Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the meeting to order and City Council Member Mike Walker gave the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Roll call showed present: Council Member Mary Burgan, Council Member Shirilyn Holt, Council Member Mike Walker and Mayor Mary Jane Chesley. Absent: Council Member David Wood.
The journals for the January 7, 2008 Public Workshop and the January 7, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting were presented for any additions, corrections, or deletions. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the journals for the January 7, 2008 Meetings as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Chesley. Absent: Wood.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for January 2008 in the amount of $1,008,423.48 were presented to Council for their consideration. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for January 2008 in the amount of $1,008,423.48 as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Chesley. Absent: Wood.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Ron Neibert Introduced Ms. Mary Ellen Bechtel to give the Annual Report from the Jefferson County Development Corporation. Ms. Bechtel presented each Council Member a packet with the information she is presenting tonight. Ms. Bechtel introduced several members of her Board that are present tonight. The members are Dennis McEnaney - Vice President, Rex Cusumano -
Secretary, David Parker and Mary Burgan - members. Ms. Bechtel continued by saying that the Jefferson County Development Corporation exists to lead, coordinate, develop and implement strategies to enhance economic development through business retention, expansion and attraction. The JCDC will create a climate for economic growth and enhanced quality of life. Ms. Bechtel said that the JCDC is a partnership of private industry, local and state government, local and state agencies, education, cultural entities and faith based organizations which provides a resourceful and flexible environment to meet the ever changing demands and to implement strategy for development. Ms. Bechtel continued by saying the JCDC has been operating for 20 months as of December 2007. The City’s annual contribution is $150,000.00. The Board has also secured $87,600.00 in donations from private companies and individuals as well as in-kind service and donations with a value of $16,675.00. These considerations give the JCDC a total 2007-operating budget of $254,275.00. Ms. Bechtel spoke of some of the services JCDC provides. Ms. Bechtel spoke regarding the Continental Tire NA projects and Conti University. Ms. Bechtel also spoke regarding the Ethanex Energy plant, Power Holdings plant, Mt. Vernon Senior Housing, Pace Properties and other projects that have been proposed or discussed. Ms. Bechtel stated that the Interstate/Interchange project has generated a lot of inquiries and a lot of interest recently. At the end of 2007, the JCDC received a donation of 5.1 acres just off South 42nd Street. When the property sells, the JCDC will set aside the funds for land options or purchases. Ms. Bechtel stated that they have unveiled a newly designed website and hosted three ADY Webinars regarding site selection. The JCDC and the Mt. Vernon Airport partnered in research of on-demand air service from the airport. She spoke of the ConnectSI project that JCDC participated in and the brochure to promote significant projects in Mt. Vernon. Ms. Bechtel stated that the JCDC is looking forward to 2008 and the potential to be a banner year for development in the area.
Council Member Mike Walker asked if the Board Meetings were open to the public. Ms. Bechtel stated that the Quarterly Partner Meetings are. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that the City’s Comprehensive Plan is critical for the JCDC also. Member David Parker stated that they are hoping to bring 25 to 30 new partners to expand this Board.
Mayor Chesley thanked Ms. Bechtel for the presentation and stated that it was very informative.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented a Request Authorizing to Seek Proposals for the Annual Fireworks Display. This is an annual bid process. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Approve the Authorization to Seek Proposals for the Annual Fireworks Display. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Chesley. Absent: Wood.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration the Final Plat for Mt. Vernon Memory Care, Inc. Mr. Bill Woodfall was present to represent the owners. This is a parcel named Alexander Plaza Subdivision. The parcel is 4 acres off 34th Street that will be developed for an Alzheimers care home. Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Approve the Final Plat for Mt. Vernon Memory Care, Inc. as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Chesley. Absent: Wood.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for a Nursing Home for Property Located at 1400 South 34th Street. The Petitioning Party is Mt. Vernon Memory Care, Inc. Mr. David Parker, Realtor was present with the owners of the property Mr. And Mrs. Mike Deason. Mr. Deason stated that his request is for a Conditional Use to open a Memory Care Center at this location. A building would be built 12,798.40 S.F. which would house Alzheimers patients. This would be a 28-bed facility. Mr. Deason stated that he has been in the Assisted Living business for 20 years or so and has had homes in 18 locations. All of the employees would be trained in the care of Alzheimers care. Mr. Deason stated that he would have 20 to 22 employees. Each patient would be a single-private room. The building would set back 100 to 125 feet from 34th Street with parking in the front and side. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that since Council Member David Wood was not present, this would be First Reading Only and it will come back to the table at the next City Council Meeting, February 4, 2008.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Article 16A Fats, Oils, Greases and Other Substances Sewer Control Ordinance. This is commonly known as the Grease Trap Ordinance. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this change is to the gallons. 1,500 gallon minimum is too large. This would be dropped to 100-gallon minimum. This is First Reading Only.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Establishing a Tax Increment Financing Advisory Board. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this committee would be comparable to the Revolving Loan Committee in their duties. They will act in an advisory capacity. This is not a statutory defined committee. Mayor Chesley stated that this is a five-member board and that there will be an attendance clause in the regulations. This means that if appointed, each member must attend as many meeting as possible, if they miss three meetings, they will be replaced on the committee. Ms. Chesley stated that attendance at meetings is very important and some of the committees have been lax in their attendance. She intends to try to clean up some of the Boards and Commissions to get better attendance. Council Member
Mike Walker asked that this issue be tabled until the next meeting due to the fact that Council Member Wood had questions regarding the committee and the make up of it. Mayor Chesley concurred.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Agreement with DMI Regarding the Comprehensive Plan for the City. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Approve the Agreement with DMI Regarding the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Mt. Vernon. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Chesley. Absent: Wood.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that the Mitchell Museum would be having the Scholastic Art Awards from January 19 through February 17, 2008. This is High School Talent and Mayor Chesley stated that she is always very impressed with the talent of the students. She encouraged everyone to go take a look.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that February 25, 2008 is the Red Cross Winterfest to be held at Saint Mary’s Parrish Center. This is the main fund raising project for the Red Cross so Mayor Chesley urged everyone to attend.
Motion by Council Member Mary Burgan to Adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker and Chesley. Absent: Wood.