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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 The Mayor's Office does recommend the 2-Mile Fringe be rescinded.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.