HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-2004 COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
July 19, 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 Tuesday, July 19, 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 Councilperson Grooms 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, Kelth Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, Run Grooms, and Phil McCauley.
Absent: None
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve the agenda w/th the deletion
of agenda item #10 and agenda item #17, second by Council President McCauley,
passing on a vote of 7-0.
Mayor Waiz presented the minutes of the workshops of June 21, 2004, and July 6,
2004, along with the minutes of the~meeting of July 6, 2004 for approval. Councilperson
Wilson made the motion to approve the workshop minutes of June 21, 2003 as presented,
second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Wilson then
made the motion to approve the workshop minutes of July 6, 2004 as presented, second
by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Wilson, next made the
motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 6, 2004, second by Councilperson
Grooms, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Clerk Treasurer Wilder presented the claim list for consideration by the Council,
explaining one additional claim payable to Ohio River Greenway. Councilperson Fetz
made the motion to approve the claims along with the additional as presented, seconded
by Councilperson Sellers passing on a vote of 7-0.
July 19, 2004 2
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ms. Yvonne Knight, representing the Howard Steamboat Museum, appeared
before the Council to request consideration for a donation from the 2005 budget. Ms.
Knight said the Museum Board is in support of the City's proposal for the LST.
Mr. Chris Durbin, a resident of Charlestown Pike, questioned what the Ordinance
regulating gravel driveways has to do with public health and safety. He feels the gravel
trucks traveling Charlestown Pike are a threat to public health and safety. He asks that
current gravel drives be "grand fathered". Mr. Durbin said a six-foot hole was left in his
yard in 1996 when the City widened the road. He called on this until 1999.
Mr. Eugene Ballew, a resident of Charlestown Pike, said the proposed driveway
ordinance is the most idiotic thing he ever heard of. He is unhappy with it.
Mr. Michael Hutt, a resident of Highway 62, commended the City for the tree
cleanup following the recent storm. Mr. Hutt asks if there has been a gravel driveway
ordinance on the books for 30 years and it has been unenforceable, how can one be
enforced now. He is concerned property taxes will go up if driveways are paved. He
also has done some research and has found the City has gravel lots. Mr. Hutt noted the
old sewer plant is an eyesore. He sees no sense in the driveway ordinance.
Mr. Ron Smith, a resident of Holman's Lane said the driveway ordinance is
grossly unfair, and will create a hardship on residents. He appeals to the common sense
of the Council to at least make the effedtive date up to today.
Mr. Jay Ruff, a resident that lives across from River Valley Middle School, said
the City stole most of his driveway when the road was widened and now he is getting all
the water run-off. If his driveway was paved he would flood. He wants the road back the
way it was. He asks the Council to come and take a look at his driveway.
Mr. Leland Creech, a resident of Holman's Lane sees no problem with rock
driveways. He would love it if the City would pave his driveway. He was told he would
be grand fathered in regard to sewers and now he is required to be on the sewer line. He
counted 43 rock drives on his way to this meeting tonight. He sees nothing wrong with a
rock drive if it is maintained in a suitable manner.
Mr. Gordon Gessner, a resident of Sellers Court, said all in his area have gravel
drives. The area will be getting sewers and he would not like it if he paves his drive and
July 19, 2004 3
then has it torn up to install sewers. He asks when Holman's Lane will be widened. Mr.
Gessner was told that is phase 3 of the Veteran's Parkway project. Phase 1 is being
worked on now.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Mr. Doug Abney of P I Louisville, appeared before the Council to request a tax
abatement. Mr. Abney introduced his parmers and explained the company. They are
interested in relocating to 1600 Dutch Lane. Council President McCauley said this
procedure requires analysis that has not been provided and he would like to follow the
guidelines. Following discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to table the
request, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Fetz presented Ordinance No. 2004-OR-39, An Ordinance
Repealing And Replacing Ordinance No. 2000-OR-47 (An Ordinance Replacing
Ordinance No. 97-OR-46) Establishing Retiree's Health Insurance Benefits For City
Employees. Councilperson Fetz presented letters from the Police and Fire representatives
stating no objections. Councilperson Fetz then made the motion to pass Ordinance No.
2004-OR-39 on the second and third readings, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing
on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilpersons Perkins, Fetz, Sellers, Wilson, and Grooms.
Nays: Councilpersons Zastawny and McCauley.
City Attorney Merkley explained Ordinance No. 2004-OR-42, An Ordinance
Regulating Portable Private Family Swimming Pools. Councilperson Perkins made the
motion to pass Ordinance No. 2004-OR-42 on the second and third readings, second by
Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 7-0.
City Attorney Merkley said the reason for the introduction of Ordinance No.
2004-OR-43, An Ordinance Regulating Off Street Parking In Residential Districts, was
due to complaints. Attorney Merkley then read and explained an amendment. The intent
is to prohibit parking on grass in front yards. Zoning Director Chris Padgett explained
not one speaker would have to pave their gravel drive. This would allow no new gravel
drives. Council President McCauley said it helps when the public speaks. The changes
make the ordinance enfomeable. He does urge the City to abide with it's own property.
Councilperson Grooms said he is the one that introduced this at the suggestion of the City
July 19, 2004 4
Attorney. He felt the point is good. The intent is to control parking of vehicles in front
yards. This is a threat to public health and safety if traffic view is obstructed. As for the
complaint of quarry dust, he would love to do something about this. It is controlled by
the State Department of Mining. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to amend
Ordinance No. 2004-OR-43 as explained by Attorney Merkley and change the effective
date to September 2, 2004, second by Councilperson Zastawny, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Grooms then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2004-OR-43 as
amended on the second reading, second by Councilperson Zastawny, passing on a vote of
7-0.
Clerk Treasurer Wilder reviewed Ordinance No. 2004-OR-44, An Ordinance
Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department (Motor Vehicle). Councilperson
Perkins made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2004-OR-44 on the second and third
readings, second by Councilperson Wilson, passing on a vote of 7-0.
CLERK TREASURER COMMENTS:
No comments.
COUNCIL AND MAYOR COMMENTS:
Councilperson Zastawny asked if the request by Key Communications was
ongoing. He was informed the company is in property negotiations. He thanks all for
coming tonight as the best form of government is when people speak.
Councilperson Grooms asked those that wanted to speak use some of his time.
Mr. Leland Creech asked if they had to come back for the third reading of the driveway
ordinance. The Council joked that if he did'not trust the Council he should come back.
Mr. Brian Shuck, 2519 Coopers Lane, asked the Council to consider having sewers put in
his area. He also would also like to have the gravel tracks slowed down. Mayor Waiz is
looking into sewer for the area. Mr. Shuck was told to contact the County regarding the
speeding. Mr. Gordy Gessner, 2822 Sellers Court, stated his concern for the pond and
the mosquitoes, mowing in the area, the end of the road where sewers were put in and is
gravel is dangerous, a hidden drive sign is needed on the curve as are street lights.
Councilperson Grooms spoke with a Park Board member who has agreed to supply a list
of paid claims to Councilperson Wilson who will famish the information to the Council.
July 19, 2004
5
Council President McCauley invites the public to the budget sessions and the
State of the City Address, Tuesday, July 20, at 7:00 P.M. He does appreciate seeing the
crowd.
Mayor Waiz noted several significant events this past weekend; Jeff Boat had
their 10,000th launch; the 3 on 3 basketball, the Farmer's Market, the beautification
committee out working, and Mayor's Night-In at the Aquatic Center. He commends the
Street Depamnent on the storm cleanup. He appreciates all for coming.
there was no fttn~er business~ r~e Council, Councilperson
As
Perkins made the motion to adjourn at jg:45 P.M.,/~
Councilperson
Wilson,
passing on a vote of 7-0. ////~// ~Y
ROBERT L. W~(IZ, MAYOR
ATTEST:
PEGGY WILDER, CLERK AND TREASURER