City-County Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. I will now call to order the city county council meeting to order for Monday, 04/06/2026. We'll begin our meeting with a prayer and pledge of allegiance led led by councilor Graves.

Thank you, madam president. I would like for us all to take a moment to pause, as we think about some of the actions that have occurred in our city today. I would like for us to calm our minds and prepare as we go to god in prayer. Oh, heavenly father, your word reminds us, unless the lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. So we come before you recognizing that all we do must be grounded in you.

Lord, thank you for this opportunity to serve your people, to do the work that truly matters in our great city. Father, bring a spirit of care into this room, and let us look beyond tonight's agenda and remember the people behind every decision we make, every family, every neighborhood, and every life that depends on us. Lord, move in Indianapolis. Touch every community from border to border. Bring healing and peace where it is needed most.

Lord, be close to those carrying heavy burdens tonight. Let them feel your comfort. We also lift up our state and our nation. Help every leader to honor the oath that we have all taken, Lord, to serve with integrity, to be peacemakers, and to remain committed to doing what is right. Keep us grounded in purpose and united in service. Bless the work we do here, lord. Keep us humble. Let our service be genuine. We give this moment to you. Lord, guide us.

In your name, we pray. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the heart 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. Thank you.

Would all counselors select their green button to indicate their attendance? There are 24 members present. Councillor Ane did ask to be excused this evening. I do wanna take a second to acknowledge my friend, councilor Gibson. Counselor Gibson, I am so sorry that this happened to you and your beautiful family.

This is beyond disheartening. It's unacceptable, and I apologize that this happened to you. We pray with you. We pray for you. Let us know whatever you need, but we we stand with you. Bless you. We'll now proceed to introductions of guests and visitors. The next item on our agenda is the official communications. Madam clerk.

Thank you, madam president. Ladies and gentlemen, you are hereby notified the regular meetings of the city county council, police, fire, and solid waste collection special service district councils will be held in the City County Building in the Public Assembly Room on Monday, 04/06/2026 at 07:00PM. The purposes of such meeting being to conduct any and all business that may come properly before the councils. Sincerely, Maggie A Lewis, president, city county council. Ladies and gentlemen, pursuant to the laws of the state of Indiana, I cause to be published in the court and commercial record and in the Indianapolis Star on Friday, 03/06/2026, a copy of a notice of public hearing on proposal number seventy six two thousand twenty six said hearing to be held on Tuesday, 03/17/2026 at 05:30PM in the Public Assembly Room of the City County Building.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have approved with my signature and delivered this day to the clerk of the city county council, Yolanda Winfield, the following ordinances. Fiscal ordinance numbers three and four two thousand twenty six, general ordinance numbers 23 through thirty nine two thousand twenty six, general resolution numbers five and six two thousand twenty six, and special resolution numbers five and six two thousand twenty six, Joseph h Hogsett, mayor. Madam president, this concludes the official communications.

Thank you, madam clerk. The next item on our agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Do I have consent? Yes. The next item on our agenda is approval of the journals for 03/02/2026. Do I have consent? Consent. We'll now proceed to presentations of petitions, memorials, special resolutions, and council resolutions. Proposal number one zero eight introduced by madam chair Jones.

Thank you, madam president. A special resolution recognizing the Indiana Railroad Company on their fortieth anniversary. Whereas the Indiana Railroad Company was founded in 1986 by visionary railroad entrepreneur, Thomas G. Hoback, whose commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer service transformed a short line acquisition into one of the most respected regional railroads in North America. And whereas, since its founding, INRD has grown into an innovative entrepreneurial railroad widely recognized for its forward thinking approach to freight, transportation, infrastructure, investment and service And whereas, INRD provides good paying jobs with excellent benefits supporting families across Indiana and contributing to the strength and stability of the state's workforce and economy.

And whereas, the Indiana Railroad Company plays a vital role in the economic health of the state of Indiana, supporting industry, agriculture, and manufacturing while strengthen strengthening e commerce supply chains through safe, efficient freight movement, and whereas INRD has a diverse portfolio of commodities including consumer goods, energy products, agricultural shipments, industrial materials, while providing shippers with multiple transportation solutions such as rail freight service, intermodal options, transloading, warehousing and carload logistics tailored to the needs of modern commerce. And whereas, the Indiana Railroad Company has received national recognition as a two time recipient of the Railroad Age Regional Railroad of the Year, a testament to its operational excellence, customer partnerships and leadership in the railroad industry. And whereas, railroads serve as the essential infrastructure, reducing highway congestion, lowering emissions, and providing one of the safest and most sustainable modes of freight transport, roles that INRD fulfills every day across its network. And whereas INRD has demonstrated a long standing commitment to community engagement and public service, most notably through its beloved annual Santa Train, which for decades has brought Santa Claus by train to rural communities along the railroads route, creating joy for thousands of family each holiday season.

And whereas the Indiana Railroad Company further strengthens Indiana community through its community grants program, supporting in school education initiatives, public safety projects, and other efforts that enhance quality of life across the region. And whereas, the fortieth anniversary of the Indiana Railroad Company represents not only a milestone in its proud history, but also an opportunity to honor its employees, past and present, whose dedication, professionalism, and pride in their work have made INRD a nationally respected railroad. Be it resolved by the City County Council of the City of Indianapolis and of Marion County, Indiana, section one, the Indianapolis City County Council proudly recognizes the Indiana Railroad Company on their fortieth anniversary. Section two, the council heartedly wishes the Indiana Railroad Company continued success. Section three, the mayor is invited to join this resolution by affixing his signature hereto.

Section four, this resolution shall be in full force and effect upon adoption and compliance with I c three six dash three dash four dash one four. This best solution was sponsored by councilor Jones and was passed by the city council the April 2026. And madam president, I so move.

The motion has been properly moved and second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed, same sign. The motion carries. Back to the speaker.

Thank you. And thank you, madam president. And may my guest have a few words? Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you very much. This is very meaningful recognition and for honoring the the Indian Railroad with this milestone. Forty years ago, the railroad began as an active belief, belief that a rail line slated for abandonment still mattered. And with the right vision and partnership, it could serve communities and create opportunity. Thanks to forward thinking public leadership and private investment, those tracks did not disappear.

Instead, they became the backbone of what is now one of the nation's most respected regional railroads. Today, the Indiana railroad supports good paying jobs, strengthens local industries, and connects Indiana communities to national and global markets. From rural towns to urban centers, we see firsthand how infrastructure decisions made decades ago continue to pay dividends for families, businesses, and local economies. Railroads are long term commitments, and so is good public policy. What started as a rescue of an abandoned asset is now a success story in economic development, sustainability, and community partnership. On behalf of the men and women of the Indiana Railroad, thank you for your leadership, your support, and for recognizing what can happen when we invest in in what connects us.

Thank you. Thank you. The next item item on our agenda is proposal number one zero nine introduced by councilor Cahill.

Thank you, madam president. The the team had some members that were still on Easter holiday break. And due to the the weather, we've already delayed this a couple times. In the interest of efficiency for the council, I would ask that we treat this as a pass across the desk resolution. This is recognizing for the benefit of my fellow councilors. Suburban Christian won the boys soccer team for the state championship with IACS last fall. I just wanna recognize their accomplishments. So with that, madam president, I so move.

Second. The motion has been properly moved and second. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Those opposed, same sign. The motion carries. Thank you so much, counselor. The next item item on our agenda is proposal number one. Refer to community affairs committee, chairwoman Brown.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal number one twenty twenty six reappoints Danielle Hines to the animal care services board. Miss Hines know is no longer available to serve and would like to be removed from consideration. The committee voted to withdraw proposal one number one twenty twenty six by a vote of five to nothing. I so move, madam

president. Motion's

been properly moved and second by consent. Do I have consent to withdraw proposal number one? Thank you. The next item cannot talk today. The next item on our agenda is proposal number 36. Refer to Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee Chairman O'Salley.

The proposal number 36 appoints Linda Osborne to the Greater Virginia Avenue Corridor Economic Improvement Board. The proposal passed out of committee by a vote of 12 to zero. And madam president, I so move.

The motion then properly moved and second. Are the comments from counselors? CNO, proceed to the board for our vote. The proposal carries 24 to zero. The next item on our agenda is proposal number 69. Refer to Metropolitan and Economic Development. Chairman Ossley.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal number 69 points Courtney Yarborough to the Board of Business and Neighborhood Services. The proposal passed out of the committee by a vote of 12 to zero. And, madam president, I so move.

Second. The motion's been properly moved and second. Are there comments from counselors? Seeing no, proceed to the board for our vote. Or not. The proposal carries 24 to zero. We'll now proceed to proposal number 71. Refer to admin and finance, chairman Muscaree.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal 71 approves the mayor's appointment of Shay Joyce to the deputy mayor for government affairs and operations. Pass out of committee nine zero. I so move.

Second.

The motion has been properly moved and second. Are there comments from counselors? Seeing them, we'll proceed to the board. Oops. I'm sorry. Councilor Delaney. I apologize.

Thank you, madam president. I just wanna recognize Shay Joy. She was my intern, I don't know, ten years ago, longer than that. And I couldn't be more proud of her and her abilities and skills to represent this city. And I'm honored to vote for her tonight.

Wonderful. The intern. Now we'll proceed to the board for our votes. The proposal carries 24 to zero. We'll proceed to proposal number 92, refer to rules and public policy. Vice president Barth.

Thank you, madam president. The rules and public policy committee of the city county council met on Tuesday, 03/17/2026 to consider proposal 92, which appoints Doran Doran Morlan as chief administrator, chief administrative officer, policy director for the city county council. The proposal passed eight to zero, and I so move.

The motion has been properly moved and second. Are there comments from counselors? CNN will proceed to the board for our vote. The proposal carries 24 to zero. We'll now proceed to introductions of proposals. Madam clerk?

Thank you, madam president. The following proposals were referred to the administration and finance committee. Proposal number ninety four two thousand twenty six introduced by councilor Muscari authorizes the Marion County treasurer's office to offer paperless e billing for property tax statements and at the taxpayer's request as required by IC six dash one one-twenty two-eighty one. The following proposals were referred to the committee affairs committee. Proposal number 96 introduced by counselor Ali Brown appoints Angela Hobson to the animal care services board.

The following proposals will refer to the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee. Proposal number 95 introduced by counselors Jesse Brown, Roberts, Evans, Allie Brown, and Jones approves a payment in lieu of taxes as provided in IC 30 six-three-two-twelve for TWG seven zero seven LP for an affordable housing project being financed in part with low income housing tax credits pursuing to section 42 of the internal revenue code of 1986 as amended known as 707 North Apartments consisting of 40 affordable housing units for low income residents on a parcel located at 707 East North Street, Council District 13. Proposal number 97 introduced by Council Robinson approves the statement of benefits of the of TH Heartland LLC and an applicant for tax abatement for a personal property located in an economic revitalization area. Proposal number 98 introduced by Councilor Robinson approves the statement of benefits of TAG Midwest Properties LLC, an applicant for tax abatement for real property located in an economic revitalization area. The following proposal was referred to Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee.

Proposal number ninety nine twenty twenty six introduced by councilor Robinson authorizing the city to advance the curfew hours to public safety curfew hours pursuant to IC 31 dash 37 dash three dash four and chapter three eighty one section one zero three through one zero five of the revised code. The following proposal was referred to public works committee. Proposal number 102,026 introduced by councilor Evans establishes the interest in the purchase of a specified land owned by Cloverleaf Baptist Church for the construction and maintenance of the Department of Public Works project number SY Dash23Dash008, the Mickley Avenue Detention Project. Proposal number one zero one two thousand twenty six introduced by Councilor Evans establishes the interest in purchase of a specified land owned by SCP two thousand twenty six dash C twenty three dash zero five three LLC, a CVS Corporation subsidiary for the construction and maintenance of the Department of Public Works project number STDash30Dash054, the West Washington Street reconstruction project. The following proposals were referred to the rules and public policy committee.

Proposal number 1022026 introduced by Councilor Lewis reappoints Kenneth Allen to the Indianapolis Commission of African American Males. Proposal number one zero three two thousand twenty six introduced by councilor Lewis reappoints Jeffrey Gaither Gaither to the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males. Proposal number 100 and four-twenty 26 introduced by Councilor Lewis reappoints Greg Porter to the Indianapolis Commission African American Males. Proposal number 100 and five-twenty 26 introduced by councilor Lewis reappoints Marshawn Wally to the Indianapolis Commission on African American males. Proposal number one zero seven introduced by councilor Lewis directs the rules and public policy committee to review and prepare a report pertaining to the fiscal impact statement associated with the collective bargaining agreement, the city of Indianapolis, Marion County, and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council nine six two, as the exclusive representative of the Indianapolis fire department.

Madam president, this concludes the introductions.

Thank you, madam clerk. We'll now proceed to special orders priority business. Proposals number one ten through one eighteen twenty twenty six are all rezoning that are certified to the council for approval by the Metropolitan Development Commission. If no one wishes to call down any of these proposals for public hearing, they will pass into law. Seeing none, they will pass into law. There is no business under special order public hearing. We'll proceed to special orders final adoption. Proposal number 40, refer to public safety and criminal justice committee. Vice chair Allen. Microphone.

I'm sorry. You, madam president. Proposal number forty twenty twenty six call for the public safety and criminal justice committee to accept the submission by the sheriff of the commissary fund report. The committee reviewed and accepted this report at our meeting on 03/17/2026. A copy of which is included in the minutes of the committee hearing and submitted to the clerk for inclusion in the councilor's journal of proceedings. No further action is required of of the council. Thank you, vice chair Allen. The report is accepted and submitted, and no further action is needed. We'll proceed to proposal number 68, refer to Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee. Chairman O'Sullivan.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal number 68 designates a portion of New York Street from East Street to College Avenue as the James t Kinley Memorial Way. The proposal passed out of committee by a vote of 12 to zero. And madam president, I so

move. Second.

The motion has been properly moved and seconded. Are there comments from counselors? CNN will proceed to the board for our vote. The proposal carries 24 to zero. The next item is proposal number 70, refer to Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee. Chairman O'Sullivan.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal number 70 directs the city county council to accept for the record the annual report submitted by the Woodrow Place Economic Improvement District as required by I c 36 dash seven dash 22 dash two, 21. The committee accepted the report, and there is no further action that, needs to be taken.

Thank you, mister chairman. The report is accepted as submitted, and no further action is needed. We'll proceed to proposal number 72. Refer to admin and finance committee. Chairman Muscarey.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal 72 determines the need for Marion County clerk's office to lease approximately 36,377 square feet of office space at 1330 South Madison Avenue. This passed out of committee nine zero. I so move.

The motion has been properly moved and second. Are there comments from counselors? CNO, proceed to the board for our vote. The proposal carries 24 to zero. The next item on our agenda is proposal number 76, refer to rules and public policy committee. Vice president Barth.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal number seventy six twenty twenty six called for the rules and public policy committee to review and prepare a report pertaining to the fiscal impact statement associated with the City of Indianapolis Marion County Union Agreement with the Teamsters Local one hundred thirty five as exclusive representatives of the Mayor's Action Center. The committee reviewed and accepted this report at our meeting on 03/17/2026, a copy of which is included in the minutes of the committee hearing and subject to the clerk and submitted to the clerk for inclusion in the council's journal of proceedings. No further action is required of the council.

Thank you, mister vice president. The report is accepted as submitted, and no further action is required. The next item item on our agenda is proposal number 93, refer to Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee. Chairman Ossley.

Thank you, madam president. Proposal number 93 approves a payment, in lieu of taxes, as provided in I c 36 dash three dash two dash 12 for an affordable housing project financed in part with low income housing tax credits pursuant to section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, known as the Grove At Pleasant Run consisting of a 160 affordable housing units for low income residents at 2852 East County Line Road in District 24. The proposal passed out of committee by a vote of 12 to zero. And, madam president, I so move.

Second. The motion has been properly moved and seconded. Are there other comments from counselors? CNM, proceed to the board for our vote. The proposal carries 24 to zero. There is no business under new business. We'll move forward with announcements and adjournment. The docket agenda of this meeting of the council having been completed. The chair will now entertain motions for adjournment.

Madam president.

The chair recognizes leader Maury.

Madam president, I have been asked off for the following motion for adjournment by all councilors in memory of Nathaniel Hearn, by all counselors in memory of Tim Joyce, by councilor Osely in memory of Lula Journey, Charles Williams, Jean Zink, Sarah Welner, Trini Rogers, Omintha Crow, and Geraldine Hawkins, by councilor Nielson, Ali Brown, and Osley, in memory of Phil Kenny, by councilor Roberts, in memory of David Hennessy, Jane Merritt, Eleanor Bobian, and Marion Hall, by councilors McCormack and Jones, in memory of Donald Reed. Madam president, I would like to offer the I would like to move the motion of this of this meeting the chairman of this meeting of the Indianapolis City County Council in recognition of and respect for the life and contributions of those persons I have here specifically named. I respectfully ask the support of fellow counselors. I further request that the motion be made part of the permanent records of this body and that a letter bearing the council seal and signature of the president be sent to the family of each person advising of this action.

Thank you, mister Leader. Hearing no further objection, the motion is received and request for so order. Hearing no further motions, we are adjourned.