Clarksville Town Council Regular Meeting and Work Session – June 3, 2025

The Clarksville Town Council held its regular meeting on June 3, 2025, beginning at approximately 6:00 PM, followed by a work session and executive session. The meeting included the swearing-in of three new police officers, public comment, approval of consent agenda items, passage of two ordinances, and a presentation on a proposed senior housing development.

Swearing-In of New Police Officers

• Three new officers—Scott Glenn, Devin Lehman, and Kevin Smith—were sworn in by Judge Gilfoyle. Chief Walls highlighted that two were former reserve officers of the year and that Smith earned valedictorian and sharpshooter awards at the academy. The ceremony included an invocation by Pastor Hunter McDavid of Colgate Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ted Carr (1113 8th Street, Jeffersonville) spoke on behalf of the 40-member Tri-County Shrine Club, requesting that the proposed annexation of 701 Potters Lane be stopped due to ongoing lawsuits and internal disputes over ownership and theft of equipment. He expressed a desire to eventually be part of Clarksville but wanted legal issues resolved first.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5.1 (minutes from previous meetings), 5.2 (claims), and 5.3 (acceptance of minutes from various boards and commissions) were approved unanimously after a motion by Councilwoman Voiner and second by Councilman McEwen.
• Item 5.4, a conflict of interest statement from Councilman Bob Stotz, was pulled from the consent agenda and voted on separately. Motion by Councilwoman Voiner, second by Councilwoman Henderson. The motion passed with 6 in favor and 1 abstention (Stotz abstained).

Discussion Items – New Business

• Ordinance 2025 G16 – Annexation at 701 Potters Lane (Tri-County Shrine Club): Councilman Henderson moved approval, stating that annexation does not affect lawsuits and would give the town a say in future property use. Councilman Schiller asked if annexing would affect a lawsuit; the response was no. The ordinance passed with 6 in favor and 1 abstention on first reading. A second reading is scheduled for June 16.
• Ordinance 2025 Z03 – Amendments to Zoning Code for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Home Occupations: The ordinance updates ADU allowances to allow them citywide (previously limited to specific neighborhoods) and expands home occupations to all residential zones. The Plan Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval after a public hearing. The council approved unanimously on first reading (only one reading required).
• Purchase of Police Vehicles: Approval of the purchase of two new police pursuit vehicles from Bachman Chevrolet (only available dealer) using insurance proceeds from two wrecked vehicles damaged at the Eastern Boulevard overpass. Councilwoman Schiller requested an update on state plans to reconfigure the overpass; funding is available for fiscal year 2026. The purchase motion passed unanimously.

Financial Reports (Clerk Treasurer Stone Cipher)

• Clark County 911 emergency center filed a 6.6% increase for next year, representing 22% of their new budget, costing the town approximately $809,000 in local income tax clawbacks.
• Property tax assessments rose 8%, resulting in a 2.7% increase in property tax revenue (about $500,000), but this is expected to be clawed back next year due to enrolled Senate Act 1.

Council Comments

• Councilmembers congratulated the new officers.
• Councilwoman Voyner announced a recycling bin giveaway: 1,000 96-gallon bins via a $75,25 grant from IDEM, available to residents of Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and Sellersburg. Contact Clark County Recycling (Debbie McGrath) for appointments starting July 1.
• Councilwoman Voyner also thanked the street and fire departments for cleaning a hazardous spill on Eastern Boulevard, and reminded of summer concert series and movie nights.
• Councilwoman Voyner and others praised the Wawa grand opening, including a hoagie contest (fire department won), $2,500 donation to USO, and food fight.
• Councilwoman Henderson thanked Clerk Treasurer Stone Cipher for the Memorial Day event and the Boy Scouts for flag retirement.
• Councilman McEwen announced that after the meeting, a work session on senior housing on Admore Lane would be held, followed by an executive session.

Work Session – Senior Housing Development on Admore Lane

• Josh Cooper and Travis (Beacon/SoCare) presented a proposal for "Allen's Place," a 150-unit independent senior living complex for ages 62+ (goal) on Admore Lane, across from their existing Nicholas Landing development. The project would cost approximately $37 million, with rents ranging from $833–$1,195 for one-bedroom and $1,000–$1,400 for two-bedroom units. They requested a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement of $15,000 annually, increasing 3% per year for 30 years (total ~$730,000). This would help secure state financing from Indiana Housing, as they placed second in their region last year and need additional points.
• The developer emphasized benefits: opening up single-family homes for first-time buyers, no addition to school system, and community support. They offered to dedicate 4 acres of the 14-acre site for town use (e.g., dog park). Councilmembers questioned age restriction enforcement, impact on town resources (EMS rather than police), and the 30-year compliance period. The developer agreed to include a 62+ age restriction in the pilot agreement, with any change requiring council approval. The council indicated they would consider the PILOT agreement at a future meeting (likely July 1 or first meeting in July). The work session concluded at 7:09 PM, followed by an executive session.

Key Outcomes

• New police officers sworn in.
• Public comment from Ted Carr opposing annexation of Tri-County Shrine Club heard.
• Consent agenda items approved (with separate vote on conflict of interest).
• Ordinance 2025 G16 (annexation) approved on first reading (6-1); second reading June 16.
• Ordinance 2025 Z03 (ADU and home occupation amendments) approved unanimously.
• Purchase of two police vehicles approved unanimously.
• Town heard financial reports and council comments.
• Work session: Developer presented senior housing proposal; council will consider PILOT agreement at upcoming meeting.