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