Carmel Common Council Meeting - September 15, 2025

The Carmel Common Council held a regular meeting on September 15, 2025, to address a range of legislative and administrative items. Key actions included approving Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds for the Signature 55 development (which includes a veterans park), adopting a school zone sign modernization project, passing several budget transfers, and amending the city code on rental registration and noise exemptions. The council also recognized the addition of two new police canines and heard public comments on arts funding and the city budget.

Presentations and Recognitions

• Introduction of New Police Canines: Lieutenant Katie Malloy, Canine Unit Coordinator, introduced two new K9 teams: Officer Mark Parshall with K9 Atlas (a 2-year-old Malinois from France) and Officer Willow Height with K9 Rook. K9 Atlas had over 60 deployments and seized narcotics including fentanyl; K9 Rook had 19 deployments and confiscated two firearms from prohibited individuals. The additions bring the department to one dog per shift. Community supporters Becky Wanick, Jack Reinhardt, Jeff and Pamela Greenwalt, and the Heroes Club were thanked.

Public Comments

• Rose Popovich: Expressed strong support for arts funding and urged the council not to start new initiatives given impending budget cuts.
• Kate Gaither: Criticized Republican-led state tax cuts (SEA 1) for creating budget shortfalls and told council to stop whining, accept responsibility, and craft an efficient budget.
• Jeff McDermott (speaking for the arts community): Raised concerns about the proposed "Experience Carmel" nonprofit, stating that $1.8 million in arts funding would be diverted to it without a feasibility study, governing documents, or IRS application. He asked three questions: (1) why create Experience Carmel if the marketing department is already efficient; (2) why fund it from the arts budget when it is not an arts organization; and (3) why reduce arts funding given its proven economic and cultural value.
• Krish Gajaria (Carmel High School senior): Described founding nonprofits Pages for Progress (1,500 books distributed to refugees) and LaunchBed (microgrants for students). He thanked the community and asked about opportunities for student collaboration with the city on social issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the August 18 and August 28, 2025 meetings.
• Approval of claims: payroll $4,166,574.62; general claims $2,160,558.88; purchase card $31,496.96; wire transfers $2,683,431.44. (All passed unanimously.)

Council and Mayoral Comments

• Councillor Worrell promoted the upcoming National Civility Summit (September 26-27) and offered a scholarship to Krish Gajaria.
• Councillor Locke thanked Kate Gaither for her remarks, emphasizing the positive aspects of the city.
• Councillor Schneider echoed those sentiments and affirmed that council members prioritize community over politics.
• Councillor Snyder and others endorsed the civility initiative, noting its importance given recent national events.

Discussion Items

School Zone Speed Limit Signs (Ordinance D2782-25)

Director Jeremy Pease presented a proposal to upgrade school zone signs at 32 locations with flashing LED signs, radar feedback displays, and remote-control technology. The ordinance changes the speed limit enforcement from a fixed 7 a.m.–7 p.m. schedule to a "when flashing" system with a schedule of 7 a.m.–6 p.m. (except one middle school with 7 p.m.). Cost estimated at $450,000, with $50,000 contributed by Carmel Clay Schools.

• Council debate focused on whether to include more schools, control over scheduling, and the need for data collection.
• Motion to approve second reading passed 7-1 (one abstention).

Rental Registration Program Amendments (Ordinance D2784-25)

Corporation Counsel Sergey Grunchuk presented clarifications to the rental cap ordinance. Key amendments included: requiring a certificate of occupancy; no homestead exemption for rentals; legacy dwellings must register by December 31, 2025; ownership changes after that date forfeit legacy status; a $5 annual registration fee (per Indiana Code) with up to $200 late fee. Condominiums were excluded due to legal and logistical complexities, drawing concern from some councilors about a potential loophole. The ordinance was sent to the Land Use Committee for further vetting.

Noise Exemption for Eve of Diwali (Ordinance D2786-25)

Councillor Joshi introduced an amendment adding the night before Diwali to the noise exemption ordinance, allowing fireworks from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Police and fire chiefs expressed support. The ordinance was approved on first reading with suspension of rules.

Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Amendments (Resolution CC0915-2504)

Councillor Worrell presented a resolution to exclude certain locations and hours from DORA for specific events (Winter Games, Gazebo Concerts, Christkindlmarkt) where alcohol sales are not available. The DORA committee had vetted the changes. The resolution passed with 6 in favor and 2 abstentions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved TIF bonds for Signature 55 development (Ordinance D2778-25): Authorized the issuance of developer TIF bonds to finance improvements for the age-restricted apartment project and the creation of a veterans park. Passed.
• Approved land acquisition for veterans park (Resolution CC08-1825-01): Authorized the acquisition and transfer of real property to the parks department. Passed.
• Passed school zone sign modernization (Ordinance D2782-25): Vote 7-1 (one abstention).
• Approved police vehicle barriers purchase (Ordinance D2783-25): $94,374 from the law enforcement aid fund for vehicle mitigation barriers for special events. Passed unanimously.
• Adopted UDO Article 1 update (Ordinance Z701-25): Amended unified development ordinance foundations; passed on first reading with suspension of rules.
• Approved vacation of Calvert Place right-of-way (Ordinance D2777-25): Passed on first reading with suspension of rules.
• Approved Diwali noise exemption (Ordinance D2786-25): Passed on first reading with suspension of rules.
• Approved budget transfers: Within police department ($87,000), engineering department ($60,000), and street department ($394,000, partly for vehicle barriers). All passed.
• Approved DORA amendments (Resolution CC0915-2504): Passed 6-2 with two abstentions.
• Approved petition to vacate a public way at 571 First Avenue SE: Public hearing held; petition approved; formal ordinance to be presented at a future meeting.
• Sent rental registration amendments (Ordinance D2784-25) to the Land Use Committee for further review.
• Acknowledged new police canines and recognized community supporters.