OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

November 3, 2025 Indianapolis City County Council Meeting Summary

City-County Council — Monday, November 3, 2025
BodyIndianapolis, Indiana
SessionCity-County Council
DateMonday, November 3, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 51:21

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

Good evening.

0:06

Let us begin our meeting with a prayer and pledge of allegiance, led by Councillor Jesse Brown.

0:24

Good evening, everyone.

0:25

Tonight I've invited Pastor Janelle Howard of Hobie Street Church of Christ to lead the prayer.

0:30

And then I've asked Pastor Tim Lindsay to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:37

Let us pray.

0:39

God, as we gather together tonight in this space, I call on you to give us calmness in the midst of chaos and calamity and confusion.

0:51

Give us the strength to remain calm and be kind.

0:55

Give us direction as we watch support being stalled and health care being hindered.

1:04

And it seems as if injustice has taken over all of our social media sites.

1:11

Give us direction.

1:14

And God, if you will inspire and instruct us on this journey.

1:19

We all see things from our own vantage point, but may we be inspired that our cause is for the people.

1:30

And all of our work should be done with the people.

1:34

Bless this chamber, those leaders, and all of us who have gathered.

1:39

We honor you.

1:40

We ask for your guidance and instruction.

1:43

Let all who agree say amen.

1:45

Amen.

1:55

And to the Republic, for which it stands.

1:58

One nation under God.

2:06

Thanks, Catholics.

2:16

Counselors, please select your green button to indicate your attendance.

2:47

Have asked to be excused for this evening.

2:55

So the next item on the agenda is official communications.

2:59

Madam Clerk.

3:04

Thank you, Mr.

3:05

President.

3:06

Ladies and gentlemen, you are hereby notified that regular meetings of the City County Council, police, fire, and solid waste collection service, special service district councils will be held in the City County Building in the public assembly room on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 7 o'clock PM.

3:26

The purposes of such meetings being to conduct any and all business that may come properly before regular meetings of the council.

3:33

Sincerely, Bob Ossley, President City County Council.

3:38

Ladies and gentlemen, I have approved with my signature and delivered this day to the clerk of the City County Council, Yolanda Winfield, the following ordinances.

3:47

Fiscal ordinance numbers eleven and twelve, two thousand twenty-five.

4:18

Joseph H.

4:19

Hawks at Mayor.

4:20

Mr.

4:20

President, this concludes the official communications.

4:23

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

4:24

The next item on our agenda is the adoption of the agenda.

4:27

Do I have consent?

4:31

And the next item on our agenda is approval of the journals for October the 6th, 2025.

4:36

Do I have consent?

4:37

Consent.

4:39

Let's proceed now to presentation of petitions, memorials, and special resolutions.

4:45

And this first item on our agenda is proposal number three five three, which recognizes the 40th anniversary of the Indianapolis Children's Choir.

5:21

So everybody can uh I think they're crowding uh closer, yeah.

5:27

There are a lot of kids here.

5:40

So today we are very grateful to be joined by the Indianapolis Children's Choir.

5:45

Um they had approached me about doing this because obviously 40 years in the city, they are one of the really I think bedrock institutions of having so much involvement.

5:54

They actually relocated into District 4 a few years ago with their beautiful new headquarters at 91st in Allisonville, and we thought it'd be a great way of just honoring them for all their work in the city.

6:03

Also, uh too much debate, they're not gonna be singing tonight.

6:07

Uh there's a whole age range of kids that we decided it would be easier just to do it as just a normal proclamation, but um we're really honored to have some of their staff here and a lot of the people.

6:15

So here's the uh special resolution.

6:17

Special resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Indianapolis Children's Choir.

6:22

Whereas the Indianapolis Children's Choir, the ICC, founded in 1986 by Henry Leck, has served as a beacon of musical excellence and youth development in central central Indiana for four decades.

6:32

And whereas the visionary uh leadership of executive artistic director, Josh Petty, the Indianapolis Children's Choir has continued to nurture and inspire over 7500 young people annually, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years through its diverse and inclusive music education programs, and whereas the Indianapolis Children's Choirs, uh including early childhood, community outreach, and performing choirs provide transformative experiences for children across nearly 20 counties, representing over 360 schools and 56 school districts.

7:05

And whereas the ICC's commitment to accessibility and community outreach is demonstrated through its regional choirs in Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, and Marion Counties, as well as a partnership with arts, civic, and educational institutions, and whereas the ACC has earned national and international acclaim, performing at prestigious venues and events, including the 2024 U.S.

7:28

Olympic swimming trials, the Super Bowl uh back in Indianapolis, the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, and for dignitaries such as Noble Peace Prize Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

7:39

And whereas the ICC has enriched the cultural fabric fabric of Indianapolis through performances, agberatorial inaugurations, national conferences, and collaborations with world-renowned artisan orchestras, while also producing award recordings and broadcasts.

7:55

And whereas the ICC transforms lives through powerful choral uh experiences and music education, empowering young voices to grow, connect, and lead on stage and in the community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████████31%
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Arts And Culture██████████████14%
Budget Equity Analysis██████████████14%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Public Safety█████████9%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Summary of Proceedings

November 3, 2025 Indianapolis City County Council Meeting Summary

The Indianapolis City County Council convened on November 3, 2025, to conduct routine official communications, approve the agenda and October journals, and recognize several community organizations and milestones through special resolutions. The Council also approved a schedule of regular meetings for 2026, reappointed multiple board members, introduced various budget adjustments and ordinances regarding housing and public safety, and certified a series of rezoning proposals. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn in memory of several community members.

Consent Calendar

  • Adoption of the October 6, 2025, meeting journals.
  • Approval of the regular meeting schedule for 2026 (Proposal 355).
  • Reappointments to various boards: Brian Barton (Marion County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals), Brent Lyle (Metropolitan Development Commission), Dwayne Ingram (Board of Public Health and Safety), Dan Yet Smith (Domestic Violence Fatality Council), Wendy Tucker (Early Intervention Planning Council), Leslie Schulte (Public Works Committee), Sebeka Juwanza (Board of Public Works), Dan Hakey (Board of Public Works), and Joe Hoffman (Marion County Stormwater Management Technical Advisory Committee). All reappointment measures passed by a 22-0 vote or unanimous committee consent.
  • Certification of proposals 356 through 367 (rezoning) for approval by the Metropolitan Development Commission, to pass into law without reconsideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Amber Denny (President of the Indianapolis Children's Choir Board): Expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the choir's 40-year history, inclusive music education programs serving over 7,500 youth annually, and performances on every continent except Antarctica. She emphasized the organization's role in uniting city youth and stated her commitment to ensuring the choir's future. She expressed a POSITION of support for the organization's continued unity and longevity.
  • Beverly Kahn (South Side Reunion Committee): Thanked the Council for recognizing the 50th annual South Side Reunion Picnic. She affirmed the legacy of the event as a testament to resilience and stated that the Council's recognition honors the spirit of community that has sustained the tradition for half a century. She expressed full support for the resolution and appreciation for the Department of Parks and Recreation's upcoming renovations.
  • Beatrice "Miss Pete" Meller: Identified herself as a lifelong South Side resident raised "up under the highway." She expressed strong support for the community's unity, noting that families grew up and educated together. She clarified the distinction between the South Side and downtown, emphasizing that the South Side is a distinct family and community.
  • Lamont Craig: Identified as the grandson of William Lester Craig (honoree of the picnic) and presented with his cousin Gia Craig Miller. He affirmed the family's presence and pride in the heritage being celebrated.
  • Kelly Ducet (President of The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League): Expressed humility and gratitude for the national awards and Council recognition. She stated that while the awards are admirable, the organization's primary impact is retaining young talent and ensuring young professionals feel seen and connected to the city. She reaffirmed the Exchange's commitment to making an impact regardless of awards.

Discussion Items

  • Proposal 353 (Indianapolis Children's Choir): Councillor Roberts sponsored the resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary. He noted the choir's relocation to District 4 and its status as a bedrock institution. The resolution details the choir's founding in 1986, its 7,500+ annual participants, and its national acclaim.
  • Proposal 354 (South Side Reunion Picnic): Sponsored by Councillors Jones and Osley, this resolution commemorated the 50th anniversary of the event held at Babe Denny Park. It highlighted the event's history starting as "William Lester Craig Day" and its role in preserving bonds among African American and formerly Jewish communities displaced by Interstate 70.
  • Proposal 369 (The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League): Sponsored by Councillor Osley, this resolution celebrated the 10th anniversary of the organization and its receipt of three national awards: President of the Year, National Day of Service Award, and Chapter of Excellence.
  • Proposal 370 (World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims): Sponsored by Councillors Barthes, Nielsen, and Cahill. The discussion highlighted the Council's affirmation of its commitment to Vision Zero Indianapolis. Speaker positions and statistics cited:
    • Councillors noted that traffic violence claimed over 643 lives between 2019 and 2023.
    • 2024 statistics cited: 101 vehicle fatalities, 33 pedestrian fatalities, and 4 bicycle fatalities.
    • 2025 statistics (first 10 months) cited: 67 vehicle fatalities, 18 pedestrian fatalities, and 9 bicycle fatalities. Councillors expressed concern regarding the 9 bicycle fatalities, noting it is a new record with two months remaining.
    • The Council unanimously supported the goal to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2035.
  • Budget and Ordinance Introductions: Numerous proposals (328-352) were introduced, covering:
    • Housing: Payments in lieu of taxes for Capital Station Apartments (50 units), Promenade at the Square (144 units), and Walnut Ridge Apartments (78 units). Councillors expressed support for these affordable housing projects to address local needs.
    • Public Safety Funding: Significant appropriations for the Sheriff, Prosecutor, Public Defender, and Fire Department collective bargaining agreements and equipment. Councillors expressing support for funding these agreements emphasized the necessity of retaining staff and maintaining operational capabilities.
    • Public Works & Parks: Transfers and appropriations for fleet maintenance, urban forestry preservation, and park utilities.
    • Code Changes: Amendments for unsafe building processes and the creation of designated outdoor refreshment areas in Irvington and other zones.

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution Adoptions: The Council unanimously passed resolutions recognizing:
    • The 40th anniversary of the Indianapolis Children's Choir.
    • The 50th annual South Side Reunion Picnic.
    • The 10th anniversary of The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League.
    • The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and reaffirmed the Vision Zero 2035 goal.
  • Board Reappointments: All reappointment proposals (310, 312, 315, 318, 319, 321, 322, 347, 348) passed with a 22-0 vote.
  • Budget Approvals: A large set of budget transfers, appropriations, and reductions was introduced for committee referral, including specific funding for affordable housing projects and public safety collective bargaining agreements.
  • Legislative Actions:
    • Proposal 320 (modifying forensic services agency duties) passed 22-0.
    • Proposals 356-367 (rezonings) were certified and passed into law.
  • Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned in memory of Glenda Meyer, Roger Wayne Skinner, Alice Loretta Shocoglekoff, Alicia J. Collins, and Tim Lynch. Councilors requested that this action be recorded in the permanent records and that a letter bearing the council seal be sent to the families of the deceased.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Let us begin our meeting with a prayer and pledge of allegiance, led by Councillor Jesse Brown. Good evening, everyone. Tonight I've invited Pastor Janelle Howard of Hobie Street Church of Christ to lead the prayer. And then I've asked Pastor Tim Lindsay to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. God, as we gather together tonight in this space, I call on you to give us calmness in the midst of chaos and calamity and confusion. Give us the strength to remain calm and be kind. Give us direction as we watch support being stalled and health care being hindered. And it seems as if injustice has taken over all of our social media sites. Give us direction. And God, if you will inspire and instruct us on this journey. We all see things from our own vantage point, but may we be inspired that our cause is for the people. And all of our work should be done with the people. Bless this chamber, those leaders, and all of us who have gathered. We honor you. We ask for your guidance and instruction. Let all who agree say amen. Amen. And to the Republic, for which it stands. One nation under God. Thanks, Catholics. Counselors, please select your green button to indicate your attendance. Have asked to be excused for this evening. So the next item on the agenda is official communications. Madam Clerk. Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen, you are hereby notified that regular meetings of the City County Council, police, fire, and solid waste collection service, special service district councils will be held in the City County Building in the public assembly room on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 7 o'clock PM. The purposes of such meetings being to conduct any and all business that may come properly before regular meetings of the council. Sincerely, Bob Ossley, President City County Council. Ladies and gentlemen, I have approved with my signature and delivered this day to the clerk of the City County Council, Yolanda Winfield, the following ordinances. Fiscal ordinance numbers eleven and twelve, two thousand twenty-five. Joseph H. Hawks at Mayor. Mr. President, this concludes the official communications. Thank you, Madam Clerk. The next item on our agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Do I have consent? And the next item on our agenda is approval of the journals for October the 6th, 2025. Do I have consent? Consent. Let's proceed now to presentation of petitions, memorials, and special resolutions. And this first item on our agenda is proposal number three five three, which recognizes the 40th anniversary of the Indianapolis Children's Choir. So everybody can uh I think they're crowding uh closer, yeah. There are a lot of kids here. So today we are very grateful to be joined by the Indianapolis Children's Choir. Um they had approached me about doing this because obviously 40 years in the city, they are one of the really I think bedrock institutions of having so much involvement. They actually relocated into District 4 a few years ago with their beautiful new headquarters at 91st in Allisonville, and we thought it'd be a great way of just honoring them for all their work in the city.

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