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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-97COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA OCTOBER 6, 1997 The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in Council Chambers in the City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana, at 7:00 P.M. on the 6th day of October, 1997. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas R. Gaitigan, with Deputy Clerk Barbara Hollis at the desk. Mayor Galligan welcomed alt in attendance, asking alt those present to stand as Councilperson Andrew Williams 1]I gave the invocation. He then asked ail 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 W'flson, Andrew Williams III, and Vicky Conlin. Absent: Councilperson Peggy Knight Wilder. ~ ? Maxtor Galligan presented the minutes of the m~etin~ of September 19, 1997 for consideration by the Council. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Councilperson Williams and carded unanimously. Deputy Hollis presented the claim list for consideration by the Council. Following all discussion, Coundlperson Wilson made the motion to table the claim for the Council for Aged and Aging approving the remaining claims as presented, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Mr. John Doehrman, County Attorney presented Ordinance No. 97-OR-5 I, An Ordinance Approving A Form Of Amendment To A Lease Of Certain Improvements Made Thereto By The Jeffersonville-Clark County Building Authority, Authorizing The Execution Of Such Lease Amendment And Ratifying Actions Taken In Connection Therewith, proclaiming this a joint City of Jeffersonville Common Council and Clark County Commissioners meeting. Attorney Doehrman reviewed the steps taken to this point. Mr. Keith Stayton, the City's appointment to the Building Authority was introduced. Attorney Doehrman offered to answer any questions. The public was asked for comment as this meeting was advertised as a public hearing. There being no comments, Councilperson Frantz made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-51 on the second and third October 6, 1997 Page 2 of 6 reading, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing onavote of 5-1. Councilperson Perkins voted nay. The County Commissioners called to order their meeting with Commissioners Ralph Guthrie and Ed Meyer present. Commissioner Guthrie made the motion to approve the amendment as presented and authorizing the Board of Commissioners President to sign, seconded by Commissioner Meyer, passing unanimously. Deputy Mayor Phil McCauley introduced Resolution No. 97-R-43, A Resolution Approving Statement Of Benefits For Purposes Of Property Tax Abatement (GEA Parts, L.L.C.). Deputy McCautey believes this is a significant project for the City that represents a significant capital investment. A representative is available for questions. The requested tax abatement is for real estate only. This is a competitive situation and the project is contingent upon receiving a favorable tax package. Following discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to pass Resolution No. 97- R-43, seconded by Councilperson Conlin. Mr. Charles K. White expressed his concerns with the giving of tax abatements, and the increase in property taxes. The motion to pass Resolution No. R-43 passed unanimously. Councilperson Conlin thanked Deputy McCauley and all those involved in this project Mayor Galligan introduced Ordinance No. 97-OR-53, An Ordinance Changing The Zoning Map Designation Of A Certain Tract Of Property Located At 2237 Cooper's Lane, Jeffersonville, 1N From R-2 To B-3. Mr. Frank Ballard, Attorney representing Shelby R. Glasscock explained the area and the intent for use. Mr. Henry Faurest, Attorney representing Paul Meilleur, owner of Trans Medic Carders, explained the business, saying there will be no additional traffic and there would be minimal impact on the neighbors. The Plan Commission gave a favorable recommendation to this. Following all discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR-53, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-53 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passin~.na~imo~lsl~ ~ Mr. &~Ja~a--Ir~-~ffi~, Attorney representing Jeane McMichael appeared before the Council to request passage of Ordinance No. 97-OR-54, An Ordinance Vacating A Publicway. Notices have been given to all adjoining landowners as well as publication in the Evening News. Director of October 6, 1997 Page 3 of 6 Planning and Zoning Jim Urban explained this request did come before the Board of Public Works and Safety and the recommendation is to address the drainage problems. There followed discussion suggesting a condition of the building permit could be to provide for drainage. Changes in the wording of the Ordinance were discussed. Following discussion, Councilperson Egis made the motion to suspend the rotes for Ordinance No. 97-OR-54, seconded by Council President Wilson, failing on a vote of 5-1, with Councilperson Conlin voting nay. Councilperson Ellis then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97~OR-54 on the first and second reading, seconded by Council President Wilson, passing on a vote of 5-1, with Councitperson Conlin voting nay. Mr. Kevin Burke and Ms. Mary Pat Boone representing Heritage Bank, appeared before the Council to request passage of Resolution No. 97-R44, A Resolution For The Establishment Of Deferred Compensation Plan Section 457 For The City Of Jeffersonville. Discussion was held regarding the current 457 Plan and the advantages of dealing with a local group. It would not be practical for the employees to "roll over" what they have in the current plan. Much discussion fbllowed. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to pass Resolution No. 97-R-44, seconded by Councilperson Williams. The vote was 3-2-1, with Councilpersons Ellis and Perkins voting nay and Councilperson Frantz abstaining. This will be considered again at the next meeting. City Engineer Miller appeared before the Council to request the Council consider allowing for the hiring of two additional employees in the works department so there could be two crews. He would like to hire a CDL driver and a laborer. This will be considered at the Council workshop. Councilperson Frantz thanked Engineer Miller for the list of projects he provided the Council. Resolution No. 97-R-45, A Resolution Authorizing Signature, was presented. Councilperson Frantz made the motion to pass Resolution No. 97-R-45, seconded by Councilperson Conlin, passing unanimously. Councilperson Frantz added Personnel Director Ellis is doing an excellent job. Attorney Sedwick Galligan presented an Ordinance Establishing A Non-Reverting Equipment Fund For The Jeffersonville City Police Department. Councilperson Frantz requested a list of police projects. Funding and uses of the proposed fund were discussed. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to table the ordinance, seconded by Conncilperson Ellis and carded unanimously. This will be discussed at the Council workshop. October 6, 1997 Page 4 of 6 Ordinance No. 97-0R-55, An Orffumnce Transfen~g Certain Funds Within Same Department (Fke Deparanent) was preseeted for discussion. Councitperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR-55, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-55 on all three readings, seconded by Coun¢ilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Ordinance No. 97-OR-56, An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department (Mayor) was presented for discussion. Councilperson Conlin made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR-56, seconded by Councilperson Frantz, passing unanimously. Councilperson Conlin then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-56 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Frantz, passing unanimously. Ordinance No. 97-OR-57, Au Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department (Building Commission) was presented for consideration. Building Commissioner Pinkston explained the need for the transfer. Councilperson Frantz made the motion to suspend the roles for Ordinance No. 97-OR-57, seconded by Council President Wilson, passing unanimously. Councilperson Frantz then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-57 on all three readings, seconded by Council President Wilson, passing unanimously. Mayor Galtigan explained the need for the passage of Ordinance No. 97-OR-58, An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department (Motor Vehicle). Following discussion, Councilperson Perkins made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR- 58, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Councilperson Perkins then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-58 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Attorney Sedwick Galligan presented and explained Resolution No. 97-R-46, A Resolution Terminating Tax Abatement For B Group Designs, and Resolution No. 97~R-47, A Resolution Terminating Tax Abatement For Environmental Equipment Service Corporation. A public heating was held previously. Councitperson Frantz made the motion to pass Resolution No. 97-R-46 and Resolution No. 97-R-47, seconded by Councilperson Conlin. Councilperson Perldns asked what the difference is between these two not complying and others not complying. Attorney Sedwick Galligan explained those tax abatements granted before 1991 cannot be revoked for non compliance. October 6, 1997 Page 5 of 6 Councitperson Perkins finds it hard to vote for these Resolutions when the "Haka thing" is still hanging. Attorney Sedwick Galtigan said this is being worked on continually. At the conclusion of all discussion, the motion to pass Resolution No. 97-R-46 and Resolution No. 97-R-47 passed unanimously. Ordinance No. 97-OR-59, An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds Within Same Department (Animal Shelter) was presented for discussion. Councilperson Conlin read a letter explaining the need for the transfer and the situation with the vehicles. There is a need for a van for tbe animal shelter. At the conclusion of all discussion, Councilperson Conlin made the motion to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 97-OR-59, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Councilperson Conlin then made the motion to pass Ordinance No. 97-OR-59 on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Ellis, passing unanimously. Councilperson Frantz would like to have the Department Heads know there are projects requiring funding the Council would like to do, therefore she would request they "tighten belts". Mayor Galligan will make the request to the Department Heads. Councilperson Conlin has been receiving complaints again regarding Hoke's on Roosevelt Drive. Director Urban is aware of this problem and reviewed the history of the situation. Mr. Hoke wilt be cited to appear at the Board of Public Works and Safety. Councilperson Conlin stated there is a need for funds for the gang education program to be held at JeffHigh on September 29 at 7:00 P.M. This will be discussed at the workshop. Corporate help will be requested. Councilperson Williams asked if the State is involved in financial support for G.E. Deputy McCauley explained they are not. Councilperson Perkins stated the problem on Pearl Street continues. Mayor CJalligan will have this looked into. Cotmcilperson Perkins said the Council conducts public business in public but sometimes it becomes a little to pa~ticpatory. Much discussion was held regarding public comment. This will be taken up at the next workshop. Councilperson Conlin feels there is misunderstanding regarding the employee benefits at John Kenyon Eye Clinic: The clinic will be informed. The Council will hold a workshop Thursday, October 16, t997 at 5:30 P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room. October 6, 1997 Page 6 of 6 The City will pick up leaves free of charge during October and November. Director Urban announced a meeting at Utica Town Hall on October 8 at 6:00 P.M. with INDOT regarding the Ohio River Bridge. There will be a meeting in Kentucky on October 14. This project is moving. It is expected to have two bridges in 17 years. Mayor Galligan explained the problems that have come up with trying to remove the head walls on 10~ Street. There is a need to address drainage before going further. It has been suggested the utilities be buried on 10~ Street. This will be too expensive. The ditches on Hamburg Pike have been cleaned. There is a need to replace a tractor so the bottoms are being cleaned. The State cleans the trash from I65 and 31. The City is moving to get some things done by cleaning drainage and tearing houses down. It has been suggested someone from downtown be put on the Steamboat Committee. G.E. is the second major business attraction to come to Jeffersonville and two major restaurants are under construction. Other good things will be happening. A meeting will be set up later this month in the community so that residents can be informed and questions answered. Councilperson Perkins said there is a new business in his district. The City has received no sign requests or applications for any permits. It is believed this is a massage parlor. Council President Wilson inquired about the Carnegie Library building. Mayor Galligan said Wayne Estopinal is working on bid documents for the roof.. Mayor Galligan informed the Council a contract has been awarded for the construction of the handicapped ramps. Work has been done to expand the City-County Building parking lot. The house has been torn down and new sidewalks have been put in on the entire block. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councitperson Perkins made the motion to adjourn at 9:25 P.M., sec~per~///~,/y~7/~gd/unanimously. ' M)kYOR THOMAS R. GALI~AN ATTEST: CLERK AND TREA~ER~HARD SPENCER JR.