Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 7, 2025 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA April 7, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on April 7, 2025. Council President Stoner along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.The meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom. INVOCATION: Council Vice President 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 Council Vice President Burns, Councilperson Semones, Council President Stoner, Councilperson Reed, Councilperson Webb, Councilperson Snelling, Councilperson Anderson and Councilperson Hawkins. Councilperson White was absent. 8 Council Members were present in Council Chambers and 1 was absent. Heaven Williams, Council Youth Advisor was present for the proceedings. Let the Record reflect that Councilperson Dustin White was absent for Roll Call but came in late to the meeting at 6:03 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes for Public Meeting on Establishment of Fire Territory on March 13,2025, seconded by Councilperson Snelling; motion passed, 8-0. Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve the Minutes for Regular Meeting on March 17,2025, seconded by Council Vice President Burns; motion passed, 8-0. Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes for Special Meeting on March 27, 2025,seconded by Councilperson Snelling; motion passed, 8-0. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Council President Stoner made a motion to add a Resolution to the Agenda. 2025-R-6,a resolution commending Coach Sherron Wilkerson and the Jeffersonville Boys Basketball Team on their State Championship win, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed 8-0. Hoosier Fairway Investments removed their request for Rezones from tonight's Agenda. Les Merkley-"The applicant or the petitioner of the rezoning, I believe there are four, Golfview Estates around Elk Run Golf Course this afternoon Council for the applicants.John Kraft called and said that his client,the applicant was withdrawing request for the rezoning". Council Vice President Burns made a motion to remove items 11,12,13,14 from Agenda. Seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed 9-0. Councilperson Semones makes a motion to approve the Agenda as amended, seconded by Reed; motion passes 9-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$2,527,812.24 Council President Stoner Mentioned that he was informed of a reduction of$719.30. Heather Metcalf-"yes, um, I'm not sure if you all can see the page numbers at the bottom of the page but the Fund is 2508,the Senior Committee Fund. We're removing 1 from the Orange Clover due to the cancellation of it.The new total is$2,527,092.94,thank you". Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve as amended, seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed 9-0. Parks$ 163,360.68 Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Snelling; motion passed, 9-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Clerk Gill-"I just wanted to publicly thank IT Director Matt Dyer for assisting me tonight, and he also installed us a new computer. Thank you Matt I appreciate it.Thanks and that's all I have". REPORT OF THE YOUTH ADVISOR: Miss Williams said her advisorship is ending in May 2025 and that a new youth advocate will be selected. She recaps some of the events and successes she's had with the students of Jeffersonville High School during her advisorship. UNFINISHED BUSINESS No Unfinished Business NEW BUSINESS: 1. Public Comment: Chad Reischl is the executive director of the Jeffersonville UEZ and gives an update of things accomplished in the first quarter of the year. So far they've awarded $5,000 College Scholarships to two Jeff Residents who live within the UEZ.They've given $5,000 to the YMCA in annual donations for local programming.They've completed a $7,000 Project Grant to Wesley United Methodist Church for repairs to their front entrance canopy and vestibule.They've provided $10,000 to The Depot and Parks Department for events at The Depot.They've provided $10,000 for the Spring Street Fest, which was supposed to happen last weekend but got rained out.The Spring Street Fest lost a couple of their big time sponsors this year so the UEZ stepped in to fill that gap.The Festival is rescheduled for April 19, 2025.The Earth Day Celebration is also taking place on April 19 in downtown Jeffersonville. Ed Siewert from the Drainage Department in tandem with the Parks Department and Arts Department are throwing The Earth Day Festival April 19,from 12PM-4PM.There will be information on Eco stations, clean water, arts and crafts, and free trees.There will also be a planter exchange and a paint collection event.They'll have food, drinks and entertainment. They're working with The Spring Street Festival and hoping for a good turn out since Thunder over Louisville was cancelled.The whole idea of this event is to reuse, recycle and reduce our footprint on the earth, and hoping to increase pedestrian traffic to the downtown area. 2. Les Merkley 2025-R-5 Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Jeffersonville and County of Clark for 2024 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant(JAG) Program Award Les Merkley states this was approved but had a technical issues and gives explanation. Les Merkley-"in 2024 the City entered into a grant agreement, a Justice Assistance Grant Agreement with the County.The JAG grant at that time, the agreement didn't list any dollar amount to be drawn down on the grant.There is now a request for Grant Funds in the amount of$11,941.The grant agreement that's in front of you reflects that dollar amount in Section2. This would require the approval of the Resolution.That would approve the grant agreement as presented with that dollar amount". Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed 9-0. 3. Resolution 2025-R-6 To recognize and commend Coach Sherron Wilkerson and the Jeffersonville High School Boys Basketball Team on winning the State Championship on March 29,2025 Council President Stoner reads into the record:" Whereas the Jeff High School Boys Basketball Team made history on March 29, 2025 by winning the IHSAA Class 4A State Championship in a thrilling overtime victory over previously undefeated Fischer's High School.Whereas under the leadership of the Head Coach Sherron Wilkerson, himself a Jeff High State Champion in 1993, the team embodied determination, teamwork and excellence on and off the court. Whereas Coach Wilkerson became only the 6th player in Indiana history to win a State basketball title as both a player and a Head Coach at the same school. Whereas the teams commitment, hard work and unity serve as an inspiration to students, families,and future athletes throughout the City of Jeffersonville. Now therefore, be it resolved by The Common Council of The City of Jeffersonville Indiana,that Wednesday April 9, 2025 shall be recognized throughout the City, as State Champion Day in honor of Coach Sherron Wilkerson, his coaching staff and the entire Jeff High School Boys Basketball Team." Council President Stoner made a motion to pass, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed 9-0. 4. Problem Solving Court Breakfast Sponsorship Lisa Reger invites everyone to The Problem Solving Court Breakfast Sponsorship with Clark County Cares, On May 8, 2025 from 8AM-11AM at The Foundry.They would be honored to have the Jeff City Council attend the event. She explains the Problem Solving Courts are important because they address the root causes of substance abuse, mental health challenges and recidivism.They work with individuals and provide them with the tools they need, provide them with treatments and resources to help them turn their lives around.Also helping to strengthen families and build healthier communities for Clark County.Jeffersonville currently has five Problem Solving Courts.There will be a guest speaker at the event, Chief Justice Loretta Rush. She was the guest speaker last year as well and brought the rest of her court,the entire Supreme Court with her. She also gives thanks to Attorney Amy Semones and Attorney Dustin White for their work with the Problem solving Courts. Lisa introduces another speaker with her, John Benningfield. He's a friend and graduate of the Family Recovery Court and a success story. John Benningfield gives a quick summary of his experience with the Problem Solving Courts. He struggled with substance abuse for twenty years but in 2019 was given the opportunity to change his life around. He stayed at the Trinity House for ten months and got sober and held a job. Eventually with their help was able to get custody of his daughter.Today he's the supervision of the IRA program which is inside the Clark County Jail. It's a re-entry program that helps those incarcerated with services, support and resources, so when they're released they are prepared and have the tools they need to be successful.These programs and the Problem Solving Courts are exactly what the community needs to be successful and his story is a great example of that. Vicki Carmichael, retired Judge, asks the Council for a Financial Support Sponsorship for the Problem Solving Courts Program.The Programs help those struggling with addiction, mental health,Veterans,to get back on their feet and get their lives together to be successful. Councilperson White asks what the money requested will be used for. Vicki Carmichael explains the money they're asking for in Sponsorships helps to fund the cost of the breakfast, so that the attendees don't have to pay to come in. so those in recovery, people supporting those in recovery, and service providers can attend the breakfast at no cost to them. Any money left over goes towards next year's event. LifeSpring health is the fiscal agent for this event. Councilperson White wants to clarify the Sponsorship money doesn't go towards paying anyone involved with The Problem Solving Courts or hosting/working the event. Vicki Carmichael reassures that the money only covers the cost of the event and that's why they're asking for Sponsors. No payment is for those working with the problem Solving Courts or working the event.The payment goes toward the food for the event.The breakfast will be catered by Jake Brockman again this year.He himself is in recovery and will tell his story and experience at the breakfast as he did last year. Chief Kavanaugh makes a statement expressing his gratitude to LifeSpring and the people in the community.As a board member for LifeSpring he's able to see this multifaceted from different directions and also from the inside.There are a lot of claims, expenses and money that go into it. He's grateful to the City for their contribution and understanding of what they do and to help those in need. He also gives thanks to the legal counsel in the room for their professional experience and expertise. He gives thanks to all for allowing them to speak and share on what they do every day to help the community. Council President Stoner proposes$1,500 Level Sponsorship out of The Special Projects LIT Fund. Opened for discussion; Council Members discuss and decide on $2,000 Sponsorship to The Problem Solving Courts out of The Special Projects LIT Economic Development Fund. Motion to pass made by Council President Stoner,Seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed 9-0. 5. Heather Metcalf 2025-OR-16 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Heather Metcalf states this Ordinance is appropriating the cash that was received for the Utica Township Fire Protection.We have an Ordinance that would provide some support to the Fire Department, and this is appropriating the cash that was received from them. On the First and Second Reading, motion to approve by Council Vice President Burns, seconded by Councilperson Webb; motion passed 9-0. 6. Heather Metcalf 2025-OR-17 Ordinance of Transfer of Certain Funds within the Same Department Heather Metcalf states that this Ordinance will clean up the HAS Contribution line that's in the Police Department.The Fire Department has already taken care of theirs.There will be a request on the HR side for the HAS Contribution,that's due to the increase that The City is contributing to the employees. On the First and Second Reading, motion to approve by Council Vice President Burns, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed 9-0. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Council President Stoner announced that Councilperson Snelling and Councilperson Webb are currently serving on the Insurance Committee.According to City attorney Larry Wilder there can be up to four people on that committee.Council President Stoner appoints himself to join the Insurance Committee. Council President Stoner suggests doing an Executive Session within the next two weeks to discuss some action being proposed at the State level regarding financing. ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Larry Wilder— Mr.Wilder had no comments. Les Merkley—"I think you're limited, I'm not sure if the Executive Session is going to be permissible. Right now we're in a holding pattern.There was a law passed out of ways and means and The House this morning with significant amendments arranging from a lot of Tax Implications or Budget Implications on local Government.That will then go to the full House for a vote. It could be amended on the floor as well,assuming it passes out of The House,we don't know.Then it's a Senate Bill,So it originated in the Senate. So they'll go to a Conference Committee that will consist of both Senators and Representatives to try to iron out the differences. So it's a long process." DEPARTMENT HEADS: Chief Kavanaugh gave an update that as of April 15t they started the Contractual Agreement with the Patrol Services Additional at River Ridge.Approximately seventeen hours a day,two officers are working four and a half hours in the morning and two officers are working four and a half hours in the evening, Monday through Friday. What that does is give those services to River Ridge as requested and takes the District Police Officers and puts them in other places in the Eastern area of the city. It's also increasing baseline services during those peak times in residential areas.That started April 15t and will go until December 31st of this year. Chief Kavanaugh gives thanks to the City Council and the City Attorney's Office. Council President Stoner shares that he recently went on a ride along with JPD. He commended them on their professionalism and interactions with the public. He appreciated all the work they do and on being proactive officers. COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White—Councilperson White had a question for Heather Metcalf regarding the Master Funds. Heather said she will check the numbers and follow up with him at a later time. Councilperson White also congratulates the Jeff High Boys Basketball Team on their State Championship and is looking forward to the celebration on Wednesday April 9th. Councilperson White asked Les Merkley if the Bonds regarding the City are with the Sewer and Redevelopment. He wanted to clarify that no bonds are coming out of the Councils budget. Les Merkley-"correct. We collect Property Tax and Personal Property Taxes from those businesses and they're going to phase those out. So that will have an impact on Bonds that we have". • Council Vice President Burns—Council Vice President Burns informed the rest of the Council that there is a Collective Bargaining Group Meeting on Thursday April 10th and apologized for the short notice given. • Councilperson Semones—Councilperson Semones acknowledged the flooding happening in Jeffersonville and Utica. Encouraged everyone to check in on their neighbors and take care of each other. • Councilperson Anderson—Councilperson Anderson congratulated the Jeff High Boys Basketball Team on winning the State Championship. • Councilperson Reed—Councilperson Reed gave congratulations to the Jeff High Boys Basketball team. She mentioned that she and Chad Reischl went to Evansville to see their Riverfront Property and the work they're doing to grow their city as a sister city. She also attended the kickoff event for Child Abuse Prevention Month in Indianapolis.She gives thanks to the people who sponsored the Youth Advocate and their Travel Scholarships, to ensure no one was excluded from the opportunity.Also a thank you to the First Responders, Firefighters,JPD and Street Department for their contributions this past week with the bad weather. • Councilperson Webb—Councilperson Webb addressed Clerk Gill and asked if there was anything the Council could do to help while the Clerk's Office is short staffed. Clerk Gill mentioned possibly putting the Minutes in the Salary Ordinance, but they were able to get them done in time for the meeting. She announced the new hire will start on Wednesday April 16th. • Councilperson Hawkins—Councilperson Hawkins gave congratulations to the Jeff Red Devils on their State Championship win. He's happy to support all the programs that were mentioned tonight, says they're fantastic programs that make a difference. • Councilperson Snelling—Councilperson Snelling thanked everyone who's helped out his hometown of Utica during the flooding. He sends his prayers. • Council President Stoner—Council President Stoner said he appreciated the Council for coming together to support such a great cause and appreciates the collaboration with Clark County. Gives a reminder that there might be an Executive Session date coming to discuss State impacts. He strongly encourages the Council Members and the public to reach out to their State Representatives. Senate Bill 1 will impact Municipalities and the way they're able to fund Critical services including Police, Fire, Street and Sanitation, Parks and so on.They are going to have a real life impact on how the City operates and other Cities across the State of Indiana. Les Merkley Responded- "there were a lot of things that were done in those Amendments to label.There's a major issue as to what they did regarding the business personal property tax, and what impact that is going to have on economic development. More importantly what the implication could be on existing debt,that communities have bonds you pledge money and some of that money is pledges from the Property Taxes that are personal Property Taxes that are collected on business, and they are basically phasing that out.Their Senate Bill 1 is currently in its current form. So again they're not Municipal Bond Lawyers up there in the State Legislative. I'm not quite sure what they are, but they were elected. I'm just thankful they're only part-time and not full-time". Council President Stoner also recognizes the family in the audience and all the new faces. He gave thanks to them for attending and welcomes them to other Council Meetings. He appreciated everyone for being there and adjourns the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Council President Stoner made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 7:03 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. APP OVED B Evan Stoner, ouncil President ATTEST: isa Gill,Clerk SAVE THE DATE The Second Annual Southern Indiana Problem Solving Court Month Breakfast May 8th, 2025 0 8 AM - 11 A M 10114' el The Foundry- . Av 200 Missourie, Jeffersonville IN 47130 OK*. Special Guest: Chief Justice of Indiana Honorable Loretta H. Rush Indiana Supreme Court Second Annual Southern Indiana PROBLEM SOLVING COURT MONTH BREAKFAST Join us in celebrating a national movement that has transformed lives within our local community. Participants in problem solving courts often begin their journey facing long-term incarceration. However, through the powerful blend of accountability and treatment, they achieve remarkable milestones-returning to school, reconnecting with their families, and securing employment. Thursday, May 8th, 2025 1 8:00am - 11 :00am The Foundry 1 200 Missouri Avenue 1 Jeffersonville, IN O KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 054 Chief Justice of Indiana Honorable Loretta H. Rush, Indiana Supreme Court Gold Sponsor$1,500 Recognized as a Premium reserved Logo showcased Resource table in presenting sponsor table for 10 guests on event signage the networking with logo featured with logo displayed and in the event area or option to in pre-event on table signage program place literature at promotions the shared community resource table Silver Sponsor$1,000 Premium reserved Logo showcased Resource table in table for 10 guests on event signage the networking with logo displayed and in the event area or option to on table signage program place literature at the shared community resource table Bronze Sponsor$500 Logo showcased Resource table in on event signage the networking and in the event area or option to program place literature at the shared community resource table Community Partner Name in text only Resource table in $100/$50* showcased on the networking event signage and area or option to *$100 for-profit in the event place literature at business/$50 non- program the shared profit organization community resource table Reserve your sponsorship package by April 11, 2025 I bit.ly/PSC-Sponsor Sponsorship questions? Contact Carrie Baylor 1812.941.6436 I carrie@soinworks.com