Carmel Common Council Meeting – April 20, 2026
Carmel Common Council Meeting – April 20, 2026
The Carmel Common Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026. The meeting opened with an invocation, swearing-in of four new police officers, and presentation of Life-Saving Awards to Officer Mary Potvin and Sergeant Jeremy Meyer for rescuing a cardiac arrest victim on March 4, 2026. The council then heard extensive public comment regarding the recent ICE office opening in Carmel, followed by committee reports, old and new business, and several ordinance votes.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda approved unanimously.
- Minutes of the March 16 regular meeting and April 2 claims meeting approved.
- Claims approved: payroll $4,493,748; general claims $3,245,084.71; wire transfers $2,108,844.84.
- Resolutions CC04202601 (transfer of $1,112 from grant fund for Cop Cards initiative) and CC04202602 (authorization to purchase properties for city improvement projects) approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
Public comments focused almost entirely on the ICE office located in Carmel. Nine speakers addressed the council, with the majority expressing opposition and urging the council to take a formal stance. Key speakers and their positions:
- Sharon Bowler (nonprofit leader) requested a formal statement that the city does not support ICE policies.
- Joey Basso (resident) thanked council members who attended the March 30 town hall and asked for formal direction to protect constitutional rights.
- Stephanie Stewart (resident) criticized ICE for racial profiling and illegal searches, and called for a formal statement against ICE.
- Sarah Draper (19-year resident, naturalized citizen) noted that 13% of Carmel residents are foreign-born and expressed fear; asked for a resolution ensuring due process and constitutional protections.
- Shelly Carey (resident) urged the council to continue seeking information and keep communication lines open with the ICE office.
- Henry Winkler (resident, president of Central Carmel Preservation Association) argued that ICE represents cruelty and urged the council to reject its presence.
- Linda Bailey Zimmerman (resident) expressed concern that ICE’s presence could harm the relationship with local police.
- Rob Brown (resident, married to an immigrant) expressed support for ICE, stating that illegal actions are illegal and that ICE officers are professionals who deserve respect.
- Alejandra Mora (16-year-old resident) asked the council to find courage to stand up for human rights and due process, noting her family chose Carmel for opportunity and safety.
- Lorena Lane (Mexican immigrant, 20-year resident) requested a formal resolution opposing ICE and violence, and ongoing transparency from federal agencies.
Discussion Items
- Autumn Drive Parking Amendment: The council discussed an amendment to parking restrictions on Autumn Drive. After negotiation between residents and a commercial tenant, the ordinance was amended to allow parking on the north side only Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The amendment was approved.
- US 31 Corridor Sub-Area Plan: The council considered amendments to the comprehensive plan to incorporate a new sub-area plan for the US 31 corridor. Five final tweaks were read into the record and adopted. The amended plan was approved.
- Vacation of Public Way (805 Oswego Road): The council approved the vacation of a portion of public right-of-way at 805 Oswego Road, with the condition that the petitioner execute a storm sewer easement agreement with the city.
- Persimmon 3 Project (Vacation of Rights-of-Way): The developer presented updated plans for the Persimmon 3 development (hotel, office, multifamily) including changes to square footage, removal of retail, and a request for 100% TIF allocation. The council sent the vacation ordinances to the Land Use and Finance Committees for further review.
- Climate Action Committee Rename: The council approved an ordinance renaming the Climate Action Advisory Committee to the Environmental Stewardship Committee and expanding its membership.
- Rental Registration Ordinance Amendment: The council amended the residential rental registration ordinance to allow late applicants to prove they were renting as of December 31, 2025, and to accept a written affirmation from property owners regarding HOA covenants instead of requiring HOA board certification.
- Bond Project MOU Update: Engineering Director Brad Pease provided an update on bond-funded projects, noting budget reallocations due to a $3 million surplus. The council acknowledged the updated MOU.
Key Outcomes
- Autumn Drive parking amendment passed (moved by Councilor Taylor, seconded, approved).
- US 31 corridor sub-area plan adopted with five amendments (moved by Councilor Locke, seconded, approved).
- Vacation of 805 Oswego Road right-of-way approved with stipulation for storm sewer easement (moved by Councilor Minar, seconded, approved).
- Resolution expressing interest in property purchases approved (moved by Councilor Taylor, seconded, approved).
- Climate Action Committee renamed to Environmental Stewardship Committee and membership expanded – introduced, rules suspended, and approved.
- Rental registration ordinance amended – introduced, rules suspended, and approved.
- New Plan Commission appointment: The council accepted the resignation of the current Plan Commission member and appointed Councilor Theresa Ayers to the Plan Commission. Councilor Green volunteered to join the Land Use Committee to maintain four members; his appointment was confirmed.
- Persimmon 3 vacation ordinances sent to Land Use Committee (meeting April 28) and Finance Committee (meeting May 13).
Meeting adjourned after announcements and a moment of recognition for the city's first responders and the upcoming Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony (April 24) and Japan Springfest (May 2).
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. We will now call to order the Monday, April 20th meeting of the City of Carmel Common Council. First thing on the agenda is the agenda approval. Move for approval. Second. Thank you. We will now move on to our invocation. I'd like to welcome Rabbi David. Grossbaum of Shab. Thank you. Please, sir. People mispronouncing that, so you're in great company. Master of the universe. We beseech you to bestow your blessings upon this distinguished body as they diligently fulfill one of the universal Noah Hyde commandments you've given unto humanity to govern by just laws. In these divisive times, we strive to live by the teachings of my mentor, the Lababacher Rebbe of Blessed Memory, who taught that differences need not lead to division. To the contrary, the ultimate divine unity and productivity is only found where the vital differences between people are overshadowed by what is common to all of us. That we are God's creations. The E. Pluribus Unum, because of the in God we trust. Almighty God, please bless this body and all of us. So that we successfully foster an environment of liberty and a deeper appreciation that within each individual lies remarkable potential for good. Please, Almighty God, help us sanctify our lives. Dedicate our resources, harness our time and our talents to be a force for goodness and godliness. Inspire us to work diligently in making the world a better place, starting with ourselves and then extending to our families and then our communities. And may these local acts accumulate to a much larger force. As the great Maimonides writes, each person must see themselves and the entire world as an even scale. And with a single good deed, they can tip the scale to good, ushering the fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah's words that nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn of war anymore. We eagerly anticipate this world of peace and brotherhood, as foreseen by our prophets of old. So may it be your will, and let us respond. Amen. And to the Republic for religious stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Good evening, Council. Thank you. It's an exciting night here after a very rigorous screening process. We have four gentlemen here who I'm very excited to welcome to our police department. Really, really talented guys. So I will introduce each of them. First of all, Tyler Winnings. Tyler comes to us from Lebanon Police Department, where he worked as an officer and has nine years law enforcement experience. He also served in the National Guard for six years prior to beginning his career in law enforcement. And many years ago, Tyler was also a Carmel Police Cadet. So he finally came back around to us. Jeremy Foltz. Jeremy comes to us from the private sector prior to that time and while uh pursuing a career with Carmel Police Department. Marine Corps for four years. Next, Daniel Eans. Danny comes to us from the logistics field where he worked as a warehouse supervisor. He studied psychology at Calumet College of St. Joseph, where he attended on a golf scholarship.
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