Clarksville Town Council Regular Meeting - July 1, 2025

The Clarksville Town Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on July 1, 2025, addressing public comments, consent agenda, new business, and a work session with presentations on the Origin Park event center, solar panel ordinance, a new business proposal, and updates on Fire Station 3 renovation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sean Bostock (1380 Country Club Road, Southeast Corridon) criticized the council for prioritizing public safety issues, stating that Fire Station 3 has been closed for two years and will remain closed for another year, that the fire department is running on reserve apparatus, and that police contract negotiations have been ongoing for 18 months without resolution. He also complained about the behavior of town employee Rick Barr, alleging aggressive behavior and urging action before someone gets hurt. He called for a proactive council.
• James McClure (1006 Hazelwood Court, Clarksville) complimented Councilman Bob McEwen for attending a town hall with state representative Wendy. He proposed a three-point plan to address upcoming budgetary problems under Senate Bill 1: (1) declare a 10-year moratorium on all tax abatements and TIFs, (2) sunset all existing TIFs and tax abatements at double speed, and (3) roll the budget back to the 2018-2019 level, arguing that the expansion of municipal budgets was due to COVID-era funds. He opposed implementing a local income tax or wheel tax.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, claims (current and pre-written), and acceptance of minutes from various boards and commissions. Councilwoman Voiner raised a question about a Duke Energy payment of $149,403 for Cottonwood Drive SIR replacement; after explanation from the clerk-treasurer, the motion passed with 6 in favor and 1 abstention (Councilwoman Schiller, who was not present for the earlier part of the meeting).

New Business

• Resolution 2025 R18 – Surplus Property: The council unanimously approved a resolution declaring various town assets as surplus, including items from wastewater plant and collections (two pumps, two generators, and pipe). The motion was made by Councilman McEwen and seconded by Councilman Stotts. All voted in favor.
• Letter of Intent for PILOT Agreement with Allen's Place LLP: The council considered a non-binding letter of intent for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Josh Hooper of SOCAYR (doing business as Allen's Place) for a 150-unit multifamily senior living community on 10.1 acres on Admore Lane. The 30-year PILOT would guarantee $100 per unit per year ($15,000 annually) with a 3% annual increase, estimated total of $713,600 over 30 years, compared to the current $8,450 in annual property taxes. Proceeds would be used for housing programs for low-to-moderate income households. Councilwoman Schiller moved to deny, stating she opposes any more apartments in Clarksville and that the senior living restriction could expire. The motion to deny passed 6 in favor, 1 opposed.

Clerk-Treasurer's Report

• Clerk-Treasurer Stone Cipher reported that the State Board of Accounts completed a two-week on-site audit and asked him not to comment until it is made public, but he can discuss it one-on-one with council members. He confirmed that funds for repairs to Fire Station 3 are sequestered and ready. He also noted receipt of a third-party evaluation of Senate Bill 1 to assist with the 2026 budget season.

Council Comments

• Councilwoman Schiller wished everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.
• Councilwoman Voiner thanked Rick Barr for responding to solicitors in Parkwood and Deer Run neighborhoods, reminding residents to ask for permits from solicitors. She also promoted the July 19th concert by Crashers at Bolton Tie and the July 9th grand opening of the recovery center at 200 Homestead Avenue at 11 a.m.
• Councilman McEwen clarified that he does not own the Shriner Club, but is the agent of record for REMAX helping to sell it. He described an incident involving Ted Carr and Dan Wade, stating that a gun was pulled but not pointed at anyone, and that the person who called police was arrested and released on bond. McEwen stated he tried to de-escalate the situation.
• Councilwoman Henderson also wished everyone a safe Fourth of July.

Work Session: Origin Park Event Center Presentation

• Dennis from River Heritage Conservancy presented plans for an event center at Origin Park, which will be a flexible indoor venue for weddings, conferences, and cultural events. The building will be subdividable, accommodate up to 200 people, and feature a back deck with Ohio River views. The project is funded philanthropically, with a request for municipal bond sponsorship of $250,000 from hotel tax revenue (no town general fund liability). The event center is expected to host 146 events annually, attract 44,000–66,000 visitors, and generate $1.1–$1.3 million in revenue over five years. The park overall is projected to create 3,200 jobs and $265 million in economic activity. No vote was taken; the presentation was informational.

Work Session: Solar Panel Ordinance Presentation

• Associate Planner Kaylee Malloy and intern Anna Sakula presented the SolSmart program, which aims to streamline solar panel permitting in Clarksville. The town has achieved a bronze designation. They proposed a new permit that would consolidate residential remodel and electrical permits into one solar permit. They noted that over 40 solar permits have been issued in the past five years. Council members raised questions about hazardous materials disposal, recycling, and long-term costs. The clerk-treasurer suggested obtaining financial data on savings from other municipalities. The ordinance will go to the Plan Commission for a recommendation and then return to the council for a final vote at the next meeting.

Work Session: Club Greyhound Business Proposal

• Economic Development Director Tami Gibson introduced Craig and Holly Reprecht, who are proposing to open Club Greyhound, a bar, cocktail lounge, and cigar lounge in the 812 building (across from 1020). The cigar lounge will be self-contained to avoid smoke exposure. Craig Reprecht is a former DCS employee and general manager of Neat Bourbon Bar, which was named a top urban bar by National Geographic. They are seeking a $150,000 forgivable loan from the town, with $100,000 of their own cash and additional startup assistance from the landlord. They plan to open by April 2026. No vote was taken.

Work Session: Fire Station 3 Renovation Update

• Director Gibson and Chief Skags provided an update on the renovation of Fire Station 3, which has been closed for about two years. The project is being managed by the Redevelopment Commission, which owns the property. Engineers are working on a bid package to bring the building up to current safety standards (NFPA recommendations, diesel exhaust systems, access control). The building will be taken down to the studs, with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades. Funding will come from ARP funds, not impacting the community. The timeline: a bid package is expected to go out after the July RDC meeting, with a 30-day RFP process, and construction taking 9–12 months. Council members expressed frustration with the delays, noting the project has been in development for about two years.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved with one abstention.
• Resolution 2025 R18 (surplus property) approved unanimously.
• Letter of Intent for PILOT agreement with Allen's Place LLP was denied (6-1).
• Work session items were informational; no votes taken. The solar ordinance will come back for a vote at the next council meeting. The Fire Station 3 renovation bid package is expected to be presented at the July RDC meeting.