New Albany City Council Regular Meeting – July 16, 2026
New Albany City Council Regular Meeting – July 16, 2026
The New Albany Common Council met on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of tax abatement compliance forms, a vacation-of-public-way ordinance (tabled pending litigation), final passage of opioid settlement fund usage and a data center moratorium, and a resolution for tourism funds for Silver Street Park turf fields. Council members also heard public comments on animal welfare and other topics.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Agenda & Minutes: The agenda for the regular session of June 18 (noted as a discrepancy with the agenda listing July 7 minutes) was approved 8-0-1 (Collier abstaining). No minutes were available in the packet.
- CF-1 Forms (Tax Abatement Compliance): A slate of 26 CF-1 forms was approved 8-0-1 (Dickey abstaining) with a friendly amendment requesting written explanations from four companies (Clark Foods, Logandarby, MP Global, PAAR) that fell short of employment projections. Council discussed the need for accountability and better tracking.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Z-26-03 (Vacation of Public Way – Robert Wheat): Several residents spoke in favor of vacating the alley, citing safety, tree preservation, and Mr. Daniels’ long-term maintenance. Patrick Wynn objected to the vacation. Attorney Justin Anders argued the council lacked discretion under state statute (IC 36-7-3-13B) because no other convenient ingress/egress existed, and that the petition was an attempt to overturn the Plan Commission’s plat approval.
- Z-26-02 (Data Center Moratorium): Patricia Wynn spoke against data centers, citing environmental and noise concerns. David McOwan supported the moratorium, noting similar actions in other states.
- Non-Agenda Items: Mindy Johnson (Southern Indiana Animal Welfare Watchdogs) urged inclusion of specific animal welfare provisions in the city’s animal ordinance, including cage size, water access, veterinary care, and enforcement authority.
Discussion Items
- Stormwater & Infrastructure Update: Council members acknowledged recent heavy rain events (described as a 1,000-year storm) and thanked city crews. President Dickey suggested scheduling a future stormwater department update.
- Youth Council Applications: The application period was extended to encourage more high school students (5 positions available).
- Opioid Settlement Funds (A-26-03): Council member Collier introduced an ordinance appropriating $15,000 to Hope Southern Indiana for food pantry support, filling a gap left by library pantry changes. The ordinance was described as a “band-aid” solution.
- Data Center Moratorium (Z-26-02): The one-year moratorium (unanimous committee and plan commission recommendations) was discussed. Council members debated potential impacts on existing businesses needing server rooms vs. large-scale data centers. Director Wood stated the plan commission would prioritize zoning updates and hoped to bring a draft to council by September.
- Silver Street Park Turf Fields (R-26-02): Council member Murphy introduced a resolution requesting $250,000 from the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau toward a $2 million project for synthetic turf fields, auxiliary buildings, and restrooms. The project will also support lacrosse and other sports.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to Table Z-26-03 (Vacation of Public Way) Passed 5-4: The council voted to table the vacation ordinance pending resolution of a related lawsuit challenging the preliminary plat approval. City attorney Manning advised potential legal exposure if action were taken while litigation is active. The matter will return upon her recommendation.
- A-26-03 (Opioid Settlement Funds) – Third Reading Passed Unanimously: The ordinance designating $15,000 for Hope Southern Indiana became ordinance A-26-08.
- Z-26-02 (Data Center Moratorium) – Third Reading Passed Unanimously: The temporary moratorium (effective one year) became ordinance Z-26-09.
- R-26-02 (Tourism Funds for Silver Street Park) – Resolution Passed Unanimously: The resolution authorizes the city to request $250,000 from the tourism bureau. The bond issuance is expected to close by late August.
- Public Works Committee Referral: Z-26-03 (first reading earlier) was formally referred to the Public Works Committee after introduction.
Note on Discrepancy
The agenda listed approval of minutes for July 7, 2026, but the transcript refers to approval of the agenda for a regular session of June 18. No minutes were available in the packet, and the council proceeded with the approval as stated.
Meeting Transcript
All right, good evening. We will now call to order the common council for the city of New Albany for its regular council meeting of Thursday, July 16th, 2026. We will begin first with a moment of silent prayer centering or reflection. Please join with me. Thank you. If you'll please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. All right. The clerk will now call the roll. Mrs. Collier. Here. Mr. Phipps. Here. Mr. Fitzgerald. Here. Mrs. Goldman. Here. Mr. Blair. Here. Mrs. Griffith. Here. Mrs. Murphy. Here. Mr. Unruh. Here. President Dickey. Present. All are present. All right. Our first item on the agenda is the approval of the agenda for our regular uh session of June 18th. You have those in your packet. I'll entertain a motion for correction or approval as appropriate. Move approval. Second. Have a motion by Mr. Phipps, second by Miss Murphy. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. I abstain. Opposed and show Miss Collier as abstaining. That carries 801. That takes us to communications from the council.
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