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Home My WebLink AboutOctober 7, 2024 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA October 7, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on October 7, 2024. Council President White along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. The meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom. INVOCATION: Councilperson Burns led the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Lisa Gill and present in Council Chambers were Councilperson Burns, Councilperson Semones, Councilperson Reed, Council President White, Councilperson Webb, Councilperson Snelling and Councilperson Stoner. Council Vice President Hawkins participated remotely by Zoom and Councilperson Anderson was absent from the proceedings. Let the record reflect that 7 Council Members were present in Council Chambers 1 Council Member was present by remote participation and 1 Council Member was absent. Heaven Williams, Council Youth Advisor was present for the proceedings. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilperson Stoner asked if they Council would like to discuss tabling the Short-Term Rental discussion and potentially the ordinance that Councilperson Semones drafted since Planning and Zoning Director Reischl was unable to attend the meeting. Councilperson Semones said she felt comfortable moving forward with her agenda item since she had prior robust discussions and had solicited Mr. Reischl's input prior to presenting the drafted ordinance. Councilperson Stoner made a motion amend the agenda by removing item 16, seconded by Councilperson Webb; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. Councilperson Burns made a motion approve the amended agenda, seconded by Councilperson Webb; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve the Council Budget Special Meeting Minutes for September 11, 2024, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes for Regular Proceedings on September 16, 2024, seconded by Councilperson Semones; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson—Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve the Council Special Meeting Minutes September 30, 2024, seconded by Councilperson Semones; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson—Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$ 2,586,091.86 Councilperson Burns made a motion approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Semones; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson—Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. Parks$ 142,595.76 Councilperson Semones made a motion approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Reed; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Clerk Gill reminded the Council for the rest of the week she and the Deputy Clerk would be out for training and would return on Friday. REPORT OF THE YOUTH ADVISOR: Youth Advisor Heaven Williams said she will be starting her appointment by creating a survey to engage and hear from the students of Jeff High asking for feedback and different things that they would like to see around the City of Jeffersonville. Ms. Williams is asking all of the Council to bring forth and suggest one question. Her target date to get this survey out is in November. Ms. Williams also requested at the suggestion of Jeff High School Principal Pam Hall that each of the Council come and visit Jeff High School. Ms. Williams asked the Council to submit their question for the survey to her by email and let her know if they have any follow up questions. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-54 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Council President White advised this is in the amount of$29,563. Mrs. Metcalf stated this was for the Library Program and there were no changes from the last meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:14 pm and no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter; the Public Hearing was closed. Councilperson Semones made a motion approve the Ordinance, seconded by Councilperson Burns; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson—Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. 2. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-55 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised this was for Police and Fire for the payroll needs for the end of the year and there were no changes from the last meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:15 pm and no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter; the Public Hearing was closed. Councilperson Reed made a motion approve the Ordinance, seconded by Councilperson Webb; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. 3. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-56 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Council President White advised this additional appropriation was in the amount of$163,000. Mrs. Metcalf stated this is for the vehicles for the HR, IT, and Engineering Department and there were no changes from the last meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:16 pm and no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter; the Public Hearing was closed. Councilperson Snelling made a motion approve the Ordinance, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—No Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 7-1 with Council President White voting no. 4. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-57 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised this additional appropriation was in the amount of$90,000 and goes towards the Big Four Playground repairs. There have been no changes since the last meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:17 pm and no members of the community came forward to speak for or against the matter; the Public Hearing was closed. Councilperson Semones made a motion approve the Ordinance, seconded by Councilperson Reed; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson—Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. 5. York Mural at Clark County Museum Council President White said he saw an article in the News and Tribune that there the Principal of Taylor High School was painted on the back of the Clark County Museum. The original mural was to have Mr. Taylor and York which is what was paid for but the Urban Enterprise Zone. He was happy to see some movement. Council President White asked if Redevelopment paid for that mural and Councilperson Stoner said they did. Council President White said he would take the rest up at the UEZ meeting because the original allocation paid for both murals so he will address the issue there. 6. Amy Semones 2024-OR-54a Ordinance Rescinding 2008-OR-14 and Establishing Rules of Order& Procedures for Conducting City Council Meetings in the Class 2 City of Jeffersonville Councilperson Semones advised the last time the rules were updated Jeffersonville was a class three city so the rules needed to be updated to reflect the change to a class two city. Councilperson Semones has been working on this for around six months and has solicited the advice from Council Members and others as well and has endeavored to incorporate every suggestion that was brought to her attention. She appreciates and is grateful for the support. Councilperson Reed confirmed that this ordinance allows anyone who is an elected official or youth advocate to bring an item to the agenda and Councilperson Semones confirmed that was correct. Council President White said just to clarify that has always been the case and the only time something was not put on the agenda was when Councilperson Burns requested an item and that was due to Council President White knowing the matter was going to be on the agenda for the next meeting. Councilperson Semones added that there is information in the ordinance outlining that agenda items must be provided to the Clerk in a timely manner to help with efficiency and public notice. Councilperson Stoner thanked Councilperson Semones for her hard work on the ordinance and for including his recommendation to raise the number of Public Comment minutes form 3 minutes to 4 minutes. Council Vice President Hawkins asked if any changes were made from the last reading of this ordinance and Councilperson Semones said no changes had been made. Councilperson Reed made a motion approve the Ordinance 2024-54A on the third and final reading, seconded by Councilperson Webb; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White —Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Chad Reischl 2024-OR- Text Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to Add Article 8.10(Short-Term Rentals)—Removed during approval of agenda 2. Les Merkley 2024-OR-58 Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Appointed Officers and Employees for all the Departments of the City of Jeffersonville—Identical to the salary ordinance that is in place this year. City Attorney Les Merkley this salary ordinance is for next year and is identical to the current Salary Ordinance. Councilperson Burns made a motion approve the Ordinance 2024-OR-58 on the first and second reading, seconded by Councilperson Semones; roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Yes Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 8-0. 3. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-59 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf stated this would get them through the end of the year for the Health Insurance and Workman's Comp. Council President White asked about the $350,000 coming from Wastewater. When he met with representatives from Wastewater he was told thee didn't have any additional funds and asked how this amount came about. Mrs. Metcalf informed the Council this amount would be coming from (Wastewater) reserves. Council President White asked if they could take more than $350,000 out of that fund. Mrs. Metcalf advised traditionally the break of the portion that comes from Wastewater, Drainage, and Civil City has been broken down by the number of employees in each and the $350,000 amount correlates to the number of employees in Wastewater. Council President White asked if the amount taken out of Street and Sanitation was proportionate to their number of employees. Mrs. Metcalf said that amount was not proportionate to the number of employees. Council President White asked in regards to the $700,000 that's coming out of the Public Safety LIT if it was taken into account that the Command Center was coming next year and if a plan was in place for how to identify that money that has been ordered. Mrs. Metcalf said she has not heard of a definitive plan. Mrs. Metcalf explained the Health Insurance Fund is in a separate bank and gave background to the history of that account stating that historically it has had a surplus however they have recently been hit with some large claims that have depleted that surplus. The City has not increased the health insurance transfer in a few years and that has also added to the surplus being depleted. Mrs. Metcalf advised this is the first time she has requested additional money to go into the health insurance account. Councilperson White asked for an explanation of the interest on that fund and why that was not being used instead of these additional appropriations. Mrs. Metcalf said she does not recognize the new revenues by the end of the year because there are some revenues that still need to come in. Councilperson Reed asked Mrs. Metcalf in her professional opinion where additionals should come from and Mrs. Metcalf advised the accounts that were presented tonight on the Additional Appropriation. Most of those funds have a larger surplus Councilperson Stoner made a motion approve the Ordinance 2024-OR-59 on the first and second reading, seconded by Councilperson Burns; Council President White said he was told by City officials that there was no money in Wastewater and apparently there is. He would prefer that they say there is money but they would not use it. Additionally they recently went through a long meeting and said they don't fully budget things that they have to pay for and now today they have to move money from here to there just as he presented to do at the last meeting. Council President White asked if there was a way for the money to go back into Street and Sanitation if the full amount is not needed as opposed to going into the General Fund. Mrs. Metcalf advised any funds that are not needed this year would remain in the Health Insurance Fund, not be returned to the General Fund. Council President White asked Mrs. Metcalf to provide the Council with a monthly statement for the Healthcare Fund. (Council Vice President Hawkins was disconnected from the Zoom call at 6:32 pm and unable to reconnect so a roll call vote was not needed for remainder of the meeting) With the motion and second on the floor and discussion ended Council President White requested a roll call vote: Councilperson Burns—Yes Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson —Absent Councilperson Reed —Yes Council President White—Yes Councilperson Webb—Yes Council Vice President Hawkins—Absent Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes; motion passed, 7-0. 4. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-60 Ordinance Transferring Funds within the Same Department Mrs. Metcalf advised this was for the Sanitation Department, they already had some monies funded for vehicles and they would like to purchase a roll off truck. It came in a little higher so they would like to transfer money from their Other Supplies line. The second one is from the Parks Department to cover a water leak. Councilperson Stoner made a motion approve the Ordinance 2024-OR-60 on the first and second reading, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 7-0. 5. Amy Semones (Bryan "Drew" McCutcheon USDA-NRCS, District Conservationist& Heidi Potter Purdue Extension, Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator) 2024-OR-61 Ordinance Defining Natural Landscaping& Creating a Specific Exception to Prior Ordinances Regulating Weeds— this is not a no mow ordinance. Specific exception, not going to let the yards go wild. Councilperson Semones advised this is not a "no mow ordinance". This is to provide a very specific exception to encourage natural landscaping, it is not going to let people just let their yards go wild. Councilperson Semones said a document was distributed to the Council (see attached) to help homeowners plot out their natural managed landscapes so they know they are within the terms of the ordinance. Councilperson Semones introduced Drew McCutcheon and Heidi Potter. Mr. McCutcheon said he is the District Conservationist in Clark County. He helps landowners in Clark County with any conservation practices they may have. What they are presenting helps to reduce the burden of storm water on the City. Mr. McCutcheon provided information about rain gardens and how they help with that process. Ms. Potter said she is with the Purdue Extension in Clark County and is the agriculture and Natural Resources Educator. Their main mission is to provide practical research based information to stakeholders so they can improve their lives and livelihoods. They just would like this to be on the books so community members are comfortable implementing it. Councilperson Webb asked if this would cause issues with HOAs. Council Attorney Larry Wilder advised this would not supersede HOA rules. Councilperson Burns made a motion approve the Ordinance 2024-OR-61 on the first and second reading, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed, 7-0. ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Larry Wilder—No comment Les Merkley—No comment DEPARTMENT HEADS: JPD Chief Kenny Kavanaugh said he would like to get a workshop arranged either in November or December to discuss the Police Mobile Command coming up in 2025. It would be a good opportunity to discuss those finances and other concerns they have. PUBLIC COMMENTS: COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson Burns—Councilperson Burns thanked Councilperson Semones for the work she did on the Rules Ordinance. • Councilperson Semones—Councilperson Semones thanked everyone for the support on both items tonight. • Councilperson Anderson—Not Present • Councilperson Reed —Councilperson Reed thanked Councilperson Semones on the hard work on both of the items tonight; they set the Council up to be a better, more transparent and equitable Council and hopefully a more open and welcoming community. • Councilperson Webb—Councilperson Well thanked all of the City Workers but especially to Heather Metcalf for all of the hard work. • Council Vice President Hawkins— Not Present • Councilperson Snelling—Councilperson Snelling said he would like to see the insurance figured out to account for it going up and down. • Councilperson Stoner—Councilperson Stoner said his thoughts and prayers are with the hurricane victims. His unit and the Indiana Guard have been put on notice that they may be heading down to assist with some of the hurricane relief efforts. • Council President White—No comment. ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson Burns made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 7:17 p.m. DISCLAIMER: These minutes are a summary of actions taken at the Jeffersonville City Council meetings. The full video archive of the meeting is available for viewing at www.cityofjeff.net for as long as this media is supported. APPROVED BY: ( l Ajt rT _ Ar(.f Dustin White, Council President ATTEST: Lisa Gill, Clerk Here's howyou Hess ,.is COL! a - y ,��:, can help . . . a GoingNative: 11371PurdueFarmRoad Dubois,IN 475 51r i ' . . to promote a healthy, beautiful, di- '.,11 i .. Phi 812-678-5049 • verse, natural environment: 1, il i ` ie: ' E-mail: ronr@purdue.edu • Buy and plant well-adapted native ailiWebsite: www.isacdc.org • 441. plants • Do not buy and plant non-native inva- : - ° . t,,,, , d a • ' sive plants (check Indiana Invasive Species Council website for complete '� list) . ;, • Replace established non-native plants • 4 • '`, ,' in your landscaping with native plants. ' " f '/ . r .• ,,, 4 40, • Control non-native invasive plants on 4 Alit r t.15;l</ your property - '' ' \ ,Les" -: •• ' r""" ci , •.... "4 .' ''drit-Wer.N44) git tv Coopera ., ,,,,,.., 4, ilk, - ting . . . , t ., It . . .,........_,...,.. _ ..,. , . 4v, , . i - ,.... . , . , . ..... „,( . . t Invasive ecies •wareness - a, pA, L, .-- ,. ... ....,_ 1 . ... .., ... •.„ w Coalition of Dubois County , % , 4� '" . ,, .. . •• Dubois County . • '''o .�, - , SWCD �:' - I ' t '✓ al0) = , 1110. • i ,,�/ _ i ->�� s c 1 m. Southern Indiana Cooperative , , t/ �� - • InwsivesManagement - :-, " ' . ' 'oo le _.,, - . att PURDUE ' �, . _. , . „t . !jliriket ,.. , . EXTENSION y � ,, r� y.•• �' L A E rTi .0 i Large-Flowered Trillium(Trillium graitditlorum) 'G I 7 - • "' III #.--"Er. 1 Ron Rathfon Ilr - Ai t , -" ..� r + • ♦ A A .- �,. .,.`fir invasive Species: Awareness i Awareness Coalition.of Dubois County �. Tel: 812 678 049 Butterfly Weed(Aescltpias:tube�rosu) gi 'r r� � summer Rathfon" WWW.ISaCdC.org ,rrr'" ", fir' i! V e ,. IN fit` iii .. i f As .4. 7 . 1 n, Why Choose Native? Why Not Invasives? , '. 'oi Lts. 00k Familiar? • Native plants are those that occur naturally in • Non-native invasive plants naturally occur Why choose these . . . an area, not having been introduced by people somewhere else in the world but have ' "": "It ' Callery or ornamental from some other part of the world. been introduced into our locality either ac- "?t �,:" ` i' -, pear (Pyrus cai/eriana), cidentally, or, more often, on purpose. I. '`'e 1'4 commonly sold as • Native plants are well adapted to local envi- i t.._ 'Bradford', 'Cleveland', ronmental conditions, maintain or improve soil • Invasive plants are invading our forests, 1 t €r " , Autumn Bla�e', fertility, reduce erasion and often require less fields, and other natural areas, harming i ° -- i-: l - 'Reds ire' other cultivars. fertilizer and pesticides than many alien wildlife, forest health, and causing long mslibi. plants. term economic damage to agriculture and • %t timber. • Native plants are good for wildlife, including Winged burning Al- butterflies and song birds. • You may be surprised to learn that some of bush (Euon,vmus the most popular landscaping plants being a/atus) • With the large variety of grasses, ferns, wild- sold in our area are invasive species! o flowers, shrubs and trees to choose from, na- tive plants can fulfill any landscaping need, Before buying plants . . . . . . when you can have from simple container gardens to showy per- �. '' ennial borders to expansive public lawns and . . . Check out the Indiana Invasive Species Council Black and red choke- le .. berry (Amnia melano �. gardens. Invasive Plant List at: car pa and aibutlfolia M r.. P ) L. https://www.entm.purdue.edu/iisc/ . •• More gardeners today are discovering the benefits e - ,---- • invasiveplants.php lJ LLY;NATIVE- w of native plants and requesting them at their local ' ' If whatyou are thinkingof do garden centers. Because of this increased de- buying is on the list, 4 �. mand, retailers are offering an ever widening se- please reconsider and buy native plants instead. ;,;-; 1&!, ,' '.' s lection of vigorous, nursery-propagated natives. " 'f � } ` ' 9 rFor a list of native cultivars available at local ,-,,.. .. ` Downy a-Id smooth ser- nurseries and retail outlets, go to the ISAC website: ` _ A"le 7 :` viceberry (Ame/anchier The Invasive Species Awareness Coalition of Du- '' '�•'' aroorea,end/aevis bois County (ISAC) maintains a list of native plant www.isacdc.org .; ) cultivars available from local nurseries and retail- y J-, * '�! , •�,'i, ., .. With many others to ers at their website: �' , ' "`';. choose from! www.isacdc.org Purge Coae9ower(Echlnacea purpurea) $5.85 million was spent in one Surm,erZathfon . i. Xr '� ,� year alone on invasive weed control in r "++'��°'��` .1r �' 4 `'" %�+ '` 3.` forests and other natural areas in Indiana JAC • ..' ...°. lit:.,. s `' yam ii I, *, . 101;. • \,II L40�. F ji •-„ 01` mo: 3 Illitt)11 r 4111" 00, ,i‘ 14 r.0-.0.‘41:4.4"L gas . .1Z, I \—,,dolt • • .1 * r . . 17 t ! �, • i .4 w ' elisr l ' iti 9\ „_04„„,,, ..„,i, , s,. 4,,,, ..• ,, n, , , ;'• / . 44c. * 1 Tom' •.. . f'`' • wintercreeper(vine) Callery pear(tree) oriental bittersweet (vine) F Euonymus fortunei Pyrus calleryana Celastrus obriculatus ,.°`` / Additional Invasive Plants with Fleshy Fruits , • _ ".' Ai " " '- ' • burning bush,Euonymus alatus - i' "� s 'i • common privet,Ligustrum vulgare .. J� ,� - `. • Chinese privet,Ligustrum sinense �: • multiflora rose,Rosa multiflora dli, A. ,�` • English ivy,Hedera helix itilk • common buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica ► -'` . Ak r . • Japanese honeysuckle,Lonicera japonica • • '" ��` I,mil�"'"!' European hi hbush cranberry, Viburnum + ;�I .~ - i P gAi iN ,/,.. , ., . d,A opulus 4 r • white mulberry,Morus alba • , • mile-a-minute,Persicaria perfoliata i Asian bush honeysuc'+e(shrub) For native plant alternatives visit autumn olive(shrub) Lonicera spp. (several species) O„1,.r1 Indiananativ_re plants.org Elaeagnus umbellate h. 4,.lAvi 1i 1,tift 41 4'.•M•.-...k.-.l..Ae 1t4, , , 170. ..n.40. . 1 i:k, A. • 1P ''i " t " i .* . ;. _ ,, y . . . lit ip 4 eaL i,, -- iv 4 iir heavenly bamboo(shrub) Japanese barberry(shrub) border privet (shrub) Nandina domestica Berberis thunbergii Ligustrum obtusifolium WHAT ARE INVASIVE PLANTS? HOW CAN YOU HELP? BIRDS Er Invasive plants are non-native species that • Learn to identify and remove invasive cause a host of negative environmental and plant species at home economic impacts. Invasive plants decrease • Share your bird-friendly yard ideas with INVASIVES biodiversity, harm wildlife and livestock, others. Teach them how to identify and reduce habitat, and more. control invasive plants WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? • Participate in volunteer workdays to NEGATIVE IMPACTS remove invasive plants • Invasive plants with fleshy fruits are • Encourage local nurseries to stop selling C- HOW YOU C A N spread far and wide by birds invasive plants and only shop where • Bird health may be compromised when a native plants are sold MAKE A carbohydrate rich invasive is chosen over . Stop the spread of invasive plants by a protein and/or lipid rich native plant cleaning your shoes and equipment DIFFERENCE • Most bird species require specific native • Get involved with your local CISMA plant habitats for survival (invasive species group) • Birds rely on precise timing of flower • Plant natives in your landscaping that blooms, insect hatches, and berry ripening for migration, nest building, egg laying, will provide wildlife with food, shelter, and more and a •lace to raise their 'oun • Invasive plants do not support a sufficient amount of caterpillars for raising clutches • • Overall bird population health could decline if females cannot distinguish � � i‘ ' g .,.t w 4'.,91,• between sickly and vigorous males with ` ' _ ' whom they might mate l's �.' . 401• Some Invasive plants like nandina and '+/ , privet species poison birds ; • Studies have shown that certain species of - ; i birds, such as American robin and the 3 -J wood thrush, are lost to predation when • they nest in invasive, exotic shrubs as ..- opposed to nesting in native shrubs with =i 1 which they have co-evolved +�, • Invasive plants are also likely to be 1r unpalatable or even toxic to our native PROVIDED BY: insects; decreasing an important food source for birds State of Indiana Cooperative _, * r''y► �• •;:i Invasives Management & • It is estimated that half of all the birds 111 , • ' Wabashvalleyaudubonsociety.org ' threatened with imminent extinction are J' '° ,� Photos:Amber Slaughterbeck,Mary welz, r ` �Y tt threatened either wholly or partly by Kaila Knies,Bugwood.org s '`+ '4{`. ,,,, • SCAN ME Brochure design by Amber Slaughterbeck . introduced plant and animal species Photo by Marty Jones `'. •ri`i + WHAT IS A RAIN GARDEN? stormwater to local waterways.In older ' Rain gardens are shallow,bowl-shaped areas of the city served by a combined sew- - - landscaping features planted with native er(sanitary and stormwater in the same species that capture and treat stormwater pipe),combined sewer flow is conveyed ' runoff from rain events.Rain gardens are to local treatment plants and can overflow utilized on residential and small commer- into local waterways once conveyance or cial properties to mimic the natural hydro- treatment capacity is exceeded.Stormwa- logical cycle whereby rainfall soaks into ter runoff is a key culprit in combined sewer an effective form of green infrastructure the ground rather than running off the land- overflows and flashy instream conditions, that can reduce total suspended solids scape and polluting local creeks,streams, leading to erosion and sedimentation of and bacteria by 90%and nitrogen and and rivers.This infiltration helps to miti- our waterways. phosphorus in runoff by 60%according to gate flooding in localized areas such as Prior to development,much of the rain- the Indiana StormwaterQualityManual. neighborhoods,streets and streams. Rain fall would slowly soak into the ground and In addition to water quality and quantity gardens also provide important habitat to recharge groundwater resources that fed benefits,they also provide important polli- support beneficial insects and pollinators our local streams,lakes and wetlands. Rain nator habitat.The THRIVE Indianapolis plan that can help improve local water quality. gardens attempt to restore this pre-devel- has a goal of building 50o residential rain oped landscape condition by managing gardens in the city over the next several WHAT IS STORMWATER RUNOFF? stormwater sustainably following the years which collectively will help signifi- Stormwater runoff is a nonpoint source of adage"slow it down,soak it in."They are cantly improve our local waterways. water pollution that also contributes to erosion,flooding and increased surface — -, 40%evapotranspiration 38%evapotranspiration a water temperatures detrimental to aquatic - • 2 ir . life. Rain gardens are strategically located ir- . • ,. to accept stormwater runoff from imper- .4� �` vious surfaces such as roofs,driveways, �.'!F • ° •y a 10% • 20% walkways and patios.Rainfall becomes - ,, runoff •f, runoff stormwater runoff when it hits impervious - ritk surfaces and picks up various pollutants including oil,gas,heavy metals,pet 25%shallow 21%shallow o infiltration infiltration v waste,fertilizers and sediment. Due to soil 25%deep 21%deep n compaction from development,residential infiltration infiltration •a lawns can also act as impervious surfaces Natural Ground Cover 10%-20%Impervious Surface o that create runoff.The graphic illustrates o the role of impervious surfaces in reducing 35%evapotranspiration 30%evapotranspiration • cc infiltration,or the process by which water on the ground surface soaks into the soil .... _J .... ttli and recharges local groundwater resourc- 30% ::�= - SOSO S O 55% --- runoff =_■■ es.While not fully developed,Marion ANAIN1. . :=: , runoff, , ■■■=� County is 30%impervious and an acre of 9�. III III .�C j� �,� I 1. , e i:: impervious surface in our local climate can generate up to 1 million gallons of 20%shallow +ow 10%shallow +or infiltration infiltration stormwater runoff annually! But where 4, 15%deep 4 5%deep does all that runoff go?The City of India infiltration infiltration napolis operates a municipal separated 35%50%Impervious Surface 75%-100%Impervious Surface storm sewer system (MS4)that includes Relationship between impervious cover and surface runoff.Impervious cover in a watershed results over 1,300 miles of pipe to safely convey in increased surface runoff.As little as so percent impervious cover in a watershed can result in stream degradation. I • RAIN GARDEN SITE REQUIREMENTS ` , ,: x • +s 1, The first step to choosing a location for ~� v-; - ='' • your rain garden is observing your property - �'•� , during and after a storm.It is important to Z • +• ' choose a well-drained area for your rain Si i � garden.Low areas,where water typically :L "' ±F ponds for more than 24 hours,are not - -._ I % I,' an ideal location for your rain garden. - - a:" Standing water creates breeding habitat for _ ►r � ->, '' �y�rq' mosquitoes who need 7-12 days to breed, - ws �x, ` . . so make sure the low areas you select in- , filtrate water in 24 hours or less. Place rain . k �``_ At lly - �--A:- '"o"'i' gardens upstream of areas where water . i stands for more than 24 hours to capture --"'-• water before it gets to these problem drain- w . r: ,_s - °,- age areas. You'll want your rain garden to be locat- ��° " "'° ' Franklin County Ohio SWCD ed near the source of runoff,typically gutter downspouts,driveways and walkways. If Area"button.Put in your address and the Note the following when choosing a you are utilizing a rain barrel,make sure areas highlighted are measured impervious location for your rain garden: to direct the overflow to your rain garden surfaces that generate runoff when it rains. • Locate at least io'from structures/foun- location to create a treatment chain. Look for areas where water naturally flows dations(zo'away if space allows).Make You can find an aerial of your property from these impervious areas(also called sure your selected location is down- showing impervious surfaces by going to the contributing drainage area)onto stream of your structure. If you have a www.maps.indy.gov/Mapindy/and your landscape. wet basement, make sure to resolve this clicking on the"Stormwater Impervious issue first by consulting our brochure Building with the Land. • Avoid steep slopes steeper than io%. (See the Cuyahoga Rain Garden resource for how to measure slope.) ��. 1 A 3:1 side slope or less is recommended. gutter:, Look for flat areas as steeper slopes residential rain garden require deeper rain gardens and will (keep 10 feet away from most structures) require more digging. ...i • Avoid utilities,septic fields and water supply wells.Call 1-800-532-5544 to , �': have your underground utilities marked. -r• rock/vegeibted native plants absorb 1 19 ' t/ �.:::. fi $wale or pipe • Avoid placing rain gardens near trees runoff and pollutants f ` o�•v.•'' while attracting songbirds 'S' 6 ' '�' ! overflow structure and tree roots. and butterflies t�i /` ,'r7} f ".i�:%! Y�t�l ' (if needed) • Don't block existing drainageways r • 4 { V '- �►-°l 'rya (swales/ditches) needed to maintain proper drainage on your property.Make ` 7 e e! prepared soil mixture root zone aids in (if needed), sure the rain garden overflow has an nutrient uptake, 50.60%sand adequate outlet. microbial activity, 20-30%compost and infiltration � V - •, 20-30%topsoil • Avoid areas with high groundwater table gravel bed(if needed) i or shallow bedrock(see soil types info.) � �` ponding zone allows pollutants Lperforated to settle and organic matter to accumulate pipe to outlet Rain Garden Soil Types and (if needed) Infiltration Testing The depth of your rain garden will be de- Empower Results/White River Alliance termined by the amount of water that can 2 10/4/24,1:56 PM Native Plants-MCSWCD A plant is considered native if it has occurred tratie. naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat withoutt, human introduction." —National Wildlife Federation Native plants have co- evolved with the other plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria as well as the climate, light and soil conditions in a particular habitat and region, and thus play meaningful roles in keeping particular ecosystems stable. Why are native plants important? Ecosystem services https://marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 2/10 10/4/24, 1.56 PM Native Plants-MCc1AWCn "Native plants are the necessary heart of healthy ecosystems. Plants power the food web for the rest of life on earth. Within this web, it is the balance of co- evolutionary relationships that allows millions of different species to all live closely together within a shared place. In a local ecosystem, only the plants that have evolved over an extended period of time with the other flora and fauna present can successfully feed the entire web and keep it stable." — Grow Native Massachusetts Native plants provide important ecosystem v • • functions and services.They support a .;� diverse array of insects and other wildlife. 11 4 Native plants are particularly valuable for �.� ` t t��,r` • specialist species. Over 90% of plant-eating animals are specialists. Specialists are the • f opposite of generalist species, in that they + i are adapted to require a particular ' • environment, and usually a specific diet, j which often is limited to very few foods. ` Often specialist species feed on certain native plants, due to a symbiotic relationship that has formed over thousands of years. Habitat diversity that includes native plants is critical to these species' survival. A classic example of a relationship between a specialist species and a native plant is with monarch butterflies and native milkweeds. Monarch caterpillars only feed on the foliage of milkweed plants.Through milkweed plant habitat protections and plantings, people can help sustain monarch populations. Crop production Native plant communities additionally provide ecological support to fruit and vegetable growers by increasing the number and diversity of beneficial insects and https://marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 3/10 10/4/24, 1:56 PM Native Plants-MCSWCD pollinators. Many native plant species are Ott ' � '` found to be especially productive in providing habitat for pollinators and for -i • beneficial insects that suppress crop pests. on0 ;Ail; Native plantings can be beautiful, but their :;. benefits go far beyond aesthetics. /1 , Beneficial insects include, but are not limited to, soldier beetles, predatory wasps,tachinidtr flies, and an assortment of bees. Providing habitat in close proximity to vegetable crop production can have an impact on aphids, Colorado potato beetles, and other pests through predation and parasitoidism. Water management & Soil health Plant communities have two equally ' • important portions.The above-ground p ,� 51 ., ,;;� � ._ ate •' photosynthetic portion of the plant w e „- communities is the obvious one to most : people.At the same time,the below ground r ; "10 .� 4- system of roots is equally important to the -1•4 , , j� �,� � � ►, . community. Native plants typically have very \ =�t v deep root systems.These roots improve d _ � ' water infiltration in the soils in which they r. s4s .� are planted.Thus, native plants assist in .r', ,b ,i " managing rainwater and stormwater runoff, and increase groundwater recharge. Native plant roots support symbiotic microorganisms and fungi, and feed life underground.They help break up compacted soils, increase soil organic matter, and boost overall soil health. The structure of roots systems is a very important component of how this below ground community functions.As seen in the diagram below, herbaceous broadleaf forbs (wildflowers) tend to either have a https.//marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 4/10 10/4/24, 1:56 PM Native Plants-MCSWCD prominent taproot with some side branches or a coarsely fibrous root system. in contrast, graminoids (including grasses and sedges) tend to have densely fibrous fine-textured roots that more thoroughly occupy the rout. zone. ROOT SYSTEM OF PRAIRIE PLANTS t [-—'14, -\fr'' IA ' J '� yr? , • '!'I •a t, ,,qq � # � a .4.47, S r 1 � h;{' t 11 a ti t. b .� ( Vli / s, 33 ., y jdd ,;:::: �1w1 s 1�titi t +. "1.it ;, 1t 'A ' �� i1 J t 1. ��W 4 7tt� ti �!, (t ;r; 1 t 1 ��i �� 1� n i ' ' ,:,,,c ip,, :,,i),, 6tA '.( i + Forb Graminoid ^ Pale Purple Little Bluestem Coneflower Copyright Heidi Natura and tieing Habitats,Root Systems of Prairie Plants,1995 Can I actually make an impact by planting a few natives? YES! You absolutely have the ability to increase valuable habitat, even in a small amount of space.You can incorporate native plants into your landscaping and farmscaping. Depending on the size of the plants, and time of year they're planted,you will likely see beneficial insects and pollinator insects visiting your flowering natives in a relatively short amount of time.You will be providing critical food and nest sources for specialist species (and generalist insects as well). Especially in urban spaces, individuals' landscaping choices have a significant impact on habitat diversity and stormwater runoff mitigation. Established native plants will also help sequester carbon dioxide,and contribute to lowered temperatures in urban areas.There are myriad benefits to adding natives to your yard, and you do not need to convert your entire space into a native prairie in order to enjoy many of these benefits. https://marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 5/10 10/4/24,1:56 PM Native Plants-MCSWCD I .• , ...,... .. ...,, .. .. 1 . .. , .7) . , . .. ) .„:„...: .. r, _ t•iii, .... ,, .„ _ t. A. A. s i•`- A T '� • 1 ,i y^ �✓ ., 1 e Cry' . ' w , if;.. s glir p•. • / .,� • f a , _.,,,,, _. 1a tom. .. _i't _ . _ . ' et - w •�-, , .. : ,........ .4..._+ . M. s'' fit r •Y '4,1t.r _ ' •.i' +-tom :--Q. ... .'' f 4 47›:-. • " i. ._ . .\ *.♦ p t:- u 1 role..' .,'-Fr.r ,y, C" '•� 1� a s qr# A successful day of planting a native pollinator garden on an urban lot in Indianapolis, Indiana. How do I incorporate native plants into my garden , farm, and/or landscaping ? https://marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 6/10 10/4/24, 1:56 PM Native Plants-MCSINCD The SWCD created a guide document to provide a recommended species list and methodology for establishing a native }� planting on Indiana small farms and PLANTINGS gardens.These species are found to be especially productive in providing habitat for FOR BENEFICIAL INSECTS & POLLINATORS pollinators and for beneficial insects that suppress crop pests. 414 —mA,;QNcot,NT— clegyer This publication was funded through the SOIL AND WATER -cosscivonosDISlfC-- Indiana State Department of Agriculture's Clean Water Indiana grant program. Access the full guide: Native Plantings for Beneficial Insects and Pollinators (pdf). The information in the guide is outlined in the web materials below. Species selection How to plant natives Maintenance strategies Cost and sourcing Top 10 Indiana Native Plants Every native plant has its values.There are SO many to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to select which ones to plant. Here are some of our favorites. Wildflowers Asters (New England, Short's, Smooth Blue) https.//marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 7/10 10/4/24, 1.56 PM Native Plants-MCSWCD Bergamot TOP 10 NATIVE PLANTS Black eyed susans (Sweet, Showy) WILDFLOWERS Blazing stars (Prairie, Meadow, Dense, Marsh) 41* Coneflowers (Purple, Pale Purple,Yellow)* •410 '_ Goldenrods (Stiff, Riddell's) Mountain mints (Virginia, Narrow Leaf) New England Aster Bergamot Milkweeds (Common,Whorled, Swamp, M Butterflyweed)* ~ `�c ` ' tip F, Nodding wild onion P/t Wild senna * important to select varieties native to Black Eyed Susan Prairie Blazing Star Indiana, not cultivars. E s , _ 1,.' Don't forget the graminoids (grasses)! . •, Grasses provide important food sources for insect larvae. Purple Coneflower Stiff Goldenrod Big bluestem ^may. Little bluestem _ ,� -''� " Prairie dropseed H.. ' Northern dropseed lit ..- . Burr sedge and many other sedges Mountain Mint Common Milkweed ✓'l ', \l'e. a Nodding Wild Onion Wild c_._ https://marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 8/10 10/4/24, 1:56 PM Native Plants-MCSWCD GRASSES • • A�II' ,r t- • <111.b'' / Little Bluestem Prairie Dropseed fe 4.41 Resources & Links • Marion County SWCD:"Native Plantings for Beneficial Insects and Pollinators" • Marion County SWCD:"Insect-Management" info and resources • Purdue Extension:"Recommended Indiana-Native Plants for Attracting Pollinators" • Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS):"Landscaping with Plants Native to Indiana" • Xerces Society:"Pollinator Plants Midwest Region" • Xerces Society:"Checklist of Actions to Promote Pollinators in Yards, Gardens, and Parks" • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plants database • Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder • Grow Indiana Natives: native plant nurseries / sources • Grow Indiana Natives: certify your native garden • Plant calculator: determine spacing for a plug planting • Hamilton County SWCD: Creating and Maintaining a Prairie Projects https://marionswcd.org/native-plants/ 9/10