HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC December 16, 2019 COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
DECEMBER 16,2019
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session in Room 101, 500
Quartermaster Court,Jeffersonville, Indiana at 7:00 pm,on December 16, 2019.
Vice President Lisa Gill along with City Clerk Conlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Councilperson Ron Ellis gave the invocation. Council Vice President Gill asked those in attendance to
stand during the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:The roll call was conducted and those present were Councilperson Maples,Council Vice
President Gill,Councilperson Hawkins,Councilperson Ellis and Councilperson Samuel. Absent:
Councilperson White,Councilperson Paris,Council President Zastawny,and Councilperson Owen.
MINUTES TO BE APPROVED:
Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the minutes of December 2, 2019 regular meeting
with Councilperson Ellis seconding, PASSING on a vote, 5-0.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilperson Gill made a motion to remove item 12 from the agenda; Rev.Jim Moon was not able to
attend tonight for the update on Haven House, he will make a request to come back in January.
Councilperson Maples made the motion to approve the change to the agenda,seconded by
Councilperson Samuel and motion passes 5-0. Councilperson Maples made the motion to APPROVE the
revised agenda with Councilperson Ellis seconding, PASSING on a vote,5-0.
CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED:
City Controller Heather Metcalf presented the Civil Claims in the amount of$2,568,007.05; but there
was one change—adding an Arts claim of$600.30 which was on Parks Claims in error. The new total is
$2,568,607.35. Councilperson Gill asked if all claims were in order and Controller Metcalf stated they
are now. Councilperson Gill also indicated that claims were high again in this packet due to health
expenses. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the Claims with Councilperson Ellis
seconding, PASSING on a vote,5-0.
City Controller Heather Metcalf presented the Parks Claims in the amount of$55,682.79 less the Arts
claim of$600.30;the new total is$55,082.49. Councilperson Gill asked if all claims were in order and
Controller Metcalf stated they are now. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to APPROVE the Parks
claims with Councilperson Hawkins seconding, PASSING on a vote, 5-0.
REPORT OF THE CLERK:
Retiring First City Clerk Conlin spoke to all her years of volunteer work following in the steps of her
father,former Jeffersonville Building Commissioner Bill Conlin that brought her to this position eight
years ago. She spoke of her work for transparency, accuracy and to serve the citizens of Jeffersonville.
She thanked former employees and Councilpersons she served with. See video on YouTube or Facebook
for complete presentation. Council Vice President Gill presented City Clerk Conlin with a plaque and
stated she hopes to be half the Clerk she was and thanked her for her service.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
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1. Ed Zastawny/Len Ashack—2019-OR-68 Amended and Reinstated Ordinance of the City of
Jeffersonville authorizing the issuance of sewage works revenue bonds for the purpose of
providing funds to pay the cost of certain additions,extensions and improvements to the
municipal sewage works of said City, and the current refunding by the City of its Sewage Works
Revenue Bonds of 2008 and Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 2009, providing safeguarding of
the interest of the owners of said bonds,other matters connected therewith, including the
issuance of notes in anticipation of bonds, and repealing ordinances inconsistent herewith
Mr. Len Ashack, Director of Waste Water indicated no changes to the ordinance.
Councilperson Hawkins made the motion to approve the ordinance on the final reading,
seconded by Councilperson Samuel; and motion passes 5-0.
2. Ed Zastawny/ Les Merkley-2019-OR-72 An Ordinance Establishing Salaries for Elected Officials
of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana
Mr. Merkley,City Legal Counsel indicated there were no changes. Councilperson Samuel asked
how changes will happen in the future. Mr. Merkley indicated that annually the Council may
adopt a new ordinance for the following year by December 31n. The Council may do this with
the other employees salary reviews. Councilperson Maples made the motion to change the
ordinance changing item 3 Cellular Phones—Full time elected officials may elect to receive
$50.00 per month stipend in lieu of receiving cell provided by the City; Councilperson Samuel
seconded the motion and motion passes 5-0. Councilperson Hawkins made the motion to
approve the revised ordinance on final reading; seconded by Councilperson Ellis and motion
passes 5-0.
3. Ed Zastawny/Heather Metcalf 2019-OR-73 An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds within the
Same Department
Ms. Metcalf, City Controller indicated no changes. Councilperson Samuel made a motion to
approve the ordinance on the final reading; seconded by Councilperson Hawkins,passing on a
vote of 5-0.
4. Ed Zastawny/Brad Benson—Public Hearing 2019-OR-74 Petition for Partial Vacation of an
Unimproved Platted Alley Connected to Southern Indiana Avenue,a Public Way
Mr. Brad Benson presented map of area to be vacationed,stating that the alley was never
improved, not used, and this will clean up the development process. Council Vice President Gill
asked if this will hinder any fire or police for doing their job in the area. Mr. Benson indicated
no. Council Vice President Gill opened up public hearing at 7:33 p.m.with no one coming
forward to speak the public hearing was closed at 7:34 p.m. Councilperson Samuel made the
motion to approve the ordinance,seconded by Councilperson Hawkins,and motion passes 5-0.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Barb Anderson invited the City Council to attend an upcoming event on
January 9, 2020; Haven House Services Inc will co-host a forum on homelessness and affordable housing
at 300 Spring on Spring Street from 1-4 p.m. See full presentation on YouTube or Facebook.
ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Nothing at this time.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
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Councilperson Maples—Thanked City Clerk Conlin, Councilperson Samuel and Vice President
Councilperson Gill for their service to the City. He also thanked Barb Anderson with Haven House for
sharing information tonight because their services and the Sheriffs office go hand in hand a lot of the
time. Merry Christmas
Councilperson Hawkins—Thanked City Clerk Conlin, who is always spot on;Vice President Councilperson
Gill, Councilperson Samuel and Councilperson Zastawny for their service to the City. Merry Christmas
and suggested everyone come out and support the JHS Boys Basketball Team as they host Silver Creek
which should be a great game.
Councilperson Ellis—explained his decision to not support changes to the Council salary while so many
members this could affect were not present. He thanked Barb Anderson for her continued work to see
how we can improve Jeffersonville and the surrounding areas. He thanked Vice President Councilperson
Gill,Councilperson Samuel,Councilperson Zastawny, and City Clerk Conlin who was elected the same
year he was; he appreciates their service,developed friendships and each was wonderful to work with.
He believes in doing what is right when decision affect others. I appreciate Councilperson Hawkins and
Councilperson Maples—we may have conflicts about how we think and it is a challenge, but God blessed
me to be here and guided me. Thank you all for serving.
Councilperson Samuel—Many people have asked me how I am feeling...I say bitter-sweet, but as I think
about it...l compare it to graduation from High School. I've spent the same amount of time working at
this...12 years. You're sad because relationships and connections will change, but excited as you
determine what the next part of your journey is going to look like.
On June 11,2007,at a democrat caucus, I was sworn in to replace Phil McCauley as one of the two At-
Large Council persons. Little did I realize the journey I was about to take. Being able to be involved,
with a team of others,to help shape and lead your hometown is a wonderful opportunity and blessing.
While every turn on the journey wasn't met with peace and happiness,the greatest majority was full of
satisfaction.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention those with whom I served with and worked alongside...
3 Mayors—Rob Waiz;Tom Galligan;and Mike Moore.
First City Clerk—Vicki Conlin...thank you Vicki for your service.
22 Council members—Ron Grooms; Barbara Wilson; Keith Fetz;John Perkins;Wayne Carter; Bryan
Glover;Zach Payne; Dennis Julius; Connie Sellers; Mike Smith;Tony Wadsworth;Josh Rodriquez; Callie
Jahn;Steve Webb; and current members...Dustin White;Joe Paris; Ed Zastawny;Scottie Maples; Lisa Gill;
Scott Hawkins; Matt Owen; and Ron Ellis.
Department Heads and City employees—those are the ones that actually make the plans happen. We
have a great group and I'm grateful to have gotten to work with them and know them.
Lastly,but probably most importantly, my wife Kim Samuel as well as my friends and family for their
sympathetic ear,support and patience.
I've been blessed and fortunate to work with good teams of folks.
When I decided to run for election,the overriding intent was to make my hometown of Jeffersonville
better. I quickly learned that everyone has an opinion and knows what is best for our Community...but
few actually put themselves out there and run for election to serve and lead in a public way. It's easy to
see and be fixed on the positives once you win your election but initially you never realize the downside.
There will be times you have to vote against a long-time friend,a neighbor, business associate,or
possibly even family. It's not easy but you do for the greater good and to try to do what's right for the
Community and City you love. Most people don't know the struggles,difficult phone calls, questions 24
hours a day-7 days always seeming to be on-call,the confrontations that may happen and time that is
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put in. I want to personally THANK each of you, and those whom I named earlier for your service and
effort to make a difference,while handling those difficult times. The good times far outweigh the
difficult...for example: when you are able to assist someone who comes to you for help cutting through
governmental bureaucracy, publicly acknowledge young people or adults for doing something positive,
enact legislation that makes Jeffersonville better, represent the entire community at various events, be
part of building new facilities, helping those who can't help themselves, and so much more.
It has truly been a blessing and honor to be a Jeffersonville City Councilman over the past 12%years.
The growth and change that has taken place over those years is remarkable. In 2007 the total budget of
all funds in 2007 was$20.4 million and in 2020 it is budget at$54.1 million (165%growth).
As I have reflected back,there are a handful of votes that I wish I'd have voted differently, however;
there are countless votes that I'm so glad I was able to support and be part of. In reflection, I wanted to
list some of the highlights and changes I've been able to work on,alongside of the Mayors,Council
Members,and employees listed earlier.
• Annexation of most of the 6th district(wasn't popular but right thing to do);
• Class 3 City to Class 2 City designation;
• Police/Fire liaison—4+years; adding 34 Police and 29 Firefighters(63 total new safety
personnel);
• Established Police/Fire Merit Commission;
• New Fire Headquarters; new fire station in 6th district;
• New Police Headquarters;
• New City Hall;
• Helping hold line on costs resulting in the strongest financial position Jeffersonville has had even
to the point the State acknowledged Jeffersonville above other Cities;
• Sidewalks across all parts of the City connecting key areas and schools;
• Riverstage;
• Fitness testing and Work Performance Evaluation as part of fire contract which provides for
safety and health of our firefighters;
• Parks System overhaul providing state of the art facilities across the City(Woehrle Soccer
Complex;Vissing Park; Bob Hedge Park;Chapel Lake Park,etc.);
• 10th Street widening and gateway improvements;
• Downtown wireless project;
• Big Four Bridge funding and build out;
• Funding and growth of the Clark County airport;
• Public Arts, Public Art Commission and by ordinance established 4%funding from EDIT to help
sustain;
• And most recently, helping establish the Homeless Needs&Services N/R fund, identified annual
funding from EDIT and initiated a process for distributing the funds;
Many changes have taken place over the past 12%2 years, and there are many more that will take place
looking ahead! My hope and prayer for the incoming Mayor and the City Council is you would have
wisdom and vision and when your term of service is over,you'll be able to say that you did what was
right for Jeffersonville's future. It will go by fast...I encourage you to savor the journey!
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Vice President Councilperson Gill—When I ran for City Council I stepped way out of my comfort zone,
please don't call me a politician,call me a public servant. I want to thank my husband,who encourages
and supports me every day I ran for public safety, drainage and sewer rates. Public safety- I have never
been shy about how I helped set up block watches across the City long before I was elected to Council.
Neighborhood park safety-as a mother it was my job to have a safe neighborhood for my child as well
as the other kids in the neighborhood;we had the support of State,County and City Police. An Officer
came out one evening, he had a revolver that looked like it was going to fall apart;they wearing expired
police vest,and his car was overheating. This was all unacceptable—so I ran. I sought out grants before
being elected for computers in cars that led to taking it to Legislators. Once I became a Councilperson I
worked with all the Chief of Police to obtain the bearcat for the SWAT team,the police boat and trailer
and the simulator and they have good cars now. Being married to a firefighter I knew their equipment,
when I would get a call for a need, my first call would be to Councilperson Samuel. Through it all we
were for them,for their safety and the betterment of our City,administration and employees who
support them and I don't think that any Councilmember would disagree that public safety is number
one. Drainage—I took charge on flooding in my neighborhood and other parts of the city by making
sure development was done right in regards to drainage,which lead to Councilperson Samuel
appointing me to the drainage board which gave me courage to run for City Council. I am going off
Council with my head held high because all the drainage projects,especially 8th and Hopkins is under
contract and will be done. Sewer rates—Sandy Knott called and asked me to come to one of the
meetings in Cherry Hill neighborhood because of flooding,so with Andy Crouch City Engineering, Len
Ashack Waste Water Director and more employees we went to hear their issues. I was determined to
make sure there was not another rate increase with these projects. With 8th Street storm water and
sewer separation it was literally me bringing people to the table to review a storm water master plan
from Christopher Burke Co. It took a lot of trial and error, but Mr.Crouch and Mr.Ashack with Jacobi
Tooms and Lanz worked with us to create the plan. This addressed all the flooding without sewer rate
increase—it is a huge accomplishment. I never made anything personal, but like City Clerk Conlin said
earlier,all we have is our integrity. I appreciate working with everyone, City Clerk Conlin—I appreciate
your assistance and friendship, I will carry the torch because you and Councilperson Ellis said you would
help and you have. Councilperson Samuel-I can't thank you enough all you did and for your friendship.
Being able to work with all the departments I appreciate that and hope we will continue. Thank you all
and I hope that as I take my new role as City Clerk that the public realizes this is not an easy seat to sit
in. There is a lot of tough decision and like I said what my mom and dad taught me—leave things better
than what you found it. I wish you all the best and I look forward to working with you as your City Clerk.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilperson Zastawny ADJOURN and the meeting adjourned at 8:07 P.M.
APPROVED BY:
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