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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 19, 2022 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA September 19, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on September 19, 2022. Council Vice President Maples along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom. INVOCATION: Councilperson Ellis led the Invocation. Pledge of Allegiance: ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Lisa Gill and present in Council Chambers were Councilperson White, Councilperson Burns, Council Vice President Maples, Councilperson Croft, Councilperson Webb, Councilperson Hawkins, and Councilperson Ellis. Councilperson Paris attended remotely using Zoom. Council President Owens was running late. Let the record reflect that 7 Council Members were present in Council Chambers and 1 via Zoom. APROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes of September 6, 2022 of the Regular Meeting, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilperson White; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$1,537,667.89—Heather Metcalf stated there were no changes. Councilperson White made a motion to pass the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. Parks$161,442.29—Heather Metcalf stated there were no changes. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson White; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Nothing tonight UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Heather Metcalf 2022-OR-56 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Council Vice President Maples opened the Public Hearing at 7:04 pm.There were no members of the community present to speak for or against the matter. Council Vice President Maples closed the Public Hearing at 7:04 pm Councilperson Burns made a motion to pass on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. 2. Heather Metcalf 2022-OR-57 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Heather Metcalf stated there were no changes. Council Vice President Maples opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 pm.There were no members of the community present to speak for or against the matter. Council Vice President Maples closed the Public Hearing at 7:05 pm. Councilperson Hawkins made a motion to pass on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-No Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 7-1. 3. Heather Metcalf 2022-OR-58 Ordinance of Transfer of Funds within the Same Department Heather Metcalf advised the total was changed to$14,901.43 as discussed in the last Council Meeting. Councilperson Webb made a motion to pass on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Ellis; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. NEW BUSINESS 1. 1 Southern Indiana Wendy Dant Chesser 2022-R-10 Resolution Approving Development Agreement for A Data Center Project- Property Tax Exemption Agreement(Project Slugger) Wendy Dant Chesser, President of 1 Southern Indiana thanked the Council for their time. Ms. Chesser introduced Ned Pfau,Jeffersonville Representative for River Ridge Development Authority along with Jerry Acy, Executive Director. Ms. Chesser gave the Council an overview of the economic development history on Data Centers. In 2015 the State of Indiana ranked near the bottom of the states as being attractive to Data Centers. In 2019, Indiana General Assembly approved the Data Centers Sales Tax exemption. There was a project near the end of 2019 that was interested in the River Ridge location but was put on hold due to the pandemic. At the end of 2021, Project Slugger reemerged and is ready to move forward.The facility would be located at River Ridge and span approximately 600 acres. They are willing to make at least an 800 million dollar investment which could turn into close to a billion by completion.That would be just the initial phase of the project. There will be at least 50 full time employees starting out at $90,000.00 a year and an additional 400 to 500 individuals that would badge in and out of the facility daily. Some would live here, some would be visiting which will stimulate the local economy. A lot of conversation regarding this company has happened with the Sewer Board, River Ridge Development Authority, and River Ridge Urban Enterprise Association. If approved the company would enter their due diligence period and would expect a decision in the 1st quarter of 2023. Councilperson White made a motion to approve 2022-R-10, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. 2. 1 Southern Indiana Wendy Dant Chesser 2022-R-11 Resolution Approving Statement of Benefits for Proposed Personal Property Tax Abatement(Cyberdome America) Reny Keener, Manager of Special Initiatives/Advocacy Coordinator for 1 Southern Indiana was present to introduce Cyberdome America.They are seeking approval of a Personal Property Tax Abatement of$36,343.00 over a five year period for Cyberdome America, a Cyber Security Company that would help to diversify assets of the businesses here in Jeffersonville. This was approved by Redevelopment Commission on August 31, 2022. Cyberdome America is looking to have 6 million dollars in Capital investment and 390 jobs at an average rate of$33.00 an hour. Cyberdome America is looking at a building at 1806 E. 10th Street,Jeffersonville, IN 47130. Mr. Keener introduced Jim Ashby, Human Resource Manager/Head of Cyber Manning Operations for Cyberdome America. Mr.Ashby advised Cyberdome's CEO Suresh Sharma was unable to attend the meeting due to travel. Mr.Ashby presented to the Council what Cyberdome America does and provided information on recent data breeches with three big name companies: UHAUL, LastPass, and Uber. Jeanette Manfra,Assistant Director for Cybersecurity for Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency quotes"It's a national security risk that we don't have the talent regardless of whether it's in the government or the private sector. We have a massive shortage that is expected that will grow larger." Mr.Ashby advised that there are 3 million jobs to be filled with not enough people to fill them. Cyberdome America is hoping to put a dent in the bucket by adding 390 jobs in Jeffersonville. First, a Cybersecurity-as-a-Service/(SOC)Security Operations Center will be added. This would be the largest portion of their employment, 3 shift, 24/7, 365 days a year.There will be 3 wage tiers with the average being$33.00 an hour. The second component will be the Cyber Academy. Many things have changed over the past 5 years. Cyber training is always behind, that is one thing that Cyberdome will be attacking. There will be 3 different focuses. The first being Boot Camp. There will be 3 different group levels, Executive/Leadership Level, Functional Managers, rest-of-staff. Second, special training in Healthcare-Hippa Compliance, Machine-to-machine Communications, Electronic Health Records Integration, Facility/Systems Organization.Third, Workforce Development& Digital Transformation. Developing a digital workforce in other industry verticals. Investment in local K-12 schools and Regional Colleges to build pipeline for a sustainable workforce long-term.The question was asked if the facility in question is functional, Mr.Ashby advised yes it is and they are wanting to move their headquarters to Jeffersonville. Councilperson Hawkins advised at the last Redevelopment meeting,they meet all of the criteria the City is looking for plus this ties into the discussion on needing more tech jobs, it comes with a unanimous vote from Redevelopment. They are taking a rundown area of town and putting 390 jobs in the area that will help other businesses strive. Council President Owen arrived at 7:22 pm. Councilperson Hawkins made a motion to approve 2022-R-11, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 9-0. 3. Heather Metcalf 2022-OR-59 (Budget Public Hearing)Ordinance for Appropriations and Tax Rates Mrs. Metcalf advised the only change from the original Budget the Council received was moving $5,000.00 from one line to the other within the Council's budget. The dollar amount was not changed. Council Vice President Maples opened the Public Hearing at 7:23 pm. There were no members of the community present to speak for or against the matter. Council Vice President Maples closed the Public Hearing at 7:23 pm. Councilperson Burns made a motion to pass on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson White; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris- (unable to vote due to remote participation) Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 8-0. 4. Heather Metcalf 2022-OR-60 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation This request is for LIT Public Safety-Police for Motor Equipment Supplies in the amount of $75,000.00 and LIT Public Safety-Police for Repairs and Maintenance in the Amount of $25,000.00 Mrs. Metcalf advised these funds all have to do with vehicle repairs. Council President Owen asked if this request is due to an increase in claims this year over last year. Mrs. Metcalf stated it was. Assistant Chief McVoy advised there has been an increase in cost along with having more Police cars on the streets and having older cars without warranties. The budget in 2020 was$228,000.00 and has gone down every year since. The average cost per month has been $14,783.00 except in July 2022, with additional cost it was around $21,000.00.Approximately 60 percent of the vehicles are still under warranty,40 percent are not. Assist Chief McVoy stated he has checked around to different vendors for different prices and they all average out about the same. He is asking for this Additional Appropriation to get through the rest of 2022. Chief Kavanaugh advised all maintenance on the Police vehicles that are out of warranty is done by vehicle maintenance unless it is required to be done by the dealership due to vehicle being high performance requiring additional certifications for maintenance and repairs,then an invoice is produced. Councilperson Hawkins made a motion to pass 2202-OR-60 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Webb; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 9-0. 5. Heather Metcalf 2022-OR-61 Ordinance of Transfer of Funds Within the Same Department The first transfer is for Fire Merit from the General Fund-Office Supplies to General fund- Advertisement in the amount of$91.20,the second one is for Police Merit from Books and Supplements to Advertisement in the amount of$1,000.00 Councilperson Burns made a motion to pass on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Council Vice President Maples-Yes Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Councilperson Hawkins-Yes Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 9-0. ATTORNEY COMMENT: Zach Stewart—Mr. Stewart would like to look at the local Ordinance regulating the maintenance of existing Buildings and Property as discussed in a prior meeting.This Ordinance is consistent with Indiana Code.There are certain procedures and protocols that have to be followed including notice to land owners,then steps after that you have to offer the land owner opportunity to comply before additional step are taken. If there were to be any changes made to the Ordinance,they would want to make sure to give reason as to why that is being changed. Councilperson Burns advised at the last Council Meeting a citizen had spoken with him and Councilperson Hawkins about amending this Ordinance, particularly outside the right aways and public areas of the Ordinance. Councilperson Burns advised the Council does not regulate what people do in their back yard, unless it is a public health issue. City Attorney Les Merkley advised this is an issue that is brought up very often, most of it being rental property. Mr. Merkley's advice is to leave the Ordinance as is. Les Merkley-No Comment DEPARTMENT HEADS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: None COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White—No comment • Councilperson Burns—Agrees with Mr. Merkley, nothing needs to be changed. • Councilperson Paris—Thanked everyone for putting up with being on Zoom this evening, it is greatly appreciated, and everyone have a good night. • Council Vice President Maples—No comment • Councilperson Croft—No comment • Councilperson Webb—No comment • Councilperson Hawkins---good job to whomever was in charge of Taste of Jeff, by far the best we have had.The Aquatic Center looks incredible, he was there for the pooch plunge with is dogs. The Cyberdome America is a big deal.This is bringing over 400 jobs paying over$30.00 an hour. He is thankful this company has chosen Jeffersonville. • Councilperson Ellis—No comment • Council President Owen—No comment ADJOURNMENT: Council President Owen made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 7:48 p.m. APROVED BY. IL/ Scottie aples,Vice Presid ATTES : Lisa Gill, Clerk