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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.