Carmel City Council Meeting - February 16, 2026

The Carmel City Council met on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Carmel City Hall. The meeting included the swearing-in of two new police officers, the introduction of a new CEO for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, a student council report, extensive public comment regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leasing office space in the city, a comprehensive presentation from the Carmel Clay Public Library director, and a financial update including a vote to proceed with a major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system project. Several land-use items were referred to committees.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved unanimously.
• Consent agenda approved: minutes from January 22 special claims meeting (with a note to correct a misspelled name) and February 2 regular meeting; claims and payroll totaling $8,472,760.36; wire transfers of $4,269,618.28.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sally Peeler (Carmel resident since 1989) expressed serious concern about the ICE administrative office leasing space near residential areas. She stated that while local government cannot prevent federal agencies from operating, Carmel can adopt clear non-cooperation policies to protect residents from entanglement with federal immigration enforcement. She urged the council to require full public disclosure of the lease, affirm non-cooperation policies, ensure no city resources are used for immigration enforcement, and slow the process until the community is fully informed.
• Mark Roger spoke about safety, transparency, and trust. He expressed concern about federal agents operating without clear identification and asked the council to limit police cooperation with federal agencies, require written authorization for joint operations, prohibit local officers from participating in immigration enforcement, require public reporting on federal assistance requests, and strengthen civilian oversight.
• Joey Basso (Carmel native and parent) stated his views are his own. He expressed concern after learning ICE is expanding to Carmel. He asked what protections exist for residents if constitutional rights are violated. He noted the mayor assured him Carmel will stay welcoming and Chief Sterling assured him Carmel Police do not stand for unconstitutional behavior, but he said there are more questions than answers regarding SB 76 (mandating cooperation with ICE). He urged the council to establish clear policies ensuring Carmel police will intervene to protect constitutional rights regardless of state or federal mandates.
• Micah Alejandra Mora (16-year-old resident) stated she is concerned about the ICE office, saying it sends a message of fear and uncertainty for immigrant families. She asked the council to consider the human side, make clear that Carmel values all residents, and that Hispanic and immigrant families are not outsiders. She noted she carries her passport out of fear.
• Another speaker (name not clearly stated) criticized the mayor and four council members for not issuing statements on the ICE news for four days, saying "it's hard to lead from behind." They also mentioned Hamilton County Sheriff Quakenbush has a mandate to assist ICE and that two American citizens lost their lives in Minneapolis due to ICE violence.
• Ron Hauck (President of Spring Mill Place HOA) spoke in support of the Illinois Street Townhomes PUD, noting it is residential and compatible with their neighborhood.

Discussion Items

• Swearing-In of Police Officers: Chief Sterling swore in two new certified officers: Zach Graham (from Wabash County Sheriff's Office) and Rodica Choudry (from IU Indianapolis Police Department).
• Introduction of New Christkindlmarkt CEO: Council President Snyder introduced Jason Adamowitz as the new CEO of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, noting his experience and vision.
• Student Council Report: Fifth grader Nafeg Singh delivered the Mayor's Council Report, announcing removal of planter boxes on Rangeline Road to create a 10-foot-wide path for walkers and cyclists (construction July 4 to November), a traveling exhibit at the Carmel Clay History Museum, a utilities program, and the Carmel Arts and Design District nomination in USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards.
• ICE Office Discussion: Council President Snyder read a lengthy statement addressing the ICE leasing. He stated the city has no legal authority to prevent a federal agency from leasing private property, confirmed the location is administrative only (not enforcement/detention), and urged civility and respect for differing views. He emphasized fear should be acknowledged and that the Carmel Police Department remains the public safety authority.
• Mayor's Comments: Mayor Finkam confirmed the city was informed ICE has leased privately owned office space as overflow for administrative personnel from its Indianapolis office. He said the city has no legal authority to restrict the action. He emphasized the Carmel Police Department's commitment to safety and that the city will follow the law while maintaining open communication. He stated, "Others do not write our story. We do." He highlighted Carmel's diversity (residents from 90 countries, 110 languages) and commitment to respect.
• Council Comments: Several council members expressed appreciation for public engagement and acknowledged limitations of local authority. Councilor Worrell asked for transparency and a pipeline of factual information, pledging to work with the mayor. Council President Snyder noted the council is operating in uncharted territory and welcomes input from residents. Councilor Taylor echoed support for thanking speakers.
• Library Director Presentation: Bob Swainey, Director of Carmel Clay Public Library, presented a comprehensive 10-year history and current status. Key points: 2.1 million circulation, $10 million working budget (55% salaries, 20% materials – a gold standard), record visits (540,000+ at main library), new library card issuance at 8,000-10,000 per year (January 2026 was a record month), popular gadget collection (hiking poles, ukuleles, board games), digital media lab with 3D printing expo scheduled for February 28, teen artist-in-residency program (35 artists, over 1,000 studio visits), partnership with Hamilton County elections for early voting, and library after dark event March 21. The library also hosted the National Civility Summit.
• Financial Update – 2025 Results & ERP Project: CFO Zach Jackson presented the 2025 general fund financial picture: revenues of $141.4 million, expenses of $138 million, operating surplus of $3.3 million; rainy day fund unchanged at $14.6 million; combined reserves of $29.1 million. He then presented Project Cornerstone, an ERP system to replace outdated financial and administrative systems. Estimated implementation cost $500,000 to $2 million (likely $1 million) with ongoing licensing fees of $250,000–$400,000, partially offset by replacing existing contracts (e.g., accounting $50,000, payroll $250,000). The project would be phased, hiring a project manager, selecting a vendor, and implementing modules over time. Council discussed and voted to proceed with Phase 1 (selection and procurement).
• PUD Items:
  • Illinois Street Townhomes PUD (Pulte Homes): 27 for-sale three-story townhomes on 4.4 acres, priced from mid-$500s. Plan Commission gave a 6-3 negative recommendation due to location and building materials concerns. Applicant noted more than 40% open space, tree preservation, and rental restrictions. Public comment from HOA president in support. Sent to Land Use and Special Studies Committee.
  • Greenhouse Cottages PUD Amendment (Restoracy of Carmel): Two new skilled nursing cottages (12 beds each) for a total of 24 new beds, with dedication of right-of-way and additional buffering. Plan Commission unanimous positive recommendation. Sent to Land Use Committee.
  • Amendment to parking regulations on Autumn Drive: first reading, sent to Finance and Rules Committee.

Key Outcomes

• ERP Project (Project Cornerstone): Council voted unanimously (consensus) to move forward with Phase 1 – selection and procurement of an ERP system and implementation partner. The finance committee's recommendation was approved.
• Illinois Street Townhomes PUD: Public hearing closed; matter referred to Land Use and Special Studies Committee for further discussion on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the Carmel Public Library.
• Restoracy of Carmel PUD Amendment & New PUD: Public hearings closed; both ordinances referred to Land Use Committee.
• Parking Amendment (Autumn Drive): First reading completed; referred to Finance and Rules Committee.
• Council Announcements: Council recognized the Carmel Girls Swim team's 40th consecutive state championship.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:52 PM.