Rules and Public Policy Committee Meeting – April 21, 2026
Rules and Public Policy Committee Meeting Summary – April 21, 2026
The Rules and Public Policy Committee, chaired by President Maggie Lewis, met on April 21, 2026, to consider four reappointments to the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males and a fiscal impact report for a collective bargaining agreement between the city and AFSCME Council 962. All reappointments were approved unanimously, and the fiscal report was accepted without a vote.
Reappointments to the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males
- Proposal 102 – Kenneth Allen (Vice Chair): Mr. Allen expressed his desire to continue serving, noting his role as chair of the State Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, which is set to end on May 20, 2026, due to legislative consolidation. The appointment was approved unanimously.
- Proposal 103 – Judge Jeffrey Gaither: Judge Gaither stated his enjoyment of the commission's work and his willingness to contribute. The appointment was approved unanimously.
- Proposal 104 – Representative Gregory W. Porter: Representative Porter highlighted the commission's focus on mental health for young men and data collection. Councilor Dan Boots expressed appreciation for his work. The appointment was approved unanimously.
- Proposal 105 – Marshawn Wally (Chair): Mr. Allen spoke on behalf of Chair Wally, praising his leadership. Councilor Maggie Lewis moved to accept the nomination, noting Mr. Wally's exceptional work. The appointment was approved unanimously.
Fiscal Impact Report: Collective Bargaining Agreement (Proposal 107)
- Deputy Controller Jake McVay presented the fiscal impact statement for the 36-month collective bargaining agreement between the city of Indianapolis, Marion County, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 962, covering Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) employees. The contract is effective January 1, 2026, with wages retroactive to that date.
- Wage increases: 4% in 2026, 3% in 2027 and 2028.
- Additional pay components: Longevity pay starting after three years of service at 0.5% of the deputy fire marshal 2 position, increasing annually; certification pay up to $4 per hour for specified certifications; education pay of $300 (associate's), $500 (bachelor's), or $700 (master's) for degrees exceeding position requirements.
- Fiscal impact estimate for 2026: Approximately $300,000 total, including $30,000 from cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), $60,000 from salary increases, and up to $270,000 from supplemental pay (assuming all employees qualify for maximum certification pay).
- Councilor Andy Nielsen asked about the delta between COLA and salary; Mr. McVay clarified the base salary increase is about $60,000.
- No vote was required; the committee accepted the report.
Key Outcomes
- All four reappointments to the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males were approved by voice vote without opposition.
- The fiscal impact report for the AFSCME Council 962 collective bargaining agreement was accepted; no further action needed.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I will now call to order the rules and public policy meeting to order for April 21st. We'll begin with introductions of my colleagues on the first row, second row. Thank you, Madam President. Mike Dilk, District 24. Thank you, Madam President. Brian Mowery, District 25. Thank you, President Lewis, Andy Nielsen, District 14. Thank you, Madam President. Kristen Jones, District 18. Good evening, Councilor Jarrett Evans, representing District 17. Thank you, Madam President, and Dan Boots, District 3. Thank you, Councillors Maggie Lewis, District 5. The first item on our agenda is proposal number 102, reappoints Kenneth Allen to the Indianapolis Commission of African American Males. Mr. Allen, if you would like to come forward and share why you're interested in continuing to serve in this capacity. Thank you, Madam President, to your esteemed colleagues. Again, my name is Kenneth Allen. Have the pleasure and privilege of serving as the Vice Chair of the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males, as well as also serving as the chairman of the State Commission of the Social Status of Black Males, which unfortunately our work will come to an end on May 20th as the legislator has moved to consolidate our state commission. So I'm very excited to continue the work at the local level and being reappointed to the Commission on African American males. Thank you. Thank you so much for your service. Questions, comments from counselors. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak to proposal number one zero two? Seeing then I entertain a motion. So move second. The motion has been properly moved and seconded. Those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed, same sign. The motion carries. Again, thank you for your service. The next item on our agenda is proposal number one zero three, reappoints Judge Gaither to the Indianapolis Commission of African American Males. The floor is yours again if you just share why you're interested in continuing to serve in this capacity. Good evening, Council and uh members attended. Um my name is uh Jeffrey Gaither. I'm a judge in the um family division here in Marion Superior Court. I've been on the bench since 1995, and I've served in a number of capacities. I particularly enjoy professionally the service on the Indianapolis Commission because that we we do good work. And uh we could do more work if we could do better work, and I'm happy to contribute however I can. Thank you, sir. Questions, comments from counselors. Seeing no one in the audience, I entertain a motion. So moved. The motion has been properly moved and second. Those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed, same sign. The motion carries. Thank you very much. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
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