Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
27 issues in water utilities
Oak Street sewer main replacement delay
The 24-inch sewer main replacement on Oak Street slowed after crews hit an unmapped water main. Indiana American Water's contractor is relocating it in conjunction with the sewer and storm work, with resumption expected around next Thursday.
UV project fund shortfall and $141,824.91 transfer
The Sewer Board was scheduled to act on a contractor payment for the UV Disinfection Improvements project, work that upgrades how the utility disinfects wastewater. Paying the contractor keeps the project moving.
Wastewater campus modernization project contracts
The sewer board hired an engineering and design team for the big plant campus modernization project — Clark Dietz as lead engineers, TowerPinkster on architecture, plus surveying and geotechnical testing. Work starts this month and includes road and sidewalk improvements at the plant's main entrance.
Ditch repair behind apartment complex
An apartment developer had filled in a drainage ditch, and residents' yards were flooding. The stormwater department had contractors re-bridge the ditch, which should fix the problem.
Cherokee Drive closure for water leak repair
CenterPoint needs to close Cherokee Drive at Grant Line for a day to dig up a leak in the crosswalk, with a detour via Navajo and Wahoo. Two residents at the dead end must be notified.
New water main on E. 14th, Grant and E. 15th Streets
Indiana American Water is replacing an aging, break-prone water main, with no parking along the route for about four weeks starting around October 9 or 12. Residents face a one-day water shutoff when the new main is connected.
Downtown fiber optic expansion
AT&T is replacing copper with fiber across downtown New Albany, running new aerial and underground lines through alleys and along decorated Main Street. The board secured commitments on restoration standards and a post-festival start date.
Duke Energy transformer upgrade at 1920 Indiana Ave. / 2401 Fairmount Ave.
Duke is replacing nine poles and upsizing wire along Spickert Knob Road starting January 2027 — about three months of work with flaggers on hand. It's a reliability project meant to cut outages.
Lynn Court water main replacement
A long-delayed water main replacement on Lynn Court got the green light since it now falls outside the utility and paving policies — work could start next week.
Utility pole replacement on Spickert Knob Road
CenterPoint Energy and Duke Energy both had work requests before the board — a new gas line on Mt. Tabor Road, an emergency gas main repair on Grant Line Road, and Duke pole replacements at E. Main and 13th. These approvals affect how quickly utility work can proceed in residents' neighborhoods.
Citywide water system repairs
Indiana American Water needed an emergency repair permit for a water main break at Green Valley Road and Knable Lane/Martin Drive. Main breaks like this can disrupt water service and cause street damage.
Sewer Cleaning Combination Truck Purchase
Quotes for a sewer cleaning combination truck were to be reviewed — the heavy equipment crews use to clear and maintain sewer lines citywide.
Stormwater operations and inspection updates
Dickey is working with the administration on a stormwater presentation expected by the next meeting, and budget hearing scheduling with the clerk's office is underway. September's tight meeting calendar may compress business.
Flood Control District Leadership
The levee's pipes are about 76 years old and federal rules require a camera inspection every five years. The board approved the inspection agreement to stay in good standing with the Army Corps and the federal flood insurance program.
Failing pipe head wall behind Greenway Commons
A pipe and head wall behind Greenway Commons is eroding and sinking out of alignment, which would keep water from clearing properly in a major flood. The board approved an HMB contract to replace it before flood season.
Shelley Street waterline project
A new 1,300-foot waterline is going in, requiring brief closures of Shelby/Thomas and an alley to pull pipe. Residents may see 4-6 hour water shutoffs when connections are made, with advance notice.
Wastewater Utility Monthly Report Summary for April 2026
Mike Wallace was scheduled to walk the Board through the wastewater utility's monthly report summary for December 2025, covering system operations and performance.
Village Pine Drive basement flooding and creek maintenance
A recent storm officials called a thousand-year event overwhelmed city drains, and council members asked for notes on problem areas and a stormwater department update at a future meeting.
Pearl Street gas main replacement
A new water main is going in along Shelby Street near the middle school, with crews racing an August 4th school deadline. One side of the street will lose parking at a time while the work happens, and residents get door hanger notices.
Manhole lining project in the east end
The city has contracted BLD Services to line 22 manholes on the east side of town starting Monday. No road closures — just flaggers at seven spots.
CenterPoint Energy gas service work at 1818 Conservative Street
CenterPoint Energy sought an encroachment permit to retire an old gas service line and install a new one at 1818 Conservative Street, which involves work in the public right-of-way.
Knobs Landing sewer capacity
A 124-unit apartment project off Old Vincennes Road got its sewer capacity certification, but staff said the basin will be at capacity once it's built. Future growth in that area will have to divert to a 12-inch main across the road.
Residential leak adjustments
The Bellwood Owners Organization had a sewer adjustment request on the board's agenda. Sewer adjustments can change how sewer charges are handled for the affected properties.
Utility's first electric pickup truck
The sewer utility bought a 2026 Chevy Silverado EV for $49,842.50, trading in a 2014 F150. Staff will compare fuel and maintenance costs against a gas truck after a year.
24-inch Force Main Relocation at Public Works Facility
About 670 feet of 24-inch ductile iron sewer main had to be rerouted at the public works facility. The board hired Clark Dietz to observe construction, with material already ordered and work starting within weeks.
Utility and right-of-way permits
CenterPoint, Indiana American Water, and Duke Energy all sought permission to work in city rights-of-way — from gas service changes at 306 Bank Street to burying overhead power lines in the Lynnwood/Millerwood area.
1308 Ridgeway Ave. sewer replacement (Project PR 012102025)
A sewer replacement project at 1308 Ridgeway Ave. was on the board's bids/contracts agenda. Sewer replacements can affect neighboring properties and service reliability in the area.