Aldermen discuss possible use of golf carts in Downtown New Albany (October 6, 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

View a copy of the agenda here and watch a 42-minute video of the meeting below, courtesy of our videographer Kim Davis.

Departmental business

(Timestamp 1:45) Chase Jeter from Parks and Recreation addressed the board first since he had to attend a volleyball game that evening. Youth basketball registration is open through November 8. Jeter also sought and received approval to hire Payton Chism to fill a vacancy.

(2:40 – 7:00) Mayor Olson addressed Lights Gas & Water and Public Works items in place of NALG&W chief Bill Mattox and Will Denton who were on vacation. All items were approved as written on page 1 of the agenda.

(7:01) Billy Jean Stroud from Community Development reports tickets for Union County play are on sale and will take place at the theater from October 23rd to 25th. Gospel singer Jason Crabtree will perform November 12. The Best Christmas Pageant ever directed by elementary school teacher Victoria Brown will be on stage December 4th and 5th.

(8:30) Police Chief Chris Robertson sought and received approval to get an unmarked tag for his police vehicle and replacement tags for other NAPD vehicles. The Chief also reported there may be a change in the pricing for two Ford SUV Interceptors purchased under the DPS Leo grant with 50% matching. He said he would report back with the exact amount. The Leo grant applies only to the purchase of the vehicle, not the outfitting and decals.

Chief also sought approval for three new hires and these were approved.

(14:30) Fire Chief Mark Whiteside reported there had been an electrical issue at the Butler Hill repeater and transmitter. Approval was requested to cover emergency repair expenses in the amount of $5,270.22

Property adjudications

(17:12) Building Inspector Eric Thomas asked to change the rental restoration fee from $10 every two years to $1o annually. The board approved the request.

(19:00 – 26:00) Code enforcement officer Joey Watson took the podium for public hearings and adjudications on property condemnations.

806 Phyfer Street: Owned by a Mr. Garrett, who was not present. Slides show clutter all around the property. The board voted to give Mr. Garrett 30 days to clean in up, and if there is no progress, the city will be able to clean it.
512 Booker Street, 603 Baker Street and 511 Hopper Street (appears with a Watson St. address on the agenda): All managed by a Ms. Hooper who was not present. All three are vacant lots that are overgrown, and Mr. Watson was seeking permission for the city to mow them. The board voted to mow them immediately since there has been no recent contact with the property manager.
211 East Main Street: Public hearing to condemn the building was scheduled for October 6 but Watson asked to postpone it until next month’s meeting. The property has been foreclosed, and the real estate company says they’re going into contract this week. The parties are aware that the house needs to be demolished. The board agreed to postpone the hearing until next month when there will hopefully be more information.

Watson asked for a public hearing on adjudication for condemnation for 804 South Hilldale Drive to take place at the next aldermen meeting.

Golf cart use on roads

(26:00) The board and Chief Robertson then discussed the possibility of allowing golf carts to be driven on roads in town, provided they have the proper safety equipment (lights, seatbelts, etc.). Chief Robertson said he did not anticipate any issues with allowing them to be driven on local roads as long as they have the requisite safety equipment. State law prohibits golf carts on highways, which would exclude their use on Old 78/Bankhead St., Hwy 30, Hwy 15 and several other of the main arteries through town. However, Chief Robertson thought there could be some leeway to allow them at least on the downtown block of Bankhead St., but said that he would need to do some further research.

Ward 1 Alderman Parks Smith said that citizens had told him they would like to be access the downtown area via the Tanglewood Trail on their golf carts.

If the ordinance is approved, the board will publicize the requirements and where golf carts are and are not permitted. Members of the public who feel strongly about it one way or another should reach out to Mayor Olson or the aldermen. No action was taken at the October 6 Aldermen meeting.

The board then vote to adjourn until November 3, 2026.