City of Columbus, Indiana Board Meeting – April 7, 2026

The City of Columbus, Indiana, board convened on 2026-04-07 at 15:00:00+00:00. The board approved prior meeting minutes, a minor subdivision right-of-way dedication, release of a condemnation, several contracts, permits, and agreements, opened construction bids, approved claims, and heard announcements. All listed motions carried by voice vote, with no opposing votes noted in the transcript.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the March 31, 2026 meeting minutes as presented.
• Approved special use of right-of-way requests from Columbus City Utilities, Milestone, Dave O'Mara, and Average Joe's Tree Service.
• Approved the six dockets/buckets of claims reviewed by staff.

Development Items

• Subdivision right-of-way dedication: The Shelby Perry Minor Subdivision creates one new lot outside city limits but within city jurisdiction, west of State Road 46 and Country Club Road. The board accepted over 1.5 acres of right-of-way dedication along County Road 50 North and County Road 600 West, after staff reported the request had been reviewed by the city's plan committee and found in order. County-maintained roads were noted.
• 1122 2nd Street car wash: Staff reported no action was needed because the property owner now has a demolition permit valid from May 1 through the end of August.
• 2313 Maple Street: Staff requested release of the condemnation, demolition, and legal-action hold on the property after completion of a quick remodel. The property is subject to county permitting/inspection and city staff re-inspection. The board approved releasing the hold.

Engineering and Contract Actions

• Approved an events request for the Viewpoint Books trail on 6th Street, from Washington Street to the alley between Washington and Jackson, scheduled for April 11, 2026.
• Approved a right-of-way encroachment agreement with Rubicon Investments LLC for 1020 North Washington Street to install private stormwater management infrastructure in the public right-of-way.
• Awarded a contract to Edward and Jones Concrete for 26-02 concrete street repairs at Ever Road Park West in the amount of $389,600.
• Awarded a contract to Williams Creek Management Corporation for CRC 26-01 riverfront tree mitigation in the amount of $296,257.87. One board member commented they would have preferred using the money for maintenance of existing city trees.
• Opened bids for the 2026 crack seal and mastic joint repair project: Howard Companies — $397,929; Case Construction — $704,000; All Star Paving — $825,930. The board took the bids under advisement rather than awarding immediately.

Announcements

• Mike Woolman was introduced as the city's new communications manager. Woolman, a journalist with experience at The Republic and a journalism degree from the Ernie Pyle School, said he looked forward to communicating city activities more effectively to the public.
• Jody announced the spring farmers market on 4th Street on Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; it is the second of three spring markets, with the next on April 25, followed by the regular summer market in May. The prior market was well attended and included baked goods, greens, mushrooms, crafts, sauces, and cinnamon rolls.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the March 31, 2026 minutes and all routine items on the calendar.
• Accepted the Shelby Perry Minor Subdivision right-of-way dedication.
• Released the condemnation/demolition/legal-action status on 2313 Maple Street.
• Approved the Viewpoint Books event, the Rubicon encroachment agreement, and both construction contracts.
• Took the 2026 crack seal and mastic joint repair bids under advisement.
• Approved claims and adjourned the meeting by voice vote.