Aldermen swear in new Mayor, continue controversial zoning decision to August, & more -

The first portion of the July 1, 2025, meeting of the New Albany Board of Aldermen saw the swearing into office of winners of the recent Municipal election. Newly elected Jeff Olson officially became the Mayor of New Albany, having handily defeated Tim Kent’s in his run for a sixth term. Will Tucker, Kevin Dale White, Keith Conlee and Parks Smith were sworn in, having retained their seats for another term. Drew Horn also retained his seat, but was absent from the meeting. Chief of Police Chris Robertson was also sworn in for another term. At the end of the July meeting, Will Tucker was elected to serve as Vice Mayor.

Bro. Chris Carter from First Methodist Church opened the agenda meeting with a prayer.

New Albany Light Gas and Water Chief Bill Mattox sought and received approval for several expenditures and other NALGW business items (listed on page 1 of the agenda above).

Billye Jean Stroud reported New Albany is on track to be the first trail town designated community in the state.

NAPD Chief Chris Robertson sought and received approval for a new hire.

Parks and Recreation director Chase Jeter reported an emergency purchase for an air conditioning unit for a concession stand ($5700 to Riddle Heating & Air).

NAFD Chief Mark Whiteside also requested and received approval for an emergency purchase for an air conditioning unit for Station 1, and the purchase of two new thermal imaging cameras (using just over $7000 from a left over from a FEMA grant and $3000 from the fire fund). The Chief also said the 6-month trial of giving firefighters 48 hours on and 96 hours off had been successful and that he planned to put it to a vote among the firefighters on whether to make the scheme permanent.

Building Inspector Eric Thomas reported two variances approved at the recent zoning meeting, a sign variance for Bodhi’s Bungalows at 430 Oak St., and another from New Albany Lodging LLC request to sub divide lot at 400 Hwy 30 West. Thomas also mentioned a request from TRY Properties for a group home at 609 Highland St., which was denied. TRY proprietor Terry Young, who was not present at the aldermen meeting, sought to appeal the zoning board’s ruling at the next Board of Aldermen meeting on August 5, 2025 and this was agreed.

Consent agenda and action agenda were all approved. Following the swearing in and the prayer, the board’s business was concluded in about 16 minutes.

The issue of a municipal storm shelter for New Albany was not addressed despite it being listed on the agenda.