HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-19-1990COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
MAY 19, 1990
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met
in regular session in Council Chambers, in the City-County Building in
Jeffersonville, Indiana, on the 19th day of May, 1990, at 9:30 o'clock
A.M.
The meeting was called
Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk.
Mayor Orem asked all
allegiance to the flag.
to order by Mayor
Dale Orem and C.
those present to stand and pledge
Carter,
The roll was called an~ those present were: Councilpersons
Clapp, Grooms, Narrod, Perkins, Williams, and Waiz.
Absent: None.
Mayor Orem presented the minutes of the meeting of May 7, 1990
explained the type of receptacles and
approaching Clarksville and New Albany
project. Councilperson Perkins made
the need for these. He will be
to follow through with this same
the motion to donate $2,000 for
this project, seconded by Councilperson Harrod. This motion passed on a
vote of 6-0-1. Councilperson Williams abstained stating this is an
excellent project, however a funding request at the last meeting was
delayed and he feels there is a need to be consistent. This money will
be made available in a transfer in the Council budget. Mayor Orem asked
the Council consider any amount of donation be made for the Art Train as
for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Carter made the motion
to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Williams
and carried unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer asked that the claims be postponed
until later in the meeting with the exception of the claim of $19,917.34
to Waldrip Construction as Mr. Waldrip is present. Questions were asked
of Mr. Waldrip and Fire Chief Collins, following which Councilperson
Perkins made the motion to pay the Waldrip claim, seconded by
Councilperson Grooms, and carried unanimously.
Mayor Orem introduced Mr. Welby Edwards and volunteers of
Sunny Side Pride. Mr. Edwards thanked the Council for the previous
support and encouragment for Sunny Side Pride. He asks for Council
support of $2,000 to place trash receptacles in the downtown area. He
PAGE 2
MAY 19, 1990
requested at the last meeting. Councilperson Grooms has learned, in his
conversation with Mr. Gowens of the Department of Redevelopment, a
$2,000 payment in lieu of taxes will be made to the City, which he
wishes to be earmarked for the Art Train. This money will also be made
available in a transfer in the Council budget.
Councilman Grooms asked for approval for funding of $226,500
for Duffy's Landing. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer suggested that as this
will be reimbursed'from grant money he would like to ask this be handled
through a special appropriation from the Cumulative Capital Improvement
Fund or the General Fund to be returned to the appropriate fund when the
reimbursement is received. Attorney Filer will prepare an Ordinance
regarding the return of the money. Parks Director Caldwell presented
and explained correspondence regarding the grant. Discussion was held
on the financing of the Police radio system. This will be advertised to
be paid from the Cumulative Capital Improvement Fundand the General
Fund, which will be denied
Councilperson Perkins asks
meeting specifying that no
there be
if money can be borrowed at less than 6%.
an Ordinance prepared for the next
Signal 19 money may be used for anything
other than to replenish the money used from the Cumulative Capital
Improvement Fund or the General Fund for the radio purchase. Additional
appropriations for the Fire Department were explained and discussed.
Following all discussion, Council President Waiz made the motion to pass
Resolution No. 90-R-27, A Resolution Authorizing Advertisement For An
Additional Appropriation, seconded by Councilperson Grooms and carried
unanimously.
Councilperson Williams introduced Ordinance No. 90-OR-20, An
Ordinance Re~oning Certain Property From R-2, Residential, To B-i, Local
Business, explaining the Plan Commission has forwarded this to the
Council without recommendation. Councilperson Perkins made the motion
to table Ordinance No.
hearing is completed,
unanimously.
Ordinance No.
Funds Within Same
Treasurer Spencer
90-OR-20 until proper advertising for a public
seconded by Councilperson Carter and carried
90-OR-21, An Ordinance Transferring Certain
Department was introduced for discussion. Clerk and
explained this Ordinance line by line answering
PAGE 3
MAY 19, 1990
questions. Councilperson Perkins is under the impression that the
Department of Redevelopment is to make the payments on bonds in the name
of the Department of Redevelopment with the City paying only if the
Department of Redevelopment could not. Councilperson Perkins recommends
when the bill for interest is received it be forwarded to the Department
of Redevelopment. Mr. Gowens has presented a claim to use the balance
in the Redevelopment Fund ($44,867.35) to pay on a INB note.
Councilperson Perkins feels this tax rate was to be used for land
acquisition and not to pay on a note. In order to spend this money for
any reason, it would have to go through the steps of an additional
appropriation. Attorney Filer explained the Department of Redevelopment
will begin receiving money from the DeMars project within a relatively
short period of time. Councilperson Perkins would like to hold a
special meeting with the Department of Redevelopment to go over all
obligations and possibily get it in writing. The claim for the
$44,867.35 will be held off until after this meeting. Councilperson
Ordinance No.
Perkins made the motion to suspend the
90-OR-21, seconded by Councilperson Grooms
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass
rules for
and carried
Ordinance No.
unanimously.
90-OR-21 on
all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Grooms, with the following
roll call vote being recorded:
Ayes: Councilpersons Grooms, Narrod, Carter, Williams, Clapp,
Waiz, and Perkins.
Nays: None.
The claim register was presented at this time as well as
several additional claims that were explained and discussed.
Councilperson Grooms made the motion to approve the claims as presented
as well as the additional, seconded by Councilperson Carter and carried
unanimously.
Mayor Orem introduced Resolution
Designating The Common Council's Interest
No. 90-R-28,
In Purchasing
A Resolution
Certain Real
Resolution.
Property. Attorney Fifer explained the need for this
Council President Waiz asked what commitment is upon the Council with
the approval of the Resolution. Attorney Filer said this gives the
Board of Works the authority to purchase the property up to the average
appraised value without coming back to the Council. Prior to submitting
PAGE 4
MAY 19, 1990
for the grant to build a new plant, no less than an option on the
property must be h~ld by the City. The property will not be purchased
if it cannot be used. Mayor Orem explained June 1, 1990, is the
deadline to show control of the property. Council President Waiz feels
the Council has had no input in the building of a new plant. The cost
of the plant and the bond issue was discussed. Ail are in agreement a
new plant is desperately needed. A meeting with the engineers will be
set up tentatively for June 13 and the plans will be explained. Mayor
Orem will be happy to answer any questions at any time. The financial
position of the utility was discussed. Following all discussion,
Councilperson Grooms made the motion
seconded by Councilperson Harrod,
Councilperson Williams voted negative,
on Resolution for purchasing LaRoache Property
Attorney Filer asked for quidance' on the
Police radio. He has been in contact with Citizen's
Commission, and IN Bond Bank.
information he has received.
lease/borrow information he has received.
Mayor Orem asked to be excused at
to pass Resolution No. 90-R-28,
passing on a vote of 6-1.
reading the attached position on
previous commitment.
financing of the
Fidelity, the Tax
He informed the Council on what
Clerk and Treasurer explained the
11:25 o'clock A.M.to honor a
Councilperson Grooms has been asked by a representative of the
Clark County Ministerial Association to consider a Resolution providing
for a prayer at the opening of the Council meetings by a member of the
Association. This Resolution will be considered at a later meeting.
Councilperson Perkins would like the Council to think about
some control of audience participation. He feels Council business
should be conducted "in public", not "by the public". Unless there is a
public hearing set for an agenda item, he would like to have a public
input area. Councilperson Grooms agrees there is a need to be
organized.
Councilperson Williams asked for an
of Engineers is with the Riverfront project.
the activity with the D.N.A., E.P.A., and the Fish
are waiting for the Corps of Engineers.
update on where the Corps
Mr. Dan ~hotwell explained
and Wildlife. They
PAGE 5
MAY 19, 1990
Councilperson Perkins called attention to the condition of the
Council bench, and requested Attorney Filer write a letter asking to
have it checked. He would also like a letter written regarding the
electrical outlet holes. Councilperson Perkins is concerned about a
letter from Assistant Fire Chief Kircher of 30 foot streets in new
developments. He is in favor of a letter asking for 32 foot streets.
Councilperson Harrod agrees. Commissioner Scales will be asked to
appear at the next Council meeting in this regard. Councilperson
Perkins is pleased with the action taken by Commissio~rScales on the
Allen property. He then complimented Attorney Filer on the good job
done in court on May 18, 1990 in the Pet Paradise case. The results
should be known by July 1, 1990. Councilperson Perkins would like to
have the Council consider zoning back a piece of property that was
rezoned from residential to industrial on Mechanic on the request of Mr~
VanGilder. There has been nothing done in two years and he would like
to see it zoned back. Attorney Filer will get together whatever is
necessary under the law.
Councilperson Grooms would like to see the Council take action
on an Ordinance setting speed limits in the new areas.
Councilperson Williams has several requests for Blow Children
Playing signs on Luther Circle. This will be taken to the Board of
Works at the next meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Council,
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to adjourn at 11:45 A.M., seconded
by Councilperson Harrod and carried unanimously.
ATTEST:
C. RICHARD SPENCER ~R., LE~j~/AND
Position on Resolution for purchasing Laroache Property.
I well understand the need our community has to update our waste
water treatment facility. Our city has long been characterized by the
pungent odor of human waste drifting across I 65 and downtown
Jeffersonville emanating from our present treatment facility. The need
iii??~i for a new or an upgraded facility to minimize the odor problem has
been acknowledged by the overwhelmin~ majority of the citizen residing
in the council district I represent.
The resolution before us is not abou~ supporting the need for the
plant itself, but it does directly relate to where the plant will be
located. This property, bordered by Pennsylvania and Dutch Lanes is
not only in the heart of my district, but it is within a stones throw
from my residence. This property, if purchased, may be the site to
which all the human waste in Jeffersonville will be diverted. I do not
believe we have one person in this chamber who is seeking to have such
an operation near their home. Nobody wants this plant "in their back
yard".
Whether my position on this resolution is one of an affected
homeowner, or that of a bleeding heart crying out about bullied by the
powers that preside, I feel strongly justified in my opposition.
Once again, the path of least resistance (that being the area
comprised of this city's mos't concentrated segment of economically
disadvantaged citizens), and economic feasibility (the purchase of
affordable property in this not noted for'the appreciation in property
values) rule.
Over the past decade, several additions in this, the Claysburg
area, have been extremely positive. From two new subdivisions, to a
highrise apartment complex, to the expansion of the medical community,
and to the most recent being the Presbyterian church's foundation
center--all these did a great deal to enhance the image of this
neighborhood.
The construction of a new waster water treatment facility on the
Laroache property ~s not welcomed by residents of the 2nd district.
Putting this plant out of sight from today's traffic will not keep it
o'ut of mind.