Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues with low priority
Historic Preservation Commission re-appointment
Colt Sanders is scheduled for re-appointment to the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission, which reviews changes in the city's historic districts.
Lulu's Corner one-year anniversary
The commission plans to take part in Lulu's Corner's one-year anniversary on November 5, with comedy and magic shows planned.
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.
At-large commission vacancies
Three candidates — including a former member interested in returning — want an at-large seat on the commission. Names go to Mayor Gahan, who interviews and appoints.
Halloween trick-or-treat hours
The board recommends trick-or-treating from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween night this year.
Passing of longtime planner John Rosenbarker
The board acknowledged the deaths of John Rosenbarger, who worked for the city for 48 years, and Dennis Smith, who worked in traffic and the building department.
Maker 13 tenth anniversary and STEM funding request
Maker 13, a Jeffersonville maker space, asked the council to match a $5,000 STEM membership from other local councils and support its November 5 anniversary event to fund its maker mobile repairs.
Prime AE on-call engineering contract
The city keeps Prime AE (formerly JTL) on retainer for small engineering jobs — $30,000 a year, auto-renewing, with emergency work orders possible.
Culbertson Avenue road closure
SoIN Tourism asked for Culbertson Avenue to be closed on October 13, likely to accommodate a local event downtown.
Utility finances running strong
The sewer utility is bringing in about $100,000 more than it spends each month — over $700,000 banked this year — and is right on budget in every classification.
LED street light glare on Center Street
A new LED street light is shining directly into a family's bedroom windows. The board wants neighbor consensus before approving a shield or lower-wattage bulb — a template for how the city handles LED glare complaints.
Handicap parking removal at 1106 Beeler Street
The owner of 1106 Beeler Street asked to have the handicap space in front of his home removed, and the board agreed — the sign comes down.
Downtown event season
Two back-to-back downtown events got permits — the city's All Hallows Eve Celebration on October 24 and the Schmitt Furniture Birthday Bash on October 23, with street closures and a quick overnight teardown before Trunk Retreat.
Accessory structure size rules under review
Staff told the board they're still working on a formula — probably tied to lot size — for how big accessory buildings should be by right versus requiring a variance. Rural Chapel Lane keeps generating these cases, with four or five large-structure requests on that stretch alone.