Public Meetings - Columbus, Indiana

The Columbus City Council met on July 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting included an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a primary discussion on amending zoning regulations to reclassify communication service exchanges (including data centers and server farms) from a permitted use to a conditional use. The council voted unanimously to suspend the rules and pass the ordinance on first reading. Community reports and introductions concluded the session. Public Comments & Testimony - Red Davis (National Road) asked whether the planning department had received an application for a data center. City staff replied that no such application had been received. No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - Zoning Amendment for Communication Service Exchanges: Melissa, representing the planning department, presented a proposal to amend the zoning code to change communication service exchanges (including telephone service exchanges, data centers, and server farms) from a permitted use to a conditional use in all industrial and commercial zoning districts. The rationale was that the scale of modern facilities warrants case-by-case evaluation through the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), which would include a public hearing and allow community input. Council members asked questions about the process: whether an outright prohibition was possible (legal counsel indicated that could be problematic and invite lawsuits), and whether existing facilities expanding would be subject to the new requirement (yes, they would need conditional use approval). Council member also noted that Columbus's GDP is 50% manufacturing, making it strategic to ensure land use supports the existing industrial base. The planning director stated no immediate plans to develop specific standards for data centers but would consider those on a case-by-case basis. - Legacy STEM Fund: Council reported on a 250th anniversary legacy project: creation of a STEM fund through the Heritage Fund to provide scholarships for children's STEM programs and teacher certifications, emphasizing Columbus's identity as the "SEM capital of the state." Key Outcomes - Motion to Suspend Rules and Pass Ordinance on First Reading: Council President made a motion to suspend the rules (requiring two-thirds majority) to pass the zoning amendment on one reading. The motion passed unanimously (9–0). - Motion to Pass Ordinance on First Reading: Following the suspension, a motion to pass the ordinance on first reading was made, seconded, and approved unanimously (9–0). The ordinance changes communication service exchanges from permitted to conditional use. - Introduction: Council member introduced Jacob, the new owner of Breach Pizzeria, highlighting his status as a young entrepreneur. - Community Reports: Council thanked departments for the successful 250th anniversary celebration, noting the hot dog eating contest (winner ate 68 hot dogs in 9 minutes) and other events. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for July 21, 2026 (a Tuesday).

The Columbus Plan Commission met on July 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a zoning ordinance resolution, a major commercial site development plan (Columbus Gateway) with multiple modifications, and combined annexation and rezoning requests for 80 acres (Abundant Home Solutions). A discussion on housing-related zoning map changes was also held. The meeting concluded with adjournment. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the June 10, 2026 meeting (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Columbus Gateway (SDP-26-18): No public comments were offered; the chair closed the public hearing after no audience members came forward. - Annexation & Rezoning (PC-26-07 and PC-26-08): Several residents from the Villas of Stonecrest neighborhood spoke. Jane Cooney and others raised concerns about the timeline for development, traffic impacts, flood mitigation, and the need for public hearings at each stage. They appreciated the applicant's clarification that the project would be a market-rate 55+ rental community. Wayne Caston highlighted safety issues along Sawin Drive and the cost of utility improvements. A resident questioned the developer's track record and the planning commission's ability to ensure the project follows through as proposed. Applicant Daryl Hodgson replied to each concern, noting the project is still in early planning and that detailed engineering will address road and utility issues. Discussion Items - General Resolution 2026-01: Zoning Ordinance Revisions – Staff (Melissa) presented a change making communication service exchange uses a conditional use rather than permitted in commercial and industrial districts. This requires a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals. The commission voted unanimously to approve the resolution. - SDP-26-18: Columbus Gateway – Staff presented the proposal for seven modifications related to driveway separation, sign types, and height. Applicant Aaron Boyle (Midland Atlantic Properties) explained they voluntarily reduced signage by 45% to avoid clutter. After individual votes: - Waiver 1 (arterial drive separation): Approved unanimously. - Waiver 2 (local drive separation): Approved unanimously. - Waiver 3 (off-premise sign): Approved unanimously. - Waiver 4 (additional secondary elements on lot 4): Approved unanimously. - Waiver 5 (multi-tenant off-premise sign on lot 7): Approved unanimously. - Waiver 6 (secondary element size): Approved unanimously. - Waiver 7 (additional interstate-oriented sign on lot 7): Recommended for denial by staff but approved 9-2 (Dennis Baute and another opposed). - Overall site plan approved with commitments: interstate signs prohibited on lots 1–4, permitted on lots 5&6; freestanding signs limited to 15 feet in height on lots 1–6; and other conditions regarding driveway alignment and trail connections. - PC-26-07 & PC-26-08: Annexation and Rezoning (Abundant Home Solutions) – Staff (Jesse) presented the request to annex 80 acres (16% contiguity, exceeding the 12.5% requirement) and rezone from AP (Agriculture Preferred) to RT (Residential Two-Family). The site is in the airport hazard area and is designated residential in the comprehensive plan. Applicant Daryl Hodgson stated the intent is a market-rate 55+ rental community similar to Villas of Stonecrest. Discussion included proximity to goods and services, park space, and the flexibility of RT zoning. The commission voted to send favorable recommendations to City Council: annexation passed 11-0; rezoning passed 10-1 (Dennis Baute dissenting citing concerns about code enforcement and rental property maintenance). - Discussion of Housing Related Zoning Map Changes – Staff presented proposed amendments to housing zoning districts, including replacing RT with R5, splitting RE into RE1 (owner-occupied, historic), RE2 (allowing duplexes/triplexes by right), and RE3 (county-only), and adjusting other maps. Commissioners discussed the rationale, line-drawing, and the need for public input. Chris Bartels expressed concerns about specific boundaries in his area. The commission agreed to hold a public open house in September, with a formal vote expected in October. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously: Consent agenda, General Resolution 2026-01, Columbus Gateway waivers 1–6. - Approved (9-2): Columbus Gateway waiver 7 (second interstate sign on lot 7). - Approved with conditions: Overall Columbus Gateway site development plan (SDP-26-18). - Recommended favorable to City Council (11-0): Annexation (PC-26-07). - Recommended favorable to City Council (10-1): Rezoning to RT (PC-26-08). - Continued to next meeting: SDP-26-26 (FC Tucker signs). - Next steps on housing map changes: Public open house in September; commission vote anticipated in October.

The Board of Works met on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, to discuss and approve several items including the 2026 CDBG annual action plan, a professional service agreement amendment for housing rehabilitation, a DORA temporary event permit, the purchase of a VAC truck, and special use of right-of-way requests. The meeting also featured updates on Williamsburg and the upcoming Celebrate 250 events. Consent Calendar - Approved the June 23, 2026 meeting minutes. - Approved the dockets of claims as presented. Discussion Items 2026 CDBG Annual Action Plan Jake presented the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan. The City of Columbus receives an annual allocation as an entitlement community. The plan includes $314,000 in funding, similar to 2023. Funds are allocated for public facilities (e.g., rehab for not-for-profits), public service activities, and administration. The city has a contract with ARA Services to administer the CDBG funds, which expires at year-end; a procurement process will follow. Jake noted a pending award for United Way to repair an elevator. Public engagement included online posting and meetings with partners. The board questioned how funds are publicized and the details of administrative and housing allocations. A motion to approve the plan carried unanimously. Professional Service Agreement Amendment – Columbus Housing Finance Corporation Jake proposed amending the existing professional service agreement with the Columbus Housing Finance Corporation for rehab of Heritage One and Heritage Two apartments. The amended scope includes substantial exterior rehab for 77 units across 10 buildings, complementing a new roof installed in 2025. The work is expected to extend affordability by 20 years. Reporting will change to monthly updates to ensure timely expenditure of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) by year-end. The board discussed the importance of the project for affordable housing. Motion carried unanimously. DORA Temporary Event Permit Jody presented a temporary event permit for Elevate Events to provide bartending services at arts gallery events on Sixth Street on Thursday, July 2. Motion carried unanimously. Award of VAC Truck The board approved the purchase of a 2026 single axle VAC truck from Best Equipment Company for $659,750. The truck is included in the 2026 capital budget. The item had only one bid. A board member noted that the equipment is expensive but much needed. Motion carried unanimously. Special Use of Right-of-Way Engineering presented requests for special use of right-of-way for downtown business sidewalk sales, including boutique at least and at home with Heartland. Motion carried unanimously. Williamsburg Update Robin reported that ground level inspections are complete and reports are pending. Some complaints continue, and two new inspection requests have been made. Progress is positive. Parks Update Don reported no updates from parks. Celebrate 250 Events Jenny provided a detailed schedule of Celebrate 250 events from June 30 through July 6, including Tea Day (June 30), Star Spangled Kids Day (July 1), Historical Day/First Thursday (July 2), All American Festival and fireworks (July 3), Celebrate 250 Day with parade and activities (July 4), and additional events on July 5 and 6. The city will be closed July 3 and 6, but trash pickup will occur on those days. No board meeting will be held on July 7. Intern Introduction The board welcomed Adika Shidi, a junior from Columbus North High School, as an intern assisting with community development projects. Key Outcomes - Approved: June 23 meeting minutes, dockets of claims, 2026 CDBG annual action plan, professional service agreement amendment for Columbus Housing Finance Corporation, DORA temporary event permit for Elevate Events, purchase of VAC truck from Best Equipment Company, and special use of right-of-way requests. - Adjourned.

The Columbus Board met on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM to approve routine items, hear reports on animal shelter progress, fire department software, and janitorial services, and handle public works contracts and bids. Board members present: Melanie Henderson, Jeff Pickett, John Pickett, Brenda Sullivan, and Eric Fry. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from June 16, 2026: Approved unanimously. - Forest Park Neighborhood Fourth of July Parade Event Application: Approved unanimously. - Weekly Special Use of Right-of-Way Summary (utility/construction based): Approved unanimously. - Dockets of Claims (6 total): Approved unanimously after a brief amendment to correct the count from five to six. Discussion Items - Columbus Animal Care Services – Letter of Intent (LOI) with Force Construction: Presenter Doug provided an update on the animal shelter project. Force Construction was awarded the RFPQ and drawings are ready for permit submission, but final Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is 3–4 weeks out. A letter of intent was requested to allow Force to proceed with permitting and ordering materials, with compensation if the agreement is terminated. The capital campaign is nearly at $2 million total (over $990,000 raised plus a $1 million match) and $1.7 million in READI dollars is in the pipeline. Groundbreaking is set for August 26, 2026. The LOI was approved unanimously. - Vehicle Maintenance Policy Update (Transit): Beth Annox presented a policy addition for fire suppression system maintenance (paragraph 21.27), aligning with manufacturer cycles. The updated policy was approved unanimously. - Trend Image Reporting Software (Fire Department): Deputy Chief Mike Kutzko proposed upgrading from the free state-provided system to an elite version for increased reliability and data capabilities. The system tracks runs, training, daily rosters, and call volume breakdowns (e.g., 90% EMS). The upgrade includes annual fees and a setup fee, and is in the 2026 budget. The contract was approved unanimously. - Janitorial Service for Evolution Training Center: Deputy Chief Kutzko presented a contract with Sin Lee, a local company, to clean the fire department’s training facility (Evolution). Discussion noted that Evolution is underutilized and a part-time position for scheduling is being filled. The cleaning contract, in the budget, was approved unanimously. - DPW – Notice to Bidders for Carhill Road Extension (Project 26-11): Engineer Andrew Damien presented the notice for a road extension connecting German American Bank to the Columbus Gateway development, providing a second outlet for traffic. No cost figures were yet provided. The notice to bidders was approved unanimously. - Bid Opening: Airplex Commerce Center Sanitary Sewer (CRC 26-03): Eight bids were received, ranging from $270,425 (King’s Trucking and Excavation) to $680,286.50 (Subsurface of Indiana). The bids were taken under advisement unanimously. - Bid Opening: DPW 26 VAC Truck (DPW 26-4): One bid from Best Equipment was received; the board took it under advisement (motion and second noted). Key Outcomes - Approved LOI with Force Construction for animal shelter; groundbreaking set for August 26, 2026. - Approved vehicle maintenance policy update for transit fire suppression. - Approved contract for Trend Image Reporting Software (fire department). - Approved janitorial contract with Sin Lee for Evolution Training Center. - Approved notice to bidders for Carhill Road extension. - Bids for sanitary sewer and VAC truck taken under advisement. - Approved six dockets of claims. - Meeting adjourned.

The Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals met on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 123 Washington Street, Columbus, Indiana. The board heard one new business item requiring a public hearing (conditional use for a plant nursery), approved findings of fact for two previously heard variances, and approved the minutes of the May 26, 2026 meeting. Hearing officer approvals were noted without board discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - One member of the public, Tom (address stated as 1063, possibly incomplete), expressed support for the Sitka Nursery conditional use, stating that the business would be a natural fit for the rural area and would add to the serene nature of the neighborhood. He noted the applicant had addressed staff concerns. Discussion Items - BZA-26-41: Sitka Nursery (Conditional Use) – A request by Wolf Creek Landscape Services, LLC for conditional use approval to operate a greenhouse/plant nursery and landscape services business on a 34.9-acre property (941 North 500 West, Harrison Township) in the Agriculture: Preferred (AP) zoning district. The applicant, Tyler Shore, presented additional details addressing staff concerns: the parking area would have eight spaces (four on each side), the parking dimensions were provided, the greenhouses would be non-permanent hoop houses (32' x 96'), agricultural crop fields would be used for produce (surplus donated to Love Chapel), and the site visibility triangle had been cleared. A letter of support from a neighboring property owner (Lauranda Brian) was provided. The applicant also mentioned working with Chase Point subdivision as a preferred landscaping partner. Board members praised the applicant's preparation. Key Outcomes - BZA-26-41: Sitka Nursery – Approved unanimously. The motion stated that conditions 1 and 4 from the staff report were met, and conditions 2 and 3 were now satisfied based on the additional information provided (e.g., resolved sight line issues, detailed operations). - BZA-26-35 (Dominos Development Standards Variance) and BZA-26-38 (Hutchins Crossing Development Standards Variance) – The board approved the findings of fact for both variances as a package in a single motion. Votes were unanimous. - Minutes of May 26, 2026 – Approved unanimously.

The Bartholomew County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on June 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Columbus, Indiana. The board considered two public hearing items (a conditional use for an accessory dwelling unit and a development standards variance for driveway spacing), approved findings of fact for a prior variance, and approved the minutes of the May 27, 2026 meeting. Board members also discussed procedural aspects of hearing officer referrals and the limits of county authority over private covenants. Public Hearings BZA-26-43: Diego Arres Vega – Conditional Use for Accessory Dwelling Unit The applicant, Diego Arres Vega (co-owner with his mother), requested conditional use approval to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on property at 8190 West Nasby Trail, zoned AG (Agriculture: General). The proposed ADU would be less than 1,490 square feet (75% of the 1,986 sq. ft. primary dwelling) and meet the ordinance requirements for accessory dwellings. Planning Staff noted the property lies in an 11-lot rural subdivision (Daily Meadows) and that the proposal complied with all zoning standards. Public Testimony: Two neighbors spoke in opposition. Eric Van Gort (8230 West Nasby Trail) stated that for five years the property has had intense activity including frequent loose dogs, excessive barking day and night, all-day parties, numerous vehicles (up to 8–9), and six outbuildings. He cited subdivision covenants limiting lots to one single-family dwelling and prohibiting residential use of outbuildings, and argued that the ADU would set a precedent and reduce property values. Veronica Reed (8235 West Nasby Trail) echoed concerns about noise, water pressure drops, and property value decreases of $50,000–$70,000. Both stated they did not receive proper notice of the initial hearing officer meeting. The applicant responded that the dogs are rescues (presently 11 dogs), there is no business, and the noise can be managed. Board members clarified that the county does not enforce private covenants and that proper notice (a second sign and letters) was given. Motion & Vote: A motion to approve, finding all conditional use criteria met, was made and seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote (all in favor). BZA-26-45: Bob Morrison – Development Standards Variance (Driveway Spacing) The applicant, represented by Steve Combs (Stone Design Group) and co-owner Steve Combs, requested a variance from Zoning Ordinance Section 7.3 to allow a driveway entrance on Legal Tender Road to be 120 feet from the nearest existing driveway (required minimum: 200 feet). The property at 13205 East Legal Tender Road was recently subdivided into two lots by the Plan Commission, which also required a gravel shoulder improvement (5–6 feet wide) along the curve for safety. Staff reported that the closest driveway to the east is 120 feet away, to the west 127.5 feet, and one driveway lies directly across the road. No public testimony was offered. Motion & Vote: A motion to approve the variance with the same shoulder requirement imposed by the Plan Commission was made and seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Findings of Fact BZA-26-40: Troy Staggs – Development Standards Variance The board approved the findings of fact for a previously granted variance. The motion carried. Approval of Minutes The board approved the minutes of the May 27, 2026 meeting as submitted. Discussion Items Board members discussed the referral of BZA-26-43 to the full board due to neighbor controversy after the hearing officer noted significant public interest. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of private covenants and the lack of county noise or nuisance ordinances. Staff explained that for noise or unsafe situations, residents may contact the sheriff or animal control. The board also heard a staff explanation of hearing officer approvals for BZA-26-44 (Timberland Springs – variance for ground-floor living area in a new subdivision) and BZA-26-42 (Lakeview Ministries – conditional use for campground expansion), which were informational only. A board member commended staff for their preparation. Key Outcomes - BZA-26-43 (Arres Vega): Conditional use approved for an accessory dwelling unit at 8190 West Nasby Trail. - BZA-26-45 (Morrison): Development standards variance approved for driveway spacing at 13205 East Legal Tender Road, subject to the shoulder improvement condition. - BZA-26-40 (Staggs): Findings of fact approved. - Minutes: Minutes of May 27, 2026 approved. - No other actions were taken.

The Columbus Board of Works met on June 16, 2026, to act on a transit service agreement, the purchase of a packer truck, a compensation study contract, property condemnation, event permits, and routine approvals. Key decisions included approval of a one-year contract with Transit for enhanced passenger app features, rejection of a non-conforming truck bid, and authorization of a compensation study not to exceed $220,000. Consent Calendar - Approval of June 9, 2026 Minutes – Approved. - Weed Letter – Approved for property at 5220 Spring Court owned by Tracy C. Staples. - Claims – Three documents and claims approved. - Special Use of Right-of-Way Requests – Weekly requests approved as presented. Discussion Items - Transit Master Service Agreement – Matthew Rich, Transit Director, presented a one-year contract with Transit for $15,000 (80% state/federal funded). The agreement adds premium features to the existing app (including real-time tracking, stop reminders, and aggregate ridership data) and removes the paid-version prompt for users. Ridership in 2025 exceeded 240,000 trips (6–7% increase). New routes to Taylorsville and Walesboro began April 3, 2026; ridership is still low. The app will support incremental route adjustments. Motion to approve carried. - Purchase of Packer Truck – The low bid of $359,312 from Municipal Equipment was rejected because it was for a 27-yard truck with multiple exceptions to specifications. The board approved award to Best Equipment for a 33-yard automated side load packer at $409,602.49, less a $25,000 trade-in, net $384,602.49. Motion carried. - Compensation Study and Consulting Services Contract – Jackson (Human Resources) presented a contract with Crowe for a compensation study (range $199,000 to $220,000, not to exceed). The last study was in 2021; best practices recommend updates every three years. The study will take approximately seven months and be completed in early 2027, with implementation in 2028. Motion carried. - 711 California Street – Condemnation/Demolition – Code enforcement reported that a family was prevented from moving into an unsafe property. The management company (Bullet) is terminating its contract with the landlord (Daniel Suarez, who owns six properties under their management) and will assist in selling the properties. The board approved an order to vacate, condemn, demolish, and take legal action if necessary. - Temporary DORA Permit – Approved for Sunny Days Mobile Bar’s “Yoga and Mimosas” event at Millrace Park on Saturday, June 19, benefitting the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program. - Event Applications – The events committee recommended 65 approved event applications since January. New events included the 4th of July celebration, a Prevention Bike Bash, a Fast Pitch block party (July 6), and Duck Splash (September 19). All were approved. Key Outcomes - Transit agreement approved. - Packer truck awarded to Best Equipment. - Compensation study contract with Crowe approved. - 711 California Street condemnation order approved. - Event permits and right-of-way requests approved. - July 7, 2026 Board of Works meeting canceled; city offices closed July 3 and 6 for Independence Day. - Juneteenth noted: city offices closed June 19; trash schedule unchanged; events at noon (sold out) and additional community events.

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission held its regular monthly meeting on June 15, 2026, with Chair Cindy Bowl and members Shandy McDonald, Jim Linnap, Scott Ballard, and Trina Cardi present. Staff included Heather Pope (Director of Redevelopment), Grace Kessler (City Council liaison), Jason Major (BCSC board liaison), Mary Stro (virtual), and Tom Dell. Three action items were addressed: approval of new parking equipment for the Jackson Street Garage, approval of May 18, 2026 meeting minutes, and approval of claims. Multiple project updates were also provided. Consent Calendar - Approval of May 18, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes: Motion by Shannon, second by James. Approved unanimously. - Review and Approval of Claims: Motion by Scott, second by Shannon. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Replacement of Parking Equipment at Jackson Street Garage (Resolution 14‑2026): Gary Thompson of REI presented the request. He explained that current equipment (installed 2011) uses Amano software that will no longer be supported after July 14, 2026, making the system non‑compliant with PCI security standards for credit cards. The proposal is to replace the system with a cloud‑based (SaaS) solution, eliminating the need for an onsite server and local PCI compliance. Two quotes were obtained: Amano One at $77,652 for equipment/installation plus a $5,000 contingency and first‑year SaaS fees totaling $89,252; Flash Parking at $91,774 for the first year. The annual SaaS fee for Amano is $3,234 less than Flash. Gary recommended Amano One based on build quality, cost effectiveness, and stronger local support from Evans Time (Indianapolis‑based service) versus Flash’s single technician and remote‑first support model. Both systems support tap‑to‑pay and printed validation tickets, integrate with reservation platforms (ParkWhiz, SpotHero, ParkMobile), and include a two‑year parts/labor warranty. SaaS fee increases are capped at 3% annually for five years. The new system will also eliminate the need to purchase pre‑printed tickets, saving about $1,000 per year. The Jackson Street Garage generated $31,532 in daily/transient revenue in 2025. Following questions and discussion, a motion was made by Cindy, seconded by Scott, and passed unanimously to authorize REI to purchase the Amano One system at a cost not to exceed $89,252. - Project Updates (presented by Heather Pope): - Downtown Entrance Plaza: Six responses were received for the Build‑Operate‑Own‑Transfer RFQ. Two candidates were shortlisted and interviewed; a successful candidate will be notified to begin a scoping period to establish a guaranteed maximum price, timeline, and public‑private agreement. Funding may come from the railroad overpass fund, pending legal review and City Council approval. - Water Main Break (June 2, 2026): A water main at Second and Washington Streets was struck during utility work. Crews from Onera, CCU, CPD, and city workers reopened the intersection by midnight that same day. Angotti’s Italian American Restaurant provided dinner to the crews. - Riverfront Project: Work includes installation of 30‑foot steel sheet piling (20 feet buried) to support the trail, pouring of bike rack pads at Second and Third Street bridges, lighting bases around the amphitheater, and the ADA ramp and stairs connecting the amphitheater to Bruce Abutman. Dam removal is scheduled for August or September. Railing fabrication is underway at Knoblet Fabricating. - Arcadia Drive: Ribbon‑cutting was held last month; property and utilities will be transferred from the Redevelopment Commission to the City for DPW headquarters. - Finished Fourth Initiative: An RFQ for a lead development partner has been issued for multiple city‑owned sites (Water Street, old wastewater treatment plant, property north of the jail, and the Sears property). A pre‑response information session will be held at the Sears building on June 23, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. - Crump Encore Project: The Crump has submitted a formal TIF request to support renovation and redevelopment of the Encore property. A subject‑matter expert has been engaged to analyze historic theater preservation as part of due diligence; results and next steps will be discussed with the Crump team later this month. Key Outcomes - Resolution 14‑2026 was approved unanimously, authorizing the purchase of Amano One parking equipment for the Jackson Street Garage at a total first‑year cost of $89,252. - Meeting minutes of May 18, 2026 were approved unanimously. - Claims for the month were approved unanimously. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent (motion by Scott, seconded by James).

The Columbus Parks Board met on June 10, 2026, to receive staff reports, review financials, approve action items, and discuss the director's report. Key approvals included the creation of a new non-reverting budget for the teaching kitchen at Nexus Park and standard consent items. Staff Reports - Rec Sports: Spring programs concluded; Columbus North alumni golf event; upcoming field day at school. May was busy with events. - Hamilton Ice Rink: May quiet due to shutdown for maintenance; full ice swap completed; new turf installed; positive feedback on ice quality. Reported staff transition: Veronica Fazio promoted to Recreation Manager from customer service specialist. - Office: Budgeting and data requests for city audit; multiple internal promotions and part-timers stepping up; Celeste resigned, position being refilled as Resource Development specialist (focused on fundraising) reporting to Dawn. - Fitness: New fitness manager Nate (former Army wellness coordinator) hired; slate of six new fitness classes to be rolled out. Teaching kitchen under development. - Other: Bug complaints (county health department handles); Express soccer partnership discussions; maintenance updates. Financial Review - Cash Balances: Reviewed non-reverting funds; Commons fund aging facility with lull in leases; board requested split revenue lines (subsidy, rent, other) for Field House and Commons for clarity. - Expense Increase: Non-reverting fund saw 25% increase due to capital items (e.g., Hamilton HVAC) expensed from operations; board requested callouts for one-time large expenses to avoid misinterpretation. - Director's Report: Presented capital requests of nearly $5 million (not expected fully approved) to city council; adopted proactive capital planning. Progress on master plans (site assessments, mystery shopper, public survey in August). Donner and Millrace bond discussions underway. - Freedom Playground: Full replacement design received; turf surface planned; construction expected September/October; working with BCSC for annual maintenance stipend. Action Items - Consent Calendar: Approved minutes from previous meeting (motion carried). Approved claims and payrolls (motion carried). - Teaching Kitchen Budget: Approved creation of a new non-reverting budget (Fitness, Health, and Wellness umbrella) for the teaching kitchen. Budget shows projected revenue $217K for 2026, expenses $88K (primarily for partial year staff). Revenue includes grants, rentals, and programming. Board emphasized self-sustaining nature; expense details will be refined. Formal appropriations to be brought next month. Key Outcomes - Approved meeting minutes. - Approved claims and payrolls. - Approved creation of the teaching kitchen non-reverting budget for 2026. - Directed staff to include one-time expense callouts in future financial reports. - Directed staff to restructure revenue reporting for Commons and Field House into subsidy, rent, and other line items. - Staff authorized to proceed with communications on staff request for additional position. - Lemonade Bros partnership for life vest distribution and free swim event on June 15 at Donner. - Capital requests submitted to city; proactive planning emphasized. Note No public comments were made during the meeting.