Public Meetings - New Albany, Indiana

The New Albany Common Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, with President Adam Dickey presiding. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, council communications, committee-of-the-whole budget and finance discussions, second readings of two appropriation ordinances, and a board reappointment. All actions were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The regular meeting minutes from October 15, 2026, were approved via a motion by Elaine Murphy, seconded by Louise Gohmann. Council member Scott Blair abstained; all other present members voted aye. Communications from Council - Louise Gohmann announced the second annual "Operation Waverly" campaign to collect hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, and jackets for homeless and inadequately housed veterans, supporting Liberty Place in New Albany. She also encouraged citizens to vote on Election Day, noting the historical struggle for voting rights. - Stefanie Griffith thanked the mayor for attending a local merchants' meeting and praised the upcoming "Trails to Rails" project, with work already visible near IUS and the chicken house. - Elaine Murphy reminded attendees of Veterans Day (November 11) and urged voting. She also promoted the "Jingle Walk" downtown event on November 14 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, featuring local merchants. - President Adam Dickey reported that the city's Halloween candy line saw strong community participation without incidents, thanked city departments, and also noted the annual costume carnival at the 4-H Fairgrounds had lighter attendance. He reiterated voting information, including polling locations and ADA accessibility. Budget & Finance Committee (Committee of the Whole) The Council, sitting as the Budget & Finance Committee, considered two ordinances on first reading: - Ordinance A-26-08 – Appropriation for One Southern Indiana: Proposed a $30,000 appropriation from EDIT, General, or Riverboat funds to support One Southern Indiana, an economic development organization. Council member Don Unruh described it as a long-standing agreement and noted the organization's work in business recruitment, expansion, and talent recruitment. Scott Blair, the council's appointed member to One Southern Indiana, commended the organization for rejecting a company offering below-average wages. The motion to move the ordinance to second reading was made by Chris FitzGerald and seconded by Greg Phipps; it passed unanimously. - Ordinance A-26-09 – Appropriation and Transfer of Funds for Police Cars and Fire Equipment: Proposed $626,930 from the Public Safety Tax Fund—$248,000 for new police patrol cars and $378,930 for replacement firefighter turnout gear to meet OSHA standards. Fire Chief Juliet explained that gear has a 10-year lifespan and is custom-made with an eight-week lead time; the department maintains common-size backups. Police Chief Bailey noted that patrol cars are replaced based on condition rather than a set mileage, with typical turnaround of a few weeks after approval. Council members confirmed sufficient fund balances. The motion to advance to second reading was made by Chris FitzGerald and seconded by Jennie Collier; it passed unanimously. Second Readings - A-26-08: The ordinance for One Southern Indiana was introduced for second reading by Don Unruh, seconded by Chris FitzGerald. Roll call vote: All nine members present (Collier, Phipps, Fitzgerald, Gohmann, Blair, Griffith, Murphy, Unruh, and President Dickey) voted aye. Passed to third reading. - A-26-09: The ordinance for police cars and fire equipment was introduced by Jennie Collier, seconded by Elaine Murphy. Roll call vote: All nine members present voted aye. Passed to third reading. Board Appointments - New Albany Historic Preservation Commission: The Council confirmed the reappointment of Colton Sanders, who has served since July 2019. Council member Scott Blair praised Sanders' work on his own historic home and his contributions to the commission. A motion by Elaine Murphy, seconded by Chris FitzGerald, was approved unanimously. Adjournment The meeting adjourned by a motion from Jennie Collier, seconded by Elaine Murphy, after no further discussion or public comments.

The New Albany Redevelopment Commission convened on October 27, 2026, with all members present: Willson, Norwood, Guest, Collier, and Dickey. The meeting lasted approximately three minutes and included approval of the previous minutes and the claims sheet, no public comment, and brief announcements about upcoming local events. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the October 13, 2026 meeting minutes carried with 4 ayes and 1 abstention. - Motion to approve the claims sheet, covering standard items related to redevelopment projects, operations, and grants, carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - None offered. Discussion Items - Commissioner announcements: The commission plans to participate in the IUS ribbon cutting on November 2, 2026, and Lulu's Corner's one-year anniversary celebration on November 5, 2026, which will feature chairs, tables, and small comedy or magic shows. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 13, 2026 minutes (4-0-1). - Approved the claims sheet. - Adjourned after a meeting lasting roughly three minutes; the commission noted the meeting actually started at 12:01.

The Board of Public Works & Safety met on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The meeting covered unfinished business regarding solicitor's permits, a grant easement approval for an animal care facility, and updates on several paving and infrastructure projects. Unfinished Business - Justin Clowdus, High Impact Solutions (Authorized AT&T Dealer) – Solicitor's Permits: The item was previously tabled pending the applicant providing information to the clerk's office. The board discussed whether to keep it on unfinished business or remove it until the information is received. No decision was recorded; the matter appears to have been deferred. New Business / Grant Easement - Grant Easement to Park County RAEC for Animal Care Facility: A representative presented a request for a grant easement to allow Park County RAEC temporary access to the main access road for the animal care facility, which recently broke ground. The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the execution of the grant easement. The motion passed unanimously, and the president's signature was to be obtained after the meeting. City Officials' Communications – Infrastructure Updates - Paving Projects: The concrete subcontractor is finishing concrete work along Edgemont Drive and Chadwood Drive. Milling has started on Greenview Drive, Jaffrey Drive, Farrington Drive, Sydney Court, Ashley Court, Wellington, and Edgemont. The concrete subcontractor will then move to Greenaway Place for sidewalk work in advance of paving. - Trail Improvements: Crews are pouring concrete curb for landscaping and sidewalk between Elm and Oak Street, and finishing the installation of the HAWK signal at Fourth and Main on the trail. - Oak Street Reconstruction: The contractor plans to complete relocation of the water main along Oak Street, which will allow resumption of sanitary and stormwater construction that was on hold due to issues with the water company. - Charlestown Road / Slate Run Road Signal: The part needed for traffic control is scheduled to arrive by the end of the week, with installation and striping expected by week's end. Approval of Minutes - The regular meeting minutes for October 20, 2026, were approved by a voice vote (all in favor). Key Outcomes - Grant easement approved for Park County RAEC to support the animal care facility construction. - Infrastructure updates noted with no further action required. - Minutes of October 20, 2026, approved. - Unfinished business regarding solicitor's permits remained pending pending receipt of information from the applicant. - The meeting adjourned after a brief exchange.

The Sewer Board met on October 22, 2026 at 2:15 PM UTC. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a resolution for fund transfer to cover a UV project cost overage, scheduling of the upcoming budget process, a monthly financial report, and an operational update from the utility manager. Routine approvals for minutes and claims were handled, and the board approved the requested fund transfer. Consent Calendar - Minutes – A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. All members voted aye; minutes approved. - Claims – Claims for the period October 8–21, 2026 totaling $965,726.61 (including a new bond payment of $211,000 and insurance payments) were presented. A motion and second were made; all voted aye; claims approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Resolution for Transfer of Funds (UV Project Overrun) – The board reviewed a resolution to transfer $141,824.91 from the operating account to the UV project and installation fund. The overage was attributed to engineering costs, not the contractor, and the transfer was needed to bring the project fund out of a negative balance before year-end. A motion to approve was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. - Budget Workshop and Vote Scheduling – The board discussed setting a budget workshop for November 12, 2026 following the regular meeting, with a vote on the budget planned for November 25, 2026. One board member noted they would be out of the country during Thanksgiving week (Nov 25) and requested that a copy of the draft budget be emailed ahead for review. The schedule remains as proposed, with the absent member to provide feedback electronically. - Financial Report – The monthly billing for the previous month was $1,229,000, approximately $25,000 above the average but within budget. The finance officer described the revenue as “amazingly stable.” - Utility Report (Mike) – - July compliance summary: full compliance. - Temple lining project completed: 615 feet of 12-inch pipe and 195 feet of 10-inch pipe; camera inspection confirmed success. - Bar screen welding at the plant completed under a previously approved change order; reinstallation planned for the following week. - Oak Street 24-inch sewer main replacement ongoing; water main conflicts (with Indiana American Water) have caused delays. Contractor Dan Christian is coordinating moving the water main. Work expected to resume next week. - Public Works force main construction (670 feet of 24-inch ductile iron) to begin next week, following a pre-construction meeting held today. Key Outcomes - Approved resolution to transfer $141,824.91 for the UV project fund (unanimous). - Approved claims totaling $965,726.61 (unanimous). - Budget workshop scheduled for November 12, 2026; budget vote anticipated on November 25, 2026, subject to possible rescheduling due to one member's absence.

The New Albany Historic Preservation Commission met on October 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the New Albany City Hall, following the Facelift Awards ceremony at 6:00 PM. The commission reviewed several Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications, discussed enforcement processes, and considered potential new historic district designations. Chair Colt Sanders presided over the meeting, with all commission members present, establishing a quorum. Certificate of Appropriateness Applications - 620 E. Main (Streckfus & Brown): Application to replace tin shingle roof with asphalt shingles and replace gutters with half-round. The owners were not present. The commission approved the COA with recommendations to revisit the roof color for more historic accuracy and to consider traditional gutters instead of half-round, with final choices subject to staff review. (Vote: unanimous) - 1001 E. Spring (Stobaugh): Application for roof replacement, gutter conversion, window repair, and chimney removal. Approved with conditions: soffits must be repaired with wood, and bricks from the removed chimney must be retained. (Vote: unanimous) - 623 E. Spring (Eisenmenger): Application for standing seam metal roof, soffit/fascia repair, gutters, and window replacement. Approved with conditions: window replacements must be in approved material (wood frame) and staff-reviewed; door replacement on side elevation must be staff-reviewed for approval. (Vote: unanimous) - 73 E. 13th (McDowell): Proposal for a prefabricated home on a vacant lot. The applicant was not present. The commission discussed concerns about scale, articulation, roof pitch, windows, and water drainage. No vote was taken; the applicant was encouraged to return with more detailed plans and consider city pre-approved plans. - Staff-approved applications: Perry (519 E. Main), Chandler/Signarama Downtown (222 E. Market), Resilience Properties (26 E. 3rd), and Garland (1109 E. Spring) were approved by staff without commission deliberation. Old Business - DePauw Avenue Conservation District: A lawsuit hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2026. No new developments were reported. - Potential New District – Silver Hills: The commission discussed the next steps after a recent community meeting. Members noted that opposition often stemmed from misconceptions about historic preservation. The next step is to identify a core group of long-time residents to lead organic discussions with neighbors and possibly conduct a survey. - Enforcement Update: Administrator Laura Renwick sent letters to multiple properties regarding violations. A follow-up on a mural at Cozy Candles is pending. The commission also noted a property on Pearl Street with missing windows for over a year, which the Mayor has been made aware of. - At-large Member Recommendations: One member declined interest due to other commitments; the commission agreed to pass along names of interested candidates. New Business - Enforcement Process Improvements: The commission discussed formalizing a written complaint process to code enforcement, designating a commission member (Chair Colt Sanders volunteered) to track and escalate enforcement issues. They also proposed inviting representatives from code enforcement, building department, and redevelopment to quarterly meetings to improve coordination. Concerns about a code enforcement officer revealing complainant identities were raised and noted for future communication. - November Meeting Date: The next meeting was rescheduled to Monday, November 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM, due to Chair Sanders’ travel. Announcements - The NAPC webinar “Zoning Reform Isn't Coming—It's Here: What Preservationists Need to Know” is on October 22 at 1 PM; recordings are available for later viewing. - Continuing education requirements for certified local governments were reminded; members who have not completed training this year were encouraged to register. Key Outcomes - Three COA applications were approved with conditions. - One application (McDowell) was deferred for additional planning. - The commission will develop a formal enforcement tracking list and pursue quarterly inter-departmental meetings. - The November meeting was moved to November 30, 2026.

The Board of Public Works & Safety of New Albany, Indiana, met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM in City Hall Room 100. The meeting included a solicitor's permit request for door-to-door sales, infrastructure updates, approval of financial claims and minutes, and a recommendation for trick-or-treat hours. Consent Calendar - Claims Approval: Approved claims for the period October 6-19, 2026, totaling $3,890,902.75. (Motion carried unanimously.) - Transfers Approval: Approved transfers for the same period totaling $1,402,000. (Motion carried unanimously.) - Meeting Minutes: Approved the regular meeting minutes from October 13, 2026. (Motion carried unanimously.) Discussion Items 1. Solicitor’s Permit Request – Justin Clowdus, High Impact Solutions (Authorized AT&T Dealer): Mr. Clowdus requested solicitor's permits to conduct door-to-door sales for AT&T in zip code 47150. He stated he is moving his business from Alabama and seeks to obtain permits before operating. Board members expressed strong concerns about door-to-door solicitation, citing impacts on elderly residents and veterans, potential for aggressive sales tactics, and prior incidents of unpermitted canvassing in the city. Mr. Clowdus acknowledged one prior visit to a New Albany neighborhood with an assistant manager but said he had contacted the city. He described his hiring process (interviews, background checks, drug tests) and training (four weeks). The board asked whether individuals encountered in a neighborhood without permits were associated with him; he denied it. A motion was made to take the request under advisement, requiring additional information: criminal background checks for employees and letters of recommendation from at least two to three communities where he has previously operated (e.g., Birmingham, AL). The board clarified this does not grant permission to begin soliciting. (Motion carried unanimously.) 2. City Infrastructure Updates (Presented by Larry Cook): - Paving Update: MAC Construction continues concrete work on Edgemont Drive and a sidewalk panel on Chadwood. Striping follows paving. A base failure on Slate Run Road near the Latter-day Saints Church will be patched. Next week, milling and paving will begin in the Green Valley Estates neighborhood, with notices to residents. Water valve inspections on ECAN are also planned. - Trail Project: Base preparation for pavers and landscaping between Elm and Oak; finalizing installation of the HAWK signal at Main and Fourth Streets; brick paver installation between Elm and Oak. - Oak Street Reconstruction: Contractor is relocating a water main before resuming sanitary and storm sewer work. A delay occurred due to coordination with the water company. Board members noted a rough gravel section at Pearl and Oak requiring attention due to harvest traffic. - Charlestown Road and Slate Run Road Signal: Signal heads repositioned after an issue; signal expected operational October 19 but experienced a flash issue. Liquidated damages may be considered for missing the substantial completion deadline, though delay claims are possible. Striping rescheduled for next week. 3. Trick-or-Treat Hours Recommendation: The board considered trick-or-treat hours for Halloween (Saturday, October 31). A motion was made and adopted to recommend 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. (Motion carried unanimously.) 4. Other City Official Communications: - Bank reconciliations for July 2026 were presented. - An emergency sewer repair began October 20 at 124 Union Street; traffic expected to remain open. - Condolences were expressed for the passing of long-time city employees John Rosemarker (48 years of service) and Dennis Smith. Key Outcomes - Justin Clowdus's solicitor's permit request was taken under advisement; no permit granted pending submission of background checks and community references. - Financial claims and transfers totaling $3,890,902.75 and $1,402,000, respectively, were approved. - Meeting minutes from October 13, 2026, were approved. - Trick-or-treat hours for Halloween were recommended as 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. - Infrastructure projects are ongoing with noted updates; potential liquidated damages discussed for the signal project delay.

The New Albany City Plan Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Six members were present. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for former planner John Rosenbarker, who passed away. The primary agenda item was the secondary plat approval for a 17-lot subdivision. The meeting also included a warning about a phishing scam targeting developers. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 15, 2026): The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion, second, all ayes). No discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Judith Midbella (resident of Tudor Trail, Windsor Creek): Expressed concern that heavy construction trucks for the proposed subdivision are using the Windsor Creek entrance (Tudor Trail) instead of the designated Camber Milver Road entrance. She stated that the trucks have damaged a sewer corner, caused street wear, and run over parkways and lawns. She requested that the developer require trucks to use the Camber Milver entrance to avoid further destruction. Discussion Items - Secondary Plat Approval – Docket C0824 (Robert Lynn Company Inc.): Robert Lynn, applicant, presented a request for final secondary plat approval for a 17-lot subdivision in a low-density residential steep slope district at 417 Camber Milver Road. He noted that all requirements had been met, including a corrected detention basin to accommodate a 100-year storm event. The lots will be sold to Fisher Homes, marking their third development in the area. In response to questions, Lynn committed to prioritizing the completion of the retention pond and improving the main entrance off Camber Milver Road to keep construction traffic out of adjacent subdivisions. Staff Report: Staff recommended approval with a dozen conditions. Key conditions included: approval of right-of-way dedications by the Floyd County Commissioners; a single street name (proposed “Vista Way”) subject to E911 verification; drainage improvement approvals from the Floyd County Stormwater Board; sewer tap information; fire prevention construction plans; submission of restrictive covenants for common areas; easement approvals by the New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety; approval of a site buffering plan; limits on construction days/hours (Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–3 p.m., no Sunday work); a stipulation that construction access shall be through the subdivision site only, not through adjacent subdivisions like Windsor Creek; documentation of wetlands; an executed development agreement with Floyd County; a bond equal to 125% of the engineer’s estimate for public infrastructure (to be held in favor of the Plan Commission); and landscaping, street lighting, signage, and traffic control subject to county engineer approval. Staff noted that not all conditions from the primary plat have been satisfied, but the plat will be held from recording until all conditions are met. Commission Discussion: One member questioned why conditions from the primary plat had not been resolved before final approval. Staff explained that it is standard practice to grant secondary plat approval with conditions and to withhold recordation until compliance is achieved. The commission was satisfied with this approach. Motion: A motion to approve Docket C0824 with all staff stipulations was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no nays or abstentions). - Scam Alert (After Vote): Staff reported that a sophisticated phishing email had been sent to the applicant (Robert Lynn) earlier that day, purporting to be from a plan commission member and requesting a $5,000 wire transfer to pay for the hearing. The email used the commission’s logo, correct member name, and appeared legitimate except for the sender address (planning-bz@country-us.usa) and a mention of “BZA” (Board of Zoning Appeals) instead of “Plan Commission.” The applicant’s bank was alerted, and the email was forwarded to the New Albany Police Department for investigation. Staff assured members that legitimate fees are much lower (approximately $1,800–$1,900) and that the commission never requests wire transfers. Commissioners were urged to be vigilant. Key Outcomes - Secondary Plat Approved (Docket C0824): The 17-lot subdivision secondary plat was approved with all staff conditions. The plat will not be recorded until all conditions are satisfied. - Minutes Approved: The September 15, 2026, meeting minutes were approved unanimously. - Fraud Alert Issued: Staff notified members of a phishing scam targeting developers; police investigation is ongoing. Members advised to verify any unusual payment requests directly with staff.

The New Albany Common Council held its regular meeting on October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The main action was the approval of the 2027 budget ordinances, including a 5% raise for city employees and elected officials, and funding for infrastructure. The council also approved a reappointment to the Historic Preservation Commission and heard public comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of three meetings were approved. The August 26, 2026 budget work session minutes were approved with one abstention (Councilor Unruh). The October 5, 2026 public hearing and regular meeting minutes were approved as a slate with one abstention (Councilor Unruh). - Board Appointment: The reappointment of Kate Berliner to the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission was confirmed unanimously (7-0, Councilor Blair absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Katsala Velasco (1904 Coachman Drive) spoke on behalf of So Informed, a resident-run news source, promoting their non-partisan 2026 Floyd County Voter Guide. She thanked candidates and offered the guide to attendees. - Donna McDonald (629 Michigan Avenue) spoke on behalf of Maker13, a makerspace in Jeffersonville. She announced their 10th anniversary celebration on November 5, 2026, and requested a $5,000 STEM membership sponsorship from the city, matching support from Jeffersonville and Clarksville councils. Discussion Items - Council Communications: Councilors shared community updates: Councilor Unruh reminded of a Halloween bash at the central library (Oct 23, 5:30-7:30 PM) and congratulated River Run water park for over 52,000 guests this season. Councilor Murphy thanked the street department for post-Harvest Homecoming cleanup and noted SUDEP Action Day on Oct 21. Councilor Griffith announced the Caesars Foundation grant awards night on Dec 2, with $400,000 in grants awarded from over $1 million in requests. Councilor Gohmann wished her grandson a happy 12th birthday. Councilor Collier shared a story about her grandson. President Dickey thanked the wastewater department for a quick response on Carriage Lane and noted Día de los Muertos events (Oct 28-Nov 4) at the parks. - 2027 Budget Ordinances (Third Reading): Councilor Unruh introduced A-26-04 (General Fund) and A-26-05 (Non-Reverting Budgets), noting the budget fully funds departments, includes a 5% raise for employees, consolidates line items, and allocates $6 million for paving and infrastructure. Councilor Murphy introduced A-26-06 (Employee Salaries) and A-26-07 (Elected Officials Salaries), both with the 5% raise. Councilor Griffith expressed concern about affordability after a 10% raise the prior year, suggesting a future study on staffing and salary comparisons. Other councilors supported the raises, citing the need to retain employees and keep pace with inflation. Councilor Fitzgerald thanked administrative staff for detailed budget breakdowns and transparency. - Historic Preservation Commission Reappointment: Discussion clarified that Kate Berliner was initially appointed to finish an unexpired term; this reappointment is for a full three-year term starting from the appointment date. No further concerns were raised, and the appointment was approved. Key Outcomes - Ordinance A-26-04 (General Fund Budget 2027): Passed 7-1 (Councilor Griffith opposed, Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-12. - Ordinance A-26-05 (Non-Reverting Budgets 2027): Passed 8-0 (Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-13. - Ordinance A-26-06 (Employee Salaries 2027): Passed 7-1 (Councilor Griffith opposed, Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-14. - Ordinance A-26-07 (Elected Officials Salaries 2027): Passed 7-1 (Councilor Griffith opposed, Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-15. - Board Appointment: Kate Berliner reappointed to the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission, confirmed 7-0. - Meeting adjourned.

The New Albany Tree Board met on October 14, 2026, with the chair calling the meeting to order after attendance. With four members initially present, the chair noted that four votes were needed to pass a motion. The meeting covered a condemned pin oak at 522 East Market Street, a sidewalk complaint on Lafayette Drive, trunk-or-treat plans, and several city tree maintenance issues. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based on the meeting transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - Amelia Ritter, a resident of 522 East Market Street, expressed concern about the very large oak tree in front of her home. She said sizable branches had fallen, one narrowly missing cars; a branch fell on July 2 and another around Labor Day weekend. She stated that she and neighbors avoided parking under the tree because they feared falling limbs and that she wanted an expert opinion on whether the tree could be maintained or should be removed. - Ritter indicated that she would be sad to lose the tree but agreed, after speaking with city arborist Mark, that the situation felt dangerous. She asked for input on what replacement tree might be planted. Discussion Items 522 East Market Street Oak - City arborist Mark reported that the tree had been on the city's radar; it had previously been discussed with the intent to save it. When he inspected on August 4, the tree still looked fairly good, but since then it had declined sharply, with leaf scorch and premature leaf shedding. - Mark estimated that roughly 25 percent of the top of the tree had died back. He said he and two other certified arborists on his staff all concluded that removal was warranted; he had been the last holdout. He described the tree as one of the city's top three or five best trees and said its loss would be a major blow to the canopy and streetscape. - Mark stated that the tree was suffering from bacterial leaf scorch, for which there are no effective treatments; it was in what he called a death spiral. The tree had a trunk as big as a car, wires on three sides, and removal would require closing the street and likely a crane. Mark estimated removal could take a day and a half. Members discussed the risk of waiting for a catastrophic failure. - Members discussed the tree's history, noting it was reportedly planted during the Depression era and had outlived expectations. - On replacement, Mark recommended a native tree and cautioned against planting an overly large tree. He cited research showing that a two-inch caliper tree often catches up to and outpaces a much larger, more expensive tree. He suggested a willow oak as a fast-growing oak, while noting the board's usual preference for native species. - Board members discussed site preparation after removal: complete stump grinding, removal of old mulch, importing soil, working around the water meter, and replanting in the same general area or nearby to improve success. Lafayette Drive Sidewalk Complaint - The board reviewed an email from Stephanie Griffith about a constituent near 1111 Lafayette Drive, possibly 1110, whose sidewalk was being lifted by a tree. - Members identified what appeared to be the tree at 1107 Lafayette Drive and noted that it had already been removed, so the original concern may already be resolved, though sidewalk repair may still be needed. - The board agreed to refer the sidewalk issue to the Board of Works and asked Mark to drive through the area to check for other trees causing trip hazards. A motion passed to do so. Trunk or Treat Participation - The Tree Board discussed participating in the city's trunk-or-treat event rather than Harvest Homecoming. A spot had been reserved at trunk-or-treat, scheduled for October 24, 2026, roughly 5 to 8 p.m. at the amphitheater. The event would be held in the garage if it rained, after formal approval by the redevelopment commission. - Board members planned to have a vehicle, hand out candy and tree-themed giveaways such as pencils or saplings, and possibly wear costumes or tree board hats. Volunteers were sought; at least one member planned to attend for part of the event. Other Tree Maintenance Items - Mark reported that the stump in front of Brooklyn and Butcher had been ground out, but a narrow concrete curb or box around the tree pit made full grinding and future replanting difficult. The board agreed to send photos and details to Larry and the Board of Works for possible spot improvements and to reach out to the owner, Ian, with options. - A member reported a dead zelkova near 15th Street in the Esplanade; Mark confirmed several zelkovas of about the same size had died that summer and said he would remove and replace it. - A member reported that many recently planted trees along the Mona Trail between the 600 and 900 blocks of East Main looked dead or unhealthy, including one planted in front of a gate. The issue had been forwarded to Claire, who said she would have the contractor inspect; the trees were under warranty. Key Outcomes - The board voted to remove the oak tree at 522 East Market Street; no dissenting votes were recorded. The motion, as transcribed, referred to '52 East Market Street' and included grinding the stump, preparing the site, and replanting a native tree, likely a willow oak, in or near the same location. - The board agreed to coordinate removal with the Board of Works, street department and/or police, notify the block, and keep affected residents informed. Signage at the site was discussed as a way to explain that a new tree would be planted. - The board passed a motion referring the Lafayette Drive sidewalk issue to the Board of Works and requesting a visual check of nearby trees. - Mark was asked to handle the dead zelkova and to verify conditions along the Mona Trail, while the sidewalk and tree-pit issue at Brooklyn and Butcher was referred to Larry and the Board of Works.