HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-97COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
JLrLY 7, 1997
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in the Multi-Purpose
Meeting Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 7:00 P.M. on the 7~ day of July
1997.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Galligan, with Clerk and Treasurer C.
Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk. Mayor Galligan welcomed all in attendance, asking all those present
to stand as Councilperson Andrew Williams III gave the invocation. He 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, Ron Ellis, Donna
M. Frantz, Barbara Wilson, Andrew Williams III, and Vicky Conlin.
Absent: Councilperson Peggy Knight Wilder.
MayOr Galligan presented the minutes of the meeting of June 16, 1997 for consideration by
the Council. Councilperson Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded
by Councitperson Williams and carded unanimously.
Ms. Jennifer Wilcox, Assistant Director of the Department of Redevelopment, presented
Resolution No. 97-OR-34, A Resolution Of The Jeffersonville Common Council Approving A
Declaratory Resolution And Economic Development Plan Of The Redevelopment Commission Of
Jeffersonville, Indiana, And Approving An Order Of The Jeffersonville Plan Commission.
Ms. Wilcox explained the five steps necessary to establish a T.I.F. District. Deputy Mayor McCauley
stated this is a specific endeavor to lure a company that will stay 25 years, have a large payroll, and
high wages. The returns to the City will be many-fold. The agreement will include free land and a
tax abatement. The City will not be exposed to any personal debt and there will be no bonds. This
is a very competitive project and the State is putting in more than the City. The City stands to collect
several million in net taxes with no risk. The company insists on no publicity. At the conclusion of
all discussion, Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Resolution No. 97-R-34, seconded by
Councilperson Williams, passing on a vote of 5-1. Councilperson Perkins votes nay, stating he could
not vote in favor as he does not have full information.
July 7, 1997 Page 2
Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council
explaining one addit!gnal claim. Councilperson Conlin questioned how the donation to the ][eft
Family Fest would be handled. Councilperson Perkins explained a checking account will be opened
and there will be a relationship with Main Street. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to approve
the claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously.
Deputy Mayor McCauley presented Ordinance No. 97-OR-33, An Ordinance Fixing Basic
Salaries Of Appointed Officers And Employees Of The City Of Jeffersonville, Indiana For The Year
1998, explaining the Ordinance represents an across the board increase of two and one half percent.
The Ordinance does include three additional police in anticipation of receiving a grant. The amount
in the Fire Department for Hazmat is up. However, the amount for retirement is down. There are
three additional positions in the Sewer Department. There is an additional increase for the Animal
Shelter Director to bring that position in line with other department heads. The two and one half
percent represents a raise to keep up with the cost of living. Deputy McCauley said this is a starting
point as the salary ordinance is due before the budgets. Attorney Sedwick Galligan did say the
employees' salary ordinance may be changed at any time. She further stated that if the amount passed
in the salary ordinance is not put in the budget it cannot be paid. Fire Chief Smith answered
questions regarding the increase in Hazmat funding. This does include EMS. Council President
Wilson feels the two and one half percent at $15,000 to $18,000 is less than the two and one half
percent for those at $30,000 or more and she would like to see it more equal. Councilperson Perkins
is concerned about the cost to the City of hiring three new police after the three-year grant. Deputy
McCauley has talked with Police ChiefPavey about the police being pushed due to the increase in
area. Councilperson Frantz made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-33 on the first reading,
seconded by Councilpersen Conlin. Councilpersons Williams, Frantz, and Conlin voted yes, with
Councilpersons Perkins, Wilson, and Ellis voting no. Mayor Galligan voted in favor, passing
Ordinance No. 97-OR-33 on the first reading.
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to table An Ordinance Kepealing Ordinance Number
96-OK-82, Regulating Distance Between Premises Used For Certain Charitable Purposes, seconded
by Councilperson Williams, passing on a vote of S-1. Council President Wilson voted nay.
July 7, 1997 Page 3
Attomey Sedwick Galligan presented and explained Ordinance No. 97-OR-34, An Ordinance
Transferring Certain. Funds Within The Same Department (Mayor). Following discussion,
Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the roles for Ordinance No. 97-OR-34, seconded
by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously. Councitperson Perkins then made the motion to
pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-34 on ail three readings, seconded by Councilpersons Williams, passing
unanimously.
Councitperson Perkins announced a meeting at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday with residents on
Pearl Street that are concerned with police presence.
The Council will hold budget workshops Monday, July 14, 1997 at 5:00 P.M. and Thursday,
July 17, 1997 at 5:00 P.M. Councilperson Perkins would like to see these advertised as regular
meetings so votes may be taken.
Mayor Galligan announced the wails on 10th Street should be down next week. Also the
"Pool King" building will be torn down in the next day or two. The lease with Buckheads has been
signed and they are looking to open in January or March.
Attorney Sedwick Galligan told of the trip she and Mayor Galligan took to Finland to try to
resolve the Riverpoint Apartments situation. The local Haka group paid for the trip to Finland so
they could attend a creditors meeting in the bankruptcy, and to have a press conference. It is felt
substantial progress was made. Attomey Sedwick Gailigan feels they are much more willing to talk
settlement due to the press conference. More good news is expected. Deputy McCauley noted this
administration has fought this case for 18 months and in that eighteen months a lot of time and energy
have been spent in legal maneuvering. Title to the property has been received and has since been
leased out. In this time period the City has been up against many high-powered attorneys. Before
this administration came in 18 months ago the Department of Redevelopment was spending a
considerable amount of money on legal fees. In the last 18 months no outside legai fees have been
incurred. Attorney Sedwick Galligan is looking toward the end of August to have some sort of
resolution. Councilperson Perkins asked if the City has considered rescinding the tax abatement on
the Harbours itself. Attorney Sedwick Gailigan said there is a specific statute that any abatement
granted before July 1, 1991 cannot be revoked for failure to comply. It was also stated in the record
July 7, 1997 Page 4
that the City would not revoke the abatement.
Councilperso~ Frantz left at 8:10 P.M.
Mr. Charles Kenneth White asked if the Police were no longer receiving comp. time. May~or
Galligan explained the Police are now given overtime. Councilperson Perkins said the Police have
unlimited sick time. Mr. White said it appears something needs to be done with the Police
Department. Mayor Galligan said the problems did not get this way in a short time and it will take
work to get it back as the department cannot be destroyed in the process. There is a good faith effort
on both sides. The 12 hour shifts will last one year. Alternatives will be looked into. Mr. White
stated we do have a fine police department. Mayor Galligan said he represents the citizens and does
it intensely. All are tDdng to arrive at an equitable situation for both parties that puts the manpower
on the streets, giving the police a living wage with the fight amount of equipment. He desires to put
cameras in the cars.
Mr. John VanBinsbergen understands the reasons for the Ordinance regarding landlords and
nuisance. Help is needed for the landlords to handle nuisances. There is a need to look at the
Ordinance a little closer.
Mr. Bob Cook said he is in full accord with Mr. White on the Police situation. He feels the
12-hour shift will bum the Police out. Mr. Cook does not feel the coverage area is any different from
10 years agb. Mayor Galligan explained the areas that have been annexed. Mr. Cook congratulated
the Mayor and Attorney on their marriage.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Perkins made the
motion to adjourn at 8:20 P.M., seconded by Cou:¢qilperson Ellis, ~ssin~nanlmously.
MAYOR THOMAS R. GA ~GAN
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