HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-98COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
APRIL 6, 1998
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in the Multi-Purpose
'Meeting Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 7:00 P.M. on the 6th day ot
April, 1998.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Gailigan, with Deputy Clerk Barbara
Hollis at the desk. Mayor Galligan welcomed ail in attendance, asking ail those present to stand as
Reverend Moore gave the invocation. Mayor Galligan asked ail those present to join him in the
pledge of ailegiance to the flag.
Mayor Galligan presented a Commodore of the Port certificate to Reverend Moore.
Reverend Moore serves as the Chaplain for the Police Department, going above and beyond the call
of duty. Reverend Moore serves his church, community, and God, well.
The roll was cailed and those present were Councilpersons John Perkins, Ron Ellis, Donna
M. Frantz, Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Andrew Williams III, and Vicky Conlin.
Absent: None.
Mayor Gailigan presented the minutes of the meeting of March 16, 1998 for consideration
by the Council. Council President Conlin made the motion to approve the minutes as presented
seconded by Councilperson Williams and carded unanimously.
Deputy Hollis presented the claim list, explaining additional claims, for consideration by thc
Council. Questions were asked regarding claims on this list, as well as the previous list.
Councilperson Wilder explained she will abstain from the vote to approve the claims as one of the
claims is to her husband. Following all discussion, Councilperson Williams made the motion to
approve the claims as well as the additionai as presented, seconded by Council President Conlin,
passing on a vote of 6-0-1. Councilperson Wilder abstained.
Mr. Charlie Ruck issued a plea to the Council to listen to the taxpayers that go back
generations instead of listening to the "whiners" (transients). These transients have heard that
Jeffersonville is an "easy mark". These transients and their proponents are preying on your sympathy.
Mr. Ruck feels it is about time these people learn to shoulder their own responsibilities and learn to
April 6, 1998 Page 2 of
help themselves. Mr. Ruck asks the Council Members to start thinking about the local people. Som
citizens feel trapped in their own homes and are afraid to enter their own homes when they do go out.
Ms. Evelyn Veeeh asked Mayor Galligan if he ran for all the people. Mayor Cralligan replied
'that he did. Ms. Veech is concerned that Barbara Anderson has starting working on the apartment
on Colonial Park before the Ordinance has been voted on. Mayor Galligan explained the buildings
on Colonial Park are going to be rentals and there are no legal grounds to stop Barbara Anderson.
Councilperson Frantz asked Ms. Veech if she had problems with Colonial Park before. Ms. Veech
said she had because they were Section 8 housing. Ms. Veech explained some of the problems she
has experienced. Mayor Galligan pledged to keep peace and civility and try to prevent problems.
When the law is broken, action will be taken.
Ms. Donna Williamson explained the difference between Terry Tom's rentals and Barbara
Anderson is that Terry Tom's money is private funds and Barbara Anderson's is charitable. This is
where the Ordinance comes in. Attorney Sedwiek Galligan explained the four specific areas the
Ordinance pertains to. Transitional housing is not covered by this Ordinance.
Mr. Charlie Schadland, Treasurer of the Haven House Board explained the object is to clean
up the area. Any of us can be homeless.
Ms. Barbara Anderson, speaking for Haven House Services, would like to go on record as
opposing the Ordinance (98-OR-25). The object is to provide housing that is affordable, safe, and
decent for people. Most of those served are local people. Ms. Anderson has heard her name used
this evening. She does nothing without approval ora 24 member board. This is a community effort
and 54% of those being helped are employed.
Ms. Nellie Knowland lives in the area of the proposed shelter. This territory has been
neglected and is not a place for more. She suggests buying Eastlawn School.
Mr. Charles Kenneth White suggests those concerned talk to their State Legislators as this
is where the grant money comes from.
Attorney Sedwick Galligan presented Ordinance No. 98-OR-25, 'An Ordinance Repealing
Ordinance Number 96-OR-82 Regulating Distance Between Premises Used For Certain Charitable
Purposes, explaining the procedures followed to this point. Councilperson Ellis explained the Plan
Commission vote was unanimous not to recommend. Councilperson Wilson said the Colonial Park
April 6, 1998 Page 3 of
area is in her district. She has received more than 150 phone calls regarding this and she will vo~
the wishes of her constituents. This community has a lot of giving people and many are willing tc
help. She would like to see local people only helped.
Councilperson Ellis represents the 2~a district which includes Claysburg. The proposed
homeless shelter was a "done deal" before the people of Claysburg knew of it. Councilperson Ellis
has done a lot of soul searching on this. The taxpayers of Jeffersonville should always be considered
when it comes to what is put in their neighborhoods without their consent. It is still his position tc
vote against repealing the Ordinance.
Councilpers0n Perkins, speaking as the one that wrote the Ordinance, feels these types ol
services should be spread out. His prime motivation was "not to be unjust to those people that live
in neighborhoods that have more than just a couple of these type of facilities". He does understand
the need but feels it unfair to any one neighborhood to congregate these facilities. He would be
willing to amend the Ordinance. Everyone's rights need to be considered.
Councilperson Wilder feels all the attention tonight is centered around an area that is not
covered by the Ordinance. It is not up to the Council to decide who lives where. There are fair
housing laws that support the right for individuals to live anywhere they want. They protect everyone
in the United States. She will make a motion to repeal the Ordinance as it is unconstitutional.
Councilperson Wilder made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 98-OR-25 on the first and second
readings, seconded by Councilperson Frantz. Councilperson Williams stated he has been on both
sides of this Ordinance. It is important to remain sensitive. Jeffersonville has been a very benevolent
community. Often decisions are very difficult. He will support the repeal. The vote to pass
Ordinance No. 98-OR-25 on the first and second readings passed on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons Conlin, Wilder, Williams, and Frantz.
Nays: Councilpersons Perkins, Ellis, Wilson.
Mayor Galligan presented Ordinance No. 98-OR-26, An Ordinance Amending Portions Of
Ordinance No. 90-OR-60 Establishing Sewer Rates For The City Of,Jeffersonville. Attorney
Sedwick Galligan said this has been discussed in at least two workshops. The City is planning on
doing several projects on the sewer collection system in the City including the 8a Street sewer. There
is money available through a revolving loan fund at 3.9% interest. The existing sewer rates need to
April 6, 1998 Page 4 of
be increased in order to float the necessary bonds. Areas of the Ordinance were explained b,
AttomeySedwickGalligan. The increase to the average homeowner is 16%. CouncilpersonPerkin~
has not read all the Ordinance and does not understand some of it. Attorney Sedwick Galligan sale
this is a typical bond ordinance and is hard to understand. Council President Conlin made the motio~
'to pass Ordinance 98-OR-26 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Williams
Councilperson Perkins has received calls on a rate increase. He is being asked to vote on fifteen an¢
one half million dollars and did not receive the Ordinance until Friday. Councilperson Ellis would lik~
to consider hiring an independent bond attorney to come to a workshop. Attorney Sedwick Galligar
explained an independent bond attorney has been hired and will be at the next workshop. Ordinance
No. 98-OR-26 passed on the first reading on a vote of 4-3. Councilpersons Perkins, Ellis, and Wilsor
voted in opposition.
Attorney Sedwick Galligan presented Ordinance No. 98-OR-27, An Ordinance Concemin8
The Construction Of Additions And Improvements To The Sewage Works Of The City Ot
Jeffersonville; Authorizing The Issuance Of Sewage Works Revenue Bonds, For Such Purpose:
Addressing Other Matters Connected Therewith, Including The Issuance Of Notes In Anticipation
Of Bonds; And Repealing Ordinances Inconsistent Herewith. Council President Conlin made the
motion to pass Ordinance No. 98-OR-27 on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Williams
passing on a vote of 4-3. Councilpersons Perkins, Ellis, and Wilson voted nay.
Mayor Galligan presented Ordinance No. 98-OR-28, An Ordinance Annexing Contiguou:
Territory By Voluntary Petition (Port Road), and Ordinance No. 98-OR-29, An Ordinance Annexin
Contiguous Territory By Voluntary Petition (Port Road). Mr. John Walling ofKoetter Constructio
explained the area and answered questions. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 98-OR-28, and Ordinance No. 98-OR-29 on the first and second readings. Seconded
by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously.
Mayor Galligan presented Ordinance No. 98-OR-23, An Ordinance Of Additional
Appropriation (Motor Vehicle, Sanitation, and General Fund) for the third and final reading.
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 98-OR~23 on the third reading,
seconded by Council President Conlin, passing unanimously.
Ordinance No. 98-OR-24, An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department
April 6, 1998 ~ Page 5 of
(Local Roads and Streets) was presented for the third and final reading. Council President Conli
made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 98-OR-24 on the third and final reading, seconded b)
Councilperson WUson passing unanimously.
Attorney Sedwick Galligan presented and explained Resolution No. 98-R-1 l, A Resolutior~
'Ratifying 12qAAP Inteflocal Agreement. The Federal Government is responsible for any cleanup.
Councilperson Perkins congratulates Mayor Galligan, Attorney Sedwick Cralligan and all who worked
on this. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 98-R-11,/)seconded b)
Council President Conlin, passing unanimously.
Attorney Sedwick Galligan announced the City would like to appoint Ned Pfau to the Re-Use
Authority Board. Mayor Galligan explained the requirements of the appointment. The goal is tc
make sure this is a win-win situation. Mr. Pf'au's experience on the Port Commission will add to this.
Councilperson Perkins feels Mr. Plan is a good choice. Councilperson Wilder feels diversity to the
group should be offered. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to ratify the appointment of Ned
Pfau to the Re-Use Authority, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously.
Mayor Galligan's appoints Mr. William Vissing to the Board of Trustees of the Jeffersonville-
Clark County Building Authority. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to ratify Mayor Galligan's
appointment of Mr. William Vissing to the Board of Trustees of the ,~effersonville-Clark Count,
Building Authority, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously.
Mayor Galligan presented Ordinance No. 98-OR-30, An Ordinance Authorizing The City
3effersonville General Fund To Borrow Funds From The City Of .~effersonville Sewage Fund.
Councilperson Wilson made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 98-OR-30, seconded
by Councilperson Williams, failing on a vote of 5-2. Councilperson Wilson made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 98-OR-30 on the first and second readings, seconded by Councilperson Williams
passing on a vote of 6-1. Councilperson Ellis voted nay.
Council President Conlin announced the workshop to be held Tuesday, April 14 will begi~
at 6:30 P.M. with Bev Couts and Mike Pavey. She reminds the Council they need to look for the
dollars for the light a Charlestown New Albany Pike. Lt. Gov. Kernan will be at the Family Health
Care Clinic of.leffersonville Wednesday at 3:30 for the opening.
Councilperson Frantz reminds the Council the Sports Complex is still being looked into.
April 6, 1998 " Page 6 of
Options are being reviewed. It now look like there will be two locations. The possibility ofusin
Memorial Park was discussed. Councilperson Wilder appreciates the efforts of Councilperson Frantz
on this project. This is an opportunity for growth for Jeffersonville.
Councilperson Williams challenges this body, and all citizens, to ask the question, "Are we
' running government as efficiently as we can?" This is to City Government, School Board, 7~ CaOsU~~
Government. It is a challenge to all to deliver quality services at try to minimi e cost as b st
be done. This is a difficult challenge. This has an impact on those that have difficult times. The Ion
range vision for this community has to be considered. Councilperson Williams feels them is a nee
to look at the sewer rates every two years so that we do not need a raise of 16%.
Councilperson Wilder stated she was unable to attend the insurance meeting. She requests
Ms. Cissy Ellis attend the workshop. Mayor Galligan will see to this.
Clark County Solid Waste Management District Attorney Larry Wilder appeared before the
Council to review the Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement. Attorney Wilder reviewed the past histor
of Solid Waste funding. Clarksville has adopted this agreement. Within six months all multi-famil
units in the service area will be on recycling. Any area with 50 or more homes will have curbsid
recycling. In 1999 eve~one in Clark County will pay for what they get. Councilperson Perkins has
concerns as he feels if there is a shortfall and the Commissioner pay, this is double taxation.
Executive Director Sharon Matra reviewed the current and past agreements. Following all
discussion, Council President Conlin made the motion to pass Resolution No. 98-R-12, A Resolution
Adopting The Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement, seconded by Councilperson Frantz, passing on a[
vote of 4-2-1. Councilper/s~ns Perkins and Ellis voted nay, with Councilperson Wilder abstaining.
~A//~/ / V . . .
Council President ~ would like to resign her appointment to the Solid Waste Board,
asking Councilperson Perkins to take her place. Councilperson Perkins declines. Council President
Wild~ will remain until someone volunteers.
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to ratify the appointment of Vernon Osborne as the
Council appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Jeffersonville-Clark County Building Authority,
seconded by Councilperson Wilson, passing unanimously.
Mayor Galligan is trying to make government efficient with regard to the sewage treatment
plant. He then reviewed some of the problems being experienced. One of the biggest mistakes was
April 6, 1998 " Page 7 of
not having an inspector while being built. It is important to do things right the first time. Mayo
Galligan told the Council there is a need to deal with cameras in police cars. This wilt cost a small
fortune. They will protect all involved. Mayor Galligan appreciates all who came tonight.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Perkins made the
'motion'to adjourn at 9:25 P.M., seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously.
MAYOR THOMAS R. Gt~LIGAN
ATTEST:
CLERK AND TREASI~R C. }~,~RD SPENCER JR..