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.
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:
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).
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.