HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-1989COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
FEBRUARY 25, 1989
The Common Council of the
in regular session in the
Building in Jeffersonville,
at 9:30 o'clock A.M.
The meeting was called to
Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk.
Mayor Orem asked all
allegiance to the flag.
Catdwell,
1989 for consideration
motion
Carter
City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met
Mayor's Conference Room, in the City-County
Indiana, on the 25th day of February 1989,
order by Mayor Dale Orem with C.
those present to stand and pledge
The roll was called and those present were: Councilmen
Carter, Grooms, Hatred, Perkins, Waiz, and Williams.
Mayor Orem presented the minutes of the meeting of February 6,
by the Council. Councilman Hatred made the
to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilman
and carried unanimously.
Mayor Orem offered his congratulations and welcomed James
Carter who
vacated by William Shrewsberry.
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer
Council President Harrod made the
presented, seconded by Councilman
was recently elected to complete the council term recently
presented the register of claims.
motion to approve the claims as
Waiz, passing on a 6-1 vote.
Councilman Perkins voted no stating he would provide a written statement
for his no vote.
Mayor Orem acknowledged a large group of people in attendance
ese interest was the riverfront development, stating this was not on
the agenda however he would open the meeting to comments. Councilman
Waiz and Councilman Grooms asked that the people be informed it was not
the Council that distributed the post card questionaires and that no
taxpayer money was used on these cards. Councilman Perkins stated he
has never seen one issue stimulate such interest as this has, indicating
he estimated 1,500 responses would be received by the Council. Mayor
Orem said a copy of the proposal from the Hughes Group will be available
PAGE 2
FEBRUARY 25, 1989
in the Clerk and Treasurer's Office this next week, and he hopes to hold
a public meeting before a final decision is made. The procedure for
accepting or rejecting the proposal was discussed after which Councilman
Perkins made the motion to amend the resolution concerning this project
to say the City Council will make the final decision, seconded by
Councilman Waiz and carried unanimously. The R.F.P.'s are an answer to
a concept and there will be a negotiation period for all points. Mayor
Orem said this is probably the largest project in this city's history
and there are many people for it and many against it, however it has
become evident the City could enhance the tax roles by $20,000,000. The
tax abatement that has been requested will not be granted as it is
against the law.
Following this question and answer period a five minute recess
was called.
Mayor Orem reconvened %he meeting. Council President Hatred
made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 89-OR-7, An Ordinance Vacating A
Portion of Indiana Avenue, City of Jeffersonville, Indiana, on the third
and final reading, seconded by Councilman Caldwell, and passed
unanimously.
Council President Hatred introduced Ordinance No. 89-OR-9, An
Ordinance Loaning the City Cumulative Capital Development Fund $40,000
From the Sewer Operating and Maintenance Fund. Councilman Grooms made
the motion to suspend the rules on Ordinance No. 89-OR-9, seconded by
Councilman Williams, and carried unanimously. Councilman Carter then
made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 89-OR-9 on all three readings,
and seconded by Councilman Grooms. At this time Councilman Perkins
asked there be better communications in the future stating the Council
should have purchases of this magnitude brought before them before the
fact. Councilman Perkins further stated, just because the money is in a
fun~ procedure should dictate prior approval be obtained for all funds
of the City. Councilman Waiz also feels that the Council should have a
say in expenditures of this size. Mayor Orem apologized stating the
situation was an oversight on all parts and that planning should be done
together. He also stated an opinion that when the Cumulative Capital
PAGE 3
FEBRUARY 25, 1989
Development Fund has a $.12 tax rate in 1990, $.04 be designated for the
Fire Department, $.04 for the Police Department, and $.04 for the
remaining departments. At this point the following roll call vote on
Ordinance No. 89-0R-9 was taken:
Ayes: Councilman Grooms, Carter, Harrod, Williams, Caldwell,
Waiz, and Perkins.
Nays: None.
Mayor Orem asked that the next item on the agenda, A
Resolution Establishing A Deed not be brought before the Council for a
vote. Councilman Perkins asked that there be discussion regarding the
need for this resolution. Attorney Filer indicated it would be
necessary for the Parks Department to hold a deed to be able to enter
into a contract for a valid lease.
has soverign powers as set by State
has no power to deal with property
He continued the Parks Department
Law to deal with Parks property but
owned by the City. The concern of
Councilman Perkins is that if the current R.F.P. is turned down, the
Parks Department could, in the future, do what they want to with the
property with or without the input of the City Council.
Mayor Orem asked attention be focused on a letter from the
Jeffersonville Downtown Business Association urging a public meeting be
held "to help our community become knowledgeable about the potential of
our riverfront and the proposed plans for its improvement". Mayor Orem
appreciates the willingness of this organization to get involved noting
there are close to 100 retail businesses in downtown Jeffersonville.
Mayor Orem presented Police Chief Mike Harrod, Assistant
Police Chief Walter Johnson, and Officers John Monihon and Dan Rodden,
to speak on behalf of the Police Department 24 Hour Go Home Car Program.
Assistant Chief Johnson presented
the contents. Councilman Perkins
program as a benefit to those that
a written report briefly explaining
indicated he is in favor of the
live in the City, however the main
advantage is visibility and therefore there would be no advantage to
those that live in Borden etc. Councilman Waiz feels the take-home car
is a privilege that should be for those that live in the City.
Councilman Williams feels the line should be drawn as to how the program
PAGE 4
FEBRUARY 25, 1989
should be run saying the Department Head should set up a program and be
able to run it. Councilman Caldwell agreed with this point 100%.
Following all discussion Councilman Williams made the motion to pass
Resolution No. 89-R-2, which would allow for the advertising of a
special appropriation of $60,000 from the Cumulative Capital Improvement
fund for police vehicles and equipment, seconded by Councilman Carter
and carried unanimously. Councilman Carter thanked Assistant Chief
Johnson for the fine report.
Councilman Caldwell asked the Council to review the proposed
amendments to Ordinance No. 8§-OR-§l and to contact Building
Commissioner Scales with any requests for changes indicating the
proposed sewer fees are more reasonable for the times.
Councilman Grooms asked to have the street sweeper out more.
He also asked the Council to review the proposed adjustments in building
permits from Building Commissioner Scales. Councilman Grooms third
concern was to bring up the proposed resolution to adopt COIT asking
what the time schedule for passing it this year would be. Attorney
Fifer explained this must be passed by April 1 or the issue is dead for
this year. Councilman Harrod has been unsuccessful in getting a meeting
set up with the City Council, County Council, and Tax Commission. Mayor
Orem stated we are looking at the County taxes to increase from $2.20 to
$2.90 next year. Councilman Perkins stated his concern for the abuse
the City Council may take, and concern that future councils would use
the money from COIT other than to lower property taxes. Councilman
Groom then made a motion to pass Resolution No. 89-R-3, A Resolution In
Favor Of The Imposition Of County Option Income Tax (COIT). This motion
was seconded by Councilman Williams. Resolution No. 89-R-3 passed with
the following 4-3 vote.
Ayes: Councilmen Grooms, Carter, Williams, and Waiz.
Nayes: Councilmen Harrod, Caldwell, and Perkins.
Councilman Grooms mentioned the Nachand Fieldhouse Roof repair
has been advertised for bidding, and bids will be opened March 13, 1989.
Councilman Grooms also asked Commissioner Scales to make some attempt to
have the railroad bridge at 10th and Spring removed. This is being
worked on. His next concern was to say the subject of police radios
must be addressed.
Councilman Carter brought
at Firehouse No. ~. Two quotes to
PAGE 5
FEBRUARY 25, 1989
up the subject of the leaking roof
repair this roof and one to retruss
the roof have been received. Following all discussion Councilman Carter
made the motion to make an addition to Resolution 89-R-2 to advertise a
special appropriation in the amount of $30,000 from the Cumulative
Capital Improvement fund for the repair of the roof at Firehouse No. 2
by trussing the whole building and to also advertise the same amount for
the same repair from the General Special Non-Reverting Fund, seconded by
Councilman Perkins and carried unanimously. Councilman Caldwell asked
put the current roof on not be allowed to do this
that the roofer that
work.
Councilman
questioned
Williams the
February 6, 1989 Board Of Works
a letter of extra expenditures and
mentioned in the
explained this was
necessary to complete the financing.
Councilman
Gardenside Terrace
Commissioner Scales
letter of transmittal
minutes. It was
credits that was
Williams has received calls from residents of
in reference to trash collection. Building
stated he has been informed proper funding is in
order for Gardenside to contract their own private hauler as of April 1,
1989. The last City pick up will be March 30, and they will be on their
own starting April 3, 1989.
Councilman Williams questioned the length of the contract
between the City and B.F.I. It was explained the original contract was
for one year with two one year options. The City is currently in the
second year while the third year will end in May, 1990. Councilman
Williams also questioned how the Bi-Co contract that expired December
31, 1988 was handled. It was explained the contract was extended for
two months at the same rate.
Councilman Waiz asked if B.F.I. would be picking up the whole
' d
City as of March 1. Mayor Orem explazne that as of the first Monday in
March, which is March 6, all homes and all commercial pick up of six 30
gallon containers or less would be done by B.F.I,
the residential trash pick up business. When
employees in this department would be doing, Mayor
would be four employees retiring between now and
would be reassigned. The tree limbs and "white
as the City is out of
quesioned what the
Orem explained there
May and the others
goods" pick up will
PAGE 6
FEBRU~RY 25, 1989
continue. Councilman Perkins stated he was not sure the Council is in
favor of getting o~t of the garbage business, and would have liked some
discussion at a Council meeting before the Board of Works approval.
Mayor Orem indicated this has been in the newspaper and discussed for
some 30 months. Councilman Perkins feels it is not fair to the small
businessman that pays property taxes to have to contract with a private
hauler when he is paying into the sanitation budget. Mayor Orem
explained that normal pick up will be made to the small businessman,
however no by-product of profit will be picked up. These businesses
were notified two years ago of this action. Councilman Waiz feels the
contract with B.F.I. should have been rebid due to the increase in the
number of homes.
Councilman Perkins stated he had some other items but would
hold them for another meeting as this meeting has gone on for a long
period of time and Councilmen Caldwell and Grooms did leave during the
previous discussion.
Councilman Williams, stating he is a believer in planning,
would like to see a portion of the Saturday meeting more of a "workshop"
where expenditures and procedures are discussed following notification
of such discussion. Councilman Williams feels one example of poor
planning is the Vehicle Maintenance Program that has been started but
not properly funded. Councilman Harrod feels a workshop after the
Saturday meeting would be beneficial. Councilman Waiz said it will be
necessary for the Vehicle Maintenance Department to be expanded due to
the increase in police vehicles alone.
Council President Harrod made
No. 89-R-4, A Resolution Approving A
the motion to pass Resolution
Credit Card For the City Of
Jeffersonville Fire Department, seconded by Councilman Williams and
unanicmously approved. Fire Chief Collins and Assistant Chief Kircher
will be able to sign this card and a limit of $2,500 will be requested.
Fire Chief Collins, as department head, will assume full responsibility
for this card. Council President Harrod indicated he is in the process
of procuring a credit card for the Council.
PAGE 7
FEBRUARY 25, 1989
Mayor Orem has been negotiating for the sale of Firehouse $3
in the Industrial Park as well as a location for a new Firehouse. Mr.
Dan Robertson has made an offer of $90,000 for Firehouse $3. This offer
does contain a 7% real estate commission. In another negotiation, S & R
Truck has offered to donate 3/4 acre of land off Hamburg Pike at
Trucker's Boulevard, providing the City build the first 200 feet of road
and provide the engineering for the rest of the road. The approximate
cost to the City for this would be $25,000. Following all discussion of
all options Council President Harrod made the motion to accept the real
estate proposal of $90,000 from Dan Robertson for the purchase of
Firehouse ~3 in Industrial Park, seconded by Counciman Williams and
carried with 4 ayes and 1 abstention. Councilman Perkins cast the
abstention vote stating he has not had anything in writing on this
proposal.
There being no further business to come before the Council,
Council President Harrod made the motion to adjourn at 1:40 o'clock
P.M.,
seconded by Councilman Perkins and carried unanimously.
DALES. 0REM, MAYOR - ~-
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