HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-2005 Regular SessionCOUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF TIlE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA .
October 17, 2005
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 October 17, 2005.
Mayor Rob Waiz, with Clerk Treasurer Peggy Wilder at the desk, called the
meeting to order. Also present were City Attorney Les Merkley and Chief Deputy Clerk
Suzy Bass. Mayor Walz welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present to stand as
Councilperson Perkins gave the invocation. Mayor Walz 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, Keith
Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, Phil McCauley, and Ron Grooms.
Absent: Ed Zastawny
The motion was made by Councilperson Wilson to approve the minutes of 8-16-
05, second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Councilperson Wilson to approve the minutes of 9-10-
05, second by Conncilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Councilperson Wilson to approve the minutes of 10-3-
05, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Councilperson Wilson to approve the minutes of 10-6-
05, second by Councilperson Perkins, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Councilperson Fetz asked to remove Items 13 and 26 from the agenda and change
Item 25 with the Resolution concerning payment of Benefits for firemen. The motion
was made by Councilperson Fetz to approve the agenda with the above changes, second
by Council President Grooms passing on a vote of 6-0.
The Claims were presented for approval. Clerk Treasurer Wilder presented 5
additional claims for approval. A claim to Republic Bank for $500.76 for IACT, a claim
to John Perkins for $7.00 for IACT, a claim to John Monihon for detail and cleaning of
police vehicles for $240.00, a claim to Security Title Services for $20,642.89, and a claim
for the Clerk Treasurer's Office to Storage Express for $160.00. The motion was made
by Councilperson Fetz to approve the claims presented with the additionals, seconded by
Councilperson Perkins, passing on a vote of 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Vanessa Smith expressed her support to the City Council concerning the Smoking
Ban Ordinance. She represents the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition. She
presented the Council with a petition of 450 signatures from residents supporting the
smoke free work place.
Paige Volmer, representing the American Cancer Society also spoke thanking the
Council for addressing this issue. She said that not only are consumers at risk but also
employees of these businesses are at risk for 2nd hand smoke. Bypassing this ordinance,
she feels this shows the youth of the community that this is not a cool thing to do.
Mike Hutt told the Council that about 8 yrs ago, the then Councilperson Peggy
Wilder helped pass an open container law in the interest of the public health and safety.
He feels the smoking ban will also be very beneficial for the community.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Chris Crawford appeared before the Council requesting changing the zoning of a
certain tract of property at 409 E Market St. He wants to add on to the existing house and
renovate the existing house and the property itself. The Zoning Board passed it
favorably. It will become a two resident property. Councilperson Perkins said that many
residents in the area are against this change. He is concerned with adding to this property
on such a small lot. He is not in favor of the change. Councilperson Perkins made the
motion to decline 2005-OR-61, secondby Councilperson Fetz. Councilperson McCauley
said that he was not aware that this would be an issue and would like to look at this
property before making any decision. Other Councilpersons concurred with this. Council
President Grooms said that any improvement would help this property. After further
discussion, Councilperson Perkins withdrew his motion and Councilperson Fetz
withdrew his 2nd until the rest of the Council had a chance to look at this piece of
property.
Jonathon McCoy appeared before the Council requesting changing the zoning of a
certain tract of property at the intersection of Woodland Rd and Logan Lane. It is
akeady approved for single homes but the developers have decided to pursue putting in
patio homes. Homes will cost about $175,000.00 and witl be a member of the
Homeowners Association. The motion was made by Councilperson Fetz to approve
Ordinance 2005-OR-62 second by Councilperson Sellers. Mayor Waiz announced that
this was a public hearing and asked if anyone present wanted to speak on the matter. No
one spoke and 2005-OR-62 passed on a vote of 6-0.
Director Cahill appeared before the Council to request passing a resolution
approving statement of benefits for purposes of a property tax abatement for Heartland.
The motion was made by Councilperson Perkins to approve Resolution 2005-R-35,
second by Councilperson Fetz passing on a vote of 6-0.
Councilperson Wilson introduced an ordinance regulating smoking in public
places and places of employment. The motion was made by Councilperson Wilson to
approve Ordinance 2005-OR-63 on the 1st reading second by Councilperson Fetz.
Councilperson McCanley would like to see more restrictions put on the ordinance for the
next reading concerning banrfing smoking in bars. Councilperson Wilson thanked
Attorney Merkley for his hard work on the ordinance. After further discussion, the
motion passed 4-2, with Councilpersons Sellers and Grooms voting no.
Attorney Merkley presented a resolution urging Utica Township to complete their
assessments. The motion was made by Councilperson Sellers to approve Resolution
2005-R-36, second by Council President Grooms, passing on a 6-0 vote.
Attorney Merkley presented a resolution for consideration regarding an interlocal
agreement between the City and the Clark County School Board which would place a
police officer at Jeffersonville High School and a split assignment at Parkview Middle
and River Valley Middle School. The motion was made by Council President Grooms to
approve Resolution 2005-R-37, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Council President Grooms to table 2005-OR-56, an
Ordinance requiring the Clerk Treasurer to publish the 20 highest compensated
employees' names annually, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Council President Grooms to table 2005-OR-57, an
Ordinance requiring the Clerk Treasurer to publish the 20 highest compensated
contractors' names annually, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Council President Grooms to approve 2005-OR-59, an
Ordinance of Additional Appropriation for Spay/Neuter, on the 2nd and 3rd readings,
seconded by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Council President Grooms to approve 2005-OR-60, an
Ordinance of Additional Appropriation for Edit/Flood Wall Art for $20,000.00, on the 2nd
and 3rd readings, seconded by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 6-0.
The motion was made by Council President Grooms to table 2005-OR-64, an
Ordinance of Additional Appropriation for Edit/Sidewalks for $350,000,00, second by
Councilperson Fetz, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Councilperson Wilson asked to the Council to approve an additional appropriation
through Edit money to finish the sidewalk on Perrin Lane to 8th St. The motion was
made by Councilperson Wilson to approve 2005-R-38, a Resolution to Initiate EDIT
Appropriation in the amount of $215,000.00, second by Councilperson Fetz, passing on a
6-0 vote. The Council commented that this does not mean that the money will be spent
but they will have it in place so that they can see what they have to work with.
Attorney Merkley informed the Council that an agreement had finally been
reached regarding the operation of the Animal Shelter. The cost to other entities will be
based on population and phased in through 2007. After further discussion, the motion
was'made by Councilperson Fetz to approve 2005-OR-21, an Interlocal Agreement for
the Joint Use and Operation of the Jeffersonville-Clark County Animal Shelter on the 3rd
reading, second by Councilperson Sellers passing on a vote of 6-0.
Attorney Merkley presented 2005-OR-40, an Ordinance to Prohibit the
Interference or Impediment of Public Streets and Rights-of-Way for consideration. This
ordinance has been worked on for several months. The motion was made by
Councilperson Fetz to pass 2005-OR-40 on the 1st reading, second by Councilperson
Sellers, passing on a vote of 6-0.
Councilperson Fetz presented 2005-R-39, an Ordinance clarifying the payment of
benefits for the Jeffersonville Fire Department, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing
on a vote of 6-0. Councilperson Fetz noted that the original ordinance had a
typographical error. The Holiday Pay and Certification Pay will be paid on Mayl 0 and
Nov 10 and the Clothing Allowance will be paid May 25 and Nov 25.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilperson McCauley said that there would be a tax abatement meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 11:00 am.
Council President Grooms said that there will be a fire station Committee meeting
on Wednesday October 19, 2005 at 10:30 am.
Council President Grooms said that he, Councilperson Wilson and Commissioner
Ellis met recently to begin dialog for an ordinance concerning trash collection in the City.
This was discussed at the special workshop earlier in the evening. They will be meeting
soon with the City Attorney to begin compiling an ordinance.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilperson Sellers asked the Council's permission to appoint a Council
member to the Board of Public Works when she caunot be present for the meeting. The
Council all agreed with this request.
Councilperson Fetz said that the AME Church is the oldest church in
Jeffersonville and will be celebrating over I00 yrs in service. The last service of the
month, they would like to invite the Council to attend. He will email all with the
information.
Councilperson Fetz asked if anything had been done about the drainage problem
at the Market and Spring St intersection. Engineer Miller is looking into this problem.
Councilperson Perkins said that he has a petition cimulating to put Riverboat
gambling on the fall 2006 ballot.
Councilperson Perkins said that David Blankenbaker informed him that they will
soon be starting to input key numbers on the assessments.
Councilp~rson Perkins said that he received a request from the BPW recently to
put some things on the sidewalk for sale. She sales upscale merchandise and he sees
nothing wrong with this though the Board denied this. Councilperson Sellers asked
Councilperson Perkins to have her come back to the Board and give more detail on what
she would like to do.
Councilperson McCauley said that he met with Bob Koetter Jr and Jack Koetter
concerning the JeffTown Center. The development in the area is terrific. He has asked
them to come to a workshop in the future to give an update of what is being
accomplished.
Council President Grooms informed the Council that St Augustine Church will be
celebrating 100 yrs.
Council President Grooms thanked the Council for their attendance and their
speed and efficiency for both meetings this evening. He will also have a claim for dinner
for the Council tonight.
Council President Grooms said that the next special session workshop will be
November 7, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.
Council President Grooms said that in his opinion the smoking ordinance is not
very important to the residents since the meeting was not largely attended. He is
surprised by the lack of interest~
Council President Grooms said there is a new visitor's guide available.
Mayor Waiz reminded all that the Halloween Downtown will be October 24,
2005.
Mayor Waiz thanked America Place for the new 'Welcome to Jeffersonville' sign
at Highway 62 and Highway 265.
Mayor Waiz informed all that October 25, 2005 will be Mayor's Night in your
neighborhood on Maple St.
Mayor Waiz said that the mentoring program has begun again and there are 22
employees helping with this program. All Councilpersons are invited to join the
mentoring program. They meet twice a month for 1 ½ hrs each.
There being no further business to come before the Board the motion was made
by Councilperson Fetz to adjourn at 8:50 pm second by Councilperson;McCauley,
passing on a vote of 6-0. · " /
ROBERT I]. WAIZ, iV[A/YOR /
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