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