Public Meetings - New Albany, Indiana

Date: June 16, 2026 | Time: 10:30 AM (presumed start) | Location: New Albany City Hall The Planning Commission convened with 8 members present (quorum 6). The meeting included a public hearing on a special exception request for an accessory dwelling unit, a brief discussion of a data center moratorium, and procedural actions. Discussion Items - Docket B 1726 – Accessory Dwelling Unit at 2401 Fairmont Avenue - Applicant: Mr. Moraitis (represented by attorney John Kraft). The property includes a front single-family house (currently rented) and a rear accessory structure (an existing detached garage). Mr. Moraitis purchased the property in 2024/2025, renovated the garage, and intended to rent it as a dwelling—but received a cease-and-desist notice because an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) requires a special exception in the MDR (Mixed Density Residential) district. Mr. Kraft explained that the applicant originally believed the use was allowed because unhoused persons were living there when he bought it. He now seeks approval to keep the unit for personal/family use (when the front house is rented) rather than as a rental. - Staff report (Director Wood): The garage is a non-conforming structure. The property historically had a single-family home demolished before 2007. In 2025, a neighbor complained about conversion to a dwelling. The applicant had previously submitted plans for a duplex (later changed to single-family), and two electric meters were found, suggesting a possible duplex violation. The ADU is a one-bedroom unit; off-street parking is not provided (on-street parking can partially satisfy requirements). Staff expressed concern about the history of duplex attempts but noted the ADU criteria (traffic, safety, adverse effects) are likely met. The building commissioner had not yet inspected for life-safety standards. - Commissioner questions: Questions clarified the existing structure’s location and raised concerns about precedent and subdividing (not feasible due to lot size). A commissioner asked about life-safety certification; Director Wood recommended a stipulation at the BZA hearing for a home inspector’s certification of dwelling standards. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner moved to send Docket B 1726 to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) with a favorable recommendation. Seconded. Unanimous voice vote (all ayes, no opposed, no abstentions). - Note: The BZA public hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2026. - Minutes Approval: Not possible due to lack of quorum for that specific item (only 8 present, but minutes require a different threshold). - Special Meeting Announced: A special meeting of the Planning Commission will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM to discuss and introduce a moratorium on data centers. The item will then go to the City Council on Thursday, June 18, for committee review, with final consideration in July. The discussion noted that a proposed data center at the old Galler site (in the Ohio River floodway) is inappropriate, but the technology’s rapid evolution warrants proactive regulation.

The New Albany Police Merit Commission met on June 15, 2026, with Mr. Dow and Mr. Turner absent. The commission approved prior meeting minutes, received a brief chief's report, ratified three corporal promotions, and voted to keep a hiring candidate from advancing. All votes were unanimous. The agenda and minutes were not provided; this summary is based on the transcript. Consent Calendar - Approved the May 14, 2026 meeting minutes by motion, second, and unanimous voice vote. Department Report - Chief Bailey reported nothing of significance and introduced the three officers recommended for corporal promotion ratification. Officer Promotions - Officer Nelson, a 17-year department veteran, said he enjoys talking with the public and working with high school students. Motion to ratify his promotion to corporal effective May 30, 2026, was seconded and passed; he was reminded the rank is probationary for one year until satisfactory completion. - Officer Dickey, four years with the department, said he enjoys getting to know the community, where he attended high school. Motion to ratify his promotion to corporal effective May 30, 2026, was seconded and passed; one-year probation applies. - Officer Sabrina Williams, with just over four years on the department, said she enjoys the mental stimulation and being a voice for the voiceless. Motion to ratify her promotion to corporal effective May 30, 2026, was seconded and passed; one-year probation applies. - One commissioner said all three had sincerely earned their promotions and done great work for the department and community. Hiring Process Review - Candidate 2026-48: After reviewing polygraph results, the commission voted unanimously not to move the candidate forward in the hiring process. Key Outcomes - Approved May 14, 2026 minutes. - Ratified promotions of Officers Nelson, Dickey, and Williams to corporal effective May 30, 2026. - Discontinued candidate 2026-48 from the hiring process. - Adjourned.

The Storm Water Board of New Albany, Indiana, met on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall Room 100. The board approved routine items, received staff reports, and conditionally approved a stormwater redirection plan for the Fox Run Commons development. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the May 28, 2026 meeting. - Approved the claims for the period May 28 to June 10, 2026, totaling $45,231.81. Staff Reports - Stormwater Director's Report: Phillip Aldridge was absent; his emailed report was attached to the record by motion. - QPI Inspections Report: Westley Fair reported that some sites had silt fencing down and sediment output, but issues were resolved. Wawa was still asked to reinstall construction trees. - Financial Report: Ed Wilkinson stated revenue is under budget and expenses are running favorably. No questions. Discussion Items - Fox Run Commons Stormwater Redirection: Jason Copperwood of Primavera & Associates, representing developer Jake Elder (Tech 12 LLC), presented a proposal to redirect stormwater from Watershed 1 of Fox Run Commons to Slate Run instead of its natural path across Reese Lane through Lancaster Woods. The developer is improving Reese Lane with storm sewers, and the redirection would use those sewers. Analysis showed that adding the proposed 100-year flow (about 45 cfs) to Slate Run would increase water levels at existing culverts by approximately 1.5 to 1.75 inches, with no impact on upstream structures. The board considered this a better alternative than sending water through an already flooded neighborhood. Casey of Heritage Engineering (third-party reviewer) supported the concept and recommended three conditions. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Conditionally: The board approved the redirection request subject to the following conditions: 1. The discharge rates to Slate Run must not exceed the originally approved rates. 2. The rise in water level at the culverts must be limited to no more than 0.1–0.15 feet above existing conditions. 3. The developer must obtain approval from the Sanitary Sewer Department for the proximity of the new storm sewer to an existing sanitary sewer on the north side of Reese Lane. Additionally, final design and calculations must be reviewed and approved by the third-party reviewer (Heritage Engineering). - Vote: Unanimous (all ayes, no opposition). - Next steps: Developer to proceed with detailed design and obtain necessary approvals. No public comments were made during the meeting. The meeting adjourned after the vote.

The New Albany Sewer Board met on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 9:15 AM in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The meeting was called to order by the President. The agenda was light, with no new business, public comments, or bids. Key actions included approval of minutes and claims, and reports on finances and utilities. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 28, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. - Claims Approval: Claims for the period of May 28 to June 10, 2026, totaling $440,621.14, were approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Financial Report: A financial report was presented indicating a positive cash flow with approximately a quarter of a million dollars in the bank. Spending is less than income. The conversion of line items to new designations is nearly complete. Additionally, the June settlement from the county resort was received and posted to the May books, matching expectations. - Utility Report: The utility report noted preliminary updates to plant fencing, including the installation of two gates, which allowed for the removal of a significant amount of fencing. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The May 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes were approved. - Claims Approved: Claims totaling $440,621.14 were approved. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned after the approval of claims.

The New Albany Redevelopment Commission met on June 9, 2026, at 17:15. Members present: Terry Middle, Bob Norwood, Jenny Collins; absent: Daniel Guess and Adam. The meeting included a bid opening for an intersection project, approval of minutes, a claims worksheet, and renewal of a municipal advisor agreement. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the May 26, 2026 meeting were approved as written (motion, second, voice vote all aye). No other consent items. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed in to speak; no comments. Discussion Items - Bid Opening – Charlestown Road and Slate Run Road Intersection Modernization Project: Two bids were received by the 11:30 a.m. deadline: Mac Construction ($429,960.50) and a second bid ($469,029). Staff recommended taking the bids under advisement and authorizing execution if the low bid meets criteria. Motion carried. - Claims Worksheet: A large payment to Map Construction for the southern segment of the trail was noted. The deadline for reimbursements through the RDA is August 21, 2026. The claims worksheet was approved by voice vote. - Silver Street Park Turf Field Equipment Procurement: The commission was informed that procurement for equipment (team bench, shelter, soccer goals, bleachers, trash receptacles, security cameras) was published for bids. No action needed. - Renewal of Municipal Advisor Bondary Consulting Agreement: The agreement renewal was presented for annual reporting, bond issuances, refinancing, and economic development analysis. Approved by motion and voice vote. Key Outcomes - Bids for Intersection Project: Taken under staff advisement; staff authorized to execute if low bid meets criteria. - Claims Worksheet: Approved unanimously. - Municipal Advisor Agreement Renewal: Approved unanimously. - Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: Noted; no action.

The Board of Public Works & Safety of the Civil City of New Albany, Indiana, met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall. The meeting covered street and utility work permits, special event permits, a handicap parking request, traffic management plans, and approval of claims and minutes. New Business - Hutchins Telecom (for Charter Communications): Kathleen Ford of Yates Engineering Services presented a request to overlash fiber optic cable on existing utility poles along Hausfeldt Lane from Progress Boulevard to Park Place to serve a business at 999 Park Place. The work uses flaggers but does not require road closures. The board approved (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - Miller Pipeline (for CenterPoint): Wayne Holt presented a request to install 400 feet of new gas main on Pearl Street north of Culbertson Avenue to Oak Street and retire the existing gas main, as part of the city's Oak Street project. The work is within an existing road closure area. The board approved (motion made, seconded, all ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - Nicholas Redmark: Recalling a prior meeting, Redmark presented a revised version of his project at East Main Street between 4th and 5th Street. He eliminated the need to bore under Main Street, adjusted aerial and barrier placements, and provided updated footage on the permit application. The board noted that the previous issue (boring under Main Street) had been resolved and approved the revised permit (motion made, seconded, all ayes). Communications from City Officials - Oxbow Development – Maintenance of Traffic Plan (presented by Jared Talley of Denton Floyd Real Estate Group and Lindsay): Request for a temporary closure of Bank Street for a water main tap, with work scheduled from Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 19, 2026. Steel plates will cover cuts overnight. Sidewalk closures on both sides of Bank Street are expected. The board discussed the need for face-to-face notification of affected businesses (including those on Main Street), signage indicating businesses remain open, and a written notification with contact information. The applicant agreed to hand-deliver notices and provide a record. Approved subject to these notification and signage conditions (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - Special Event Permits (presented by Krystina Jarboe): - Cardinal Ritter Birthplace Foundation – S. Ellen Jones Neighborhood Street Fair: Scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Includes road closures on East 13th Street and East Oak Street, with New Albany Police and Fire Department presence as in prior years. Approved (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - American Discovery Trail Society – American Discovery 250 Relay: For America's 250th birthday, a cross-country relay. They request use of the amphitheater on Saturday, October 17, 2026 (4:45–5:15 PM) and Sunday, October 18, 2026 (morning departure) with 5–10 participants. Organizer Dave Whiteson will provide a follow vehicle and reflective gear. No concerns from Police Chief Bailey. Approved (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - Handicap Parking Request (presented by Mickey Thompson): A request for a handicap parking space at 1572 Mona Vista Court. The site visit revealed a driveway with closer access, and the issue was related to an Airbnb taking parking spaces. The board entertained a motion to deny the request. Approved denial (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - Dumpster Permit – Dr. Oliver at 613 East Spring Street: Request for a dumpster in front of the property for two weeks starting June 19, 2026, due to renovation. The applicant expects to complete work in one week but requested two weeks as a precaution. The board approved for two weeks with the understanding that an extension would require returning to the board (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - Street Department Update (Mickey Thompson): Reported that construction on Camp Avenue and Cherry Street is ongoing but delayed by rain. Majority of full-depth patching complete; milling and overlay pending dry weather. Also, sewer repair on Mount Tabor phase one will receive a partial-depth patch. The Oak Street project is awaiting gas company relocation work. The board noted the need to press the gas company to start. Claims Approval - Claims for May 26 to June 8, 2026: First set of claims totaling $2,515,677.83 approved (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - Second set of claims for same date range totaling $10,621.00 approved (motion made, seconded, all ayes). Key Outcomes - All permit requests were approved, the Oxbow traffic plan with conditions, the handicap parking request was denied. - Claims totaling $2,526,298.83 were approved. - The regular meeting minutes for June 2, 2026 were approved (motion made, seconded, all ayes), and the meeting adjourned.

The New Albany Flood Control District Board of Commissioners held its monthly meeting on June 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers of New Albany City Hall. The meeting covered routine approvals, a director's report on river conditions and maintenance, and the approval of claims. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 12, 2026 monthly meeting. The motion was made, seconded, and passed with no opposed votes. - Claims: The Board unanimously approved the claims for the month. The motion was made, seconded, and passed with no opposed votes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received during the communications period. Discussion Items - Director's Report: The Director provided updates on river conditions, noting the river was currently at 13.8 feet but had experienced a significant rise of about 20 feet to 40 feet in the middle to end of the previous month, then dropped back down. There was no high water damage aside from minor mud buildup on boat ramps and creeks, which would be cleaned. Preparations for the July 4th celebration were underway, along with regular seasonal maintenance. The Director also mentioned using the day's expected rain and flash flooding as an opportunity for flood training, including operating gates and testing the system. Bathroom maintenance and repairs were ongoing and expected to be completed within the next month. General seasonal maintenance (mowing, weeding, trimming) continued to keep public areas clean. The Director noted that the April 2026 financial reports had been provided to the board. Key Outcomes - The Board approved the May 12, 2026 meeting minutes and the claims for the month, both by unanimous voice vote. - The meeting adjourned via a motion that was seconded and passed unanimously.

The Board of Public Works & Safety of New Albany, Indiana, met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in City Hall. The board approved several utility encroachment permits, directed replacement of a dead-end street sign, approved curb cuts for a Security Parkway property, denied a request for reserved public parking for Dough Boy Pizza, and authorized a temporary closure of the east City Hall pedway and stairs for tuckpointing. No approved minutes were included with the meeting materials; all recorded votes were unanimous voice votes. New Business - Cedar Bough Place street sign: Dana Gaudin, a resident of Cedar Bough Place, asked the board to replace an older dead-end sign at the street entrance with a more reflective “Dead End” or “No Outlet” sign, noting that motorists often miss the current sign and there is no way to turn around. The board directed the street department to inspect and replace the sign, using a “No Outlet” designation. - IAWC/contractor encroachment permits: Pat Hauersperger, speaking for Dave O’Mara/IAWC, requested encroachment permits for three water-system repair sites: a valve replacement at 423 Beharrell Ave. requiring cuts of 6'x3' and 6'x2' in the asphalt; an emergency service repair at 2313 Shrader Ave. requiring a 6'x8' street cut; and an emergency water main break at 100 Alpha Court requiring removal of a sidewalk section of approximately 4'x5'. The board approved the permits. The agenda listed only the Beharrell and Shrader locations, but the testimony also included the Alpha Court work. - Premier Homes water service across Glenmill Road: Scott Koukola of Premier Homes, accompanied by Will Hurst of Premier Land Development, requested an encroachment permit for a six-foot cut across Glenmill Road east of MaCherie Reserve to tap into the water main. Hurst said the work would be done with flaggers and road plates, traffic would not be stopped, flowable fill would be used, and the street would be repaved. The work is planned as a one-day job next week, with road plates in place for two to three days. The board approved the permit. - CenterPoint Energy gas permits: A presenter stood in for Caleb Vance of CenterPoint Energy to request two encroachment permits: one to repair gas service near the corner of Grant Line and Cherokee (agenda location: 711 Cherokee Dr.), with a 5'x5' patch area kept as small as possible and traffic control in place; and another for work described on the agenda as retiring gas service at 2751 Briarwood Rd., which the presenter clarified is actually the installation of a test station. The board approved both permits. - Duke Energy permits: A Duke Energy representative requested three encroachment permits: a new transition pole near 3417 St. Joseph Rd. for improved reliability on an underground circuit, with work estimated to be complete the week of July 13 and flaggers provided; replacement of two poles and installation of a pedestal for a five-home Millennium Builders development at approximately 1730 Division St.; and installation of a new backyard pole and aerial wire at approximately 604 W. Spring St. to reroute two services, with a possible future underground conversion for a nearby property. The board approved all three permits. - Dough Boy Pizza parking and outdoor tables: Dustin Mason of Dough Boy Pizza requested two reserved parking spaces on Fifth Street in front of his business at the Breakwater building, as well as two small outdoor tables. He said parking is difficult downtown and that two back-lot spaces are already reserved for delivery drivers. Board members expressed concern about the Fifth Street spaces’ proximity to a stop sign, street width, and the city’s upcoming uniform outdoor-seating plan; one member noted the previous A Street Pizza request for the same area. A motion to deny the reserved parking request passed. The tables request was deferred until Mason submits a detailed drawing showing dimensions, locations, and ADA compliance. Unfinished Business - Security Parkway/Foundation Boulevard curb cuts: Nick Woodcock, for Nathan Grimes, returned to the board after the item was tabled for planning review. He requested approval for two proposed entrances/curb cuts on Security Parkway and Foundation Boulevard. Woodcock said planning staff agreed that slightly staggered entrances were acceptable given low traffic on Security Parkway and expected site traffic, and that the alignment improved internal circulation. The board approved the curb cuts. Communications from City Officials - City Hall pedway and stairs closure: Sherri Baker requested approval to close the east side of City Hall, including the pedway ADA ramp and stairs leading from Main Street to the parking lot, for tuckpointing repairs. Work would take approximately three days, from about 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, starting Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Temporary sidewalk-closed signs would be posted and ADA access coordinated with nearby businesses. The board approved the closure. - Street department update: An official reported that Mount Tabor Road paving began the previous day and was expected to be completed today, with striping either late today or tomorrow. Later in the week, patching would begin on Camp Avenue and Cherry Street Hill, and riprap would be installed in eroded ditch areas. Concrete work was underway along Eakin Avenue, East Fourth Street, Bentbrook Drive, and Drawbrook Circle. A board member asked about a dumpster on Drawbrook Circle; the official said he would check it. The official also noted that the Oak Street/Pearl Street storm line project required the gas company to keep a closure in place for relocation work, with both Pearl and Culver closures active at the same time; the gas relocation was reportedly expected to take about two weeks. Key Outcomes - Directed the street department to replace the Cedar Bough Place dead-end sign with a “No Outlet” sign. - Approved IAWC encroachment permits for 423 Beharrell Ave., 2313 Shrader Ave., and 100 Alpha Court. - Approved Premier Homes’ encroachment permit for the Glenmill Road water-service crossing. - Approved CenterPoint Energy permits for the Cherokee Dr. gas repair and the Briarwood Rd. test station. - Approved Duke Energy permits for 3417 St. Joseph Rd., approximately 1730 Division St., and approximately 604 W. Spring St. - Denied Dough Boy Pizza’s request to reserve two on-street parking spaces on Fifth Street; deferred the outdoor-tables request pending a detailed drawing. - Approved curb cuts for the Security Parkway/Foundation Boulevard entrance request. - Approved the temporary City Hall east-side pedway and stairs closure for tuckpointing.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on June 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM to consider two variance requests and approve the previous meeting’s minutes. Both variance dockets were approved unanimously with staff-recommended conditions. Discussion Items Docket B 1526 – Variance for Privacy Fence at 4 Captains Court - Applicants Jayma and Brian requested an eight-foot-tall privacy fence along 100 feet of their northern property line, exceeding the standard six-foot maximum in the steep slope district. They stated that the neighbor’s house sits approximately two feet higher in elevation, so a six-foot fence would only provide a four-foot effective height from their side. They attempted to plant shrubs for privacy but cited heavy clay soil as a barrier. The fence would be set back six inches from the property line. - Neighbor Terra Tricker (5 Captains Court) opposed the variance, arguing that an eight-foot fence would obstruct the view, harm wildlife (deer, turkeys, tortoises), and not fit the natural character of the neighborhood. She noted that the house location was the only flat spot on her 1.5-acre lot. - Staff concluded that the fence would not be injurious to general welfare due to limited visibility from the right-of-way, and that the grade differential created a practical difficulty requiring an eight-foot fence for equivalent privacy. Staff recommended approval with stipulations: the fence is limited to the 100-foot section shown in the site plan, and a fence permit must be obtained. - The board voted unanimously to approve the variance with staff conditions. Docket B 1626 – Variance for Accessory Structure at 501 Vincent Street - Applicant Chris Campbell requested a variance to construct an 18x40-foot (720 square foot) garage and a 20x20-foot concrete pad on a vacant lot behind his car wash. The zoning allows a maximum of 600 square feet for accessory structures. The garage is intended to store car wash supplies, a pit cleaning trailer, a snow plow, and equipment from future gantry replacements. The applicant initially believed the variance was needed due to proximity to the property line, but staff clarified it was for the size. - Staff noted similar structures along the alley and recommended approval with multiple conditions: the design must be compatible with the car wash and subject to staff approval; no drainage onto neighboring properties; storage accessory to business only; landscaping to screen the wall from Elm Street (using Thuja Green Giant trees or similar); no signage; minimal downcast lighting; Board of Public Works approval for alley curb cut; and a written commitment tying the structure to the business. - The board voted unanimously to approve the variance with staff stipulations. Key Outcomes - Docket B 1526: Approved (5-0) with staff conditions: fence limited to 100 feet along northern property line as submitted; fence permit required prior to construction. - Docket B 1626: Approved (5-0) with staff conditions including design compatibility, landscaping, no signage, lighting restrictions, alley curb cut approval, and permanent business-use commitment. - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.