Carmel City Council Regular Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Carmel City Council met on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the amended agenda, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, public comments, committee reports, adoption of the 2027 budget, discussion of a micromobility ordinance, and defeat of a nonprofit oversight ordinance. A report from the Center for the Performing Arts highlighted economic impact and parking challenges.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes from October 5, 2026 – Approved.
• Claims, Payroll & General Claims – Approved: payroll $4,475,255.83, general claims $2,764.43, retirement $137,832.00.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Lloyd (Carmel resident) – Opposed power-based restrictions in the micromobility ordinance, arguing the focus should be on behavior rather than vehicle specifications. Cited his experience with electric unicycles requiring higher power for stability.
• Jack Feltman (Carmel resident) – Urged council to postpone the micromobility vote, citing that the public had insufficient time to review updated ordinance documents and that the land use committee meeting was held during fall break. Suggested enforcement alternatives using Indiana BMV penalties.
• Karen Peyton (Small Business Administration) – Outlined SBA disaster assistance programs for individuals and businesses affected by the August storms, including physical damage loans and economic injury loans.

Discussion Items

Flood Recovery Update (Mayor)

• Mayor reported on recovery from the August flood: damage assessments of structures in flood-impacted areas (Northwood Hills, Hazeldale Bridge area) were completed by Tetra Tech under Indiana Department of Homeland Security partnership. Under floodplain regulations, buildings with damage equal to or exceeding 50% of market value must be brought into compliance. Property owners will receive individualized letters with results and appeal information. Partnerships with Hamilton County Community Foundation and Clay Township Trustee office were highlighted; additional community support from Surve Village noted.

2027 Budget Adoption

• Mayor's presentation: Held the city property tax rate steady at 77.83 cents per $100 of assessed value for the third year. Emphasized zero-based budgeting, increased road funding by nearly 100% since 2023, additional sworn police and fire positions, and continued investment in infrastructure and quality-of-life programs (arts, grants). Noted that state-mandated deductions will reduce city revenue despite flat rate.
• Council comments: Several members praised the budget for maintaining services and a flat tax rate despite a challenging fiscal environment (declining assessed value growth). Councillor Locke voiced reservations about some items but acknowledged the necessity.
• Key votes:
  • Ordinance D2848-26 (2027 budget) – Approved.
  • Resolution CC-10-05-26-02 (tax rate limit) – Approved.
  • Salary ordinances for city court, clerk, city employees, elected officials (D2849-26, D2850-26, D2851-26 as amended, D2852-26) – Approved.

Center for the Performing Arts Report

• Jeff McDermott (President/CEO) presented the economic impact ($23 million for Carmel; $27.4 million for Hamilton County), operational efficiency (cited Hyden report showing $581 per seat below peer average), and educational reach (over 25,000 participants in free/subsidized programs). Raised concerns about traffic and parking congestion during the Christkindlmarkt: holiday show attendance down ~20% since 2023, revenue loss of $66,000, and increased attrition. Task force recommendations included a professional traffic/parking study, dedicated rideshare zone, and additional shuttle funding. Councillors expressed support and noted the need for long-term solutions.

Micromobility Ordinance (D2843-26)

• Councillor Joshi (Land Use Committee) summarized changes: added device examples, clarified that e-motos do not include e-bikes, revised dismount zone language to encourage caution, removed strict 3-foot passing requirement, and specified helmet standards. Public concern about document availability led to holding the item for further review.
• Councillor Osin proposed an amendment setting a minimum age of 12 for Class 1/2 e-bikes.
• Councillor Locke noted ongoing work to accommodate electric unicycles under appropriate subcategory.
• The ordinance was held at the dais for additional public input and discussion.

Nonprofit Support Ordinance (D2772-25)

• Finance committee reported a unanimous negative recommendation. Corporation counsel Benjamin Legg outlined legal risks: the ordinance would require nonprofits receiving city funds to change their bylaws to include council representation and require council approval of board members, potentially conflicting with Indiana Nonprofit Corporation law. Councillors expressed concerns about overreach and disrespect to partners. A motion to adopt the ordinance failed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved 2027 budget and tax rate resolution (flat rate of 0.7783 per $100 AV).
• Approved salary ordinances for court, clerk, employees, and elected officials, including an amendment to add a facility manager and a storm maintenance technician.
• Held micromobility ordinance for further deliberation.
• Defeated nonprofit oversight ordinance (motion failed).
• Received reports from the Environmental Stewardship Committee (zero-waste subcommittee, sustainability fair) and the Center for the Performing Arts.
• Announcements: Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Housing meets October 29; Back the Blue Bingo event on Friday (date unspecified) supports police food baskets.