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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 2, 2023 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA October 2, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on October 2, 2023. Council President Owen 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 Paris, Councilperson Croft, Councilperson Webb, Councilperson Ellis and Council President Owen, Councilperson Burns attended via Zoom. Councilperson White arrived at 7:02 pm. Councilperson Anderson and Council Vice President Hawkins were absent. Let the record reflect that 6 Council Members were present in Council Chambers, 1 was present via Zoom and 2 were absent. APROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve the Minutes from the September 18, 2023, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes, motion passed, 7-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes, motion passed, 7-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$2,165,914.34 Mrs. Metcalf advised the amount of the Civil City Claims was $2,165,914.34 and there were no changes. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve the Civil City claims, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes, motion passed, 7-0. Parks$158,956.96 Mrs. Metcalf advised the Parks Claims was$158,956.96 and there were no changes. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes, motion passed, 7-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Clerk Gill advised that she handed a printout to each Council Member regarding National Night Out and the flyer for the Community Action Makers of Change. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-55 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Council President Owen opened the Public Hearing at 7:06 pm; Clerk Gill stated there were no comments sent to the Clerk's office. There were no members of the community present to speak for or against the matter. Council President Owen closed the Public Hearing at 7:06 pm. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-55 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes, motion passed, 7-0. 2. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-56 Ordinance of Transfer of Funds Within the Same Department Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve 2023-OR-56 on the Third and final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 7-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Chad Reischl 2023-OR-57 Rezoning Request for Property Located at 1021 Kehoe Lane Currently Zoned R2(Single Family Residential: Medium Lot to Proposed Zoning R3 (Single Family Residential:Small Lot) Planning and Zoning Director Chad Reischl advised Chase Murphy Enterprises requested to rezone 2 parcels of land on Kehoe Lane from R2 to R3 to sub divide into three (3) parcels in order to build three (3) single family homes. It would not meet R2 standards. There are currently R3 properties across the street. This rezone comes with a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission. Councilperson Croft advised this property was in his district and did not receive any complaints regarding this rezone. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-57, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 7-0. 2. Chad Reischl 2023-OR-58 Text Amendment to the UDO to Revise a Portion of Article 8 to Add Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Shane Shaughnessy, Planner II with Planning and Zoning presented the request for an addition to the UDO regarding Electric Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles. The department has had some inquiries from private groups that would like to set up private EV charging and there currently are not standards to define those.There are not any standards or a way to define this,which is why this proposal for the addition to the EDO was presented to the Council. Indiana has recently approved 100 million dollars for EV facilities throughout the state to be built around Highways and Interstates. Mr. Shaughnessy gave a small presentation with three (3) different charging options. Type A would be primarily found in residential but would be allowed in all zoning districts. This would be a wall mounted charger that plug into the car and would only require an electrical permit. Type B would be a slower charging free standing station and would be for plugging in while the vehicle owner went out to eat or shopped while the vehicle charged. These would be allowed in all zones except Residential. Type C would be the fast charge/supercharge stations. These would be a free standing station with a permanent structure. They would provide very quick(about 20 minutes) charges. They would only be allowed in Cl, C2, I1, 12, and CH and require a Building Perming and be subject to additional standards. The last type would be a Stand-alone EV Station. They would be free standing stations without a permanent structure and be required to meet additional development standards such as landscaping and signage. This Ordinance comes with a favorable recommendation form the Plan Commission. Councilperson Ellis asked what if homeowners did not have a garage. Mr. Shaughnessy advised there would have to be an outlet put on the outside of the home, if a problem should arise the homeowners could apply for a variance. Councilperson Croft asked if the State is paying for this. Mr. Shaughnessy advised Indiana approved 100 million dollars to expand the EV network throughout the state so they expect this to be coming down the pike. Councilperson Croft asked who would be responsible for the electricity. Mr. Shaughnessy advised it would be the homeowner or the property owner of the charging stations. Council President Owen asked if there would be any changes to the EDO that would require new developments to install an EV Charging Station. Mr. Shaughnessy advised, no. Councilperson Webb asked if there would be someone with the State that the developers could speak with regarding financial help with setting these EV Charging Stations up. Mr. Reischl advised this Ordinance would only be to set the standards for the stations. Mr. Shaughnessy advised that they have spoken with the State and have suggested areas in Jeffersonville;the state would be looking for areas approximately a mile from interstates. Councilperson Ellis made a motion to approve 2023-OR-58, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-No Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 6-1. 3. Chad Reischl 2023-OR-59 Text Amendment to the UDO to Revise Portions of the UDO,Articles 3,6,7,9,12 and Add Appendix D Mr. Reischl presented a request for proposed changes to the UDO. Mr. Reischl advised it was a little over two years from the time the Council approved the UDO and they have noticed a number of errors and inconsistencies within that code and they are also beginning to see some major changes in the market trends that need to be addressed in the Code as well. Mr. Reischl stated he would like to bring these changes to the Council on an annual basis so the document remains fresh and there won't be a need for a major Code rewrite in several years. These changes came with a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission. There were several updates, some minor, a lot of clarifications to the code, responding to questions over the past year and a half. Some of the major changes include making sure they are in alignment with Federal regulations in regards to placement of churches.A religious group recently challenged the department over a code, Mr. Reischl wanted to make sure they were in line with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act (RLUPA) which allows churches to be built in the same district areas as theaters and other inside entertainment venues which are allowed in C1 and C2 areas. There have been complaints as to how the calculations for impervious surface for single family homes. These issues developed before the UDO was updated. Changing to a leaner equation that is based solely on lot size and not on the zone district would be a helpful change. In article 6,some detailed language was added in regards to clustered mailboxes due to the mandates the Federal Post Office has recently made. All new subdivision now being built are required to have cluster mailboxes instead of individual mailboxes,therefor there has to be a more structured standard. Article 7 has a change based on recent issues for residents building large accessory structures over 200 square feet located on corner lots. They would like to require the structure to be clad in materials similar in nature with the current structure. In Article 9 sidewalks and fences were added to the code for items that need to come into compliance when redeveloping a site, building new homes, etc. Article 12 has a lot of additions and clarifications which are included in the Council Packet. Appendix D consist of a list called Arterial Streets in Jeffersonville. A number of standards in Article 3 and 7 refer to different standards for local streets verses arterial streets. Appendix D explains those differences. Engineering was consulted and is comfortable with the map. Mr. Reischl advised there were no changes made to the Institutional Zone District. Councilperson Webb stated the Mr. Reischl has done a great job with keeping up on the UDO Ordinance. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve 2023-OR-59, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes; motion passed, 7-0. 4. Kim Calabro 2023-OR-60 Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Appointed Officers and Employees for all Departments of the City Mrs. Calabro presented the amended Salary Ordinance to reflect Salaries of appointed Officers and employees for all departments of the City. The changes were as follows and will be effective January 1, 2024. Page 2-Fire/Rank base pay for 2024 was increased to$59,714.92. Page 3-Administrative Assistant II under Human Resources went from Part time to Full Time, Law Department, percentages have been split, Sewer Board to pay part of those salaries for both Paralegal and Corporation Counsel. Under Occupational Health &Safety Manager, moved the Manager of Safety Program under the Occupational Health and Safety Manager, however that position is being funded 100% by Wastewater. Page 4- Manager of City Partners and Sponsorship resigned, that position will be filled by Manager of the Depot, same salary. Police department/Rank Base Pay Rate for 2024 was increased to$59,714.92. Page 5- new Crew Leader for Sanitation. In order to maintain the budget, CDL drivers went from 11 down to 10, however the Crew Leader will still be required to have a CDL. Page 6-Wastewater to fund 27% of Corporation Counsel & Director of Legal Services and 8%of the Paralegal salaries, 100%of Safety Programs. Page 7- a new position created for Waste Water, Laboratory Technician. Removed the clothing allowance,they will go back to the reimbursement program. Page 10-Police Retention Bonus was removed since that has been taken care of and will not be in effect on 2024. This will align with the budget that Mrs. Metcalf will be proposing. Councilperson White asked why the Sewer Board was paying part of the Legal Salaries. Mrs. Calabro advised that the Attorney for the Sewer Board is no longer in that position,that City Attorney Les Merkley and his Assistant Johnna Anderson will now be taking over those duties. The addendum to that is the pay grade to reflect any changes or elimination of positions. Council President Owen asked if there were any changes in the pay grade, Mrs. Calabro advised no. Mrs. Calabro also advised the Council that she has given the draft of Employee Benefits Handbook, Benefits section to Employment Law Attorney for final draft changes. She is hoping to have it on the Council Agenda next month to present the benefits section. Councilperson White made a motion to approve 2023-OR-60 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Abstained; motion passed, 6-0-1. 5. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-61 (Budget Hearing)Ordinance for Appropriations and Tax Rates Council President Owen advised due to Councilperson Burns attending the meeting by virtual means, he will not be allowed to vote on the Budget, only the Council members present in Council Chambers will be permitted to vote. Mrs. Metcalf advised this is the same budget that was presented at the last budget discussion and no additional changes were made. Council President Owen opened the Public Hearing at 7:43 pm, Clerk Gill stated there were no comments sent to the Clerk's office.There were no members of the community present to speak for or against the matter. Council President Owen closed the Public at 7:43 pm. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve 2023-OR-61 on the First and Second Reading,seconded by Councilperson White; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-No Vote due to remote participation Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Abstained; motion passed, 5-0. 6. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-62 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised the first line was for Fire Department for an insurance reimbursement and the other four(4) lines are for Parks due to the increase in revenue that the pool received over the past season. Parks would like to appropriate that excess revenue. Council President Owen asked if this would cover outstanding balances. Mrs. Metcalf advised it would. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2023-OR-62 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Croft; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Yes, motion passed, 7-0. 7. Heather Metcalf 2023-OR-63 Ordinance of Transfer of Funds Within the Same Department Mrs. Metcalf advised due to there no longer being a Manager of City Partners, Parks Department has requested the funding be moved to Advertisement to advertise for the Ice Rink and Depot. Councilperson Ellis asked if$25,000.00 was needed for advertising. Mrs. Metcalf advised there could be other things in there, she was not sure. The money could only be used for the remainder of this year. Councilperson White made a motion to approve 2023-OR-63 on the First Reading, seconded by Councilperson Paris; roll call: Councilperson White-Yes Councilperson Burns-No Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-No, motion passed, 5-2. Mrs. Metcalf will contact the Parks Department to give the Council more clarification on what this will cover. ATTORNEY COMMENT: Larry Wilder—No Comment Les Merkley—Not Present DEPARTMENT HEADS: Mrs. Metcalf---No Comment Kim Calabro-No Comment Council President Owen thanked Mrs. Calabro and Mrs. Metcalf and their teams for their hard work on the Budget, Salary Ordinance and Insurance. Chief Grant-No Comment Chief Kavanaugh-Thanks to HR and Finance for their hard work. Clerk Gill-No Comment PUBLIC COMMENTS: None COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White—No Comment • Councilperson Burns—No Comment • Councilperson Paris—No Comment • Councilperson Anderson-Absent • Councilperson Croft—No Comment • Councilperson Webb—No Comment • Council Vice President Hawkins—Absent • Councilperson Ellis—suggested that the Council buy a table for the Community Action Makers of Change Event to be held on October 19, 2023 at 6:30 pm, the cost for a table for 7 is$210.00, and he feels it is important to support this due to all that help that they give to the residents of Jeffersonville. Councilperson Ellis made a motion to buy a table for 7, seconded by Councilperson Burns and Councilperson Webb; roll call: Councilperson White-Abstained Councilperson Burns-Yes Councilperson Paris-Yes Councilperson Anderson-Absent Councilperson Croft-Yes Councilperson Webb-Yes Council Vice President Hawkins-Absent Council President Owen-Yes Councilperson Ellis-Abstained, motion passed, 5-0-2. Councilperson Ellis stated he read in the newspaper that Jeffersonville School System has gone back on their pledge to the City about not tearing down Parkview Middle School and building another school at Salem Noble and New Chapel Road and has great concern about the future children of Jeffersonville being bused like Jefferson County Schools in Kentucky. He would like for a letter needs to be sent to the Greater Clark County School Superintendent letting him know that the City is against this. • Council President Owen—in regards to both of Councilperson Ellis's comments, he will be attending the Makers of Change Event and encourages the other members of the Council to attend. Council President Owen advised that he had set down with the Superintendent of the Schools over the summer regarding a solution for Parkview School without moving on the other side of Allison Lane. The Superintendent advised that the subject would be discussed further. Council President Owen was under the assumption that there was going to be small group meetings and that the School Board would not reconvene on the issue before October. Council President Owen spoke about a flyer regarding AIM Workshops that will be meeting on October 10, 2024 during the day in Plainfield, if anyone is interested in registering,the registration fees can be taken care of. ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson Webb made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 7:58 p.m. APROVED BY de,11 Matt Owen, Pr sidts'rriz" ATTEST: L sa Gill, Clerk