
dropped if the City does adopt the 2-Mile Frioge. The Mayor's Office
does recommend the 2-Mile Fringe be rescinded. Attorney Gillenwater
elaborated on this recommendation. Councilperson Stemler stated he is
PAGE 2
AUGUST 24~ 1992
in favor of the 2-Mile Fringe, however the areas need to be worked out
and he has concerns regarding the County dropping projects. Following
all discussion~ Councilperson Wilder made the motion to pass
Resolution No. 98-R-20, A Resolution Rescinding 2-Mile Fringe, with
plans to do research~ seconded by Councilperson Potter and carried
unanimously.
Mayor Parker introduced Mr. Bob Lanum, Attorney representing
P.G.P, the parent company for Voss Steel. Mr. Lanum reviewed the Voss
Steel Statement of Benefits. The Mayor and Council asked questions of
Mr. Lanum concerning the inventory tax, wether an update on the number
of employees could be obtained and so on. Local employees will be
hired, and it is hoped Phase 2 will be instituted when the Railroad
siding is in, hopefully in 1993. There will be no infrastructure
expense to the City. Mayor Parker strongly recommends granting of the
Statement of Benefits. Council President Williams made the motion to
approve Resolution No. 92-R-21~ A Resolution Approving Statement of
Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatement (Voss Steel), seconded
by Councilperson Potter and carried unanimously.
Councilperson Clapp introduced Ordinance No. 92-0R-47~ An
Ordinance Of Additional Appropriation, reviewing the request.
Councilperson Clapp made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance
No. 92-0R-47, seconded by Council President Williams and carried
unanimously. Councilperson Clapp made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 92-0R-47 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson
Williams, passing on the following roil call vote:
Wolpert~
Ordinance
Williams
proposed
property
Ayes: Councilpersons
Potter, and Stemler.
Clapp, Wilder, Frantz, Williams,
Nays: None.
Mayor Parker introduced Ordinance No. 92-0R-46
For Appropriations And Tax Rates. Council President
then opened the meeting to public
tax rate for 1993.
Mrs. ~llie Nolan of 127 F~&rview opposses
as she is on social security and finds it
taxes.
comment regarding the
a tax rate
hard to pay
PAGE 3
AUGUST SA, 1998
Firefighter Phil
Ordinance for 1993.
which was paid for
meeting. He wishes
is a need to watch
Lovan made comments regarding the Salary
There was a meeting called with Mr. Bob Campbell
by the employees. Much was
the Council to know "we are not
the tax dollar and this year
employees are willing to see what can be saved yet this
stating State Statu~e 36-8-313~ Mr. Lovan questioned the
dates the Salary Ordinance concerning the Police and Fire
City employees. Attorney Gillenwater explained
say cannot include. Mr. Lovan then questioned
learned from this
the enemy". There
is not over. The
year. In
required
and other
the statute does not
IN statute 36-4-9-3 as
it pertains to the City Executive Officer
Body (Council). Mr. Lovan explained Mayor
not recommend the Salary
the Mayor
budgets to
did present
Lovan that
had appointed
the Council.
the budgets
Mr. Campbell
things are done by tradition, and the Salary Ordinance was passed
(Mayor) and the Legislative
Parker had told him he did
Ordinance. Attorney Gillenwater explained
a Pre-Budget Team which recommended the
Mayor Parker explained the pre-budget team
to the Council. Mayor Parker reminded Mr.
stated that sometimes throughtout the State
this
year as has been done for many years.
Police Officer Brian Cleveland
included in the budgets as submitted
President
and some
asked if the salaries were
to the Council. Council
Williams stated some budgets were submitted with salaries
were not. Mayor Parker requested the budgets be submitted
without salaries. Mr. Cleveland then questioned who submitted to the
Council to cut the salaries. Council President Williams stated this
had been a general concensus of the Council during the work sessions
and that Mayor Parker did not submit to the Council to cut the
salaries. Counciiperson Stemler stated he was the one that first made
the euggesion to the Council.
Mr. Lovan then read a
Council to meet on July 30, 1992.
the City-County
conversation that
Office before the
stated no notice
wants to know
special meeting notice for the
Mr. Lovan was on the 4th floor of
Building before this meeting and overheard a
the Council would meet in the Clerk and Treasurer's
meeting. In stating IN code 5-14-1.5-3, Mr. Lovan
of this meeting or caucus was published. Mr. Lovan
if the Salary Ordinance was discussed in Mr. S~encer's
PAGE 4
AUGUST 847 1992
Wilder stated she had come in late and had asked
ordinance could be amended later, however absolutely
made and nothing was discussed that was not discussed in
Officer prior to the meeting and if it was he wants the Ordinance
thrown out. Council President Williams stated he had been asked by
Mr. Spencer to meet with him to go over a few figures, not for
decision making or strategy and he is aware of the open-door policy.
Firefighter Dennis Frantz asked directly if the Salary Ordinance was
discussed in private? Councilperson Potter stated there had been a
lot of meetings and a lot of figures gone over in the last few weeks
and he does not recall the salaires being discussed. Councilperson
if the salary
no decision was
public.
Councitperson Potter again said the Council does have the right to
amend the Ordinance and there is no big rush. Mr. Lovan stated if
there is legal ground, a lawsuit has to be filed within in 30 days.
Mayor Parker reviewed a conversation he had with Mr. Lovan regarding
calling Indianapolis to change the tax rate at the last minute to show
cooperation. Mr. Lovan is trying to get the money back for the
employees, he is not mad~ he just wants the money back. He does not
feel the cut was malicious, he feels it was a mistake and they want to
work with the Council to get it back.
Officer Cleveland explained the actions the employees want
to take are in everybody's interest. They are willing to pay an
auditor to come in and find where cuts can be made. It is realized
the Council's first responsibility is to the taxpayer.
Firefighter Jim Johns feels the Council has a thankless job.
He sympathizes with Mrs. Nolan when paying higher taxes and receiving
less in City Services. He further stated the morale in the Police
Department and the Fire Department is the worst he has seen. It is
affecting his work and home life, and is personally bothering him. He
stated the firefighters would not do the job today they would have
done 30 days ago in fighting a fire. Alt over $500. There has to be
some way to cooperate to work this out and get it behind us so the
City can go on. When it comes to the point when, he as a City
employee, has to sue the Council to get something done it is
ridiculous. He does not want to have to go to work and listen to his
PAGE 5
AUGUST 8~ 1998
fellow employees talk about throwing bricks through windows and
slashing tires. He hopes all do not end up with egg on their faces.
He pleads to please work this out.
Firefighter Dennis Frantz feels all are being misled as he
does feel the tax rate will go down when the final assessed valuation
is in.
A Police Officer stated he is a public servant and he has
had a hard time with the pay cut. People are the City's most
important asset. He believes there is a lot of waste and frivilious
spending. He asks if risking his life is worth that much? He asks
the Council really consider all options before playing with his
livelihood.
Police Officer
There are
have shown
Rick Ashabranner agreed the morale is low.
a lot of people talking about job action. The employees
they want to work with the Council. He feels a I~ cut in
all budgets would get the employee's money back. A lot of homework
has been done. He asks if the Council made sure each budget was cut
before lowering salaries. He would like to see the employees get the
$500 back.
Firefighter Mike Smith questioned the
agreed upon tax rate and the published tax rates.
Williams explained after~ meeting with Mr.
go from $5.15
Councilpersons.
then necessary
to $5.23 with consent
An error in transferring
to raise the advertised rate to $5.29.
made with Indianapolis, the Mayor and the Council upon
changes. Mayor Parker also reviewed what had taken
Council has the right to lower the rate following advertisement. The
advertisement was raised in order to give the Council this option.
Mr. Smith questioned all the deadlines, or are they a game?
Counc}lperson Frantz read the required dates.
Firefighter Mike Smith then questioned if the Council was
considering or looking into
this Councilpersons Stemler~
Council President Williams
investigate all ways
difference in the
Council President
Campbell it was decided to
of the Mayor and several
fiqures was found and it was
Contact was
making these
place. The
a merger of volunteer firefighters? To
Clapp, Wilder, and Frantz answered no.
stated he had felt it was his duty to
to give the best service for the tax dollar and
PAGE 6
AUGUST 84~ 1992
has considered this as an option. Mr. Smith asked if this was
considered he would like to have input into the situation before it
goes to the Mayor. Council President Williams believes this goes
beyond money, and this will be considered..
Firefighter Johns stated mistakes cannot afford to be made.
Council President Williams agreed saying the offers to conserve should
have been done all the time. The budgets with at a tax rate of $5.895
will be a very tight year.
Mrs. Nolan feels the City cars should be parked when not on
duty and should not be used to pick up children from school and go the
the grocery.
Mr. Rick VanGilder commented on the possible violation of
the Open Door Policy.
Police Officer Marvin Weathers questioned if the possiblity
of going to reserve police officers had been looked into and was told
it had not.
Mr. Mike Ewton of the Vehicle Maintenance Department feels
the Vehicle Maintenance Department has saved tons of money over the
last six years. He feels the take-home car program is good. Council
President Williams feels he owes it to himself and the community to
look objectively at the feasibility of all options. Mr. Ewton said he
cannot do the job the Council does, however he does know what it would
cost to
feasible.
contract vehicle maintenance work out and this is not
Ms. Robin Vance asked why the budget was not prepared
before the decision to cut the salaries was made. Council President
Williams stated the Council budget was looked at first and the highest
area is in salaries and benefits. Councilperson Frantz stated there
were other cuts made in the budget and there will be more cuts made.
Councilperson Frantz has foundl there are delinquent sewer
bills amounting to $300,000 and she would like to see these collected
so the Sewer Department could make payments in lieu of taxes to the
City. She said the salary paycuts are not "set in stone" and she is
willing to work with the employees.
PAGE ?
AUGUST R4~ 1998
Ms. Robin Vance questioned each Councilperson if they now
feel the decision to lower salaries was a bad decision.
Councilpersons Wolpert, Williams, Wilder, Stemler, and Potter answered
no. Councilperson Clapp stated she was not happy with the decision
but felt it had to be done. Councilperson Frantz was absent the
meeting this was voted on.
Council President Williams made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 92-0R-46 A-J on the first and secon~ readings only, seconded by
Councilperson Clapp, passing on a vote of 5-2. Councilpersons Wilder
and Frantz voted in oppossition.
Police Chief Elliot explained the situation of not having
the overtime money in his budget to pay for necessary overtime for
Steamboat Days as this was used during the Thunder festival. The
expense to the City in orther departments as well as the Police was
discussed. Councilperson Frantz has asked the Steamboat Committee for
financial help. They do not have the money. Ms. Donna Metzger has
been looking into options and the Committee is willing to work with
the City for next year. Others gave opinions and options as the
clean-up is massive and this has to be done in order to have the
merchants back in business for Monday morning. It was the opinion of
the Council that the overtime funding would be provided.
Mayor Parker read aloud Resolution No.
Resolution Supporting The Allocation Of At Least 25~
Revenues To Local
would be a I.A.C.T.
Holiday Inn in New
92-R-22~ A
Of Lottery
Government. He then informed the Council there
sponsored seminar Thursday at ?:00 P.M. at the
Albany. He highly suggests the Council attend.
Councilperson
92-R-22, seconded by
unanimously.
Council
Ordinance No.
Wilder then made the motion to pass Resolution No.
Council President Williams and carried
President Williams
92-0R-48,~ An Ordinance
introduced and explained
Transferring Certain Funds
Within Same Department. He further explained a plea for funds for the
Animal Shelter and the need for additional money which he will be
working on for the next meeting. Animal Shelter Director Wheatley
explained she was short of funds and ,could justify every claim.
Councilperson Potter made the motion to suspend the rules for
PAGE 8
AUGUST 24~ 1992
Ordinance No.
unanimously.
Ordinance No.
President Williams, passing
Ayes:
Clapp~ Stemler, and Potter.
Nays: None.
Councilperson Wilder
until the next evening,
Clapp and carried
motion to pass
98-0R-48~ seconded by Councilperson
Councilperson Potter then made the
92-OR-48~on all three readings, seconded
on the following roll call vote:
Councilpersons Wolpert, Williams, Frantz,
by Council
Wilder~
made the motion to recess the meeting
Tuesday, August 25, 1992 at 5:00 o'clock P.M.
in the Mayor's Conference Room, seconded by Councilperson Potter. Mr.
Mike Arms asked who he could talk to tg have road repairs done on
Bishop Road. Mayor Parker explained road repairs are being made on a
priority basis and will continue until the money runs out.
Councilperson Wilder will attend the Board of Public Works meeting on
Mr. Arm's behalf. Councilperson Clapp asked if the Council had
objections to County Clerk Dick Jones using the Council Chambers
during the day on Tuesday, August 25, 1992. There were no objections.
The motion to recess passed unanimously at 10:15 o~clock P.M.
Council resumes meeting
August 25, 1992
5:00 o'clock P.M.
Mayor's Conference Room
Councilperson Potter asked the Council to consider amending
the Salary Ordinance to reinstate the $500. He believes this is
right. He did not realize that lowering salaries $500 would affect
the pension and it will. He believes that when the true assessed
valuation is in the tax rate will go down. He has never seen the
morale of the City workers so low and they are sincere in working to
hold down their own budgets. He will have an Ordinance ready for the
next meeting. The legal challenge, special provision for Police and
Fire, and amending the Salary Ordinance were discussed.
Mayor Parker stated many lessons have been learned this
year, and there will be a suggested salary next year. He will be in a
better position to assist in the process next year. He does regret
telling the Department Heads to submit the budgets withou~salaries.
The ultimate responsibility is to the taxpayer.
PAGE 9
AUGUST 84, 1998
Councilperson Frantz asked the Council to consider
eliminating the Vehicle Maintenance Department and Director and moving
the current mechanics into the Sewer Department, Park Department, and
Street Department to take care of the routine work and bid out the
other work. There are electrical and asbestos problems in the
building and she is not in favor of having employees working in the
building. She would like to see a fuel system installed. The
suggestion of bidding out the work was discussed, and it was noted the
City now has 180 vehicles as oppossed to 40 or 45 when the work was
bid. Councilperson Frantz pointed
biggest part of the budget and she
budgeted to contract out for 1993.
Councilperson Frantz
be put into the Council budget
for supplies and equipment.
out the employee cost is the
does not feel there is enough
suggests all travel and office supples
and there be a central purchase system
Mayor Parker would like to have the
Department Heads have discretion for trayel. The pros and cons of a
bid for supples were discussed.
The tax rate with regard
discussed. Firefighter Lovan feels
to the Salary Ordinance was again
there are ways to work around the
$72,000 saved on the tax rate by reducing salaries. He again
mentioned the morale of the Police and Fire Departments. The
Firefighters have done much volunteer wock in the past, such as the
Survive Alive House, however if he was personally asked to do
anything, except with kids~ he would tell the Chief to "stick it". He
does believe that if a life of a child has not been saved due to this
house at least a child has been saved from being burned. He has the
job he wants and he wants to keep it. Also, if Firefighter Lovan was
Fire Chief he would be at Council President William's door when the
talk started regarding volunteers. He again stated "we are not
against you", we still have 4 more months to fight.
Mayor Parker again stated the salary ordinance has been done
as has been ~he tradition in the State. The Council does have the
final vote and it is their fiscal responsibility.
Police Officer Cleveland feels the "meat has been confused
with the fat", and the salaries are the meat. By reducing slaries the
PAGE 10
AUGUST 84, 1998
morale has been cut into. Steamboat Days may be worked for free if
the employees are treated right. He cannot speak for all but a
sign-up sheet system could be tried.
Councilperson Stemler feels
the budget~ he has no problems
Councilperson Clapp would like
spending. Councilperson Potter
with
to ask the
suggests a
if the money can be found within
reinstating the $500.
Departments to slow down
theory of "done't need
don't spend".
by percentage.
Mayor Parker feels
Departments to reduce their own
the budget process was started
thought process.
Councilperson Clapp would
Donna Metzger is working on this.
Mayor Parker believes reductions in salaries should be
a fair way would be to ask the
budgets by a percentage. He does feel
too late as this does deserve a big
like to see festival funding help.
There being no further business to come before the Council,
Council President Williams moved to adjourn at 6:85 o'clock P.M.
seconded by Councilperson Wolpert and unanimously carried.
M~YOR RAYMOND J. PARKER JR.
ATTEST:
CLERK ~ND TREASUR~ C. R~A~D SPENCER JR.