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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 2 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