The New Albany City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM. All members were present except Mrs. Collier. The meeting covered approvals, committee reports, public comments, and second readings of two ordinances: one designating opioid settlement funds and one establishing a moratorium on data center construction. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 18, 2026: Approved unanimously after a light‑hearted correction about a World Cup prediction. Public Comments & Testimony - David McGowan (2213 Bueller Street) – Identified as a 20‑year data center veteran. He noted that modern data centers use closed‑loop cooling (not loud), but backup generator testing is extremely loud. He expressed concern that citizens bear infrastructure costs while corporations benefit, arguing that corporations should pay for the costs they create. He offered to answer further questions. - Becky Roman (Executive Director, Hope Southern Indiana) – Provided statistics on food insecurity: a 22% increase in need over the past year and over 100 new families accessing the pantry each month. The proposed opioid settlement funds would serve approximately 125 additional people. She noted that the library pantry’s loss of USDA donations has increased demand on other pantries. Discussion Items - Communications from Council Members - Mr. Fitzgerald – Updated on a persistent noise complaint from a hospital chiller that has not been resolved; the hospital has pushed back, claiming their lifesaving mission takes priority. He vowed continued attention for Barton Drive residents. - Ms. Goleman – Reported on a Fourth of July reading of the Declaration of Independence (76 attendees, youngest age 7). Noted that the cooling station still lacks promised funds and bus passes; requested committee action. Also announced a food drive and a Civic Saturday cleanup on State Street. - Mr. Blair – Thanked the city for the Fourth of July celebration. Reported on the initial MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Task Force) work session, which is studying local income tax implementation (non‑binding plan due by 2029). Stressed the need for city involvement and coordination with the county. - Ms. Griffith – Echoed concerns about the hospital noise issue. Reminded of an upcoming public traffic meeting on Thursday at the library. Thanked code enforcement and the street department for addressing tall grass and related complaints. - Ms. Murphy – Thanked organizers for the Fourth of July event and urged residents to register to vote and stay informed. - Mr. Everett – Announced a Kentucky Science Center program on July 17 at the Griffin Center, and that the river run still has openings for water exercise. He updated on the hospital noise issue, noting that enforcement actions are being considered and that the administration is working to improve the hospital‑neighborhood relationship. He also reported that cooling center funds should be delivered by the end of the week. - Communications from the Mayor (via city attorney) – Thanked the council for supporting the Fourth of July event. Acknowledged the council’s willingness to address data centers. The city attorney noted that the noise ordinance likely needs updating (currently 30–40 years old) and that enforcement can only go so far without updated standards. - Reports from Committees – The Public Safety and Traffic Committee announced a quarterly listening session on Thursday, July 9, at 6:00 PM at the library to hear resident concerns. - Ordinance A2603 (Second Reading) – Opioid Settlement Funds - Introduced by Ms. Murphy. The ordinance allocates unrestricted opioid settlement funds to Hope Southern Indiana to support their food pantry, in response to cuts at the Floyd County Library food pantry. Becky Roman provided need statistics. Council members discussed the impact of pantry closures and the importance of sustaining food access. Unanimous approval (7‑0, with Collier absent). - Ordinance Z2602 (Second Reading) – Data Center Moratorium - Introduced by Ms. Murphy. The ordinance imposes a one‑year moratorium on new data center construction to allow study and development of appropriate regulations. It was previously approved by the Development and Annexation Committee and the Plan Commission. Mr. Fitzgerald noted the proactive approach. City planner Mr. Wood added that public comments are running 9‑to‑1 in opposition, and that the moratorium will cover different scales of data centers (from large to small distributed units). Councilmembers discussed ensuring that corporations bear infrastructure costs and that decommissioning is addressed. Unanimous approval (7‑0, with Collier absent). Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - A2603 (opioid settlement funds for Hope Southern Indiana) passed second reading unanimously (7‑0) with final passage scheduled for the next meeting. - Z2602 (data center moratorium) passed second reading unanimously (7‑0) with final passage scheduled for the next meeting. - The council noted ongoing noise issues with the hospital and potential enforcement actions. - Cooling station funds are expected to be delivered by the end of the week. - The MUST task force on local income tax will hold its kickoff meeting July 9; city representatives will participate.
Public Meetings - New Albany, Indiana
Public Meetings - New Albany, IndianaThe Board of Public Works & Safety of New Albany, Indiana, met on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall. President Michael Thompson, Vice President David Brewer, and Member Cheryl Cotner-Bailey were present. The board considered several permit requests, repair authorizations, and a paving update. New Business - Sidewalk Closure for Painting (201-205 E. Market St.): Levi Edwards of Statewide Mortgage requested closure of the sidewalk on Market Street to place a scissor lift for hand-painting second- and third-floor windows and soft-washing the building from July 7–15, 2026, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Board expressed concern about overspray from prior spray-painting; Edwards confirmed work will be hand-painted only. The soft-wash chemicals were described as non-hazardous. Approved with conditions: sidewalk closed, parking spots blocked on Market Street side, plywood placed under lift, and applicant responsible for signage and ADA compliance. - Water Main Repairs (Dave O'Mara for IAWC): Pat Hauersperger presented eight repair locations: a 4’x3’ cut under I-64 overpass on Captain Frank Rd.; a 7’x7’ cut at 2104 Fawcett Hill Rd.; a 2’x2’ cut at 219 E. Market St.; a 4’x4’ cut at 401 E. Elm St.; a 5’x10’ cut at 1753 McDonald Ln.; an 18’x9’ cut at 1715 Ormand Dr.; and a 5’x4’ cut at 1680 Bryn Mawr Ct. Board noted that pavement restoration at 401 E. Elm St. was incomplete and requested follow-up. Approved. - Sewer Tie-In and Partial Street Closure (Estes Excavating): Hunter Estes requested a sanitary sewer tie-in for 1703 State St. (New Dock Seafood) involving a partial closure of Albany Street. The excavation is 17 feet deep, requiring a shore box and large cut. Work planned Monday–Friday, July 6–10, 2026, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM, with no loud work before 8:30 AM. Approved contingent on obtaining a permit from the Wastewater Plant. Communications – City Officials - Special Event Permits: - Friends of Fairview: Annual “Stories Behind the Stones” at Fairview Cemetery on Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, 2026. Requested five barricades for internal use (no road closures). Approved. - Fast Freddie’s Festive 5 Mile Foot Feast: Thursday, November 26, 2026, with a brief road closure of Green Valley Road from 8:45–9:10 AM and police assistance. Approved. - Water Leak Repair: Mickey Thompson, for Greenwell Plumbing (Tracy Hadley), requested approval to remove a panel of sidewalk to repair a leak at 1922 E. Spring St. Restoration not yet complete. Approved. - CenterPoint Energy Gas Services: Two requests by Wayne Holt (Miller Pipeline): - New gas service at 1203 Water Works Pl. Approved. - Replacement of gas service at 705 and 710 Pearl St., tied to the Oak Street project. Approved. Paving Update Larry provided an update: HMA resurfacing on Camp Ave. and Cherry Street Hill was ongoing. Work on Cherokee Drive and St. Joseph was proceeding as planned, with notifications hand-delivered to residents last Thursday. A request by the contractor to perform remaining Grant Line Road patching during daytime instead of nighttime was discussed. Board opted to postpone a decision until the next meeting to review aerial maps of the locations. Key Outcomes - All permit and repair requests were approved (votes unanimous, with all members voting aye where recorded). - The decision on daytime Grant Line patching was deferred to a future meeting. - Minutes of the June 23, 2026 regular meeting were approved.
The Storm Water Board of New Albany, Indiana met on June 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Room 100 of City Hall. The meeting covered routine approvals, staff reports, and a bond release request. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the regular meeting minutes from June 11, 2026 with a motion and second, passed unanimously. - Claims: Claims totaling $25,902.27 for the period June 11–24, 2026 were approved. A notable item was $50,235 for a building resolution (reported by Ed Wilkinson) and $313,000 for commercial building. The claim from SS Grading was for material to replace a storm line that was not properly marked; a labor bill may follow. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Underground Detention Approval for New Public Works Facility: Stormwater Director Phillip Aldridge requested board approval for underground detention as part of the city's new public works facility (by Omni, via third-party drainage review). The review is primarily complete. The board approved a motion to grant approval, contingent on proper bonding and plans to be shared with members. - Staff Reports: - Stormwater Director's Report: Phil Aldridge reported crews are continuing vegetation sweeping and cleaning catch basins after recent rains. - QPI Inspections Report: Westley Fair noted a few trucks on roadways and job sites, but overall operations were good. - Financial Report: Ed Wilkinson reported building resolution figures: $50,235 and $313,000 for commercial building, with no other changes. - Bond Release Request – Tiptop Express Car Wash: A request from End a Car Wash Holdings (likely "End of Car Wash Holdings") to release the bond for the Tiptop Express car wash at 311 Renton Road was discussed. Staff requested a signed affidavit from the project engineer confirming the detention basin was installed per plans. The board deferred action until the certification is received; a long-term maintenance agreement is already in place. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of June 11, 2026. - Approved underground detention for the new public works facility. - Approved claims as presented. - Deferred bond release for Tiptop Express car wash pending receipt of engineer's certification.
The New Albany Sewer Board met on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 9:15 AM in Room 100 of City Hall to consider a capacity certification for a new development, sewer adjustments, and routine approvals, and to receive financial and operational reports. Consent Calendar - Approved the June 11, 2026 regular meeting minutes by unanimous vote. - Approved claims totaling $278,766 for the period June 11–24, 2026 by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Knobs Landing Capacity Certification: Mike Wallace presented a capacity certification for a proposed mixed-use development on Old Van Sinns Road, consisting of 124 apartment units with bank and retail space on the ground floor. The project is projected to use 35,000 gallons per day. Discussion noted that the area is largely built out and a 12-inch main on the opposite side of the road can provide additional capacity. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Sewer Adjustment – David and Laura Anderson: The board approved a $1,212.14 adjustment due to a water meter leak in the yard that affected two billing cycles. The property’s consumption has returned to normal. Approved unanimously. - Sewer Adjustment – Tustin Capital Investment: The board considered an $11,593.73 adjustment for a boiler leak in the basement that caused a single billing cycle to exceed $10,000 (normal bills are minimum bills). A board member questioned whether a sump pump involved was connected to the sewer system, which is not allowed. The board approved the adjustment contingent on verification from the property owner that the sump pump is not tied to the sewer system. Approved unanimously with the condition. - Financial Report: The billing revenue for the previous month was $1,141,600, within the budgeted range. No other changes from the last written report were noted. - Utility Report: Mike Wallace reported that the wastewater treatment plant was in full compliance for March 2026. An ongoing project involves cleaning the IPS station after debris damaged a pump; one replacement pump is still on order. Bond-funded projects are progressing, with work expected to begin soon. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of June 11, 2026. - Approved capacity certification for Knobs Landing. - Approved sewer adjustment for David and Laura Anderson. - Approved sewer adjustment for Tustin Capital Investment, contingent on sump pump verification. - Approved claims payable. - No other formal decisions were made.
The New Albany Redevelopment Commission met on June 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The commission approved a bid for Silver Street Park turf field equipment, accepted bids for the MSFT North segment contingent on staff review, approved an emergency repair program extension, and authorized the IUS Gateway Project Agreement subject to legal review. A request for security equipment quotes was tabled. The meeting also included approval of minutes and claims. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. No comments were heard. Discussion Items - Silver Street Park Turf Field Equipment Procurement: Staff opened one bid from MAT Construction in the amount of $291,409. The commission voted unanimously to approve the bid, subject to staff verifying compliance with bid documents. - MSFT North Segment (Mudong South Freedom Trail): Four bids were received: Paul Contracting (base $6,669,949.25 with alternates), Dan Christiani Excavating (base $7,186,500), and Rubleville Paving Company (base $6,438,345.83 with alternates). Alternate three covers archway and foundation at Rock Alongway; alternate four omits a pre-fabricated bridge for a steel frame bridge at two structures. The commission approved awarding the contract contingent on staff review of alternates and bid packet verification. - Minutes of June 9, 2026: Approved with two abstentions (Commissioners Middleton and another member) and three in favor. Motion carried 3–0–2. - Emergency Repair Program Extension Request: Staff requested a three-month extension for the CDBG-funded program administered by New Directions, targeting 12 homes. The commission approved the extension, noting no compliance issues. - MSFT IUS Gateway Project Agreement: An agreement between the city, Indiana University Southeast, and trustees for the South Freedom Trail gateway project was presented. IUS received federal funding; the city will oversee construction. The commission approved the agreement subject to final legal review. A commissioner expressed excitement about the regional partnership. - Quotes for Silver Street Park Turf Project Security Equipment and Install: No quotes were received due to incomplete details on camera locations. The commission unanimously tabled the item to the July 14, 2026 meeting. - Claims Worksheet: Included an HVAC replacement project for the ROC facility using COVID-19 funds (CDBG-CV). Staff noted the project was closing out successfully. The commission approved the claims. Key Outcomes - Bid Awarded: Silver Street Park turf field equipment to MAT Construction for $291,409. - Contingent Award: MSFT North segment contract awarded subject to staff review of alternates and bid compliance; lowest base bid from Rubleville Paving at $6,438,345.83. - Extension Approved: Emergency repair program extended by three months. - Agreement Authorized: IUS Gateway Project Agreement approved subject to final legal review. - Item Tabled: Security equipment quotes tabled to July 14, 2026 meeting. - Other: Homeownership fair announced for June 24, 2026 at Silver Street Park (4–7 p.m.).
On 2026-06-23 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026), the New Albany Board of Public Works & Safety met in Room 100 at New Albany City Hall. The agenda listed a 10:00 a.m. start; the supplied meeting timestamp is 2026-06-23 15:15:00 UTC. Members present were President Michael Thompson, Vice President David Brewer, and Member Cheryl Cotner-Bailey. The board approved right-of-way and utility permits, an insurance renewal, conditioned overnight paving work, routine claims, and minutes. No bids, appointments, unfinished business, or tabled items were discussed. Discussion Items - Right-of-way request for 110 East Main Street: A roofing contractor requested a right-of-way permit to work on a three-story building roof between June 25 and July 2, 2026. He asked to block the sidewalk and two front parking spaces during business hours (7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and to block the adjacent alley while equipment was in use for dumpster staging. He described the project as a "20 square job" that normally takes two to three days, with the extra days as a weather cushion. He also stated the building is vacant and awaiting renovation. The board approved the request. - Property and liability insurance renewal: City official Ms. Bowen presented the renewal through BCA Insurance Group. She reported the insurance carriers remained the same and the rate was almost the same as the prior year; the coverage includes vehicles, property, drones, boats, and similar city assets. She said the renewal did not require a vote, but the board then made and passed a motion to approve it. - State Street paving and overnight work: City official Larry reported that current full-depth patching was expected to be complete by the end of the week, after which crews would mill and resurface Camp Avenue and Cherry Street Hill. He noted that some State Street patchwork had not yet come to the board for approval. A resident had complained about noise from overnight work; staff acknowledged notices had not been sent for noise, only for driveway and parking impacts. Staff said they would contact the resident, rewrite specifications to require night-work notification, and send a revised notice. The board approved the overnight work through the end of the week on condition that residential-area work, including the remaining Cotton intersection work, be done at the beginning of the night and that residents receive advance notification; remaining night work would be at the Green Valley/Target/Home Depot intersection. - HD Plumbing water line repair: Staff presented a request to repair a leaking residential water service line under a sidewalk; photos showed a wet sidewalk. The board approved the repair. - CSX railroad crossing signal repair: CSX Railroad requested an open-cut repair of wiring from a signal cabinet to signals at the Charter Street and Charles Street railroad crossing. CSX would work one half of the crossing at a time and plate the other side to keep traffic moving. The board approved the request. - Habitat for Humanity sewer tie-in: Staff presented a late request for a Habitat for Humanity house needing a sewer tie-in through an alley. The work would require a six-by-six cut, would take about one day, and would not block driveways. A ribbon cutting was scheduled for the following week. The board approved the request. - Emergency sewer repair: Staff reported an emergency sewer repair underway at 15th Street and the railroad intersection, expected to be completed during the day; no board action was required. Claims - The board approved claims for June 9 through June 22, 2026, in the grand total of $2,168,068.26. - The board approved two ARP claims for the same date range, totaling $17,651.38. Key Outcomes - All motions were approved by unanimous voice vote with no opposition. - Approved right-of-way access for 110 East Main Street from June 25 to July 2, 2026, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including the sidewalk, two parking spaces, and alley during equipment use. - Approved the BCA Insurance Group property and liability renewal. - Approved continuing State Street overnight patching through the end of the week, subject to early-night scheduling for residential areas and advance notice to residents. - Approved the HD Plumbing, CSX, and Habitat for Humanity permit requests. - Approved the minutes of the June 16, 2026 regular meeting; the transcript labels this item as "Approval amendments." - Approved claims totaling $2,168,068.26 and ARP claims totaling $17,651.38.
The New Albany City Plan Commission held a special meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM to consider a proposed one-year moratorium on the construction of data centers. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the moratorium ordinance to the City Council, which will hold readings on July 6 and July 16, 2026. During the meeting, staff outlined the need for temporary pause to develop comprehensive zoning standards for data centers, including AI and hyperscale facilities, which were not contemplated in the 2019 zoning code. Public comment included both support for a cautious approach and concerns about health, environmental, and infrastructure impacts. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting and the May 19, 2026 meeting without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - David McCoen (Bueller Street, New Albany) spoke from 19 years of experience working in a data center the size of a city block. He emphasized the importance of regulating data centers to shift burdens onto corporations rather than citizens. - Karen Schmidt (Spring Street) expressed support for the moratorium and urged the commission to gather feedback from communities that already host data centers about pros and cons. She also asked for public criteria to be shared before decisions are made. - Holly Merriweather (Floyd Knobbs) cited anonymous reports from a friend who helped build a data center, and presented claims about negative health effects (e.g., children’s bone density, reproductive issues, dead fish) within a six-mile radius. She pleaded for a lengthy hold (one to five years) to assess impacts. - Harry Quinn (68 Main Street, New Albany) stated that existing evidence shows data centers are dangerous for health and increase energy costs without community benefit, and opposed their construction. Discussion Items - Staff Overview: The Plan Commission director explained that the proposed moratorium would last one year to allow staff to research and draft zoning code amendments for data centers. He noted that no data center proposals are currently pending, though a site search firm had inquired about the old Gallagher generating station (rejected due to floodway). The director outlined future considerations: defining data centers, permitted districts, permitting processes, battery energy storage systems (BESS), development standards (setbacks, buffering, environmental standards), public benefit agreements (e.g., low-cost Wi-Fi), and decommissioning requirements. - Commissioner Questions: - Jacob Arbital asked whether, without the moratorium, a clever applicant could circumvent zoning by seeking a use variance. The director confirmed that a use variance would require a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals, but uniformity in regulation is a concern. - David Abersold suggested limiting the moratorium to "AI data centers" only, arguing traditional data centers are different. Other commissioners disagreed, noting that even small data centers can have cumulative impacts (e.g., noise, vibration). The director clarified that the broad term "data centers" would allow more comprehensive regulation. - A commissioner asked about coordination with the county. The director replied that the city only has jurisdiction within its limits and two-mile fringe area; the county has its own plan commission. - David Abersold later reiterated concerns about AI data centers being specialized factories with different power/cooling and potential military targeting, but the commission agreed to proceed with the broader term and flesh out differences during the ordinance drafting. - Public Benefit: The director noted that data centers can provide low-cost or free Wi-Fi, and the ordinance could require such community benefits. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner made a motion for a favorable recommendation of Docket A02-26 (the moratorium ordinance) to the City Council. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with no opposed votes or abstentions. - Next Steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, which will have second reading on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM and third/final reading on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM, both in the same chambers. If adopted, the ordinance will take effect upon the mayor’s signature. The Plan Commission will develop detailed zoning amendments for data centers, targeting August 2026 for a public hearing. - Meeting Adjourned after approval of minutes and motion to adjourn.
The New Albany City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included approval of previous meeting minutes, presentations on active city projects, committee reports, and introduction of ordinances concerning opioid settlement funds and a temporary moratorium on data centers. Council members also made announcements about upcoming community events and expressed support for various city initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from three previous meetings: Regular meeting of May 21, 2026 (approved unanimously); Public hearing of June 1, 2026 (approved with abstentions from Mr. Blair and Ms. Murphy); Regular meeting of June 1, 2026 (approved with Ms. Murphy abstaining, Mr. Blair voting present). All votes were voice votes with no opposition. Discussion Items - Communications from Council: Several council members shared updates on community events and concerns. President Dickie announced safety improvements to the amphitheater overlook. Ms. Murphy reminded of Juneteenth celebrations and youth council application deadlines. Mr. Fitzgerald noted continued noise complaints from industrial sites and hospitals, urging attention in the upcoming zoning code. Mr. Phipps echoed support for regulating pet store animal sales in the new zoning code. Ms. Collier arrived late after assisting visitors with restaurant recommendations. - Redevelopment Director Claire Johnson presented an update on five major city projects: the new public works facility (site work beginning June 25, substantial completion April 2027), the animal shelter (July start, completion December 2026), Silver Street Park turf fields (bids opening next week, construction July, with $250,000 from tourism fund), the mountain bike park (Phase I earthwork June/July 2026, Phase II completion November 2027), and the RV park (early planning, Phase I targeted for 2027). Council members asked about neighbor coordination, landscaping buffers, and the use of the former gas station lot for staging. - Data Center Moratorium Ordinance (Z-2602): Introduced by Ms. Murphy and referred to the Development Annexation Committee. Council discussed the need for proactive zoning regulations given regional interest in data centers. Planning Director Scott clarified types of data centers (edge, enterprise, etc.) and noted that no formal proposal is currently pending for New Albany. A committee meeting was scheduled for June 22, 2026, with a companion Planning Commission public hearing on June 23. - Public Health and Welfare Committee Report: Ms. Collier reported that the committee met on June 10, 2026, and unanimously agreed to allocate $15,000 to Hope Southern Indiana for food pantry support due to changes at the Floyd County Library food pantry program. Hope Southern Indiana representative Mrs. Romans attended the council meeting for questions. The committee also discussed potential matching funds from the county’s opioid settlement funds but did not make the city appropriation contingent. - Introduction of Ordinance A2603: Designating use of unrestricted opioid settlement funds, referred to the Public Health and Welfare Committee. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from May 21, June 1 (public hearing and regular meeting) with noted abstentions. - Introduced Ordinance A2603 (opioid settlement funds) and referred to the Public Health and Welfare Committee. - Introduced Ordinance Z-2602 (90-day temporary moratorium on data center construction) and referred to the Development Annexation Committee; committee meeting set for June 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM. - Received and noted the Public Health and Welfare Committee's recommendation to appropriate $15,000 to Hope Southern Indiana; no full council vote taken. - No public comments on non-agenda items were registered. - Meeting adjourned at an unspecified time following a motion by Mr. Fitzgerald and second by Ms. Goldman, passed unanimously.
The New Albany Historic Preservation Commission met on June 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM at New Albany City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chair Colt Sanders with a quorum present. The commission reviewed three Certificate of Appropriateness applications, discussed several preservation and district expansion topics, and advanced the selection of Facelift Award nominees. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously with an addition to include a candidate for the Cedar Bough Place HD vacancy. - Approval of Minutes: Approved the May 2026 meeting minutes as presented. - Financial Report: None provided; administrator Laura Renwick noted she will have one next month. Certificate of Appropriateness Applications - Carlson (922 E. Spring): Proposed a 6-foot wood privacy fence in side and rear yard. Staff recommended approval citing consistency with design guidelines. The commission voted unanimously to find it compatible and approved the COA. Vote: All in favor. - Cox & Taylor (703 & 705 E. Market): Proposal to replace storm-damaged aluminum siding with LP SmartSiding (smooth finish) after removing aluminum. Staff recommended approval with conditions: traditional trim, corner boards, and smooth finish. The commission approved with those conditions. Vote: All in favor. The application was initially submitted in November 2025. - Resch (138 E. Spring): Proposed replacing upper-story windows with clad wood units due to deterioration. Staff recommended approval with condition that salvageable sashes be retained. Commission approved with staff review for any changes to east elevation windows. Vote: All in favor. Hearing of Visitors - Michael Weber introduced himself as a candidate for the vacant Cedar Bough Place HD representative position. He is a retired English teacher from Jefferson County. Chair Sanders will confirm with the neighborhood and then proceed with appointment. Old Business - DePauw Avenue Conservation District Guidelines: The commission voted to adopt the district guidelines as presented, with minor grammatical clarifications. Vote: All in favor. - Silver Hills District Designation: Discussion on holding another informational meeting in July. Several commissioners will be unavailable during the regular July meeting; staff will coordinate a date in late July. - Potential Extension of East Spring Street HD: Consideration to include the north side of Elm Street (from 8th to 13th). Commissioner suggested reaching out to Greg to gauge neighborhood interest. Facelift Awards Discussion - The commission reviewed 14 properties for potential Facelift Awards. They narrowed the list to eight definite selections, with one additional property suggested (1403 Knob Street) to reach nine. Properties considered included historic and non-historic structures. Some were deferred due to timing (e.g., properties for sale, recent fire restoration). The commission will finalize the list and send template letters to awardees. Enforcement Update - Staff actions: Letters sent to new owners of 922 E. Spring, 1217 E. Main, and 1207 E. Spring. Staff approved signage at 224 E. Main and work on the Oddfellows building storefront. Concerns noted about a property on Main Street with deteriorating windows and a mechanic shop with falling overhang. The city is increasing scrutiny on Todd Coleman's property near the White House. New Business - August Meeting Date: Moved to August 26, 2026 to accommodate administrator's vacation. Confirmed room availability. - CLG Annual Report Findings: State confirmed compliance. Noted requirement to adopt a policy for updating the survey of historic structures (demolitions, alterations). Staff will draft a policy for next meeting. Announcements - Statewide Preservation Conference: Two scholarships available for the conference (end of Sept/early Oct in Franklin, Indiana). Deadline for interest: July 15, 2026. - Virtual Training: Scheduled for the following week. Key Outcomes - Approved three COAs: Carlson (922 E. Spring) for privacy fence; Cox & Taylor (703 & 705 E. Market) for SmartSiding with conditions; Resch (138 E. Spring) for window replacements with condition. - Adopted DePauw Avenue Conservation District guidelines. - Advanced Silver Hills informational meeting planning for late July. - Selected nine Facelift Award nominees; staff to contact winners. - Moved August meeting to August 26, 2026. - Noted need for CLG survey update policy.
The Board of Public Works & Safety convened on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM at New Albany City Hall. The board approved multiple permits and requests related to utility work and street closures, received updates on road repair progress, and approved previous meeting minutes. Discussion Items - BOI (Spectrum Contractor) Gas Line Work Request: A representative from BOI, along with crew member Marvel Sanchez, requested permission to excavate a 15x15-foot hole near a 43-inch gas line to safely bore past it. The work, scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026 during 8:00 AM to approximately one day, would involve traffic shifting using flaggers. The board approved the request. - Sidewalk Closure and Lay Down Yard Request (Daryl Thomas): Daryl Thomas requested permission to close sidewalks in front of the old state garage, leaving the ADA ramp open for access to a bus stop. The closure is needed for a sewer project that will remove part of the sidewalk; fencing will be installed to create a lay down yard for equipment and pipe storage for approximately one year. The board approved the request. - ATT Fiber Installation for Greenway Commons (Jeff Jordan): Jeff Jordan, representing ATT, requested approval to bore 445 feet along Silver Street, place a handhole at New Bland Way and Silver Street, bore 625 feet along Loop Island Way, and place a cabinet and handhole. The work is part of a redesigned utility layout for the Greenway Commons development (Silver and Main). The board approved the request. - City Officials Road Repair Update: Nick or Larry presented the CY payment update for road work. Activities completed included full-depth HMA patching on Camp and Cherry streets, partial-depth patching at 1014 Mount Tabor (a sewer repair), and upcoming work continuing on Cherry Street including replacing rip rap and beginning milling and resurfacing. S&S Concrete is expected to begin concrete efforts on Peace Photos attached camp. Consent Calendar (Permit Approvals) - Emergency Sewer Repair at 330 East 16th Street: An emergency permit was granted to replace a broken sewer connection that had filled with sewage, leaving the house without sewer service. Approved. - Gas Line Installation at 1520 State Street: Wayne Hole of Miller Pipeline requested to install a gas line in the grass behind a building being remodeled. Approved. - ATT Fiber Installation at 321 East 11th Street: ATT requested to install fiber along an alley behind a doctor's office, including a pedestal and barrier cable, all outside the roadway. Approved. Key Outcomes - All requests and permits were approved unanimously with no opposition noted. - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the regular meeting minutes from June 9, 2026. - Meeting adjourned after all business was completed.