Good evening.

We begin our meeting with a prayer and pledge of allegiance led by Councillor Wells.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Good evening, Councillors, Council staff, honored guests and attendees here in the chamber with us tonight.

Thank you all for coming together with this body as we join in doing the work of local government in Indianapolis.

I humbly request we bow our heads and hope you will join me in prayer.

Lord, we are gathered here tonight in the public assembly room, and we are blessed to once again serve our great city on this council.

As we begin a new year, we pray that you will cover Indianapolis and her people in blessings and abundance of love and peace.

We implore you, Father God, to make this a place, a beacon for all who live in and visit our city.

Lay your hand upon the heads of our leaders.

As the mighty one, we call on you to lift our minds away from politics and toward those we serve.

Open our hearts and ears and help justice prevail in our decision making.

Protect this council, protect our staff, protect our families as this work is never easy.

Lord, we know the power we possess was given to us by your people and through your will and your grace.

We know the Bible says we should always follow your word over the word and the will of mankind.

I pray you help us stay mindful of our power and our purpose.

That we may have discernment over what is your will and what is the will of mankind.

We know it's your will to have the people fully invested in the election process.

And tonight we pray that you use the leaders on this council and the people in this room, God, to ensure your will is done.

We want you to work through us, use the platforms given to us to engage and involve every neighbor, every voter in the county, young, old, veteran, and rookie voter alike, Lord, let 2026 be the year Indianapolis voters restore moral integrity to our governments.

Proverbs 29, verse 2 asks us to elect the righteous.

We know when we elect the righteous in those people in authority, the people will rejoice.

But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Let this prayer call for an end to mourning, Lord.

We pray this onto you and in your name tonight, and may the whole chamber join me in this exaltation and say amen.

Thank you.

Before we move into the pledge, I'd like to observe a moment of silence, Mr.

President, in honor and remembrance for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

Thank you.

While January 27th is the official day that we observe this global day to pay homage and respect to those victims, I thought it would be an appropriate place tonight to observe the moment of silence because I hope to soon see an end to anti-Semitic rhetoric and acts of hate and violence across our globe, still to this day, and even here at home in Indy.

So please join me now for a moment of silence to honor the lives of the victims of the Holocaust.

Thank you.

And now for the pledge.

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

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

There are 25 members present.

And as we have no guests with us this evening who are not already on the agenda, the next item on our agenda is organization of council.

And fellow counselors, if you would not mind, I'd like to ask for a point of personal privilege.

Um to say thank you.

Uh serving as your city county council president for the past eight years has been one of the greatest honors of my public life.

And this role is never held alone.

It is sustained by trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.

And you gave me that trust.

Public service is not abstract.

It is late nights and early mornings.

Budgets argued line by line and ordinances shaped by compromise and moments when conviction has to walk hand in hand with restraint.

Over these eight years, we have lived all of that together.

We also face what none of us expected, a global pandemic that tested our city and our institutions.

In those uncertain days, we had to make hard decisions quickly, carefully, and with the weight of real consequences.

And through COVID and through the long recovery after it, the council showed up.

We kept government moving, protected the vulnerable, and helped Indianapolis regain its footing.

Throughout my tenure, I've tried to lead with simple, with a very simple principle.

Equity and fairness are not side conversations.

They are the work.

Whether the the issue was housing, public health, public safety, or budgets.

We asked who benefits, who is burdened, and how to make the city work, not just in theory, but in practice for every neighborhood and every family.

We did not always agree, and that was a strength.

We showed that disagreement does not require division, and that respect can endure even in debate.

At a time when trust is institutional, an institution is fragile.

You prove that local government done earnestly still matters.

And our staff or their quiet excellence, and the residents of Indianapolis whose voices give this work meaning.

So as I step away from this role, I do so with pride in what has been accomplished and confidence in what lies ahead.

And my commitment to this council and to this city continues.

Thank you for the privilege of serving.

Now, as we vote for election of officers.

Thank you, Councillors.

Now, as we vote for an election of officers, may I have the consent to select General Council Leonette Pierce as temporary presiding officer over the election.

Ms.

Pierce.

Thank you.

The next item of business is the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year.

The first office for election is the president of the council.

The chair will now entertain nominations for that position.

Councilor Jones.

Thank you.

I would like to nominate Maggie Lewis for president.

Are there any more nominations?

Counselor Hart.

Uh yeah, Madam President, I'd like to nominate Brian Mowray for council president.

Second.

All right.

Are there any other nominations?

Councilor Edmonds.

Thank you, Madam Council.

I move to close nominations.

Second.

Nominations are now closed.

Councillors, please go to your buttons to vote.

Green button for councilor for counselor Lewis.

Sorry.

And then the red button for Councillor Mowray.

Madam Chair Clever.

Yes.

Just uh had a statement I'd like to read about this election to my peers.

Well, it will have to be after the vote.

We can take it after the vote.

Okay.

The green buttons have it.

Counselor Lewis, congratulations.

You're the new president.

Councilor Brown.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I was hoping to encourage my colleagues to think about the vote that they have just taken.

On December 17th, scores of constituents, including members of the NAACP, the Urban League, the Teachers Union, the IPS Parent Council.

The concern clerk is a very important thing to do.

One point of order, the Baptist here in the voice.

That has nothing to do with what we're doing today.

And as the Republican creator Indianapolis Local Education Alliance to vote against the plan to usert power from the seven elected women of color landscape.

The Indiana Democratic Party's platform states that it is Republicans and not Democrats who want to dismantle public education and replace it with private charters.

Yeah, Majority Leader Lewis voted against the community back plan for a fully funded fully public school board that has nothing wrong with the rest of the Democratic Mayor.

Joe Hawk said.

The next office for election.

The next office for election is vice president of the council for the ensuing year.

The chair will now understand nominations for that position.

Councilor Nielsen.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I have the privilege and honor to nominate John Barth, the Vice President of the City County Council.

Okay.

Are there any other nominations?

Councilor Bain.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I'd like to nominate Michael Paul Hart for Vice President of the City County Council.

Sir Second.

Are there any other nominations?

Councilor Evans.

Thank you, Madam Council.

I move to close nominations.

Second.

Nominations are now closed.

Please, counselors, please go to the board and vote green.

Your green button for Councillor Barth, your red button for Councillor Hart.

Congratulations, Councillor Barth.

You are now the Vice President.

The next office for election is the clerk of the council for the ensuing year.

The chair would now entertain nominations for that position.

Councilor Ellie Brown.

Thank you, Council.

Uh, I would like to nominate Yolanda Winfield to be the clerk of the council for the next year.

Are there any nominations?

Councilor Evans.

Thank you, madam.

Council, I move to close nominations.

With those closed, uh those voting in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any oppose?

Congratulations, Clerk Winfield.

You're now the clerk for another year.

The next item for business is the certification of caucus leaders.

Madam Clerk.

Thank you.

I have received certification with signatures from the Majority Caucus electing Jared Evans as the majority leader, and from the minority caucus electing Brian Maori as the minority leader.

Thank you.

With the election of officers being complete, I would call for a brief recess to allow movement and seating and voting access to the newly elected officers.

With consent, I will now relinquish the gavel as temporary presiding officer to incoming President Lewis to proceed with the meeting following the recess.

We'll see.

Thank you, Madam President.

This evening we have certificates for or certificates of excellence for perfect attendance.

And I'd like to say that our very first honoree is our new council president, Maggie Lewis.

Our second honoree with a certificate of excellence for perfect attendance is Councillor Ron Gibson.

And our third certificate of excellence for perfect attendance is Councillor Brienne Delaney.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Counselor.

The next item on our agenda is the official communications.

Madam Clerk.

Thank you, Madam President.

Ladies and gentlemen, you are hereby notified that regular meetings of the City County Council, police, fire, and solid waste collection service special district councils will be held in the City County Building in the public assembly room on Monday, January 5th, 2026 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 councils.

Sincerely, Maggie A.

Lewis, President City County Council.

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

Fiscal ordinance numbers 18 through 31, 2025, general ordinance numbers 40 through 42, 2025, special ordinance numbers 15 through 18, 2025, general resolution numbers number 19, 2025, and special resolution numbers 21 through 25, 2025.

Joseph H.

Hawk set mayor.

Madam 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?

The next item on our agenda is approval of the journals for December 1st, 2025.

Do I have consent?

We'll proceed to petitions, memorial, special resolutions, and council resolutions.

Proposal number 17, introduced by Councillor Allen, Annay, Bain, Barth, Boots, Brown, Cahel, Delaney, Dilk, Evans, Gibson, Graves, Hart, Jones, Lewis, Muscary, McCormick, Maori, Nilson, Oselie, Perkins, Roberts, Robinson, and Wells.

Almost everybody.

Whereas Greg has consistently brought people together across differences, engaging communities with authenticity and compassion while amplifying the voice of those who have too often been overlooked, reflecting a deep commitment to equity and inclusion in public services, and whereas Greg's leadership extended beyond policy to the people who make government work.

He invested deeply in staff development, fostering a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.

His guidance and encouragement have strengthened the council team and prepared future leaders for continued success.

And whereas his career reflects a deep dedication to civic leadership, beginning as an intern for the President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, contributing to John Gregg's 2016 gubernatorial campaign and serving in the administration of Mayor Joe Hogset and whereas his influence extends beyond government, including leadership roles with hashtag lunchbag Indy, the Washington Township Schools Foundation, the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation, and Indy Hub's 1828 leadership project, as well as his service as co-chair of the community engagement committee for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and whereas Greg has been recognized as one of the Indianapolis Business Journals 20, 23, 40 under 40, a testament to his professional excellence, community impact, and dedication to creating a more equitable experience for all and whereas sorry about that.

What's what's not on here is Greg is a member of Cap Alpha Sign, today is our 100 11th anniversary.

So he's my fraternity brother.

But uh Greg has been recognized as one of uh I'm sorry, Greg is uh as a lifelong and third generation Hoosier.

Uh his upbringing um rooted in faith, family, and community was shaped by his parents, Kim and Gregory Stowers, alongside his siblings, David, Alex, Wesley, and Gabrielle, instilling values that continue to guide his life and service now, therefore, be it resolved by the City County Council of the City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana.

Section one, the council does hereby express our deepest gratitude to Greg Sowers Jr.

for his outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to our community.

Section two, the council celebrates his achievements, honors uh his contributions, and wishes him continued success in all future endeavors.

Section three, the mayor is invited to join in this resolution of fixing his signature here to section four.

This resolution shall be in full force and effect upon adoption and compliance with this special resolution was sponsored as already mentioned many of the members of our council, and that's because we really care, Madam President.

Um, and we really appreciate his service to us.

So uh it was passed on by the city county council on this fifth day of January 2026.

I so move.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Those opposed, same sign.

The motion carries back to the speakers.

Madam President, if it's okay, I'd love to have uh Greg Stowers Jr.

come in uh present us with some absolutely y'all just keep bringing me back, huh?

Don't go.

Um Madam President, um, Vice President Barth, leaders, Evans and Maori, I got it right.

Um I learned from you all is the importance of brevity, so I will be brief, but I do want to acknowledge some people.

Um first and foremost, uh, for everything that I do, God is first, and I just want to thank God for uh being a constant presence in my life, particularly um navigating public service.

I also want to thank my family and my friends in the back who uh continue to sustain me, um, continue to put up with me, but also um did a really good job of keeping me outside the bubble.

I think sometimes we get too caught up in city government and don't realize that there's more to it, and I thank them for that.

I also want to thank the more than 7,000 city employees who continue to show up, do the difficult and challenging work.

I'm grateful for the work that they do.

Uh in particular, council staff, um, I thank them for allowing me to lead and allowing me to grow from uh an idea to uh a proposal passing.

There's a lot of administrative work that goes into that, and I thank them for for all that they do.

Um counselors, I want to thank you for allowing me not only to see you as elected officials and politicians, but as people.

Um, I think too often it is easy to forget that you all are people with day jobs, with families, with many other things going on, and I thank you for allowing me to see you all as people.

Uh, in particular, I want to thank counselor for seeing me, you know, when I began my my work in politics, there weren't many black men in politics.

And to be able to stand behind uh the council president of this city uh in this role from policy standpoint was huge, not only to me, but uh to my family, to my friends, to all my supporters.

And Madam President, if you will allow me, uh I've got a brief thing that I'd like to read if that's okay.

Please continue.

Uh for a variety of reasons, institutions across our city, our state, and our country are at an inflection point.

Many are being held, many bringing asked to navigate a changing world while making this difficult decisions about risk, responsibility, and capacity.

At the same time, daily life is becoming harder for everyday people.

When those realities meet, it's natural for people to ask more of their institutions, meaning that moment takes more than criticism.

It takes learning the process, participating in it, finding the areas of agreement, and working together to make those areas stronger.

That's how trust is built and how institutions evolve without losing the purpose.

This is why public service still matters.

It calls on all of us, elected leaders, staff, community members alike, to continue to work on these institutions with care, to listen well, and to lead with humility.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a caretaker in this role to serve on behalf of the city of Indianapolis.

Some call it Indy, some call it NAP, but for me, it's always been the crib.

I thank you all for the trust that you put in me, and I'm looking forward to the work ahead.

Thank you.

I'm looking forward to it.

I have a problem.

I think I think I'm probably gonna get one.

Thank you, sir.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I went to school with the same black.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 18.

Introduced by counselors Allen and Lewis recognizes Indianapolis 10 point coalition.

Pastors want me to read.

You go hey this stuff if you want.

Special resolution recognizing the Indianapolis 10-point coalition for playing a vital role in helping to reduce urban youth violence in Indianapolis community for over 26 years.

Whereas the Indianapolis 10-point coalition is a branch of the National 10-point coalition organized in Boston in 1992, and is recognized as one of the most successful faith-based anti-violence group in the U.S.

The Indianapolis branch was established in January 1999 by 15 black churches as a faith-based 501c3 initiative to help address urban youth violence among black males ages 12 to 24.

And whereas the coalition is a clergy-led effort to bring together faith-based organizations, community leaders, businesses, law law enforcement, and the courts in order to create safer, more resilient communities by addressing the root causes of violence and providing support and resources to at-risk individuals and whereas ITPC's initial focus was to reduce youth violence in the 46208 and force two six two oh five zip codes where the Indy 10 point churches are located.

The coalition began with the faith patrols and high crime areas in these neighborhoods on Friday and Saturday nights.

Today, working in partnership with the churches and other community groups, the Indy coalition has patrolled teams on the streets seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, regardless of the weather, expanding to the far east side and encompassing over 21 different hotspot areas identified by IMPD and community stakeholders, and whereas whereas the coalition patrol teams are comprised of former ex-offenders, clergy, and individuals who reside in these hotspot patrol areas.

Each of these individuals volunteer 10 to 12 hours a week and receives a stipend to cover food and gas expenses for their service.

And whereas, in addition to their regular patrols in high crime areas, they have worked closely with IMPD to deploy a rapid response team to troubled neighborhoods in order to help diffuse and de-escalate violent crime and retaliation.

ITPC believes that grassroots efforts and strong relationships with at risk males of color, ages 12 to 24, can effectively lower violence in high risk areas.

One group is not the silver lining to end youth violence in this city, but when we start working together and bringing our different tools to the table, then that's when our city has been most successful.

Where has stated stated Reverend Charles Harrison?

And whereas the coalition's success is measured by reductions in non-fatal shootings, stabbings, and criminal homicides among this demographic.

Since their founding in 1999, there have been 80 times when their patrol areas went an entire year without a youth murder, and 53 times without any criminal homicides, regardless of victim age.

And whereas on January 1st, 2026, the Indianapolis 10 point coalition celebrated his 27th year of Boots on the Ground Public Safety Patrols in high risk areas of Indianapolis and aimed at helping curb urban youth violence.

Be it resolved by the City County Council of the City of Indianapolis and of Marion County, Indiana, Section 1, the Indianapolis City County Council recognizes the ongoing efforts of the Indianapolis 10 point coalition and celebrates its 27th year of Boots on the Ground Public Safety Patrols in High Risk Areas of Indianapolis aimed at helping curb urban youth violence.

Section two, the council celebrates their unique approach and measured results in creating a safer community and pledges to move forward working together to continue to address public safety issues facing the city.

Okay.

Section three, the mayor is invited to join in this resolution by fixing his signature here too.

Section four, this resolution shall be in full force and effect upon adoption and compliance with this special resolution was sponsored by counselors Allen and Lewis and was passed by the City County Council this fifth day of January 2026.

I so moved.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Those opposed, same sign.

The motion carries back to the speakers.

Madam President, is it okay if we give the pastors a few minutes to speak?

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Madam President, Council members, and to our public assembly.

On behalf of the Indianapolis 10 Point Coalition and our president, President Charles Ayers, we graciously accept your recognition and your resolution for the work that the Indianapolis 10 point coalition has done.

I would be remiss if it not if I did not mention that though we humbly accept your recognition, we believe in our hearts that over 20 something years ago, the vision was already approved and accepted from heaven as the kingdom of God and his safety has kept us through the years.

And we say again on behalf of all of us, thank you.

Thank you, Pastor.

Thank you, Counselor Allen.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 29, introduced by Councillor Boots, Anne, Bain, Brown, Delaney, Dilk, Evans, Muscary, McCormick, Wells, Ossale, and Roberts recognizes Don Colvin for over 35 years of service to the city of Indianapolis with Indy Parks.

Mr.

Colvin.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um as the chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, I have the honor of uh opening this special resolution recognizing Don Colvin for over 35 years of service to the City of Indianapolis with Indy Parks.

Whereas Don Colvin has served the city of Indianapolis for over 35 years with great distinction, during which time his name has become synonymous with Indy Parks.

Don has helped to transform the Indy Park system and the city's greenways into the amenities our residents enjoy today.

As deputy director, Don has brought over 150 million dollars in park projects into reality, transforming our city's park system for generations to come.

And whereas whereas Don's experience as a landscape architect brought him to the city first as an intern, then as a planner, administrator, and deputy director over the course of three decades.

His impact on the Indy Park system is unrivaled.

Don saw countless ideas start out in park master plan meetings and shepherded them from aspirations into real amenities.

And whereas Don's stewardship and leadership positioned Indy Parks to execute historic projects over the last five years.

He oversaw the planning and construction of five transformational projects as a result of the Circle City Forward Initiative headlined by the long-awaited Frederick Douglass Park Family Center.

Don't knowledge of over 200 parks was crucial when the city allocated over 20 million in American Rescue Plan funds to transform some of the city's smallest parks and some of the most distressed areas of the city.

Despite the 80 million Lily Endowment grant to Indy Parks being over 14 times the annual budget that Don's planning and construction team generally oversees, he led that team to move over 40 projects to construction in less than three years.

Whereas whereas the City County Council of Indianapolis celebrates Don Colvin and expresses sincere gratitude for his public service to our city.

Every visitor to our parks benefits from Don's knowledge and decades of service.

His incredible expertise ranges from horticulture to landscape architecture to public planning and community outreach and much more.

While there's no way for any one person to complete to compete with his immense knowledge, this is true.

He has passed on so much to Indy Park staff, which will serve the city well for decades to come.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City County Council of the City of Indianapolis and of Marion County, Indiana.

Section one, the Indianapolis City Council proudly recognizes Don Colvin for his many years of service with the City of Indianapolis.

Section two, the council wishes Don Colvin the best of luck in his future endeavors and congratulates him on his retirement.

Section three, the mayor is invited to join in this resolution by affixing his signature here too.

Section four, this resolution shall be in full force and effect upon adoption and compliance with IC 363-4-14.

And this special resolution was sponsored by Councillors Boots, Anne, Bain, Brown, Delaney, Dilk, Evans, Muscari, McCormick, Wells, Ossalie, Roberts, and was passed by the City County Council this fifth day of January 2026.

Madam President, I so move.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Those opposed, same sign.

The motion carries back to the speakers.

Madam President, may I have the honor of introducing Mr.

Colvin himself?

Please do.

Well, I normally have a lot to say.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'm I'm so humbled by the honor, the ability to work with this council over the years.

There's there's not many jobs that you can have that bring fun into communities that have been forgotten.

And they don't even know who you are.

That's some of the best parts of it that you come back a year later and you see the smiles on a young family's face enjoying the slides or the swings.

Or you happen to build a greenway trail that you see people use in every day to improve their own health, or to see a stroller of a young child going down and to feel like you had a part in that.

And you don't do this alone.

I've been blessed by having such a strong team, my colleagues, Andre Denman, who's been with me from the very beginning, David Tchild, Danny Swales, Corey.

The list can go on, Angie Daniels, and just having wonderful directives.

It as you all know, when leadership, if your directors don't support some of your ideas, you can't move your agendas forward.

Um, and I've been blessed by having great directors and great leadership at the council level.

I mean, there's so many issues we bring before you don't have to support, but you do get behind us, and I know sometimes it hurts, but you you stand there and you you feel the pain and we get it done.

We've got a nice basketball court in the West Montgomery that was many, many years in coming.

I could run down a whole litany of lists of opportunities and things we've done together.

And I I can't thank you enough.

I get the deepest admiration thanks to my wife Kim and my daughter Victoria.

You're my working family, but that's my family that I get to spend less time than with my working family.

But I thank them for allowing me to come to work and be a public servant.

It is one of the most humblest jobs you can have.

It's been an honor to serve.

Um I hopefully I can continue to serve, and hopefully, the little footstep that I left, many will get to enjoy over the years.

So thank you.

Those are both yours too.

Those are yours and I'd love to take the very actually you got a lot going on in your district.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Yes, it is you.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 30, introduced by Jay Brown and Council Wells.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um thank you, Don.

We appreciate you.

Uh City County Special Resolution number four, madam president, was inspired um by recent events in and around Marion County with regard to data centers, more specifically in and around our districts, Madam President.

You know, earlier this week or late last week, in fact, the majority of this body submitted a letter of concern about the leak project that was riddled with concerns really about uh lack of public input and the process, and really as elected leaders, um our lack of public input in the process.

And therefore, we have a proposal for a special resolution urging data center developers to heed community voices.

Whereas hundreds of taxpayers and residents of Indianapolis and Marion County have participated in public meetings, rallies, and protests against proposed data center developments in the second half of 2025.

And whereas several high-profile data center developments have utilized non-disclosure agreements or NDAs, which have prevented taxpayers and residents from learning details about the proposed developments early in the development process.

And whereas and whereas Indianapolis-Marion County's current zoning and planning processes do not always allow the city county council to vote on approving data center projects.

And whereas the state of Indiana offers a number of very competitive tax abatements, including a potential 50-year sales tax exemption for data centers.

But whereas three counties in Indiana have adopted complete moratoriums on all data center projects in their counties.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City County Council of the City of Indianapolis and of Marion County, Indiana.

Section one, the City County Council of Indianapolis and Marion County calls for developers currently working on proposals involving data centers to transparently engage with the community without the use of non-disclosure agreements and seek mutually beneficial community benefit agreements.

Section two, developers are discouraged from pursuing local tax abatements for their projects.

Section three, the city county council would prefer to avoid the need for a total moratorium on all data centers and is thus offering guidance as to our wishes for developers.

Section four, the mayor is invited to join this resolution by fixing his signature here too, which he has declined to do.

Section five, this resolution shall be in full force and effect upon adoption of compliance with IC 36-3-4-14.

Madam President, I so move.

Second.

The motion has been properly moved in second.

All those in uh counselor.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um, I know this is just a special resolution, but after uh speaking with our council attorney, uh, I've been advised it would be appropriate for me to go on record as abstaining from this vote given that there's an ongoing data center rezoning case in my district.

Permission granted.

So again, the motion's been properly moved in second.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, same sign.

Once again, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, same sign.

Aye.

Anyone all make any comments from my desk?

All right, we'll have to go to the board for our vote.

Oh, in Vegas, uh they're gonna take all of our water just for our watersheds.

These are deregulated entities.

Brian, the time the motion fails by a vote of 11 to 13.

Thank you, counselors.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 348, refer to public works.

Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam President.

Proposal number 348 2025 reappoint still Hoffman to the Marion County Stormwater Management Technical Advisory Committee.

Councilor Dilk moves, seconded by Councilor McCormick to send proposal number 348 2025 to the full council with the due pass recommendation.

The motion carried by a vote of 10 to 1.

And Madam President, I so move.

Second.

Motion has been properly moved in second.

We'll proceed to the board for our vote.

I'm sorry, is there any comments from counselors?

Counselor Allen, I'm trying to move us along.

Sorry.

Yes, ma'am.

I apologize.

I have to go back.

Uh I don't know if it's too late to go back to the previous uh special resolution by councillor Shacy Brown and Councillor Wales.

Um I thought we were gonna do a public statement as to why.

Sorry, please uh vice president Barthes.

Do you have a statement?

Are we gonna do that?

Madam, so uh you're right.

So council Allen, let us finish this vote and then we'll up with consent, we'll go back to and again.

I apologize, I did not ask for for comments from the counselor, so I do apologize for that.

Again, so proposal number 25 has been properly moved in second, and then we'll proceed to the board for our vote.

The proposal passes.

Councilor Brown.

Here we go.

25 to 0 with consent.

I would like to go back to allow for comments regarding this special resolution.

Do I have consent?

Thank you.

Madam President.

Councilor Wales.

As the author of the special resolution, might Councilor Brown or myself just say a comment about the SR.

Yes, ma'am.

And knowing that it failed, um, I think it's important to really underscore it was a special resolution heating community voice input.

Um, I know there was some language in in the special resolution.

Uh, again, special resolutions are not laws and and binding and things of those natures, but um, I appreciate the forthcoming public statement, um, but really feel that this special resolution um is is something that we feel should begin um more public conversations with our body, and this was our first step in doing that.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Counselor.

Counselor Brown.

I appreciate my co-sponsors' comments and agree with that.

Uh every intention was made with this to be just sort of a starting point for conversation that I thought would be pretty non-objectionable, quite frankly.

Um, I personally am in favor of a full moratorium on data centers will be pursuing that.

Um I I really am shocked by this vote based on just what we're hearing from every corner of the community.

Uh, but you know, everyone gets a vote, so I appreciate that.

Thank you, Vice President.

Mr.

Vice President.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um, I voted in favor of this.

I know that um the data centers and especially the environmental impacts are causing uh a lot of concern across the community, including from me.

Um so because of that, I have uh scheduled the environmental sustainability meeting at the end of this month uh in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability and the Huge Environmental Council.

We're gonna have a meeting where we really try to dig into the policy side of this.

I think we really need to um have a engaged policy-oriented discussion.

We're gonna have a national presenter um uh zoom in and talk to us about what they're seeing nationally, what the national landscape presents, how other municipalities are responding to these situations, and then the Hooch Environmental Council will comment on the environmental component and some thoughts they have about putting some constraints and some parameters around this.

My hope is out of that meeting, we will have uh the information we need to put together uh something um sustainable and meaningful that is uh in ordinance that we can get behind that's really putting um uh some uh guideposts uh in policy uh for the city um to have sort of laid down, and that was noted in the in the special resolution.

I also know there are also other counselors who are thinking about this and who have um ideas they want to put forth, so I look forward to hearing those too.

But it's definitely time that we have a community conversation about that, and I'm and uh and I uh intend for the um in the environmental sustainability committee to do that at the end of the month.

Counselor Elsley.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um what I explained, I think early on this evening is that uh there is a proposal that is drafted uh that I am um I'm the sponsor for um which provides guardrails, outlines prohibitions uh on where um a data center might possibly go providing transparency on power and water consumption, having heard the voices of our community being most concerned about that power consumption, about that water consumption.

And as Vice President Barth has just said, we need to have a public and a public conversation on this.

Um we are we are not a city that will be banning something like infrastructure, because I think many of us look upon power and and data centers as infrastructure in the very same way that we look upon power lines, telephone lines, and sewer lines.

So this, as um Vice President uh Barth, you know, alluded to is important that we have guardrails in place in response to the concerns of our citizen rate.

And so that is what has been drafted and will be circulated and and and hopefully brought to the floor within these next 30 to 60 days.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor.

Counselor Perkins.

Thank you, Madam President.

Just adding to the discussion uh to the community, we hear you, we hear your concerns.

Um we have been in a deep conversations about this as the vice president chair, we invite you to come on out to uh committee meeting uh later on this month.

Uh it is our hope uh to build a consensus and support what uh council Osley just shared uh to put forth a proposal uh that can capture where the community is, but also send the clear message uh that we are city uh that is continuing to grow.

Thank you, Madam President.

Councilor Kael.

Thank you, Madam President.

I uh I voted against this uh, but I I want to be clear that it much like the conversation we've had here, the there are elements I I absolutely support that I don't think billion dollar uh companies should be support uh should be seeking tax abatements.

I'm I'm certainly supportive of that.

Uh in order to call for a moratorium on something, you have to define it.

And unfortunately, it isn't defined.

And so I think that while the deals that we have seen come before us have been uh widely opposed for a variety of reasons, and we can recognize that.

I think that we to call for a moratorium on something that we can't define is problematic.

I I don't know if the Lilly Technology Center is a data center under a non-existent definition.

How many computers and servers have to go in there?

Is a Bitcoin mine in somebody's apartment a data center?

We have to define those things before we call for a moratorium.

So that's that's all.

I I support the conversation.

Thank you.

Councillor Hart.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Um this topic is something I'm very familiar with, having lived, you know, 13 months of it down in the district, and you know, the reason that I was uh unsupportive of this is that we've got to get to work on actual proposals.

Um things that both uh Vice President Barth, I gotta get used to that.

Vice President Barth and Councillor Oslear are proposing are the types of conversations we need to be having.

Um I I think environmental sustainability is one position, but uh MedDev is another position that we need to have those things.

Um and specifically when we talk about zoning uh and the regulations and the the the compliance standards behind these things.

Um I mean a lot of these things are coming down to heights um uh and and storage of of all sorts of things uh on the facilities um that both impact development standards and environment, and we've got to have those conversations um and actually get to work, and that's what I'm supportive of.

I want to be a part of that conversation.

Um, you know, and the bigger part of this message is if we're going to accept these things as a city of Indianapolis, um, we can't do it at the expense for uh whether it's the state or the organizations building these things, and we can't just give away the people of Indianapolis's uh space uh in return for you know no jobs and and no uh no uh anything positive in terms of uh community improvements, and so those are the areas that we really need to spend our time focusing on, and I don't think this did that for me.

So today I was unsupportive.

Counselor Gibson.

Well, thank you, madam president.

Um I think there is pros and cons on both sides of the argument about data centers.

Bottom line is we cannot put data centers all in the same box.

I I agree that we have to have some vetting there, but we cannot write uh or exclude uh what we believe to be someone else's problem when in fact we had not fully vetted the entire process, and there are some responsible potential developers that want to come in in office and do it the right way, so going down the route and making sure we fully understand what those garbrails are will be a benefit to our community at the same time ensuring that we have economic development to grow our city.

That in that means all the council when your community members want to talk to you about it and not walking out.

Thank you.

You only live in my country.

Counselor Graves, don't donate.

Thanks, Madam President.

Um, Madam President, please thank you.

Thank you for your comment, Counselor Graves.

Thank you, Madam President.

Uh I just wanted to make sure that it's clear that uh my no vote tonight is not an opposition to my community.

My I stand with my community, I understand what their concerns are.

I've heard them loud and clear, but I do have inside information that we are expecting a much more robust presentation over the next couple of months as been mentioned.

So I want to make sure that that I'm working with knowledge that perhaps our community is not aware of, and I am absolutely standing with our community, but tonight I did vote no against this current proposal.

Thank you, Counselor.

Counselor Allen.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um, like counselor graves uh just mentioned.

I want to make sure that my constituents know that I'm standing with them, but I do believe there's and I've been saying it from day one, there's education that needs to be done.

And so, as vice president Sean Barr said, please come to the committee meeting the end of the month so that we can all be educated and then be able to ask the same questions because we are in we are have to move forward, and we have to be open-minded, and I'm not sitting up there saying that I'm for it or I'm against it, but I will be standing with my constituents, but I do encourage each and every one of us to get educated because there are different types of data centers.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Chairman Boots.

Just briefly, thank you, madam uh president.

Uh, my constituents know quite well I stand with them.

Um I voted against this because it's not the vehicle to achieve what we want.

Uh, but I have always stood with my constituents and I will with this uh issue as well.

Uh there's a lot of education.

We are educating ourselves, and uh again, this was just not the right vehicle to get uh meet our objectives.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 373.

Refer to parks and recreation.

Chairman Boots Thank you, Madam President.

Proposal 373 reappoints Larry Bates to the parks uh board of parks and recreation.

Um councillor Delaney moved seconded by Councillor Evans to send proposal number 373 to the full council with the due pass recommendation.

Um it did pass out of committee, and I do uh hereby recommend its passage by the council.

Sir second, second thank you.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

I don't think that those opposed, same sign.

The motion carries the next item on our agenda is it introduction of proposals.

Madam Clerk.

Thank you, Madam President.

The following proposals were referred to the community affairs committee.

Proposal number one, 2026, introduced by counselor Allie Brown, reappoints Danielle Hines to the Animal Care Services Board.

The following proposals were referred to the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee.

Proposal number three, introduced by Councillor Lewis, reappoints Brandon Hergett to the Metropolitan Development Commission.

Proposal number four, two thousand twenty-six, introduced by Counselor Lewis, reappoints Jennifer Witt to the Metropolitan Zoning Appeals Board, Division One.

Proposal number five, two thousand twenty-six, introduced by Councilor Lewis, reappoints Patrice Duckett Brown to the Metropolitan Zoning Appeals Board, Division II.

Proposal number six, introduced by Councilor Lewis, reappoints Percy Bland to the Metropolitan Zoning Appeals Board, Division III.

Proposal number seven, two thousand twenty-six, introduced by Counselor Lewis, reappoints Roderick Bohenan to the Metropolitan Zoning Appeals Board, Division III.

Proposal number eight, two thousand twenty-six, introduced by counselors Lewis and Nielsen, approves an additional appropriation totaling two million eight hundred and forty thousand dollars in the 2026 budget of the Department of Metropolitan Development for purposes of funding the cost associated with Section 108 debt and permanent supportive housing project.

The following proposals were preferred to the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee.

Proposal number nine, two thousand twenty-six, introduced by Councilor Robinson, reappoints Robert Hammerley to the Marion County Public Defender Board.

Proposal number 10, 2026, introduced by Councillor Delaney, approves an additional appropriation of $65,000 in the 2026 budget of the Marion County Coroner's Office for the purpose of funding costs associated with participation in a documentary series in the Health First Indiana Initiative Grant Project.

Proposal number 11, 2026, introduced by Council Robinson, approves public purpose grants totaling 200,000 from the drug-free community fund.

Proposal number 12, 2026, introduced by Councilor Gibson, determines the need for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to lease approximately 27,001 square feet of office space at 4140 North Keystone Avenue.

Proposal number 16, 2026, introduced by Councilor Allie Brown, amends the code to add to the firefighters portion a new section 2252-310 entitled paternal leave.

The following proposal was referred to the rules and public policy committee.

Proposal number 13, 2026, introduced by Councilor Robinson, directs the rules and public policy committee to review and prepare a report pertaining to the fiscal impact statement associated with the City of Indianapolis, Marion County, Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency, Union Agreement with the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters, Local 416.

The following proposal was referred to public works committee.

Proposal number 14, 2026, introduced by Councilor Ossilly, approves it and authorizes the execution of an amendment to an existing franchise agreement with the franchise holder for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the city's metered parking system.

Proposal number 15, 2026, introduced by Councilor Jones, authorizes the city acting through the Marion County Stormwater Management District, a special taxing district existing pursuant to IC 36-3-5-8 to issue $50 million of revenue bonds and if necessary, interim financing notes to finance the planning, design, construction, and inspection of channels, culverts, levies, and dams, stewardship studies, and water quality projects, and approves the and authorizes other actions in respect thereto.

Proposal number 31, 2026, introduced by Counselors Allie Brown and Counselor Ossilly.

Amends Section 261-408 of the code pertaining to responsible bidding practices.

Proposal number 32, 2026, introduced by Councilor Barth, appoints Anthony Cirlos to the Fatal Crash Review Team.

Proposal number 33, 2026, introduced by Counselor Barth, appoints Craig Pinkis to the fatal crash review team.

Madam President, this concludes the introductions.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

The next item on our agenda is special orders priority business.

Proposals 19 through 28, 2026 are all rezoning.

Proposals that were certified to the council for approval by the Metropolitan Development Commission.

If no counselors wishes to call any of these proposals down for public hearing, they will pass into law.

Leader of Maori.

Madam President, I move that proposal 19, 2026, rezoning cases 2025-ZON-074, which is properly located at 8221 and 8351 South Midhoffer Road and 10100, 10550, and 1060, Mays Road.

Be scheduled for a hearing before this council at its next regular meeting on February 2nd, 2026 at 7 p.m.

And the clerk and that the clerk read the announcement of such hearing and the same and enter the same in the minutes of this meeting.

Thank you, Leader Maury.

General Council Pierce, if you can read the announcement for public hearing of proposal number 19, 2026.

Thank you, Madam President.

This council will hold a public hearing on rezoning petition number 2025 Z O N des 074.

Council proposal number 19, 2026, which property is located at 8221 and 8351 South Midhoffer Road and at 1010, 10550, and 1060 Mays Road at its next regular meeting on Monday, February 2nd, 2026.

Such meeting to convene at 7 o'clock p.m.

in these council chambers in the city county building in Indianapolis.

This petition proposes to rezone 273.127 acres from DA FF FW and I3 FFFW districts to the D4 FFFW district to provide for single family residential development.

Written objections that are filed with the clerk of the council shall be heard at the same at such time, or the hearing may be continued from time to time as found necessary by the council.

Thank you, Councilor Pierce.

If there is no further motions, proposals number 20 through 28, 2026 will pass into law.

We'll now proceed to special orders public hearing.

There is no business there.

There is no business under special orders, unfinished business.

We'll now proceed to special orders, final adoptions.

Proposal number 371 referred to Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee.

Councillor Nielsen.

Thank you, Madam President.

Uh proposal number 371-2025 approves the 2026 budget of the Greater Virginia Avenue Corridor Economic Improvement District.

The proposal passed out of committee by votes of 9 to 0.

Madam President, I so move.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

Comments from counselors.

CNN will proceed to the board for our vote.

The proposal passes 25 to 0.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 372, referred to Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee.

Councilor Nielsen.

Thank you, Madam President.

Proposal number 372, 2025 approves the 2026 budget of the Woodruff Place Economic Improvement District.

The proposal passed out of committee by votes of 9 to 0.

Madam President, I so move.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

Comments from counselors.

See a number, proceed to the board for our votes.

The proposal passes 25 to 0.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 376, refer to public safety and criminal justice committee.

Chairman Robinson.

Thank you, Madam President.

Proposal number 376, 2025.

Modifies the holiday ordinance for employees of the Marion County Public Defender Agency.

Proposal pass out a committee on the 10th of December.

7 to 0, Ms.

President, ISO move.

Second.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

We'll proceed to the board for our vote.

The proposal passes 25 to 0.

Before we move on, do I have consent to go back once again?

I'm a little rusty at this.

I do not believe that we actually took the vote on Leader Maori's uh motion to actually uh call down and support that proposal.

Did we do that?

No, we do not.

Thank you.

Can we open the board up for that?

We're supporting green if you support the leader's motion.

Red if you do not.

Wonderful.

The proposal passes.

The motion passes 25 to 0.

The next item on our agenda is proposal number 377, refer to public works.

Madam Chair Jones.

Thank you, Madam President.

With consent, I would ask to take proposals number 377 through 396 2025 together.

Thank you.

Proposals number three proposal number 377 authorizes limitations on U-turns from northbound to southbound traffic on Holt Road at Michigan Street.

Proposal number 378 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour on local streets bounded by Raymond Street, Troy Avenue, Keystone Avenue, and Shelby Street.

Proposal number 379 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour on the Cleed Street from Washington Street to the South End dead end.

Proposal number 380 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour within the Bluff View Meadow North and South Subdivisions.

Proposal number 381 authorizes the removal of no parking any time, tow zone restrictions on the west side of Illinois Street between Merrill and South Street.

Proposal number 382 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour within the Glitch Post Road Subdivision.

Proposal number 383 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour on Bradston Way between Edgewood Avenue and Shelbyville Road.

Proposal number 384 authorizes a no turn, no U-turn restriction for northbound to southbound Emerson Avenue at Newgal Way.

Proposal number 385 authorizes weight limit restrictions with the Sunshine Gardens subdivision.

Proposal number 386 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood, bounded by 38th Street, Westfield Boulevard, Meridian Street, and Michigan Road.

Proposal number 387 authorizes a resident permit parking zone on the north side of 10th Street, east of Brookside Avenue.

Proposal number 388 authorizes no U-turn restrictions for eastbound to westbound 10th Street at Brookside and Highland Avenues.

Proposal number 389 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour within the Wedgewood subdivision.

Proposal number 390 authorizes parking restrictions on the north side of 54th Street, west and west of Broadway Street.

Proposal number 391 authorizes parking restrictions on the south side of 54th Street, east and west of Carrollton Avenue.

Proposal number 392 authorizes parking restrictions for the crosswalk on Fall Creek Boulevard at Paris Avenue.

Proposal number 393 authorizes parking restrictions on East Market Street between College Avenue and Davidson Street.

Proposal number 394 authorizes the removal of parking restrictions on the east side of Delaware Street between South Street and Louisiana Street.

Proposal number 395 authorizes a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour within the Sherwood Forest subdivision.

Proposal number 396 authorizes resident park permit parking on the south side of Walnut Street between Cleveland and East Streets.

Motions were made and seconded to send proposals 377 through 396 2025 to the full council with the due pass recommendations.

The motions carried by a vote of 10 to 0.

And Madam President, I so move.

Second.

The motion has been properly moved and second.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, same sign.

The motion carries.

But before we move to announcement and adjournments, I do want to once again thank President Osely for his years of leadership and his dedication to our community.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Also, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity once again.

It has been my honor to serve as your majority leader for so long, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you as we work together to move our city forward.

The docket agenda for this meeting of the council having been completed.

The chair will now entertain motions for adjournment.

Madam President.

The Chair recognizes Leader Maury.

Madam President, I have been asked to offer the following motion for adjournment by Councillor Graves in memory of Ernest Bartlett Jr.

by Councillor Osley in memory of Merriel Metcalf, Ingrid Gardner, James Guthrie, and Mary Ann Hunt by Councillor Delaney in memory of Spencer 2.

Madam President, I would like to move the adjournment of this meeting of the Indianapolis City County Council in recognition of and respect for the life and contributions of those persons I have here specifically named.

I respectfully ask the support of fellow counselors.

I further request that the motion be made part of the permanent records of this body and that a letter bearing the council seal and the signature of the president be sent to each per each family to the family of each person in advising of this action.

Thank you, Mr.

Leader.

Hearing no objections, the motion is received and request our so ordered.

Hearing no further business, we are adjourned.