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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 3, 2017 COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA January 3, 2017 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in Room 101, 500 Quartermaster Court,Jeffersonville, Indiana at 7:00 pm, on Tuesday,January 3, 2017. Council President Owen along with City Clerk Conlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Councilperson Samuel gave the Invocation and Council President Owen asked those in attendance to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL:The roll call was conducted and those present were: Council Vice-President White, Councilperson Zastawny, Councilperson Jahn, Councilperson Maples, Councilperson Gill, Council President Owen, Councilperson Hawkins, Councilperson Samuel, and Councilperson Rodriquez. MINUTES TO BE APPROVED: Minutes from the Council Regular Proceedings December 19, 2016—Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the minutes with Councilperson Rodriquez seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Councilperson Gill made a motion to APPROVE the agenda with Councilperson Maples seconding, PASSING on a vote, 9-0. CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED: City Controller Heather Metcalf presented the Claims. Councilperson Gill stated that she previously reviewed the claims and asked Ms. Metcalf if the P.O.that was in need of a signature had been signed and Ms. Metcalf stated that it will be signed tomorrow at the BPW meeting. Councilperson Samuel questioned a $400,000 transfer of funds under Vehicle Maintenance and Ms. Metcalf explained that it goes into the fuel fund. Councilperson Gill made the motion to APPROVE claims for$1,508,656.45, seconded by Councilperson Jahn PASSING on a vote of 9-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Clerk Conlin introduced Candy Stewart to the Council explaining that she would be helping out in the Clerk's Office while Patsy Kiser was on maternity leave. Clerk Conlin stated that Patsy gave birth to baby Lillian Paige on December 31, 2016. AGENDA ITEMS: ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR THE 2017 COMMON COUNCIL: Councilperson Zastawny made the motion to nominate Councilperson Gill for President, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins PASSING on a vote of 9-0. President-elect Gill thanked outgoing President Owen for his service and presented him with the gavel he used while serving as President which was engraved with name and year of 1 service. Councilperson Owen thanked the Council and turned the meeting over to President- elect Gill. President Gill asked for nominations for Vice President for 2017. Councilperson Owen made the motion to nominate Councilperson Scottie Maples, seconded by Vice President White. Councilperson Zastawny nominated Councilperson Samuel, seconded by Councilperson Rodriquez. President Gill asked for a Roll Call Vote. The first Roll Call Vote was nominee for Vice President, Scottie Maples: AYE NAY Vice President White Councilperson Zastawny Councilperson Jahn President Gill Councilperson Maples Councilperson Hawkins Councilperson Owen Councilperson Samuel Councilperson Rodriquez The second Roll Call Vote was nominee for Vice President, Nathan Samuel: AYE NAY Councilperson Zastawny Vice President White President Gill Councilperson Jahn Councilperson Hawkins Councilperson Maples Councilperson Samuel Councilperson Owen Councilperson Rodriquez The motion to nominate Councilperson Samuel as Vice President for 2017, PASSED on a Roll Call Vote of 5 AYES AND 4 NAYS. UNFINSHED BUSINESS: 1. Les Merkley—2016-OR-85 An Ordinance Establishing the Abbey Road on the River Non- Reverting Fund (Passed on 1s'and 2"d reading 12/19/16). Mr. Merkley explained this is being established so that money raised for the Abbey Road on the River will go into the Non- Reverting Fund keeping those dollars segregated from other funds within the department. Councilperson Owen made the motion to APPROVE 2016-OR-85 on the final reading, seconded by Councilperson Jahn, PASSING on a vote of 9-0. 2. Scott Lewis—2016-OR-86 An Ordinance Establishing the Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission and Repealing and Replacing Prior Public Art Committee Resolution (Passed on 1St and 2nd reading). Mr. Lewis stated this passed at Council's last meeting with an amendment regarding the appointment of the nine members—five which shall be appointed by the Common Council (with one of those five appointments be a sitting member of the Common Council) and four members shall be appointed by the Mayor. Councilperson Jahn 2 clarified that Ms. Dawn Stryker would be reporting, not serving, on this Commission and Mr. Lewis stated that was correct. Councilperson Owen stated that Mayor Moore told him today that no one had reached out to him regarding this and had several concerns that he and the Mayor talked through. The Mayor is ok with this, but stated he was surprised to see it on the agenda for a final reading without ever having been approached. Councilperson Owen suggests in the future the Mayor be advised prior to establishing a commission or changing city policy. Councilperson White also expressed his opinion that the Mayor should have five appointments and the Council only four since the Council is not on the executive branch. Councilperson Zastawny made the motion to APPROVE 2016-OR-86 on the final reading with Vice President Samuel seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0. 3. Les Merkley—2016-OR-87 An Ordinance Amending Resolution 2008-R-30, Entitled a Resolution Establishing a Merit Board for the Jeffersonville Police Department (Amended by Resolution 2009-R-17 and Ordinance 2011-OR-44 (Passed on 1" and 2nd reading 12/19/16). Mr. Merkley explained that this ordinance is being proposed by the Merit Commission which would establish a second list of individuals who can be hired as police officers for the Police Department. This list would include individuals who are currently police officers elsewhere. Councilperson Owen explained that those who have been hired and have already been to the academy start out at base pay, per their contract. Vice President Samuel stated that if part of this saves money for training costs, which is close to $5,000, he encourages the Council look into taking some of the training cost and put it into the 100 series. Vice President Samuel explained if they went into the budget anticipating that these new officers were coming in at the very lowest, and they're not, then the training line item will be high and the 100 series potentially could be a little low. President Gill stated that was an excellent point and recommended Ms. Metcalf watch for that and keep Council informed. Councilperson Owen made the motion to APPROVE 2016-OR-87 on the final reading with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Clark County CARES (Community, Addiction, Resources, Education, and Support)— Rev. Nancy Woodworth-Hill addressed the Council as the facilitator for the grassroots group (Clark County CARES) which has been functioning for almost two years. Rev. Woodworth- Hill stated that their goal is to increase awareness of the disease of addiction and its root causes. Clark County Judge Brad Jacobs explained that addiction is killing our community and its citizens as well as creating a devastating financial impact with five to ten new arrests for substance abuse every day. Ms. Carolyn King explained that Clark County CARES is hosting a Drug Awareness Week full of activities and is requesting from the Council a $5,000 sponsorship. President Gill asked if there would be a display at the events that lists the contributors and Ms. King stated that there would be. Councilperson Owen asked if Clark 3 County CARES is a 501C3 and Ms. King stated that they are not at this time, but are using St. Paul Episcopal Church to receive donations. City Attorney Lewis stated that a distinction needs to be made that the City of Jeffersonville would be sponsoring an actual event and not funding it. President Gill stated that they would need to display the City Logo if the decision is made to become a sponsor. Councilperson Owen suggested the Council sponsor $4,000 from Special Projects and ask UEZ to partner with Council for an additional $2,500 to help in the cost of Mr. Quinones (Drug Awareness Week guest speaker). Councilperson Owen stated he would like to help in promoting the events, if the City of Jeffersonville becomes a sponsor. Ms. King agreed stating city promotion and advertising would give the event a higher level of awareness in the community. Mr. Merkley stated that the fee for the youth dance at the Nachand Fieldhouse would be waived. Ms. Conlin asked who the check should be made out to and Mr. Merkley suggested a written contract be created between UEZ and the City of Jeffersonville through the BPW. Ms. Conlin stated that a W-9 would need to be provided by the organization and Ms. King said they would be able to provide that. Councilperson Jahn made the motion for the sponsorship of$4,000 towards the cost of Sam Quinones for the Clark County CARES event contingent on the rest of the $2,500 being sponsored by UEZ, seconded by Councilperson White PASSING on a vote of 9-0. 2. Les Merkley—2017-OR-1 An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 2006-OR-75 and Creating a New Ordinance Establishing a City Pride Non-Reverting Fund. Mr. Merkley explained that back in 2006 when the ordinance was created City Pride was called the Beautification Committee. During the audit last year, this issue came up and it was decided to repeal 2006- OR-75 and replace it with a new ordinance establishing a City Pride Committee Non- Reverting Fund with the new name. Councilperson Owen made the motion to APPROVE 2017-OR-1 on the 1St and 2"d reading, seconded by Councilperson Jahn PASSING on a vote of 9-0. BOARDS AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS: • Sewer Board— Councilperson Owen made the motion to reaffirm that Mr. Bill Saegasser and Mr. Dale Orem will be Council's Sewer Board appointments for a three-year term starting January, 2016, seconded by Councilperson Zastawny PASSING on a vote of 9-0. • Building Authority—Councilperson Owen made the motion to reaffirm that Mr. Brandon Westerfield, Mr. Don Sperzel and Mr. Bill Fry will be Council's Building Authority appointments, seconded by Councilperson Zastawny PASSING on a vote of 9-0. • Insurance Committee—Vice President Samuel made the motion to reaffirm President Gill and Councilperson Zastawny as Council's Insurance Committee appointments for a one-year term, seconded by Councilperson Jahn PASSING on a vote of 9-0. • Plan Commission—Councilperson Hawkins asked to be removed from the Plan Commission and Councilperson White agreed to take his place. Councilperson Owen 4 made the motion to appoint Councilperson White, President Gill and Councilperson Zastawny to the Plan Commission, seconded by Councilperson Maples PASSING on a vote of 9-0. • Police Merit—Scott Aldridge. Clerk Conlin stated that this doesn't need to be voted on today as his term goes through the year 2017. • Public Arts—Vice President Samuel requested he remain the Council's representative. After discussion the Council decided to table this until the next Council meeting. • Redevelopment—Councilperson Jahn requested to step off the Redevelopment Committee at this time due to time constraints with work and school and made a motion to appoint Councilperson Scott Hawkins as her replacement, seconded by Councilperson Zastawny PASSING on a vote of 9-0. Councilperson Zastawny made a motion to retain Councilperson Owen on the Redevelopment Committee, seconded by Councilperson Jahn PASSING on a vote of 9-0. • UEZ—After discussion and some confusion regarding appointment terms, voting will take place at a later date. • Drainage—After discussion and some confusion regarding appointment terms, voting will take place at a later date. • Finance Committee—Councilperson Owen stated that he does not want to remain on the Finance Committee if they just continue to consider additional appropriation requests remarking that those requests need to come before the Council not a committee. Vice President Samuel made the motion for President Gill, Councilperson Zastawny, Councilperson Rodriquez and Vice President Samuel serve on the Finance Committee, seconded by Councilperson Zastawny PASSING on a vote of 9-0. • Clark County 911—Councilperson Owen made the motion to reaffirm Councilperson Maples continue to serve on Clark County 911, seconded by Councilperson Jahn PASSING on a vote of 9-0. • Fire Merit—Jeff Frey's term has not expired yet. • Zoning (BZA)— Dave Stinson's term has not expired yet. CITY COUNCIL ATTORNEY REPORT: None at this time DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: Mr. Bruce DeArk, Jeffersonville Fire Department, stated that three firefighters are retiring. One is leaving in February 2017, the other two in March 2017, and they are trying to get the replacement process started which begins with the Fire Merit Board. Mr. DeArk explained the Merit Board will not hire until the three retire due to the Salary Ordinance. Mr. Merkley stated that Chief Hedrick is requesting a temporary change be made to the Salary Ordinance in order to allow him to begin the process to hire three firefighters to replace the ones that are retiring over the next three months. Mr. Merkley stated that he doesn't think the ordinance needs to be changed to do that, but rather the Council can make a motion with a second to authorize the Merit Commission to begin that process to hire the three new firefighters. Mr. Lewis agreed with Mr. Merkley and stated that this has been done in the past. Mr. Merkley explained that 5 the Merit Board is waiting for Council approval before moving forward. Councilperson Owen made the motion to allow the Fire Merit Board to start the hiring process to replace the three firefighters who have signed their retirement paperwork, seconded by Councilperson Maples PASSING on a vote of 9-0. PUBLIC COMMENT None at this time COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilperson White —wished everyone a Happy New Year. Councilperson Zastawny—wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked Councilperson Owen for serving as President for the Council in 2016. Councilperson Jahn —no comments at this time. Councilperson Owen —thanked Council for allowing him the opportunity to serve as Council President in 2016. Councilperson Owen stated that he did enjoy it, but it is a lot more work than you would think. Stated that President-elect Gill does know what she is in for and remarked that she will do a great job. Councilperson Owen addressed an opinion piece in the newspaper that kind of scolded the City Council for appointing themselves to so many boards and commissions. The comment was made that Council appoints themselves so that they can financially benefit and he didn't appreciate that because it's not accurate. Councilperson Owen explained as a member of the Redevelopment Commission, he doesn't get a salary or a stipend of any kind because he is an elected official. Four of the five members on the Redevelopment Commission are elected officials so money is actually saved by elected official members serving. The only other board that Council has themselves appointed to is the Planning Commission, which by statute has to be either an elected official or another city official. Councilperson Owen stated it's often difficult to find anyone from the public wanting to serve on a board or commission and if anyone would like to do so, definitely reach out to the Council or to the administration as there is often a vacancy. Councilperson Owen felt that these inaccuracies needed to be publicly cleared up and remarked that the person who wrote the opinion piece is appointed to one of those boards and commissions. Councilperson Hawkins —thanked Councilperson Owen for serving as President for the Council in 2016. Councilperson Hawkins stated that in the last couple of weeks there has been a flurry of discussion about next year's budget and how there has been perceived short-falls and thought that he would be hearing about that at tonight's meeting. Stated that they are going through contract negotiations with the Fire and Police and are nearing the point of needing to have an Executive Session. There is no formal agreement to sign at this time, but are getting close. 6 Vice President Samuel—sent an email concerning the Martin Luther King breakfast and have been asked again this year to sponsor a table. Suggests Council sponsor a table for $250. The breakfast will take place on Saturday, January 14th. Councilperson Maples made a motion to sponsor a table for$250 at the MLK breakfast on January 14, 2017, with Councilperson Zastawny seconding, PASSING on a vote of 9-0. Vice President Samuel stated that he hates it when there are two Council members vying for the same board or position like there was tonight for Vice President and stated Scottie and I have nothing but respect for each other. Hates how that all plays out, but it is something we have to go through. Congratulations to President Lisa Gill and thank you to Councilperson Matt Owens for serving as President in 2016. Councilperson Rodriquez— no comment at this time. President Gill—thanked Councilperson Owen again for his service and asked to get together to discuss the transition, if he has some free time. President Gill stated since the next Council meeting falls on a holiday (MLK Birthday), the meeting will be moved to Tuesday, January 17tH President Gill stated that the General Fund is pretty much accounted for and requested Mr. Lewis to produce the ordinance that they do every year stating no capitol purchases over $5,000. This ordinance is to provide a safeguard and after circuit breaker numbers come in, they will repeal it. President Gill stated that after speaking to the Controller, there is some clean-up that needs to be done in this year's budget and suggests a workshop before the next Council meeting on January 17th at 5:30pm. President Gill asked Mr. Lewis to advertise the meeting. After discussion, an Executive Session to discuss Fire and Police contract negotiations was scheduled for Tuesday, January 10th at 4:30pm in the Council Chambers. President Gill asked Mr. Lewis to advertise the meeting. President Gill stated that she went through the claims from the last Council meeting and noticed that there weren't any from the Parks Department and has since been told they are going to the Parks Authority first before coming to the City Council for approval. Councilperson Owen explained that there seems to be a lot of confusion with the Parks Authority on the claims. In the past, the claims were never approved by the Parks Authority, but looked over and if there was a question, it would be addressed before the Council meeting took place. Now, it appears the claims need to go to the Parks Authority meeting before coming to the Council which seems like a very drawn-out process. Councilperson Owen suggests putting something in writing to clarify what the process should be. President Gill explained that INDOT gives credit for our streets and roads and we weren't getting that credit for approximately 50 miles. Board of Public Works has since cleared that up and we are now getting the proper credit for our streets and roads. 7 ADJOURNMENT: With no further business of the Council, Councilperson Jahn made the motion to ADJOURN, seconded by Councilperson Samuel. Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm. APPROVED BY: Lisa Gill, President ATTEST: Vicki Conlin, Clerk 8 9 ADJOURNMENT: With no further business of the Council, Councilperson Jahn made the motion to ADJOURN, seconded by Councilperson Samuel. Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm. APPROVED BY: Lisa GAI, President ATTEST: ,a- & Vicki Conlin, Clerk 8