Common Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. It's 6:00. We'll call to order the January 20th, 2026 meeting of the Auburn Common Council. We'll begin with a moment of silent meditation or reflection followed by the pledge of allegiance.

I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[music] Move on to roll call. Councilman Finchum here. Councilman Brun here. Councilman Webb here. Councilwoman DW here. Councilman Williams here. Councilman Bundy here. Councilwoman Proer here. Council, in front of you, you have the January 6th regular meeting minutes. Move to approve as presented. Second. Okay, we have a motion second to approve the minutes. Any questions or discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for a question. All in favor signify by saying I.

I opposed. Motion carried. Recognition of visitors. Jeff Jones. Welcome. [laughter] Is there anyone in the public that would like to address the council? [laughter] Anyone in the public that would like to address the council hearing? None. We'll move on. Clerk treasure. Good evening. Of the current vouchers for 5,992,956.70. [music] Move to approve. Second.

We have a motion, a second to approve the vouchers. Any discussions, questions, comments? Hearing none, I'll call for question. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion carry. Thank you. Thank you. Ordinances, resolutions.

Ordinance number 2026-1, an ordinance amending chapter 163 entitled Auburn building code fee schedule of the city of Auburn code of ordinances. Summary. This ordinance amends and restates chapter 163 entitled Auburn building code fee schedule of the city of Auburn code of ordinances. I move that we pass ordinance number 2026-1 on second final reading. Second. We have a motion a second to pass ordinance 2026-01 on second reading. Any questions, discussion? Yeah.

So, I think I think the city attorney has something from the building planning department that um they want to make a an amendment.

Uh yeah, they um Ryan reached out last week um one thing they missed. It's under C two currently. It's one family and two family dwelling, new construction, remodeling or alteration. $25 per dwelling unit, $25 per accessory structure. And multifamily dwelling and hotel, motel, new construction, remodeling or alteration, $12 per $12 per dwelling unit, hotel, motel room, or hotel, motel suite. And he is asking if the council would be willing to amend that to do 20 or $50 per dwelling unit. $50 per accessory structure and $25 per dwelling unit, hotel, motel room, or hotel motel suite. This is to my understanding it's we increased the other ones to account for the time it takes, the the fuel, the the the cost of doing what we need to do. These things take the same amount of time. So, it would make sense to have them be the same as what we've changed the other ones to.

So, I do have a question. Did they mention anything then under section two part B then I I so number two underneath there the $300 maximum if he's asking to change the $12 per dwelling unit to 25 is 300 still acceptable for the maximum or does that need to be increased as well? That did not come up. So I did a little quick math. the the $300 maximum divided by $12 per dwelling unit is 25 units. So if we did they're asking it to go to 50 25 25

it just basically doubles it. It'd be $1,250 would be the maximum. I'm sorry. $625. That was Yeah, [music] because 12 is almost half of 25. I [laughter] mean it's more than half of it. So, but they didn't ask to increase that. So, it did not come up. It would make sense though, right? It would make sense. I'm sure they So, we need a motion. We need a motion to amend those. [clears throat] Yes. Should we should we take that maximum to just 600? Y

I mean 600 a nice round number versus Yeah.

Okay. Okay. I make a motion to amend um 163-10 subsection um C number two subsection A to read one family and two family dwellings, new constructions, remodel or altercations. One, $50 per dwelling unit. Two, $50 per accessory structure. And subsection B, then multifamily dwelling and mo hotel, motel, new construction, remodel, or altercation. Subsection one to be $25 per dwelling unit, hotel, motel, room, or hotel suite. And subsection um two to read $600 maximum. Second.

Okay, we have a motion and a second on the amended changes. Any discussion? Hearing none, we'll vote on the changes first is stated by Councilman Fincham. uh 16310 section C subsection 2 A both those to be 25 and then B 25 per dwelling unit and a $600 maximum

both of them are going to be 50 both to be 50 yeah my apologies yes 50 reached and then 25 under subsection V per dwelling unit. There's no other questions or discussion. I'll call for a question. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion carried. Then we have a motion and a second on ordinance 2026-1. Any other discussion, questions or comments? Hearing none, I'll call for question. All in favor signify by saying I.

I. opposed. Motion carried. Ordinance number 2026-2, an ordinance amending chapter 164 entitled Auburn Plan Commission [clears throat] and BZA fee schedule of the city of Auburn code of ordinances summary. This ordinance amends and restates chapter 164 entitled Auburn Plan Commission and BZA fee schedule of the city of Auburn code of ordinances. I move that we pass ordinance number 2026-2 on second final reading. Second.

We have a motion to second to pass ordinance 2026-2 on second reading. Any questions, discussion, or comments? Hearing none, I'll call for a question. All in favor signify by saying I.

I opposed. Motion carried. Ordinance number 2026-3, an ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city of Auburn, Indiana. Summary, an ordinance to reclassify the zoning of lot number 10 in the east side plaza section 2 from M2 highdensity multifamily residential district to C2 general commercial district. I move that we pass ordinance number 2026-3 on second final reading. Second. We have a motion to second pass ordinance number 2026-3 on second final reading. Any questions, discussion, or comments?

Hearing none, I'll call for a question. All in favor signify by saying I. I [clears throat] post. Ordinance number 2026-4, an ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city of Auburn, Indiana. Summary. An ordinance to reclassify the zoning of 500 North Street from I1 light industrial high-tech district to is institutional district. I move that we pass ordinance number 2026-4 on second final reading. Second.

We have a motion and second to pass ordinance number 2026-04 on second reading. Questions, discussion, or comments? Hearing none, I'll call for a question. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion car. Thank you. Welcome.

Moving on to reports. Uh just under mayor, just a reminder, state of the city is going to be Tuesday, February 17th at 6 PM. And also, uh end of year reports are due no later than February 3rd. And when those are received, we'll make sure we describe those out. Council President,

um just wanted to go over committees for 2026. Tax basin chairman, Councilman Webb, uh Councilman, uh Williams and me, ordinance committee, uh chairman, Councilman Pinchum, Councilman Bundy, and Councilman Braun. Finance Committee, Chairman Leaf, Councilman Webb, and Councilwoman Proer. Department liaison uh will remain the same as last year. So, Auburn Essential Services, Councilwoman Web and me, building planning department, Councilwoman Fincham and me. Electric Department, Councilman Bundy and me. Uh, engineering, Councilwoman or Councilman Fincham and Councilwoman Proser. Fire Councilman Bundy and Councilman Braun. Parks. Councilman Webb. Councilwoman Proser. Police. Councilman Bundy. Councilman Braun. Sewer. Councilman Webb. Councilman [sighs] Williams. Water. Councilman Webb. Councilman Williams. General City Mayor Clerk HR. Me street. Councilwoman Proer and Councilman Fincham. It Councilman Fincham and me. um appointments. Uh city economic development commission Elden Ber is in for another term and then he will also remain seated for uh county economic development as well. That's it.

Redevelopment commission. Redevelopment commission. Um Pete Kemp's term ends the end of this year. Plane Commission Councilman Fincham, his term ends 2027. BZA Pete uh Kemp Senior, his term ends 2027. Oh yeah, I'm sorry. Redevelopment Commission Councilman Ron and [clears throat] Kemp Jr. Don't we vote on that every year? That is an annual I think on that one. Yeah. Yeah. They still willing to serve. Okay.

Yeah. Yeah. I make a nomination for [clears throat] Dan Braun and Pete Kemp Jr. for redevelopment commission. I'll second. Okay. We have a motion of second. Any discussion questions? [snorts] Hearing none. I'll call for a question. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion carried. Thank you. One other thing you might want to add to your report, and I know I'm one of the last ones to do it, but the CFA uh CFA for forms are due. Tomorrow's the deadline, so make sure you get your money in. I'm done. I did it. You've done it. Okay. Last week. Okay. Gotcha. Thanks for the reminder, though.

Okay. Uh plan commission. Uh nothing to report. Okay. committees. Nothing for tax phase in nothing for ordinance and resolution. Nothing for finance. Okay. Is there any unfinished business to come for the council? Any new business? General good and well for the community. Mayor, would would you like to make a comment about the [clears throat] NEI National Champions?

Yeah. So, with IU winning their first college football national championship, I'd like to read something that I've prepared. Today, we are proud to recognize something special. The Indiana Hoosers football team has a long stood for determination, teamwork, discipline, and excellent both on and off this field or the field. This season, through grit, perseverance, and hard work, they pushed past adversity, exceeded expectations, and achieved something many once thought was impossible by earning their first ever College Football National Championship. This historic win reflects the leadership of the coaching staff, dedication of the student athletes, the support of their families, educators, alumni, and fans who stood behind the team every step of the way. On January 19th, 2026, this victory brought communities across Indiana together, inspired young athletes, strengthened school and community pride, and brought a national championship home to the Hooser State. The perseverance and work ethic shown by the Hoosiers mirrors the same values we see every day here in Auburn, where resilience, dedication, and service to one another define who we are. This achievement not only puts Indiana on a national stage, but also reminds us of the power of teamwork, commitment, and setting big goals. Therefore, I, Dave Clark, mayor of the city of Auburn, Indiana, am proud to proclaim January 19th, 2026 as, and I'm going to ask, we have two alumni sitting up here. Councilman Pinchum, Councilman Williams, what's the chant?

[laughter] You want those fight song or do you want I want I want the the the chant that people say that ends with hooers. I thought you wanted me to go with the one a two. You know what to do. Okay, I'll go with the other one. [laughter] Who hoosers day in the classic city and encourage our residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to join in celebrating this historic championship, a victory that belongs to the entire state of Indiana. And please know if it was Purdue or Notre Dame, I'd be doing the same thing. Just so you know, [laughter] I know we got some Purdue fans in here. Well, I was the biggest IU fan at my house last night. So, I was the biggest guy there. [laughter]

I've signed that. But also, do one last thing. Since we have two alumni in the room, I felt it would be proper. I'm going to give each of you a signed proclamation. Thank you very much. Here's your mayor. [laughter] Wow. Felt honored. You're welcome. [applause] Thank you.

And if you hadn't noticed, we had the second fourth floor on Cedar Street burning [clears throat] red for a couple days with an IU flag. So, all right. Uh, any other thing under the goods? Yes, I would like to comment. I would like to thank Mr. Jones for the fine article you wrote on the last meeting uh helping to educate the public especially with the new CDC that was proposed that probably a lot of people didn't know about and I thought it was a very good article and you're like a key ingredient on our transparency. So when we talk transparency, if you don't report it, it's really, you know, doesn't happen. So appreciate that. Thank you.

Thank you. Anything else under the good? Next regular council meeting is Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 6 pm. Move to second. Okay, we have a motion, a second to adjurnn. All in favor signify by saying I. I opposed.