Carmel City Council Meeting - July 20, 2026

The Carmel City Council met on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall for its regular meeting. The session included a deputy mayor's report, financial updates, multiple committee reports, a discussion on the Chris Kindle Market investigation, a proposed stormwater fee ordinance, and the introduction and passage of several ordinances. A major announcement was made regarding the funding and path forward for a new seventh fire station on the city's west side.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public members spoke during the public hearing for ordinance D-2837-26 (MVH appropriation).

Deputy Mayor Report (Annabelle Ventries)

• Reported a successful Carmel Fest 2026 despite heat and a storm, with a fireworks show sponsored by the Carmel Rotary.
• The third phase of the Monon Trail was completed and celebrated with a ribbon cutting.
• The 2026 Carmel Neighborhood Association Network Meeting was held, helping HOA leaders learn about updated laws.
• The "Ideas of Change" initiative and resident survey completed its first phase with 1,462 participants. The next phase will begin soon.
• Next neighborhood pop-up event: Wednesday, July 22, 6-7 PM in the Ashbrook neighborhood.

Key Announcements from the Mayor

• Seventh Fire Station: The Mayor announced a plan to dedicate $5 million in LIT funds as seed funding for a new fire station on the west side. The station would be built by repurposing a portion of the water distribution building at Main and Shelbourne. This approach leverages an existing city asset, reduces costs, and accelerates the timeline. The need is supported by data: in 2025, firefighters executed over 10,000 runs (up from 7,000 in 2020). The goal is to have the station open by July 1, 2028, with 14 firefighters hired and trained. The project also allows for relocation of fire maintenance to the police/streets campus, freeing space for expanded training at 106th and Gray.

Committee Reports

• Housing (Councilor Minar): The Mayor's Advisory Commission on Housing met to discuss information from Opticos on missing middle housing and the UDO. Discussions are ongoing; no next meeting date set yet.
• Finance (Councilor Taylor): The committee discussed two items: (1) a request from Engineering and Parks Director Michael Klitzing to amend the 2024 infrastructure bond MOU to acquire 26 acres contiguous to Meadow Lark Park for green space (an amendment will be prepared for next meeting); (2) ordinance 36-26 on stormwater fees returned with a negative recommendation due to procedural issues.
• Land Use (Councilor Joshi): Discussed ordinance D 2795-25 on use of public areas of City Hall. Ongoing discussions with input from the public and City Legal. Next meeting: Thursday, July 23, 5:30 PM at Carmel Public Library.
• Carmel Historic Preservation Commission: Approved $30,000 in facade grants (matching $145,000 in private funds). Reviewed a certificate of appropriateness for the Wilkinson Hull property. Continued dialogue on the Blue School building. Working on the North Rangeline Road conservation district plan (expected to be ready in August). Completed annual CLG reporting.

Finance Report (CFO Zach Jackson)

• Revenue: After two quarters, revenues are $8 million (10.2%) over forecast. Key drivers: $1.1M insurance reimbursement for Keystone overpass repairs (offset by transfer to insurance recovery fund), $5.2M supplemental LIT higher than expected, and $900K property tax timing difference.
• Expenses: General fund spending is 1.2% ($900K) under forecast; MVH spending is 5.8% ($700K) under. Fire department overtime is projected to require an additional appropriation before year-end.
• Bond Refunding: Achieved $12.4 million in net present value savings (7.89%, well above the typical 3% target) from a $141M refunding. Strong demand (186 orders totaling $581M). The refunding will lower operating costs by $4-5M in 2027 and 2028 without extending maturities.

Discussion: Chris Kindle Market Investigation (Old Business A)

• Councilor Taylor made a motion to require Dentons (the law firm conducting the investigation) to produce the final report by August 20, 2026, or turn over all materials to the council's legal counsel.
• Councilor Locke, who has been shepherding the investigation, noted that the city provided a large document production, and the firm is still working through it. He cautioned against an arbitrary deadline that could compromise thoroughness.
• Multiple councilors expressed frustration with the duration (over a year) and cost ($125,000, fully expended). Councilor Green stated the investigation has taken too long and may now be a distraction. Councilor Austin noted his original concerns have been resolved. Councilor Rowe emphasized the importance of completing the process with integrity.
• Vote: The motion passed (majority in favor, with Councilor Locke voting against or abstaining? The transcript shows Councilor Locke said "I will abstain" later on another topic, but for this vote it says "That carries. So we've made this public." No explicit roll call, but it passed. Councilor Locke expressed intent to abide and send the email.
• Outcome: The deadline of August 20, 2026, was set for the report or turnover.

Stormwater Fee Ordinance (Old Business E)

• Ordinance D-2836-26, which proposed changes to stormwater fees, was returned from the Finance Committee with a negative recommendation due to procedural concerns.
• Corporation Counsel Sergey Gurchuk explained that state law (IC 8-1.5-5-7B) and city code require fee changes to originate from the Board of Public Works (the Stormwater Board), not the Council. The ordinance was premature.
• Councilor Taylor moved to pull the ordinance from the Land Use Committee and proceed to a vote on approval. The motion to pull and approve was seconded.
• After debate, the ordinance was voted down (not explicitly stated, but it failed; the context suggests it was not approved). The administration will draft a new ordinance following the correct process, including a public hearing at BPW, eliminating the COLA, and establishing fees during the budget process.
• Councilor Locke urged continued community input on stormwater projects, noting that a plan for the Concord Village neighborhood was presented and will move forward regardless.

MVH Additional Appropriation (Ordinance D-2837-26)

• First reading, public hearing (no comments), and immediate action (suspend rules, approve).
• Appropriates $651,000 from the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund: $50,000 for speed humps on West Road (previously approved) and $601,000 to cover a shortfall in wheel tax revenue estimates.
• Motion to approve passed.

Micromobility and E-Moto Devices (Ordinance D-2839-26)

• First reading. This ordinance addresses use of e-bikes, scooters, and e-motorcycles on trails and roads.
• Councilor Austin proposed an amendment to carve out two provisions: (1) ability to impound devices in certain circumstances, and (2) forfeiture if used in criminal activity. The amendment was approved.
• The amended ordinance (with only those two provisions) was then approved immediately (suspend rules, approve).
• The remaining content will be discussed in committee, including additional police requests: clearer identification of e-moto devices, prohibitions on wheelies and speeding, enhanced fines, mandatory court appearance for third offense, and impoundment. A working group will continue to develop ideas.
• Motion to adopt amended ordinance passed.

Non-Reverting Funds for DOCS and Engineering Fees (Ordinances D-2840-26 and D-2841-26)

• Two ordinances to create special non-reverting funds as required by state law for development fees collected by DOCS (building permits) and Engineering.
• Each ordinance was introduced, rules suspended, and approved unanimously.
• Funds will start being deposited into the new accounts; CFO noted that seed money carried over from the current year can help smooth FY 2028 budgeting.

Key Outcomes

• Chris Kindle Market: Investigation report due August 20, 2026; if not received, materials must be turned over to council's legal counsel.
• Stormwater Fee Ordinance: Withdrawn (not passed); administration to re-initiate through BPW with proper process.
• MVH Appropriation: Approved $651,000.
• Micromobility Ordinance: Amended to include impoundment and forfeiture provisions; approved. Further committee work on broader regulations.
• Non-Reverting Funds: Both ordinances approved (D-2840 and D-2841).
• Fire Station: Mayor committed to $5M LIT funding and a 2028 completion target; detailed plan to be brought forward.
• Meadow Lark Park: Finance committee to prepare MOU amendment for 26-acre acquisition.