Public Meetings - Columbus, Indiana

The Columbus City Council met on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included second readings of ordinances for sewer bond adjustments and an airport PUD amendment, first readings for annexation and rezoning of a 40-acre residential development, salary ordinance revisions, an additional appropriation, and a presentation on upcoming transit route changes. The council also approved appointments to the Human Rights Commission. Consent Calendar - Minutes from March 3, 2026 meeting – Approved unanimously (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2B (Airport PUD): Brad Davis (National Road) asked about future PUD changes in light of the airport's aerotropolis plan. Staff responded that further revisions are possible. - Item 3A/3B (Annexation and Rezoning): Karen Sakari (4674 corner of 150 and 300) expressed concerns about traffic congestion on 150 West, noting the bridge repair and additional congestion from the new development. She questioned whether a traffic study had been completed before the decision. - Item 3C/3D (Salary and Appropriation): No public comments. Discussion Items - Item 2A – Sewer Bond Adjustment (Second Reading): Staff presented a $9.6 million increase in project costs, offset by $7.2 million in additional grants, resulting in no net impact. Council approved the second reading unanimously (8-0). - Item 2B – Columbus Air Park PUD Modification (Second Reading): Staff outlined seven proposed changes: adding an animal shelter, expanding Picolar Green for events, increasing commercial flexibility, exchanging property between sub-areas, expanding the community garden, and omitting a bicycle/pedestrian path. The Planning Commission had recommended approval unanimously. Council approved the second reading 8-0. - Item 3A – Annexation of Kimberland Springs (First Reading): Arbor Homes requested annexation of 40 acres (40% contiguous with city limits) and rezoning of 108 acres from AP (agriculture) to RT (residential two-family). Staff confirmed all city departments could provide services, though public works raised capacity concerns. The property is within the future land use plan for residential use. Arbor Homes representatives stated the development would include 282 single-family homes (150 on smaller lots, 132 on standard lots) with a price range of $200,000–$300,000. Council discussed traffic, buffering, and potential impacts on schools and utilities. A letter from Colin Rough raised drainage and access concerns; the applicant committed to a 50-foot buffer berm. The first reading was approved 8-0. - Item 3B – Rezoning (First Reading): Following the annexation, the council moved to the rezoning. Councilmember Elaine Hilbert proposed an amendment to formalize the 50-foot buffer along the north property line adjacent to Mr. Rough. The amendment passed 8-0, and the amended rezoning ordinance passed on first reading 8-0. - Item 3C – Salary Ordinance (First Reading): Community Development and Redevelopment departments proposed creating a full-time Community Development Specialist (replacing a part-time administrative assistant) and transitioning the shared office administrator position to be fully funded by the Redevelopment Commission. The net impact on the city's general fund is neutral. Discussion focused on salary ranges and job titles: the office administrator role (held by Casey Buchanan) has expanded duties, and the proposed salary range matched that of a specialist. Councilmember Grace Kessler raised concerns about fairness and consistency with other office administrators. An amendment was offered to change the title from “Office Administrator” to “Redevelopment Specialist” to reflect the higher-level duties. The amendment passed 7-1 (Kessler opposed). The amended salary ordinance passed on first reading 7-1 (Kessler opposed). - Item 3D – Additional Appropriation from Redevelopment General Fund (First Reading): The redevelopment department requested $52,000 to fully absorb the office administrator position for the remainder of 2026. The fund balance is projected to exceed $3.4 million. The first reading was approved 8-0. - Transit Department Update: Director Matt presented a comprehensive redesign of fixed routes, transitioning from five routes to four efficient loops, adding dedicated stops, and expanding service to Taylorsville and Walesboro. A microtransit pilot is planned for late summer. New routes begin March 23, 2026. The council received the report with gratitude and noted strong community support. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Sewer bond adjustment: passed 8-0 (second reading). - Airport PUD amendment: passed 8-0 (second reading). - Annexation of Kimberland Springs: passed 8-0 (first reading). - Rezoning (with 50-foot buffer amendment): passed 8-0 (first reading). - Salary ordinance amendment (title change): passed 7-1 (Grace Kessler opposed). - Amended salary ordinance: passed 7-1 (Kessler opposed). - Additional appropriation: passed 8-0 (first reading). - Appointments: The council confirmed the reappointment of Janae Garner Kelly and new appointments of Blake Fields, Felicia Gar, and Ethan Crack to the Human Rights Commission (three-year terms through March 31, 2029). The vote was 8-0. Swearing-in will take place at the April 7, 2026 meeting. - Next Steps: The salary and appropriation ordinances will return for second reading in three weeks (April 7, 2026). The transit route changes launch March 23, 2026, with Walesboro and Taylorsville service starting April 6, 2026.

The Columbus Parks Board met on March 12, 2026, to discuss financial updates, approve park user fees and donations, receive a director's report on hiring and master plans, address parking concerns from a recent tournament, and hear a public comment regarding a potential partnership with the AI Fitness Center. All motions presented were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from February 12, 2026 meeting (moved, seconded, carries). - Park user fees (Attachment 4) approved, including adjustments for turf fields, farmers market vendor fees, golf course concessions, and nexus field house pricing. The fees reflect changes for spring and winter seasons, with a focus on staying competitive while covering costs. No opposition noted. - Claims and payrolls request approved. - Acceptance of a donation: a truck bed from an individual for a park vehicle, accepted by motion. Public Comments & Testimony - Scott (Shape Well / group fitness classes): Presented a proposal to partner with the AI Fitness Center. He noted that his organization, representing group fitness classes, wishes to sublet a renovated space in the fitness center for seven classes. He stated that 10-25% of his membership would use an open gym, expanding AI Fitness Center membership, and that their members could activate child watch services. He requested a one-year initial partnership and further discussions. The Parks Director acknowledged the request and indicated willingness to discuss operational alignment. Discussion Items - Financial Update: Staff reported that general fund revenues are stabilizing, cash balances are growing, and a five-year capital plan is being developed. Subsidies for Nexis Field House are being requested as needed; the 2026 revenues shown are from fees only. The subsidy budgeted for 2026 is lower than initially projected. Questions were raised about timing of subsidy requests and cash balance drivers. - Park User Fees (detailed discussion): Changes include new class additions/strikes at Columbus Gymnastics Center, price increases for turf materials (new track expected end of April), farmers market fee benchmarking, and updates to golf course concessions and rounds. Field house pricing varies by season (winter vs. spring) and tournament vs. public rates. Hub rental fee is $800 half-day / $1,200 full day. No fee is currently charged for corridor spaces. Staff noted that programming will be added to activate underutilized spaces. A board member expressed concern about vendor solicitation at tournaments and suggested the department negotiate a cut of vendor revenue; it was clarified that tournament directors contract with vendors separately. - Acceptance of Donations (Policy Discussion): The board discussed the process for accepting donations, particularly for equipment and property. It was noted that legal and security reviews are conducted. For future donations, a checklist or protocol may be developed. The donation of a truck bed was accepted; a future donation of combat cages for the field house is pending agreement. - Director’s Report: - Hiring: Fitness, Health, and Wellness Manager interviews underway (strong candidate pool). Recreation (CGC) manager interviews also underway. Athletic labor position filled internally. Full-time trail position hiring in progress. Goal to fill positions by end of April. - Strategic Plans: Five-year strategic master plan scope finalized, contract signed. Kickoff with stakeholder and public involvement planned after April summit. Donner Aquatic Center Master Plan and Mill Race Master Plan (seeking commission funding) will proceed with Bonnie Bell Russell as project manager. - Fitness Center Expansion: Two remaining shell spaces will be built out funded by AEI/Angie May donation. One space for youth sports performance (heavy lifting, supporting IU athletics), one for traditional equipment (yoga, Pilates, etc.). Cost estimates being obtained. - Track & Field House Updates: New turf at Hamilton being laid, completion expected end of April. Field house construction wrapping up. Chiller system now operational. Cost overrun for a project returned to Taylor Brothers for redesign to meet Sentinels League minimum requirements. - Wrestling Tournament Parking Issues: Folk wrestling event was successful but RVs parked in lot occupied multiple spots. Board discussed enforcement, communication with tournament sponsors, and potential designated RV parking area. Staff will explore legal options to prevent recurrence. - Foundation Collaboration: Amy Hersell, president of Columbus Park Foundation, introduced. Plans to align department and foundation goals, including annual goal-setting and quarterly reviews. Foundation will help fund initiatives and inform annual appeal. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes (2/12/2026), Park user fees (Attachment 4), Claims and payrolls, Acceptance of truck bed donation. - Tabled: Teaching kitchen update to next month. - Parking Enforcement: Staff directed to develop and communicate a policy on RV parking during events to prevent loss of parking spaces. - Partnership Proposal: Director will follow up with Scott to discuss the operational fit of the proposed partnership. - Next Steps: Hiring processes continue; master plan kickoffs in April; cost estimates for fitness center build-out and track redesign to be presented; foundation meeting scheduled offline.

The Bartholomew County Plan Commission convened on March 11, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, Columbus, Indiana. Due to the absence of a quorum (multiple commissioners were out sick or otherwise unavailable), the meeting could not be formally called to order. After brief discussion, the commission postponed all action items to the next regular meeting on April 8, 2026, or a potential special meeting on March 24, 2026. The applicant for the sole public hearing item (SUB-26-7) agreed to the postponement. The commission then proceeded with an informal discussion item on proposed zoning ordinance amendments, led by city planner Jesse. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the December 10, 2025 meeting were listed on the consent agenda but were not approved due to the lack of a quorum. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made; the public hearing item was not opened. Discussion Items: Zoning Ordinance Amendments (Housing Updates) - City planner Jesse presented a comprehensive overview of proposed amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance, driven by the 2025 housing study. The changes aim to increase housing diversity and density, including reducing minimum lot sizes and home sizes, and introducing new housing types such as two-family, three-family, four-family, cottage courts, and various apartment scales. The city is removing the term “single-family” from zoning districts (e.g., RS3 becomes R3) and renaming RT to RM1 and RM to RM2 for lower- and larger-scale multi-family. - For the county, three key proposals were highlighted: 1. RE District Restructuring: The county’s single RE (Residential Established) district would be split into RE1 (historic downtown areas), RE2 (fringe areas near commercial centers), and RE3 (county areas). A new minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet would be set, based on the average of lots in existing county villages (St. Louis Crossing, Azalia, Grammer, Burnsville, Newbern, Waynesville, Taylorsville, Rugby, and Schaefer Lake, where average lot sizes range from 13,000 to 31,000 square feet). The intent is to avoid creating non-conforming lots while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods. 2. Minimum Living Area Reduction: The current minimum of 1,000 square feet would be reduced to 800 square feet for single-family dwellings. Jesse explained that this aligns with the average square footage in existing RE-zoned homes (which range from 500–1,000 square feet in county villages) and is intended to support affordable housing. The average home built in the county over the past 10 years is 3,300 square feet, so the lower minimum would provide flexibility without dramatically changing typical construction. The reduction does not apply to apartments (minimum 450 square feet) and does not permit mobile homes without permanent foundations. 3. Removal of AV (Agriculture Voluntary Protection) Zoning District: This district, created about 20 years ago to allow landowners to voluntarily preserve farmland by restricting subdivision, has never been used. Commissioners discussed its original intent (including a potential property tax benefit that never materialized) and concluded it was “spring cleaning” to remove it, though the final decision was left open. - Discussion also touched on data centers as a potential future zoning issue, but it was noted that they would be treated as industrial uses and the county’s discretion would apply during rezoning. Water consumption and utility concerns were acknowledged as non-zoning matters. - Jesse clarified that the city’s changes are more progressive, and the county’s corresponding amendments would follow after the city’s adoption process (including public open houses and planning commission/council votes). The county commission expressed a preference for consistency between city and county ordinances. - Commissioner questions explored the feasibility of smaller homes in county villages (given lack of sewer and services) and the potential for infill development in Columbus (e.g., City View hospital property). It was noted that denser housing types are not appropriate for rural county areas, so the RE3 designation would maintain the status quo. Key Outcomes - Postponement: The public hearing for SUB-26-7 (McCord Minor Subdivision, 2nd Replat) was postponed to the regular meeting on April 8, 2026, because the commission lacked a quorum. The applicant (Matt McCord) agreed to this delay. A special meeting on March 24, 2026 was discussed but not scheduled. - No Formal Votes: No motions were made or votes taken on any agenda items, including the consent agenda, appointments (Plat Committee members, liaisons to Columbus and Hope Plan Commissions), or zoning amendments. - Next Steps: The commission will continue discussion of the zoning ordinance amendments at future meetings, with the city process expected to conclude first. The county will then consider corresponding changes. Staff will prepare materials for the April 8 meeting, which will include the postponed subdivision and possibly the appointments.

The Columbus Plan Commission met on March 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a public hearing on a rezoning request from Volunteers of America, and a discussion on proposed zoning ordinance revisions related to build-to-rent developments and procedural changes for small-scale projects. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the February 11, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the commission on the rezoning item. New Business Requiring Commission Action: PC-26-3 – Volunteers of America Rezoning - Request: Rezone 0.61 acres at the southwest corner of 14th Street and Hutchins Avenue from PUD (Planned Unit Development) to RM (Residential: Multi-Family) for an affordable housing project named “Hutchins Crossing.” - Project details: 17 multifamily units, two-story, no elevator, 100% ADA on the first floor, focused on adults with high needs. Funded through state support. The project will include a purchase agreement with United Way, which currently owns the property. Parking will be leased from United Way, and a variance may be sought for parking requirements. - Staff report: The area is identified as future residential in the comprehensive plan. Relevant goals include developing diverse housing types and affordable housing. The property is within the Columbus Central Neighborhoods plan, which promotes mixed-use and mixed-income redevelopment. Proximity to parks (0.31 miles to Greenbelt golf course), commercial goods (0.16 miles), and transit (Route 3) was noted. Sidewalk gaps exist along 14th Street. - Applicant testimony: Chloe Ingle King, development associate with Volunteers of America, stated that the project is supported by the state and has received positive feedback from neighboring organizations, including the school corporation, Central Park Apartments, and a nearby property owner. An open house on February 26, 2026, was well-received. - Commission discussion: Questions covered parking adequacy, property ownership, and potential transit station relocation. Staff recommended two commitments: (1) traditional neighborhood design with structures fronting 14th Street or Hutchins Avenue and parking behind, and (2) improvements to the sidewalk on the south side of 14th Street between Central Park and Hutchins Avenue. - Vote: Motion to forward the rezoning to City Council with a favorable recommendation, subject to the two commitments. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items: Zoning Ordinance Revisions Build-to-Rent Developments - Presentation by Jesse: Since 2019, the build-to-rent market has grown 130% and accounted for 8.4% of all single-family housing starts in 2025. In 2024, 39,000 new single-family BTR homes were completed, with 71,000 units started by June 2025. The average monthly mortgage payment for a new home is 37%–52% higher than the average BTR rent. Median household income ($83,150 nationally) has not kept pace with median home sale prices ($416,900), making homeownership difficult for many. - Discussion: Build-to-rent communities typically operate like apartment complexes but offer single-family experiences. They can take the form of traditional neighborhoods, cottage courts, or mixed-density developments. Concerns included: private vs. public streets, emergency services access, trash service, and the potential for large institutional investors to dominate the market. The commission discussed a threshold of 12 units for small-scale developments (3–12 units) where more flexibility could be granted (e.g., private streets, reduced infrastructure requirements). The number 12 was based on research and consistency with small-scale multifamily definitions. The approach aims to encourage infill development and privately funded affordable housing while preventing serial developments that circumvent regulations. Staff clarified that the zoning ordinance cannot regulate whether units are for rent or sale; the focus is on building types and site design. - Consensus: The commission was comfortable with the 12-unit threshold and the general direction. Concerns were noted about ensuring future subdivision feasibility and avoiding monopolization by large firms. Procedures for Small-Scale Projects (3–12 Units) - Presentation by Jeff: The zoning ordinance currently treats all projects requiring a zoning compliance certificate the same, regardless of scale. Proposed changes tailor requirements based on project size. For 3–12 unit residential projects, requirements will be reduced: no certified site plan needed (zoning exhibit accepted), fewer drawings, and simpler lighting and parking documentation. For commercial/industrial projects under certain thresholds, similar reductions apply. A foundation release option for large commercial/industrial projects was also introduced. The goal is to remove unnecessary costs and delays for smaller developments, particularly infill projects. - Discussion: The commission discussed the need for sidewalks on public streets for small projects—staff suggested that if the project is 12 units or fewer and on an existing lot, sidewalk requirements may be waived, leaving gaps for the city to fill. The RE3 zoning district (for rural villages like Clifford, Rugby, etc.) was introduced to maintain status quo in low-density areas. Permanent supportive housing was removed as a distinct use; it will be regulated by unit count. - Consensus: The commission expressed support for the proposed procedural changes, with the caveat that safeguards should prevent clustering multiple small developments to avoid regulatory intent. Key Outcomes - PC-26-3 Rezoning: Approved to forward to City Council with a favorable recommendation and two commitments. First City Council opportunity: April 7, 2026. - Zoning Ordinance Revisions: The commission reached consensus on the 12-unit threshold for build-to-rent and small-scale multifamily developments, and on the procedural streamlining for projects of 3–12 units. Staff will continue to refine the ordinance language and present more detailed proposals at future meetings. - Next Steps: Staff to further develop parking regulations and address serial development concerns. The next meeting agenda may include parking discussions. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 p.m.

The board met on March 10, 2026, with all members present. The board approved the March 3 meeting minutes, a transit policy update, a bus purchase, police and emergency management items, contract renewal, claims, engineering projects, and a property demolition request. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 3, 2026 meeting minutes by a 5-0 voice vote. - Approved the Columbus Transit drug and alcohol testing policy update, modifying one sentence on page 3, Section D to remove a dollar amount and adopt the city's higher standard of drug testing after any accident. - Approved the bill of sale transferring retired police canine Bain to former officer Marcus Clark, who worked with the dog for five years. - Approved the memorandum of understanding among Columbus Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office, and Columbus Regional Hospital for a SWAT medic; this supplements the existing medics MOU by clarifying responsibilities for a sheriff's deputy who also works as an EMT. - Approved the $14,350 quote for the Rapid Warn NOAA outdoor tornado siren activation system, replacing the current Central Alert software for 14 city and 4 county sirens. - Authorized the city attorney to sign the third-party administrator contract and summary plan description with SIHO, with no substantive changes. - Approved two dockets of claims as presented. - Approved the notice to bidders for Project 2601 (2026 crack seal and mastic joint repair). - Approved special use of right-of-way requests from Public Works, Dave O'Mara, and JW Excavating. - Took under advisement the single bid for Project 26-06 (Central Avenue preemption), which adds confirmation lights to seven intersections. - Accepted uniform conflict of interest disclosure statements from Gene Hack, Steve Norman, Lori Rowan, Jerome Wood, Don Ray, and others. Discussion Items Transit Bus Purchase - Transit Director Beth Ann presented the intent to purchase a 29-foot Gillig low-floor diesel bus, funded through the Indiana 539 grant; the local match has already been approved by the city council, so no additional funding is requested. - The bus will be identical to the current fleet of five Gillig diesel buses with Cummins engines. The fleet also includes two useful spares and one 2006 bus that was struck by lightning. The purchase adds to fleet capacity as older buses come due for replacement within 18 months. - The board approved the purchase 5-0. Property Demolition – 727 Reed Street - Engineering staff requested authorization for vacation, condemnation, demolition, and legal action at 727 Reed Street. The property is in severe disrepair, has been problematic since at least 2014, and has evidence of break-ins; the owner is not in contact. - A board member noted the Lincoln neighborhood watch has prioritized vacant homes and welcomed the action. - The board approved the motion 5-0. Key Outcomes - All motions passed unanimously (5-0). - The meeting was adjourned after the board accepted the conflict of interest statements and approved the demolition request.

The Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer met on March 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Columbus, Indiana. The sole agenda item was a conditional use request for an accessory dwelling unit. No minutes or transcript of the hearing are available, so deliberation, public testimony, and the final decision are not documented. Agenda Item - BZA-26-14: Conditional use request by Kiersten & William Voils to allow an accessory dwelling unit in the AP (Agriculture: Preferred) zoning district per Zoning Ordinance Section 6.1(D). Property address: 765 South 650 East, Clay Township. Key Outcomes - No decision or vote is recorded. The outcome of the request cannot be determined from available records.

The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety met on March 3, 2026, to consider several routine approvals, a sole-source equipment purchase, engineering contracts, and community announcements. All items were approved unanimously with no public comments or opposition. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting. - Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The board accepted conflict of interest statements from Charles Smith Jr. (Columbus Rec Parks and Recreation Board Member), Brian Walsh, Nathan Hazel, John Neisted (all on the insurance review committee), and Travis Calhoun (Associate Director of Treatment Operations for Utilities). - DORA Temporary Vendor Permit: Approved a request from Elevate Events to serve alcohol at an Arts Council event on March 5, 2026. - Special Use of Right-of-Way: Approved the weekly summary of special use of right-of-way requests. - Release of Performance Guarantee – Wind Star Woods: Released $13,894.91 for seven lots of sidewalk in the Wind Star Woods major subdivision. - Notice to Bidders – Riverfront Tree Mitigation (CRC-26-01): Approved the notice to bidders for a DNR-required tree mitigation project, replacing trees cut down during the riverfront project on city-owned property behind City Hall. - Contract with Wessler Engineering – Post-Construction Records: Approved a contract with Wessler Engineering to help the city comply with its IDEM MS4 permit by inspecting approximately 375 privately owned stormwater BMPs every five years. - Stormwater Utility Implementation Proposal: Approved a proposal from Wessler Engineering to develop ordinances, policy manuals, and background documents for a stormwater utility, which will later be presented to the Columbus City Council for approval. - Claims Dockets: Approved 18 dockets of claims. Discussion Items - Purchase of Brine Machine: The board discussed and approved the sole-source purchase of a brine machine from Vera Tech Industries for $43,250. The machine will be installed at the new Arcadia Street DPW site and will replace a 22-year-old unit. The new machine will automate the mixing of brine (salt and water) for road treatment before snowstorms, improving consistency and eliminating manual testing. The purchase was included in the 2026 capital budget. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (ayes from all present, no opposed votes). - The brine machine purchase was approved as presented. - All consent calendar items were approved. - The board adjourned following the claims approval. Community Announcements - Jody reminded attendees that First Thursdays Downtown Columbus will be held on March 5, 2026, from 4 to 8 PM with a spring awakening theme. The event includes late store hours and specials, and coincides with the Arts Council event at the Arts Gallery and Eleven Gallery. - First Fridays at the Commons will offer family activities on March 6. - Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 AM, with clocks moving forward one hour.

The Columbus City Council convened on March 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a regular meeting. The council approved minutes from February 17, heard first readings of two ordinances, received an annual Tax Increment Financing report, and received an extensive update on the Downtown 2030 plan. All votes were recorded, and no public comments were made during the meeting. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes from the February 17, 2026 council meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during any of the agenda items. One council member raised a late discussion about building permit coordination with the county, but no formal public testimony was presented. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-01 (First Reading) – Columbus Air Park Final PUD Amendment - Presented by Jeff (Planning) and Brian (Airport Board). The request amends the 2008 Planned Unit Development for non-aviation land at the airport. Six changes were proposed: adding an animal shelter as a permitted use in the Airplex Commerce Center; expanding McCollar Green from passive to active green space; allowing commercial uses (e.g., athletic complex, child care, hotel, restaurant, gas station) more flexibly across sub-districts; altering sub-district boundaries along Middle Road; and omitting a planned bicycle/pedestrian side path. The Planning Commission voted 9-0 to recommend approval. Council asked about housing restrictions (FAA prohibits traditional housing but allows student housing). The ordinance passed on first reading by a voice vote with no apparent opposition. - Ordinance 2026-02 (First Reading) – Amending CPU Bonds - Presented by Roger and Stan. The city needs to increase bonding capacity by nearly $10 million to cover rising costs for major utility projects, primarily a biosolids drying facility. The project qualifies for a 3% interest rate, reduced to 2.5% due to green initiatives. The additional borrowing will have no impact on projected utility rates. The ordinance passed on first reading by a vote of 8-1. - Caucus – Redevelopment Commission Annual TIF Report - Heather Pope presented the statutorily required April 15 report covering calendar year 2025. The report details TIF revenues, expenses, grants, and year-end fund balances by allocation area. A notable item: the owner of a property in the second TIF area paid a shortfall of $500,000 under a taxpayer agreement to meet minimum tax payments. No action was taken; the report was informational only. Council members discussed the desire for more comprehensive project updates from the Redevelopment Commission. - Downtown 2030 Plan Update - Mayor Ferdon, Bonnie, Jake, and John presented a progress report. The plan, completed in September 2025, contains over 60 recommendations. Implementation teams have been meeting monthly since August 2025, and 39 recommendations are now in progress. Priorities include the “Four Pack” (redeveloping the end of 4th Street, Sears building, Post Office pedestrian connection, Millrace Park link), the Irwin Block, and the Crump Theater renovation. The city is working to designate Census Tract 108 as an opportunity zone (2.0) to attract private investment for mixed-use development. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a master developer is expected to be issued in April 2026. Council members expressed support while urging caution regarding market conditions and vacancy rates. Public comments from Richard McCoy (Landmark Columbus Foundation) praised the emphasis on design excellence. Key Outcomes - Vote on Air Park PUD amendment: Approved on first reading (voice vote, no dissent). - Vote on CPU bond amendment: Approved on first reading (8-1). - Redevelopment Commission TIF report: Received and filed; no vote required. - Downtown 2030 Plan update: Received and discussed; no formal action. The council will consider holding a more comprehensive annual redevelopment update in the future.

The meeting consisted of a brief report on a grant allocation from a development block grant. Discussion Items - A speaker reported that the city received a grant allocation of $5,000 from a development block grant, with a total remaining balance of $20,546.63.