Aldermen review more properties for clean up and set further public hearings (9.1.2026)

Seated left to right:

• Franita Farr – Ward 3
• Parks Smith – Ward 1
• Drew Horn – Ward 2
• Keith Conlee – Alderman at Large
• Will Tucker – Ward 4
• Jeff Olson – Mayor
• Megan Kirk – City Clerk
• Regan Russell – City Attorney

You can view a copy of the agenda by clicking here (page 1) (page 2) and watch a 33-minute video of the meeting below, courtesy of our videographer Kim Davis.

 

Budget

(Timestamp 1:26) Mayor Olson invited the public to pose any questions about the city budget but none came forward. Copies of the budget were available at the meeting. Olson also said that following the enormous costs following the ice storm earlier this year, the city would start setting aside cash for a reserve fund to deal with any such disasters in future.

Departmental business

(3:40) Bill Mattox from Lights Gas & Water had several items to present. These are detailed in page 1 of the agenda.

(7:30) Billy Jean Stroud from Community Development told the board that the community theater will have a Christmas program directed by Victoria Brown, an elementary school teacher. Tryouts will take place on October 3 for roles for both adults and children.

(9:00) Jill Smith from the Union County Heritage Museum said they had obtained a grant for prizes for the literary fest. The museum will host a mystery dinner theater on November 6 and 7 in partnership with the Blue Mountain Christian University theater players. The play centers on the circumstances surrounding the death of Paul Rainey.

The literary luncheon will take place on September 25 (Faulkner’s birthday). Entries came from 43 states and 13 countries

Police Department

(11:10) New Albany Police Department Chief Chris Robertson says the department wants to purchase 6 new walkie talkies and two charging stations costing a total of $14,258.94. The purchase is funded by tickets and fines assessed through the municipal court.

Chief Robertson also sought and received approval to hire Eric Welch and Eli Russell. Both are Union County residents. Welch is a certified police officer who has lived in New Albany for about 10 years. Russell was also born and raised in the community but will have to attend the academy in order to be hired.

Items 3 and 4 were tabled but the Chief introduced an item that had cropped up the day of the meeting that was too late to get on the agenda. The 2026-2027 DPS Leo grant was approved. This is a 50% match grant. NAPD was requesting 6 ballistic vests and two 2026 Ford SUV Interceptors. The grant request was $101,416 and the reimbursement is $50,708.

(16:15) Chase Jeter from Parks and Recreation updated the board on several sporting events underway. Mayor Olson congratulated Jeter and his team for the success of the recent tennis tournament.

Building Inspector

(17:35) Building Inspector Eric Thomas took the podium. The first item (which does not appear on the agenda) was a public hearing and vote to rezone 503 Hwy 30 West from SN8 to SN5. There were no comments and rezoning was approved.

(19:20) Thomas requested to condemn 211 East Main St. Letters have been sent to the owner and mortgage holder and have received no reply. Thomas has been in communication with a property maintenance company. There was someone interested in buying the property but that has not gone through. The board approved the request to condemn the property.

Code Enforcement (updates on property clean ups discussed at August meetings)

(21:25) Code Enforcement Officer Joey Watson addressed updates on properties with adjudications at the previous aldermen meeting. First was 500 Clarke Street, owned by a Ms. King, which requires a property clean-up. Ms. King has continued to make progress despite recurring health issues. Ward 3 Alderwoman Franita Farr said neighbors are still complaining about the state of the yard but affirmed that Ms. King is making effort. So far Ms. King has not accepted assistance offered by the city. The board decided to approve a property clean up, but Mr. Watson will continue working with Ms. King and provide assistance if she will accept it.

(24:55) Next was 118 Tate Drive owned by a Mr. Clayton, and lived in by a rent-paying tenant, a Mr. Allen. The yard had become cluttered with Mr. Allen’s belongings. There had been no change in the condition since last month’s meeting. Mr. Clayton has now begun eviction proceedings against Mr. Allen. The eviction process has now begun. The board took a similar action as with the Clarke St. property, approving a clean-up to enable the city to go in and clean the property up if necessary.

(26:00) Next was 706 Shady Grove, owned by a Mrs. Cooper. There had been vast improvement since the last meeting so the board took no further action. Mr. Watson will continue working with the owners.

Hearings for new adjudications on property cleanups

(26:50) Watson put up photos of the property at 201 Sycamore Drive for adjudication. The board voted to approve a condemnation so that city can move in to clean up the property in 30 days if needed.

(29:00) Next was 204 Hwy 15 South. Mr. Watson said he’d been confronting the situation here for at least a year and the clutter has steadily gotten worse. The board again voted to condemn and clean up in 30 days if no progress is made.

Public hearings were set for October 6 for properties at:

• 806 Phyfer St.
• 512 Booker St.
• 603 Baker St.
• 511 Hopper St.

The board then concluded with the consent agenda and entered executive session. Next alderman meeting will be October 6, 2026.