HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-1989COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
MARCH 20, 1989
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 all
allegiance to the flag.
Carter,
Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met
Council Chambers in the City-County Building
on the 20th day of March 1989, at 7:30
to order by Mayor Dale Orem and C.
those present to stand and pledge
The roll was called and those present were: Councilmen
Caldwell, Grooms, Harrod, Perkins, Waiz, and Williams.
Mayor Orem presented the minutes of the meeting of March 6,
1989 for consideration by the Council. Councilman Perkins made the
motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Council
President Harrod and carried unanimously.
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the register of claims
along with several additional claims for the Council's consideration.
Councilman Perkins made the motion
including the additional, seconded
unanimously.
Councilman Caldwell introduced Ordinance
Ordinance Amending Certain Portions Of Ordinance No.
to approve the claims as presented
by Councilman Carter and carried
No. 89-OR-12, An
87-OR-53, Section
10, Of The City Of Jeffersonville. Building Commissioner Scales spoke
on behalf of the Ordinance stating this is the first raise in fees in
five years. Councilman Perkins stated his appreciation for the
breakdown contained in the Ordinance. Councilman Perkins then made the
motion to suspend the rules on Ordinance No. 89-OR-12, seconded by
Councilman Waiz, and unanimously passed. Councilman Perkins made the
motion to pass Ordinance No. 89-OR-12 on all three readings, seconded
by Councilman Waiz passing with the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilmen, Perkins, Waiz, Caldwell, Carter, Harrod,
Williams, and Grooms.
Nays: None.
Ordinance No. 89-OR-12 passed with a vote of 7-0.
PAGE 2
MARCH 20, ~989
Councilman Grooms Introduced Resolution No. 89-R-5, A
Resolution Of The Common Council Of The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana,
Approving Thereof and Filing Of An Application For The Federal Section 8
Housing Provisions (Vouchers Program)
Authority. Councilman Grooms also
explained this Resolution will allow
families respresenting $250,000 in
By The Jeffersonville Housing
introuded Mr. Phil Bates who
an increase of 50 additional
rent subsidies. Following a short
question and answer
Resolution No. 89-R-5,
vote of 6 ayes, with
involved in the program.
period, Councilman Perkins made the motion to pass
seconded by Councilman Grooms, and passed on a
Councilman Waiz abstaining explaining he is
Councilman Grooms, as the Parks Department liaison, introduced
Resolution No. 89-R-6, A Resolution Accepting Proposal Of Hughes Group
For Riverfront Development, explaing the
get to this point. Councilman Waiz made
No. 89-R-6, seconded by Councilman
procedures that were used to
the motion to pass Resolution
Caldwell. Councilman Carter
expressed concern for the provision on page 2 of the Resolution which
calls for two Council representatives saying he feels all seven members
should be involved in the negotiations. As the growth of the City
depends on what is done on the riverfront he has too many questions and
would llke to see this tabled as we have one shot and if it is done
wrong we suffer. Councilman Waiz stated there is much more involved
than this Resolution and we need to move on. Councilman Perkins agreed
with Councilman Caldwell saying he feels this Resolution is a little
premature. Council President Harrod asked if this Resolution is passed
and all parties involved fail to come to an agreement would the
Resolution be null and void? Attorney Filer answered the proposal must
be accepted by April 20. Councilman Grooms said this project is not
guaranteed by the passing of this Resolution, however, we owe it to the
developer to let then know we are serious. There are enough
stipulations for our protection. Councilman Perkins concern is that we
will never be able to "buy" back the improvements and sees no need to
run into this when the decision is forever. He feels an outside
attorney and C.P.A. should be consulted. Mayor Orem said this Resolution
is to accept or not accept a concept, and from this point on the Council
will be in control. Delays only cost money and accomplish nothing.
PAGE 3
MARCH 20, 1989
should be sent to the
of "in concept" of the
Councilman Williams feels a positive message
developer, however he would like the addition
proposal be added to the Resolution.
Council President Harrod called for public discussion on this
Resolution. Mike Smith speaking as a City employee, City taxpayer, and
boat docker spoke in favor of the project saying he thinks the City
should move on and should not jeopardize a multi-million dollar project.
Mickey Rose a downtown Jeffersonville business owner urged the Council
to send a positive message to Hughes and work out the details later. Ed
McVeety asked that the Riverfront be treated with great respect and not
defaced. Susan Fry a life-long resident of Riverside Drive applauded
the Evening News article titled "Where's The Master Plan". Mrs.
Fredericks spoke for the Riverfront Coalition asking for open and
careful deliberation, for more public hearings~ and that control remain
in the hands of elected officials. (Her printed statement is attached
to the minutes.) Ms. Sharon Martin aked that the growth of the riverbank
not be stifled, but to forge ahead as a pioneer. Jerry Murphy asked
that the riverfront not be turned into a "pile of rock".
Councilman Perkins called for the vote which passed 6-1 with
the following roll call vote recorded:
Ayes: Councilmen Harrod, Williams, Grooms, Waiz, Caldwell and
Carter.
Nays: Councilman Perkins.~
Councilman Grooms introduced Resolution No. 89-R-7, A
Resolution Regarding Exchange Of Property With The Jeffersonville Board
Of Parks And Recreation Department asking that this be tabled.
Councilman Perkins asked that it go on the record that he will not turn
this over to the Parks Department saying action should be taken yay or
nay. Mayor Orem explained the Parks Department has taken care of the
Riverfront for 35 years and the Council has never taken an issue.
Councilman Perkins again called for a vote. Attorney Filer presented
each Councilman with a memorandum issued by him as City Attorney,
calling attention to Exhibit C entitled Riverfront Development Property
- Necessity To Deed Property To The Parks Department. The property has
always been public property however there has never been a deed. He
PAGE 4
MARCH 20, 1989
does believe an agreement can be made with or without a~ deed. Along
with this memorandum is a copy of a Parks Board Resolution which states
if the Hughes Proposal is not accepted the deed would go back to the
City. He concluded by offering funds from the City Attorney budget for
a second legal opinion. Councilman Perkins made the motion to pass
Resolution 89-R-7, seconded by Councilman Carter. Councilman Harrod was
informed negotiations could continue if this is defeated and the matter
could come up again at any time during negotiatons. Mayor Orem told the
Council this issue is beyond Jeffersonvzlt , that State law says that
when a Parks Department is set up they have control over their land.
tax rate.
The Parks Department is under public domain with their own
The following roll call vote was then taken:
Williams.
Ayes: Councilman Grooms.
Nays: Councilmen Perkins, Waiz,
Caldwell, Carter, Harrod, and
Resolution 89-R-7 was defeated by a vote of 1-6.
Recess was called at 8:55 o'clock P.M.
Mayor Orem reconvened the meeting at 9:10 o'clock P.M.
Councilman Caldwell again introduced Building Commissioner
Scales who presented the Council with a written proposal for a computer
program for his office. Commissioner Scales asked the Council to review
the proposal and also to consider allowing one part-time employee in his
office to go on full time.
Councilman Grooms informed the Council the Vehicle Maintenance
Department will be submitting a request for additional equipment. He
also stated many improvements had been made at the facility and invited
the Councilmen to stop by to see them. Councilman Perkins asked if
it would be possible in the future to have this department service the
take-home police vehicles at a reduced rate. This will be studied.
Councilman Grooms also informed the Council he will be asking the Board
of Works for additional Stop signs on Sportsman Drive, and that the
County Council will be meeting March 31, 1989 on COIT and CAGIT.
Councilman Williams presented a letter from the Jeffersonville
Fire Fighters Association Local No. 558 in support of the riverfront
project.
Council President
going to be involved in the
the Parks Board Members have to be included?
least some members should be included. After
decided the first negotiation meeting would
PAGE 5
MARCH 20, 1989
Harrod asked, if all seven Councilmen are
negotiations with the Hughes group will all
Attorney Filer feels at
much discussion it was
be held March 27 at 6
o'clock P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room. As it will be difficult to
schedule the number of necessary meetings where all those involved can
attend, it was decided that at least 4 Councilmen should be available in
order to meet.
Councilman Caldwetl stated he has repeatedly asked Mayor Orem
for a list of the street and/or strip paving that was done in 1988 and
he has yet to receive this. He does need this information to answer to
his constiuency. He also wants to know when to turn in his requests for
paving for this year. Mayor Orem will accept the lists anytime asking
the streets be listed in order of priority. Councilman Perkins would
like to have a meeting when all lists are received. Councilman Caldwell
did thank Commissioner Scales for taking care of Hopkins Lane, and also
for the Historic Board information. Councilman Caldwell is also looking
for his copy of the Sanitation study. Mayor Orem has the majority of
this complete.
Councilman Perkins would like to work with Council President
Harrod to find a C.P.A. and Attorney for the Riverfront Project.
Councilman Waiz asked to be included in this. Councilman Perkins is
still receiving calls from employees regarding the hospitalization
cards will
solve the
Clerk and Treasurer
be delivered to his
majority of problems.
Spencer has been told the Blue Cross
office this Thursday and this should
Councilman Perkins then asked if
Attorney Filer would write
received on Thursday.
Mayor Orem noted
a letter to Blue Cross if the cards are not
there will be a pre-application meeting for
the Waste Water Treatment Plant March 30. The State comments are in the
final process, and he is looking for final approval in May. Some new
areas will be included to possibly substantiate a larger plant.
Councilman Grooms offered his sincere apology to Councilman
Perkins for statements that were made in the newspaper.
PAGE 6
MARCH 20, 1989
There being no further business to come before the Council
Council President Harrod made the motion to adjourn at 10:05 o'clock
P.M., seconded by Councilman Perkins and carried unanimously.
DALE L. OREM, MAYOR
ATTEST:
C. ~CHARD SPEN~RJR.,/.6'LER~ AND TREASURER
JeffersonvJlle Fire Fighters Association
LOCAL NO. 558, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLC
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
The Jeffersonville Firefighters Local # 558 have cc~e to
the City Council of Jeffersonville to give its support for a
riverfront project. We feel that any riverfront project is the
first big step to revitalizing downtown Jeffersonville. Several
hundred jobs will be created during the construction phase and
several h~ndred more when the project is cc~pleted.
Any riverfront project will allow the Parks Department and
Street Department more time and money to maintain other areas of
the City, instead of the riverfront.
When you have a malti-million dollar project added to the
other construction in the city it will help relieve the tax burden
on all city taxpayers. With the added revenue frc~ the project the
city will be able to provide better quality services for all city
taxpayers that they deserve.
We the firefighters of Local # 558 give our total support
to this nuch needed i~provsment to our city.
Sincer~y
Jeffersonville Firefighters
Local # 558
THE RIVERFRONT COALITION
March 20, 1989
For the Public ~
WHO IS THE RIVERFRONT COALITION? WE ARE A NEWLY FORMING GROUP
OF CIT~7~NS WITH MANY DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW BUT A SHARED CONCERN
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ~EFFERSONVILLE'S RIVERFRONT. WE ARE CREATING
A NONPARTISAN FORUM FOR DISCUSSING THE VALUES AND VISIONS THAT WILL
SHAPE DECISIONS ABOUT OUR RIVERFRONT.
WHAT ROLE DO WE WANT TO PLAY? THE RIVERFRONT COALITION IS
DEDICATED TO OPEN AND CAREFUL DELIBERATION OF THESE ISSUES. WE SEEK
COMPROMISES THAT WILL SATISFY THE VARIOUS INTERESTS OF THE BUSINESS,
RESIDENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL COMMUNITIES. WE WANT TO WORK CLOSELY
WITH CITY GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPERS -- TO CONTRIBUTE OUR VOICES TO
THE CHECKS AND BALANCES OF A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP. WE CAN
COMMUNICATE IMPORTANT FACTS AND INFORMATION AMONG THESE PARTIES,
SO THAT PROGRESSIVE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MAY BE CONDUCTED IN
AN ATMOSPHERE OF MUTUAL RESPECT AND TRUST. ABOVE ALL, WE WANT TO
ENSURE THAT JEFFERSONVILLE'S RIVERFRONT IS ALWAYS, FIRST AND
FOREMOST, A SPECIAL PLACE THAT'S DEDICATED TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF
~EFFERSONVILLE.
WHY NOW? THE HUGHES PROPOSAL IS COMPLEX AND FAR-REACHING. SINCE
THE RECENT PUBLIC HEARING, PEOPLE HAVE BEGUN TO FORMULATE MANY
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT THESE
VOICES BE HEARD AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AS THE CITY COUNCIL MAKES THE
DECISIONS THAT LIE AHEAD.
Rentuehiana Historieal Serviee$
210 Ettles Lane, No. l12
Clarksville, Indiana 47130
(812)282-5108
March 20, 1989
Mr. Tony Harrod, President
Jeffersonville City Council
City-County Building
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
Dear Mr. Harrod:
I wish to go on record in support of the Hughes Group's proposal
for the development of the Jeffersonville riverfron% and urge
the city council to approve it. For professional reasons, I
don't normally take public stances on such issues, and because
I am a Clarksville resident, I usually don't take positions on
Jeffersonville matters. However, because an issue of this magni-
tude affects the entire community, and because there are signifi-
cant historical questions involved, I feel it is both necessary
and appropriate to make my opinion known to the council.
My reasons for supporting this project as as follows:
1. It will be a major economic stimulus to Jeffersonville and
Clark County. Not only will it bring more people to the river-
front, stimulating growth of downtown business, it will create
an environment conducive %o further downtown and riverfront develop-
ment. Such development will expand the tax base, create new em-
ployment opportunities, and possibly increase the market for down-
town housing, both new construction and rehabilitation of existing
structures.
2. The Hughes's proposal will not only expand but upgrade the
quality of dock facilities available to area boaters. There has
been widespread comment that the Hughes proposal, by raising the
price of slip space, will reduce public access to the riverfront.
I question the validity of that notion. At the present time,
the docks are controlled by a relative handful of boat owners who
block access to the river for those who don't own boats. Moreover,
many of the existing docks are in poor repair, opening the city to
serious liability problems. The Hughes proposal will create new,
high quality dock space and increase public access for non-boaters
at the same time.
Harrod, p. 2
3. The Hughes plan is consistent with Jeffersonville's maritime
heritage. Jeffersonville ms traditionally associated with ship-
building and recreational boating, and the Hughes Group's proposal
is built on that history. I am particularly pleased by the Hughes
Group's sound judgement in the selection of an architect. K. Norman
Berry was a pioneer in Louisville's preservation movement long be-
fore preservation became profitable. His reputation for sensltlv -
ty to historic environments is well established, and I am confi-
dent that that sensitivity will be apparent in his design for the
Jefferscnville riverfront-
This endorsement does not mean, however, that the Hughes Group
should be given a blank check. The city should enter lease nego-
tiations with a tough-minded attitude, determined to protect the
best interests of the city and its residents. The city has every
right to insist that the design and execution of the project the
surrounding environment. Elements that cut off public access or
block scenic vistas need not be accepted. It is precisely because
I am confident in Norman Berry's ability to respect these conditions
that I support this proposal.
I recognize that ~ pro2ect of this magnitude generates a lot of
diverse feelings, and I urge the council to give all positions
the fullest possible consideration. But it is my considered judg-
ment, as a professional in the areas of urban history,community
development, and historic preservation, this proposal is good for
for the riYerfront, the city, and the community as a whole. I
urge its approval.
Sincerely yours,
Carl E. Kramer, Ph.D.
President
cc: Mayor Dale Orem
Lewis Newlan
PAOB 2: ~ RIVBRFRONT COALITIO~
WHAT DO WE WANT AT THIS POINT?
FIRST, WE ASK FOR MORE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TH~ HUGHES PROPOSAL IN
CONCEPT AND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT. PEOP! .R WANT THE OPPORTUNITY TO
DISCUSS THE ~, POSE NEW QUF. STIONS AND OFFER SPECIFIC IDEAS FOR
IMPROVINO OR REVISING THE CONCEFr.
~ECOND, WE MUST BE ASSURED THAT THIS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
DECISIONS REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE, THROUGH THEIR ~.LRCTED
OFFICIALS. IT HAS BRRN SAID THAT THE CITY MUST DEED THE RIVERFRONT FROM
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN TO TH~ DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION IN ORDER
TO ~TE WITH DEVELOPERS. THE ~ DANOER OF TAKINO PROPERTY
OUT OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN IS LOSS OF LONO-TERM CONTROL TO PRIVATE
INTERF_,STS. IN NO WAY ARE THESE REMARKS INTE~IDED AS A REFLECTION ON
THE INTEOR1TY OR ABILITIES OF THE M~MBERS OF THE BOARD OF PARKS AND
RECREATION, BUT WE STRONGLY BBLmVE THAT THOSE WHO WILL BEAR
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RIVERFRONT SHOULD BE OBLIOATED TO REPRESENT
THE WILL OF THE PEOPL~ WE ASK THE CITY CDUNCIL TO CAREFULLY CONSIDER
THE CONSEQUENCF~ AND TO TAKE ALL NEC~ARY STEPS TO ASSURE THAT THEY
ARE FULLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL ~ CHANOES TO OUR RIVERFRONT.
WE I~-~PEC'TFULLY RF.~ THAT THIS STATEMENT BE INCORPORATED INTO THE
MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. THANK YOU.