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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-1989COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA OCTOBER 21, 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 Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk. Mayor Orem asked all allegiance to the flag. The roll was called Carter, Caldwell, Grooms, Harrod, Absent: None. City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met Mayor's Conference Room, in the City-County Indiana, on the 21st day of October, 1989, to order by Mayor Dale Orem and C. those present to stand and pledge and those present were: Councilmen Perkins, Waiz, and Williams. Mayor Orem presented the minutes 1989 for consideration by the Council. motion to approve the minutes as amended, Williams, and carried unanimously. of the meeting of October 2,' Councilman Perkins made the seconded by Councilman tax abatement could not have been requested until equipment means an additonal 12 jobs. Councilman Waiz to pass Resolution No. 89-R-40, seconded by Council passing on a vote of 6-1. Councilman Perkins stated he support this Resolution as the equipment has been purchased. this time. The made the motion President Narrod declines to Mayor Orem presented Resolution No. 89-R-39, A Confirming Resolution Declaring An Area To Be An Economic Revitalization Area (Clark Maritime Centre) declaring this a public hearing and asking for any oppossition. There being no oppossition, Council President Narrod made the motion to pass Resolution No. 89-R-39, seconded by Councilman Grooms and carried unanimously. Mayor Orem introduced Mr. Davis, Chief E~ecutive Officer of Eagle Steel. He then introduced Resolution No. 89-R-40, Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Real Property Tax Abatement (Eagle Steel). Councilman Perkins asked if the piece of equipment involved in this has been purchased and was informed it had. Councilman Perkins feels the tax abatement should be petitioned before the purchase, not after the fact. Mayor Orem explained the area has recently been designated an Economic Revitalization Area, therefore the PAGE 2 OCTOBER 21, 1989 Approving Abatement Mayor Orem introduced Statement Of Benefits (Ohana Energies, Inc). Resolution No. 89-R-41, Resolution For Purposes Of Real Property Tax Following discussion regarding what Ohana Energies, Inc., included, Council President Harrod made the motion to pass Resolution No. 89-R-41, seconded by Councilman Grooms, passing on a vote of 5-2. Councilmen Perkins and Caldwell voted no stating they feel it is a bad habit of passing items that are not presented in advance of the meeting. Councilman Waiz stated he also would have liked to have seen this ahead of time. Councilman Perkins asked if all tax abatements had to have a 10 year and 5 year abatement. Mayor Orem stated this is the maximum set by the State. Mayor Orem introduced Mr. Carrol Gowens of the Department of Redevelopment who explained to the Council the reason for asking to have Ordinance No. 89-OR-61, An Ordinance Vacating Portions Of Indiana Avenue And Ohio Avenue In The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana, passed. Councilman Perkins made the motion to table Ordinance No. 89-OR-61, until such time as the financial statements can be studied, seconded by Council President Harrod, passing on a vote of 5-2. Councilmen Williams and Grooms voted in oppossition to the table. Ordinance No. 89-OR-64, An Additional Appropriation Ordinance (General Fund), was introduced for discussion. Councilman Caldwell and Clerk and Treasurer Spencer explained that Housing has made a payment "in lieu of taxes" of $5,000 to the City and this money will be used to purchase a van to transport senior citizens. The Parks Department will hold the title to the vehicle. suspend the rules for Ordinance Grooms and carried unanimously. pass Ordinance No. 89-OR-64 Councilman Waiz passing with the following roll call vote: Williams, Ayes: Councilmen and Grooms. Nays: None. Mayor Orem Councilman Perkins made the motion to No. 89-OR-64, seconded by Councilman Councilman Caldwell made the motion to on all three readings, seconded by Perkins, Waiz, Caldwetl, Carter, Harrod, introduced Ordinance No. 89-OR-65, Amending Certain Portions of Section 1 of Ordinance (Salary Ordinance - Police Chief Walter catagory was An Ordinance No. 88-OR-34 Part-time Dispatcher). Mayor Orem and Assistant Johnson explained the additional $3,500 in this necessary due to a retirement in the department and the PAGE 3 OCTOBER 21, 1989 necessary training. Councilman Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 89-OR-65, seconded by Councilman Grooms, passing unanimously. Councilman Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 89-0R-85 on all three readings, seconded by Councilman Carter passing with the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Perkins, Waiz, Harrod, Caldwell, Carter, Williams, and Grooms. Nays: None. Mayor Orem introduced Ordinance No. 89-OR-66, Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department. Councilman Waiz made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 89-OR-66, seconded by Council President Harrod and passed unanimously. Councilman Carter made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 89-OR-68 on all three readings, seconded by Council President Harrod, passing with the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Perkins, Waiz, Harrod, Caldwetl, Carter, Williams, and Grooms. Nays: None. Mayor Orem introduced Ordinance No. 89-OR-67, Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department. Councilman Carter made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 89-OR-67, seconded by Council President Harrod, passing unanimously. Councilman Williams made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 89-OR-67 on all three readings, seconded by Councilman Carter, passing with the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Grooms, Williams, Carter, Caldwetl, Harrod, Wais, and Perkins. Nays: None. Mayor Orem introduced Ms. Jan Wheatley-Dobler, a resident of the Meadows who has been hired to be the new Animal Control Officer for the City. Councilman Perkins mentioned the yard sale taking Ms. Wheatley-Dobler's resident for the benefit of the Animal stating things are looking up at the Shelter. Councilman Waiz asked to be excused to meet a place at Shelter, previous committment. PAGE 4 OCTOBER 21, 1989 Councilman Williams had been asked to carry on two projects of former Councilman Shrewsberry, these being the new fire station and a memorial for Former Mayor Richard L. Vissing. Councilman Williams is happy construction on the new fire house has started and wishes to know the status of the Vissing project. Councilman Caldwell stated he, Councilmen Carter and Perkins with the help of the Evening News had conducted a survey and received negative responses on the changing of the name of the City-County Building and Court Avenue. There was however, no oppossition to renaming a park and the Park Board has no reservations with this. Councilman Perkins made the motion to rename River City Park to Richard L. Vissing Memoral Park. This motion received a unanimous second. Mr. Lakeman will see about a sign for the entrance and a date will be set for a ceremony. Councilman Williams made reference to the minutes of the Board of Public Works and Safety of October 4, 1989, asking about the sewers on Locust behind Claysburg II. Mayor Orem and City Engineer Scales explained the history as known. Attorney Filer will be asking for 50% of the cost of this project from the owners of Claysburg II. Councilman Perkins asked if a permit had been issued for this work and if there had not~ 100% of the cost should be asked for. Regarding the same minutes, Councilman Williams questioned the cost estimates for a Comprehensive Plan for the City. Mayor Orem has had conversations with River Hills. City Engineer Scales has contacted another firm for a price. Mr. Gowens stated he has talked with Mr. Gary Cooper, who stated he could do it for $15,000 or less if he could use the 1978 plan as a basis. Councilman Williams has been asked by several individuals why bills cannot be paid at the banks. Mayor Orem informed him Tax Commission would not allow the water company to collect the sewer the State sewer bills, and he feels the same is true for the banks. Sewer Office Manager Goldman said the banks would have to be paid for collection and there would be a problem involving late penalties as well. Councilman Williams inquired of the plans to reorganize the Animal Shelter. A committee made up of Mr. Lakeman, Officer Cliff Lindsey, Fay Schoen and John Fry had reviewed 30 applications for the Department Head and had recommended the hiring of Ms. Jan Wheatley-Dobler for the top position, Mr. Mike Eldridge, currently the PAGE 5 OCTOBER 21, 1989 $3 man at the Floyd County Shelter, for the second position and Mr. Tom Campion, currently employed with the Parks Department, for the third employee. The building has been painted, renovated, and generally cleaned. Concrete block has been donated which will made for a better situation and easier to clean. Street Commissioner Lee Hemlngway will be using the Galligan bulldozer to redo the road. With the change of personnel there has been a multitude of volunteers and adoptions, and with the new attitudes more of this will be seen. Mayor Orem stated there is a unique situation at the Shelter with the County and Clarksville having the ability to bring 20 to 30 animals in a day and they are working to control this number. Council President Harrod noted Ms. Wheatley-Dobler has "hit the road running". Councilman Williams questions if more money than has been set in the 1990 budget will be needed. Mayor Orem cannot answer that at this time, and Council President Harrod feels there may be a need to build a new structure. Councilman Perkins feels a need to "strong arm" the County, Clarksville, and Sellersburg for help. Councilman Carter questioned the need to replace the septic tank. Councilman Catdwell wishes to commend the committee, particularly Council President Harrod, Mr. Lakeman, and all City Departments that helped with this situation. One day there were 15 City employees trying to help. Councilman Williams have received letters from the has been contacted by two residents that Building Commission Office regarding the upkeep of the area behind their fence line to the alley between Duncan and Francis, asking for a clarification of this. City Engineer Scales stated it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain the right-of-way. Councilman Caldwell would like to know who a partially blind person who does volunteer work can contact for transportation. He was told to contact Ms. Pat Jewell or Medicade. Mayor Orem reviewed the public transportaion. Councilman Perkins invites all to attend a meeting Tuesday, October 24, 1989 at 7:30 P.M. The purpose of this meeting will be to go over some model Ordinances regarding animal abuse and general control of animals. He also gave an invitation to walk with him to the new Council Chambers after the meeting. This project should be completed by Tuesday and he commends Mr. Steve Kempf for the quality of the work. PAGE 6 OCTOBER 21, 1989 Councilman Perkins called the Council's attention to an Evening News article quoting County Councilwoman Coffman regarding the proposed new parking lot for the City-County Building. He requests City Attorney Fifer respond in writing to Ms. Coffman informing her the City residents enjoy the priviledge of paying county taxes also, and suggests he include a County map as this is Georgraphy Awareness Week. Mayor Orem agreed this is a sad comment. It was also suggested the cooperation the County received from the City regarding the jail and the building permits be mentioned in the letter. Councilman Perkins gave praise to City Judge Lindsey for a letter regarding the refusal to finance a Public Defender, stating this situation is as bad or worse than the parking lot situation. Councilman Grooms also supports a reply. Councilman Grooms referred to the Board of Public Works and Safety minutes regarding free flu shots for City employees. He suggests the liability of this be checked, a release be signed by employees, and a physician should be made aware. These flu shots are not for everybody and he recommends the City be careful and consult with an attorney and the Public Health Officer. Councilman Grooms announced Sunnyside Pride will be sponsoring a clean-up project starting at 8:00 A.M., October 28, at the Township Library. They will have free bags, free directions, free instruction, and anyone wanting to help clean up parts of 10th Street, 8th Street, and other streets should join in this project. Councilman Grooms has been asked doing to pursue efforts with the Department what the City Council is of Redevelopment for the funding of a proposed convention Bureau. A recent editorial suggests the City Council get involved with this. Councilman Grooms would like to propose that the City Council support the creation of a Convention Center Committee to be made up of Councilmen Grooms, Waiz, and Perkins with Mr. Carrol Gowens, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of a local bank or financial institution, a representative of a local hotel or restaurant, a member of the DeMars Development Group and a member of the Tourism Bureau. The purpose of this group would be to meet to seek financing alternative as well as to structure the orgainizing of a convention center which would probably be a holding corporation. This needs to be done to get ready for the State Legislative Session. PAGE 7 OCTOBER 21, 1989 Councilman Perkins agrees with this and suggests one of the first things we ask the Legislators to do is give us 8-10 liquor licenses that would stay in the designated area for schedule a meeting as soon as meeting. Councilman James Craig regarding Perkins feels this is all City employees. promoted and he would restaurants. Councilman Grooms will possible and report at the November "piece meal". The fieldhouse was discussed, however it is department needs something on-site, and the fieldhouse others. This concept is supported by the City Council. Mayor Orem made a plea for donations to United Way. recent earthquake in California the Red Cross is running out and they are one of the United Way agencies. As the City is part of this community there is a need to give to the United Way. City Attorney Filer received a letter from Attorney Nachand regarding the comprehensive plan. Under State statute, Perkins made reference to a letter from Officer the revamping of the weight room. Councilman a good idea not only for the Police and Fire but Keeping City employees in good shape should be like to see something done "first class", not felt the fire could be for With the of money a major David in the absence of a comprehensive plan, it is deemed the existing zoning map and Ordinance are the comprehensive plan. He feels this jurisdiction can be extended to rezone property on the initiative of property owners until a comprehensive plan is received. Mr. Nachand, on behalf of the County, has asked that the City not reject jurisdiction, but extend jurisdiction on out to the Port. confusion in the area from the City presented to the Plan Commission objections were stated. There is a tremendous amount of limits to the Port. This will be if there are no objections. No Mayor Orem informed the Council Duffy's Landing has had the second visit from the Department of Natural Resources. The original plan was for 4 or 5 years, and he feels the DNR may authorize the full $200,000 in a one-time grant. This will be known by the end of November or the first of December. Under this grant the City will finance and the grant will reimburse. Methods of financing this were discussed. PAGE 8 OCTOBER 21, 1989 Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the register of claims as well as several additional claims that were explained and discussed. Following all explanations Councilman Perkins made the motion to approve the claims as presented as well as the additional claims, seconded by Councilman Grooms~ and carried unanimously. There followed discussion of a claim to Attorney McGregor which will be presented for payment at a later date. There being no further business to come before the Council Councilman Perkins made the motion to adjourn at 11:15 o~clock A.M., seconded by Council President Harrod and carried unanimously. ~ALE~. OREM, MAYOR ~ ATTEST: C. R~CHARD SPENCEr-JR., CLip'AND TREASURER