Indianapolis Board of Business & Neighborhood Services Meeting - July 23, 2026

The Board of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) met on July 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM in room T260 of the City County Building. Director Abby Brands called the meeting to order. Board members present were Courtney Yarbow and Kate Woolpool. The board approved minutes from the June 3rd meeting and took action on several consent calendar and discussion items.

Consent Calendar

• C1026 – High Weeds and Grass Liens: Staff recommended authorizing the director to place liens on properties listed in Exhibit A for unpaid high weeds and grass mowing abatement costs under Chapter 575. Cases reflect fees 30 days past due as of July 23, 2026. Director Brands noted a pilot program (now fully live) offers free mowing for hardship cases (physical or financial) for properties under one acre. Motion to approve was made and seconded; all members voted aye.
• C1027 – Trash, Junk, and Debris Liens: Staff recommended authorizing the director to place liens on properties listed in Exhibit A for unpaid trash, junk, and debris cleanup under Chapter 361. The certification covers 71 trash violation cases with a total owed of $41,249.41, reflecting fees 30 days past due as of July 23, 2026. Director Brands reiterated that residents who sign an affidavit can receive up to two free cleanups per year for illegal dumping. Motion to approve was made and seconded; all members voted aye.

Discussion Items

• C10028 – Illegal Dumping Mitigation (Alleyway Rehabilitation Phase II): Eva Flip presented a request for a not-to-exceed (NTE) increase of $736,366.70 to the contract with County Met Civil Contractors, bringing the total to $2,272,285.59. The original award was $1.47 million. Due to a very wet spring and summer, concrete alleys required additional subgrade treatments and geogrids to stabilize the ground. The increase also funds complete reconstruction of two concrete alley segments in phase I that had only been partially rehabilitated. All work is targeted for completion by September/October 2026. Board members discussed the proactive use of BNS funds to curb illegal dumping, including sponsoring extra roll-off containers at recycling depots or Saturday transfer stations. Members noted positive neighbor feedback on completed alleys (e.g., Sherman Alley as asphalt; State and Minnesota Alley as concrete). Motion to approve was made and seconded; all members voted aye.

• C10029 – Purchase of 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Truck: Staff recommended approving the outright purchase of one new 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 truck for the Weights and Measures Inspection Division at a contract price of $58,141. The truck will transport the department's “approver unit” (a unit with three large tanks used to test fuel pumps at high-volume stations like Costco or racetracks). The existing truck has 45,000 miles and is currently out of service due to wear and tear. All maintenance is performed at city facilities. Motion to approve was made and seconded; all members voted aye.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar items C1026 (liens for high weeds/grass) and C1027 (liens for trash/debris).
• Approved C10028, increasing the alley rehabilitation contract by $736,366.70 to complete concrete alley reconstruction and add subgrade stabilization.
• Approved C10029, authorizing purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 truck for Weights and Measures for $58,141.
• Next meeting scheduled for August 27, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 PM in room T260, where the board will review the 2027 budget.