HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-2006 COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
June 19, 2006
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular session
in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room inl the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana,
at 7:30 P.M. on Monday June 19, 2006.
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 Street Commissioner Run Ellis 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, Phil McCauley, and Ron Grooms.
Absent: None.
Following discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve the
agenda with item #18 being tabled, second by Councilperson McCanley, passing on a
vote of 7-0.
Mayor Waiz presented the minutes for consideration by the Council. Council
President Wilson made the motion to a3prove! the minutes 0f June 5, 2006, (5:30 P.M.) as
presented, second by Councilperson Fetz. passing on a vote of 7-0.
Clerk Treasurer Wilder presented the claim list for consideration by the Council.
explaining additional claims. Following all discussion, Councilperson Fetz made the
motion to approve the claims and the additional as presented, second by Councilperson
Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ms. Candy Wilson, a resident of 1527 Northaven Drive. stated the City needs
attention, especially her subdivision. She noted Ordinance 99-OR-29. the grass cutting
ordinance is not enforced. She is concerned the proposed garbage ordinance will not be
enforced. She has made several complaint calls regarding the properties m 1402 and
1525 Northaven Drive being neglected. Her concerns are not being heard. Her
June 19, 2006
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subdivision is terrible. Councilperson' Zastawny totally agrees. Councilperson Grooms
noted without the Ordinance enforcement could not take place.
A. Same, a resident of 427 East Charlestown Avenue opposes charges for limb
pick up. She also said her street is not swept. Street Commissioner Ellis explained there
are two sweepers that are run each week. He will check about her street.
Mr. Mike Hutt, a resident of East l0th Street, asked that all fees be eliminated
from the trash collection Ordinance. Fines should be for those that bring trash into the
City. Mr. Hutt feels that commercial tree trimmers should not have their limbs picked up.
Freon removal should be the responslbility of the homeowner. Mr. Hutt feels Street
Commissioner Ellis has done a good job without fees.
Mr. Derek Spence, a resident of 531 East Maple, is in favor of the Campaign
Finance Ordinance. Mr. Spence expres:sed bond issue concerns and the need for an audit.
Ms. Thelma Crafton of 122 Eagt Loma Vista voiced concerns regarding the trash
Ordinance. Ms. Crafton does not understand if articles were too heavy to lift, how would
having a permit make a difference. She feels citizens may take trash down the street
rather tan pay for a permit.
Mr. Don Herrold, VFW chaPlain, appeared before the Council to say he is
ashamed of our community, asking wh~t does the flag mean? The GI's gave us the flag.
The free has been taken out of freedom. The veterans are forgotten. He asks when spies
will be sent to see who is smoking. He is ashamed more did not show up and give
respect at Memorial Day services. Mr.' Hen'old said "God Bless America, God Save Our
Flag, Show Up For Veterans".
Mr. Ron Smith, 3310 Holmang Lane, thanked Councilpersons Fetz, McCautey,
Wilson and Sellers for working on the Ethics Ordinance. This is very important and
should have been put in effect years ago. He compliments this Council for dealing with
this tough subject as it is long overdue: He feels this is the most important Ordinance to
come into this room. Mr. Smith feels violation fines should be $25,000.
Mr. Harry Munzer, 311 Knobel, thanks Councilperson Grooms for the trash
Ordinance. He is concerned for Ordinances that are not being enforced. He believes it
would be in the best interest to the taxpayer to look into contracting collection.
June 19, 2006 3
Mr. Bob Luckert, 2608 Pawnee, noted Councilperson Sellers has helped with
some of his concerns. He understands new streetlights in subdivision are being paid for
from income tax revenue. He feels sUbdivisions should pay for the lights. City Attorney
Merkley explained the subdivision Mr. iLuckert is referring to was annexed into the City.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Mr. Dustin White presented a !report on the Jeffersonville Commission On The
Social Status Of Black Males (attached), requesting an appropriation. Councilperson
McCauley made the motion to approv~ an appropriation of $5,000 from the 2006 Special
Projects line, and to make $5,000 available in the 2007 budget, asking Mr. White to
report back to the Council, second by Councilperson Sellers. Councilperson Zastawny
asked if Greater Clark Schools were Cssisting. Mr. White reported Greater Clark has
pledged in-kind support and use of facilities. Councilperson Grooms asked if there was
other finance support. Mr. White said Community Action has pledged the use of three
employees. Councilperson Grooms reminded Mr. White to request the appropriation for
the 2007 budget. At the conclusion of all discussion, the motion carhed 7-0.
Attorney Jack Vissing reviewed Ordinance 2006-OR-25, An Ordinance
Regulating Street Lighting. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 2006-OR-25 on the third reading, second by Council President Wilson, passing on a
vote of 7-0-.
Mr. Mike Davis, Southern Indiana Asset Building Coalition, presented and
reviewed the goals and progress as of June 1, 2006 (attached), requesting a $10,000
appropriation for 2007. This is a win-win situation that benefits the commtmity.
Councilperson McCauley stated this is a great program. Mr. Davis said 62 clients were
served at Community Action Agency in Jeffersonville. Councilperson McCauley said it
would be excellent if there could be another location in Jeffersonville. He does like the
report, it is great. Councilperson Zastawny asked if other communities are participating.
Mr. Davis said Sellersburg appropriated $2,500. Councilperson Zastawny noted
Je£fersonville is progressive and reminded Mr. Davis to submit a letter of request to the
Clerk Treasurer's office for 2007.
Mr. Charles Murphy explained the need for passage of Ordinance No. 2006-OR-
33, An Ordinance Changing The Z6ning Map Designation Of A Certain Tract Of
June 19, 2006 4
Property Described As Being Part Of Surveys No. 11 And 12 And The Line Survey Of
The Illinois Grant In The City Of Jeffersonville, Clark County Indiana, Containing
46.118 Acre Tract More Or Less From M2: Multifamily Residential And CI: Small To
Medium Scale General Commercial To PD-M2 Planned Development Multifamily
Residential And Pd-CI: Planned D~velopment Small To Medium Scale General
Commercial. This request has received Plan Commission approval. Mr. Charles Reisert
explained the plans for about 250 residential units ranging from $165,000 to $300,000.
Councilperson Zastawny asked is there are plans for commercial buildings. Mr. Reisert
said there would be no commercial in the first phase. Councilperson Zastawny asked if
there would be a homeowners association to which Mr. Reisert replied yes. The plan is
getting away from urban sprawl. Mr. Reisert said the build out is expected to take seven
years. Planning and Zoning Director Hicks and Engineer Mill have been helpful.
Councilperson Grooms made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2006-OR-33, second by
Councilperson Zastawny. Public comment was requested. Councilperson Sellers voiced
concern if there would be an opening to Thompson Lane. Mr. Reisert agrees. The design
discourages shortcut use. A breakaway gate was suggested. Councilperson Sellers will
request conditions at the Plan Commission. The motion to pass Ordinance No. 2006-OR-
33 passed on a vote of 7-0.
Redevelopment Director Barry Cahill explained the need for passage of
Ordinance No. 2006-OR-34, Salary Ordinance Amendment (Redevelopment).
Councilperson Perkins said the employee would have to become a grant administrator.
Director Cahill explained the employe~ has grant writing experience, but is not a certified
grant administrator. Director Cahill r~viewed the history of the previous grant writer,
explaining other duties that will be d~ne. Councilperson Perkins said the total for this
year would be $60,000 as the requeste~ salary is $35,000 and River Hills fee is $25,000.
The previous employee had requested $40,000 and is a grant administrator. Director
Cahill said the previous employee would have been paid $52,000. Councilperson
McCauley supports the fact that an ad¢itional employee to the department is needed, as
economic development is vital. The pqsition needs to be filled. Councilperson Zastawny
would like an overhaul to the Department considered. Development needs to get done.
Mayor Waiz said Development is a big task and a good job has been done.
June 19,2006 5
Councilperson McCauley made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2006-OR-34 on the
first reading, second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a vote of 6-1. Councilperson
Perkins voted in opposition.
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to table the Parks Department Special
Non-Reverting 2006 budget approval, second by Councilperson Grooms, passing on a
vote of 7-0.
City Attorney Les Merkley explained Ordinance No. 2006-OR-32, Parks
Department Ordinance. Clerk Treasurer Wilder read from the State Board Of Accounts
manual. Councilperson Fetz has concerns for the authority of an appointed board.
Councilperson Grooms finds it similar to Housing, Sewer, and so forth. Councilperson
Zastawny said it is important to have assets protected. Councilperson McCauley feels the
pool should pay for operating expensesI the money needs to be separated. Councilperson
Perkins suggests a Resolution asking the Park Board to report. Following all discussion,
Councilperson Grooms made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2006-OR-32 on the
second reading, second by Councilperson Sellers. Councilperson Perkins requests City
Attorney Merkley do a Resolution for the next meeting. The motion passed on a vote of
7-0. Clerk Treasurer Wilder asked if claims should be paid. Councilperson Perkins
asked City Attorney Merkley to request the Park Board allow Clerk Treasurer Wilder to
report and segregate pool funds.
Councilperson Grooms presented Ordinance No. 2006-OR-28, An Ordinance
Regarding Refuse/Garbage Collectioh, for consideration. Councilperson Grooms
explained and read the section concemlng containers in the current (1960) Ordinance. He
explained the proposed Ordinance is an attempt to update the 1960 Ordinance explaining
the reasons. He applauds Ms. Candy Wilson for her comments on enforcing Ordinances.
This is an attempt to pass an enforceable Ordinance. Councilperson Grooms explained
the tree limbs section would be deleted. He is trying to get into the 21st Century and
become more efficient. His wish is for cleaner neighborhoods and more pride. Street
Commissioner Ellis presented picturei showing examples of what is set out. Trees are
cut down and set out to be picked upl The City has to pay to dispose of these. There
needs to be limits. A study has been done and a private hauler would not come close to
getting the work done for the cost. Councilperson Zastawny said as a student he worked
June 19, 2006 6
three summers as a garbage man and what is in this Ordinance ~s not unreasonable.
Councilperson Perkins compliments Councilperson Grooms on the hard work he has
done and the abuse he has taken. He also complimented Street Commissioner Ellis on
the job that is being done. Councilperson McCauley explained four cubic yards, and also
commended Councilperson Grooms. Councilperson Grooms will delete page 7, 3C, and
page 8, C5. Councilperson Sellers would like to amend the Ordinance to require Freon
removal. Councilperson Grooms made the motion to table Ordinance N. 2006-OR-28,
second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0.
Recess was called at 10:15 P.Mi
Meeting reconvened at 10:30 P.M.
City Attorney Merkley explained Ordinance No. 2006-OR-35. An Ordinance Of
Additional Appropriation (Ken Ellis Center~. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to
suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 2006-OR-35. second by Councilperson McCauley,
passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance
No. 2006-OR-35 on all three readings, second by Council President Wilson. Public
comment was requested. As no comment was heard the motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
Councilperson Fetz introduced Ordinance No. 2006-OR-36, Municipal Campaign
Finance Code, explaining a special meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 26,
2006. Councilpersons Zastawny, Sellers, and Grooms each noted they would be on
vacation that week. Councilperson Fetz explained the Ordinance was drafted using 10
different Ordinances from around the Country. The majority of them have stood up to
challenge. Councilperson Zastawny agrees with the importance, however would like
more time to review the Ordinance as it has 19 pages. Mayor Waiz feels the Ordinance is
for the Mayor and not the Council. Several points were reviewed. The Council Attorney
will review it also. Councilpersons Zastawny, Grooms, and Fetz will met with Attorney
Greg Filer. Mayor Waiz feels the Council is trying to imply he has done something
wrong and he has not. Councilperson Sellers has talked to the Secretary of State
regarding this Ordinance. City Attorney Merkley has legal issues~ Councilperson
Perkins feels if this is passed it levels the playing field for City contracts. Councilperson
Zastawny made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 2006-OR-36 on the first reading,
second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0.
June 19, 2006 7
Councilperson Perkins introduCed Ordinance No. 2006-OR-37, An Ordinance
Amending Ordinance 98-OR-40 Establishing An Independent Municipal Purchasing
Agency, making the motion to pass oh the first reading, second by Councilperson Fetz.
Following all discussion, the motion Passed on a vote of 6-1 with Councilperson Grooms
voting in opposition.
Councilperson Perkins introduced Ordinance No. 2006-OR-38, An Ordinance
Establishing The Jeffersonville City Hall Building Authority making the motion to pass
on the first reading, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0.
CLERK TREASURER COMMENTS:
There were no Clerk Treasurer Comments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilperson Perkins will be 'meeting with Mr. Kyle Wilson of The Estopinal
Group regarding the overages on City Hall. The annexation committee has asked
Umbaugh to "light a fire". It is hoped to have the financial plan for the second meeting
in July and the Annexation Ordinance for the first reading at the same meeting.
Councilperson Perkins noted the good turn out, about 300, for Family Fest.
Councilperson Zastawny is happy to see the traffic signal at Veterans Parkway
and Woehrle Road.
Councilperson Fetz noted it has been two weeks since the Town Center
Resolution was tabled. He is awaiting a call. He appreciates all of the input on the Ethics
Ordinance.
Councilperson Sellers thanks the Police and Fire Departments for help with the
fights at the Aquatic Center. Councilperson Sellers would like to have the departments to
submit their budgets comparing the current year to the requested. She has received phone
calls regarding Hoskins and Thompson Lane. She would like to meet with Mayor Waiz
on this subject. Mayor Waiz explain~d a study is being done. Councilperson Sellers
thanks Councilperson Grooms for "taking the heat" on the garbage Ordinance.
Councilperson Grooms asked about the fireworks sign. Councilperson Perkins
noted it would be coming down Wednesday. Councilperson Grooms thanked Officer
Chris Martin for his attendance this evening.
Counci!person McCauley would request a workshop regarding fees for abatement.
June 19, 2006 8
Council President Wilson announced a workshop prior to the first meeting in July
to discuss abatement fees and number 6f residents in a house.
Councilperson McCauley, like Councilperson Zastawny, feels Jeffersonville is a
leader in the community. He is bothered that Ordinances are not enforced.
Council President Wilson reminded all of the July 4th parade. Jeff Fest was
fantastic. The concerts in the park are getting bigger and bigger.
Mayor Waiz commented Riverstage is nice. The $500,000 appropriation for the
Big 4 Bridge has passed in Congress. He would like to get a Resolution in support of the
Big 4 Bridge from the Council. The Greenway project will start next week.
As there was no further busm ss to come be~he47qounci.,b/th meeting was
adjourned 11:20 P.M.
ROBERT L. WAIZ, M~OR
ATTEST:
PEGGY ~I~(I~ER, CLERK AND TREAsuRER
PARTNERSHIP
Helping People. Chonging Lives.
Jeffersonville Commission
on the
Social StatuS of Black Males
Educational Vision
and
Action Plan
Adopted
April 20, 2006
Action Plan 2006-2007
Low Expectations - Committee Chair: Dr. Rohr
1. Hold full assemblies will all black male students in middle school (Parkview,
River Valley and Charlestown) and high school (Jeffersonville and Charlestown)
every semester (beginning September 2006);
a. Schedule at least one guest speaker per assembly
i. High Schools - regionally or nationally recognized speaker;
ii. Middle Schools - locally recognized leaders
b. Stress the importance of education as it relates to future success
c. Convey the dangers of dropping out of school (lack of future earnings,
developing a dream career, odds of being incarcerated;
2. Every black male high school student attending at least one college visit per year
beginning in the 9th grade;
3. Two training sessions per year for all parents with black males in grades 6-12
(October and March);
4. Collaborate with and/or establish self-esteem mentoring programs for all black
males in grades 6-12 (October 2006);
5. Provide facilitators for the diversity trainings carded-out by GCCS (ongoing);
6. Attend Annual Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males
Conference (Sept./Oct.)
£ack of Parental lnvolvement- Committee Chair: Jeffery Caldwell
1. Create comprehensive plan for parents to determine how much participation is
needed to ensure graduation of all black males in high school (November 2006);
a. Encourage students to participate in extra-curricular activities;
b. Get parents by-in to support their children in school activities;
2. Create parent groups as a support-line for all black males grades 6-12 (October
2006);
3. Co-ordinate with the Jeffersonville Parents and Education Group;
4. Mentors go to the homes of the students to meet with them and their parents
(January-February 2007).
Community Involvement- Committee Chair: Willie Billingslea '
1. Establish partnerships with MOUs by August 2006;
2. Community leaders and Clergy members participate in the creation of Diversity
training program offered by GCCS to be offered beginning in the 2006-2007
School Year;
3. Establish a Violence Abatement Program to be implemented August 2006;
4. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic Saturday Program for Pre-K-3r° grade students
(January 2007);
5. Conduct feasibility study for the establishment of a Charter School for black
males to be completed by May 2007
SOUTHERN INDIANA ASSET BUILDING COALITION
Goals and Progress as of June 1, 2006
.Goal: Crea~3~
Progress: Developed a mission statement, tag line, logo and website for group
cohesiveness
Involved participation of 16 funding partners
Involved participation of 23 organizations on planning committee
Involved participation of 45 organizations in service outreach
Progress: Developed collaborative partnership with AARP
Developed collaborative partnership with IUS MBA Program
Eit~l!~hed ne~ tax site at Community Action of Southern Indiana
Progress: Prepared 758 returns, generating $447,238 in refunds, of which 135
returns received $93,115 in EITC
Created a tax preparation information line
Goal;
Developed a partnership with Senator Lugar's Office
Received media coverage through four newspaper articles
Distributed 24,000 brochures and 124 posters through 45 partners
Progress: Received contact information from 115 tax clients interested in attending
financial education courses
Developed collaborative partnership with six organizations who will
host financial education courses
Developed collaborative agreement with the Housing Partnership for f/e
delivery
Developed collaborative agreement with Mini Moguls for youth f/e
delivery
Developed collaborative agreement with the Purdue Extension office for
f/e delivery
Developed collaborative agreement with Junior Achievement for youth f/e
delive~
Progress: Raised $54,020 through 16 funding partners
Secured six months of free office space at MUW
Received upgraded laptop computers for AARP from IRS
Received donated printers for AARP from Lexmark