Public Meetings - New Albany, Indiana

The New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety met on September 22, 2026, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, to act on permit requests, street and sidewalk closures, utility work, and routine approvals. All motions passed unanimously by voice vote. Dumpster Permit & Sidewalk Closure – 204 Pearl Street - Paul Resy, with Jeff Holland Improvements, requested a dumpster permit and sidewalk closure for a roofing project at 204 Pearl Street (The Purple Pearl), with work tentatively scheduled Monday, September 28 through October 6, 2026, weather permitting, during 8 a.m.–5 p.m. hours. - Board members emphasized the October 6 removal date is firm because of Harvest Homecoming booth setup; the applicant agreed to have the site cleaned up and the dumpster removed early if needed, with a contingency to return after the festival if weather caused delays. - The board asked the contractor to avoid the ADA/handicapped parking spot, maintain 48 inches of pedestrian access on the Main Street side, use flaggers and cones if the truck occupies the driving lane, and run a magnet sweep over the sidewalk each day before reopening it. Tree Removal & Lane Closure – 2202 East Elm Street - A resident requested approval to remove a dead tree at 2202 East Elm Street with tree service contractor Steve Wilburn, describing the tree as a liability with limbs falling near the road, sidewalk, and alley. - Approved for October 5, 2026, with October 6 as a rain date, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., covering the sidewalk, a traffic lane if needed, and the short leg of the L-shaped alley. - Conditions included flaggers if the traffic lane is blocked, signage at the Silver Street end of the alley, a city-provided barricade, and notice to affected neighbors, including the neighbor across the alley (Miss Walker). Public Comments & Testimony - Rose Luther, a resident of 1835 Conservative Street, accompanied by her caregiver, said her driveway is a blind entrance because of a curve/dog-leg and that drivers "drive like a maniac." She requested a "hidden entrance" sign on the opposite side of the street so drivers approaching from the Thomas Street direction would also see the warning. A city official had already identified an existing pole for the sign. City Official Reports & Communications - Bank reconciliation worksheets for June 2026 were provided to the board and ordered read into the minutes. - Paving update: work focused on East 3rd and East 4th Streets, full-depth patching on Charlestown Road between Terry Lane and Jenung after roadway failures, and continuing concrete work on Greenview Drive, Farrington, and Ashley Court. Recently completed areas were noted as looking good. - Trail project: sidewalk pours continuing near Spring Street, curb installation between Elm and Oak Streets, landscaping north of Spring Street, and brick pavers between Spring and Elm, all being coordinated for cleanup before Harvest Homecoming. - Oak Street project: installation of new storm and sanitary sewer on Oak Street between Bank and Third Streets, with the goal of setting the 48-inch pipe structure and cutting off the old stone structure. - The Charlestown run is paused while awaiting signal equipment; Market Street was noted as nearing completion. Additional Permits & Requests - Duke Energy: approved to replace poles and aerial equipment at three locations; the board asked that no stumps be left on sidewalks. - 3220 Hickory Grove: driveway widening approved; wastewater staff found a city-owned sanitary cleanout on the property and will coordinate with the resident during the concrete work. - CenterPoint Energy: approved to install a new gas line at 401 Hamlet and bore under the road (the gas meter is at 402). - 1507 Star Haven Drive: dumpster permit approved for September 25–October 9, only if the dumpster company cannot place it in the driveway due to the incline; reflective tape and barricades required if placed on the street. - 1757 Lily Lane: one-week dumpster permit approved September 25–October 2; the dumpster will be placed at the end of the road because the driveway was recently installed. (The address appears as "Voting Lane" and "Lowley Lane" elsewhere in the transcript.) Claims & Minutes - Claims for September 8–21, 2026 were approved, with a grand total reported as approximately $3.1 million (transcribed as "3 million, 115, 1997"). - Additional claims for the same period, totaling $25,749.71, were approved. - Minutes from a previous meeting were approved with a correction on page 3, item 7, regarding "two tables." Key Outcomes - All motions carried unanimously. - The contractor was reminded to pick up the dumpster permit at the clerk's office.

The New Albany City Council met on September 17, 2026, to conduct regular business. The meeting included second readings of four 2027 budget ordinances and a third reading of an ordinance regulating animal sales. Council members provided community announcements and debated fiscal sustainability and employee compensation. All budget ordinances passed their second readings, and the animal sales ordinance passed unanimously on final reading. Council Communications - Mr. Unruh announced the library's volunteer training (September 21), Harvest Homecoming photo contest (entries due September 30), and a free fall break camp at Griffin Recreation Center (October 5–8, registration required). - President Dickey noted that September 17 is Constitution Day, reminded that voter registration ends October 5, and commended organizers of the 9/11 ceremony at Bicentennial Park. - Ms. Griffin highlighted the Sunny Side Vintage Festival (September 19–20), Hot Tamale Festival (September 26), and the Harvest Homecoming parade (October 3). - Mr. Phipps emphasized constitutional checks and balances and urged citizens to hold officials accountable. - President Dickey reminded the public of safety impacts from Harvest Homecoming events and thanked police and fire personnel. Discussion Items - 2027 General Fund Budget (A2604): Mr. Unruh introduced the ordinance fixing the 2027 budget at $64.2 million (an 8% increase from $59.6 million). It includes a 5% raise for city and union employees, $6 million for paving, and consolidated line items. Mr. Blair expressed concern about fixed expense growth without a market study, warning of potential future cuts. The ordinance passed second reading unanimously (7-0, with two members absent). - 2027 Non-Reverting Budgets (A2605): Passed second reading unanimously. - 2027 Employee Salaries (A2606): Ms. Murphy introduced the ordinance for a 5% raise for non-union city employees, elected officials, and union employees per contract. Debate centered on competitive pay versus long-term sustainability. Ms. Collier and Ms. Murphy supported raises to retain quality employees; Mrs. Griffith and Mr. Blair opposed due to fixed expense risks and lack of market data. Passed second reading 6-2 (Mr. Blair and Mrs. Griffith voted no; two absent). - 2027 Elected Official Salaries (A2607): Ms. Murphy introduced a 5% raise for mayor, clerk, council members, and council president. Similar debate; passed second reading 6-2 (same no votes). - Animal Sales Ordinance (G2605): Mr. Blair introduced the third reading of an ordinance regulating animal sales establishments. Extensive amendments were adopted, including enforcement flexibility, a warehouse clause to avoid conflict with state law, and milestone-based veterinary care. After a recess, an amendment was added requiring laboratory testing within seven days of sale, paid for by the establishment, with disclosure of results. Final third reading passed unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Jen Bug (Clarksville resident): Described citizen-installed microchip scanning stations for lost pets. Reported 28 stations in the region (including two in New Albany) and over 100 microchipped animals reunited. Encouraged the council to support additional stations. Information was referred to the clerk for distribution. Key Outcomes - Second reading passed for A2604 (unanimous), A2605 (unanimous), A2606 (6-2), A2607 (6-2). Public hearings set for October 5, 2026; final readings on October 19, 2026 (correction from transcript: stated October 15, but council schedule typically first and third Mondays; October 5 is Monday, October 19 is Monday – note discrepancy in transcript where October 15 was mentioned, but likely October 15 was a typo; final reading will be on October 19). - Bill G2605 became Ordinance G26-11 on third reading (unanimous). - No board appointments or resolutions were considered.

The New Albany Historic Preservation Commission met on September 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Present were: Colt Sanders, Kate Verliner, Matt Bergman, Marlena Mayfield, Jacob Rush, David West Reynolds, Jim Sprickler, Michael Weber, Ex officio member Scott Wood, and Lar Renwick. The meeting included routine approvals, updates on conservation districts, enforcement matters, facelift awards, the historic homes tour, and planning for future activities. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the agenda as published: passed unanimously. - Motion to approve the August meeting minutes as presented: passed unanimously. - Financial report: none provided; staff will attempt again next month and may remove the item from the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No applicants or members of the public were present; the introductory statement was skipped. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness Applications: Staff reported that all applications were approved at the staff level. Commissioners discussed details of ongoing work, including a roof replacement on Spring Street where the owner changed contractors and replaced the tile roof after it could not be saved. A commissioner noted that detailing on a gable and dormers on another project had not yet been completed. - Sidewalk Issue: Commissioner Jim Sprickler raised a personal concern about dangerous brick sidewalks on his street, noting that the city is replacing good sidewalks with brick elsewhere but not repairing the hazardous sections on his block. The commission suggested he gather a neighborhood petition and send it to the city council, street department, and community development. Fellow commissioners offered to help circulate the petition. - DePaw Avenue Conservation District: The timeline for the final plat approval is on hold due to a lawsuit. The preliminary plat was approved in November; the six-month clock was stopped by the lawsuit. Staff indicated that the final plat would require approval from the preservation commission for building designs. - Potential New District Designations: Staff reported on a meeting with Silver Hills residents on August 29 (attendance 35–40). Opinions were mixed: a few residents opposed any restrictions, while others supported at least a National Register district. The historical society declined to take a position. Commissioners discussed the options of a full historic district, conservation district, or National Register listing. No firm consensus was reached; the neighborhood will need to take the lead. - Enforcement Update: Letters were sent to realtors marketing 812, Cedar Baum, 138 East Market, and to new owners of 118 East Market and 916 East Spring. Commissioners noted work at other properties including a building at 12th and Main (now with for rent signs), the former Spring Valley funeral home (signs of possible work), and a building across from the fire department on Market (siding being removed). Staff will monitor. - Facelift Awards: Nine properties will receive plaques; ten certificates (including a co-owner) are ready. Staff reported responses from several owners. Histories and a PowerPoint presentation are being prepared. Invitations will be sent to the mayor and other officials. - Historic Homes Tour Recap: Approximately 260–270 tickets were sold, down from previous years. Competition from other events (e.g., Home Rama in Moable), extreme heat, and timing (Labor Day weekend) were cited as factors. Commissioners suggested moving the tour to a later date to avoid the heat and holiday travel. - Commissioner Term: Matt Bergman’s term ends in December; he will not seek reappointment. Commissioners were asked to recommend potential replacements with interest in preservation, history, or planning. - Upcoming Trainings: The state preservation conference on September 29 in Franklin, plus web-based trainings in October, November, and December for continuing education credits. Key Outcomes - Agenda and minutes approved unanimously. - No formal votes on substantive items; all actions were administrative or informational. - Staff will send invitations and finalize materials for the facelift awards ceremony. - Commission will seek a new member to fill Matt Bergman’s seat by December. - Sidewalk issue: Commissioner Sprickler will pursue a petition with neighborhood support. - Silver Hills district: no action taken; staff will await neighborhood initiative. - Enforcement: letters sent, ongoing monitoring of properties. - Historic homes tour: timing and promotion will be reconsidered for next year.

The Board of Public Works and Safety met on September 15, 2026, to consider several permits, project updates, and routine approvals. All motions passed unanimously. Attendees included board members, city officials, and representatives from utility companies and development firms. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting (amended to correct name spelling from "Howard Furman" to the correct name). - Approval of bank reconciliation worksheets for May 2026, presented by the controller. Public Comments & Testimony - Chase Blakeman (Prima Bear Associates) requested signatures on plats for two subdivisions: Rock Ridge (23 lots off Mel Smith Road) and Ma Shareed Reserve (58 lots off Glen Mill Road). Discussion clarified that Mel Smith Road is a county road; the City can sign the plat but Floyd County Commissioners must approve the connection. The board approved the plats. - A representative from Duke Energy (unidentified) requested two permits: 1. A smart-grid reliability project on Spicker Knob Road and Glen Mill Road, adding a wire and replacing nine poles, scheduled to begin January 2027 and take about three months. The board approved after discussing resident notification for new down guys. 2. An emergency permit to replace a damaged pole on State Street across from Dairy Queen (State Street and Daisy Lane), with work planned next Monday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. using flaggers. Approved. - Pat Houseburg (Naval American Tractors) provided updates: East 13th Street work nearly complete; Spring Street paving expected by next Friday. Shelby Street still has 13-14 services to tie in. He requested approval to proceed with the Lynn Street project (Lynn Court) – the board noted it is outside the utility policy and paving rating, but approved moving forward. He indicated East 14th Street would be presented next week. Discussion Items - City Engineer Larry McWilliams' report: - Fenwick and Connor Street work completed; Bono Street began; Gary Street being worked on. - Concrete work continuing on Greenview Drive and Jaffrey Drive. - Milling and resurfacing expected on Lone Oak Drive, followed by striping for trail project. - Excavation between Elm and Culbertson for underdrain installation, concrete pours for sidewalk and curb between Spring and Elm, and pipe installation between Market and Elm. - Oak Street trail project: surface completed; storm and sanitary sewer work ongoing at Oak and Bank Street. - Meeting with USPS about a permanent mail drop-off location on Bank Street due to Oak Street conversion to two-way. - Charlestown Road and Slate Run Road project on schedule. - Additional items added by city officials (not on original agenda): - Amendment to a previously approved permit for an event on Sunday to add portable restrooms (at foot of ramp to floodwall) and two tables with a tent near the amphitheater due to larger expected crowd and weather. Approved. - Amendment to a permit for contractor Marvell (not Martin) to widen a residential driveway entrance to 20 feet (homeowner requested extra room for pickup truck turning). Approved. - Permit request by Indiana American Water to replace a fire hydrant at 4917 Grant Line Road and replace valve box top at Mount Tabor and Industrial Boulevard. Approved. Key Outcomes - All motions were made, seconded, and carried unanimously (no opposed votes recorded). - The board approved two subdivision plats, two utility permits, three permit amendments, the Lynn Street project, and various routine items. - The meeting adjourned following approval of minutes and claims.

The New Albany City Plan Commission met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM to consider a variance and subdivision for a duplex townhome project, a subdivision for a mixed-use development, a special exception for an accessory structure, a one-year extension for a planned unit development, and approval of August meeting minutes. Eight members were present; a quorum of six was required. All items were approved or forwarded as recommended by staff, with some conditions. Public Comments & Testimony - One audience member spoke in opposition to the Robert Wesley variance and subdivision at 1020 Clark Street, citing concerns about inadequate parking in the neighborhood, potential spillover parking from a nearby business, and the lack of on-street parking. The speaker also argued that the proposed parking spaces at the rear of the lot were already used by tenants of an adjacent apartment building, though this was disputed by the applicant and staff. Discussion Items - Docket F-6-26 (Variance) and Docket C-1026 (Subdivision) – Robert Wesley / JLM Engineering: The applicant requested a variance to reduce the minimum lot area from 4,200 to 3,500 square feet and lot width from 35 to 25 feet for two proposed lots at 1020 Clark Street, along with primary and secondary plat approval for a two-lot subdivision. The site, vacant for at least 16 years, would be developed with two attached two-story, three-bedroom townhomes (each 1,200 sq. ft.). Parking would be provided at the rear via an alley. Staff recommended approval, finding the variance met all three statutory criteria, noting the site's unusual development context (adjacent to high school, commercial, and industrial uses) and alignment with comprehensive plan goals for compact infill housing. A commission member questioned the driveway and parking layout; the applicant clarified the parking area would be at the rear. The variance was approved unanimously by voice vote, and the subdivision was approved with staff stipulations (secondary plat subject to completed application and fee, drainage approval by city engineer, sewer approval by sewer board, and staff approval of final elevations) also by voice vote. - Docket C-1126 (Subdivision) – Chad Springer / The Springs Company: The applicant requested primary and secondary plat approval for a three-lot subdivision at 300 Couples Avenue, part of a larger mixed-use project (Phase 2). The subdivision would separate two existing buildings and a parking lot to meet lender requirements for Phase 1. The overall project includes new construction apartments and historic rehabilitation with tax credits. Staff recommended approval with a 30-day moratorium before plat recording. A commission member abstained due to a conflict of interest. The motion to approve with staff recommendation passed by voice vote with one abstention. - Docket B-2426 (Special Exception and Variance) – Dustin What's (Southern Indiana Properties) for Jane Schein: The applicant requested a special exception to permit a 40-by-50-foot accessory structure (detached garage) without a principal dwelling in the Steep Slope District at 3204 Chapel Lane. The structure would be used for personal storage of vehicles and groundskeeping equipment. Staff noted the steep slope zone covers the parcel, but the proposed garage would sit entirely outside the areas with a 12% or greater grade change. Staff recommended the Plan Commission forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) with a condition restricting future commercial use without additional approval. A commission member raised a concern about potential future commercial activity; staff confirmed a use restriction could be added. The motion to forward with a favorable recommendation subject to that condition passed by voice vote. The BZA hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2026. - Extension of Docket F-0125 – Matt Toole (Infinity Homes & Development): The applicant requested a one-year extension for a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) for an 85-acre site at the old salvage yard. The extension was needed due to delays in securing sewer service. The PUD includes a commercial strip and a residential subdivision (already separately approved). The applicant noted they might develop a smaller portion using septic temporarily. The extension was approved by voice vote. - Minutes of August 18, 2026: The minutes were approved by voice vote, with one abstention from a member who was not present at the August meeting. Key Outcomes - Docket F-6-26 and C-1026: Variance and subdivision approved (voice vote, all in favor). - Docket C-1126: Primary and secondary plat approved with 30-day moratorium (voice vote, one abstention). - Docket B-2426: Favorable recommendation forwarded to BZA with a condition restricting commercial use (voice vote, all in favor). - Extension of Docket F-0125: One-year extension granted (voice vote, all in favor). - Minutes of August 18, 2026: Approved (voice vote, one abstention).

The New Albany Storm Water Board met on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The board approved the previous meeting's minutes and claims, received staff updates, and adjourned with no new or old business. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 27, 2026, regular meeting minutes as presented. - Approved claims for the period August 27 through September 9, 2026, totaling $51,212.90. Public Comments & Testimony - No communications from the public or city officials were offered. Staff Reports - Stormwater Director Phillip Aldridge reported approximately 13 grass-cutting jobs completed within the last two weeks and three catch basin rebuilds, mainly downtown. He thanked sewer staff for assisting with line flushing, TV inspection, and remapping. - Westley Fair, QPI inspections, reported some roadway tracks from a couple of sites, downed silt fencing, and undisturbed stockpiles; otherwise, conditions looked good. - Ed Wilkinson provided the financial report, stating revenue was about 2% over budget and expenses were more than 10% under budget, with approximately $500,000 in cash. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve minutes passed unanimously by voice vote. - Motion to approve claims passed unanimously by voice vote. - No new business or old business was raised; the meeting adjourned.

The meeting began with a public hearing regarding a proposed construction project (likely sewer plant improvements) following the DOT/BOT process. The hearing was closed after no public comments. Then the regular meeting proceeded, covering approval of prior minutes, contract payments, approval of a subdivision plan, sewer bill adjustments, a resolution to begin scoping for a facility improvement project, financial reports, claims, and utility updates. Public Hearing - The board held a public hearing to receive comments on a resolution for a construction project (referred to as DOT/BOT process). Notice was published on August 27, 2026. A committee (Mr. Wallace, Mr. Sarge, and the board president) reviewed two submissions and recommended GM Construction due to their expertise and familiarity with the city's process. - No members of the public spoke. The public hearing was closed, and the board expressed readiness to move forward. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the August 24, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - Bids and Contracts (UV Replacement Project): Two pay applications were approved: Pay App 8 ($6,300 to Dan Christini for cleanup, completing the project) and Pay App 9 (retainage release of $84,971.20). Both approved unanimously. New Business - Ma Sharee Reserve Subdivision: Jason Copperweight (Prime Vera and Associates) presented on behalf of J&J Development for a 58-lot single-family subdivision on the northwest side of Glenmill Road. Sewers have been installed and inspected. The board approved the presentation and authorized signature on the mylar for recording, subject to the president's authority. Construction of infrastructure is complete; lot sales expected within 30–45 days. Sewer Adjustments - Timber Lake Adjustment: $1,206.32 – water leak in crawl space due to tenant eviction; usage now normal. Approved. - Obraid Redmond Adjustment: $2,929.24 – water leak at meter, took four months to fix; resident had a stroke. Approved. Resolution for Facility Scoping (New Business/Resolution) - The board approved a resolution to begin scoping for a facility improvement project for the sewer board's office and operational space. The project aims to design for at least 30 years of use, improving security, aesthetics, and functionality. Initial steps include a full survey, floor plan development, and space needs assessment. The resolution passed unanimously. Financial Report - Revenue was within $20,000 of projections; expenses were 6–8% below budget. No extraordinary items. Claims Report - Claims for August 27 to September 9, 2026 totaled $513,191.09, including $211,000 for debt service (new sewer bond payment). Approved. Utility Updates (Mike's Report) - Head works equipment arrived; course bar screen removed, but additional issues discovered may require a change order. - The 26 MGD UV system to replace chlorine is being ordered; expected delivery in about one year. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous. - Sewer board approved the Ma Sharee Reserve Subdivision plat. - Approved two sewer bill adjustments. - Approved resolution to initiate facility scoping. - Approved claims and financial reports. - Anticipated change order for head works at next meeting. - UV system project moving forward.

The New Albany City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered approval of minutes, committee reports, public comments, and key legislative items including the 2027 budget ordinances (introduced on first reading and tabled for second reading), second reading of an animal sales ordinance (G-26-05), and third reading of a public way vacation ordinance (Z-26-01). All council members were present except Chris FitzGerald and Scott Blair. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: The council approved the Public Hearing Minutes and Regular Meeting Minutes from August 20, 2026, via a motion by Elaine Murphy, seconded by Louise Gohmann, passed unanimously (7-0). - Tabling of Budget Ordinances: A motion to table second reading of the four budget ordinances (A-26-04, A-26-05, A-26-06, A-26-07) to the next meeting (September 17, 2026) was made and seconded, passing unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Mindy Johnson (1573 Meadow Lane): Speaking on behalf of the Southern Indiana Animal Welfare Watchdogs (SIAWW), expressed strong support for the animal sales ordinance (G-26-05) and its safeguards (licensing, inspections, source disclosure, medical records, vaccination standards). She urged the council to include milestone-based veterinary examinations (upon arrival and at sale) and to require disclosure of both breeder and broker information (using "and" instead of "or"). She also highlighted the importance of banning sipper tubes/water bottles as the sole water source for dogs/cats. - John R. Fouts (710 Culverts Avenue): Addressed the council during non-agenda public comments. He reported severe identity theft, mail tampering, and computer trespass, and alleged that the New Albany Police Department (NAPD) produced a falsified incident report (case 26-02640) minimizing the crimes. He requested the council to direct NAPD to create a non-fraudulent report, properly investigate, and restore safety. He submitted a packet of evidence including email tracking and officer transcripts. Council members noted the sensitivity of the information and agreed to safeguard the documents and review handling procedures. Discussion Items Budget and Finance Committee (2027 Budget Ordinances) - A-26-04 (General Fund) and A-26-05 (Non-Reverting Budgets): Introduced by Don Unruh. The 2027 budget fully funds essential services (police, fire, streets, parks), includes a 5% raise for city and union employees, consolidates line items for transparency, and allocates approximately $6 million for paving and infrastructure. The budget is balanced with expected revenues. Council member Stefanie Griffith raised questions about line-item changes, salary reallocations (e.g., public safety local income tax transfers), and the handling of election costs ($400,000 budgeted for municipal elections). City Attorney Shane Gibson and Controller Linda answered questions, confirming the bottom line will not be exceeded. - A-26-06 (Employee Salaries) and A-26-07 (Elected Officials Salaries): Introduced by Elaine Murphy. Both ordinances provide a 5% raise for non-union city employees and elected officials to address inflation. Discussion included: two positions not receiving raises (redevelopment director – a technicality, and vacant city housing coordinator), a few positions with higher than 5% increases (e.g., part-time/seasonal staff up to $30/hour for specialized expertise), and the removal of the TIF officer and rental inspector positions due to reorganization. Council clarified that the 5% raise is across the board for all covered employees. - Process: The committee of the whole agreed to advance all four budget ordinances to second reading at the September 17 meeting, with no additional committee of the whole session. Council members were encouraged to submit questions in advance. Second Reading – Animal Sales Ordinance (G-26-05) - Introduction: Co-sponsored by Louise Gohmann and Scott Blair. The ordinance regulates the sale of animals in New Albany by requiring licensing, inspections, and standards of care. It was developed in response to issues in a neighboring community (Clarksville) and with input from the animal shelter director and public health committee. - Committee Report: Jennie Collier, chair of the Public Health & Welfare Committee, summarized the committee’s August 28 meeting. Key amendments proposed by the animal shelter director and discussed include: adding a whereas clause about illness risk, clarifying licensing requirements, requiring complete medical/vaccination history, disclosure of any positive tests for parvovirus/distemper/feline panleukopenia within the prior 30 days, and requiring water in clean receptacles (not solely sipper tubes). A significant addition under discussion is a milestone-based veterinary care plan – requiring an in-person veterinary examination upon arrival at the sales establishment and again at time of sale, with species-specific lab testing and prohibition of sale until final results are available. This amendment will be drafted for third reading. Council also discussed enforcing the ordinance, with enforcement authority to be clarified by the next meeting. - Council Discussion: Members raised potential improvements: microchipping (noted as already covered by state law), inspection frequency (current draft provides for inspections upon complaint), and requiring disclosure of both breeder and broker (to be changed to "and/or"). The city attorney indicated that friendly amendments would be bundled for third reading. Gohmann noted the ordinance is proactive, not prohibitive, and aims to ensure animal welfare and consumer protection. The second reading passed unanimously (7-0). Third Reading – Vacation of Public Way (Z-26-01) - Introduction: Don Unruh presented the ordinance for partial vacation of a public alleyway to allow Oxbow Mixed Use LLC to construct a dumpster enclosure and parking bay. The city will retain a permanent utility easement. Neighboring property owners have signed memoranda of understanding consenting to the vacation, and deeds will be recorded to formalize ownership. - Public Comment: No public comments were made on this item. - Council Discussion: Council members confirmed the clean legal trail and thanked the developer for providing an estimated completion timeline. The ordinance passed third reading unanimously (7-0) and became Ordinance Z-26-10. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously. - 2027 Budget Ordinances: Tabled to September 17 for second reading; public hearing scheduled for October 5, final passage October 15. - Animal Sales Ordinance (G-26-05): Passed second reading (7-0). Council directed the city attorney to prepare amendments (including milestone-based veterinary examinations, disclosure of breeder/broker, and enforcement language) for third reading at the next meeting. - Vacation Ordinance (Z-26-01): Passed third reading (7-0), adopted as Ordinance Z-26-10. - Public Comment (John Fouts): Council received his materials and will safeguard them; city attorney and council will determine any additional steps to protect personal information and report back.

The New Albany Redevelopment Commission met on September 8, 2026. Commissioners Terry Midton, Bob Norwood, Daniel Guess, and Adam Dickey were present; Ginny Callier was absent. The commission approved the August 25, 2026 minutes, approved the draft FY 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) subject to final additions, authorized the Harvest Homecoming Festival's use of the State Street parking garage, and approved the claims worksheet, which included the full payoff of the Daisy Lane road extension installment purchase contract. All votes were voice votes carried with no opposition. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was used. The commission approved the August 25, 2026 meeting minutes as written. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during the general public comment period or the public hearing. The public hearing was opened and closed without testimony. Discussion Items - Draft Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (FY 2025): Staff presented the draft annual review, which reports on the city's programs and activities under the fiscal year annual action plan and the five-year plan. Staff noted that public facilities funding will be spent down once the Silicon Street Park [as transcribed] projects begin. A few final additions were still pending, including bed numbers for the White Fly shelter (funding source unclear in the transcript) and final figures from the emergency repair program. Commissioners described the report as standard and routine and praised staff's work. The commission approved the draft subject to those additions being incorporated before final submission. - Harvest Homecoming parking garage request: The Main Street organization's board of directors (referred to as 'evolving main street' in the transcript) requested use of the State Street parking garage during the Harvest Homecoming Festival, Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11, 2026, with revenue shared 75 percent to the organization and 25 percent to the Redevelopment Commission. The setup matched the previous year, with the organization staffing the garage and city staff reconciling collected revenue. One commissioner questioned the Thursday noon start time (noon to 9:00 p.m.), noting early vendors and festival attendees could park free before the paid period began; another commissioner responded that the noon start was intended to preserve the garage for downtown workers in the morning and aligns with festival hours. The commission approved the request as presented and agreed to revisit the start time in future years. - Claims worksheet and Daisy Lane payoff: The largest payment on the claims worksheet was the full payoff of the Daisy Lane road extension installment purchase contract. A commissioner whose council district the road runs through said most residents were satisfied with the project. The commission approved the claims as presented. Key Outcomes - Approved the August 25, 2026 minutes as written. - Approved the draft FY 2025 CAPER, subject to final additions (White Fly shelter bed numbers and emergency repair program figures). - Approved the Harvest Homecoming garage request as presented (October 8-11, 2026; 75/25 revenue split favoring Main Street). - Approved the claims worksheet, including full payoff of the Daisy Lane road extension debt. - Announced the Mountain Bike Park groundbreaking, set for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the former QRS site, with parking available at the boat ramp; a parking map will be distributed. - The meeting was adjourned.