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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-98COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA SEPTEMBER 8, 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 8th day of September, 1998. The meeting was called to order by Council President Vicky Conlin, with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk. Council President Conlin welcomed all in attendance, asking ail those present to stand as Councilperson Ellis gave the invocation. Council President Conlin then asked ail those present to join her in the pledge of ailegiance to the flag. 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. Council President Conlin presented the minutes of the meeting of August 17, 1998 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Wilson and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council explaining additionai claims. Following all discussion, Councilperson Williams made the motion t¢ approve the claims as presented as well as the additional, seconded by Councilperson Perkins, passing unanimously. Mr. Lighffoot, a resident of Fairview appeared before the Council to ask why the ailey in his neighborhood has been closed. Attorney Sedwick Galligan explained the Board of Public Works and Safety decided it was not a dedicated ailey and the owners had a right to close it. Councilperson Perkins explained the residents may have a case of prescriptive easement. Mr. Elmore, a resident of Fairview also complained about the ailey closing. He explained there is no where to turn around now and the fire, police and ambulance do use the alley. Ms. Nellie Knowland has lived in the neighborhood for 54 years and the area has aiways been used as an alley and maintained by the City. The residents were told to take their concerns to the Board of Public Works and Safety as this September 8, 1998 Page 3 of 5 thenmade-fhe4nofiorvtopas~qlesolutioa~No. 98-R-23; seconded by CouncilpersonFrantz, passing on a vote of 4-3. with Councilpersons Perkins, Ellis, and Wilson, voting nay. Attorney CJattigarr pJ~semed and explained Ordinance. No. 98-OR-52, An Ordinance Amending Certain Poffions Of Section 1 Of Ordinance No. 97-OR-33 (Sanitation). Following fliseussion,qEouncitperson Perkdnsmade bbc-motion tosuspend thc vales fo~ Ordinance No. 98-OR- 52, seconded b~v Councilperson Ellis,_passin~.unanimousLv. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass O2 dinanceNo'. 98-OR-52' on all~4qree readings, secondedYoy~;ouncilperson Ellis, 9assi~g unanimously. Attorney Galffgan presented and expIfiine~ Oril/nance No. 98-OR-53, An Ordinance Regulating t:;se OfPubtie~Pad~s: T?,is is a resut;of-comptaims-and requests. Councitperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 98-OR-53, seconded by Councilperson ~}l~ol~, passfingqimiJiinioasty. ~m~ilperson P~ Idns *hen-made the-motion to pass Ordinance No. 98-OR-53 on at! three readings, seconded by Council4aerson Wilson,4aassing unanimously. CounciI President Conlin announced tbSs meeting has been pu'olYslaed as a public hearing for thc 1999Burlge*~ askingTor any comments. There were no COnmients. COUllcit President Conlin requests Deputy Mayor Phil McCauley, Clerk and Treasurer Spencer and Deputy Hollis. meet to go over the final figures Councilperson Perkins asked if the assessed value used to calculate the levy has changed. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer stated the number used is the estimate provided by the County Auditor. The Council will meet in workshop format to finalize the budgets on September 16, 1998 at 6:30 P.M. and if necessary, September 21, 1998 at 5:30 P.M. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 98-OR-54A, Budget Estimate, General Fund, 98-OR-54B, Budget Estimate Building Rent, 98-OR-54C Budget Estimate Police Pension, 98-OR-54D Budget Estimate Fire Pension, 98-OR-54E Budget Estimate Sanitation, 98-OR-54F, Budget Estimate Parks and Recreation, 98-OR-54G Cumulative Capital Development, 98-OR-54H, Budget Estimate Motor Vehicle, 98-OR-54I, Budget Estimate Local Roads and Streets, 98-OR-54J, Budget Estimate Probation User Fund, and 98-OR-54K, Budget Estimate INDOT on the first reading, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously. Attomey Galligan presented Resolution No. 98-OR-25, A Resolution Endorsing The INAAP Reuse Authority. Attorney Galligan said the Army held a meeting last Thursday for all the municipal September 8, 1998 Page 2 of 5 is were the problem would be handled. Mr. Stoner voiced concerns in three areas. He is concerned about junk cars and was told to contact the Building Commissioner. Mr. Stoner is concerned about those that park in the fire lanes and handicapped areas. Mr. Stoner should contact the Fire Marshall and the Police. The third matter of concern is full and overflowing dumpsters. He was told to contact the owners. Ms. Burr voiced concerns regarding traffic on Hamburg Pike. Ms. Stephanie Redd Nelson is a concerned citizen that will be at the Board of Public Works meeting. Attorney Galligan presented Resolution No. 98-R-24, A Resolution Of The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana Approving The Transfer Of The Cable Television Franchise. Councilperson Perkins questioned Section 3, to which Attorney Galligan explained this means this Franchise would not have to come back to the Council for a name change. Councilperson Wilder has received much comment on the position taken by the Council. The public feeling toward Insight has not been good. She does commend Insight for what they are doing in the classroom and she hopes they will be more involved in the community in the future. She would like to see them raise public awareness. At the conclusion of all discussion, Councilperson Williams made the motion to pass Resolution No. 98-R- 24, seconded by Councilperson Wilder, passing on a vote of 5-2. Councilpersons Perkins and Ellis voted nay. The Council was asked to have those that complain call Mr. Bob Lillie. Ms. Kathy Hailer, Consultant with the Department of Redevelopment, appeared before the Council to request passage of Resolution No. 98-R-23, A Resolution Of The Jeffersonville Common Council Approving A Declaratory Resolution And Economic Development Plan Of The Redevelopment Commission Of Jeffersonville, Indiana, And Approving An Order Of The Jeffersonville Plan Commission. Ms. Hailer explained the location and the previous steps that have been taken. Councilperson Ellis asked if this is a T.I.F. District will occupants be asking for tax abatements. It is expected that some may ask for tax abatements. Councilperson Ellis confirmed this was approved at the Plan Commission. Ms. Haller stated this development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Following discussion, Councilperson Wilson made the motion to table Resolution No. 98-R-23, seconded by Councilperson Perkins, failing on a vote of 3-4. Councilpersons Conlin, Wilder, Williams, and Frantz voted against tabling. Councilperson Williams September 8, 1998 Page 4 of 5 officials and the Reuse Authority Members involved in the property. Congressman Hamilton sent a letter to several of the County Commissioners saying that it was the understanding that all the Redevelopment activities at INAAP were be under the auspices of the Reuse Authority. The Commissioners issued a letter of their own saying they would allow the Reuse Authority to be the only entitity to deal with redevelopment. Attorney Galligan reviewed recent letters and editorials in the newspaper. Other municipalities involved are being asked to pass a similar Resolution. Council President Conlin said she knows Congressman Hamilton is upset about the unfortunate exchanges. All involved have a lot to lose. Councilperson Ellis feels the need to abstain as he does not feel confident voting either way. Councilperson Williams made the motion to pass Resolution No. 98-R- 25, seconded by Councilperson Frantz, passing on a vote of 5-0-2. Councilpersons Perkins and Ellis abstained from the vote. Councilperson Wilson did state she does not feel confident with all the wording. Council President Conlin said an investigation is under way regarding a high speed police chase. Councilperson Perkins was shocked when he was told the Deputy Chief said he had no idea there was a policy regarding pursuit across the "bridge". Conversation followed regarding meetings where the policy was discussed and who was in attendance. Attorney Galligan would like to wait for the investigation report. It is her understanding all shift commanders are aware of the policy. The Indiana State Police specifically requested aid from the Police Department. Councilperson Frantz would feel more comfortable discussing this following the investigation. Discussion followed regarding the previous accident, the insurance, and the legal aspects. Councilperson Ellis commends the Board of Public Works for fining IWR, saying this is long overdue. Councilperson Frantz asked if there was an Ordinance regulating political signs on Cit' property. Attorney Galligan explained no signs are permitted on City property or right of ways. Councilperson Frantz asked if there still is a liaison program to which she was informed there is not. Councilperson Frantz is still receiving calls on the 10 year problem at Hoke's. The situation is affecting the health of some residents. Attorney Galligan said the Building Commissioner has "stickered" some of the vehicles. Police escorts have been necessary at times. The past court case was discussed. He has never complied with all of the court orders. September 8, 1998 Page 5 of 5 There being no further business to come before the Council, CouncilPerson Perkins made the motion to adjourn at 8:30 P.M., seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. CLERK AND TREASI/~'RER C. ~ SPENCER JR.