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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 4, 2025 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on August 4, 2025. Council President Stoner along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 6:12 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 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 Reed made a motion to amend the agenda to remove item number 13; Paul Northam 2025-R- Resolution Supporting Application for Funding from Clark-Floyd Convention &Tourism Bureau for the Woehrle Athletic Complex Turf Soccer Field Project, seconded by Council Vice President Burns; motion passed 8-0 Councilperson Reed made a motion approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Vice President Burns made a motion to make a change to the Minutes for Regular Proceedings on 7/21/2025 to reflect the correct votes of 7-1 with Council president Stoner voting "No" on the 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), seconded by Councilperson Snelling; motion passed, 8- 0. Council Vice President Burns made a motion to approve the amended Minutes for Regular Proceedings on 7/21/2025, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0 CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$$1,150,461.20 Council Vice President Burns made a motion approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. Parks$ -$102,782.74 Councilperson Reed made a motion approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Council Vice President Burns; motion passed, 8-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Heather Metcalf 2025-OR-32 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation; passed on 1st reading. Council President Stoner opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2025-OR-32, an ordinance of additional appropriation. President Stoner asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of or in opposition to the ordinance. No public comments were made, and upon hearing none, President Stoner closed the public hearing. President Stoner then asked if there were any questions from the Council for Mrs. Metcalf regarding the ordinance, which no one from the council had any questions. Council Vice President Burns made a motion approve the Ordinance, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Chad Reischl 2025-OR-33 (Pubic Hearing) Rezoning Request for Property Located at 2203 Allison Lane from R1 (Single Family Residential-Large Lot)to Proposed Zoning CN (Commercial-Neighborhood) Planning and Zoning Director Chad Reischl addressed the Council regarding a rezoning request for a small parcel of property located on Allison Lane. Mr. Reischl stated that the applicant is requesting a rezoning of the property from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood). The property in question is currently vacant and is situated between a commercially zoned property and residential properties to the south.The applicant intends to sell the property and believes that commercial zoning would be more appropriate for the parcel. Following discussions with the Planning Department, it was determined that CN zoning would be most suitable, as it allows for both commercial and residential uses, providing flexibility for future development. Mr. Reischl noted that the proposed zoning change is generally consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The request was presented to the Plan Commission the previous week, where it received a unanimous favorable recommendation. Mr. Reischl concluded by asking if there were any questions from the Council. Following the presentation, Council members asked questions regarding the proposed rezoning. Councilperson Snelling inquired if there was any information on what the buyer planned to develop on the property. Mr. Reischl responded that there is no development plan at this time, and the property is currently just being listed for sale. Councilperson Reed also asked if there had been any public comments or letters of opposition to the request. Mr. Reischl stated that no individuals spoke in favor or against the rezoning at the Plan Commission meeting and that the department did not receive any letters of opposition or support. Council members continued discussion on the proposed rezoning of a parcel on Allison Lane from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood). Councilperson Reed inquired whether or not proper notice had been sent to neighboring property owners. Mr. Reischl confirmed that notices were sent and no feedback or objections were received. Council President Stoner inquired about the differences between the current and proposed zoning classifications. Mr. Reischl explained that R-1 zoning allows only single-family homes, while CN zoning permits small-scale commercial uses (such as offices, cafes, and professional services), single-family homes, and duplexes. He noted that CN zoning provides flexibility for both commercial and residential use, which could make the property more marketable. Councilperson Reed discussed the surrounding area, noting the presence of Jeffersonville High School, Meijer, Sunday's Paradise, Brookstone Financial, apartment complexes, and other mixed-use properties. It was noted that the property is in a walkable, student-accessible area, and that commercial neighborhood zoning would be compatible with the character of the corridor and could support future revitalization along lath Street.There was agreement that the rezoning makes logical sense given the location, surrounding uses, and potential for non-disruptive commercial development. One member emphasized that the parcel remains vacant and is located adjacent to Brookstone Financial, reinforcing its suitability for CN designation. A final clarification was made that although the parcel is zoned R-1, it is currently vacant land, with no existing structures. Council President Stoner opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2025-OR-33, a request to rezone the property located at 2203 Allison Lane from R-1 (Single-Family Residential—Large Lot) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood). President Stoner asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of or in opposition to the rezoning request. No public comments were made. Hearing none, President Stoner closed the public hearing. Councilperson Webb made a motion approve the Ordinance, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed, 8-0. 2. Heather Metcalf 2025-OR-34 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Heather Metcalf, the city's Controller, stated that this ordinance was the one she had previously sent to Council Members via email. She explained that the proposal involves shifting $400,000 in health insurance expenses from the General Fund to the Economic Development Fund. This transfer is intended to result in a net neutral impact to the General Fund, even with the inclusion of police overtime expenditures. Council President Stoner asked for confirmation, stating, "And this helps us have a, you said net neutral... Yes?" Mrs. Metcalf confirmed, "Yes." She further noted that, as the ordinance was advertised for public hearing, the Council may, if it so chooses, suspend the rules and adopt the ordinance on all three readings during the current meeting. Alternatively, the Council may proceed with a single reading and take further action at a later date. Council President Stoner opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2025-OR-34; Ordinance of Additional Appropriation. No public comments were made. Hearing none, President Stoner closed the public hearing. Council President Stoner then opened the floor for any council members to ask Mrs. Metcalf questions. Councilperson White addressed Mrs. Metcalf, seeking clarification on the proposed financial shift related to healthcare funding. He referenced that last year the council had added money to the healthcare budget and asked Ms. Metcalf to describe the current adjustment again. Mrs. Metcalf explained that the ordinance shifts $400,000 in health insurance expenses from the General Fund to the LIT Economic Development Fund. This change is intended to offset the recent approval of$400,000 in police overtime expenditures within the General Fund. Councilperson White asked if this meant funds were being taken from the healthcare account and moved to the police account. Mrs. Metcalf clarified that this was a misunderstanding, explaining that no money was being physically transferred. Rather, it was a shift in how the expense is budgeted and accounted for—reallocating the cost of health insurance from one fund to another. Councilperson White acknowledged that salaries are typically paid from the General Fund and asked if the intent was to maintain that structure. Mrs. Metcalf confirmed that was correct and part of the reasoning behind the shift. Councilperson White noted that the language in Mrs. Metcalf's email may have caused some confusion, as it sounded like money was being subtracted from the HR healthcare fund. Mrs. Metcalf responded that no funds are being removed from the HR healthcare account. She explained that health insurance is budgeted within HR, and both the General Fund and the LIT Economic Development Fund contain budgeted HR allocations. She clarified that this ordinance simply directs$400,000 of health insurance expenses to be paid from the LIT Economic Development Fund instead of the General Fund. The expenditure will still come from the HR portion of the budget, but out of the economic development bucket rather than the general one. Councilperson White acknowledged the explanation and stated, "So I did misunderstand your email. Okay. Thank you." Council Vice President Burns made a motion to suspend the rules to allow 2025-OR-34 to be heard on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins; Motion passed 8-0 Council Vice President Burns made a motion approve the Ordinance on all three readings, seconded by Councilperson Hawkins; motion passed, 8-0. 3. Heather Metcalf 2025-OR-35 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Heather Metcalf, the city's Controller, provided an overview of two additional appropriations related to the Police Department. She stated that the first appropriation involves the Jeffersonville Police Forfeiture Fund, noting that this ordinance authorizes the appropriation of cash already available within the fund. She then explained that the second item pertains to the LIT Public Safety Fund, with an appropriation of$55,000 for contractual services. Mrs. Metcalf clarified that this amount represents a reimbursement from River Ridge for the Flock Safety contract. Council Vice President Burns made a motion approve the Ordinance on the first and second readings, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. COMMITTIE REPORTS: Council President Stoner extended his appreciation to Councilperson Webb for his efforts in working with the Insurance Committee. Councilperson Webb in return also thanked Council President Stoner for conducting the committee meetings in a professional manner and acknowledged his role in successfully moving the process forward and also noting without Council President Stoner spearheading it, they would have likely not made the progress it did. ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Larry Wilder- None Les Merkley-None DEPARTMENT HEADS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: None COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White— No comment • Council Vice President Burns—Made two comments during the meeting. First, he addressed the Finance Committee, stating that he would like to ensure that all current members of the committee are confirmed and that those individuals are still interested in continuing to serve. He emphasized the importance of the committee beginning to meet soon in order to prepare for the upcoming budget cycle and to explore potential cost-saving measures. Mr. Burns then informed Mrs. Gill that he had provided a copy of a letter, which he had presented during executive session, and requested that it be entered into the official record. He noted that a copy of the letter had been left on her desk (see attachment). Council Attorney Larry Wilder and City Attorney Les Merkley provided clarification regarding a document referenced by Council Vice President Burns. Mr. Wilder stated that the letter discussed in executive session can be entered into the record if the Council wishes. Mr. Merkley added that although the letter was presented during an executive session, doing so does not preclude the document from also being presented to the full Council during the public meeting. He clarified that an item shared in executive session can be shared again in open session at the discretion of the presenter. Following the comments by Council Vice President Burns regarding the letter presented in executive session, a brief Council discussion ensued regarding its confidentiality and inclusion in the public record. Councilperson Reed asked whether the letter had already been distributed via email, and both Councilperson White and Council President Stoner confirmed that it had. However, it was noted that despite being emailed, the document was still considered confidential due to its presentation during an executive session. Councilperson White clarified that while the document remained confidential under executive session rules, Council Vice President Burns has the right to disclose it publicly if he chooses. Other Council Members expressed that they were comfortable with the letter being entered into the official record. It was further clarified that the inclusion would apply solely to what was submitted, and would not extend to any related materials or external references.There were no objections, and the Council proceeded with entering the letter into the record as requested by Vice President Burns. • Councilperson Semones—No comment • Councilperson Anderson— No comment • Councilperson Reed—Extended her appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the back-to-school efforts. She acknowledged that, despite several hiccups, new schools, and new processes, the community came together to help ensure a smooth transition, and she expressed gratitude for that collective effort. She also offered congratulations to Jeff Club Cheer for earning the Top Banana Award at the UCA Cheer Camp over the weekend, noting their victory over teams including Charleston and others. Councilperson Reed additionally highlighted the success of Claysburg Days, noting the beautiful weather and the opportunity it provided to celebrate the history of the community. She concluded by inviting the public to attend National Night Out the following evening at Port Fulton, encouraging participation and jokingly challenging attendees to race her on the water slide. • Councilperson Webb— No comment • Councilperson Hawkins—Addressed two items during his remarks. First, he reported on a recent Redevelopment Commission meeting, where the Commission voted against approving a tax abatement request from a company seeking to expand its operations. He explained that the City Council had previously established a scoring system to evaluate businesses seeking tax abatements. This scoring mechanism is designed to prioritize businesses offering higher wages, with a historical benchmark of$26 per hour being considered favorable at the time the system was created. However, Hawkins noted that wage expectations and standards have since evolved, and he questioned whether a $26/hour job still justifies a tax incentive. He indicated his intention to work with the redevelopment director to propose an update to the scoring system, including adjusting the salary benchmarks. He invited any council members interested in discussing the matter in more detail to reach out to him. Second, Hawkins inquired about the status of negotiations with River Ridge, referencing discussions that followed the vote on the fire territory. He recalled that River Ridge had indicated a willingness to contribute financially to support fire protection services in the area. He asked if there were any updates the administration could share. Legal counsel responded that a meeting with River Ridge was imminent. Hawkins emphasized that the matter had not been dropped and remained an ongoing priority. • Councilperson Snelling— No comment • Council President Stoner—Addressed three topics during his remarks; Capitol Hills Explosion Incident: President Stoner commented on the recent home explosion in the Capitol Hills neighborhood. He shared that he had personally visited the area and spoken with residents, who are understandably alarmed, particularly given the proximity of this explosion to a previous similar incident. He commended the Jeffersonville Police Department for their professionalism and the multiple press releases they issued. These communications helped dispel misinformation circulating on social media, especially regarding the affected family, and emphasized the importance of responsible information sharing. President Stoner encouraged residents with friends or loved ones in the area to reach out and offer support, and stated he looked forward to receiving more information from the appropriate parties. Tax Abatement Rejection and State Policy Concerns: President Stoner echoed earlier comments by Councilperson Hawkins regarding the Redevelopment Commission's decision to deny a tax abatement for a business project at the port. While the project would have brought new jobs to Jeffersonville, the council determined that the incentive was not justified. He expressed broader concerns about the impact of Senate Enrolled Act 1 on municipalities, noting that cities across Indiana are increasingly unable to offer economic incentives due to constrained budgets. He warned that the state's legislative decisions are effectively defunding essential services- including police, fire, streets, and sanitation-which may jeopardize municipalities' capacity to meet basic needs in the future. He called for significant policy correction at the state level. Appreciation for Council's Efforts: President Stoner concluded by thanking the council members for their time and commitment, especially given the evening's executive session followed by the regular council meeting. He acknowledged that the meeting had stayed relatively on schedule. Council President Stoner made a motion requesting that the administration be authorized to take over negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in the most good faith manner possible. He further moved that Larry Wilder be designated as the Council's official representative (emissary) in those negotiations, seconded by Councilperson White; motion passed 7-1, Councilperson Hawkins voted against. ADJOURNMENT: Council President Stoner made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 06:38 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. A P OVED BY' - Evan Stoner, Council President ATTEST: Lisa Gill, Clerk July 28, 2025 To: Jeffersonville City Council Re: Union Contract Negotiations/Financial Impact From: Bill Burns, Jeffersonville City Council District 2 Dear Fellow Council Members, I am writing to express my deep concern over the current financial state of the City of Jeffersonville, and specifically, how the on-going contract negotiations with the police union will impact the city's financial health. In just two years, we have gone from being one of the most fiscally responsible cities to a city that, if we do not act now, I fear will struggle to fund the police/fire union contract, while paying the city's remaining financial obligations within the next 18 months. I want to be clear—when I supported the current union contracts, I was led to believe the financial impact would be different. Had I known then what I know now, I would not have voted for these contracts. In nearly six years of service, this is the only vote I truly regret. I believe I am not alone in feeling this way. You have all seen Mrs. Metcalf's email outlining the severity of our financial situation. We must act immediately. I urge this council to consider the following as it negotiates and considers any union contract: 1. Authorize George with Fisher Phillips to take the lead on the CBA Committee and revert to the original work schedule agreement, correcting the current calculation of overtime. Unless this is done, the city cannot adequately fund the union contracts. 2. Direct the Insurance Committee to work diligently to identify cuts of 10 percent or more. The union contracts must be modified to allow the city the flexibility to increase the monthly insurance costs for employees as a means to offset rising healthcare expenses. The current contracts have tied the city's hands when it comes to addressing those expenses. I further urge the committee to shut down the city clinic and return those funds directly to the insurance pool. Such savings will go a long way to helping us fund the union contracts. 3. Explore the feasibility of hiring a third-party consultant to conduct a full review of the Jeffersonville Police Department and Fire Department to ensure we are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. 1 4. Form a Financial Oversight Committee of 3-4 council members to meet regularly with department heads and the administration to review budgets line by line. The goal is to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary spending and enhance the city's overall financial health. Improving the city's financial health will provide us opportunities to implement city-wide cost-saving measures to help fund the union contracts. Mrs. Metcalf should also be included in this committee and any future meetings involving city finances. These changes cannot wait, as we are nearly seven months into the contract negotiations with the police union. Meanwhile, budget season is approaching quickly, and we are responsible for acting as the true fiscal body of this city. It's time we step up, curb spending, and ensure that every taxpayer dollar is used wisely and transparently. Failure to do so will result in dire consequences, including difficulties in finding ways to adequately fund the union contracts. I have to look at this as though it were my own company, and if that were the case, I would be looking at closing the doors. We can make a positive change and right this ship if we work together. Sincerely, Bill Burns Jeffersonville City Council — District 2 Cc: Larry Wilder, Les Merkley, Mayor Moore, Heather Metcalf 2