OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Clarksville Town Council Regular Meeting and Work Session - June 16, 2026

Town Council & Commissions — Tuesday, June 16, 2026
BodyClarksville, Indiana
SessionTown Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, June 16, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:02:03

Transcript — Verbatim
0:32

I know we've got most of the good evening.

0:41

I'm going to call to order our Clarksville Town Council regular meeting, June 16th, 2026.

0:49

At this time, I ask that we all rise for our Pledge of Allegiance.

1:02

For which it stands under God.

1:05

Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:09

Thank you.

1:14

I don't think this evening we have any recognitions or appointments to cover.

1:19

Could you check, Chief Walls, if we have any uh public comments in the back?

1:24

Thank you.

1:28

Zero, thank you.

1:30

All right, seeing none there, and we have no public hearing.

1:33

Before I get to our consent agenda, I'd just like to take a moment.

1:36

Most of you are probably aware, uh, but we have a new town manager interim sitting in tonight.

1:42

Uh, Glenn Adams has joined us.

1:45

Uh you probably know the days exactly.

1:48

Uh a week or so ago.

1:50

Uh, I hope many of you have got a chance to meet with him and speak with him.

1:54

I know he's done his best to try to get out and put names with faces and do those types of things, and he'll continue to do that.

2:01

So I just wanted uh let everyone in the crowd know that Glenn is with us tonight, and we will carry on.

2:08

Thank you.

2:10

Okay, at this time I will move into our consent agenda.

2:14

Our consent agenda confirm um contains item five, one, two, and three this evening, minutes of the joint town council regular meeting, work session, executive session held on, uh, claims of town current and pre-written, wastewater, sewer, current and pre-written, wastewater sewage bonds, grants, and payroll, and five three is the acceptance of minutes and placement on file.

2:41

At this time, I would look for a motion to uh move forward with our consent agenda.

2:48

Make a motion.

2:48

Thank you, Mr.

2:49

Stotz.

2:50

We have a motion.

2:51

Second, uh Councilwoman Henderson.

2:54

All those in favor, raise your right hand and say aye.

2:57

Aye.

2:58

Thank you.

2:59

No one finished uh business this evening.

3:02

Uh let's move on to new business.

3:07

Item seven one is our first item of new business.

3:11

It's approval of general services agreement with RW Moore Engineering.

3:16

Uh, to give you the background of this, RW Moore Engineering provides engineering services to the town of Clarksville.

3:24

Moore's current work includes engineering design for South Clark Boulevard, overseeing the storm water analysis and new street grade profiles for South Clarksville redevelopment area, and most recently serving as the town's project engineer for the construction of four blocks of new streets within that redevelopment area.

3:45

Staff are pleased with the services provided by RW Moore and believe it is in the best interest of the town to enter into a general services agreement.

3:54

Under the agreement, the fees and associated costs are outlined in the event the town must utilize their services.

4:01

In addition, the agreement provides the basis for developing public, I'm I'm sorry, for developing project specific estimates and costs.

4:20

Second.

4:21

Thank you.

4:22

We got council woman voiner and councilman Stotz with a second.

4:27

Did we have any other or discussion?

4:30

All those in favor, rape your raise your right hand and say aye.

4:34

Aye.

4:35

Any opposed.

4:36

Thank you.

4:38

Next item seven, two.

4:48

Thank you.

4:49

7-2 is a resolution amending the commercial economic development area plan.

5:00

In 1990, the redevelopment commission created the Clarksville Economic or Clarksville Commercial Economic Development Area Plan, original TIFF through the passage of a declaration resolution.

5:10

The declaration resolution designates the physical areas and uses for TIFF funds.

5:16

The area of the original TIFF was expanded in 2008 and also in 2023.

5:22

In 2024, the Indiana Code was amended authorizing expenditures, uses of TIFF funds for police and fire services on both capital expenditures and operating expenses.

5:37

In order to amend the declaration, declaratory resolution, the commission first passed resolution 2026, R05, approving the proposed changes.

5:49

The plan commission then discussed the matter and approved resolution 2026 R01 amending the proposed changes.

5:58

On May 19th, 2026, Council was presented resolution 2026 R09 requesting approval of these proposed changes.

6:09

That resolution was denied with a vote of 4-3 in opposition.

6:14

On May 26th, 2026, the redevelopment commission considered and approved resolution 2026 R07, which included Section 3.6.5.49 to be added to the economic development plan authorizing expenditures for police and fire services for operating expenses other than for salaries and benefits with the 5-0 vote.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Fiscal Sustainability███████████████████████23%
Public Safety█████████████████████21%
Technology and Innovation██████████████████18%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████10%
Procedural████████8%
Community Engagement█████5%
Animal Welfare████4%
Data Center Regulation████4%
Economic Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Clarksville Town Council Regular Meeting and Work Session - June 16, 2026

The Clarksville Town Council met on June 16, 2026, for a regular meeting followed by a work session. The regular meeting included approval of a consent agenda, a new engineering services agreement, and a resolution amending the TIF district plan. The work session covered street cut permit fees, public works equipment replacement, a proposed dog park, data center regulations, cloud-based financial software, a non-emergency lift assist ordinance, hazardous materials response updates, and a comprehensive budget discussion. The meeting featured reports from department heads and two public comments on the dog park proposal.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda (items 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) was approved unanimously, including minutes, claims, and payroll.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Gin Bug (301 South Clark Boulevard, resident and frequent walker in the area): Expressed concern that a dog park at Colgate Park could lead to animal abandonment, noting that fenced areas often attract people leaving stray dogs when shelters are full. Urged consideration of staffing and public safety checks.
  • Jennifer Logston (608 Millway Place): Suggested a key fob access system with time restrictions (e.g., locking at dark) and video/audio surveillance to deter abandonment, based on experience with New Albany's dog park.

Discussion Items

  • General Services Agreement with RW Moore Engineering (Item 7-1): Approved unanimously. RW Moore provides engineering services for South Clark Boulevard, storm water analysis, and street construction. The agreement outlines fees and project-specific estimates.
  • TIF District Amendment (Item 7-2): Resolution 2026 R-09 was approved unanimously to amend the Clarksville Commercial Economic Development Area Plan, authorizing TIF expenditures for police and fire operating expenses (excluding salaries and benefits). The resolution had been previously denied 4-3 on May 19, 2026, but after revisions and re-approval by the redevelopment and plan commissions, council approval led to final adoption.
  • Street Cut Permit Fees: Brian of Public Works proposed raising the flat $10 street cut permit to a $100 base fee plus $75 per inspection, with an online system. The current fee has not changed in 42 years; a recent fiber line of 407,000 linear feet only paid $10. Council members expressed strong support, with Town Manager Adams noting that Indiana law prevents a right-of-way lease fee, making these permit fees critical for cost recovery. The ordinance will be drafted.
  • Public Works Equipment Replacement: Nine units (average age 22 years) were identified as unsafe or beyond life, including two garbage packers and plow trucks. Estimated replacement costs were discussed, with staff seeking council approval for the larger items. Council praised the mechanics for extending equipment life. Some vehicles may be transferred from the fire territory (with legal review). A process for town manager authority to approve purchases within 5% of budget was suggested.
  • Colgate Dog Park: Town Manager Adams presented a proposal for a dog park at Colgate Park, with preliminary cost estimates of $129,000–$144,000 (fencing $65–70k, walkways/shelter floor $20k, shelter improvements $15–25k, furnishings/signage $25k, fob system $3k, gravel $1k). The park would have two sections (small and large dogs). Council members supported the idea and discussed potential sponsorships (e.g., PetSmart). Public comments raised concerns about abandonment and suggested cameras and key fob access. The fire and police departments offered to assist with monitoring. Council agreed to proceed with development.
  • Data Center Regulations: Neil from Planning and Zoning presented options to address data center development. With no current ordinance, staff have received inquiries. Data centers strain energy and water resources and require large footprints. The plan commission recommended a ban. Council members expressed unanimous support for a ban via both zoning and general ordinance to avoid appeal loopholes. Staff will prepare draft bans for the next meetings (Plan Commission July 1, Council July 7).
  • Cloud-Based Financial Software: Clerk-Treasurer Sherry presented a proposal to replace the 18-year-old Keystone system with Boyce's cloud-based municipal finance software. Costs are $75,000 setup (spread over 3 years if signed soon) and $75,000 annual subscription. The system integrates HR, wastewater, and financial processes. Council discussed potential time savings, security concerns (raised by a resident, Jesse Isaac), and ROI. No decision was made; the item was deferred pending budget discussions.
  • Non-Emergency Lift Assist Ordinance: Fire Chief Brent proposed an ordinance to charge commercial facilities (not single-family homes) for 911 lift assist calls when no injury or transport is needed. Since January, there have been 173 lift assists, with 53 (31%) to medical facilities. The first two calls per year would be $500, subsequent calls $1,000. The fee is intended as a deterrent to change business practices. An appeals process is included. Revenue would go to the fire territory general fund. Council supported the ordinance; final approval will be sought.
  • Hazardous Materials Response Ordinance: Chief Brent presented an update to the 1996 ordinance, aligning it with current state statute to allow billing for costly hazmat responses. Equipment replacement costs are high (newest engine is 8 years old). Ordinance update was supported with no opposition.
  • Budget Discussion: Town Manager Adams led a comprehensive discussion on the $2 million general fund deficit. The police department operational fund is at 13.93%, requiring additional appropriations of $1.27 million (from unspent prior year funds). Revenue options discussed included a $5 monthly trash fee (currently zero, below comparable communities), a fire hydrant fee (approximately $3.70/month per household, currently paid by the town), and other fees. Council members expressed willingness to consider the $5 trash fee as a last resort after cuts. The fire territory is $2.8 million negative, with urgent needs for apparatus replacement. Fire Chief noted 2025 ended with a $190,000 deficit; the territory is now at -$2.8 million. Further discussions on working spouse exemption and court user fees were tabled.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously.
  • General services agreement with RW Moore Engineering approved unanimously (Item 7-1).
  • Resolution 2026 R-09 (TIF amendment) approved unanimously, allowing TIF funds for police and fire operating expenses (Item 7-2).
  • Street cut permit fee increase received council support; ordinance to be drafted and brought for vote.
  • Public works equipment replacement for 9 units to proceed; council approval required for larger items; staff to bring specific proposals.
  • Dog park at Colgate Park to be developed; staff to pursue sponsorships and install key fob system and cameras.
  • Data center ban directed; staff to prepare draft ordinances for both zoning and general codes. Plan Commission to consider July 1, Council July 7.
  • Cloud software deferred due to budget constraints; Town Manager to further analyze ROI.
  • Lift assist ordinance supported; final reading to be scheduled.
  • Hazmat ordinance update supported; final reading to be scheduled.
  • Budget: $1.27 million additional appropriation for police fund to be requested from DLGF via additional appropriation. Council to consider $5 trash fee and fire hydrant fee in upcoming budget discussions. Capital improvement program development initiated.

Meeting Transcript

I know we've got most of the good evening. I'm going to call to order our Clarksville Town Council regular meeting, June 16th, 2026. At this time, I ask that we all rise for our Pledge of Allegiance. For which it stands under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. I don't think this evening we have any recognitions or appointments to cover. Could you check, Chief Walls, if we have any uh public comments in the back? Thank you. Zero, thank you. All right, seeing none there, and we have no public hearing. Before I get to our consent agenda, I'd just like to take a moment. Most of you are probably aware, uh, but we have a new town manager interim sitting in tonight. Uh, Glenn Adams has joined us. Uh you probably know the days exactly. Uh a week or so ago. Uh, I hope many of you have got a chance to meet with him and speak with him. I know he's done his best to try to get out and put names with faces and do those types of things, and he'll continue to do that. So I just wanted uh let everyone in the crowd know that Glenn is with us tonight, and we will carry on. Thank you. Okay, at this time I will move into our consent agenda. Our consent agenda confirm um contains item five, one, two, and three this evening, minutes of the joint town council regular meeting, work session, executive session held on, uh, claims of town current and pre-written, wastewater, sewer, current and pre-written, wastewater sewage bonds, grants, and payroll, and five three is the acceptance of minutes and placement on file. At this time, I would look for a motion to uh move forward with our consent agenda. Make a motion. Thank you, Mr. Stotz. We have a motion. Second, uh Councilwoman Henderson. All those in favor, raise your right hand and say aye. Aye. Thank you. No one finished uh business this evening. Uh let's move on to new business. Item seven one is our first item of new business. It's approval of general services agreement with RW Moore Engineering. Uh, to give you the background of this, RW Moore Engineering provides engineering services to the town of Clarksville. Moore's current work includes engineering design for South Clark Boulevard, overseeing the storm water analysis and new street grade profiles for South Clarksville redevelopment area, and most recently serving as the town's project engineer for the construction of four blocks of new streets within that redevelopment area. Staff are pleased with the services provided by RW Moore and believe it is in the best interest of the town to enter into a general services agreement. Under the agreement, the fees and associated costs are outlined in the event the town must utilize their services. In addition, the agreement provides the basis for developing public, I'm I'm sorry, for developing project specific estimates and costs. Second. Thank you. We got council woman voiner and councilman Stotz with a second. Did we have any other or discussion? All those in favor, rape your raise your right hand and say aye. Aye. Any opposed. Thank you. Next item seven, two. Thank you.

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