Jerry Santen

The meeting addressed the second reading of Ordinance 202511B, a request to rezone approximately 45.15 acres from R3.5 to PU to PUD for a development by MI Homes. Key discussion points included consistency with comprehensive planning criteria, dedication of park space via a $500 per lot donation for capital improvements, and potential road connection to the Mount Vernon loop road. The council reviewed zoning commitments regarding rental restrictions, specifically prohibiting transient/hotel rentals (less than 30 days) and imposing a minimum 12-month holding period before a dwelling unit can be leased. The developer also committed to extending sidewalk connectivity, providing perimeter paths, and conducting a traffic impact analysis in January, with consideration for school traffic peak hours. Discussions also covered the proposed subdivision name ("Iron Brook" being considered over "Vernon Woods") and the inclusion of block cameras in the PUD.

The agenda for the meeting includes organization items such as roll call, pledge of allegiance, selection of the President, Vice President, and Secretary for 2026, and selection of a member for the Fortville Business Park Development Control Committee. New business features a discussion with Mark Dollase of Indiana Landmarks regarding options for the historic Ayers House. The agenda also covers a review of financials, approval of invoices from Reynolds Construction, and time allotted for public and board comments.

The Town Council meeting agenda includes several key items under Old Business concerning annexations: the Council will consider the adoption of Fiscal Plans and the second reading (adoption) of Ordinances related to the Singh-Wright-Petty Annexation (138.16 acres), the Huck Minor Subdivision Annexation (6.63 acres), and the Rice-Ross Annexation (0.06 acres). Additionally, the Council will consider the appointment of a resident to the Police Commission. New Business items include considering the appointment of a Citizen Member to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), the first reading of an Ordinance regarding Residential Rental Housing Registration & Inspections, and a presentation update on the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). Department reports will be presented by the Town Manager, Planning & Building, Parks & Recreation, Police, Clerk-Treasurer, and Legal.

The meeting commenced with roll call establishing a quorum and the subsequent organization of the council through the election of the President and Vice President. The agenda for the current meeting was approved. Key old business involved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-11A, which assigned zoning designations to the recently annexed Stokes property. This included discussing the plan commission's recommendation to consolidate parcels Z1 and Z2 into entirely Commercial Center (CC) zoning, which was ultimately approved. New business addressed appointments to the RDC for 2026, confirming incumbents and appointing two new members. Additionally, the council discussed the appointment for an open position on the Police Commission, focusing on a candidate whose external involvement raised potential conflict of interest concerns.

The council proclaimed November 2025 as Indiana Working Women's Recognition Month and discussed assigning zoning designations to the newly annexed Stokes property, including areas for light industrial, commercial use, multifamily housing, and residential development. They also reviewed a rough draft of the parks plan to be submitted to the DNR, covering capital improvement projects and priorities. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding crosswalks along Broadway and the need for additional signage to improve pedestrian safety.