Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in water utilities with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.