HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-07-2004COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONV[LLE, INDIANA
June 7, 2004
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session
in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana,
at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, June 7, 2004.
Mayor Rob Waiz, with Clerk Treasurer Peggy Wilder at the desk, called the
meeting to order. Also present were City Attorney Les Merkley and Deputy Clerk
Barbara Hollis. Mayor Waiz welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand
as Reverend Chambers gave the invocation. Mayor Waiz then asked all those present to
join him in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
The roll was called and those present were; Councilpersons John Perkins, Ed
Zastawny, Keith Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, Ron Grooms, and Phil McCauley.
Absent: None
Councilperson Zastawny made the motion to approve the agenda with the
addition of consideration of a State Of The City Address, second by Councilperson
Perkins, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Mayor Waiz presented the minutes of the meetings of March 17, 2004 (afternoon
meeting) and March 17, 2004, (evening nSeeting) for approval. Councilperson Fetz made
the motion to approve the minutes of March 17, 2004 (afternoon meeting) as presented,
second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Perkins made
the motion to approve the minutes of March 17, 2004 (evening meeting) as presented,
second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mr. Mike Him, Attorney representing The Courier Journal, addressed the Council
regarding the news rack ordinance. Mr. Him expressed his concern of a constitutional
problem with section 3 having to do with the Building Commission. He believes there is
too much unfettered discretion. He asks the Council to reject the proposed ordinance.
June 7, 2004 2
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORT:
Mr. Ron Ellis, Street Commissioner, appeared before the Council regarding the
continuous break down of the garbage trucks. They are becoming hard to maintain, as
parts are hard to find. It is getting to a critical stage and overtime is required. Following
discussion, Councilpersou Grooms made the motion to lease 2 sanitation packers to the
specifications submitted by Street Commissioner Ellis, second by Councilperson Perkins.
Councilperson Grooms said he was on the Council during the time the City had a private
concern and said two good packers are needed if the City would decide to go private
again. Council President McCanley has done some research and found the City is beating
the private price. He concludes the City is better off doing its own collection. Following
all discussion the motion to lease two packers passed on a vote of 7-0.
Clerk Treasurer Wilder presented the claim list for consideration. Councilperson
Perkins made the motion to approve the claims as submitted, second by Councilperson
Wilson. Following discussion regarding trash cans the motion passed 7-0.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Mr. Greg Filer, Attorney representing Highland Trace LLC, appeared before the
Council to request passage of Ordinance No. 2004-OR-30, An Ordinance Vacating An
Unimproved Portion Of Reed's Lane, A Public Way In The City of Jeffersonville,
Indiana. The adjacent property owners have been notified and the public heating has
been noticed. No objections have been rec'eived. Public comment was requested. As
there was no comment, Councilperson Grooms made the motion to pass Ordinance No.
2004-OR-30 on the first reading, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Fetz initiated discussion regarding the increase in retiree health
insurance rates. Councilperson Wilson made the motion to schedule a workshop on this
matter. Mayor Waiz explained increases have not been done per the ordinance. This
adjustment is according to ordinance. Councilperson Grooms explained the percentage.
Mayor Waiz has talked with Humana regarding options. Councilperson Fetz said some
of the employees have indicated they would share the cost. Councilperson McCauley
reviewed the history saying Mayor Waiz has enforced the Ordinance. Councilperson
Grooms agrees. As the police and fire liaison, Councilperson Fetz felt obligated to bring
this to a discussion. Councilperson Perkins said Mayor Waiz has done what was needed.
June 7, 2004 3
The previous administration should have done so. Councilperson Perkins suggested
amending the ordinance to absorb half of the increase until the end of the year. The
retirees have received a deal in the past. Council President McCauley said today's health
insurance is a serious fiscal problem. Councilperson Zastawny made the second to the
motion to hold a workshop, passing on a vote of 7-0. The workshop will be June 21 at
6:30 P.M.
Councilperson Perkins presented Ordinance No. 2004-OR-22, An Ordinance
Regarding Newsracks And Private Package Delivery Boxes. Attorney Merkley
suggested adding "excluding Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays", to Section 12. Attorney
Merkley has received a letter from Trader Distribution Services stating their concerns.
Council President McCanley said he does not feel fxee speech is hampered by regulating
newsracks. Attorney Merkley suggests tabling this ordinance to review the issues raised
by Trader Distribution Services. Councilperson Perkins feels there is no reason to table
the ordinance as it can be amended. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass
Ordinance No. 2004-OR-22 on the third reading, second by Council President McCauley,
passing on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Zastawny read aloud a motion to adopt a standing rule. He is
concerned with communicating Council actions. He brings this up for discussion and
would like to make it formal at the next meeting. Ideas were discussed.
CLERK TREASURER COMMENTS:
Clerk Treasurer Wilder informed the Council the City has received an extension
on the $10,000,000 tax anticipation warrant and is in the process of obtaining a
$7,000,000 tax anticipation warrant. She said it would take time to collect two years of
taxes. Once this is caught up the city should be in great shape.
COUNCIL AND MAYOR COMMENTS:
Councilperson Perkins said Jeff Fest will be June 19, 2004. This will be family
oriented.
Councilperson Zastawny expressed concern for the drainage in Summeflin Place
with the recent rain. Councilperson Sellers will take the matter to the drainage board.
June 7, 2004 4
Councilperson Fetz said there will be a K-9 workshop and demonstration in
Jeffersonville. Sponsors are need. He compliments the Police Department, the Fire
Department, and the Street Department for their work during the recent storms.
Councilperson Sell~s said there is a need for more volunteers at the Animal
Shelter. A television station is going to do a pet of the week. The Animal Shelter will be
at JeffFest.
Councilperson Wilson will get copies of the minutes of the SIEDC meeting to the
council. She reported the Animal Shelter open house went well.
Councilperson Grooms echoes Councilperson Fetz's comments regarding he
Police, Fire, and Street Department during the storm. Councilperson Grooms called
attention to the Nachand Fieldhouse open house. Councilperson Grooms feel the $50 fee
to inspect a newsrack seem high. The Council may want to look at regulating the color of
Newsracks. He is also concerned for content in the boxes on private property.
Council President McCauley said there is a need to establish dates for contract
negations. The attorney selection packet is ready. Council President McCauley said
Commissioner Ellis has been helpful with visions for Jeffersonville. He is excited to
have a department head with energy and vision. He asks the Council to look at a packet
of information regarding the bonds calling attention to the financial reports.
Attorney Merkley announced the codebook should be ready within the next
couple of months.
Mayor Waiz said the Sellersburg water tower should be painted by October. He
will stay on top of this. He congratulated the Fire Department on raising $22,000 for the
Crusade. Repair Affair went great. The Fire Department had a team. Mayor's night in
Northaven was held by knocking on doors. The next Mayor's night will be at the
Aquatic Center on June 23. The sewer bonds are being refinanced at a better interest rate.
Attorney Merkley is still trying to close on the Redevelopment Bonds. The beautification
committee meeting will be June 8 at 11:00 A.M.
June 7, 2004 5
adjoume~ ~le~;.w3~Y n° further business t° c~°~Ik.
ROBER~.. WI~ ?~A
ATTEST:
le Council, the meeting was
MAYOR