Public Meetings - Columbus, Indiana

On June 9, 2026, the Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety met to consider a range of administrative and policy items, including police general orders, IT infrastructure upgrades, floodplain management contracts, a subdivision, code enforcement action, and financial approvals. All items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Change Order 6 for restroom water supply. - General Order 4 (use of force policy update, mandated by state law enforcement training board). - General Order 33 (training and career development; includes annual review of field training program and per diem increase from $35 to $75). - City Hall network switches purchase (two Arista switches, $31,425.76, funded by deferring PC refreshes). - CalBrand Meeting Hall and Council Chambers AV upgrades (total $119,783; includes migrating to YouTube streaming, saving $16,768.63 annually on Granicus and $7,320 on WebEx). - Floodplain Management Update Phase 2 contract with Christopher Burke ($142,500 over two years; includes GIS updates, flood depth mapping, revised strategies for CRS compliance). - United Way Senior Residence Minor Subdivision (0.5-acre lot at 14th and Hutchins; 17 apartments by Board of Housing). - Temporary DORA permit for Jazz Indiana's first Thursday series (first event June 11; vendor Fourth Street Bar and Grill; permit requires monthly renewal). - Celebrate 250 banner request (21 patriotic banners honoring revolutionary soldiers buried in Bartholomew County; part of June 29–July 4 events). - Code enforcement condemnation of 2261 Park Avenue (vacate, condemn, demolish; property without water since October; owner unresponsive; tenant relocated). - Release of performance guarantee for Windstar Woods major subdivision (sidewalks, $11,245). - Amendment 1 to INDOT street sweeping service contract (three-year, $27,675; per-curb-mile rate increased from $360 to $450). - Taylor Road administrative subdivision (eliminates right-of-way parcels to avoid tax bills). - Special use of right-of-way (purpose unspecified). - Approval of claims (9 dockets). Key Outcomes All items were approved by voice vote with no opposition: - Change Order 6: motion and second; approved. - General Order 4: motion and second; approved. - General Order 33: motion and second; approved. - City Hall network switches: motion and second; approved with 5 ayes and 0 nays (noted by board member). - CalBrand AV upgrades: motion by Melanie, seconded; approved. - Floodplain contract: motion and second; approved. - Minor subdivision: motion and second; approved. - DORA permit: motion and second; approved. - Banners: motion and second; approved. - Code enforcement condemnation: motion and second; approved. - Windstar Woods guarantee release: motion and second; approved. - INDOT contract amendment: motion and second; approved. - Taylor Road subdivision: motion and second; approved. - Special use of right-of-way: motion and second; approved. - Claims: motion and second; approved. Additional Notes - The board discussed upcoming community events (Jazz Festival, IU Columbus Big Red Glowout, Juneteenth walk, library concert, movies in the park). No action taken. - A brief question was raised about maintenance of the Landmark Columbus oculus; it was noted that the organization funded initial inspections and repainting.

This meeting of the Columbus and Bartholomew County Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer was held on June 9, 2026. The agenda included three public hearings for new business items. No transcripts or minutes were available for this summary; the following is based solely on the published agenda. New Business Requiring Hearing Officer Action - BZA-26-43: Diego Arres Vega (Conditional Use) – A request for conditional use approval to allow an accessory dwelling in the AG (Agriculture: General) zoning district per Zoning Ordinance Section 6.1 (Table 6.1). The property is located at 8190 West Nasby Trail, in Ohio Township. - BZA-26-44: Timberland Springs (Development Standards Variance) – A request by Arbor Homes for a variance from Zoning Ordinance Section 3.13(C) to allow three single-family residential structure home types (the Arrival product) to have as little as 23 percent ground floor living area, 17 percent less than the minimum 40 percent required. The properties will be located in the proposed Arbor Homes development at the northeast corner of 150 West and Deaver Road, in the City of Columbus. - BZA-26-42: Lakeview Ministries (Conditional Use) – A request for conditional use approval to allow the expansion of an existing campground, with a proposed larger recreation center, in the AG (Agriculture: General) zoning district per Zoning Ordinance Section 3.6(B). The property is located at 13500 West Lake Road, in Jackson Township. Adjournment The meeting adjourned after the public hearings. No decisions or outcomes were recorded in the available materials. Note: The agenda indicates the meeting time as 4:00 P.M., while the provided meeting timestamp was 09:00:00+00:00. The date June 9, 2026 is consistent.

The Board of Public Works and Safety held a regular meeting on June 2, 2026, chaired by the Mayor with members John Pickett, Brenda Sullivan, and Eric Fry present (Melanie Henderson absent). The meeting covered approvals, bid openings, project updates, and routine items. Consent Calendar - Approval of May 26, 2025 minutes: Approved unanimously. - Weed abatement letter for 3344 Flintwood Drive (owned by Padilla Family Trust): Approved for mowing and cleanup due to continued non-compliance. - Notice to bidders for a 2026 VAC truck: Approved for capital purchase. - Bids for a 33 cubic yard automated side loader: Two bids received – Municipal Equipment at $359,000 and Best Equipment at $409,602.49. Taken under advisement. - Final change order for 2518 Mar Road and 25th Street Pedestrian Signal Project: Approved; amount less than allotted. - Notice to bidders for Airplex Commerce Center Sanitary Sewer (to serve the new animal shelter): Approved; estimated cost $450,000. - Contract with Christopher Burke & Associates for stormwater inspections: Approved for one year, 5–10 inspections per month. - Weekly special use/right-of-way summary: Approved, including a request from the Fraternal Order of Police for route closure near the fairgrounds. - Five dockets of claims: Approved. - Conflict of interest disclosure statements from Alicia Garr and Ethan Crow (Human Rights Commission): Accepted and filed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - Removal of used oil underground storage tank at DPW yard (2250 Kreitzer): The tank is a 550-gallon non-compliant tank. Four quotes were received, with the lowest complete quote from Allied OTT at $16,300. The project qualifies for 50% IDEM reimbursement. Approved. - Downtown entrance redevelopment – Request for Proposals and Qualifications (RFP/Q): The board unsealed and acknowledged six submissions: MAC Construction & Excavating, Dave O'Mara Contractor, HIS Constructors Inc., Smock Fansler Corporation, Avenue Roads Inc., and Powers & Sons Construction. One withdrawal from Innovative Irrigation. The submissions will be evaluated, with a short list expected by June 6, and final selection by June 12 for a scoping period; a public hearing is scheduled for July 28. Funding sources include TIF, leftover funds from the railroad overpass, and potential funds from the former Info Tech Park. The project is part of the Gateway project including the overpass, downtown entrance, riverfront, and Bob Stewart bridge painting. - Williamsburg Way apartments update: Building inspections are 75% complete; urgent issues have been addressed promptly. Tenants who wished to return have moved back. Monthly updates will continue, and the board may request further appearances if needed. - Second Street closure: A water main break at Washington Street caused the closure; traffic is rerouted via Jackson and Lafayette. The closure was initially planned for one week but is now in its third week due to older, brittle infrastructure. Repairs are ongoing. - Upcoming events: First Thursday (June 4) downtown merchants open late 4–8 PM, with a coffee and cocktails celebration on Fourth Street. The Arts Council is hosting a youth rock band on Sixth Street from 5–7 PM. Saturday is the Columbus Farmers Market. Key Outcomes - Approved Allied OTT contract for oil tank removal at $16,300, with IDEM reimbursement expected. - Approved weed abatement for 3344 Flintwood Drive. - Approved notices to bidders for VAC truck and Airplex Commerce Center sanitary sewer. - Took automated side loader bids under advisement. - Acknowledged six proposals for downtown entrance redevelopment; evaluation committee to proceed. - Accepted Williamsburg Way update and continued monthly reporting. - Approved two event permits (Arts Alley June 4, Red Cross Rally June 18). - Approved final change order for pedestrian signal project. - Approved stormwater inspection contract. - Approved special use/right-of-way summary. - Approved claims and conflict disclosure statements.

The Columbus City Council met June 2, 2026, with all members present and no members online. After opening with an invocation by Dr. Brent Parker of Christ Fellowship Church and the Pledge of Allegiance, the council approved the May 19 meeting minutes and took up one new business item: Resolution Number 2026, a tax abatement for Capco LLC. The council passed the resolution 9–0, then heard a presentation from Phil Wagner, president of the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the May 19, 2026 meeting by a 9–0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Phil Wagner, president of the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation, spoke in support of the Capco abatement on behalf of the EDC board and organization. He noted Capco's history in the community, said the project would have an estimated net benefit of about $53,000 after abatement, and said this type of industry supports about five spin-off jobs per direct job and about 136 spin-off jobs tied to Capco's current headcount. - No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - Dan Arnold and Kataro Hashizumi presented Capco's request for a 10-year real and personal property tax abatement in a previously designated economic revitalization area under Indiana Code 6-1.1-12. - Capco plans to expand its facility at 1349 Arcadia Drive, next to the city's new DPW facility, and add two stamping presses. Hashizumi said the total project investment is about $1.5 million, four new production positions would be added, and blended wages for the new positions would be about $23.52 per hour. - Hashizumi cited exponential growth driven partly by new business with Toyota Boshoku Canada, and said Capco's business is expected to roughly double by 2030. The company makes seatbelt retractors, seatbelt adjusters, and a center hinge seat recliner for RAV4s, with about 80,000 center hinges produced per month. - In response to a question about the prior 2024 request, Hashizumi gave updated employment figures: 93 employees at year-end 2024, 99 at year-end 2025, and 115 currently, adding about 18 employees over that period. - The incentive review committee found the application paperwork in complete compliance. - Financial figures presented by staff included a $375,000 real property investment with $47,000 in projected savings to Capco and $48,000 in net new city taxes, plus a $1.18 million personal property investment with $63,000 in projected savings and $42,000 in net new city taxes. The transcript contains an apparent self-correction: after citing a combined abatement of $105,000, the presenter stated final totals of $11,000 in savings for Capco and $91,000 in net new city taxes. - Council members expressed strong support for the abatement, with one member citing concerns about personal property taxes on equipment and another praising Capco's multi-generational family investment in Columbus. Presentation: Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation - The mayor introduced Phil Wagner, who moved from Texas with his wife and two daughters and has led the EDC for about four months. - Wagner described the EDC as a member-supported 501(c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1976 and reincorporated in 2016, formerly known as the EDB. About one-third of its budget is publicly funded; he said roughly $4.50 in private membership and other funds is matched for every $1 of city support. - He reviewed his 90-day action plan: new site-marketing materials, economic impact modeling, JobsEQ labor data, Gazelle prospecting software, Japan-related prospecting, regional and state partnerships, audits, and updated prospect intake forms. He noted some goals were not fully completed, including meeting with about 20 of 50 board/investor groups and 17 of 25 targeted primary employers. - The EDC's 50th anniversary event sold 260 tickets, generated $16,000 in net proceeds, and included a panel with Mayor Fred Armstrong, Julie Del Ginio, and Harold Forrest. - Wagner described a Japan trip of about nine days, with visits to Toyota Material Handling, Capco Miyama, and SUNY, one medical-device prospect visit, and meetings with the city of Miyoshi, which he said has a meaningful sister-city relationship with Columbus. - He also described Cummins supplier outreach, including attending a Cummins supplier conference and touring several suppliers, as a model the EDC wants to replicate with other large employers. - Future priorities include filling an office manager position and a marketing director position, retention and expansion efforts, wage and benefits studies, trade-show attendance, and revenue stabilization. - Wagner cited the ALICE standard, noting that 34% of Bartholomew County residents are asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed; he said the threshold is about $17.50–$18 per hour and that the EDC will look for employers with at least 66% of jobs above that range. Committee Liaison Reports - The BZA approved a Domino's pizza location on the West Side and approved variances for the Hutchins Crossing housing development, which is moving forward. Key Outcomes - Resolution Number 2026 was approved 9–0, granting the Capco LLC tax abatement. - The council's next meeting is June 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. A motion to adjourn was approved.

The Bartholomew County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on May 27, 2026, to hear a variance request, approve findings of fact for previous cases, and discuss procedural improvements as well as broader issues of planning jurisdiction. The meeting was held as a judicial proceeding, with testimony considered under oath. The board approved all items on the agenda, and engaged in a lengthy discussion on the city’s two-mile planning jurisdiction and its impact on county residents. Consent Calendar - None, as each item was voted on individually. However, the approvals of findings of fact for BZA 26-21 and BZA 26-15, and the minutes from April 27, 2026, were uncontested and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the public hearing portion for item BZA 26-40. The board closed the public comment period after no one came forward. Discussion Items - Variance Request – BZA 26-40 (Troy Staggs): The petitioner, Troy Staggs, requested a variance to allow an existing accessory structure (a barn, approximately 2,000 square feet) to remain on a newly created lot in Hartsville prior to construction of a primary structure. The property (2.85 acres, zoned R-2) was undergoing subdivision into seven lots, contingent upon removal of the barn or board approval. Staff reported that all variance criteria were met. Board members questioned the ordinance language regarding accessory structures, clarifying that the long-standing interpretation prohibited accessory structures before a primary structure. The petitioner explained the barn would be used temporarily for storage and electricity during construction of the primary structure within seven months. - Procedural Discussion on Findings of Fact: A board member suggested batching approval of findings of fact for multiple cases into a single vote, rather than approving each individually. The city attorney had indicated no prohibition against such a practice. Board members expressed interest in aligning city and county procedures but noted the need to list case numbers in the motion for record-keeping purposes. - Two-Mile Jurisdiction and City-County Relations: A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the city of Columbus’s two-mile planning jurisdiction, which extends into Bartholomew County. Board members and staff debated representation for county residents within this area, the impact of city decisions on county land (e.g., the NTN development in the west end), and perceived inequities in services (snow removal, road maintenance). Some argued that county residents lack voting power for city officials while being subject to city zoning and variance decisions. Others noted that county commissioners approve joint zoning ordinances and that county residents have representation on the city plan commission. The discussion concluded without formal action, acknowledging the complexity and historical nature of the issue. Key Outcomes - BZA 26-40 – Variance Approved: Motion to approve the variance for the accessory structure to remain on the lot before a primary structure, as all criteria were met. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote (all aye). - BZA 26-21 – Findings of Fact Approved: Motion to approve findings of fact for case BZA 26-21. Approved unanimously. - BZA 26-15 – Findings of Fact Approved: Motion to approve findings of fact for case BZA 26-15. Approved unanimously. - Minutes from April 27, 2026 – Approved: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting unanimously. - No Formal Action on Two-Mile Jurisdiction Discussion: The board took no vote on the topics raised during the discussion; it was informational only.

The Columbus Human Rights Commission held its monthly meeting on May 27, 2026, convened by Vice Chairperson Huber in the absence of Chairperson Anna Dale. After roll call, the board approved the previous meeting's minutes and the treasurer's report, then received a director's report from Ida covering casework statistics, upcoming events, and organizational updates. Commissioners also shared announcements about community outreach and educational initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Amy, seconded by Commissioner Janet. Approved by roll call vote (all present voted aye). - Treasurer's Report: Beginning balance $2,877; $3,975 spent on candy for outreach educational events, leaving a balance of $3,725 for May. Approved by roll call vote (all present voted aye). Discussion Items - Director's Report (Ida): - Casework: Eight requests for assistance outside the commission's jurisdiction (three legal assistance referrals, three mental health referrals, three code enforcement referrals, one limited English proficiency request, one law enforcement referral). Three employment-related situations. Six housing-related situations (three not involving code enforcement; one specifically disability-related). - Code Enforcement: Highlighted recent hotel condemnation making national news after an electrocution. Noted that condemnation can displace tenants, creating homelessness. City's Community Development is assisting with alternative housing. Only two code enforcement officers currently; one retiring, one being hired. - Intern Program: A fall intern from Houser High School will join, as state graduation requirements now include internships. No formal application process; placements are based on project fit. City may later adopt a standardized process across departments. - Juneteenth Programming (June 19): - Grave memorial at a city park for minorities without marked tombstones. - Panel discussion titled "Many Freedoms" featuring immigrants discussing freedom and immigration. - City Hall and office closed; commissioners encouraged to volunteer. Free books focusing on Afro-Latino culture will be distributed (six titles, one still on order). - Community Trainings: Two disability-related events on June 3 (town hall at The Commons, 5:00–8:00 PM; earlier event for Erica). Commission representation requested. - Team Building: Ida proposed a Saturday work/relationship-building session (not a retreat). Survey will be sent to commissioners; she also plans to reinstitute quarterly one-on-one meetings with commissioners. - Commissioner Comments: - Commissioner praised the Cigar & Education event at The Commons, which celebrated students who achieve despite not making honor roll, offering encouragement and community recognition. - Commissioner announced that Columbus and Pride will host a table at the June 1 Farmers Market community day, and a Pride block party will be held in June (separate from September's Frank Festival) to avoid conflict with many June events. - Commissioner announced a Summer Reading Challenge (June 8–July 27) organized with the public library, Columbus Enrichment Program, Viewpoint Bookstore, and a $5,000 grant from the Heritage Foundation. Free diverse books will be offered; goal is to improve comprehension, vocabulary, and foster lifelong reading. Key Outcomes - Minutes and Treasurer's Report approved unanimously via roll call. - Juneteenth events scheduled for June 19; grave memorial and panel discussion confirmed. - Team building survey to be distributed; Ida will schedule quarterly commissioner meetings. - Summer Reading Challenge launched; materials and stipends available for student participants. - Code enforcement capacity remains a concern; commissioners directed to refer questions to Ida for further information. - Conflict of interest forms to be completed by selected commissioners after the meeting.

The Board of Public Works and Safety met on May 26, 2026, with members Melanie Henderson, John Pickett, and Eric Fry (chair) present. Brenda Sullivan was absent. The meeting opened with roll call and approval of the May 19, 2026 meeting minutes. Several routine items were approved, followed by a discussion on a property condemnation and a farewell to a retiring code enforcement officer. Consent Calendar - Approval of May 19, 2026 minutes – Moved and seconded, unanimously approved. - Service weapon award to retiree Greg Ross – Chief Steve Norman presented the request to award a duty weapon to Greg Ross, who retired after 20 years of service. Approved unanimously. - Mill Race Marathon banner request – Laura presented the annual banner request for the September marathon (14th year). Eight banners will be placed, with some changes (removing "Finish on Fourth") as the event transitions to Odd. Approved unanimously. - Temporary DORA event permit – Three Fingers Groups LLC (The Garage) – Jody presented a request for a temporary Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) permit for the "Six Pack Summer Series" event on Saturday, May 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Ovation parking lot with a beer trailer on Fourth Street (closed from Washington to Franklin). Approved unanimously. - Change Order No. 25-17 – Hiker Trace ADA ramps – Engineering presented a $4,279.78 increase (4%) for the project. Approved unanimously. - Special use of right-of-way requests – Several requests for the week were approved unanimously. - Claims dockets – Four dockets of claims were reviewed and approved unanimously. - Conflict of interest disclosure – Drake Maddox – A uniform conflict of interest disclosure statement from new police officer Drake Maddox for consulting work was accepted unanimously. Discussion Items - 2052 McKinley Avenue – Vacate and condemn – Robin presented a request to pre-approve vacating and condemning the property at 2052 McKinley Avenue. The owner was notified, and the tenant may be leaving. The property is unsafe due to water in the basement and other issues. The board approved the vacate and condemn order and authorized legal action if necessary. - Retirement remarks – Fred (Code Enforcement Officer) – Fred, retiring after 12 years, thanked the board for their support. He highlighted the creation of written procedures and a code enforcement handbook. The board acknowledged his contributions and invited members to a retirement celebration on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous on consent calendar items, the property condemnation, and the conflict disclosure. - The board directed that legal action be taken as necessary on the McKinley property if the owner does not comply. - Announcements included: trash services delayed by one day due to the holiday (Friday service on Saturday), the Bartholomew County Public Libraries concert series starting Friday (7:00–8:00 p.m., Columbus City Band), and the farmers market on Saturday (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). The meeting adjourned.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on May 26, 2026, at 11:30 AM, called to order by Chair Zach Ellison. All five board members were present. The board considered two variance requests, approved several findings of fact, and approved minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Dell (103 [address]) spoke in support of both the Domino's Pizza variance and the Volunteers of America variances. He noted the community's need for permanent supportive housing and supported the parking and density requests. Discussion Items BZA 26-35: Domino’s Pizza – Developmental Standards Variance - Request: Reduce required drive-through stacking spaces from 10 to 5 (five fewer) for a proposed Domino’s restaurant at 4148 West Jonathan Moore Pike (Carlos Folder Road). The restaurant will be 1,800 square feet, drive-through only, with 22 parking spaces and 5 stacking spaces. - Staff Presentation: Melissa Bagley presented the site plan, noting topographic constraints that make additional stacking spaces difficult. The site slopes from the internal drive toward Carlos Folder Road. - Petitioner Testimony: Tim Thomas (Milestone Design Group) explained that Domino’s model relies on online/phone orders, so customers do not wait in line as long as traditional drive-throughs. The owner operates 10 locations in southern Indiana with typically 8 employees per shift. Additional parking spaces (22 + 2 EV charging) provide overflow waiting. - Vote: Motion to approve (all criteria met) passed unanimously. BZA 26-38: Volunteers of America – Hutchins Crossing (Three Variances) - Property: Corner of Hutchins and 14th Street, recently rezoned to RM multifamily. Proposed two-story apartment building with 17 units (each 480 sq ft) and 7-8 on-site parking spaces plus leased and on-street parking. - Variance 1: Allow dwelling units of 480 sq ft (minimum 500 sq ft). - Variance 2: Allow 17 dwelling units (density maximum 15.25 units based on 25 units/acre). - Variance 3: Allow 9 parking spaces (required 31). Applicant leases 18 parking spaces from United Way and utilizes on-street parking (9 spaces). On-site spaces are 7 or 8 (updated to 8 per petitioner). - Staff Presentation: Melissa Bagley noted proximity to parks, commercial services, and transit. Sidewalks will be installed. - Petitioner Testimony: Chloe Ingle King (Volunteers of America) stated that the project has a 20-year funding compliance period, and the lease agreement for parking will last that long. Typically 10-20% of residents have vehicles. - Board Discussion: Concerns about reliance on leased parking and future viability. Board voted on each variance separately. - Votes: - Variance 1 (size): Approved unanimously. - Variance 2 (density): Approved unanimously. - Variance 3 (parking): Approved with one dissenting vote (motion carried). - Public Comment: Tom Dell supported all variances, emphasizing the importance of permanent supportive housing. Key Outcomes - BZA 26-35 (Domino’s): Variance approved (5 fewer stacking spaces). - BZA 26-38 (Hutchins Crossing): Three variances approved (unit size, density, parking reduction). - Findings of Fact: Six BZA items (26-20, 26-22, 26-31, 26-23, 26-32, 26-26) were approved with one abstention (Michael Kinder) on each. - Minutes: Approved with one abstention (Michael Kinder). - Meeting adjourned.

The Board of Public Works and Safety met on May 19, 2026, to swear in a new police officer, approve routine items, update the fire department uniform policy, and discuss community events and property maintenance. The meeting also recognized National Public Works Week and announced upcoming city events. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 12 meeting were approved unanimously. - Community Events: The board approved a series of community events recommended by the Community Events Review Group. - Special Use of Right-of-Way: Several requests for special use of city right-of-way were approved. - City Dockets of Claims: Two dockets of claims for the city were approved. - Parks Dockets of Claims: Twelve claims (six regular, six payroll) for the Parks Department were approved via resolution. - Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Uniform conflict of interest disclosure statements were accepted for four members of the Community Police Review Board: Fred King, Rick King, Joy Langdon, and Mark Ray. Discussion Items - Swearing-In of New Police Officer Colton Ross: Colton Ross was sworn in as a new police officer, bringing the department to 88 sworn officers (the allotted strength). He is a graduate of James County High School, IU Police Academy, and interned with the department last year. The board and mayor congratulated him. - National Public Works Week Proclamation: The board recognized National Public Works Week, noting the department's 50 years of operation and its new chapter with a new facility. Approximately 23 public works employees were in attendance. - Fire Department Uniform Policy Update (FD Order 0-16): Captain Ben Spencer presented the revised policy. Changes include: reimbursement language for firefighters who have not yet met the first-year mark, clarifying wording ("uniform items" instead of "items"), rules for wearing uniforms after separation (requires approval), and a prohibition on donating uniform items to thrift stores or nonprofits without authorization. A new patch design was also shown, featuring new buildings and the state of Indiana to distinguish from Columbus, Ohio. The policy was approved unanimously. - Weed Letter for Property Maintenance: A weed letter was approved for 1103 Cottage Avenue, owned by Nicholas Alan Purdue and Amanda Joe Tibbs, to have the property mowed and cleaned up. The board noted that proactive door-knocking and tags have reduced the number of weed complaints. Key Outcomes - Approvals: All consent calendar items, the fire department uniform policy, the weed letter, and the claims dockets were approved without opposition. - Announcements: The board reminded the public of upcoming events: the ribbon cutting for the new DPW facility on Arcadia Drive on May 20 at 1:00 PM; the monthly food truck festival on May 21 from 11 AM to 8 PM at the Cummins/Sears lot (18 food trucks); the Salute to the Airport event on May 22 at 7:00 PM; the Farmers Market on May 23; and city offices closed on May 25 for Memorial Day, with curbside collections running one day behind (Friday collections on Saturday, May 30).