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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-1989COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA JANUARY 9, 1989 The Common Council of the in regular session in City in Jeffersonville, Indiana, o'clock P.M. The meeting was called Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk. Mayor Orem asked allegiance to the flag and employees in attendance. Council Chambers on the 9th day Perkins, City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in the City-County Building of January, 1989, at 7:30 to order by Mayor Dale Orem and C. all those present to stand and pledge welcomed all visitors, students and City 17, 1988 The roll was called and those present were: Councilmen Shrewsberry, Caldwell, Harrod, Williams, and Grooms. Absent: Councilman Waiz. Mayor Orem presented the minutes of the meeting of December for consideration by the Council. Council President Perkins questioned if had been paid. $75,000 principle toward the informed the Council that the paid. Both payments were made the claims for Redevelopment and the Building Authority Clerk and Treasurer Spencer informed the Council he paid $200,000 debt plus interest. He also $125,000 building rental payment has been on December 30, 1988. Councilman Harrod then made the motion to approve Councilman Williams and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer had no claims to present Council at their first meeting in 1989. Mayor Orem introduced Ms. Tina Moran and Ms. KIPDA who invited the Council to attend a meeting the minutes as presented, seconded by to the Connie Heitz, of in the Mayor's Conference Room Wednesday, January 11, 1989, at 7:30 o'clock P.M. KIPDA will give a report and ask for input from those in attendance. Mayor Orem asked Councilman Williams to table Ordinance No. 88-OR-58, An Ordinance Rezoning Certain Property From R-2, Residential, to I-2, Industrial, to time needed. Councilman Williams made the motion to table said Ordinance to time needed, seconded by Councilman Harrod and unanimously passed. PAGE 2 JANUARY 9, 1989 Council President Perkins introduced Ordinance 88-OR-85~ An Ordinance concerning the Department of Redevelopment and made a motion that it be passed on the second reading only. Councilman Grooms said he had been under the impression there would be a meeting with the Department of Redevelopment. Council President Perkins said he had talked with Mr. Carrol Gowens, Director of the Department of Redevelopment, however no meeting had taken place. Councilman Shrewsberry suggested a meeting be arranged before the next Council meeting. Councilman Grooms will arrange this meeting. Councilman Williams then seconded the motion to pass Ordinance 88-OR-65 on the second reading only. This was unanimously carried. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer introduced Ordinance No. 89-OR-1, An Ordinance Enacting Supplement 2 of the Codification of the City of Jeffersonville. Councilman Harrod made the motion to suspend the rules, seconded by Councilman Grooms and carried unanimously. Councilman Harrod then made a motion to pass Ordinance No. 89-OR-1 on all three readings, seconded by Councilman Grooms and unanimously carried. Clerk and Treasurer breaking year for investments. which represents approximately Spencer announced 1988 was a record The total for the year is over $150,000 $.185 on the tax rate or to put in another prospective represents the operation of the Clerk and Treasurer's Office without cost to the taxpayer. Resolution 89-R-1, A Resolution to Allow the Investment of Temporarily Surplus Funds was introduced. Councilman Perkins made the motion to adopt Resolution No. 89-R-1, seconded by Councilman Shrewsberry and passed unanimously. Council President Perkins congratulated Clerk and Treasurer Spencer saying he does "keep the money tight"~ Hayer Orem informed the Council and those employees in attendance the Board of Public Works and Safety voted to accept the health insurance bids from Humana Maximum Benefit Plan and Blue Cross, Blue Shield. The Humana Plan is an HMO and the Blue Cross is different than the one presently in effect. Blue Cross will have a $100 deductible for individual and $200 for family, will be 90-10 on the next $2,500. In order to keep the rates down there will be no prescription card. The single rate will be approximately $98 per month, and the family will be approximatly $272. This represents an increase of about $700 per employee have been fortunate the last three years for the contract under. Mayor Orem appreciates the feedback received from the committee. There will be three meetings scheduled with the representative to explain the plans and answer questions. All PAGE 3 JANUARY 9, 1989 the City will be paying. The City and the employees they were insurance insurance employees must file 1989. a new application for insurance no later than January 27, Council President Perkins referred to the Resolution from the Board of Parks and Recreation that was included in the Council packet. Mr. Lewis Newlan, newly elected President of the Parks Board, was in attendance and assured Mr. Perkins, and the rest of the Council, a lease will be entered "only with the absolute concurrence of the Council". However, he continued, the Park Board will have to sign any agreement because it is Park property. This raised the question of ownership. Attorney Filer said there is no deed of record and the property would have to be deeded to the Parks. Council President Perkins objects to deeding the property to the Parks. Attorney Fifer said a deed will be created if a deed is needed. Councilman Caldwell was in attendance at the Park Board meeting and have the final say. Council President Reporter and to Councilman feels it is clear the Common Council will Perkins responded to the Evening News Grooms regarding an article that had been printed on the front page of the Evening News. He began by stating the Council Presidency is not a "popularity contest", or he would have not been elected. The President should be experienced and knowledgable, have no obivious conflicts of interest and be representative of the majority political party. There have been differences during his tenure, these are good exercises in democracy. He would like to take exception to Councilman Groom's timing and tactics to assure that he would not be elected to the Presidency again. In trying to get along this year he has had to suppress some of his feelings. Knowing that after this meeting he will no longer be President he stated "old John will be back". Council President Perkins does disagree with the rest of the Council regarding the Riverfront but that is his right. He feels it should be a public project, not a private one. It is similiar with PAGE 4 JANUARY 9, 1989 other City services in that if we have to contract private services we are saying we are not as smart as they are. Regarding Councilman's Grooms feelings on road projects Perkins maintains we cannot afford to maintain what we have and will continue to oppose spending on feasibility studies and new projects. Council President Perkins has stong opinion on the transfer station and will continue to have and felt insulted on being referred to as a Houdini. When you have strong opinions you win some and you lose some. Regarding the vehicle maintenance department and the hiring of that department head, Perkins said it was the Board of Works and Mayor Orem that did the hiring. Perkins said it is the "damnest thing" when a Democrat can get a Republican to hire someone not qualified. In answer to being accused of not being proper and ethical when buying property next to the Chestnut Street School, he answered he had tried to buy the property from the Parks Department before the school was sold, and was told he would have to wait to buy it from the new owners. Council President Perkins did not participate in the discussion or vote on the tax abatement for Chestnut Street School. However, he noted Councilman partner in a group that abatements. Following Council purchased property that Grooms was a received tax David Renfro in nomination for the Board being no other nominations, nominations Williams seconded the motion on the floor Attorney Filer will check. granted a seven minute recess. Mayor Orem reconvened the meeting. Council President Perkins nominated William Shrewsberry and Keith Groth to the Redevelopment Board. There being no other nominations, nominations were closed. Councilman Caldwell made a second to the motion which carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 1 abstention from Councilman Shrewsberry. Council President Perkins placed the names of Ken Boyer and of Zoning Appeals. There were closed. Councilman which passed unanimously. did not believe this was a Council appointment and he President Perkins statement, Mayor Orem and nominations, nominations were closed. Councilman second to the motion which carried with a vote of PAGE 5 JANUARY 9, 1989 Councilman Shrewsberry nominated Councilmen Caldwell, Harrod, Perkins to serve on the Historic Board. There being no other Grooms opposing. At this Harrod be nominated Williams made the 5-1 with Councilman point, Councilman Williams moved that to serve as President of the Council. no other nominations, nominations were closed, and Shrewsberry seconded the nomination which carried unanimously. President Harrod gave his appreciation for the support. Councilman Shrewsberry moved that Councilman Perkins Vice President of the Council. names were place in nomination. the motion which carried with opposing. Councilman Perkins made the Authority appointment, seconded by unanimously. Councilman Grooms asked Councilman There being Councilman Council Nominations were closed as no other Councilman Caldwell made the second to a vote of 5-1 with Councilman Grooms motion to table the Building Councilman Shrewsberry and carried the Council to make the following notations on the Request For Proposal and Instructions To Bidders for Public Riverfront/Private Marina Development that was passed at the Park Board meeting. On the second page in the paragraph under 1. fill in the blanks with 5, and $5,000,000; strike out completely B. under 4. on page 2 and 3; under Opening of Proposals on page 7, fill in February 21; and fill in February 21 in the very last paragraph. Councilman Grooms reponded to Councilman Perkins statements beginning with the statement that he never has or never will consider anti-business or anti-private a Republican or Democrat issue. There will be disagreements on this no matter what happens. If a private enterprise can do an equal or better job that certainly deserves to be looked into for the good of the public. Councilman Grooms does feel the $20,000 spent on the traffic feasibility study was money well spent. Councilman Grooms felt the need to go public opposing Councilman Perkins serving as President, was he was tired of hearing "I have talked to the other guys", which does not mean he is speaking for any of the other Councilman. Councilman Grooms continued by saying Mr. Wathen is doing PAGE 6 JANUARY 9, 1989 an excellent job for the City, however he does not appreciate the way he was hired. Regarding the property at 1403 Spring, Councilman Grooms stated the property was bought in April 1983, closed in December 1983 and he took office January, 1984. Councilman Grooms relinquished his part in the partnership prior to taking office. All transactions were done legally and properly. Councilman Grooms closed by stating Mr. Perkins is a good councilman but not a good spokesperson for himself and the rest of the Council, and the general public as he is to opinionated to represent everyone concerned. Councilman Caldwell voiced his opinions to Councilman Grooms saying he was offended by the article in the paper. Ail the Council understood that John Perkins again. Councilman Caldwell Department and supports the would not accept the Council Presidency has visited the Vehicle Maintenance Vehicle Maintenance Department and Mr. Wathen. He supports that call. He the Vehicle Maintenance proper quarters. feels it was Mayor Orem's call to hire Mr. Wathen and he does however feel a study needs to be made for Department and Motor Vehicle Department to get Councilman Caldwell congratulated Mr. Newlan on being elected to the Presidency of the Park Board, stating a lot of progress has been made recently. Mr. Poole of the Parks Department has done an excellent job in the last seven months. The quality of life for the City and the City employees has improved and he is proud of it. He has been proud to serve with all the Council and will miss Councilman Shrewsberry when he resigns as he appreciates congratulated Councilman reinforced. Councilman Williams the apprenticeship. Harrod saying he would like to Councilman Caldwell also hoped harmony could be see the Council set goals and objectives and follow through on projects under the directtion of Concil President Harrod. He would like to see good basic guidelines established. Council elected President President Harrod gave his appreciation for being of the Council. He hopes to provide leadership however he feels too much emphasis has been placed on the presidency. PAGE 7 JANUARY 9, 1989 Councilman Shrewsberry questioned the sewer pipe under Graham Street. Mayor Orem answered there have been televsion and ultrasounds done that indicate a "room" under the street approximately 8 feet down. This has to be replaced with 30Ofeet of pipe. Councilman Shrewsberry reminded the Council to make progress toward a new fire station. He would also like to see something done to remember Mayor Vissing, saying that after 5 terms in Shrewsberry voiced his article in the paper, office there is some due coming. Councilman disappointment to Councilman Grooms on noting again it was common knowledge to the all He and of a service are $74,800,000 in $87,000,000 in the ones to pay for it. The 1984 taxes were based on assessed valuation, the 1989 taxes were based on assessed valuation which represents an increase of Councilmen that John Perkins would not be Council President again. continued by saying he felt the article was strickly political created the wrong atmosphere to start 1989, and was not written in the best interest of the City of Jeffersonville. Councilman Shrewsberry also offered his congratulations to Council President Harrod. Councilman Shrewsberry announced he will assume his new duties in Indianapolis, and expressed deep regrets that he will resign his position on the City Council January 22. He has enjoyed serving under two Mayors and various Councilmen, and thanked all City employees for their support, and kindness. Councilman Shrewsberry will be in the area at least until summer and will be available to serve the community and will be available while in Indianapolis. At the conclusion of Councilman Shrewsberry's comments a standing ovation was given. Mayor Orem opened his comments by saying it was nice to see so many City employees in attendance. He then thanked Councilman Shrewsberry for the tremendous time he has given to the City not only as a Councilman, but also as a person. Mayor Orem announced that 1988 was the second largest construction year in the City with builiding starts representing thirteen and one half million dollars. This has allowed the tax rate in the City to maintain the status quo while others in the State are rising. Mayor Orem commended Building Commissioner Scales for the largest year ever with an income of $84,000. This means this office is almost paying for itself, which is the ideal situation that the users PAGE 8 JANUARY 9, 1989 $13,000,000. Mayor Orem hopes that 1989 will dwarf 1988 in construction dollars in our community. He indicated he had received "a lot of hell" this year regarding streets. On a recent trip to Evansville, Mayor Orem learned that town paid $200,000 to find out what Jeffersonville is doing with strip-paving. Stip-paving adds 5 to 10 years of life to a street. Reconstruction is only necessary when a street is destroyed. Our City is growing through annexation. Three hundred new jobs have been created in the last year, twenty five hundred in the last five years. An agreement has been reached with the County regarding the City-County Building that Mayor Orem feels will be to the best benefit to the citizens of Jeffersonville. The sewer grant is on the way and on schedule, and we should be using a new waste water treatment plant by 1991. Thanks to the past raises in sewer rates this facility should be able to be built for $2 per user. Mayor Orem will be asking for a moderate sewer rate increase in 1989 of between 3% to 5%. The Parks Department is looking to expand with the tremendous building potential on the land between the bridges and the action today by the Park Board makes this closer to happening. All of the above make 1988 a very good year. Mayor Orem closed by stating his appreciation for everyone's concern, and he hopes he and the Council can continue to push forward for the proper growth of Jeffersonville and that he is proud to be its Mayor. Councilman Perkins expressed agreement on the City-County Building. Fifer will confer on this. concern on the wording of the Councilman Perkins and Attorney County Auditor Jones has asked to be advised in writing that an Economic Revitalization Area be created and the Statement of Benefits asking for a deduction signed by Councilman Shrewsberry regarding the Chestnut Street School is the intent of the Council. Following general discussion Councilman Williams made the motion ~~~~' that states the City Council intends to have a tax abatement on the Chestnut Street School, seconded by Councilman Shrewsberry, passing with the following vote. Ayes: Councilman Williams, Nays: Councilman Caldwell. Abstain: Councilman Perkins discussion or the vote. Shrewsberry, Harrod, and Grooms. who did not participate in the PAGE 9 JANUARY 9, 1989 There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Perkins made the motion to adjourn at 9:50 o'clock P.M., seconded by Councilman Williams and carried unanimously. ATTEST: C. glCHARD SP~CER ~, CLERK AND TREASURER