s e l l e r s b u r g

Service Line Inventory Information from Sellersburg Water

The Town is required, like other water utilities established before 1986, to begin a service line inventory within our system by the EPA and IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management). While we know what our watermains are, the builder of your home/business was responsible for anything from the meter to the structure and within the structure.

The Sellersburg Water Utility Department is focused on protecting the health of every household in our community and is working to identify service line materials throughout the water system.

The notices are being distributed to customers with unknown service line materials as required by the EPA. This notice does not mean we believe your drinking water is unsafe.

If you do not know what material your service line is, and if your home was built before 1986, there is the potential that some or all of the service line could be made of lead or galvanized pipe that was previously connected to lead. People living in homes with a lead or galvanized pipe previously connected to a lead service line have an increased risk of exposure to lead from their drinking water.


FIRST STEP: Identifying Service Line Material

EPA has developed an online step-by-step guide to help people identify lead pipes in their homes called Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead. It is available at: EPA’s How to Check Your Water Service Line.  

To help develop the service line inventory, please complete the survey by clicking the following link after you have identified your service line material: Sellersburg Water Service Line Inventory Survey.


Health Effects of Lead

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.


Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water.

As noted above, receiving notice does not mean we believe your drinking water is unsafe. However, if you are concerned, below are steps that you may take, separately or in combination, to address your concerns about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water. 


Get Your Child Tested to Determine Lead Levels in Their Blood

If you have a lead or galvanized service line or the service line material is unknown, you may wish to speak with a healthcare provider to see if your child’s blood lead level is elevated and/or if there is a need for blood testing, if you are concerned about potential exposure. Please visit the CDC’s Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level for information on these actions.

For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead.


Opportunity to Replace Lead or Galvanized Service Lines

If you determine your service line is lead or galvanized pipe, contact the Sellersburg Water Utility Department via email by clicking here: LCCR@sellersburg.org and please provide your name, address, city, telephone number, and email. We will keep your information on file as the Town is awaiting guidance from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) regarding their programming and funding opportunities for service line replacements.

NOTICE: Jeffersonville Water Customers Service Interruption; All Customers South of the Holmans Ln Water Plant

Beginning at 11:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Sellersburg Water will be interrupting service to conduct a watermain project as part of the water tank demolition project currently under way in the 2900 block of Holmans Lane.

Beginning at approximately 11:30 p.m. 11/20/24, you will not have water pressure for a period of approximately two (2) hours. Upon restoration of service, Sellersburg Water Team Members will be out flushing hydrants to help eliminate air in the water mains in your area.  

Upon restoration of service, your address will be under a precautionary boil water advisory. Once 3rd party lab results are confirmed as part of the advisory process, you will be notified the precautionary advisory is lifted.

Discoloring and/or cloudy water can be expected. In some cases, this change in appearance might linger for a few hours. These changes only affect the appearance of the water and do not affect water quality. No health hazards are associated with these changes. If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE

  • Draw water for cooking ahead of time.
  • Do not set your washing machine or dishwasher to run overnight during this time.
  • Store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
  • Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.

ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER TIPS

  • Using the cold water, run your sinks, toilets, and tubs for a few minutes to flush potential air pockets from your service line once service is restored.
  • Avoid running your tap water and using the washing machine or dishwasher while crews are flushing in your area.
  • If discolored water occurs, simply run the cold water for a few minutes until it clears. This will allow the sediment to work its way through your pipes.
  • Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap before doing laundry or running the dishwasher. NOTE: If your laundry becomes stained, DO NOT PUT YOUR LAUNDRY IN THE DRYER. Rewash clothes immediately using detergent and add a rust remover. Most rust removers can also be used on stained fixtures.

This will impact the areas within RED and those along Holmans Ln south of the Water Plant as well as those along Allison Ln.


Sellersburg Water Fall Hydrant Flushing

The Sellersburg Water Utility will be conducting hydrant flushing throughout the water service system in late October of 2024.

For the Sellersburg Service Area, all customers north of the Sellersburg Water Plant located on Holmans Lane, flushing will begin October 21st. For full details, please click the link: Sellersburg Area Fall Hydrant Flushing – Sellersburg Service Area

For the Jeffersonville Service area, all customers south of the Sellersburg Water Plant located on Holmans Lane, flushing will begin October 28th. For full details, please click the link: Hydrant Flushing Jeffersonville Service Area of Sellersburg Water

Ordinance Updates Input Opportunity

The Town of Sellersburg Council is asking for input from Town of Sellersburg Residents regarding updates to the Town’s Code, related to nuisances, as part of updating out of date General Regulation Ordinances. Some of these have not been review since the 1970’s.

Please read through the information below in its entirety. Instructions for email submissions is outlined below. However, it is preferred and encouraged that you come make public comment at one September Town Council Meetings held on September 9th and September 23rd beginning at 6pm at Town Hall.


Town Code §95.45 DEFINITIONS & §95.46 EXCESSIVE GROWTH PROHIBITED

The first update is related to mowing of yards. Currently, the Grass and Noxious Weed Standards in the Town Code do not include maintenance of landscaped areas.

What this update would do is include landscaped areas to not have overgrowth of 9″ or more of certain weeds. It does not permit the Town to dictate how bushes are trimmed, if it is mulched or not, etc.

What it does do is hold a minimum standard of maintenance to not allow uncontrolled growth of certain weeds and invasive species as outlined by the Purdue Extension Office.

Please review the attached draft of the existing and proposed Town Codes. If you have input on this topic, please attend a Town Council Meeting starting at 6pm and held at Town Hall on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month to have your comments heard. If you would like to contact your Town Councilman, you find their contact information and district map by clicking here: Town Councilman Information. When emailing your Councilman, please include your name and address within your email.


Town Code §95.01§95.04 PUBLIC NUISANCES & §95.15 – §95.17 ABATEMENT PROCEDURES

The second Town Code up for review is in response to the #1 complaint from residents: Code Enforcement Issues. The Town Council is seeking input from residents on how best to address this concern by updating the Town Code that relates to Public Nuisances.

The Town’s current Public Nuisance Ordinances are very dated and do not do a very good job of explaining what a ‘public nuisance’ is. In addition, the Town’s structure has changed as to who would carry out the enforcement process.

The proposed updates are an attempt to add context and definition to what a ‘public nuisance’ is. Within the proposed updates, there is extensive list of examples as to what constitutes a ‘public nuisance’ as well as a more clearly outlined path of notification, enforcement, and abatement processes to help clean up the Town of Sellersburg.

Please review the attached draft of the existing and proposed Town Codes. If you have input on this topic, please attend a Town Council Meeting starting at 6pm and held at Town Hall on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month to have your comments heard. If you would like to contact your Town Councilman, you find their contact information and district map by clicking here: Town Councilman Information. When emailing your Councilman, please include your name contact information within your email in the event they have follow-up questions for.

You can also email the general information inbox at info@sellersburg.org. Again, please include your name and contact information.


Sellersburg Celebrates Parade Route Traffic Alert

2024 Parade Traffic Notice:

Please note road closures as part of the 2024 Sellersburg Celebrates Parade. Beginning approx. 10am thru Noon on 8/24/24, ALL cross streets along the parade route will be closed. This includes US31 and New Albany Streets.

Please detour via using St. Joe East between Speed and SR60 or Salem-Noble Road between CR403 and SR62 during this time.

https://www.sellersburgcelebrates.org

Click HERE for printable image.

Solicitor Licensing

Information Regarding Solicitors:
It’s that time of the year where door-to-door solicitors may come knocking. The Town of Sellersburg does have a licensing requirement for this activity. Details can be found here: Click HERE to review the Solicitation Licensing Ordinance

The goal of this ordinance, first and foremost, is for the safety of our residents. That is why there are background checks required as part of the licensing process. In addition, this ordinance is meant to protect property owners and their peace at home from unwanted salespeople, most who, unfortunately, have taken to high pressure tactics. This was adopted in February of 2023 and does not impact kids selling Girl or Boy Scouts items, school fundraisers, etc.

If you have a solicitor approach you, ask them for their license. If you or your neighborhood has a “No Solicitors” sign posted, even if they have a license, they are in violation. If they are not listed below, they DO NOT have a Town issued license, please alert SPD by calling (812)246-4491.


CURRENT LICENSE HOLDERS:

MOXIE PEST CONTROL/Permit # 2024-001: Expires 8/12/24 Jason Shepherd

MOXIE PEST CONTROL/Permit # 2024-002: Expires 8/12/24 Nicholas Hale

MOXIE PEST CONTROL/Permit # 2024-003: Expires 8/12/24 Logan Wade

Prather St. Closure for Spot Repairs along US-31

Prather St. at US-31 will be closed Wednesday morning (6/12/24) from approximately 4am through 8am for asphalt spot repairs along the seam where it meets US-31.

During this time, please use Allhands Ave. to Highland Ave. to access US-31.

As always, please use caution around our worker as you drive this area.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we work in that area.

Click here for an expanded view of the map.

Regarding Speed Park…

6/10/24: An update regarding the status of Speed Park.

There have been questions about it becoming a Town Park, how, and why not.

It is important to first understand the State of Indiana Annexation laws that can be found in the Indiana State Code by visiting this link to the Indiana General Assembly under 36-4-3.

Annexation:

Speed Park by itself cannot be annexed into the Town because it does not meet the contiguous requirements as outlined in statute.

To be annexed into the Town, approximately 70 parcels would need to be forcibly annexed. The annexation laws have changed several times since the mid 2010s to favor property owners making forced annexation extremely difficult and, in many cases, impossible. This is why cases of forced annexation by municipalities are virtually nonexistent compared to the time frame from the early 2000s until the mid 2010s.

Voluntary annexation is possible if the required percentage of property owners were to petition the Town with voluntary annexation following state statute. Even if that were to happen, that doesn’t mean the park automatically becomes a Town Park as it’s still privately owned property. The town would still have to purchase the property. Another example of this is the Silver Creek Township Park. A small part of this is within the Town Limits, but a majority is outside of Town Limits. For the part that is in Town Limits, it is privately owned and maintained by the Township Trustee, Billy Ramser.

Land Acquisition by the Town:

Municipalities can only offer the average of 2 appraisals for land acquisition. The current property owners asking price is more than what preliminary estimated appraised value is. This conversation was had with the owner when they originally put it up for sale. We asked and encouraged donation or discount. Their response was “we want the cash”. We’ve spoken to the county regarding them owning it, they do not have nor have interest in starting a parks department for the sole purpose of owning Speed Park.

Several conversations were had with philanthropist and foundations. Some had interest in contributing but none had interest in owning, maintaining, and carrying liability of the property forever. This has been the challenge from the beginning as to who, with the current make up of ownership and municipal boundaries, can actually own it if not privately held.

The town cannot spend property tax dollars in perpetuity to own and maintain property outside the town border. This would be like Town of Sellersburg owning a park in a Town of Clarksville neighborhood like Eagle Ridge of a City of Jeffersonville neighborhood like Indian Springs. While both have Sellersburg addresses, neither are within the Town of Sellersburg limits.

Purchase by Private Entity:

If it does sell, currently, nothing can be built on it due to sewer service collection system capacity issues within that developed area. As part of the county’s petition for rezoning, a letter of utility commitment from the sanitary sewer utility is needed. Due to the system capacity issues within that area, the Town cannot provide a letter of utility service for sewers at this time. The only option for sewer would be a septic system that would need testing and approval from the Clark County Health Department.

Options:

At this time, the best way for this private park to be saved is lobby the county to start a parks department (as it is within the county) or a grass roots effort from by the impacted County Residents in the area around the park to petition the Town Council for voluntary annexation by following the Indiana State Code referenced above.

If you have further questions, please reach out to Town Hall at (812)246-3821.


2/1/24: It has come to our attention Speed Park has been officially put up for sale. Since 2022, many discussions were held. Unfortunately, there were no able partied entities who were willing to own, maintain, and accept liability for the park. In 2023, Silver Creek School Corp. did make an offer to the owner however, that deal fell through.

While the Town cannot own the park due to being well outside of our municipal limits, the Town does provide sewer services to that area. Currently, there is not capacity within our sewer collections system for that area to add additional users. This includes the entirety of the property known as Speed Park.


8/8/22: As many have heard, Lehigh Hanson Aggregates (locally known as Essroc in Speed) will be moving most of their operations to Mitchell, Indiana. As part of this relocation, they are working internally to sell some of their local landholdings. We have been told by representatives of Lehigh Hanson that Speed Park and Speed Golf Course are NOT part of the “to be sold” conversations.

The Town has been in conversations with Lehigh Hanson regarding the future of Speed Park. To dispel any rumors, the Park has NOT been sold and will not be apartments, townhomes, houses, business, etc. Lehigh Hanson has committed to the Town they have no plans to sell it to developers and is interested in working with the Town to find a solution to ensure Speed Park remains a park for future generations to enjoy.

The challenge the Town now faces is that Speed Park is not located within the Town Limits of the Town of Sellersburg nor is there a way to annex it into the Town due to its distance from our municipal border. Speed Park, like the Speed community, falls within unincorporated Clark County. While the Town is interested in and has been working with Lehigh Hanson to preserve Speed Park, the Town of Sellersburg cannot own the park within our parks system due to being outside our limits.

Clark County Government does not currently have a Parks Department nor own any property that is classified as parks and recreations. However, the Town is working with the County and the Silver Creek Township Trustee on ideas centered around who could own the Park and how/who could/would maintain it.

The Sellersburg Town Council places great importance on the preservation of Speed Park. While outside of our Town limits, everyone agrees Speed Park is a Sellersburg Community Asset that is worth saving. The Town Manager at the direction of the Council will continue to work with Lehigh Hanson and our community partners until a solution is found that results in the long-term preservation of Speed Park.

Holiday Office and Trash Collection Schedule

Christmas Schedule:

Town offices will be closed Friday, December 22nd and Monday December 25th for the Christmas Holiday.

Friday’s trash collection will be on Thursday, December 21st. Monday’s trash collection will be on Tuesday, December 26th.


New Year’s Schedule:

Town offices will be closed Monday, January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday.

Monday’s trash collection will be on Tuesday, January 2nd.


After-Hours Emergency Contact Information:

If you experience a water or sewer emergency during this time, please call (812)246-3821 ext. 5 to reach the on-call utility team.


Clark County Recycling District:

For information related to holiday recycling collection, please visit (recycleclarkcounty.org)

5/22/24: Fulton/Wildwood/Norman Area Watermain Break

5:35pm 5/23/24 Update: The precautionary boil water advisory that was issued on 5/22/24 for your address is now lifted. Third-party testing results confirmed no foreign bacteria or contamination in the water supply. If you have not already, it is recommended that you flush your cold-water faucets for several minutes to help bleed air out of your system. Thank you.9:15pm 5/22/24 Update: Water service is now being restored. Those impacted should flush your cold water taps for a few minutes to clear air out of the lines. You will also be on a 48hr boil advisory pending results from a 3rd party lab.


In the afternoon of 5/22/24, an un-permitted boring company doing work for a communications company, hit the water main located on Wildwood Drive in the Creston Neighborhood.

At approximately 5:30pm, crews were able to isolate the impacted area to the following addresses:

  • On Wildwood Drive: 606, 610, 611, 616, 617, 620, 629, 630
  • All addresses on Fulton Street
  • All addressed on N. Norman Drive
  • On Edgewood Drive: 602

If you are in the impacted area, your service is currently interrupted. This outage impacts approximately 35 customers. Once the repair is complete and service is restored, your address will be on a precautionary 48 Hour Precautionary Boil Water Advisory pending testing results from a 3rd party testing laboratory.

Anticipated time of repair completion: Approximately 10:00pm 5/22/24 or before.

If you have questions, please call 812.246.3821 extension 5 to contact our 24 Hour On-Call Technician.

Once the Precautionary Boil Advisory is lifted, you will be notified directly by a representative of Sellersburg Water.