Columbus City Council Meeting - May 6, 2026

The Columbus Common Council met on May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET to approve minutes, conduct three first-read ordinances and one second-read ordinance, and receive a departmental update from Parks and Recreation. The meeting included public testimony on one agenda item and concluded with reports on housing and community initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dickey Stover (address: 233 North 500W, Columbus) expressed concerns about the Chase Point rezoning, citing potential noise, dust, light pollution, traffic congestion, lack of a buffer between new homes and existing farmland, and unaffordable home prices (starting at $350,000). He requested a buffer and noted the development would significantly change the rural character.

Discussion Items

Old Business: Second Reading – Stormwater Management Ordinance

• Andrew Beckard presented the ordinance (Ordinance Number 2026) to repeal and replace stormwater management ordinance 50‑2024, primarily to comply with Indiana House Enrolled Act 1037 and permit requirements. No public comments. Council passed the second reading 8-0.

New Business A: Chase Point Rezoning (First Reading)

• Melissa Bigley presented a request to rezone a portion of the Chase Point development from RMC (residential multifamily with commitments) to RS4C (residential single-family four with commitments). The change was prompted by unsuitable soils that reduced developable land; the revised plan proposes 180 single-family homes (down from an original mix of 250 single-family plus 130 townhomes). A concept plan shows two access points, floodplain, and common areas. The Plan Commission recommended approval with two commitments.
• During public comment, Dickey Stover voiced concerns (see above). Developer representatives (Jack Lasky and others) responded: a traffic study is underway, construction is phased (phase 3 affecting nearby homes estimated for 2030), and they argued a buffer is not needed because adjacent zoning is also single-family.
• Vote: First reading passed 8-0 (Grace Kessler abstained, citing she had no strong opinion; Kent Anderson was absent).

New Business B: 10th and Lafayette Rezoning (First Reading)

• Melissa Bigley presented a planning department‑sponsored rezoning to correct a zoning mismatch: several single‑family parcels along 10th and Lafayette are currently zoned CN (commercial neighborhood) and will be changed to RE (residential established). Two vacant commercial parcels and two active commercial buildings are excluded. No public comments. Vote: First reading passed 9-0.

New Business C: Water Rate Adjustment (First Reading)

• City officials presented an ordinance to establish an adjusted schedule for water rates, reflecting lower‑than‑expected bond interest (3.84% vs. 4.5% projected). The rate change ranges from 0% to 2.3% (a minor decrease) and will take effect in June 2026 for one year. No public comments. Vote: First reading passed 9-0.

Parks and Recreation Update

• Nikki, Parks and Recreation Director, presented an overview of her department’s strategic goals and projects:
  • Goal 1: Facility and park system assessment – contracting an external firm for unbiased condition audits, community engagement through master plans (Donner Park, aquatics, trails), and implementation of OpenGov work‑order system.
  • Goal 2: Strengthen communication and collaboration – examples include a partnership with FFY for youth basketball, improved internal newsletter, and cross‑departmental coordination.
  • Goal 3: Activate Nexus Park – signed a lease for Legends Alley (10,000 sq ft for duckpin bowling, beer/wine, party room, food & beverage). Additional leases in negotiation. Also partnering with the visitor center and developing an event policy.
  • Goal 4: Strengthen organizational culture – culture assessment embedded in master plans, staff strengths assessment, quarterly employee newsletter.
• Key projects: Donner Park master plan (bonding in 2026, planning through 2027), AEI Fitness Center expansion, Lincoln TRF project (ribbon‑cutting in June 2026), park app launch, and snow‑response policy.

Other Reports

• A council member reported that the BZA approved two housing projects (garages with living spaces above) to add affordable housing downtown.
• Eric (city official) announced Water Safety Awareness Month in May, with educational initiatives and partnerships with parks, police, and fire. Also promoted the United Way’s first annual cardboard boat race (Gata Regatta) on July 31, 2026 at Millrace Park.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of April 21, 2026 (8-0).
• Passed on Second Reading: Stormwater Management Ordinance (8-0).
• Passed on First Reading: Chase Point Rezoning (8-0, one abstention).
• Passed on First Reading: 10th and Lafayette Rezoning (9-0).
• Passed on First Reading: Water Rate Adjustment Ordinance (9-0).
• No Action Taken: Parks and Recreation update was informational.
• Adjourned: Meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified].