Public Meetings - New Albany, Indiana

The New Albany Storm Water Board held its regular meeting on April 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. Board President Roger Harbison presided. The board approved the minutes from March 26, 2026, received staff reports on operations, inspections, and finances, and approved the claims totaling $6,471.16. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from the March 26, 2026 meeting; all members voted in favor. No objections. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Stormwater Director’s Report (Phillip Aldridge): Crews were actively working on clearing blockages in a creek at 110 Daily Lane, ditch dredging on Sheriff Drive, curb repair and erosion issues at Security Park, planned sediment buildup cleaning at the outfall at Six Martin Drive, and locating a storm line on Hidden Park. - QPI Inspections Report (Westley Fair): Inspections revealed several violations: Wildwood site lacked a construction entrance and storm drain protection, with trackout on roadways; Macherie site had a degraded construction entrance and unprotected storm drains; Westgate site had on-site sediment and trackout leading off the road. These issues require corrective action. - Financial Report (Ed Wilkinson): Revenue and expenses were on budget. Income was approximately 2% above budget, while expenses were about 4.5% above budget. Cash flow was reported as satisfactory. - Claims: Claims for the period March 26 to April 8, 2026, totaled $6,471.16. A motion to approve was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Minutes from March 26, 2026 were approved unanimously. - Claims totaling $6,471.16 were approved unanimously. - No new business or old business was raised. The meeting adjourned.

The New Albany Sewer Board met on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 9:15 AM in Room 100 of City Hall. The board approved meeting minutes, a payment application, and claims, and received updates on the UV disinfection project, financials, and a recent unanimous city council vote supporting a sewer bond for future improvements. Consent Calendar - Approval of March 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes as presented, seconded, and carried unanimously. Bids & Contracts - Mike Wallace presented Pay App 6 for Dan Cristiani Excavating – UV Disinfection Improvements: The amount was $190,997.10, bringing the project to 95% completion. A motion to approve the payment was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Board members noted remaining punch-list items but confirmed the system is working correctly. New Business - Sewer Bond Presentation to City Council: Mike Wallace and other staff recapped a presentation made to the City Council on Monday, April 6, 2026 regarding a sewer bond. The council voted 9-0 in favor. Board members and staff thanked council members who toured the treatment plant and saw the aging equipment. The presentation was praised for its thoroughness and clarity, blending technical, legal, and financial aspects. The bond will fund future capital improvements to maintain water quality. Staff expressed relief at being able to plan for the next 20 years, moving beyond past consent decree constraints. Financial Report - Ed Wilkinson presented the monthly financials: - User fees: $1,300,000 - Tap-in fees: $24,000 - Interest on bank balances: $5,000 - Total revenue: $1,376,000 - Total expenses: $1,319,000 (approximately 4% under revenue) - Net revenue for the month: $56,000 No questions were raised. Claims - Linda presented claims for March 26 through April 8, 2026: The grand total was $249,548.13. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Utility Report - Mike Wallace reported: - The UV disinfection project is complete and online. Staff has been trained. A manufacturer’s representative visited for a punch-list review, and remaining minor items are expected to be finalized next week. The representative noted that New Albany’s treated water is exceptionally clear, requiring potential sensor adjustments. - The old Vincent Road project is nearly finished, pending final testing. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the March 26, 2026 regular meeting. - Approved Pay Application 6 for Dan Cristiani Excavating ($190,997.10) for UV disinfection improvements. - Approved claims totaling $249,548.13. - Noted the unanimous City Council vote (9-0) supporting a sewer bond, moving forward with capital improvement planning. - No sewer adjustments were requested, and no public comments or communications from city officials were made.

The New Albany Police Recommendation Meeting was called to order at 11:30 AM on April 9, 2026. Roll call was taken: Denise Beckwith, Lamar Gal, and Josh Turner were present; Anthony Toran was absent. The board quickly approved previous minutes (with one abstention), heard a department report from the chief, discussed old business regarding grievances, and voted on an amended promotional list. The meeting adjourned shortly after. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the previous month. All present voted aye; one member who had been absent abstained. The minutes were approved. Discussion Items - Department Report (Chief): The chief announced that Mr. Del Roche will be sworn in as the latest officer on April 10, 2026. Spring firearms qualifications are underway and going well. He also delivered four background check packets for the last four candidates who tested, requesting that the record reflect the handoff. - Old Business – Grievances: A member who had been absent from the prior meeting asked about the status of grievance matters. The response was "Stay tuned, we're gonna get it done." - New Business – Amendment of Promotional List: Attorney Mr. Cartner presented a motion to ratify an amended promotional list. The original list ratified November 13, 2025 (covering only corporals) would be amended to include Robert Carter on the sergeant list and Darren State on the captain's list, placing both at the top of their respective lists. The amended list would be effective until July 16, 2026, when a full list would be implemented. The motion was read: ratification of the latest promotional list as amended, with retroactive effective date of November 13, 2026 (note: likely a transcription error; the original ratification date was November 13, 2025). A brief question about exhaustion of the list prior to July 16, 2026 was raised but did not alter the motion. Key Outcomes - Vote on Promotional List Amendment: The motion to ratify the amended promotional list (Robert Carter at top of sergeant list, Darren State at top of captain list, effective until July 16, 2026, retroactive to November 13, 2025/2026) was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously (all present voted aye; no opposed). The list will be superseded by a full list on July 16, 2026. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved. The meeting ended promptly.

Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as April 6, 2026, but the meeting was held on April 7, 2026, as confirmed by the transcript. The Board of Public Works & Safety convened on April 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall. Key actions included awarding a paving contract, approving two special event permits, and processing claims totaling over $2.37 million. Consent Calendar - None recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items Bids – City Paving 2026 Three bids were received for the 2026 paving project: - Map Construction: Base bid $3,549,950; alternate $787,916 - Libs (likely Libs Contracting): Base bid $3,988,753.05; alternate $428,125 - Paul Contracting: Base bid $4,227,113.67; alternate $603,294 A board member recommended awarding the contract to Map Construction as the apparent low bidder on both base and alternate, contingent upon engineering and legal review. Board members moved and seconded approval. The motion carried unanimously. New Business – Special Event Permits City official Krystina Jarboe presented two special event permits: 1. City of New Albany – Beautification Day: Dumpster drop-offs at River Run, Billy Herman, Bud Flynn, and East Spring Street Park. Dumpsters will be on site from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM but open to residents only from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Dumpsters at River Run and Billy Herman provided by Echo Tech; others by the city. Motion to approve carried. 2. Breakaway Recovery – Rockin’ for Recovery: Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the amphitheater. Event time: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM; setup from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. One parking spot reserved for a food truck. Organizers will bring trash cans and monitor them. Expected attendance: 100 people. Board inquired about restroom availability; it was noted that city restrooms may need to be operational or portable toilets provided. Motion to approve carried. Dumpster Request – 327 Golf Street A request for a dumpster at 327 Golf Street for two weeks (anticipated use 3–4 days) was presented. The dumpster will be placed on the street to avoid overhead wires. Dates starting April 7. Motion to approve carried. City Officials' Reports - Mr. Sanders provided an update on infrastructure work: - Sidewalk section poured near previous alley work; storm drainage tie-in complete. - Drainage improvements on Mount Tabor Road by Alltrane (Alltrane?) ongoing; traffic maintenance functioning well. - Libs expected to mill and pave two alleys (off East Market and near Bignal Park) this week. - Alltrane continuing Mount Tabor drainage work and curb ramp work on Academy Drive. Claims Claims for the period March 24 to April 6, 2026, were presented: - General claims: Grand total $2,369,099.78. Motion to approve carried. - Art claims: Grand total $3,000. Motion to approve carried. Approval of Minutes Minutes from the regular meeting of March 31, 2026, were approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Paving contract awarded to Map Construction contingent on engineering/legal review (unanimous). - Beautification Day special event permit approved (unanimous). - Rockin’ for Recovery special event permit approved (unanimous) with note to verify restroom availability. - Dumpster request for 327 Golf Street approved (unanimous). - Claims totaling $2,372,099.78 approved (unanimous). - Minutes of March 31, 2026, approved (unanimous). - Meeting adjourned.

The New Albany Board of Zoning Appeals held its regular meeting on April 7, 2026, with four members present (Max Coshman, Eric Martin, Bob Norwood, Dan Rhodes). The board considered two dockets: a special exception for an accessory structure in a steep slope district and a land use variance to permit a single-family dwelling in an industrial district. Both requests were approved unanimously with conditions. No public comments were received on either item. Discussion Items Docket B 1026 – Special Exception for Accessory Structure (Nathan Pinney, 1548 Sunset Drive) Nathan Pinney requested a special exception to build a 24-by-32-foot accessory structure on his 4.35-acre property, zoned Low Density Residential and Steep Slope. The two-story structure (768 sq ft ground floor) would serve as a personal workshop and home office for his wife. The proposed location has slopes ranging from 12.5% to 15%, just above the steep slope threshold of 12% defined in the 2019 zoning ordinance. Staff noted that prior to 2019, the threshold was 18%, at which point the structure could have been built by right. Board discussion included the rationale for the steep slope definition change, citing fire truck accessibility and soil stability concerns. Staff recommended approval with three conditions: (1) no drainage onto adjoining properties, (2) personal use only, and (3) exterior complementing the principal structure. The board voted unanimously to approve with staff recommendations. Docket B 1226 – Land Use Variance for Single-Family Dwelling (Luke Medley, 519 & 525 Bald Knob Road) Luke Medley requested a land use variance to build a single-family home on two parcels totaling 2.28 acres, zoned Industrial (I-ND). The property is located in the two-mile fringe area just outside the city boundary and directly abuts Low Density Residential zoning. Staff found all five variance criteria met, noting that the industrial zoning conflicts with the predominantly residential character of the area and that the land has remained vacant since 2019. Staff is working on a zoning map update to rezone the area back to residential, which it was prior to 2019. Board members commented that the variance is appropriate given surrounding uses, including a recently approved residential subdivision nearby. Staff recommended four conditions: (1) minimize tree removal, (2) final site plan subject to staff approval, (3) no drainage onto adjoining properties, and (4) separate permit for future development. The board voted unanimously to approve with staff recommendations. Key Outcomes - Docket B 1026 approved unanimously (4-0) with three conditions. - Docket B 1226 approved unanimously (4-0) with four conditions. - The board noted that the pending zoning map update is expected to resolve the industrial zoning issue for the Bald Knob Road property.

The regular council meeting was called to order on Monday, April 6, 2026, with all council members present. The meeting included approval of minutes, council member announcements, a detailed presentation and first/second reading of Ordinance G26-02 authorizing up to $27 million in sewage works revenue bonds for infrastructure improvements, and adjournment. Consent Calendar - The minutes from March 19, 2026, were approved unanimously by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak on the sewer bond ordinance (G26-02). - During non-agenda communications, a council member gave a public service announcement reminding that flushable wipes are not flushable and referenced a social media post illustrating the issue. Council Communications Council members shared various community updates and recognitions: - Several members wished everyone a happy Easter and noted spring activities. - Upcoming events included Safety Town (May 9, 23, June 13, 16), Record Store Day (April 18) with two new stores (Catch All on Bank Street and Public Records in the Fourth District), ribbon cuttings for new businesses (April 13, 17, 27), and a community listening session on traffic safety (April 14 at the library). - New programs highlighted: life skills program at the library (Tuesdays), mobile dental clinic seeking summer hosts, Road to Re-entry for justice-involved individuals, and the "pay as you can" farm stand at New Albany High School Greenhouse. - President Dickey announced the passing of former police officer/commissioner and merit board secretary Mike Mills and former councilwoman Shirley Baird; condolences were extended. - Voter registration deadline for the May primary was April 6 at 11:59 p.m.; Distracted Driving Awareness Month was noted; ongoing renovations at Floyd Baptist Hill Hospital are expected to reduce noise from HVAC equipment. Discussion Items: Ordinance G26-02 – Sewage Works Revenue Bonds The council received a comprehensive presentation from sewer director Mike Wallace, bond counsel Bo Zeller, and financial consultant Jennifer Wilson on a proposed $27 million bond issuance to fund capital improvements to the city’s sewage works. Key elements included: Background: The city’s sewer system experienced severe overflow issues starting in the 1970s, leading to a sewer ban in 1991 and a federal consent decree in 1993. A major storm in January 2000 caused 15 million gallons of sewage overflows. Through strategic investments (approximately $49.6 million in capacity projects and over $12.7 million in overflow abatement), the consent decree was terminated in May 2021, restoring local control. The current proposal is the first proactive master plan implementation, not a court-ordered response. Plant Improvements (approx. $17.3M): Projects include repairing the press room and phosphorus building ($1M), replacing wet weather preliminary treatment equipment ($1.97M), replacing electrical motor control center ($780K), upgrading wet weather clarifiers and RAS/WAS pumps ($1.31M), installing oxidation ditch mixers to prevent sludge settling ($2.1M), removing the unused overflow basin for future office/lab space ($5M for new office and lab buildings), installing a new UV disinfection system to eliminate chlorine ($1.955M), and adding security fencing and break room improvements. Collection System Improvements (approx. $7.5M): Basin 17 parallel sewer/storage to address capacity ($2.48M), lift station condition assessment and upgrades ($1.52M), and Falling Run interceptor rehabilitation study and construction ($2.5M). Financial Structure: The bonds are structured so that no principal payments begin until existing debt (2010, 2012, 2016 bonds) retires in 6–7 years; initial payments are interest-only. The combined revenues from the sewage works and stormwater utility provide 140% debt service coverage (minimum required 125%). The city’s current A rating is supported. No rate increase is needed. The utility has not used the CPI adjustment authorized in 2016. Committee Vote: A motion to approve the ordinance through the committee process and move to second reading passed unanimously by roll call. Second Reading: After no public speakers, the ordinance was introduced for second reading and passed unanimously (9-0). It will be brought forward for third reading on April 16, 2026. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved moving Ordinance G26-02 (sewage works revenue bonds) through committee and passed it on second reading by a 9-0 roll call vote. Third reading is scheduled for April 16, 2026. - The bond issuance will not require a rate increase; the city remains in a strong financial position with no planned CPI adjustment. - Council members emphasized that this proactive investment modernizes the system, supports economic growth, and avoids returning to federal oversight under a consent decree.

This meeting covered multiple permit requests, a contract for intersection engineering, and updates on various city projects. Board members approved several items, took one request under advisement, and received informational reports on ongoing construction. Discussion Items - Permit for 580 Dergy Road (Transformer Installation): A representative requested approval to place a transformer on an existing pole and run an underground board to a substation. The motion was made and seconded, and all members voted aye. Approved. - Permit for 1786 Clearner Lane (Pole Replacement): Four existing poles in poor condition will be replaced along Clearner Lane, Woodside Drive, and Briarwood Road. The representative agreed to limit lane shifts to between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid school traffic. Approved. - ADA Ramps and Crosswalk on Academy Drive: A contractor from All-Trained Paving and Construction described a project to install two new ADA ramps and a crosswalk to provide safe access from an apartment complex to the public sidewalk. The work was prompted by a resident with a disability. The contractor will work one corner at a time, with lane shifts limited to 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and expects completion in 3-4 days starting April 6. Approved. - Handicapped Parking Space Request (1619 East Market Street): Thomas Tax Service requested a dedicated handicapped parking space on the street for their elderly customers. The board discussed whether the business could instead provide a space in their own parking lot, which already has a ramp. A motion to take the request under advisement until the business is asked about using their lot was made, seconded, and approved. - Dumpster Permit Extension (520 Draper Circle): A two-week extension was requested for a dumpster permit originally approved for March 16-30, used for remodeling. Approved. - Cemetery Ossuarium Construction: The contractor will begin work on April 6 for approximately one week, with no traffic or funeral impacts. Informational only. - Preliminary Engineering Contract for East Spring Street and Baharo Avenue Intersection: A contract for $568,000 (not to exceed) was presented, with the city responsible for 10% due to federal safety improvement funding. The project aims to improve safety, walkability, and reconnect the neighborhood. The board approved the contract, with a correction to add a suite number on page 13. Signatory authority was given to the board president. - Paving Update: Crews working in the alley off East Market Street identified a low spot, installed new storm infrastructure, and are scheduled to pave the alley and nearby parking lot this week. - Center Point Energy Permit (2108 State Street): A request to retire gas service at a building slated for demolition, requiring removal of a sidewalk panel. No impact on State Street traffic. Approved. - Dumpster Permit Request (1728 Conference Drive): Mr. Evans requested a one-week dumpster permit for an unspecified use. Approved. - Claims and Approvals: A motion to approve unspecified claims and amendments was made, seconded, and carried. - Bridge Deck Work on I-64: Starting April 6, one lane will be controlled with temporary traffic signals. Work expected through July, barring unforeseen issues. - Mount Tabor Road Drainage Improvements: Work has begun on drainage improvement projects. Informational. Key Outcomes - All five permit requests (580 Dergy Road, 1786 Clearner Lane, Academy Drive ADA ramps, Center Point Energy, 1728 Conference Drive dumpster) were approved unanimously. - The dumpster permit extension for 520 Draper Circle was approved. - The handicapped parking request for 1619 East Market Street was taken under advisement pending inquiry about on-site parking. - The preliminary engineering contract for East Spring Street and Baharo Avenue was approved with a minor correction. - Claims and amendments were approved. - The meeting adjourned after a motion was made and seconded.

The Storm Water Board met on March 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, reports from staff, financial claims approval, and a new business item regarding a long-term operation and maintenance agreement for Westgate Subdivision. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 12, 2026): A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously (no vote tally recorded, but no opposition noted). - Approval of Claims (March 12 – March 25, 2026): Linda presented claims totaling $12,017.72. A motion to approve as presented was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - None were received. Discussion Items - Stormwater Director’s Report (Phillip Aldridge): Aldridge reported a point repair on push plates on a head wall and a height repair behind 715 Ohio Street. Street sweeping is scheduled to begin April 1, 2026 (Wednesday). - Stormwater QPI Inspections Report (Westley Fair): Fair noted several issues at Wawas: missing construction entrance, a crushed water line from vehicle traffic needing replacement, and unprotected storage rates that need attention. At Westgate Subdivision, sediment was on the road and the construction entrance was missing; Fair requested corrective action. - Financial Report (Ed Wilkinson): A brief report was given with no significant discussion or questions. - Long-Term Operation and Maintenance Agreement – Westgate Subdivision (New Business): Aldridge explained that the builder requested a slight wording modification to allow transfer of the agreement from the builder to the homeowners association. He reviewed the change with Shane (city attorney or staff) and proposed language requiring city approval for any future transfer. The board discussed and moved to approve the agreement as modified. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 12, 2026 meeting minutes. - Approved claims totaling $12,017.72 for the period March 12–25, 2026. - Approved the Long-Term Operation and Maintenance Agreement for Westgate Subdivision, with language allowing transfer to the homeowners association contingent on city approval.

The New Albany Sewer Board met on March 26, 2026, via remote participation. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the previous meeting's minutes. The primary business was the presentation and approval of a $24.8 million bond-funded capital improvement plan for the wastewater utility, along with two related resolutions for fund transfers and property acquisition. All actions were approved unanimously with no rate increases anticipated. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 12, 2026, meeting as presented. Discussion Items - Sewer Improvement Bond Projects (Resolution SB-01-2026): Mike presented a comprehensive overview of the wastewater utility's long-term challenges and planned improvements. Since the 1991 sewer ban and 1993 federal consent decree, the city invested approximately $49.6 million to modernize the system, resulting in termination of the consent decree in May 2021. The new bond issuance of $24,825,600 is divided into three categories: plant improvements, collection system improvements, and site/lab/office improvements. Key plant projects include repairing the press room and phosphorus building, replacing 35+ year old screens and pumps at the preliminary treatment facility, upgrading the 30+ year old motor control center, renovating wet weather clarifiers, installing floating mixers in the oxidation ditch, removing a disused 610,000-gallon overflow basin, adding a 26 MGD UV system to eliminate chlorine, and constructing a new office/lab building. Collection system projects include capacity improvements at Basin 17 (parallel sewer or underground storage), a lift station condition assessment across major stations, and a Falling Run interceptor rehabilitation study. Officials emphasized that these projects will be funded within current cash flow, with no rate increase needed for the next 6–10 years. The board discussed the economic development benefits of local control after the consent decree. The resolution passed unanimously. - Transfer of Funds (Resolution – Transfer to Capital Improvement Fund): The board approved a resolution transferring $1.25 million from the operating cash balance into a capital improvement fund to better track and fund future capital projects, including property acquisition. Unanimously approved. - Acquisition of 44 West Fifth Street (Resolution – Property Purchase): The board approved the purchase of 44 West Fifth Street, adjacent to the sewer plant, to provide operational and security benefits and allow for future expansion. The city already owns approximately 13 acres in the area. Unanimously approved. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution SB-01-2026: Authorized $24,825,600 in sewer improvement and bond projects (all ayes). - Approved Fund Transfer Resolution: Moved $1.25 million to the capital improvement fund (all ayes). - Approved Property Purchase Resolution: Authorized acquisition of 44 West Fifth Street for sewer utility use (all ayes). - Approved Payables: The board approved the list of payables from March 12 to March 25, 2026, totaling $634,562.90 (all ayes). - Financial Report: Monthly billing was reported at $1,211,000, within budget. The utility's December summary showed full compliance, and the UV system startup was delayed but expected to be turned on that day. - No Public Comments: There were no comments from the public. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned following a motion and second.