Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 5, 2021 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA April 5,2021 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting via teleconferencing on April 5, 2021. Council President Owen along with City Clerk Gill called the virtual meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Lisa Gill and those present were Council President Owen;those members teleconferencing (Covid-19) were Councilperson White, Councilperson Burns, Councilperson Paris, Council Vice President Maples, Councilperson Croft, Councilperson Webb, Councilperson Hawkins, and Councilperson Ellis . INVOCATION: Council President Owen requested Councilperson Ellis to lead the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes of.March 15, 2021 of the Regular Meeting, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes of March 29, 2021 of the Special Meeting with the Sewer Board, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote: Councilperson White -Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Abstain Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 8-0-1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Council President Owen stated he sent an email out regarding the desire to add an item on the agenda under New Business. This has to do with the Salary Ordinance and changing the minimum rates that we pay our seasonal workers. Kim Calabro and several others are here to answer any questions about the Page 1 of 9 proposals that he sent out. Time is of the essence here because they are actively trying to recruit and retain seasonal employees for the summer months. Councilperson Webb made the motion to amend the Agenda adding Kim Calabro with the Salary Ordinance as number 20 under New Business, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Councilperson Burns made the motion to approve the Agenda as amended, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call vote: Councilperson White -Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$2,122,857.34—Ms. Heather Metcalf, City Controller indicated no changes. Councilperson Burns made the motion to approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins; roll call vote: Councilperson White -Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Parks$86,553.58- Ms. Metcalf indicated there was no changes. Councilperson Webb made the motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins; roll call vote: Councilperson White -Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Page 2 of 9 Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 REPORT OF THE CLERK: Nothing at this time. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Les Merkley 2020-OR-67 An Ordinance Establishing Fees for Copy of Body Camera Video Taken by The Jeffersonville Police Department at Accident Scenes Mr. Merkley presented 2020-OR-67. This is a new ordinance dealing with this issue. This was brought up late last year and needed to be tweaked to ensure that we are compliant with both the Indiana Open Records Law and also to ensure that we do not subject the City or the Department into any potential liability issues. He believes this ordinance accomplishes this. He asks that they make a motion to amend the ordinance that was passed on the first reading to reflect these changes. Mr. Wilder confirmed that they had discussed this to ensure that there were no fees for prosecutors or criminal defendants who file a motion for discovery. Council Vice President Maples stated he was one who had issues with the original ordinance and reading this over this amended version takes care of any concerns that he had. Council Vice President Maples made the motion to amend the ordinance to reflect the changes that are in their packet, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Council Vice'President Maples made the motion to approve the amended ordinance on the second and third reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 2. Len Ashack Reconsidering 2021-OR-7 Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 2011-OR-73 and Establishing Sewer Rates and Sewer Capacity Fees Council President Owen stated they did make an amendment to this on their March 15th meeting and then held a special session and had further discussion. At this point he does not think that the Council wants to rush things on this matter and asked for consideration for a motion to table the item until they can get more information that was requested from Mr. Baldessari. Councilperson Burns made the motion to table the ordinance seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call vote: Page 3 of 9 Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 NEW BUSINESS 1. Les Merkley 2021-R-6 Resolution Approving and Ratifying Seconded Interlocal Agreement Between & Among City of Jeffersonville,Jeffersonville-Clarksville Flood Control District,Town of Clarksville, & Clarksville Department of Redevelopment Mr. Merkley stated the Council previously approved this Interlocal Agreement to do the project for Flood Control,the Cane Run Pump Station. Flood control is getting ready to begin that project and is being financed through the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF). The SRF is asking that certain technical changes be made to the Interlocal Agreement that we have in place. It is nothing of any substance in the stand point of obligations for any of the entities involved. Council President Owen confirmed that this SRF is being put through by the Flood Control and Mr. Merkley confirmed that was correct. Councilperson Hawkins made the motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 2. Les Merkley 2021-0R-12 Ordinance Regulating the Parking of Unused Shared Mobility Devices Mr. Merkley stated that through the Board of Public Works, the Administration has received some complaints of scooters that are dying and then are being left laid down in the middle of the Big 4 ramp and on sidewalks. They are looking or a mechanism so the City can pick those up. The City will then notify the company that they cannot be left in the right of way due to safety concerns. This ordinance will allow the Street Department to impound these and charge a fee of$25 per day until the owner comes to retrieve them. They are trying to eliminate the public hazard. Mr. Merkley asked that this be passed on the first reading as there may be more tweaks to it before the next meeting. Councilperson Burns asked about allowing the scooters to be parked in the grass, are we concerned that they would be in the way of maintenance people if they were in the grass. Mr. Merkley stated that is not a current concern but if it poses a problem they can amend it. Councilperson Webb made the motion to approve the ordinance on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Page 4 of 9 Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 3. Les Merkley 2021-OR-13 Ordinance Establishing the City of Jeffersonville American Rescue Plan Fund for Purposes Receiving Allocation of Funds Mr. Merkley stated they are asking that this ordinance be adopted in order to comply with the State Board of Accounts directive. Congress has passed the American Rescue Plan. There is a lot of money in there and there is a lot of money that is specifically earmarked for local entities of government. The City of Jeffersonville is estimated to receive 10.3 million dollars and they are hoping to have the first half of this within the next 30-60 days. As a requirement of State Board of Accounts,they have to establish a fund for this money. There are lot of layers of oversight for this. Mr. Merkley is asking that this be passed on the first reading. Councilperson Hawkins made the motion to approve the ordinance on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 4. Les Merkley 2021-R-7 Resolution Adopting a Plan for Use of American Rescue Plan Funds Subject to Council Appropriation Mr. Merkley stated this is also a requirement of the State Board of Accounts. He did not want to have this as part of the Ordinance because he anticipates this being changed as it is decided what this money can be used for and what it cannot. Approving through a Resolution allows the plan to be changed with one reading as opposed to three readings if it were part of the Ordinance. Councilperson White asked if they would be able to table this until the next meeting so that Council could add to this if they wished and then it could be approved alongside 2021-OR-13. Mr. Merkley stated that was fine, but they are still unsure what the funds are allowed to be used for. The Federal Law states these funds can be used for any lost revenue due to Covid-19. Mr. Merkley asked if any of the Council had items they would like to include in this Resolution that they contact him to prepare prior to the next meeting. Council President Owen stated it was his hope that they resolve this quickly as they may be able to use some of these funds for the sewer utility project. Councilperson White made the motion to table the resolution until the next meeting, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote: Councilperson White -Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Page5of9 Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 5. Les Merkley 2021-R-8 Resolution of Support of The TCDF Grant For The 706 Spring Street Project of The Vintage Fire Museum Safety Education Center, Inc. Mr. Merkley stated this is a pool of money that is available to Tourism and this would be a grant to the Vintage Fire Museum and Safety Education Center. He believes this is money that will be used for renovations at their new building. Councilperson Hawkins made the motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 6. Andy Crouch 2021-OR-14 Ordinance Establishing the Stormwater Ordinance for the City of Jeffersonville Mr. Crouch stated currently there are approximately twenty ordinances that address stormwater and they are trying to reduce those. They were not able to get everything covered by this ordinance however they tried to address as many as they could in one document. They are also trying to create a fee or a fine for violations of the ordinance. The fines are laid out on page 21. They are also pulling the technical standards and placing that in a technical standards document by the Drainage Board as they see fit. Councilperson Ellis asked who will be responsible for enforcing and collecting the fines and Mr.Crouch responded that they would be running that through the Clerk's Office. Clerk Gill confirmed these fines will be collected by the Violations Bureau. Councilperson Ellis asked what would happen if someone refused to pay a fine and Mr. Crouch stated that ultimately the City would be able to file a lien on the property. The goal would be to remediate the issue that violation caused. Mr. Wilder asked what the due process would be for this. Mr. Crouch stated he would have to revisit that to determine the answer. He will pull the information and get it to the Council if they would like to proceed this way. Councilperson Hawkins made the motion to approve the ordinance on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Ellis; roll call vote: Councilperson White -Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Mr. Merkley stated on page 23 there is an appeal process and the Council gets to decide the appeals. Mr. Crouch stated that could be changed if needed. Council Vice President Maples asked if they could change that so they would not be the deciding factor. Mr. Merkley stated it could be overseen by Drainage Board and the could request it to be heard by Circuit Court if needed. Page 6 of 9 7. Heather Metcalf 2021-OR-1S Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf stated the first request is from the Street Department for$2000 for funds that were received for insurance reimbursement. The next one is for the Finance Department for$43,000 and that is to cover the audit for 2019 and 2020 which was discussed at the last meeting. The last one is for Board of Public Works for $7,300 and that is to take care of the Council Chamber improvements that are going on down there. Councilperson Burns made the motion to approve the ordinance on the first and second reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 8. Heather Metcalf 2021-OR-16 Ordinance of Transfer Within the Same Department Mrs. Metcalf stated the first one is from Planning and Zoning to purchase trees. The next one is for Spring Street Master Plan for$18,500 for improvements on bus shelters. Councilperson Hawkins made the motion to approve the ordinance on the first and second reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call.vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 9. Les Merkley 2021-R-9 Confirmatory Resolution Approving Expansion of Inner City Road TIF Area— Mr. Merkley stated this is the final step in expanding the Inner City Road TIF and will add 3 or 4 parcels that were inadvertently omitted. Mr. Merkley stated Redevelopment did have a Public Hearing and nobody came to dispute this matter nor did they submit any comment before the Public Hearing. Councilperson Burns made the motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilperson Webb; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Page 7 of 9 10. Kim Calabro—2021-OR-17 An Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance—Mrs. Calabro stated that she has met a couple of times regarding the Aquatic Center. They are in a situation where they do not have enough applicants willing to work for the current payrate. Our current paygrades for seasonal workers have not been changed since 2016. Mrs. Calabro went over the different proposals that were being offered to the Council for this increase. Additionally,they have looked at Jeffersonville businesses and what their starting rates are. Mrs. Calabro stated that they need this on all three readings today if it is passed due to time constraints. They do not have a dollar amount to give the Council to approve but due to having such few hires as of right now they are unable to provide that. Sellersburg is starting their guards at$10.50- $13.00 per hour and their concession workers$9.22-$10.00 per hour. New Albany is paying starting their guards at$11.50 an hour and Clarksville is starting their guards at$9.50. Council President Owen stated that they had a season where they did not have a season due to the pandemic. Having that year gap is making it more difficult for hiring. They have applicants that have accepted the position and started onboarding with Christine and then decided the position would not work for them due to the pay. Amber Ridings Assistant Parks Director stated right now we need about 40 seasonal employees that we are down right now. We hope to have the pool open Memorial Day weekend so we are on a very short window for getting people hired. They have reached out to Jeff High, local colleges, and social media. If they cannot get enough staff they may have to shorten the hours or limit the days or limit what they offer the community due to staffing. Councilperson White stated he is always a fan of starting at$15 an hour but if he can't get consensus on that he will take the next best thing and support it. Councilperson White stated one of the ordinances he received has$11.50 an hour on it. Council Vice President Maples stated he would support the higher option and both Councilperson Hawkins and Councilperson Webb stated they would both be able to support the higher options. Councilperson Burns made the motion to suspend the rules to accept one of the proposals on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson White; roll call vote: Councilperson White -Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Councilperson Burns made the motion to approve 2021-OR-17 which has the base of$11.50 an hour on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson White; roll call vote: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council President Owen -Yes Councilperson Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Ellis—Yes Motion passes 9-0 Page 8 of 9 ATTORNEY COMMENT: Corporate Counsel, Les Merkley—No comment Council Attorney, Larry Wilder—No comment DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENT: Paul Northam—On May 17th the Jeff High School Band will be participating at one of our parks from 10 am to 12 pm and they are asking for any former band members to come out and visit them. Len Ashack—No comment Kim Calabro—She stated she was very grateful for the Council's support. Heather Metcalf—No comment COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White—Councilperson White thanked Mrs. Calabro for coming for the request and he looks forward to her coming back for additional asks. • Councilperson Burns—Thank you to whoever brought the Salary Increase. They have been contacted by the Fire Union to reopen their contract. There is a meeting on April 8th at 2:30 at City Hall. Councilperson Croft asked to be contacted via zoom for the meeting. • Councilperson Paris—No comment • Council Vice President Maples—Congratulations to Silver Creek High School for both the boy's and girl's basketball teams for winning State Championships • Councilperson Croft—No comment • Councilperson Webb—No comment • Councilperson Hawkins—Councilperson Hawkins asked if they have heard anything concerning the virtual meetings since the mask mandate is ended. Mr. Merkley stated that is under the State of Emergency and they have been advised by AIM that when it does end they will be given some notice. Councilperson Hawkins stated there is a zoom meeting on April 12th for the widening of Charlestown—Pike which will impact a significant amount of people. • Councilperson Ellis—Councilperson Ellis inquired about getting another light at Duffy's Landing to see if he can go down there and take a look at that. Councilperson Ellis stated if an additional appropriation is needed for that he would be willing to sponsor that. • Council President Owen—Council President Owen stated there are two bills moving through the legislation that would allow for virtual meetings to continue. Additionally, all Hoosiers 16+qualify for getting their vaccination and he encouraged everyone to do that. He would also like to encourage participation in the Charlestown-Pike project. ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson Ellis made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 8:25 p.m. APROVED BY: Matt 0 en, President A E Gill, Clerk Page 9 of 9