Public Meetings - New Albany, Indiana

The New Albany Board of Public Works & Safety met on October 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Room 100 of City Hall. The Board addressed resident concerns about alley speeding, approved a geotechnical investigation for a road reconstruction project, and approved multiple items for the pageant development site. City officials also reported on ongoing infrastructure projects. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Claims: No claims were presented this week. - Approval of Minutes: The regular meeting minutes from October 6, 2026, were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Tyler Bryant (2108 Reno Avenue) requested speed bumps, a stop sign, and "Children at Play" and autism awareness signs for the alley adjacent to his property. He described speeding vehicles (notably a red truck) endangering children, including his autistic child. He stated that police reports had not resolved the issue. The Board noted that speed bumps are not city policy due to emergency response and snowplow concerns. - Camille Hessen (Heritage Engineering) representing Spurgler Company, presented three requests for the pageant development site: dedication of a sanitary sewer easement, approval of curb cuts, and a road closure on Bank Street. She answered questions about detours, safety, and construction timeline. Discussion Items - Tyler Bryant Request: The Board discussed options. A motion was made and seconded to approve placement of "Children at Play" and an autism awareness sign at the alley, and to have the city engineer conduct a site visit and report back on additional speed control measures. The motion passed unanimously. - Geotechnical Investigation (Prime AE Group): Brandon Frazier requested a permit for 10 borings and 4 pavement cores along Slate Run Road (Lockwood to Eakin) from November 2–4, 8 AM–5 PM. The Board added conditions: notifications to affected residents (copy to Board) and working hours limited to 9 AM–3 PM to avoid school traffic. The motion passed unanimously. - SoIN Tourism Road Closure Request: The agenda listed a closure request for Culbertson Avenue on October 13. No representative appeared, so the item was tabled. - Pageant Development Site (Heritage Engineering): The Board considered three items together: - Sanitary Sewer Easement Dedication: Approved contingent on legal review. - Curb Cuts: Three on Bank Street approved; one on Culbertson Avenue tentatively approved subject to final review by the city engineer due to safety concerns about left-turn conflicts near the intersection of Pearl and Culbertson. - Road Closure: Bank Street from Oak to Culbertson closed from October 27 to December 28, 2026. The Board required a revised maintenance of traffic plan: one phase while Oak Street remains closed, and a second phase after Oak reopens (with two-way traffic). The motion passed unanimously. - Master Services Agreement (Prime AE): The Board approved a new annual evergreen contract with Prime AE (formerly JTL) for engineering services up to $30,000 per year, with work orders for emergency items. Legal review had been completed. Motion passed unanimously. - Emergency Gas Repair Permit: A permit for emergency gas repair at 1220 Charles Street (Point Energy) was approved. - City Officials Reports: City Engineer Larry reported on road paving (Wellington Drive, Chadwood concrete, salt barn lot), trail project (Hawk signal installation delay at Main & 4th, concrete work on Elm-Oak), signal issues (4th & Spring detection, Slate Run signal head orientation), and Oak Street sewer work. Key Outcomes - Speed Bumps: Not approved; city policy prohibits them. Signs approved; city engineer to evaluate alley. - Geotechnical Permit: Approved with conditions (resident notification, 9 AM–3 PM work hours). - Pageant Site Approvals: Sewer easement dedicated; Bank Street closure approved with revised traffic plans; Bank Street curb cuts approved; Culbertson curb cut approved subject to engineer review. - Master Services Agreement: Approved. - Emergency Permit: Approved. - SoIN Tourism Item: Tabled. - All motions carried with three ayes and none opposed.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the New Albany Flood Control District Board of Commissioners met in the Council Chambers at New Albany City Hall. The board approved the prior meeting’s minutes, received the director’s report and financial reports, and approved claims. All motions passed unanimously with no opposition. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the September 8, 2026 monthly meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Director’s report: The river level was 19.58 feet, not stabilized, and dropping. The district is currently at an off-flood season, with the official flood season beginning November 1 and running through the end of April. - The director noted that the river fund harvest was successful, though the number was lower than normal compared with the past three years. - In response to a board member’s question, the director confirmed that the official flood season starts November 1 and ends at the end of April. - New business: The director provided the July and August 2026 financial reports to the board for the record. Key Outcomes - The board approved the September 8, 2026 meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote. - The board approved claims totaling $287,916.64 by unanimous voice vote. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Storm Water Board of New Albany, Indiana, met on October 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Room 100 of City Hall. President Roger Harbison was absent, leaving members Nathan Grimes and Terry Pennington to conduct the meeting. The board approved minutes, received staff reports, and approved claims. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the September 24, 2026 regular meeting were approved by a motion from Terry Pennington, seconded by another member (unidentified), with two aye votes. - Claims Approval: Claims for the period September 24 to October 7, 2026, totaling $22,666.73, were approved by motion (Terry Pennington, seconded, two ayes). A notable claim was $13,000 to Lloyd Luther for painting work, which was confirmed as completed. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Stormwater Director's Report (Phillip Aldridge): Contractors regraded a ditch behind Field Stove Court. The ditch had been previously filled by another department, causing flooding in residents' yards. The regrading addressed the issue. - Stormwater QPI Inspections Report (Westley Fair): Overall conditions were good, though some tracks on roadways and construction-related issues were noted. At the new site of the church on the rock, temporary silt fencing had been removed; the contractor was asked to reinstall it until stabilization is complete. - Financial Report (Ed Wilkinson): Cash flow remains within budget. Income is running a few percentage points below budget, while expenditures are approximately 12% below budget. The board was advised that budget preparation time is approaching, but current finances are in very good shape. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September 24, 2026. - Approved claims of $22,666.73. - No new business or old business was discussed. The meeting adjourned by motion.

Note: The formal agenda listed the meeting start time as 9:15 AM EDT, differing slightly from the scheduled UTC timestamp associated with these records. The New Albany Sewer Board convened on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at New Albany City Hall. The board unanimously approved a series of engineering contracts for the ongoing campus modernization project, along with routine approvals of minutes and vendor claims. Discussions included the city's budget timeline, the financial health of the utility, and a sewer easement for a major development. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The minutes from the September 24, 2026, regular meeting were approved unanimously. - Claims: A claims docket totaling $249,657.28 for the period of September 24 to October 7, 2026, was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - Engineering Contracts for Campus Modernization: Staff presented four contracts. A master agreement with Clark Dietz (task order basis), an architectural/engineering agreement with Tower Pinkster (not to exceed $27,000), a surveying agreement with Foresight (not to exceed $23,600), and a geotechnical agreement with SME (not to exceed $16,600) to analyze the old tank basin and support road design. Staff discussed the need for soil testing and potential road and sidewalk improvements at the main entrance. - Budget and Financial Planning: Linda, a city official, informed the board that the city council would hold the third and final reading of the city budget on October 15. The board agreed to wait for this process to conclude before holding a dedicated workshop for the Sewer Board's 2027 budget. - Sewer Easement for Pageant Development: Scott Hannon of Heritage Engineering presented an easement request for the Pageant development, which he described as “hundreds of units.” He stated capacity had been previously certified. The board deferred approval, directing staff to review the easement and present it to the Board of Public Works and Safety. - Financial Report: Ed presented the financial report, stating the utility is operating within budget, generating positive cash flow of roughly $100,000 per month, and has accumulated over $700,000 for the year. Key Outcomes - Contracts Approved (4): The four engineering contracts for the campus modernization project were approved unanimously. - Claims Approved: Claims totaling $249,657.28 were approved. - Budget Workshop Pending: A Sewer Board budget workshop will be scheduled after the city council’s final reading on October 15. - Easement Deferred: The Pageant sewer easement was deferred for further staff review and a subsequent presentation to the Board of Public Works and Safety.

The Board of Public Works & Safety met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The board addressed several new business items, heard public testimony, approved special event permits, and reviewed claims and minutes. New Business - Michael Abner – Light Shield Request (Pole 403-820): Mr. Abner, a resident at 1932 Center Street, requested permission to install a light shield on the street light in front of his property at his own cost to mitigate light trespass into his and his children’s bedroom windows. He stated the unshielded glare is like “daylight at night.” The board tabled the request, asking Mr. Abner to obtain written consent from at least two neighbors on each side and across the street. Board President Michael Thompson will also investigate the fixture. Motion to take under advisement carried. - Pat Hauersperger (Dave O’Mara Construction) for IAWC – Encroachment Permit: Mr. Hauersperger requested approval for no-parking signs for approximately four weeks during installation of a new water main on E. 15th Street, Grant Street, and E. 14th Street. Work is expected to start Friday, October 9 or Monday, October 12. The project runs from Market Street on 14th to Grant and then to 15th Street. The board approved the no-parking request for both sides of the affected streets. Motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - Sam Reed (CenterPoint Energy) – Leak Repair on Cherokee Drive: Mr. Reed reported a gas leak (classified as a B leak, requiring repair within a year) at the intersection of Cherokee Drive and Grantline Road. He requested a detour and closure of Cherokee Drive for one day to safely excavate the crosswalk. The board approved the maintenance of traffic plan, contingent on notification to the two directly affected residents. Motion carried. - Additional Cut Requests: Mr. Reed also requested a sidewalk cut at 1702 Grey Brook (retired service at former country club) and a street cut at 524 Culbertson (customer request). The board approved both cuts. Motion carried. Communications – City Officials - Krystina Jarboe – Special Event Permits: 1. All Hallows Eve Celebration (City of New Albany): Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the amphitheater. Requests include use of restrooms, closure of the old boat ramp, closure of Water Street from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., use of east parking lot for inflatables (closed 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), and west parking lot for accessible parking. Rain location: parking garage (redevelopment). Approved. 2. Schmitt Furniture Birthday Bash (HB Productions): Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the amphitheater. Use of amphitheater from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for setup. Includes portable toilets, fencing, and a dumpster along the old boat ramp, all to be removed by 8:00 a.m. the next morning due to Trunk Retreat. Approved. - Vicki Glotzbach for Sammy Oskin – Removal of Handicap Parking: Request to remove the handicap parking space at 1106 Beeler Street. Property owner submitted a letter. Approved. - Mr. Silvers – Paving and Trail Updates: - Paving: Concrete work on Wellington Drive; striping following paved areas; mill and pave North Pearl Street. - Trail: Work north of Culbertson; curb pour between Elm and Oak scheduled for Thursday morning before Harvest; landscaping under warranty. - Oak Street project: continuing storm/sanitary work on Bank Street north of Oak. - Charlestown Slate Run Road: signal crew on fall break, work resuming next week; completion deadline of October 17 reiterated. Board noted. Claims and Minutes - Claims: Presented claims from September 22 to October 5, 2026, totaling $2,490,501.85. Approved. - Minutes: Regular meeting minutes for September 29, 2026, approved. Key Outcomes - Motion to table Michael Abner’s light shield request pending neighborhood input and further review. - No-parking approval for water main project on 14th, 15th, and Grant streets for up to four weeks starting Oct 9/12. - Traffic control approved for Cherokee Drive closure for one-day leak repair, with resident notification. - Two cut permits approved for CenterPoint Energy retirements. - Two special event permits approved (All Hallows Eve and Schmitt Furniture Birthday Bash). - Handicap parking space removed at 1106 Beeler Street. - Claims and minutes approved. - Meeting adjourned.

The New Albany Board of Zoning Appeals held its October 2026 regular meeting on October 6, 2026, with four members present; at least three members were required to carry a motion. The meeting was streamed and will be archived at City of New Albany City Hall dot com. The board acted on two variance dockets, a continued docket, and the September 1 meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was offered on any docket. The board opened the floor for public comment on Docket B-25-26 and heard none; no one testified on the other matters. Docket B-24-26 – Dustin Witsett / 3204 Chapel Lane - The applicant requested a special exception and development standards variance to allow a 2,000-square-foot accessory garage (40 x 50 feet) without a principal dwelling in the steep slope district. The proposed structure would have 14-foot eaves, a poured concrete foundation, stone veneer and board-and-batten exterior, electricity and no plumbing, plus a reworked asphalt driveway. - The applicant's representative stated the garage is for personal storage of groundskeeping equipment, trailers, and vehicles, with no commercial use and no current plan to build a house on the parcel. The existing barn/garage would remain and could receive exterior updates to match the new structure. - Staff reported the parcel is 205 x 200 feet and part of a more-than-3-acre holding in the two-mile fringe area. The site is owned by the applicant's LLC, while the applicant owns a nearby residence. The plan commission gave a favorable recommendation on September 15. Staff found the proposal meets special exception criteria except criterion seven, and variance relief is needed for three accessory-structure standards: no principal building, a second accessory building, and the 600-square-foot limit for accessory buildings in the steep slope district. A 28 x 60-foot garage on the adjacent lot was cited as comparable. - Staff recommended approval with stipulations including personal use only, no commercial activity, no drainage onto adjoining properties, a high-quality Chapel Lane-facing facade, final elevations subject to staff approval, and durable dust-proof paving of all parking and circulation areas. A board member observed similar structures along Chapel Lane, supporting the finding that it fits the area's character. - The board voted unanimously to approve Docket B-24-26 with staff stipulations. Docket B-25-26 – Robert Schaefer / Silver Slate Drive - The applicant requested a development standards variance for a detached garage exceeding the 600-square-foot accessory-building limit in the mixed-density residential district. The proposed garage is 24 x 30 feet, or 720 square feet. The transcript lists the address as 1414; the applicant stated 1442 Silver Slate Drive. - Schaefer said he collects British sports cars and needs lockable garage space for insurance purposes, with room for tools, workbench, and up to three small cars. He said he does no body work or spray painting, uses ordinary electric tools, and plans insulation and a mini-split. A small existing shed with termite damage would be removed. - Staff reported the lot is just under 10,000 square feet, with steep slope at the front and MDR at the rear; the garage would sit entirely in the MDR district. Aerial analysis found side-yard widths of approximately 11–14 feet, leaving only about 6–9 feet of buildable width, and similar detached garages exist along Slate Run Road. - Staff recommended approval with stipulations: personal use only, no commercial activity, staff approval of elevations and site plan, removal of the existing accessory structure before construction, and durable dust-proof paving. The board voted unanimously to approve. Docket B-18-26 – Al Cardozo (Continued) - Attorney John Kraft represented the applicant. The original docket had two issues; the driveway/curb-cut portion was resolved when the Board of Public Works approved a second curb cut, leaving only the shed request before the board. - Kraft said the shed replaced a temporary shed that existed when Cardozo bought the property; the replacement is permanent but no building permit was obtained. The shed does not meet setback standards, but a survey shows it within property lines, near a triangular fenced area associated with adjacent Lot 34, and the neighboring owner has no objection. The rear setback area is a Duke Energy transmission easement rather than a residential property. - Staff noted the approved driveway still needs durable dust-proof paving. Discussion acknowledged that a survey identified driveway encroachments onto Lot 34 and a 200-foot utility easement, but the board concluded that issue was not before it and explicitly stated it was not authorizing any encroachment onto adjoining property. - The board voted unanimously to approve Docket B-18-26 as presented, with action limited to the shed. Other Board Discussion - A board member discussed the history of the Chapel Lane area, brought into the two-mile fringe around 2000–2001, and county-approved family conveyance splits that created irregular parcels. Another member noted the accessory structures could limit future residential development on the parcel, though it remains the owner's economic decision. Staff said work continues on an accessory-building formula based on lot-size ratios or percentages rather than only a fixed square-foot limit. Key Outcomes - Docket B-24-26: approved unanimously with staff stipulations. - Docket B-25-26: approved unanimously with staff stipulations. - Docket B-18-26: approved as presented, limited to the shed; no encroachment onto adjoining property was authorized. - Minutes of the September 1 meeting were approved unanimously. - A board member noted the recent passing of former BZA and Planning Commission member Jenny Cottner and expressed condolences to her family.

The New Albany City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, with President Dickey presiding and a quorum present. The meeting lasted approximately 14 minutes and included approval of previous minutes and extensive council member discussion regarding a zoning letter sent to Central Christian Church concerning a homeless individual, as well as updates on community resources, homeless services, and public safety for the upcoming Harvest Homecoming festival. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from September 10 and September 17, 2026, passed as a slate with 5 affirmative votes and 2 abstentions from members absent on those dates. Communications from the Council - Council Member Collier expressed gratitude to police and fire departments for their work during the festival and wished everyone a safe Harvest Homecoming. - Council Member Phipps echoed safety wishes and reminded drivers to yield to pedestrians. He then read and criticized a letter from the zoning office to Central Christian Church, which alleged that a homeless individual had been residing under a building awning on the property and that the church was operating a de facto transitional housing land use without authorization. Phipps noted the letter stated it was not a finding of violation but demanded the occupancy end immediately. He argued the city was unfairly targeting the church while ignoring other code violations and questioned the selective enforcement. He added that the pastor had assured him the individual would have permanent housing by the following Tuesday. - Council Member Fitzgerald also received a call from the pastor and raised concerns that such a letter should have been preceded by personal outreach from the city. He also thanked the street department, fire department, and police for a successful parade and highlighted the groundbreaking for the Silver Street soccer field renovations. - Council Member Goman continued the discussion, stating that the city lacks adequate housing for homeless individuals. She recounted a neighbor who said they were told there were no homeless people in New Albany before moving to the city, suggesting a need for broader community awareness. She expressed hope that the church situation would initiate a conversation about permanent housing solutions. - Council Member Griffith inquired about the effectiveness of the city's cooling station program and whether it could be better integrated with the Community Foundation's new transportation program to improve access for those in need. - Council Member Murphy confirmed she had spoken with the pastor, the constituent, and Mr. Wood about the issue and mentioned there were additional dynamics she would share separately. She also reminded residents that early voting begins October 6 at the 4-H fairgrounds and Nova Park. - President Dickey thanked all city staff and safety personnel involved in Harvest Homecoming, reminded the public of street restrictions and increased patrols, and paid tribute to Rick Manning, a longtime journalist and founder of the Silver Hills Historical Society who had recently passed away. In response to Council Member Griffith, he noted that a meeting of pastors after the cooling station program resulted in a desire to move the location to a more central downtown site next year, as the Culver's location was difficult to access due to transportation issues. Key Outcomes - The council approved the minutes from September 10 and September 17, 2026, with 5 votes in favor and 2 abstentions. - No ordinances, resolutions, or other actionable items were brought before the council. - President Dickey noted that the budget ordinance package would be presented on third reading at the next meeting per state statute.

The New Albany City Council convened a public hearing on October 5, 2026, to discuss the 2027 budget and salary ordinance. The hearing was brief, lasting only a few minutes, as no members of the public were in attendance to provide testimony and there was no discussion from council members regarding the budget specifics. The meeting was quickly adjourned so the council could proceed to its regular session. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present to offer comments or testimony on the 2027 budget or salary ordinance. Discussion Items - The council did not engage in any discussion or deliberation on the 2027 budget or salary ordinance during the public hearing. Key Outcomes - A council member made a motion to adjourn the public hearing, which was immediately seconded. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: all present, Nays: none). The council announced that the regular meeting would reconvene at 7:00 PM.

The Board of Public Works & Safety met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The meeting addressed multiple encroachment permits for Duke Energy and AT&T fiber optic installations, an amendment to a car show special event permit, vendor permits for the Harvest Homecoming Parade, street closures for tree trimming and cleaning, and updates on city infrastructure projects. Several votes were taken, and a discussion occurred regarding unapproved door-to-door solicitation. Discussion Items - Duke Energy Encroachment Permits (Todd Donahue): The board considered four permits. One involved relocating a pole at 2113 Grant Line Road for the new sanitation site. A second required boring across an alley to serve new townhomes at 319 East Main Street, with the applicant noting possible alley blockage. Two additional permits supported Lumos fiber cable box boosters, including a pole replacement at 1032 Meadowview Drive and a new service connection at 106 South Bohannon Lane. Board member Cheryl Cotner-Bailey raised concerns about debris left from previous pole replacements; the applicant agreed to address the issue. All four permits were approved unanimously. - AT&T Fiber Optic Permits (Michael Boone, BOI for AT&T): Three permits were requested for new aerial and underground fiber optic cable installation between Dewey Street and Spring Street from East 9th to Vincennes Street. City engineer Nicholas (first name not given) had pre‑vetted the plans, confirming that AT&T would adhere to restoration standards for decorative sidewalks and landscaped medians. The applicant noted that work would avoid interfering with the upcoming Harvest Homecoming festival. The board approved all three permits unanimously. - Car Show Rain Date Amendment (Mark Miller): Mark Miller, organizer of the October 10 Mark Miller: In Memory of Ralph Hines Car Show, requested an amendment to add Sunday October 11 as a rain date. The board expressed concern about the last‑minute request (less than two weeks before the event), the feasibility of holding the show on wet grass, and potential damage to the riverfront. After discussion, the board approved the rain date with stipulations: all activities (including parking, a DJ setup on the amphitheater stage, and a sponsored flag display) must remain on hard surfaces, a dumpster must be provided, and the organizer must ensure no vehicles park on grass. The approval was unanimous. - Williams Novelties Vendor Permits (Vicki Glotzbach): A request for six vendor permits to sell novelties at the Harvest Homecoming Parade was presented. The applicant has participated since 2012 and has a history of compliance. The board approved the six permits unanimously. - Street Closures (David Heeke): Two requests were presented. First, closure of parking spots on Market Street between Pearl Street and Bank Street on Wednesday, September 30 from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM (amended from 8:00 AM to allow time for blocking off spots) for tree trimming. Second, closure of East 6th Street between Spring and Market on Friday, October 2 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for cleaning and weeding before the parade. Both were approved unanimously. - Aptel Solicitor Permits (No‑Show): Adriana Nowrouzi of Aptel was scheduled to request solicitor permits for Figspire Management but did not appear. Board members noted past issues with door‑to‑door solicitation by AT&T without permits and expressed concern that the company had not followed procedures. The board stated that no permission for solicitation has been granted. - City Engineer Project Updates: Larry reported on ongoing projects: concrete work on Greenview, line striping on Eakin, pavement repairs on Cavill Street and Division block, milling and resurfacing on East Ridge of Chadwood, paving on South Freedom Trail and 4th Street, and curb and sidewalk work on Oak Street between Spring and Elm. Signal components for the Oak Street project are expected soon. The next segment of the trail was also awarded. - Dumpster Request (1301 East Market Street): A dumpster request that arose after the previous meeting was retroactively approved for 1301 East Market Street (13th Street side) for one week. The water company had recently completed work in the area. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Duke Energy Permits: Four encroachment permits approved unanimously. - AT&T Permits: Three encroachment permits approved unanimously. - Car Show Rain Date: Amendment approved (October 11) with stipulations: hard surfaces only, dumpster provided, flag and DJ on hard surfaces, no grass parking. - Williams Novelties: Six vendor permits approved unanimously. - Street Closures: Market Street (Sept 30, 6–10 AM) and East 6th Street (Oct 2, 8 AM–12 PM) approved unanimously. - Minutes: Regular meeting minutes for September 22, 2026 approved unanimously. - Dumpster Approval: Retroactive approval for 1301 East Market Street (one week) approved unanimously. - Solicitor Permits: No action taken due to no‑show; board noted lack of permission for solicitation.