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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-97COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA AUGUST 18, 1997 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in the Multi-Purpose Meeting Room in the City-County Building, Jeffersonvitle, Indiana, at 7:00 P.M. on the 18th day of August, 1997. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Gatligan, with Clerk and Treasurer C. Richard Spencer Jr. at the desk. Mayor Gaitigan welcomed all in attendance, asking ail those present to stand as Councilperson Andrew Williams III gave the invocation. He then asked ail those present to join him in the pledge of ailegiance to the flag. The roll was cailed and those present were Councilpersons John Perkins, Ron Ellis, Donna M. Frantz, Peggy Knight Wilder, Barbara Wilson, Andrew Williams III, and Vicky Contin. Absent: None. Mayor Gaitigan presented the minutes of the meeting of August 4, t997 for consideration by the Council. Council President Wilson made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Conlin and carried unanimously. Clerk and Treasurer Spencer presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to approve the claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins introduced and read aioud Ordinance No. 97-OR-41, An Ordinance Giving Recognition To The Jeffersonville Police Officers And Jeffersonville Firefighters Bargaining Units For The Purpose Of Collective Bargaining. Councilperson Perkins explained this basically states that the units will be recognized as exclusive bargaining agents and there will be a contract to what is agreed. Councilperson Frantz asked if there current dispute resolution would be a part of the negotiations. Mr. Mark Smith explained this would be a mutuai agreement on both sides. Attorney Sedwick commented a statement in the ordinance regarding dispute resolutions has potentiai for two different meanings. Councilperson Perkins stated the intent is to bargain in good faith. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the roles for Ordinance No. 97-OR-41, seconded August 18, 1997 Page 2 of 5 by Councilperson Frantz, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-41 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Conlin. Comments where asked for. Councilperson Conlin hopes that both sides are willing to work together. Councilperson Williams asked what the specific objectives are. Mr. Mark Smith answered the objective is to put working conditions, benefits, and wages into an agreement. The needs for the agreement were reviewed. People are resistant to change. It is hoped the agreement will make changes smooth. Councilperson Williams asked what incentive does the Council have to enter into an agreement Mr. Smith answered this will provide a solid foundation, the more secure the employee is, the better employee there is, there is less conflict, less lawsuits, excellent recruiting tool, and stability is added to the departments. Following additional questions and answers, Councilperson Frantz said the Council has always been available at all times, especially at budget time. She feels this can be a win/win situation. Councilperson Wilder feels this will benefit the community as this is a working class community and it is important to recognize labor and organized labor. Councilperson Perkins said this is the right thing to do. He asks that alt involved study a model from the New Albany Floyd County Bargaining Agreement. Mr. John Grammar is in agreement with this philosophy as long as both sides are equal. Councilperson Conlin thanked the officers in attendance. Mr. Grammar thanked the Council for being cooperative. At the conclusion of all discussion the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-4t passed unanimously. Mr. Allen Applegate, representing Lander & Miller Enterprises explained the area and intent in requesting passage of Ordinance No. 97-OR-42, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation OrA Certain Tract Of Property Located At 3735 E. Highway 62 From R-2 To B-1. Following discussion, Councilperson Conlin made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR-42, seconded by Councilperson Williams, passing unanimously. Councitperson Conlin then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-42 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Williams, and carried unanimously. Mr. Bruce Elder explained the intended use of the property represented in Ordinance No. 97-OR-43~ An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation Of A Certain Tract Of Property Located At 1602 E. 8~ Street From R- 1 To B- 1. Councitperson Frantz stated this property is in her district and she would like to see this happen. Councilperson Frantz made the motion to suspend the August 18, 1997 Page 3 of 5 rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR-43, seconded by Council President Wilson, passing unanimously. Councitperson Fmntz then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-43 on all three readings, seconded by Council President Wilson, passing unanimously. Council President Wilson reviewed circumstances surrounding a situation regarding a legal ad in the newspaper about a grant for Haven House. Concerned neighbors requested Council President Wilson to request a letter from the City Attorney if this was in opposition of the City's zoning ordinance. President Wilson presented the ad to Attorney Sedwick Galligan. She read the ad and asked the Mayor if he bad any objections. He said no. As the workshop was about to start the conversation ended and she said she would get back to Attorney Sedwick Galligan. Council President Wilson stated she forgot about the letter untit the next morning when a reporter called. She has yet to be notified if the legal pertained to the Council at ail about the ordinance or the zoning. Council President Wilson said she made no motion to writing the letter herself, she is not in agreement of any lawsuit. She approached the City Attorney as she feels if an ordinance is passed, it should he seen that it is enforced. Councitperson Perkins said he is in favor of any grant application that Haven House Incorporated applies for and offers a motion in support of that application. Councitperson Ellis bas opposed the concept of a homeless shelter in Jeffersonvitle as he does not believe there is a need. He is opened-minded and will be spending a day in the office of Ms. Barbara Anderson. He suggests the Housing Authority set aside some residences specifically for the homeless. Councilperson Wilder thinks a resolution in support of this grant is an excellent idea, however this has nothing to do with this Council now. This is due to the diligence of Barbara Anderson and others, not this Council. Councilperson Wilder said the City Council does not deserve any recognition. Councilperson Conlin commends Barbara Anderson and her Board for what they have done for the community, Ms. Barbara Anderson feds a resolution would make a clear statement and thanks the Council. Mayor Galligan said he was under the understanding the majority of the Council intended to stop the grant. He did not condone it or agree with it. City Attorney Sedwick Galligan is more than happy to take requests from the Council but requests it be taken before the Council before coming to her. She has to have a majority of the Council before doing things on behalf of the Council. She can prepare things to present to the Council. Council President Wilson stated her intent was to have Attorney Sedwick Galligan look over the legal. Councilperson Wilder August 18, 1997 Page 4 of 5 seconded the motion in support of the grant for Haven House. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to table the motion until a resolution can be prepared, seconded by Councitperson Williams, passing unanimously. Ordinance No. 97-OR-44, An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department (Probation User Fund) was presented. Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR-44, seconded by CouncilpersonEllis, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-44 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Councliperson Perkins said he is sorry ~t rained last Saturday (Jeff Fest). All did go welt. Rain options are being considered for next year. Councilperson Ellis said that as an elected official, he has to represent the desire of the people of his district. Sometimes those are not popular. Some decisions are controversial. He tries to be open minded. All have different opinions. He hopes differences can be overcome and that all will work toward the same goal. Council President Wilson reminded ail of the workshop Thursday at 5:00 P.M. Mr. Mike Hutt questioned drainage ditches the City cleaned this Spring. He asks if these were on private property. Attorney Sedwick Gailigan explained these are easemems. Mr. Hutt asks is the property owner should be responsible. Attorney Sedwick Gailigan said not for the drainage. Mr. Hutt feels property owners should maintain property and not have to have taxpayer money used to maintain ditches. Mayor Gatligan explained the situation regarding a specific property Mr. Hurt mentioned. Mayor Gailigan said most people do not have the equlpntent to clean some ditches properly. The overall good of the City is being served by cleaning ditches. There is a long range program and more will be done. Attorney Sedwick Galligan said it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain grass. The City must maintain drainage function. Some of this does overlap. Mayor Galligan explained the problem that has held up the removal o£the head walls on the 10~ Street railroad overpass. Mayor Galligan is aiso sorry it rained Saturday for the Family Fest. It was fairly successful. Mr. Charles Kenneth White asked about the monument at the end of the Second Street August 18, 1997 Page 5 of 5 Bridge. Mayor Galligan explained the State has moved it. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to adjourn at 8:35 P.M., seconded by Cou~lperson .Conlin, passing unanimously. MAYOR THOMAS R. ATTEST: CLERK AND TREASU~R C. RICHARD S NC JR.