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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 21, 2025 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA July 21, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on July 21, 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: Scout troop one led the City Council in the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Lisa Gill and present in Council Chambers were Councilperson White, Council Vice President Burns, Councilperson Semones, Council President Stoner, Councilperson Reed, Councilperson Webb, Councilperson Hawkins, Councilperson Snelling, Councilperson Anderson was absent. Let the record reflect that 8 Council Members were present in Council Chambers and 1 absent. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilperson Snelling made a motion approve the agenda, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed, 8-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve the Minutes for Regular Proceedings on 7/7/2025, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$ 1,730,601.08 Council Vice President Burns made a motion approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. Parks$ 119,009.01 Councilperson Reed made a motion approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. None NEW BUSINESS: 1. Shane Shaughnessy 2025-OR-31 (PUBLIC HEARING) Rezoning Request for Property Located at Corner of Woodland Court and Wood Acre Drive from M1 (Multi-Family Residential-Small Scale to Proposed Zoning R3 (Single Family Residential-Small Lot) Shane Shaughnessy. from the City's planning and zoning department, presented a rezoning request on behalf of the applicant. He explained that the subject property is currently zoned M1 (Multifamily Residential, Small Scale) and had previously been subdivided to accommodate approximately 16 duplexes. The property owner is now requesting to rezone the property to R3 in order to permit the development of single-family residences.The proposed development would include 27 single-family homes. Mr. Shaughnessy noted that the plat for this project was approved by the Plan Commission and that the rezoning request comes with a favorable recommendation from both the Plan Commission and city staff. Council President Stoner opened the floor for the public hearing to allow anyone to speak for or against the rezoning request, to which no one stepped forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Mr.John McCoy, representing JJLM Engineering, stepped to the podium and addressed the council on behalf of Redefining Homes, noting that Michael Dooley is the sole owner of the LLC. Mr. McCoy stated that Mr. Shaughnessy had already provided a thorough summary of the proposed project. He added that he was present to answer any questions the council may have regarding the development. Councilperson Reed noted that the proposed rezoning falls within her district. She acknowledged that there had been some initial concerns from constituents; however, following discussions between the developers and local residents after a previous meeting, a consensus was reached. Councilperson Reed expressed that the reduction in housing density—from 60 units to 26—was well received by the community. While there are still lingering concerns about traffic in the area, she views the project as a positive development for the district. She also commended the developers for their engagement with nearby residents and for being responsible builders who are sharing information effectively. Councilperson White inquired whether the proposed development site is in an area prone to flooding. In response, Mr.John McCoy confirmed that the site is located within a floodplain. However, he clarified that all homes will be constructed at least two feet above the base flood elevation in accordance with the city's floodplain ordinance. This elevation is intended to mitigate future flooding-related costs for the city. Mr. McCoy affirmed that these measures would effectively address flooding concerns for the development site specifically. When asked about the site's location in relation to the flood wall, Mr. McCoy stated that the property lies just northeast outside of the flood wall. Council Vice President Burns made a motion approve the Ordinance, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed, 7-1; Council President Stoner voted No ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Larry Wilder- None Les Merkley-None DEPARTMENT HEADS: Heather Metcalf, the City's Director of Finance, addressed the council to discuss the upcoming budget schedule. She reminded the council that the annual budget must be approved by November 1s2 traditionally, the public hearing is held during the first council meeting in October, which this year would be October 6th, followed by the adoption at the second meeting on October 20th. To meet these deadlines, the latest possible date to finalize advertisement for the budget is September 25th. Ms. Metcalf asked the council to consider any budget workshops they would like to hold and suggested scheduling them during the month of September. Councilperson White referenced a prior discussion and requested that Ms. Metcalf and the city administration review information from the Indiana Legislative Services Agency. Specifically, he cited the Fiscal and Management Analysis for Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), pointing to a section on page one under "Annual Levy Growth." He highlighted language indicating that, unless a political subdivision's fiscal body adopts an affirmative tax rate and levy increase by ordinance following a separate public hearing, certain limitations apply. Councilperson White asked for clarification or additional information regarding the implications of this requirement, and whether city staff would be obtaining the information or if council members should seek it independently. Ms. Metcalf acknowledged the reference to page one of the summary. Assistant Chief McVoy informed the council that the 2023 Port Security Grant for the Jeffersonville Police Department is nearing its end-of-life phase, expected to conclude around early October. At that time, the city will be responsible for covering the required 25% local match. The federal government funded 75% of the project, contributing approximately $375,000 to $425,000, while the city's share is estimated between $85,000 and $100,000.The grant has supported infrastructure improvements— particularly enhancing camera coverage from downtown Jeffersonville to the East End Bridge. Assistant Chief McVoy emphasized the need to finalize remaining elements, particularly regarding camera installations, and noted that the purpose of his comments was to place the funding requirements on the council's radar as they consider budget and financing matters. He had no further updates. Council members asked Assistant Chief McVoy whether the cameras purchased under the Port Security Grant were Flock security cameras. McVoy clarified that the equipment involved was different— specifically, live-view, pan-zoom cameras—which represent a significant upgrade to the department's surveillance capabilities along the downtown and riverfront areas.The council confirmed that the city was already participating in the grant and is now in the final phase of implementation. McVoy reiterated the estimated local match of$85,000 to $100,000, which will vary depending on final camera placements. He noted that savings in some areas may help keep the cost toward the lower end of that range. A council member brought up the separate discussion of funding a mobile command center and suggested evaluating whether opioid settlement funds could be used to help cover the city's share of the grant. Heather Metcalf was asked to initiate an email chain to explore whether those funds are eligible for this purpose. The council then asked if there were any additional policing matters that needed immediate attention. Assistant Chief McVoy responded that there were no further issues to report. Police Chief Kavanaugh addressed the council to inquire whether they intended to move forward with addressing the department's current overtime shortfall in the short term. He asked for clarification on whether the council wished to take immediate action or begin discussions related to short-term solutions for covering the overtime budget gap. Councilperson Hawkins opened the discussion by summarizing the situation regarding the police department's overtime budget. He noted the department is on a time crunch due to expiring funds and had been waiting on the adoption of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for clarity on budget needs. Since the CBA has not yet been adopted, Hawkins suggested moving forward immediately with a partial funding allocation of approximately$400,000. This would allow the department to cover current obligations and continue operations while providing time for a more comprehensive discussion of the total shortfall. Council members clarified that this amount would cover a portion of the remaining overtime expenses for the current year, estimated to be just under one-third of the total amount needed. It was acknowledged that the full funding request would be addressed at a later council meeting as an agenda item if members were uncomfortable approving the full amount immediately. Councilperson White inquired about the funding source for the proposed overtime budget increase, specifically asking if it could come from the city's general fund reserves. City Legal Counsel Larry Wilder, with input from Les Merkely, confirmed that the council would need to approve an Additional Appropriation from the general fund reserves to cover the shortfall. They explained that the appropriation could be approved following a public hearing, which could be scheduled for the next meeting. However, they also noted it was possible to take initial action at the current meeting on first reading ("first rule")for the additional appropriation for a specified amount. Council members discussed the total funding needed to cover the police department's overtime shortfall for the remainder of the year. It was noted that the estimated amount required is approximately$1.3 to $1.4 million. Some members expressed willingness to approve a partial amount of$400,000 initially, with the remaining funds to be addressed later. Questions arose about the timing and urgency of the funding request. The city controller, Heather appropriation Metcalf, confirmed that waiting until the next council meeting to address the pp priation would not create significant difficulties for the accounting department. It was clarified that the $400,000 would cover overtime expenses through approximately the August 10th payroll, but additional funds would be needed afterward. Council members agreed that the additional appropriation process would include a first reading at the current meeting, placement on the agenda for the next meeting, and a public hearing thereafter.This approach allows the council to approve the initial partial funding promptly while providing time to consider the total shortfall at a subsequent meeting. Councilperson Hawkins made a motion to approve 2025-OR-32 for additional appropriation of$400,000 for police department overtime on first reading, with funds to come from the general fund reserves, motion seconded by councilperson .The motion includes advertising the appropriation for a public hearing at the next meeting, aiming for final approval thereafter. Motion passed 8-0 PUBLIC COMMENTS: None I COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White— Addressed the council to highlight a potential funding mechanism for consideration. He mentioned, after thoughtful reflection, that he personally would not pursue this option but invited others to collaborate on exploring it. The proposed tool involves a pilot payment from the sewer department. He referenced a preliminary report from Baker Tilly last year which indicated that once Canadian Solar becomes operational, the city could potentially access up to $2 million through this approach. Councilperson White emphasized that this is simply an option to explore in light of current knowledge and the impact of legislation (SB 1). No immediate action was requested, but he wanted the council to be aware of this possibility going forward. • Council Vice President Burns— No Comment • Councilperson Semones— No comment • Councilperson Anderson—Absent • Councilperson Reed—Expressed her excitement for the upcoming back-to-school season, highlighting recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies at several schools. She encouraged residents to support local students by contributing to school supply drives, suggesting that while shopping, individuals consider picking up extra items such as crayons or Expo markers. Reed acknowledged that many families are currently experiencing hardship and emphasized that even small donations can have a meaningful impact. • Councilperson Webb— No comment • Councilperson Hawkins—Acknowledged that he typically does not support handling last-minute items added to the agenda, but noted that the situation involving the Police Chief and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was unique. He expressed appreciation to everyone for accommodating the matter, recognizing that it was a somewhat disorganized situation addressed at the end of the meeting. • Councilperson Snelling— No comment • Council President Stoner—No comment ADJOURNMENT: Council President Stoner made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 06:40 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: (6171P- -41412 Evan Stoner, Council President ATTEST: Lsa Gill, Clerk I 4