HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-29-2003 Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in special session at the
Jeffersonville Department of Parks and Recreation; 1406 Frederick Avenue;
Jeffersonville, Indiana on the 29th day of March 2003.
Mayor Tom Galligan called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. Clerk Treasurer
Wilder was in attendance at the desk.
Mayor G-alligan asked that all those in attendance stand while Councilperson
Grooms gave the invocation. He then asked all those present to join him in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
The roll was called and those Councilpersons present were Barbara Wilson, Ron
Ellis, Ron Grooms, Les Merkley, Rob Waiz and Denny Frantz. Councilperson
Vicki Conlin was absent.
There were no department head reports.
NEW BUSINESS
County ~ouncilperson Danny Rodden presented a packet of information regarding the
new County taxes. Councilperson Rodden told Couneilmembers that the County had been
struggling financially and came to the point when there was no other alternative. He
explained that CAGIT was adopted at a 1% rate, and that money collected in the first '
quarter will replace property tax by an estimated 23%. The Federal Revenue Sharing
distributions will also be replaced with CAGIT collections. Councilperson Rodden also
explained the .25% EDIT tax. He said that money would be used for Capitol expenditures
and Economic Development, mainly a new jail. He went on to explain the final tax, a
WHEEL tax. He said that because the State is alleviating the inventory tax, the revenue
must be made up, in addition to the fact that the County is not eligible for some state
Local Road and Street funding unless the $20 personal vehicle and $25 commercial
vehicle WHEEL tax is imposed.
Mayor Galligan pointed out that the WHEEL tax is always tied to distributions from the
state. He said the state would match the WHEEL tax dollar for dollar, as a reward for
imposing the tax.
Toby Wolcott with Paradigm Solutions Group presented information to the Council. He
said he has met with members of the committee and put together the numbers, despite not
having average salaries from the payroll department. Clerk Treasurer Wilder told Mr.
Woleott and the Council that all requests had been complied with, and that the Clerk's
office was not invited to the committee meetings as discussed. Mr. Wolcott went on to
say that the plan had been endorsed by Culpepper Cooper, who will recommend the plan
statewide. He explained the program as a shift in the cost for the insurance. The
employees will be billed more, and then reimbursed. He said that Federal Code Section
105 allows for this. Mayor Galligan told Mr. Wolcott this information would be reviewed
by the City.
Gayle Robinson, the Director of the Jeffersonville Redevelopment Commission presented
the Council with a 2002 Year End Project Summary report. He reviewed those reports for
the Council and updated the Council on the current status of projects. He said he wants to
begin promoting the city to appeal to new business.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilperson Grooms thanked everyone for attending.
Councilperson Merkley addressed the 500 block of Market Street. He said there are flat
tires and broken down vehicles. Mayor Galligan said the vehicles could have stickers
placed on them and directed Safety Director Rodden to take care of it.
Councilperson Ellis said he was concerned about the speed of vehicles at Mechanic and
Eighth Street. Mayor Galligan said he would have a radar sign set up in that area, as well
as additional patrols.
Council President Waiz said he believed that the meeting was productive and he thanked
everyone for attending and participating.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:55 AM.
Rob W sident
Attest:
Peggy ~d~r, Clerk Treasurer