Becca Burks

The Redevelopment Commission meeting covered various projects and agreements. Discussions included updates on the Main Street/Woerner Avenue reconstruction, Sam Gwin Drive Extension, Lowes Pump Station Replacement, Progress Way Improvements, and South Clark Boulevard projects. The meeting also addressed the Montgomery Avenue Bike/Ped INDOT project, Riverside Drive INDOT project, Blackiston Mill Road INDOT project, Brown Station Way Corridor project, and Clarksville Wayfinding Signage project. Several resolutions and contracts were approved, including the disposition of real property at 410 Newman Ave, a contract with Hart's Surveying, a resolution ratifying an interlocal cooperation agreement with Jeffersonville, an interlocal agreement for Missouri Avenue relocation, an agreement with the Jeffersonville-Clarksville Flood Control District, a supplemental agreement with Jacobi Toombs and Lanz, a change order with MAC Construction, and a general services agreement with Jacobi Toombs and Lanz.

The meeting agenda includes a public hearing on the proposed FY2025 budget, consideration of the minutes from a previous joint town council meeting, and the approval of claims. Several ordinances are up for discussion and potential approval, including one requesting funds for Water Tower Square, one for annexing property on Gutford Road, and others amending zoning codes and rezoning properties. Additionally, the agenda includes awarding a contract for a sidewalk replacement program, approving an addendum to a memorandum of understanding, and discussing an appeal of a wastewater adjustment. A work session will follow to discuss a moratorium on dumpster enclosure construction and the creation of regulations regarding pollinator gardens.

The council meeting addressed several key issues. Public comments raised concerns about violent crimes and neighborhood safety, including questions about a previously raided property. The council accepted striping bids for future public works projects and awarded a bid for 2021 street striping work to AllTerrain Paving. An ordinance amending job classifications and salary ranges for non-union employees was approved, along with a resolution authorizing a condemnation complaint. A work session followed, focusing on sign code modifications to allow digital signage and guidelines for consent agenda items.

The key discussion topic was the approval of Ordinance 2021-BUD-03, adopting the FY 2022 budget. The ordinance was presented, received a first reading, and was then approved by unanimous vote. Following a second reading, it was again approved by a 6-0 vote.

The council meeting included a swearing-in ceremony for a new police officer. Public comments focused on concerns regarding a zoning change on Apple Leaf Lane and noise issues from an AirBnB. Public hearings were held for the annexation of Applegate Ln. and an additional appropriation for the Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund. The council approved ordinances related to food vending trucks, an additional appropriation for the capital improvement fund, a salary ordinance for a Community Healthcare Coordinator, rezoning on Apple Leaf Lane, transferring funds between budget classifications, and amending the residential rental inspection program. A resolution was approved to cease eminent domain action for Harbor Freight Tools. Bids were accepted for the sale of real estate, and a general services agreement was approved with R.W. Moore Engineering.