HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 19, 2025 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
May 19, 2025
Regular Meeting Minutes
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on May 19, 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. 8 Council
Members were present in Council Chambers and 1 was absent.
Councilperson White entered the meeting at 6:03 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilperson Reed made a motion to Approve the Minutes for Regular Meeting on May 5, 2025,
seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed, 8-0.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilperson Reed made a motion to add Parkview Middle School to the Agenda, seconded by Council
President Stoner; motion passed 8-0. Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve as
amended, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed 9-0.
CLAIMS TO APPROVE:
Civil City$ 1,264,683.03
Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson
Semones; motion passed 9-0.
Parks$ 115,538.50
Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson
Reed; motion passed, 9-0.
REPORT OF THE CLERK:
Clerk Gill-Stated that anyone who gave her a letter or an email, she did send those to the full Council.
Council President Stoner confirmed that all letters and emails received will be entered into the record.
REPORT OF THE YOUTH ADVISOR:
Still in search of a new Youth Advisor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Chad Reischl 2025-OR-21 Ordinance of Rezone Request for Property Located at 3611 & 3618
Utica Sellersburg Road from R3 (Single Family Residential-Small Lot)to Proposed Zoning M2
(Multi-Family Residential-Medium Scale)
This was Tabled at the last meeting, picking up where they left off Council President Stoner
opened Council discussion and Public Comment at 6:07 PM.
Calvin Gould of 3617 Utica Sellersburg Road also spoke at the last meeting. He's opposed to the
forty-six unit apartment complex with concerns of traffic congestion and also concerns of storm
water flooding from the loss of ground saturation and ability to evaporate. He stated he spoke
with Mike McCutchen from the Fire Department about accessibility issues on roadways and the
challenges the Fire Department has faced regarding that.
Dinnis Hill of 5753 Lentzier Trace has lived there for forty-two years. He has concerns for traffic
congestion and the increase in volume from the new school. He is opposed and doesn't think
that it's a good fit for their neighborhood or community.
Margie Javid of 3400 Justinian Utica Sellersburg Road says their community of elderly people is
wonderful and doesn't need to be disrupted. She has concerns of how it would affect their
properties. She is opposed.
Cheryl Thomas of 3513 Brookline said she's opposed to the apartments as well but doesn't have
any new points to add that haven't already been mentioned.
Fred Hoit of 3513 Brookline has concerns on the size of the apartments and if Multifamily is
suitable for this site location.
Lynn Wyatt of 5730 Lentzier Trace said she's fairly new to Jeffersonville and has only been here
for five years. In the time she's been here both 10th street and Highway 62 have exploded and
it's no longer the community she bought into. She is opposed.
Greg Kiesler of 3511 Brookline also has concerns of traffic congestion and storm water flooding.
He stated there was no posted signage and that he only found out via Facebook. He is
vehemently opposed.
Robert Riley works for Renaissance Design Build at 117 South Indiana Avenue in Sellersburg. He
clarified some of the questions and concerns voiced by the residents.
Jared Portakalian who is the owner of the property, also spoke and gave more information and
details on the building plan.
With no other speakers Council President Stoner closed the Public Comment at 6:27 PM and
continued discussion between the Council. Councilperson Hawkins made a motion to approve,
seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion Failed 8-1.
2. Chad Reischl 2025-OR-22 Ordinance of Rezone Request for Property Located at 4219 &
4223 Utica Sellersburg Road from R2 (Single Family Residential-Medium Lot)to Proposed
Zoning M2 (Multi-Family Residential-Medium Lot)
(SEE ATTACHED)
Council President Stoner opened up Public Comment at 6:36 PM.
Barry and Eva Hullett of 4225 Utica Sellersburg Road have concerns of how close the Tiny Home
Cottages will be to their home and property line.They like the space between neighbors and the
country feel of the land, trees, and grass surrounding them. They have concerns for traffic
congestion and accidents. They are opposed.
Alice Butler of 1773 Summerland Place stated that she drove up to Hanover Indiana to view the
already existing Cottages. She said they look nothing like the ones shown in the presentation.
She has concerns of the up keep with the cottages and with them being too small. She also has
concerns of traffic congestion with the new school being built nearby.
Kelly Khuri of 4819 Salem Noble Road said that she also drove to Hanover Indiana to take a look
at the Tiny Home Cottages there. She stated they looked awful, not well kept and extremely
small. She has concerns that the property in question isn't big enough for this development and
will create more congestion. She is strictly opposed.
With no other speakers Council President Stoner closed the Public Comment at 6:48 PM and
opened the floor for Council discussion.
Austin Dawkins and Paul Gerard with the Tiny Homes Project gave clarification and answered
some of the questions brought up by the residents who spoke.They gave explanation to some
of the common concerns that were mentioned.
The Council engaged in discussion with input from Attorney Larry wilder. Council President
Stoner asked Chad Reischl to speak a little bit more on the Comprehensive Plan in regards to the
comments that were made. Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve 2025-OR-22 on
the First and second reading contingent upon the commitments proffered by the developers
being recorded in accordance with Indiana law.There was some confusion and comments made
between City Clerk Gill and Attorney Larry Wilder. After reflection, Councilperson Semones
corrected her motion.
Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve 2025-OR-22 Contingent upon the
commitments being proffered by the developers being recorded in accordance with Indiana law,
seconded by Council President Stoner; roll call vote:
Councilperson White-Yes
Council Vice President Burns- No
Councilperson Semones-Yes
Councilperson Anderson-Absent
Council President Stoner- No
Councilperson Reed-Yes
Councilperson Webb- No
Councilperson Hawkins- No
Councilperson Snelling- No; motion failed 3-5.
Councilperson Anderson left the meeting at 7:03 PM.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Public Comment:
Tracy Cobb is the Advisor for the Jeffersonville NAACP Youth Council. She reminded the Council
of the upcoming Scholarship Fundraiser they previously committed to and made payment for.
The event is on June 28, 2025 at the First Christian Church off of Middle road.
2. Voice Students from Community Action Southern Indiana and Parkview Middle School,With
their advisor Mr.Wells and the executive director of Community Action Adrian Jameson
Voice is a passionate and dedicated group made up of enthusiastic teens who are committed to
raising awareness about the dangers of vaping.Their mission is to foster a healthier, safer, and
more vibrant community by encouraging people to make informed decisions about tobacco and
nicotine products.Their commitment is to celebrate tobacco free lifestyles and inspire others to
join their movement.Their group has grown from just two members to over fifty passionate
teenagers with a plan to keep growing. Their main topic of concern today is the increasing
number of vape shops in Jeffersonville. Three students, Sonny, Daniel and Jackson took turns
speaking. They spoke of the Voice Group and some of their accomplishments. They shared their
own testimonies on why they joined the Voice Group and why it's so important. They gave
information and statistics on children and teens vaping and the correlation to vape shops and
their proximity to schools.They received high praise from the Council members on their
presentations. They were encouraged to keep up the good work and continue to make a
difference within the community.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Council President Stoner stated that they're making great progress with the Health Insurance
Committee.There's been great conversation happening and they're expecting continued good progress.
He gave appreciation to Councilperson Webb, the Police Union, Fire Union, administration
representative and the joint representatives as well.
ATTORNEY COMMENTS:
Larry Wilder— No Comment.
Les Merkley—Not Present.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Heather Metcalf stated she had sent out papers to the Council regarding the Circuit Breaker. She will
give further updates as she receives more information on that.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
• Councilperson White— No Comment.
• Council Vice President Burns—Gave a quick comment regarding the Tiny Homes Project. He
said he's not against them but didn't like the location. He thinks there are other places in the
City that would've worked better.
• Councilperson Semones—No Comment.
• Councilperson Anderson—Not Present.
• Councilperson Reed —Gave congratulations to the Jeff High School Band, Volleyball, and
Baseball Teams on their recent successes. She hopes that everyone will rest and recoup this
summer and enjoy some outside time.
• Councilperson Webb—No Comment.
• Councilperson Hawkins— No Comment.
• Councilperson Snelling—No Comment.
• Council President Stoner— Gave thanks to the Parks Department for ensuring the parks are
accessible to everyone. He mentioned that Abby Road on the River week is coming up and
Council needs to have a discussion about the expenses of that. He stated that Attorney Larry
Wilder has circulated a draft of an Ordinance that could potentially rescind the action taken
earlier this year on the fire Territory. He also informed the Council that he will be on military
training for the next few weeks, so he will not be at the meeting. He did confirm that Council
Vice President Burns will attend the meeting. He also confirmed with Baker Tilly that nothing
needs to be submitted until June 30th.
ADJOURNMENT:
Council Vice President Burns made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 7:29 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.
APPR D BY:
ALJ
Evan Stoner, Co al Pres ident A EST: Li Gill, Clerk
954 Market St.
Charlestown,Indiana,47111
KG F Tel.812.748.2227
www.kgfhomes.com
HOMES
Keep God First
May 19, 2025
Relating to the Cottages at Utica Sellersburg,to be constructed at 4219 and 4223 Utica Sellersburg Road, if rezoned to M-2
by the Jeffersonville City Council.
• We agree to construct a privacy fence along the perimeter of the property,to be 6 feet high and constructed of
materials generally considered by the public to be acceptable for residential privacy fences such as wood picket or
vinyl. Fence to be constructed on or before the certificate of occupancy date of the units.
• All buildings to be no more than one story above grade.
• The maximum allowable height of buildings to be 19 feet.
• The maximum number of units on the subject property (currently Parcel#10-42-03-600-243.000-039 and Parcel #10-
42-03-600-270.000-039) to be 10 residential buildings.
KGF
HOMES
keea�aa vm:
Lisa Gill
From: Samantha Straight <sstraightpa@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 11:08 AM
To: Lisa Gill
Subject: Fwd: 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Rd Rezoning Vote
CAUTION:This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
I am not able to attend the meeting tonight. Can you please have my letter(below) read or given to those voting?
Samantha Straight
Begin forwarded message:
From: Samantha Straight<sstraightpa@gmail.com>
Date: May 18, 2025 at 6:55:50 PM EDT
To: dwhite@cityofjeff.net, bburns@cityofjeff.net, dreed@cityofjeff.net,jsnelling@cityofjeff.net,
swebb@cityofjeff.net
Subject: 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Rd Rezoning Vote
Good evening,
I'm reaching out to each City Council member individually. I just found out, this week, about the vote
tomorrow on rezoning of the property at 3611 Utica Sellersburg. I am strongly opposed to this
passing. I'm pretty sure everyone in Steeplechase, Ole Stoner, and Crystal Springs would oppose as
well. I'm going to try to make it to the meeting on Monday the 19th but with such short notice, I'm not
sure I can attend. I have spoke with my city councilman, Steve Webb, and many neighbors, all of who
are against this passing. This is a residential area. It is zoned single private family home and should stay
single private family home. We have so much development all around us; please do not let it encroach
on our neighborhoods! I'm pretty sure there has been an attempt to pass this type of rezoning on the
same property, or a close neighbor, in the past and it was voted down. We fought hard to keep GCCS
from building right on new chapel just last year. I feel it is very clear, when looking back at previous
community outcry, that those of us who live in this area do not want more traffic, drainage, or safety
issues. We are already getting a new middle school in this area that will bring much more traffic to
Utica-Seller urg Rd. Utica-Sellersburg Road is not suited for the extra traffic that a middle school and
multiple apartment buildings will bring. We suffer from multiple drainage issues. Allowing the property
in question to be paved over for the 6 apartment buildings and giant parking lot will only add to the
issues that the city is yet to address. I would also argue that we live in one of the most sought out
neighborhood areas in town, because of the way it feels when driving down New Chapel Rd.That will be
diminished if the city continues to allow apartments to be built all over. How many apartments can one
city need?!? Apartments are historically not as well maintained as single family homes.They are often
just a temporary solution in which people do not take pride. We don't want our property values to go
down! Please help us to maintain the neighborhood feel that we all hold dear. PLEASE VOTE NO to the
rezoning of 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Road.
Sincerely,
Samantha Straight & Michael Osborne
5726 Lentzier Trace
502-396-7263
1
Lisa Gill
From: gatzgroup@aol.com
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 12:08 PM
To: Lisa Gill
Cc: gatzgroup@aol.com; Steven Webb; Scott Hawkins
Subject: Vote NO on zoning change 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Rd.
CAUTION:This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Please read this letter at the meeting this evening.
To the Jeffersonville Zoning Board and City Council,
We strongly oppose the proposed zoning change at 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Rd. This area has long
been designated as Residential and should remain so to preserve the character and stability of the
community.
The impending construction of a new middle school, along with the associated subdivision behind it,
will already bring significant increases in traffic. Additional development in this area will compound
safety concerns, with more vehicles and pedestrians creating heightened risks for residents, students,
and commuters alike.
Jeffersonville, in its pursuit of being the best place to live, must also consider the longstanding
residents who have chosen this area for its tranquility. The continued approval of new businesses,
subdivisions, and apartment complexes steadily erodes the peaceful environment that many sought
when settling here. In the last 10-15 years, the growth has overwhelmed the area with semi-trucks,
vehicles, and traffic signals on Highway 62.
Not every available plot of land needs to be converted into high-density development. We urge the
board to reject this zoning change and protect the integrity of our residential
community. Paraphrased from the Planning and Zoning website: ...facilitating development and
improving quality of life for community residents, ...serve as a resource and catalyst for smart
growth and development..."
Regards,
Don and Alice Gatz
5737 Lentzier Trace
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
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1
Lisa Gill
From: Tobi Sample <tobisample12@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 12:10 PM
To: Lisa Gill
Subject: Letter
CAUTION:This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
I am unable to attend tonight's meeting regarding the rezoning of the property at 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Rd. Could you
please read my letter tonight voicing my opposition to the rezoning.
I am writing to formally oppose the proposed rezoning of the property located at 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Rd, which
would permit the construction of an apartment complex in place of the existing single-family home.
As a resident of Ole Stoner neighborhood, I have serious concerns about the impact such a development would have on
our community. Our opposition is rooted in the following key points:
1. Increased Traffic and Safety Risks: Our streets were not designed to support the volume of traffic that a
multi-unit apartment complex would bring.This raises safety concerns, especially for children, pedestrians, and
cyclists in the area.
2. Change in Neighborhood Character:The current zoning supports single-family homes, which preserve the
quiet, residential nature of our community. Introducing high-density housing would disrupt the established
character and charm of our neighborhood.
3. Strain on Infrastructure and Services: Our existing infrastructure—such as water, sewage, and emergency
services—may not be equipped to handle the increased demand associated with a large number of new
residents.
4. Decline in Property Values:There is a reasonable concern that the introduction of an apartment complex
could negatively affect surrounding property values due to increased noise, congestion, and a shift away from a
cohesive residential atmosphere.
5. Environmental Impact: Replacing green space and a single dwelling with a large development could have a
detrimental effect on stormwater runoff, tree preservation, and local wildlife.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that the rezoning application be denied to preserve the integrity, safety, and
livability of our neighborhood. I ask that you consider the voices of the families and homeowners who have invested in
and deeply care about this community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tobi M Sample
5658 Split Rail Dr
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Tobi Sample
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Lisa Gill
From: Diane <burkeboyzmomma@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 12:50 PM
To: Lisa Gill
Subject: Apartments
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello. We are in opposition of the new apartments buildings proposal near steeplechase/old stoner.
Diane & Kevin Burke
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Lisa Gill
From: Jim Jackson <jjackson2445@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 1:10 PM
To: Lisa Gill
Subject: Proposed apartment complex @ New Chapel rd
CAUTION:This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
As a homeowner in this area I am opposed to this project, it will further create congestion in this area that is already heavily used by
the several subdivisions which are accessed by New Chapel/Utica Sellersburg Rd.With the addition of the planned middle school
being in this same area the congestion would be greatly increased. Please consider this impact when meeting on 5-19-25 at the
Council meeting.Thank you
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Lisa Gill
From: Leslie Zelli <lesliezelli@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 1:33 PM
To: Lisa Gill
Subject: May 19th City Council Meeting at 6 pm
CAUTION:This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
City Council Members,
Requesting the letter from Cathy Jackson to be read during the meeting.
VOTE NO to proposed rezoning and building of apartment complex at the property located at 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Road.
Thank You,
Matt and Leslie Zelli
Ole Stoner Neighborhood Resident
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Lisa Gill
From: Lynn Rhodea <pstbig4@protonmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 3:53 PM
To: Lisa Gill
Subject: Oppose zoningg change
CAUTION:This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Dear Lisa:
Please have this read at the meeting. I will not be able to attend but wish to make my opposition known.
Dear City Council:
In the past I have written to you in support of proposed zoning changes. However the one before the council
regarding the rezoning and building of a new apartment complex located at 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Road is one I
am opposed to. Generally I believe you make good sound decisions that are supportive of the people that are
affected. I am counting on keeping that opinion by your NO vote to this proposal.
As a decades long homeowner in Ole Stoner Estates I do not want these additional issues to affect our quality of life
here:
1. Yet more increase in traffic and safety. New Chapel used to be a lovely drive to and from SR62 but the last
several years has had a massive increase in traffic. This proposal will add even more with traffic, safety for
pedestrians, children and bicyclists as well as motor vehicles.
2. Even though we have experienced outrageous increases in our property taxes with little to nothing gained
for them, this proposal has the very likely possibility of lowering property values. My guess is that we
probably pay some of the highest taxes in Clark County and should if nothing else be heard for that reason.
3. With all of the controversy over fire protection and ambulance service, in my opinion, it is foolish to add an
even bigger burden to an already chaotic situation taking place in our community.
I personally believe that this neighborhood is comprised of some of the finest professional and blue collar families in
all of Clark County. I also believe that as a City Council you should be pleased to have such a stable and balanced
group of people that care about the environment where we live.
Please say NO.
Sincerely
Lynn Rhodea
5652 Split Rail Drive
Jeffersonville IN 47130
502-649-3856
Lynn Rhodea
502-649-3856
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
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Dear Planning Commission and City Council Members,
I'm writing as a concerned resident of Ole Stoner Place to express strong opposition to the
proposed rezoning of the property at 3611 Utica-Sellersburg Rd to allow for the construction of
an apartment complex. This change would significantly alter the makeup of our neighborhoods
and raise a number of serious concerns.
Our community is built around single-family homes, and this proposed development is not in line
with the current zoning or the character of our area. I urge you to consider the following key
concerns:
1. Traffic and Road Capacity Concerns: The surrounding roads, particularly New Chapel,
are already heavily traveled and limited to just two lanes. These roads were not built to
accommodate the significant increase in daily traffic that a high-density apartment
complex would bring. Adding dozens—or potentially hundreds—of new vehicles to an
already congested area would not only worsen commute times but also create safety
hazards for drivers, pedestrians, and school buses navigating narrow or poorly equipped
intersections.
2. Disruption of Neighborhood Character: Our neighborhoods thrive on their quiet,
family-oriented atmosphere. High-density housing would drastically alter the look, feel,
and sense of community that residents have worked hard to build and maintain.
3. Infrastructure Limitations: Utilities and services such as water, sewer, and emergency
response are already operating at capacity in many areas near the proposed
apartments. Adding these new apartment buildings would place additional strain on
resources that may not be able to keep up.
4. Negative Impact on Property Values: Increased noise, traffic, and density often result
in a drop in home values. Homeowners who have invested in this area could see their
equity affected simply due to incompatible development.
Ole Stoner Place is a close-knit neighborhood with residents who deeply care about the quality
of life here. I respectfully ask that you deny the rezoning request and protect the integrity of our
community for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rick and Cathy Jackson
5646 Bailey Grant Road
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
502.751.0835 or 502.599.4454