Public Meetings - New Albany, Indiana

The Sewer Board of the Civil City of New Albany, Indiana, met on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The board approved the prior meeting minutes, three contract actions, five sewer-bill adjustments, the April financial report, and a batch of claims. No new business or public communications were reported, and all votes were unanimous voices. Minutes Approval - The board approved the April 23, 2026 regular meeting minutes as revised, conditioned on Mr. Larry Summers’ review and approval. No separate minutes document was included in the source packet. Bids and Contracts - Approved Pay Application 8 for Dan Cristiani Excavating, Old Vincennes Sewer Relocate, in the amount of $81,434.88 as a retainage release. Staff reported all testing was completed and as-built maps had been updated. - Approved Pay Application 7 for Dan Cristiani Excavating, UV Disinfection Improvements at the treatment plant. Staff said the project is 99% complete, has minor punch-list items, includes an ongoing gate issue being addressed, and remains under budget. - Awarded Manhole Lining Project PR 040126 to BLD Services for $46,893. The project includes lining 22 sanitary manholes (165 vertical feet) with one-inch cementitious mortar and an H2S barrier, plus installation of chimney seals. Bids were: Structure Solutions – $59,070; Green Line Lining – $57,860; BLD Services – $46,893. Staff recommended the low bidder, BLD Services, which had done satisfactory work for the city in the past. Sewer Adjustments - Approved Susie Renner’s request for $2,013.35 (transcribed as “2,0137, 35” in the raw transcript) for a leak on the supply line under the house into the kitchen; consumption has returned to normal. - Approved Belinda Randall’s request for $1,272.92 for a leak affecting three billing cycles; the transcript references a line by the barn. - Approved Amy Sulzberger’s request for $1,818.07 for a leak in the front yard about ten feet from the home, affecting three billing cycles. - Approved Jacob Fancher’s request for $3,721.52 after a tenant left an outdoor spigot on, causing water to enter the basement; three billing cycles were affected, the largest being the February bill, and the tenant was evicted. - Approved Terry Bohanan’s request for $3,236.28 for a leak between the meter and the home; the water company had estimated bills between two high bills, and the matter was tied to a previously approved adjustment. Financial Report - The April financial report was presented while the city converts to new software. Revenue is about 1% over budget, and expenses are about 2% below budget. Utility Report - Staff reported the UV disinfection project is wrapping up with punch-list items; new gates are being installed to close off the plant, expected to be completed that week; additional staff parking out front is complete; and the phosphorus building project is being prepared for bidding. Claims - Approved claims totaling about $149,046.64 for the date range April 23 through May 15, 2026. Key Outcomes - All motions above were approved by voice vote; no opposed votes or abstentions were noted in the transcript. - Next steps include completing UV punch-list and gate work, performing the manhole lining contract with BLD Services, and preparing the phosphorus building project for bid.

The New Albany Police Department Merit Commission met on May 14, 2026. Because of a light outage in the council chambers, online viewers could hear but not see the proceedings. The board approved prior minutes, heard a department staffing report, approved a settlement-related promotional list resolution, disposed of two applicant matters, and approved two applicant testing dates. Opening and Routine Business - The board approved the April 9, 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote; one member abstained because they had been absent. - Chief Bailey reported that Olivia Roquet graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on April 24, 2026, and has returned to field training. - Four officers - Campbell, Spicer, Showman, and DeLoch - are approved to begin training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on August 31, 2026, and are currently working in the field. - Chief Bailey said Tim Wells came off the books, leaving current sworn strength at 69 against the goal of 75. He said the department must continue testing and recruiting to reach stable numbers. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-1: The commission's attorney read the resolution, which addressed two grievances filed by the police union - transcribed as the "Federal Police of the New Orleans Police Department," an apparent transcription error - against the New Albany Police Department Merit Commission and the City of New Albany over the current promotion list. The parties reached a settlement requiring amendments to the promotional eligibility list effective November 13, 2025, through July 16, 2026, after which all ranks will be recalculated. Under the amendment, Officer Austin Big E and Officer Christopher Allerge (as transcribed) are added to the corporal eligibility list once they meet minimum qualifications. The sergeant list remains in effect except that Dick Carter, later referred to as Nick Carter, is placed first until July 16, 2026, and then is dropped from the list. The captain list remains in effect except that an individual transcribed as "their state" is placed first until July 16, 2026. Board members clarified that normal recalculation of scores for seniority and evaluations would continue; candidates still must meet the 75% composite scoring requirement to be promotable. The board also indicated that, for a corporal request for third shift, the process would start at the top of the amended list rather than resume where prior declines left off. - The board reviewed and unanimously ratified the amended captain and sergeant applicant promotional eligibility list. - Applicant 2026-47: The board voted to stop processing this candidate after a significant response on the lie detector test. - Applicant 2026-49: The board voted to no longer pursue this candidate after the candidate was not recommended to continue into the interview process. - Testing dates: Chief Bailey requested new applicant testing on June 27, August 22, and November 21, 2026. Members discussed recruiting challenges, the gap between August and November, and whether additional dates should be added later. The board approved only the June 27 and August 22 dates. Key Outcomes - Approved the April 9, 2026 minutes, with one abstention. - Approved Resolution 2026-1 amending the promotional eligibility lists. - Ratified the amended captain and sergeant applicant promotional eligibility list. - Stopped processing applicant 2026-47 and declined to pursue applicant 2026-49. - Approved June 27 and August 22, 2026 applicant testing dates; did not approve the requested November 21, 2026 date. - The board adjourned and moved to interviews.

The New Albany Tree Board met on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 8:15 PM. The meeting was called to order with roll call: Adam David, David Barksdale, Matt Bazell, Claudia Shrek, Ann Streckfest, and Brick Sizemore. Four members were present, establishing a quorum. No public comments were received. Arbor Day Recap Mark reported that the Arbor Day event was held in conjunction with the farmers market on Bank Street. Approximately 85 trees were given away (up from 12 the previous year), and the location was deemed highly successful for reaching the target audience. Discussion covered options for future events: a custom tree costume or a fixed photo prop, and obtaining a canopy tent with the tree board logo. The board directed Chris to research canopy costs and report back. Tree board funds from the IRA grant ($105,000 remaining out of $250,000) are available for community outreach items such as costumes and canopies. Tree Planting Requests 2011 Culvertson / 2014 Ekin Street – A resident at 2011 requested a tree be planted across the street at 2014, but the occupants at 2014 (renters) stated they do not want a tree. The homeowner at 2011 also declined a tree due to a handicapped parking spot. After discussion, the board agreed to have Mark revisit the block, check if renters have changed, and evaluate planting opportunities elsewhere along that side of the street. Consensus to review and report back. Tree Maintenance Requests 2503 Roanoke Avenue – A large ash tree (approximately 35 inches diameter) with significant dead limbs overhanging a house. Two arborists recommended removal. The board voted unanimously to first check with Duke Power regarding utility lines, then confirm ownership using right-of-way measurements, and proceed with removal using city funds or potentially an ash grant. Motion by David, seconded by Ann, carried. 1518 Shelby Place – Two large silver maples on the median showing rapid decline. The board decided to have Mark communicate with nearby property owners, inform them of the tree condition, and explore the possibility of removal and replacement with new trees. Consensus to monitor and report back. City Hall Front Trees – A dead gum tree near the building was already removed and replaced, and a fifth tree was added. The board retroactively approved this action. Motion and second, carried. Other Business - Hats: Mark presented prototype hats with tree board logo. Members discussed whether to include “Tree City USA” or “Tree Board” wording. Hats will be made available for distribution at future events. - Drought Monitor: Mark showed a drought indicator map indicating parts of the city are near drought conditions. Watering of new trees was discussed; City Hall staff have been watering daily but a deep watering once or twice a week was recommended. - Tree Trail: A software upgrade for the tree trail is planned for next month, funded by grants. - Grantline Trees: Mark reported that the last round of planting through Grantline was completed successfully with flagged locations. Key Outcomes - Approved retroactive replacement and addition of trees at City Hall. - Approved removal process for the ash tree at 2503 Roanoke (subject to utility coordination and ownership confirmation). - Directed Mark to investigate planting opportunities on the 2011 Culvertson block and report back. - Directed Mark to monitor silver maples at 1518 Shelby Place and communicate with property owners. - Authorized research into canopy tent purchase and possible tree costume/prop for future events. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The New Albany Redevelopment Commission met on May 12, 2026, at 5:15 PM. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Members present: Terry Middleton, Bob Norwood, Daniel Guest, Jenny Collier, Adam Dickey. The commission approved the minutes from the April 28, 2026 meeting, discussed a resolution for public-private agreements for the Mountain Trail Bar bike park and Silver Street Park turf fields, approved a claims worksheet, received an ARPA report, and addressed other business. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the April 28, 2026 minutes as written. All in favor said aye; one abstention recorded. Motion carried 4-0-1. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed in to speak. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - New Business – Resolution for Public-Private Agreements: The commission considered a resolution authorizing public-private agreements under Indiana Code 5-23 for the Mountain Trail Bar bike park earthwork at the former QRS recycling center and the Silver Street Park turf fields project. Staff explained that a public hearing was held on April 28, 2026, with no public testimony, and the RFP process began in February 2025. The earthwork is expected to take 6–7 months, dependent on soil availability from other city projects. The turf fields will accommodate soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Board members expressed strong support, noting these investments enhance quality of life and make New Albany the best place to live, work, and raise a family. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution; all voted aye. Motion carried. - Claims Worksheet: The commission reviewed the claims worksheet, noting the largest claim is related to the RDA and Ready project. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed unanimously by voice vote. - ARPA Report: Staff provided the quarterly ARPA report for the first quarter of 2026. The city has expended approximately 98.8% of its initial $16.9 million allocation. No approval was required; the report is posted on the city’s transparency portal. Remaining funds are minimal and expected to be fully spent. - Other Business: A ribbon cutting ceremony for a facility is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM. An attendee inquired about the Brock upon the way project (likely the animal shelter). Staff responded that the project has already received plan commission approval and is moving to construction, subject to conditions such as stormwater board approval. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: April 28, 2026 minutes approved 4-0-1 (one abstention). - Resolution Approved: The public-private agreement resolution for the Mountain Trail Bar bike park earthwork and Silver Street Park turf fields was approved unanimously. - Claims Worksheet Approved: The claims worksheet was approved unanimously. - ARPA Report Acknowledged: The quarterly ARPA report was received and noted; no further action required. - Project Update: The animal shelter project has plan commission approval and will proceed to construction.

The Board of Public Works & Safety met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at New Albany City Hall. The meeting covered several administrative and operational items including a public hearing on sidewalk signage for a local business, approval of temporary street closures for power washing and structural inspections, and approval of contracts and claims. Consent Calendar - Claims: Monthly claims totaling $3,156,594.94 and ARP claims totaling $30,602.10 were approved separately. - Minutes: The regular meeting minutes from May 6, 2026 were approved with corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda McMonagall (owner of a cookie business in a hidden courtyard location on Bank Street) addressed the board regarding her request for sidewalk signage. She asked for permission to place a sandwich board sign at the corner of Bank and Main Streets during her business hours (Fridays 10–7, Saturdays 10–4, plus pop-up hours around holidays) to help customers find her shop. She noted that her business lacks a public-facing storefront and that social media support had led to a very successful weekend. She also requested to keep her existing sandwich board sign outside her courtyard door. The board took the request under advisement pending further review of ordinances, dimensions of the sign, and discussions with planning and zoning. McMonagall was asked to submit a written request including sign dimensions, requested locations, and hours of operation to the city clerk. She was advised not to place any signs on the sidewalk until a decision is made. Discussion Items - Sidewalk Closure for Power Washing: Sherri Baker requested temporary closure of the Main Street sidewalk (from Bank Street to the Pedway) and the ADA ramps at the Pedway and City Hall plaza on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for annual power washing. The work would use water only and would not affect newly installed landscaping. Coordination with the street department and business owners was noted. The board approved the closure with a request to delay start if residents complain about noise. - Parking Closure on Market Street: The Redevelopment Office requested closure of seven diagonal parking spaces and a sidewalk section on West Market Street from May 27 to May 29, 2026 to allow a man lift for structural engineering investigation of the parking garage. The garage itself would remain open, and nearby businesses (West Banco and federal courts) had been notified. The board approved the closure. - Paving Program Update: A city official reported that the outlet pipe on Mount Tabor Road had been corrected, and the pre-construction meeting with MAC Construction for the 2026 paving program had occurred. Paving would begin within two weeks, starting on Mount Tabor Road from west of Kerner Lane to Charlestown Road. - Professional Services Agreement for Paving: The board approved a professional services agreement with Clark Deeds for program management and inspection of the 2026 annual roadway repair and paving program. The contract is set at a not-to-exceed 10% of the paving program cost, with no changes from the previous year other than the date. - Touch a Truck Event Feedback: A brief discussion noted that street barricades for the recent Touch a Truck event were placed by the street department but the event host was responsible for placement at the closure time. The board suggested making a note for future events to clarify timing. Key Outcomes - Signage Request: Taken under advisement pending submission of written information (sign dimensions, locations, hours) and further review by planning and zoning and the city attorney. - Power Washing Closure: Approved (motion by Thompson, second by Brewer; all in favor). - Market Street Parking Closure: Approved (motion by Brewer, second by Cotner-Bailey; all in favor). - Professional Services Agreement (Clark Deeds): Approved (motion by Cotner-Bailey, second by Thompson; all in favor). - Claims (Monthly and ARP): Both approved (motions and seconds; all in favor). - Minutes (May 6, 2026): Approved with corrections.

The New Albany Flood Control District Board of Commissioners held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers of New Albany City Hall. Board members present were President Michael Thompson (participating via Zoom), Vice-President David Brewer, and Member Cheryl Bailey. The meeting covered routine approvals and a brief director's update on river conditions, event preparations, and pending projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the April 14, 2026 monthly meeting was made by Michael Thompson and seconded by a person identified in the transcript as "Michelle" – likely board member Cheryl Bailey (the appointed member is Cheryl Bailey). The motion passed unanimously. - Approval of Claims: A motion to approve the claims was made by Michael Thompson and seconded by Cheryl Bailey. The motion passed unanimously with no opposition. Director's Report - Director Brad reported that the Ohio River level is currently at 12.7 feet and has bottomed out after the spring season. Preparations are underway for private events (including 5K runs), the Fourth of July celebration, and other summertime festivals along the greenway. Mowing operations continue. - Work is progressing on requirements for the upcoming U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspection next year; all systems are operating and fully functional. - Regarding the walkway/overlook project, there is no update. It remains under review with the Corps to determine applicable permitting for repairs or modifications. Discussion Items - March 2026 Financials: Member Cheryl Bailey noted that the March 2026 financial statements have been provided to the board. No further action was taken. Key Outcomes - The board approved the April 2026 meeting minutes and the claims list. - No new business or unfinished business was addressed. - The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

The New Albany Redevelopment Authority convened on May 8, 2026 (transcript timestamp: 2026-05-08 15:45:00 UTC). The chair began by calling the meeting the May 4th 2026 meeting; this discrepancy between the spoken date and the provided meeting timestamp is noted. Roll call showed Terry Becker and Cheryl Bailey present; Trent Baker was absent. No agenda or written minutes were provided in the source material. The board approved the February 6 minutes and routine financial reports. Consent Calendar - February 6 minutes: A motion to approve was made and seconded; the minutes were approved. - April TIF report: Staff stated the report is submitted to the controller, who enters the information into Gateway for submission to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. The report was due April 15 and covers redevelopment authority members and officers, expenditures, grants and loans (none held by this body), cash on hand, revenues, and the parcel list. Staff noted this is the first time the report has come before the board due to a change in state law. A motion to approve was made and seconded; the report was approved. - Disbursement approvals: Staff summarized disbursements between January and February totaling $587,290, with the supporting ledger attached. A motion to approve was made and seconded; the disbursements were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public joined the meeting to offer comments. Discussion Items - The board reviewed the April TIF report contents and the newly required annual report process. - The board reviewed the January-February disbursement list and attached ledger. - After adjournment, members informally discussed property tax issues, including zero-dollar tax entries that may reflect appeals or nonprofit status, the impact of state legislation (SEA 1), potential taxpayer savings of about $300 per year, municipal budget effects, the Friends of the Library ending on-site meals, and the city transparency portal for watching recorded meetings. Key Outcomes - Approved the February 6 meeting minutes. - Approved the April TIF report. - Approved January-February disbursements totaling $587,290. - The meeting was adjourned by motion.

Date: May 6, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM Location: New Albany City Hall, Room 100 The Board of Public Works & Safety convened on May 6, 2026, to consider several street and utility permits, special event requests, and a signage variance. The meeting included approvals of multiple infrastructure permits, discussion of a temporary signage request, and adjustments to an upcoming event due to construction. Consent Calendar - Approval of regular meeting minutes for April 21 and April 28, 2026 (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda McMonacle (owner of Whimsical Cookie, 37 Bank Street) requested temporary signage to direct customers to her hidden business. She explained that construction vehicles have reduced visibility and foot traffic. She asked for 16 square feet of temporary signage across multiple signs under city ordinance Section F. Board members expressed sympathy but noted concerns about precedent, ADA compliance, and the need for coordination with her landlord and Planning & Zoning. The board took the request under advisement without immediate approval. Discussion Items - Emergency Water Main Repairs (IAWC): Pat Hauersperger presented emergency repair permits for six locations: 2108 State Street, 1004 Griffin Street, 425 W. Elm/7th Street, 317 W. 7th Street, and 603 Beharrell Avenue. A repair at E. 7th and Spring streets remains pending. Motion to approve passed. - CenterPoint Gas Service (306 Bank Street): Ralph Davenport requested to retire an existing gas service and install a new one. Approved. - CenterPoint Curb Cut & Road Cuts: Brandon French requested a curb cut at 614 Hausfeldt Lane and two road cuts on Industrial Boulevard for a new gas line. A separate permit for a parcel near Tye Avenue was tabled pending clarification of ownership (county vs. city). Approved the curb cut and road cuts. - Sanitary Sewer for Sazerac (3220 Creekwood Court): Chris Lawson requested an open-cut permit to install a gravity sewer line. The work will be in a cul-de-sac with minimal traffic impact. Approved. - Duke Energy Underground Conversion (Millerwood Neighborhood): Scott Ferree presented a project to convert overhead infrastructure to buried lines on Lynnwood Drive, Millerwood Drive, and Lilly Lane to improve reliability. The request included installing facilities in road right-of-way and an easement across Millerwood Park. All affected residents were contacted. Approved. - Fiber Optic Conduit (Barack Obama Way): Gregory Hume and Mike Montag (Hutchins Telecom, for Spectrum) requested a permit to directional drill 2,822 feet of conduit for fiber. They had previously worked without a permit due to a misunderstanding. Approved with condition that work cannot begin without an approved permit. - Special Event Permits (Krystina Jarboe): - Car Show (May 9): Mark Miller requested parking space closure on West 9th Street from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM for a car show at Falls City Kitchen. Approved with restriction to business-side spaces only. - Kids Health Fair (July 25): St. Mark's requested alley closure from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a health fair. Approved (same as past). - Historical Walking Tour (August 19): Floyd County Library requested use of Fairview Cemetery from 5:45 PM to 7:15 PM with trash cleanup. Approved. - ServPro Driveway Widening (724 W. Main Street): Mickey Thompson requested to widen an existing curb cut on the W. 7th Street side to 18 feet for truck access. Approved. - Touch a Truck Event (May 9) – Logistics Change: Due to road construction on 4th Street, the board discussed relocating the event. After deliberation, they approved closing the alley adjacent to the firehouse and the southern half of 3rd Street (mid-block to Market) from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, in addition to the previously approved 4th Street closure. The church’s parking lot will not be used for heavy equipment. Key Outcomes - All street and utility permits were approved except the CenterPoint Tye Avenue parcel, which was tabled for further ownership clarification. - The temporary signage request from Amanda McMonacle was taken under advisement; no vote was taken. - Special event permits for car show, health fair, and walking tour were approved. - The Touch a Truck event was granted an amended closure involving the alley and part of 3rd Street to avoid construction hazards. - Meeting minutes from April 21 and April 28 were approved. - No claims were presented.

The New Albany City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026. The clerk called the roll and all council members were present. The council approved the prior meeting minutes, heard councilmember recognitions and a public safety committee report, took public testimony on a proposed moratorium extension, passed that ordinance on second reading by a 7-2 vote, and heard non-agenda public comment, including a funding request for cooling stations. Consent Calendar - Approved the April 16, 2026 regular meeting minutes unanimously. The motion was made by Ms. Murphy and seconded by Mr. Phipps. Council Communications & Recognitions - Councilwoman Collier recognized MSL3 day, an ultra-rare genetic disorder; her great-nephew was the 42nd person diagnosed with it. - Mr. Phipps noted that May is Military Appreciation Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Older Americans Month. - Council members reminded the public that May 5, 2026 was Election Day in Indiana, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; a ride line was provided at 812-725-2020. Voting sites mentioned included the fairgrounds, New Albany High School, Floyd Central High School, Georgetown Elementary, Prosser, Nova Park, and the New Albany Library. - Mr. Ungar announced the Southern Indiana Arts Alliance presentation of Shakespeare's Pericles on May 9 at Bicentennial Park. - Mr. Blair asked about News and Tribune reporting on CDBG funds: $100,000 to New Albany for administration and planning and $314,000 for public facilities improvements. Staff explained that CDBG administrative funds reimburse the city for staff time, salaries and benefits, consulting, supplies, advertising, and similar costs tied to CDBG work; the public facilities funds supplement programmed improvements. Staff also said the money pays for budgeted staff rather than new hires. - President Dickey referenced NF Awareness Month and noted that his wife and son have neurofibromatosis. He also highlighted the redevelopment commission's annual CDBG action plan, which funded 13 projects, including New Directions Emergency Repair, homeownership assistance, CASA of Floyd County, Hope Southern Indiana, and LifeSpan Resources. Committee Report: Public Safety and Traffic - The committee met on April 27, 2026. Members Golman and Fitzgerald were present; Phipps was absent. The committee reviewed feedback from a library listening session. Key themes were a need for increased enforcement and infrastructure investment. - Concerns raised by the community included semis speeding and using side streets, including Corb Avenue and Mount Tabor; school-zone speeding; vehicles passing buses while loading or unloading students; cut-through speeding on Rose Lawn; speeding on 8th Street near the cemetery; wrong-way parking; and requests for a children-in-play sign and improved crosswalk and pedestrian safety at Vincents/Culbertson and on Spring Street. - The committee plans to hold these listening sessions quarterly. Public Comments & Testimony - Daniel Gerkin, 2104 East Elm Street, spoke on G26-03. He agreed the city does not need more dedicated short-term rentals, proposed rescinding all short-term rental permits and recreating them through a lottery, and asked whether rule or process changes had been explored. He also argued that the city needs affordable multifamily housing and mixed-use, walkable developments and said extending the ban pushes problems into the future. - Zachary White appeared in opposition to the extension. He said he is part of the construction industry and warned that no one-year moratorium he knows of has avoided extension; he argued that extending the moratorium discourages multifamily investment and lengthens project timelines. He cited the Oxbow and Pageant developments as projects that had begun planning before the moratorium. - Cecil Kubli, 1926 Eakin Avenue, thanked council members who attended a morning press conference and announced Civic Saturdays: summer volunteer mornings, community lunches, and afternoon civic-engagement and electoral-participation trainings. - Paul Snyder, pastor at Central Christian Church, 1315 East Spring Street, requested $15,000 from the city for cooling stations: $10,000 for a coordinator, $2,000 for TARC bus tickets, $2,000 for Culbertson Baptist Church building expenses and utilities, and $1,000 for food and water. He proposed one centralized location at Culbertson Baptist Church, open seven days a week during extreme heat, and said transportation was the main remaining barrier. He noted churches had operated stations since summer 2024 and were stretched thin. Discussion Items: G26-03 — Moratorium Extension, Second Reading - Mr. Phipps introduced G26-03, an ordinance extending the temporary moratorium on construction of non-owner-occupied multifamily housing structures and on issuance of permits for short-term rentals under ordinance G24-02. The Development and Annexation Committee had forwarded it unanimously after meeting earlier that day. - Mr. Wood said the moratorium should remain until the new zoning ordinance is in place. He gave a tentative timeline: stakeholder meetings in July, a presentation to the Plan Commission in August, another stakeholder meeting in September, a Plan Commission vote in October, council consideration in November, and possible rescission by January 1, 2027. The ordinance allows up to a year, but he hoped the extension would last only about seven months. - Mr. Wood explained that short-term rentals are regulated by state statute, so the city could not eliminate them outright or enact a lottery; limiting the total number would be difficult, but the city could adopt separation requirements and would do what it could to limit concentration. He also said limiting supply can raise costs, while a flooded market can lower them. - On the zoning rewrite, Mr. Wood said the ordinance has 10 chapters; four are the core chapters: definitions, zoning districts, permitted land uses, and development standards. Definitions were finished and in legal review; land use and zoning components were about 65-75 percent complete. Staff are doing most of the work in-house. - He gave an example of the new approach: an older home set back three feet could add an addition at three feet by right instead of requiring a variance if a new standard says five feet. - Councilwoman Griffith asked why the work was delayed; Mr. Wood said the council adopted the comprehensive plan in December, and the zoning rewrite depends on it. He cited housing data: 46 percent of New Albany housing is renter-occupied, while in 1960 the split was 65 percent owner-occupied to 35 percent renter. - Mr. Wood said stakeholders would include council members, people nominated by the council, mayor, Plan Commission, and BZA, plus development community and neighborhood association representatives. A stakeholder group had not yet been formed. - Mr. Blair asked for adequate review time and to be among the first to receive the draft. Mr. Wood committed to having the ordinance at 95 percent status this summer and available to the council by mid-September. Key Outcomes - The council approved the April 16, 2026 minutes unanimously. - G26-03 passed on second reading by 7 ayes and 2 nays. Mrs. Golman and Mrs. Griffith voted no; Mrs. Golman said the city needs affordable housing for people earning around $20 per hour and put people over profits, while Mrs. Griffith repeated her concern about delays. The ordinance moves to third reading at the next regular session. - No ordinances were on third reading, no resolutions or board appointments were introduced, and no administrative items were presented. - The $15,000 cooling-station request was heard during non-agenda public comment and did not receive an immediate vote or commitment. - The meeting adjourned by a unanimous voice vote.