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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 20, 2024 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA February 20, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on February 20, 2024. Council President White along with City Clerk Gill called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. The meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom. INVOCATION: Councilperson Bill 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 President White, Councilperson Burns, Councilperson Semones, Councilperson Anderson, Councilperson Reed, Councilperson Webb, Council Vice President Hawkins, Councilperson Snelling, and Councilperson Stoner. Let the record reflect that all 9 Council Members were present in Council Chambers. APROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve Minutes for February 5, 2024, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed, 9-0. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Councilperson Anderson made a motion to approve the Agenda, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$1,038,296.94 Council President White stated the Civil City Claims were$1,038,296.94. Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes. Councilperson Webb made a motion to approve Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. Parks$449,119.02 Council President White stated the Parks Claims were$449,119.02. Mrs. Metcalf advised there was one change on page 2, a deletion to Sunbelt Rentals in the amount of$1,438.40 bringing the Parks Claims to $447,680.62. Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; motion passed, 9-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: Clerk Gill stated for the record when the Additional Appropriations were advertised in the newspaper, comments could be submitted to the Clerk's office, however, none were submitted for any of the agenda items for the meeting held on February 20, 2024. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Kim Calabro 2024-OR-8 Ordinance Amending 2023-OR-69&Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Appointed Officers&Employees for All the Departments of the City of Jeffersonville Mrs. Calabro advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting. Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve 2024-OR-8 on the Third and Final Reading,seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. 2. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-9 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation(Public Hearing) Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:09 PM, no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter.Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:10 pm. Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve 2024-OR-9 on the Third and Final Reading,seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed,9-0. 3. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-10 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing) Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting.Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:10 PM, no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter. Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:11 pm. Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve 2024-OR-10 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed, 9-0. 4. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-11 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing) Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:12 PM, no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter. Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:12 pm. Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve 2024-OR-11 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; motion passed, 9-0. 5. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-12 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing) Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:12 PM. Former Riverstage Manager, Amber Powell introduced the new Riverstage Manager,Tara Young, and advised she would be producing the Juneteenth Concert for 2024. Ms. Powell reiterated how successful the Juneteenth Concert for 2023 was and how people appreciated it. She stated the Juneteenth Concert was the most successful thing she had accomplished in her career and to see the community's feedback that was received and what was done to celebrate the holiday and black culture in Jeffersonville was wonderful. Ms. Powell thanked Larry Wilder and Steve Webb for their donations for the Juneteenth Concert for 2024. Ms. Powell introduced Chris Palmer and Dan Mahoney, owners of The Alcove. Mr. Palmer advised they own the Alcove and were contracted to run the Riverstage Bar. He advised the Juneteenth Concert in 2023 made a huge impact on Jeffersonville. Along with running the Riverstage Bar,they also own a number of local Airbnb's. They had people come from Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Nashville to stay for the concert. Under the terms of their contract with the City,the City gets 22%of sales from the Riverstage Bar. Council Vice President Hawkins asked what the City's portion was for the Juneteenth concert. Mr. Palmer advised the City received approximately $4,600.00. Mr. Palmer went on to explain the economic impact went further as there were businesses downtown who booked after party events. The concert had an economic impact on all of the businesses in downtown Jeffersonville and he heard nothing but good things about this event. Councilperson Semones asked if the Airbnb's made a larger impact than just the night of the concert. Mr. Palmer advised,yes. Councilperson Webb asked how the other concerts affect their business. Mr. Palmer advised that most people come to the Riverstage just for the concert and then leave.This year they have booked after parties for all of the events in hopes of getting people to stay around. Councilperson Webb advised that $125,000.00 seed money was appropriated for the Juneteenth Concert in 2023 with the understanding that sponsors would be identified in order to continue the concert this year (2024). Councilperson Webb asked Ms. Powell what sponsors had been identified (2024). Ms. Powell advised a total of$15,000.00 so far had been committed and Ms. Young was still working on the sponsorships. Councilperson Reed asked if the sponsors commit going forward if those funds go into the Riverstage Fund to offset the costs of ongoing concerts. Ms. Powell advised no that it was her understanding the City Partnership money goes into revenue to budget for next year. The Parks Department has revamped the sponsorship packages for this year. Ms. Powell introduced Juan Lambert with Park Duvall Community Health Center who was the $10,000.00 sponsor last year and they have renewed their sponsorship this year. Mr. Lambert read a statement (See Attached). Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:29 pm. Council President White read a statement that he read last year at the Juneteenth Concert. Councilperson Stoner asked Mrs. Metcalf if the $125,000.00 that was taken from the Riverboat Fund last year, corporate tax dollars from the casino, would be the same this year. Mrs. Metcalf advised the funds would come out of the Riverboat Fund and go into the Riverstage Fund. Councilperson Stoner asked if the corporate tax dollars from the casino was replenished yearly and if so how much it would be. Mrs. Metcalf advised yes and she believed it was between $260,000.00 and $280,000.00 annually. Councilperson Stoner advised due to the amount of corporate tax dollars received annually, he was in favor of the $130,000.00 appropriation. Councilperson Reed asked Mrs. Metcalf to explain what the process was when sponsorship money was received and asked where those dollars went and how could that offset the cost. Mrs. Metcalf advised the departments do the Report of Collections and they tell the finance department where to put the money. It is revenue that has to be appropriated before it could be spent. Councilperson Reed asked if$30,000.00 was received in sponsorships would that money go in to replenish the fund the concert was paid out of. Mrs. Metcalf advised, yes if that was the intention. It would go back into the cash amount on the account balance report and showed a line on the revenue report side for the donations. Councilperson Semones asked if it would go into the Riverboat Fund. Mrs. Metcalf advised it would go into the fund as a revenue but it could not be spent until it was appropriated by the council. The original amount for operating the Riverstage comes out of the Riverboat and any sponsorships received for Riverstage would go to the Riverstage Fund. Council President White asked if this was money that had accumulated in the Riverstage Fund. Mrs. Metcalf advised, yes. Council President White asked if the money being appropriated was from the Riverstage surplus fund. Mrs. Metcalf advised, yes. Council Vice President Hawkins asked if any of the sponsors from last year asked for money back due to Jeff goes Country being canceled. Ms. Powell advised only one (1) which was the title sponsorship. Council Vice President Hawkins asked if Jeff goes Country was happening this year. Ms. Powell advised, no they were not having it and no other event was planned. Council President White asked if the budget was the same and if the decision not to have Jeff Goes Country was made by Administration. Ms. Powell advised that was correct. Ms. Powell advised that since Covid, everything has gone up including production costs and artists but the Riverstage budget has stayed the same. Council President White clarified the appropriation request had nothing to do with Jeff Goes Country and the money to be appropriated would come from the surplus. Ms. Powell agreed that was correct. Council Vice President Hawkins asked City Attorney Merkley if Redevelopment could pay the City back some of the money that was spent on the Juneteenth Concert since it would be an economic development. Mr. Merkley advised that no it could not come from TIF dollars. Councilperson Reed advised she did support the Juneteenth concert and her constituents were sad that Jeff Goes Country would not be happen this year. Councilperson Webb stated a lot of his questions were answered however he was still concerned regarding the budget; especially with police and fire contracts being discussed. Councilperson Webb said he appreciated everyone's time and efforts. Council President White advised the appropriation for the Juneteenth Concert had nothing to do with any money that salaries were paid from, this would come from the Riverstage surplus fund. Councilperson Webb advised said he was concerned because there would also be a need for Police and Fire protection at the Juneteenth concert. Council President White advised that was correct, it was a need for every weekend and it was already budgeted. Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve 2024-OR-12 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; roll call: Councilperson Burns—No Councilperson Semones—Yes Councilperson Anderson—No Councilperson Reed—Yes Council President White--Yes Councilperson Webb—No Council Vice President Hawkins—No Councilperson Snelling—Yes Councilperson Stoner—Yes, motion passed, 5-4. 6. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-13 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing) Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:46 PM, no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter. Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:46 pm. Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve 2024-OR-13 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 9-0. 7. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-14 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation (Public Hearing) Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting. Council President White opened the Public Hearing at 6:47 PM, no one was present in the Council Chambers to comment for or against the matter. Council President White closed the Public Hearing at 6:47 pm. Councilperson Stoner thanked the JPD for taking care of the Big 4 Park. Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve 2024-OR-14 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. 8. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-15 Ordinance of Transfer of Funds Within the Same Department Mrs. Metcalf advised there were no changes since last Council Meeting. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2024-OR-15 on the Third and Final Reading, seconded by Councilperson Webb; motion passed, 9-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-16 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised that Sara Green-Director of the Animal Shelter could not be here tonight but would be at the meeting on March 4, 2024. This Ordinance was for the Animal Shelter for Medical Supplies/Rabies Vaccinations due to the rabies found in a skunk in Clark County. Councilperson Burns made a motion to approve 2024-OR-16 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Reed; motion passed, 9-0. 2. Heather Metcalf 2024-OR-17 Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Mrs. Metcalf advised this was reappropriating an asset that was sold and would be for additional outfit of new vehicles. This money was already received in addition to already recognized revenues. Councilperson Semones asked if this was from a sale of a vehicle, Mrs. Metcalf advised,yes, one vehicle was sold. Councilperson Reed made a motion to approve 2024-OR-17 on the First and Second Reading, seconded by Councilperson Burns; motion passed, 9-0. ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Larry Wilder-No Comment Les Merkley-No Comment DEPARTMENT HEADS: JPD Chief Kavanaugh-thanked the Council and said he appreciated their time in the executive session before tonight's meeting regarding the discussion to open the contract for Police and moving forward with support of the pay compensation for the JPD Officers. He advised an email was sent to Council President White from FOP President Stewart and asked that it be forwarded to the rest of the Council. JFD Chief Grant-advised the Council he had received a price quote for the renovations to Station 1. He would get this information to the Council members and then they could go over this individually prior to the next Council Meeting to come up with a plan. Thank you all for your time. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Bonnie Wise-Clark County Museum in regards to Lafayette Bicentennial Jeanne Burke-Clark County Museum in regards to Lafayette Bicentennial Ms. Wise and Ms. Burke spoke in regards to the upcoming Bicentennial of Lafayette's Farewell Tour that will expand from August 2024 to September 2025. In 1825, Lafayette came to Jeffersonville, IN, he was the most famous Frenchman in the world. Events will be held around the world over a 13 month period to include 24 states. See attached information. COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson Burns—he had a conversation with Mrs. Metcalf regarding the Master Fund Report, she informed him that there was a policy on this, he printed that policy for each Council Member and had Mrs. Metcalf explain it. Mrs. Metcalf advised that half way through the policy on page 7 it talks about the reserve policy. The top line is 15%, line 2 is 25%. She advised she would like it to stay at the 25%. The next line shows what the actual percentage was for the reserves, then the little box at the very bottom showed the pooled funds reserve,which was a 30%. In this policy,the funds that are collectively called the pooled funds, which are majority of the funds shown, which also includes the Rainy Day Fund, which was not included on this sheet. Council President White asked if this policy is passed by the Board of Public Works. Mrs. Metcalf advised yes, by Board of Public Works, not the Council. ()AA— 4A1 t / . • Councilperson Semones—Thanked Mayor Moore for his State of the City Address and hopes that anyone that did not get to attend will go online and watch. She echos a lot of his comments from the Address he gave regarding the City being more vibrant,the fiscal responsibility the City has and has developed over the years. She advised that this Council intends to continue to maintain that fiscal responsibility and take that obligation seriously. Also thanks to the Police, Fire, EMS, and City Employees. Some core components of the city such as River Ridge Development,jobs, housing, road work,thanks to everyone that has played a role in it. She voiced her appreciation to the Mayor and all City Employees. She advised, she firmly believes that City Workers make Cities work,that's exactly who needs the support. Thanks to Mr. Lambert for his support of the team celebration last year and this year and hopes that other business owners and citizens follow in his footstep. Thanks to her fellow Council members for the dialog in the executive session today. • Councilperson Anderson—No Comment • Councilperson Reed—Good luck to all the elementary schools that are participating in the basketball tournament, also good luck to those that are participating in Circle the State,where students from all over the state come together to sing. This will be held in Charlestown this year. • Councilperson Webb—thanks to everyone that attends these meetings. • Council Vice President Hawkins—advised that everyone's vote is 100%,for example,when the Juneteenth concert was brought up, he was 100%against it, but as more information came in regards to where the money comes from, he started to lean the other way. He is in support of the concert and hopes it does well,just need to get more sponsors, he wishes that Jeff Goes County was going to happen this year, but understands why it is not. He would like to thank 911,the First Responders and everyone that came to his aid today in a minor fender bender,they all were very professional. • Councilperson Snelling—No Comment • Councilperson Stoner—echoed the comments that Councilperson Semones made regarding the Mayor's State of the City Address also the transparency of the City of Jeffersonville. He has been exploring the City Websites the past couple of weeks and there was a lot of information on there and looks great. Appreciate all of the public safety and their dedication and professionalism. Thanks to a local Eagle Scout, Preston and his family. They are accepting donations for the Jeffersonville Animal Shelter,and Preston is actually doing a couple of project at the animal shelter,thanks for his hard work and dedication. • Council President White—The Council received an email from FOP President Stewart regarding contract negotiations,that will be passed on to each Council Member. Council President White encouraged the Fire Department to do the same. He liked what Councilperson Semones said,City workers make Cities work. For all of the officers in the crowd,thank you for coming today, look forward to working with you all to make sure you are in the best position possible, he feels Jeffersonville has the best department in Southern Indiana. Thanks to the Council for the vigorous discussion regarding Juneteenth concert,sponsorship packets will be sent out to each Council Member. On a separate discussion,there is some talk about Jeff Goes Country. The Juneteenth thing did not happen overnight. He has had numerous meeting with numerous people to organize and asking for presentation of the Additional Appropriation. If anyone wants to do that work and have those meetings,then put it on the agenda, let's get it done, it is slow work, but he supports it. ADJOURNMENT: Councilperson Stoner made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 7:14 p.m. APROVED BY: Dustin White,Council President ATTEST: Li Gill,Clerk BICENTENNIAL OF LAFAYETTE'S FAREWELL TOUR The American Friends of Lafayette(AFL)was established in AUGUST 2024- S E P T E M B E R 2025 1932 with the mission to honor the entirety of Lafayette's ement, on, and ism t_ ,- legacy The society is one of theoriginal sponsors of theYorktowansDa c t s_ . - i ' it P;,' iu` 1119 Celebration held every October 19th, and since 1946, has i` I y'! �„ ,L• � - participated in the annual July 4th ceremony at Lafayette's 4-"" '• , e: k • 1 ��r gravesite in Paris.Throughout 2024-2025, the AFI. will host '-`;s w •6 !'' Ce_ ;.1r>. r' educational programming across the United States and in EitIMI• France to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette's return to America as the"Guest of the Nation." " I r�w -tell; �,�i "' Our Bicentennial Committee has been established to plan and n 1 al.- 1 •t .. r ;�•� promote the recreation of many of the events related to the • i .''.. ,; j I. o i:: nvs3+ n� ;•. * `- �l + Farewell Tour of Major General Lafayette.The committee is fi � � + `" r' '�' ��; �' j� b�'� 1 t made up of 200 individuals, representing the 24 states '��� ' � ;'� • . '1' Lafayette visited in 1824-1825 (with Washington, D.C. and 6 l a fA = ' c : q r t y all West Virginia included as well). i , ' ~� om ' j c.al lf, r �' I *_[ There will be hundreds >... -i .,t n,,, , ri I ,- undr ds of planned events,both in large cities i sF R,, i ,"� ' ( �` such as NewYork,Boston,Philadelphia,Baltimore,Charleston, RRRMIA• P #wt �' 4 St.Louis,New Orleans and Savannah as well as in a multitude y 6 i �v4 y y c It ; of small towns Lafayette visited,still brimming with pride that r r d al ' ' �TM2n 1'a 3v��". �y r • No 1,•L., America's Rom,..r« ,,, • . Americas favorite fighting Frenchman came through their municipality. Our goal is to educate the public about the role •��I played by both Lafayette and France in our war for p.,4, a.., C - 1 - independence with planned festivities, informative aR � im q�q ;- programing,and meaningful remembrances. Ammo ,.. +w Beginning on August 16, 2024, we the ` lwill start a , A:[ormil •r4111 4 , i` ‘ I ' thirteen-month bicentennial celebration of Lafayette's . _ triumphant return tour of the United States in NewYork City. • During the next thirteen months, we will follow Lafayette's '�.� % footsteps through the then existing24 states p g in the exact.order 6 k •CNR�'! Ill he traveled in 1824-1825.For example: rw • August 16, 2024: In New York City, we will commemorate Lafayette's return to the United States after forty years.This event ive''' will kick off our 13-month celebration. ;. `-sue Image credit:New-York Historical Society exhibition October 17, 2024:We will gather at George Washington's tomb at •NiEnffliii panel for French Founding Father:Lafayette's Return to Mount Vernon to Commemorate Lafayette's somber visit there two Washington's America,November 2oo7-August 2008 centuries prior. September 8, 2025: We will end our 13-month celebration in Washington D.C. where we will board a boat to sail down the THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF LAFAYETTE IS THE PROUD OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE COMMEMORATION OF LAFAYETTE'S FAREWELL TOUR Potomac River, past Mount Vernon,just as Lafayette did 200 years earlier on his way back to France. ' THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF LAFAYETTE Thank you to our sponsor, r `,,' , Dedicated to the memory of Major General Gilbert du Motier,Marquis de Lafayette p AI.11`l Ski.. • The Bales Foundation, FOUNDATION Jeffersonville,Indiana. Lafayette in Jeffersonville and Louisville— it is well known that Lafayette, I his son and secretary were on a steamboat that sank in the Ohio River PN F Rl-s ok on the way to Louisville.Amazingly, no one perished . 444` y Lafayette's arrival in Louisville was highly Lafayette took a day trip to Indiana while in Q 94 anticipated. He first arrived in Portland. Although it was Louisville,crossing the Ohio River to Jeffersonville on May 4 , 1 cri raining, he was met with an enthusiastic welcome. The 11,where he was"greeted on the Indiana shore by a salute E- eAh'� t-4r7 trustees of the city authorized the expenditure of two of thrice 24 guns, discharged from three pieces of artillery * ;:t,d hundred dollars for a reception. Broadsides were printed stationed on the river bank,"according to Baird's History of * ° ' and distributed that directed citizens to where they should Clark County,Indiana. * EST?0 AM'1932 gather to greet the honored guest.Businesses were asked to Military officers escorted Lafayette to the home of the late * * * close during Lafayette's procession through the streets,and Indiana Territory Governor Thomas Posey, a mansion people were asked to wear"Lafayette badges."Gov. Joseph overlooking the river.Gov.James B. Ray and veterans of the SAVE THE DATES Desha assigned a reception committee to represent the Revolution were there to meet him. Lafayette attended a state upon Lafayette's arrival.The members included Gen. public reception followed by a 3 p.m.dinner held outside on May 11 & 12, 2025 Robert Breckinridge, Gen. Thomas Bodley, James W. a 220-foot long table decorated with roses and other flowers. Bicentennial of Lafayette's Farewell Tour Denny, William Barry Taylor, J. Bledsoe and Charles S. 2�24-2�2 5 Todd. A banner proclaimed, "Indiana welcomes LaFayette, the After welcoming speeches he entered a carriage and was Champion of Liberty in Both Hemispheres!"a reference not AY E r only to Lafayette's role helping the colonists but his escorted by the Lafayette Cavalry, the Louisville Light trN) J Infantry, and a crowd of citizens into the city. The subsequent, less successful effort to bring equality and procession was greeted by an estimated ten thousand freedom to his own country during the French Revolution. people. Lafayette's procession made its way to Main St toAfter dinner, guests offered toasts to the United States, itsThird St,then to Jefferson St and west to Fifth St and finallyfriends, the memory of George Washington and "Major to Union Hall at Fifth and Main Streets, where he was to General LaFayette united with Washington in our hearts." Ztri Lafayette wished the best to Hoosiers, saying, "May the W t'l stay during his visit. E-4 r rapid progress of this young state, a wonder among Z On the evening of May 11, 1825, Lafayette a Mason wonders, more and more evidence the blessings of y 0 himself, met with members of Louisville's two lodges, republican freedom."The dinner concluded around 6 and0 \ L Clark Lodge and Abraham Lodge, at the Clark Lodge. Lafayette was escorted back to Louisville,as told in Baird's 47 There he listened to an address given by the Reverend 1909 history. vH E NATION'S GUEST I H.M. Shaw after which Lafayette made a short response. ..L He then greeted the members, and refreshments were There are two committees to celebrate the Lafayette 424 * VI"' served.Later that night a grand ball was held at Washington Bicentennial, one in Jeffersonville and one in Louisville. You Hall and was attended by approximately 350 people. are invited to help plan and be part of this exciting historical event in our communities! The American Friends of Lafayette That night(after returning from Jeffersonville)he attended is theproud O 1Cial sponsor the circus and the theatre.At the theatre he was met with a What we have planned so far - distribute books aboutP Lafayette to the e lementarymarkers, speakers schools, eakers on of the commemoration of standing ovation from the audience. On the morning of Lafayette,and TBD special events! Lafayette's Farewell Tour. Friday, May 13, Lafayette presented a banner to the Lafayette Guards. He then left Louisville for Frankfort. Jeffersonville- Bonny Wise wises496@gmail.com • 502-554-5504 www.friendsoflafayette.org Louisville -Sue Rogers www.lafayette200.org scoutroiers(ai)vahoo.com• 502-905-3233 americanfriendsoflafayette@gmail.com Good evening esteemed members of the Jeffersonville City Council, I am honored to stand before you today on behalf of Park DuValle Community Health Center. As the Marketing and Communications Director of our esteemed organization, I am here to reflect on the tremendous success of last year's "Jammin In Jeff Concert with Lil Jon" and to express our earnest desire to partner once again for this year's event. The partnership between Park DuValle and the Jeffersonville community during last year's concert was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a true testament to the power of collaboration and the ability to bring diverse communities together for a common cause. Through music, laughter, and shared experiences, we witnessed firsthand the bonds that were forged across the Ohio River, uniting Louisville and Jeffersonville in celebration. The success of last year's event underscores the importance of continuing this tradition. It's not just about the music or the festivities; it's about fostering connections, building bridges, and strengthening the fabric of our communities. By coming together once again for this event, we have an opportunity to further solidify these bonds and create lasting memories for residents on both sides of the river. As we look ahead to the future, Park DuValle is committed to being a steadfast partner in the continued success of the "Jammin In Jeff Concert." We believe that events like these are essential for promoting unity, diversity, and community spirit. We are excited about the possibility of collaborating once again with the City of Jeffersonville, and we are confident that together, we can make this year's event even more remarkable than the last. In closing, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Jeffersonville City Council for their ongoing support and partnership. We look forward to the opportunity to work together again this year and to continue making a positive impact in our community. Thank you.