HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-1991 COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
APRIL 20, 1991
The Common Council of the City of Jeff rs~n~ii~i indi~na ~
in regular session in Council Chambers, in the City-County Building in
Jeffersonville, Indiana, on the 20th day of April, 1991 at 9:30 o'clock
A.M.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dale Orem and C.
Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk.
Mayor Orem asked all those present to stand and join him in
the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
The roll was called and those present were: Councilpersons
Jimmy Carter, Marie Clapp, Ron Grooms, John Perkins, Robert Waiz, and
Andrew Williams.
Absent: Councilperson Tony Harrod.
Mayor Orem presented the minutes of the meeting of April 1,
1991 for consideration by the Cuncil. Council President Carter made the
motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson
Grooms and carried unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim register along
with several additonal claims for consideration by the Council.
Following all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to
approve the claims as presented along with the additional, seconded by
Councilperson Clapp and carried unanimously.
Mayor Orem introduced Mr. Robison of Robison Foundry who gave
an update on the removal of the sand from the Foundry area. He
explained this should all be removed by Monday morning April 22, 1991.
Equipment on the property has been tampered with or the removal would be
complete by this time. He explained he has asked the Evening News to
print a retraction stating the sand is not toxic. He says that
Councilperson Perkins is taking credit for seeing that the sand is
removed, when he feels Councilperson Perkins has in fact held up the
removal for two years. Also,
being removed to a landfill in
He is paying $90 a truck load
he would like it clear that the sand is
Kentucky, not the Clark County Landfill.
in Kentucky and the local landfill wanted
$332 and does not have the facilities they have in Kentucky. He also
stated the trucks have been harassed by the Police. Councilperson
Perkins inquired as to when the sand would be removed from the alley and
PAGE 2
APRIL 20, 1991
court yard. Mr.
23, 1991.
Mayor
Committee. Ms.
distributed to
Robison stated this should be done by Tuesday, April
Orem introduced Ms. Melba Doggett of the J.U.M.P.
Doggett explained the contents of a packet she had
the Council members, which explained a situation
regarding the use of space for Stamboat Days. The J.U.M.P. Committee
has sponsored an Arts and Crafts Festival in the same area longer than.
Steamboat Days and she is asking the City Council to amend Ordinance No.
87-OR-4, An Ordinance Concerning Steamboat Days Festival and Riverfront
Festival, to separate the Steamboat Days Committee from the J.U.M.P.
Committee and allow them to continue in the same area of Riverside Drive
they have always had. The riverfront area is a draw to these people and
they wish to remain apart from the food concessions.
Mayor Orem then introduced Mr. John Rose of the Steamboat Days
Committee, who asked Mr. Larry Wilder, Attorney for Steamboat Days
Committee to speak. Mr. Wilder explained this situation is regrettable
as the J.U.M.P. people have been given three alternatives and the
problem that exists only involves one half a block.
Councilperson Perkins questions the City liability if the
Steamboat Days Committee will be operating the Beer Garden. It is Mr.
Wilder's opinion that this should not be a problem. Following all
comments and questions from the Council, Council President Carter made
the motion to form a committee to work with both Mr. Rose and Ms.
Doggett, seconded by Councilperson Perkins and carried unanimously.
Councilpersons Perkins, Carter, and Clapp, along with Mayor Orem will
meet as soon as possible to work this out.
The motion for a recess was granted at 10:50 A.M.
The meeting was called back to order at 1t:00 A.M.
Mayor Orem is working with the Economic Development Commission
to develop an Economic Development Target Area in downtown
Jeffersonville. He asks for input from the Council. Most agree the
area should be from one block on each side of Spring from loth Street to
the River, and Court Avenue from 1-65 to Meigs. This will be worked on
and brought back to the Council for final approval.
each Councilperson a copy of a letter he sent
Commission for clarification.
Attorney Filer gave
asking the State Tax
PAGE 3
APRIL 20, 1991
Councilperson Grooms proposes a program similar to the
sidewalk renovation program for the improvement of neighborhood drainage
problems. He gave his ideas on how this should work and would like to
see a cap per project, and per year. He would also consider a tax rate
for the correction of drainage problems. He feels there are major
problems and this would be a tool
is felt the homeowners do have
Perkins agrees with and commends
however he does feel there are
responsibility of the City. Councilperson Grooms will
an Ordinance for presentation to the Council.
to begin to address the problems. It
some responsibility. Councilperson
Councilperson Grooms for this idea,
some conditions that are the total
develop this into
Councilperson Grooms introduced Mr. Mike Wathen, Vehicle
Maintenance Director, asking if the Council had any questions or
comments regarding Mr. Wathen's annual report. Councilperson Clapp
thanked Director Wathen for the help he gave with a problem in her
District. Mayor Orem thanked Director Wathen for his good record
keeping. Councilperson Carter reviewed a plan being looked into by
Commissioner Scales to
allow for the Vehicle Maintenance Department and garage.
Grooms feels the Vehicle Maintenance Department should
for all City vehicles, including the Street Department.
add on to the new Wastewater Treatment Plant to
Councilperson
be responsible
All agreed with
this. Councilperson Perkins commended Director Wathen for the purchase
of a boom truck valued at $22,000 for $4,500 through an agreement with
Clarksville and the insurance companies.
Mayor Orem introduced Ordinance No. 91-OR-27, An Ordinance
Transferring Funds From Various Department Budgets To The Special
Non-Reverting Employee Health Insurance Fund. Clerk and Treasurer
Spencer explained the Ordinance. Councilperson Perkins made the motion
to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 91-OR-27, seconded by
Councilperson Waiz and carried unanimously. Councilperson Perkins then
made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 91uOR-27 on all three readings,
seconded by Councilperson Waiz, passing with the following roll call
vote:
PAGE 4
APRIL 20, 1991:
Ayes: Councilperson Perkins,
and Grooms.
Nays: None.
Councilperson Perkins would like
Clapp, Williams, Waiz, Carter,
the departments notified not
to include hospitalization in their 1992 budgets and for the Council to
watch for the reductions. Councilperson Clapp would like to see a
budget workshop set up for the departments. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer
told the Council additional funding for the Hospitalization Fund will
come from Flood Control and the Sewer Department. He then commended Ms.
Suzy Nevitt, a deputy in his office, for excess time and effort she has
put into this. She has taken work home and had employees call her at
home as well as all day long. With Suzy having to spend most of her day
with insurance it has been an added burden to the others in the office
and he wants the Council to be aware of this fact.
Council President Carter inquired as to the status Of the
request from Dr. Gulley for tax abatement. Mayor Orem said this is
being discussed with the Economic Development Commission. Council
President Carter has talked with the County Auditor and was informed Dr.
Gulley was, in fact, given the correct forms. Council President Carter
then made the motion for the Council to go on record as not being in
favor of granting tax abatement to this group, seconded by Councilperson
Perkins and carried unanimously. County Auditor Dick Jones feels there
are no legal grounds to grant abatement after construction, and he also
feels no "bad information" has been given out from the Court House, be
it a County or City office.
Councilperson Perkins thanked County Auditor Dick Jones for
supplying a computation of figures concerning the structure of the
Greater Clark County School taxes. Councilperson Perkins pointed out
that the City of Jeffersonville is carrying the load financially. He
pointed several areas where he feels Jeffersonville is not getting a
fair share of consideration and feels this is false economics.
Councilperson Perkins then introduced Resolution No. 91-R-16,~ A
Resolution Asking The Greater Clark County Schools Keep Rose Hill
Elementary School Open. Council President Carter expressed concern for
the safety aspect of the Rose Hill students crossing Highway 62 to go to
Springhill School. Councilperson Perkins feels the number of "at risk"
students will be too high if Rose Hill and Springhill Schools are
PAGE 5
APRIL 20, 1991
combined. Councilperson Waiz feels the Council should stay out of the
School Board business and the School Board should stay out of the
Council business, and is against this Resolution. At the conclusion of
all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution
No. 91-R-16~ seconded by Council President Carter and carried
on a vote of 5-1, with Councilperson Waiz in oppossition.
Councilperson Perkins thanked Commissioner Scales and the
Wastewater Treatment Plant employees for their help with a drainage
problem. Mayor Orem explained a situation at 1217 Sportsman that is
being corrected with the installation of~a man hole. Councilperson
Perkins would like to know when the Police Department will have money
available from the Cumulative Capital Development Fund for the purchase
of additional vehicles. This will be looked into after the tax
settlement is received. Other purchases from this fund were discussed
with Auditor Jones recommending the City look into the dump truck bids
in his office.
Councilperson Clapp
recommended drainage program.
commends
Councilperson Williams asks
additional money is needed for overtime
Councilperson Grooms for the
the Council to remember that
or. additional help is needed in
the Fire Department. Councilperson Williams inquired if the homes
behind Walnut Ridge are in compliance with the Building codes.
Commissioner Scales shares Councilperson Williams concerns, however he
must have a complaint to inspect inside a home. Councilperson Williams
feels it is his duty as a Councilperson to address issues affecting his
area and it is his duty to address Boards ouside the Council, such as
the School Board.
Councilperson Grooms informed the
sponsored by I.A.C.T. on June 12, 1991.
Council of a budget meeting
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer
encourages the Council to attend this meeting. Councilperson Grooms
also informed the Council there will soon be a West-bound turn signal on
Highway 62 at Northaven. He announced the Park Board and the Y.M.C.A.
will be formalizing a lease for a new park on May 8, 1991. He will be
creating a Citizen's Advisory Committee for input into this park.
' PAGE 6
'~ ' APRIL 20, 1991
Council President Carter feels the City will be having to take
a serious look at the ambulance service, due to the financial problems
Med-Aid is experiencing. Mayor Orem said the County Commissioners are
looking at a county-wide service, and asks the Council keep this in the
back of their minds. Council President C~rter is upset with a debate
held at I.U.S. with the Mayoral and Council-At-Large candidates where
the whole Council "took a beating".
by Clerk and Treasurer Spencer from
the riverfront was not for the full
He is concerned the check received
the Hughes Group for the lease on
amount. Attorney Filer will check
the lease. It it noted the riverbank has not been cleaned and cut and
this should be done before the Thunder Over Louisville celebration.
Mayor Orem has spent time this week with the Corps of
Engineers, the Hughes Group, George Lanz, the Riverfront Coalition and a
Washington D.C. Historical Society representative. Historic
infringement is being looked into and a determination should be received
in 30 days. He then announced the bui~lding of a $15,000,000 oil
blending facility at the Pert. There willl be 32 employees initially,
with -0- pollution, jeffersonville is very fortunate to have had this
company come to Jeffersonville. Councilperson Perkins asks if they will
be requesting Economic Development Bonds. There has been no discussion
regarding this as yet.
Councilperson Perkins announced a meeting Wednesday, April 24,
1991 at 7:00 P.M. at Maple Elementary School regarding the Market Street
- Utica Pike project. The preservation of the brick sidewalk at the
Steamboat Museum is being looked at.
Council President Carter would like to see that the posts in
the Council Chambers be removed and also that the room be cleaned.
Commissioner Scales announced that beginning May 6, 1991
Highway 62 will be closed for one week for the repair of the railroad
tracks at 10th and Nachand Lane.
Mayor Orem announced the first week in June Highway 62 will be
closed at the 1-65 underpass.
There being no further business to come before the Council,
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to ~adjourn at 12:45 o'clock P.M.,
seconded by Councilperson Clapp and c_~_E~ied unanimously.
DAL~ L. OREM, MAYOR
TREASURER