Russ Whelan

The Board of Zoning Appeals convened a meeting, establishing a quorum and reviewing agenda amendments. The primary discussion item was new business concerning a petition filed by Mccuri with Coastal Sign Services, Inc. on behalf of Wawwa at 7317 Apple Lane for additional signage, which required a variance as it exceeded the standard allotment of one wall sign and one monument sign under the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The petitioner argued that the additional signage was necessary for wayfinding, safety, and to support branding standards, particularly given the location's access constraints from I65 and US 60. The town staff indicated no objection to the applicant adhering to their brand standards seen at other locations. The board members voted in favor of the variance request based on the three criteria outlined in IC 36-7-4-918.5, which concerned potential injury to adjacent properties, impact on property use/value, and practical difficulties due to strict application of the ordinance.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda itself and the approval of allowance claims, both passing with a 4-0 vote. The board encountered a minor issue with the minutes, as the November minutes were presented instead of the expected December minutes, which were noted to have been sent electronically. Significant discussion focused on the role of the Park Superintendent, including the status of the position being unpaid as of year-end, and the need to workshop and define a new job description. The board considered outsourcing pool management to a company, necessitating a decision on whether the Superintendent would oversee that contract or if the role's focus would shift to fundraising, sponsorship, and community events planning. The board also deferred discussion on the Kentucky pool management proposal, planning a future session with the proposing party. Finally, the board amended the agenda to discuss the 2026 board structure and proceeded to elect leadership, nominating a President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President.

The meeting covered discussions on Old Business, specifically a petition to replat the St. Joe's Place Subdivision from seven lots to fourteen, which was tabled until November. Under New Business, the commission voted to retain the services of Alex Gaddis with the law firm Frank and Pitt.

The meeting commenced with a call to order for the Unsafe Building Authority. An agenda amendment was approved to include discussion regarding a contract for services with Pitt and Frank related to continued litigation. Old business included a discussion on 1602 Greenwood Road concerning visible trash accumulation and a complaint about burning debris; action was taken to address the issues verbally and file an online complaint, though the status of a disabled vehicle remained unresolved. The matter of 225 Indiana Avenue concerning an unsafe fence was discussed, with debate on whether it constitutes a justifiable unsafe condition or a civil matter between property owners. The board also planned to enter an executive session following the public portion of the meeting.

The Town Council meeting addressed the renewal of the 2026 liability insurance policies, covering commercial packages, workers' compensation, and cyber liability. The workers' compensation premium decreased significantly due to an improved experience modification factor of 0.79. The council also held a public hearing and passed an ordinance regarding an additional appropriation of $5,000 for a police pension for a widow, funded from the general fund, water utilities, and sewer utilities. Furthermore, the council adopted an ordinance to extend the moratorium on multifamily unit development for another year while the planning commission continues its study. Finally, all existing appointments to the 2026 Redevelopment Commission were approved to continue their service.