OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Clarksville Town Council Meeting - January 20, 2026

Town Council & Commissions — Tuesday, January 20, 2026
BodyClarksville, Indiana
SessionTown Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, January 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:10:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Yes, we're letting you good evening.

0:04

Welcome to our January 20th, 2026 Clarksville Town Council meeting this evening.

0:13

As we call to order, I would like to start with our Pledge of Allegiance.

0:16

If you would please rise and join us.

0:44

We will start out this evening.

0:45

We have some public comments.

0:47

I would just remind you that as you come to the microphone, just state your name, your address, and you'll have two minutes to share with the council.

0:57

First up tonight we have Jen Bug, if you would come to the microphone.

1:03

Thank you.

1:07

Thank you and good evening.

1:10

My name is Jen Bug.

1:12

I live at 301 South Clark Boulevard, Clarksville, Indiana, 47129.

1:19

Thank you for the opportunity to speak again before you.

1:22

I want to talk about something that has come up in public conversations about pet stores and oversight.

1:29

Who actually regulates pet stores in Indiana and what that regulation does and does not cover.

1:36

As of the 1st of July of 2024, Indiana pet stores are required to register with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.

1:45

The board's role is primarily to verify required paperwork and to confirm that the sources of the dogs and puppies meet Indiana's minimal sourcing requirements.

1:57

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health does not provide comprehensive oversight of animal welfare conditions inside pet stores.

2:05

Issues related to sanitation, animal care, and in-store conditions are directed to local authorities, not the state.

2:14

This distinction matters.

2:16

Responsibility for clear, enforceable standards inside pet stores rest with us, with our local ordinances.

2:38

Right now, our ordinance is so thin that if animal control shows up and see it sees a dog that is skin and bones with worms hanging out of its back side.

2:49

There's literally nothing in our ordinance animal control can cite for.

3:48

Thank you.

3:51

Next I would call Ms.

3:53

Jennifer Loxton.

4:02

Hello.

4:04

I'm Jennifer Logston.

4:05

I live at 608 Millwood Place in Clarksville.

4:09

Good evening.

4:10

Two weeks ago, a member of the public provided the council with an overview of citizen reports related to Clarksville Peppigram.

4:17

At that time, there were four reports.

4:20

Since then, the number of submissions have grown to 14.

4:23

Tonight I'm leaving behind a summary that reflects what citizens reported using standardized health and behavior indicators during their visits.

4:31

It's not analysis or opinion.

4:33

It documents what people directly observed.

4:36

Across those 14 reports, residents repeatedly describe puppies with eye and nasal discharge, coughing and labored breathing, trembling or weakness, poor body condition, lethargy, and signs of dehydration.

4:50

People reported strong fecal and ammonia odors upon entering the store.

4:55

Many noted puppies not drinking from the water bottles.

4:58

Others reported that veterinary records were not shown when requested.

5:02

Because of these reports, we have spoken directly with two people who purchased puppies from the Clarksville location.

5:07

Both purchasers gave permission for follow-up, including contact with animal control and review of independent veterinary records.

5:15

In both cases, the puppies they purchased were diagnosed shortly after sale with parasites, including Giardia.

5:22

That information has been shared directly with animal control.

5:25

This isn't about accusations.

5:27

It's about whether our ordinance gives animal control clear, enforceable tools to respond, not just to a single inspection, but to patterns that emerge when citizens report concerns and when health problems appear after the sale.

5:40

Thank you for your time.

5:42

Thank you.

5:47

Next we have Brian Alford.

6:04

Oh, yeah, sorry.

6:06

Brian Alford, and it's 1534 Plank Road trailer 24, and that's in Jeffersonville 47130.

6:21

Is we're surely just disgusted by the way these pet stores are allowed to operate here in our state and not just in our state, but in the city.

7:09

To me, it is I've having uh been visiting this location.

7:13

I have visited it, knowing that these pets have been sold at some outrageous prices, upwards of $5,000 each.

7:21

I think that's insane to me.

7:24

The conditions that these pets are in in this store are unsanitary.

7:28

That's which has also been what has previously been said to you by the those that have come up here, such as June and myself and others that have came up here and talked about this as well.

7:37

To me, it is the fact that these people who spend all this money out of their pocket to bring these pets home.

7:47

They expect, just as like we would if we were to purchase a vehicle, for instance, right?

7:51

We would want to expect to spend all this money to have something that works properly that runs well.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development██████████████████18%
Arts And Culture███████████████15%
Animal Welfare█████████████13%
Zoning Variance███████████11%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Public Safety████████8%
Procurement██████6%
Fiscal Sustainability█████5%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Clarksville Town Council Meeting - January 20, 2026

The Clarksville Town Council held a regular meeting and subsequent work session on January 20, 2026. The meeting included public comments on pet store regulation, approval of several ordinances including a rezoning for an RV park expansion, and work session presentations on historic preservation, arts commission plans, and a tax abatement request for a speculative industrial building.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of the joint council regular meeting and executive session, claims of the town (current and pre-written), and acceptance of minutes for placement on file. (Unanimous)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jen Bug (301 South Clark Boulevard): Discussed limited state regulation of pet stores, noting the Indiana State Board of Animal Health does not provide comprehensive oversight of in-store conditions. Urged the council to adopt local ordinances with clear, enforceable standards.
  • Jennifer Logston (608 Millwood Place): Reported that citizen submissions regarding Clarksville Peppigram have grown from 4 to 14 reports. Reports describe puppies with health issues (eye/nasal discharge, coughing, labored breathing, lethargy) and unsanitary conditions (strong odors, water bottles not used). Two purchasers reported post-sale veterinary diagnoses of Giardia; information shared with animal control. Stressed the need for local enforcement tools.
  • Brian Alford (1534 Plank Road, trailer 24, Jeffersonville): Expressed disgust with pet store conditions and high prices (up to $5,000). Described unsanitary conditions and noted small pets cannot be handled. Urged council investigation.

Recognition

  • Presented awards for the first-ever Christmas Lights Decorating Contest (18 entrants, two categories). Winners: Overall – Ron Iker (absent, snowbird); Griswold (over‑the‑top) – Jason Burris; Traditional – Craig Farney. Sponsored by Heritage Engineering.

Unfinished Business

  • Ordinance amending Article 2, Division 70 of the SCMU Zoning Code (Riverfront District): The redevelopment commission had petitioned for changes, but after settlement of an eminent domain case regarding Riverside Drive right‑of‑way, the need to amend no longer exists. Council voted to deny the plan commission’s recommendation, as required by statute. (Unanimous)
  • Ordinance establishing fees for riverfront development district liquor license applications and renewals: Set initial application fee at $1,000 and annual renewal at $500, based on a survey of area communities. Discussion noted that the fee is only for administrative costs; the state prohibits charging for the license itself. Councilman Munich dissented, arguing fees should be higher to generate revenue. Approved 5‑1.

New Business

  • Ordinance 2026‑G02 (Directing deposit and use of CVIT and FIT revenues): Required by House Bill 1392 to continue the historical practice of splitting revenues equally between the general fund and the fire territory. Approved 6‑0.
  • Ordinance 2026‑G03 (Establishing a fire prevention code): Adopts a complete updated fire code to replace the 1989 code with amendments. Approved unanimously on first and second readings.
  • Ordinance 2026‑G04 (Amending duties and powers of the building commission): Adds role as hearing officer for fire ordinance actions and appeals. Approved unanimously on first and second readings.
  • Ordinance 2026‑Z01 (Rezoning 2411 Admore Lane from B2 to OPS for RV park expansion): The property, currently a legal non‑conforming RV park, cannot expand under B2 zoning. Rezoning to OPS with specific development standards. Approved 4‑2. Dissenting council members (Ramsey and Stotts) cited concerns about no time limits on RV stays and potential tax implications.
  • General Services Agreement with Clark Deets: For engineering services beyond town employee capabilities, including emergency situations. Approved.

Clerk‑Treasurer Report

  • W‑2s and 1099s sent; year‑end bank reconciliation in progress; resolution for internal loan paybacks will be presented next meeting. Noted Senate Bill 238 (under consideration at the Statehouse) could reduce tax revenues by $1–1.2 million. Council member stated he testified in favor of an amendment to extend implementation by one year; the bill remains in committee.

Chief’s Remarks

  • Thanked council for adopting the updated fire code, noting it will improve safety for both the community and firefighters.

Council Comments

  • Councilman Ramsey: Expressed concern that the RV park rezoning is a “slippery slope” without parameters on indefinite stays or tax contributions. Congratulated local high school basketball teams on their seasons.
  • Councilwoman Henderson: Celebrated IU’s win; thanked department heads; listed desired road improvements (Parkwood, Blackstone Mill Road, Progress Way, Green Tree North, Potter’s Lane).
  • Councilwoman Voiner: Congratulated Christmas contest winners; reminded residents to be cautious of upcoming winter weather and to watch for street department crews.
  • Councilman Stotts: Explained his “no” vote on the RV park was due to lack of time limits and tax contributions. Shared that he visited Peppigram and did not observe issues, but noted that House Bill 1412 could limit local control; encouraged residents to contact state representatives.

Work Session

Historic Preservation Commission

  • Presented a summary of projects completed since 2020 and a 2026 budget request of $45,000 for four items (no additional town support for four other items). Council expressed appreciation.

Arts Commission

  • Reviewed 2025 accomplishments: Christmas lights on Main Street with over 200 attendees, community‑wide competitions (holiday lights, photography with 120+ submissions), and finalizing a sculpture reusing prison bars from the old Colgate plant.
  • Proposed 2026 projects (total budget request $46,500):
    • Expand Christmas lights and Light Up Clarksville event ($25,000).
    • Repeat photography competition with increased prizes (no town cost).
    • Commission a mural on the public works building facing Brown Station Way ($15,000).
    • Mural on construction containers in South Clarksville ($2,500) involving high school students.
    • Art market and car show during concert series (part of the total).
  • Council asked about staging completion (expected mid‑March) and whether the art market would be juried (not initially, but criteria for handcrafted goods).

Tax Abatement Presentation – Nick Lawrence (Wheatley Group)

  • Proposed a 10‑year, 50% property tax abatement for a speculative 131,000‑sq‑ft class A light industrial/warehouse building on US 31 near I‑265.
  • Project cost: $10.6 million; annual property taxes estimated at $398,000; abatement would reduce to ~$200,000.
  • Site requires $1 million in extra site work (fill, drainage, utility relocations, IDOT access improvements).
  • Comparable abatements were granted at Platform Park, Silver Creek Logistics Center, and others.
  • No tenant signed yet; building will be marketed by Cushman & Wakefield.
  • Discussion: Council asked about runoff detention (plans approved), market demand (Silver Creek 100% full, Platform Park building one completed), and the adjacent holdout property. No vote was taken; the request will be considered at a future council meeting.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved.
  • Ordinance denying zoning code amendment passed unanimously.
  • Liquor license fee ordinance approved 5‑1.
  • CVIT/FIT revenue ordinance approved 6‑0.
  • Fire code and building commission ordinances approved unanimously (both readings each).
  • RV park rezoning approved 4‑2.
  • General services agreement with Clark Deets approved.
  • Work session presentations received with no votes; Historic Preservation Commission and Arts Commission budget requests to be considered; tax abatement proposal to be brought for a formal vote.

Meeting Transcript

Yes, we're letting you good evening. Welcome to our January 20th, 2026 Clarksville Town Council meeting this evening. As we call to order, I would like to start with our Pledge of Allegiance. If you would please rise and join us. We will start out this evening. We have some public comments. I would just remind you that as you come to the microphone, just state your name, your address, and you'll have two minutes to share with the council. First up tonight we have Jen Bug, if you would come to the microphone. Thank you. Thank you and good evening. My name is Jen Bug. I live at 301 South Clark Boulevard, Clarksville, Indiana, 47129. Thank you for the opportunity to speak again before you. I want to talk about something that has come up in public conversations about pet stores and oversight. Who actually regulates pet stores in Indiana and what that regulation does and does not cover. As of the 1st of July of 2024, Indiana pet stores are required to register with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. The board's role is primarily to verify required paperwork and to confirm that the sources of the dogs and puppies meet Indiana's minimal sourcing requirements. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health does not provide comprehensive oversight of animal welfare conditions inside pet stores. Issues related to sanitation, animal care, and in-store conditions are directed to local authorities, not the state. This distinction matters. Responsibility for clear, enforceable standards inside pet stores rest with us, with our local ordinances. Right now, our ordinance is so thin that if animal control shows up and see it sees a dog that is skin and bones with worms hanging out of its back side. There's literally nothing in our ordinance animal control can cite for. Thank you. Next I would call Ms. Jennifer Loxton. Hello. I'm Jennifer Logston. I live at 608 Millwood Place in Clarksville. Good evening. Two weeks ago, a member of the public provided the council with an overview of citizen reports related to Clarksville Peppigram. At that time, there were four reports. Since then, the number of submissions have grown to 14. Tonight I'm leaving behind a summary that reflects what citizens reported using standardized health and behavior indicators during their visits. It's not analysis or opinion. It documents what people directly observed. Across those 14 reports, residents repeatedly describe puppies with eye and nasal discharge, coughing and labored breathing, trembling or weakness, poor body condition, lethargy, and signs of dehydration. People reported strong fecal and ammonia odors upon entering the store. Many noted puppies not drinking from the water bottles. Others reported that veterinary records were not shown when requested. Because of these reports, we have spoken directly with two people who purchased puppies from the Clarksville location. Both purchasers gave permission for follow-up, including contact with animal control and review of independent veterinary records. In both cases, the puppies they purchased were diagnosed shortly after sale with parasites, including Giardia. That information has been shared directly with animal control. This isn't about accusations. It's about whether our ordinance gives animal control clear, enforceable tools to respond, not just to a single inspection, but to patterns that emerge when citizens report concerns and when health problems appear after the sale. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Next we have Brian Alford. Oh, yeah, sorry.

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