Public Meetings - Clarksville, Indiana

The Clarksville Redevelopment Commission held its regular meeting on January 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Clarksville Town Hall. The Commission elected officers for 2025, received project updates, approved a $400,000 school assistance disbursement, and approved claims totaling $4,067,023.25. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the December 16, 2024 regular meeting and executive session (motion by Mr. Stotts, second by Mr. McEwen). Discussion Items - Election of Officers: Alan Butts was nominated and unanimously approved as Chair. Bob McEwen was approved as Vice Chair (one abstention noted but later accepted). Janne Newland was approved as Secretary (with one abstention). - Project Updates: - Main Street Floodwall Reconstruction (Josh Darby, Jacobi, Toombs & Lanz): Weather has delayed installation of bike path pavers and striping; work expected to resume in spring. Progress Way / Old Potters Lane intersection project is out for bid; bids open February 18, construction targeted for April 2025. - South Clark Boulevard (Richard Moore, RW Moore Engineers): Duke Energy revised plans; issues cleared after meeting. Main Street electric pole removal scheduled. - S. Clarksville Street Grid BOT 2: Contract signed with Mac Construction ($7.256 million). Sewer and storm sewer construction underway; 8.7% of contract completed as of December 19, 2024. An issue on Court Avenue temporarily paused work. - Riverside Drive Construction (Lochmueller Group via staff): No active work due to weather. Paving of gravel area planned after spring thaw. Flap gate design and flood control coordination ongoing; funding available for flap gate. - South Valley Development (Millennium Builders representative Victoria): Seven of 21 homes are under development; one is under contract. Two private access easements were released, and overhead utility lines buried. Project ahead of schedule, construction targeting mid-2026 completion. Commissioner Hauber noted the project was nominated for an award. - School Assistance Disbursement: Staff presented the 2024-25 allocation of $400,000 in TIF funds to four schools based on enrollment of Clarksville residents: Clarksville (952 students, $242,393.38), Greater Clark (507, $129,089.75), Providence (33, $8,402.29), St. Anthony (79, $20,114.58). A commissioner expressed opposition to including private schools (Providence and St. Anthony) and made a motion to exclude them, but was told the current resolution allows their participation and the contract expires this year; the matter can be revisited upon renewal. The motion to approve the disbursement as presented passed 4–1. - Staff and Legal Reports: Town Attorney Chris Sturgeon noted housekeeping items expected in spring. Town Manager Kevin Baity and Economic Development Director Tammi Gibson deferred items to the executive session. Communications Director Ken Conklin reported on staff transition. Key Outcomes - Election of Officers: Alan Butts (Chair), Bob McEwen (Vice Chair), Janne Newland (Secretary) all elected. - School Assistance Disbursement Approved: $400,000 to be distributed among Clarksville, Greater Clark, Providence, and St. Anthony schools; motion passed 4–1. - Claims Approved: The claims register totaling $4,067,023.25 was approved unanimously. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. The Commission then entered an executive session at 7:30 p.m. for litigation, property, and economic development discussions.

The Clarksville Town Council held a special meeting on January 28, 2025, to ratify a three-year interlocal agreement with the Jeffersonville Animal Shelter for animal control services. The meeting included discussion, a vote, public comments, and council remarks. Public Comments - Jen Fuller Renfro (resident of 22 years) expressed gratitude for the agreement, described catching 19 stray dogs near her home in the past year, and urged the council to form a citizen advisory board to address root causes of the animal welfare crisis. She also supported Mayor Hodges’ call for a fiscal board with representatives from all municipalities. - Jeff Donelle (resident, 1801 Emerald Court) thanked council members for asking tough questions about taxpayer dollars, urged better communication from both sides, and referenced a nearby financial scandal as a cautionary tale. - Lauren Perry Rent Lynch commended the council for diligent work on budget questions, noting specific council members’ contributions, and emphasized the need for transparency and a seat at the table for Clarksville in shelter oversight. - Aaron Sizemore (president of Hart Hume, from Harrison County) spoke about the ripple effect when one county lacks animal services, stressed that shelters are full and euthanizations occur daily, and urged all municipalities to share responsibility. She noted the shelter’s 92% no-kill rate. Discussion Items - Ratification of Resolution 2025-R03 – The interlocal agreement with Jeffersonville Animal Shelter for three years. Councilwoman Boiner expressed discomfort with the lack of detail in the contract, particularly the missing budget number, which made it difficult to assess each municipality’s share. She compared it to buying a house without knowing the total cost. She supported Mayor Hodges’ call for a board like the 911 board to give each community a voice. Despite her questions, she made the motion to accept the agreement. Councilman McEwen seconded. - Council Comments – Several members addressed the public: - Councilwoman Schiller acknowledged the public’s valid feelings due to missing information, apologized that the council had not communicated effectively, and read a statement she had shared with her district. She voted yes because the service is needed and praised shelter volunteers. She also criticized Mayor Moore’s abrupt decision to end services, urging residents to contact him about forming a board. - Councilwoman Boiner reiterated her vote “no” was against the document, not the shelter, and she supports the shelter and volunteers wholeheartedly. - Councilman Stotts thanked Boiner for asking tough questions, affirmed he voted yes despite disliking the numbers, and invited residents to future meetings. - Councilwoman Henderson echoed Schiller and thanked attendees. - Councilman McEwen complimented both sides for working it out and noted that questioning is normal in council processes. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2025-R03 (interlocal agreement with Jeffersonville Animal Shelter) was approved by a vote of 6 in favor, 1 opposed. Councilwoman Boiner cast the sole dissenting vote due to missing budget details. - The council ratified the signature already made by the town, entering into a three-year commitment for animal shelter services. - Multiple council members called for improved communication and a future oversight board with representation from all participating municipalities.

The Clarksville Town Council held its regularly scheduled meeting followed by a work session on January 21, 2025. The regular meeting began at approximately 6:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance and no public comments. A public hearing was held on the annexation of two properties (1206 Emory Crossing Road and 1023 McCullough Pike) by River Heritage Conservancy; no one spoke for or against, and an ordinance approving the annexation will be considered on February 4, 2025. The council unanimously approved several consent agenda items including minutes, claims, and funding for Clark Cart Clark County Care's Drug Facts Week. Under unfinished business, an ordinance regarding pollinator guardings (2025 G02) was tabled for further discussion, and an update was provided on the interlocal agreement for animal shelter services (no action taken). Under new business, the council approved a new contract with the International Association of Firefighters Local 2594 covering 2025–2028, adopted rules of decorum (Resolution 2025 R04), approved salaries for town employees (Ordinance 2025 S01) with a retroactive effective date of January 6, approved a pay scale ordinance (2025 S02), and amended the Arts Commission membership (2025 G04). The clerk treasurer reported on investments and warned about Senate Bill 1 which could reduce the general fund by 10–15%. Council members thanked public works for snow removal and commended the fire contract negotiations. The subsequent work session featured a presentation from Southern Indiana Works on the SummerWorks youth employment program (40–50 youth planned for 2025, $15/hour, 20 hours/week for six weeks) and a detailed discussion regarding drainage issues at 922 Potters Lane. A resident and neighbor expressed concerns about improper drainage after a $2.7 million improvement project. The consulting engineer and contractor explained the project's design and showed before-and-after photos, stating the system met design standards. Issues with a punch list and possible regrading were raised. Council members agreed to follow up, including a site visit. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the last regular meeting, claims (current and pre-written), acceptance of minutes and placement on file of various boards and commissions, and funding for Clark Cart Clark County Care's Drug Facts Week. Motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to make public comment during the regular meeting. - During the public hearing on the annexation of 1206 Emory Crossing Road and 1023 McCullough Pike, no one spoke in favor or opposition. Discussion Items - Unfinished Business: - Ordinance 2025 G02 (Pollinator Guardings): Councilwoman Henderson moved to table for further discussion; seconded; unanimously approved to table. - Resolution 2025 R03 (Animal Shelter Interlocal Agreement): Manager Beatty provided an update. Charlestown and New Albany are exploring options; no action taken. - New Business: - Firefighters Union Contract (2025–2028): Councilwoman Voiner praised the negotiation process and moved approval; motion carried unanimously. - Resolution 2025 R04 (Rules of Decorum): Adopted unanimously after discussion. - Ordinance 2025 S01 (2025 Salaries): Approved on first and second readings unanimously. Then the council voted to make the salary increases retroactive to the pay period beginning January 6, 2025, also unanimously. - Ordinance 2025 S02 (Pay Scale): Approved on first and second readings unanimously. - Ordinance 2025 G04 (Arts Commission Membership): Approved on first and second readings unanimously after clarifying that only voting members (non-elected) receive stipends. - Clerk/ Treasurer Report: Stone Cipher announced audits are ongoing, noted the town manages $9–12 million in temporary investments, and highlighted Senate Bill 1 which could increase the homestead assessed value deduction and reduce the general fund by an estimated 10–15%. - Council Comments: Multiple council members thanked the street department (specifically Brad Cummins) for snow removal and praised the fire contract team. Work Session - Southern Indiana Works SummerWorks Program: Teresa Moulton presented the youth employment program. Clarksville Parks and Recreation participated in 2023 (3 participants, 1,800 hours, $27,000 in wages) and 2024 (4 participants, 3,137 hours, $47,048). For 2025, the goal is 40–50 youth at $15/hour, 20 hours/week for six weeks. The council expressed support. - Property at 922 Potters Lane Drainage Issue: Resident Mrs. Ross and a neighbor addressed ongoing drainage problems despite a $2.7 million stormwater improvement project completed in 2024. The consulting engineer (Steve Emily) and contractor (Derek Mish) showed pre-construction photos documenting chronic flooding and stated the new system meets design standards. Mrs. Ross disputed that the system works properly and noted a punch list item (regrading) may not have been completed. Council members asked for a copy of the punch list, noted a one-year warranty remains, and agreed to follow up with a site visit. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing on Annexation: No action taken; ordinance to be considered February 4, 2025. - Consent Calendar: All items approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025 G02 (Pollinator Guardings): Tabled unanimously. - Firefighters Union Contract: Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025 R04 (Decorum): Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 2025 S01 (Salaries): Approved on first and second reading, with retroactive effective date of January 6, 2025, all unanimously. - Ordinance 2025 S02 (Pay Scale): Approved on first and second reading unanimously. - Ordinance 2025 G04 (Arts Commission): Approved on first and second reading unanimously. - SummerWorks Program: No formal vote; council supportive, will follow up. - Potters Lane Drainage: Council directed staff to obtain punch list, verify regrading, and schedule a site visit with the engineer and contractor.