Clarksville Town Council Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Clarksville Town Council held its regular meeting on February 3, 2026, at 6:29 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on a proposed annexation, public comments on the retail pet store ordinance, approval of a consent agenda, and updates on town operations. Council members and department heads recognized the street department and public works for their snow response, and the clerk-treasurer reported on budget cuts and a new public records request process.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Fuller Renfro (Jen Bug) (301 South Clark Boulevard, Clarksville): Urged the council to review and strengthen the retail pet store ordinance. She argued that waiting for a state inspection report is not a sufficient reason to delay, as state inspections are narrow and do not address the need for clear, enforceable local standards. She stated that the current ordinance is "dangerously thin" and lacks enforceable standards for animal control, which could attract irresponsible operators. She expressed full support for strengthening the ordinance.
• Jennifer Logston (608 Millwood Place, Clarksville): Posed a series of questions that the current retail pet store ordinance cannot answer regarding animal control officer authority, including whether the ordinance allows for veterinary evaluations, isolation of ill animals, disclosure of medications, solid flooring, intervention for overcrowding, exercise requirements, staff presence, and record production. She submitted a handout with additional questions and called for the ordinance to be reviewed and strengthened.

Public Hearing: Annexation of 215 Potters Lane

• The council held a public hearing on the proposed annexation of a 1.781-acre tract at 215 Potters Lane, owned by Tony Henson, for the purpose of building four single-family homes. The property is contiguous by 235 feet (20.9% of the perimeter), exceeding the state minimum of 12.5%. Notice of the hearing was published on January 10, 2026; an ordinance approving the annexation will be considered on February 17, 2026.
• Clayton Travis Baylor (5313 St. John's Road, Greenville, Indiana; Indiana licensed surveyor with Cash Wagner & Associates, representing Tony Henson): Spoke in favor of the annexation, confirming the details provided by Manager Beatty and stating that Henson is interested in developing the property for residential homes. No opposition was voiced.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (items 5.1 and 5.2) by a 7-0 vote. The consent agenda included the minutes of the joint town council regular meeting, work session, and executive session, as well as claims for the town (current and pre-written bonds, grants, and payroll).

Discussion Items

• Retail Pet Store Ordinance: The council acknowledged that discussion of the retail pet store ordinance was postponed pending a state inspection report. Council members did not deliberate further on the matter during the meeting.
• Item 7-1 – Ordinance on Cost of Public Fire Protection Service: This item was pulled from the agenda and will be revisited at a later session after further discussion.
• Clerk-Treasurer's Report: The clerk-treasurer thanked the council and town staff for their team effort on budget cuts required by the Department of Local Government Finance. He reported that the town is formalizing its public records request process, with a goal of responding within 10 business days (or up to 30 days in busy months). He provided copies of fire territory expenses and revenues for the last two calendar years to the council and encouraged forwarding any public records requests to his office. He also noted that the town has received increasing requests for public records.
• Department Head Comments: The police chief (AD) thanked the council for support, noted that no open records requests have been received directly, and supported the centralized repository for transparency. He also praised the street department for their snow response. He reported that the police department spent zero additional dollars on overtime during the snow event and that four-wheel-drive vehicles proved helpful.
• Council Member Comments: Multiple council members (Schiller, Boiner, Stotz, Henderson, Munich, Ramsey) thanked the street department, public works, and other town employees for their snow removal efforts. Councilwoman Boiner inquired about the public records request form; the clerk-treasurer indicated a form exists and will be made available on the town website. Councilwoman Henderson expressed a wish for new roads in several subdivisions (Parkwood, Blackstone Mill Road, Progress Way, Green Tree North, Potters Lane). Manager Beatty noted that Progress Way is a redevelopment commission project currently in land acquisition, with bid letting scheduled for December 2026 and construction beginning in 2027. Councilman Ramsey mentioned that Director Brad Cummings has been researching new snow equipment used in the Northeast.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: 7-0 vote.
• Annexation Public Hearing Closed: The council will consider the annexation ordinance on February 17, 2026.
• Item 7-1 Pulled: The ordinance on fire protection service costs will be brought back at a later date.
• Public Records Process: The clerk-treasurer will provide a copy of the public records request form to the council and work to make it available on the town website.
• Snow Response Recognized: No formal action, but widespread appreciation for street department and public works expressed.
• Meeting Adjourned: At 6:29 PM.