City Council

City Council Agenda MEETING DATE: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM MEETING PLACE: City Hall, Council Chambers 101 W. Main Street, Madison, IN 47250 LIVE STREAM LINK: www.youtube.com/@CityofMadisonIndianaGovernment A. Lord’s Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance B. Calling of roll & notice of absentees C. Reading, approving, correcting, or disposing of minutes from prior meeting D. Presentation of petitions, memorials, remonstrances, introduction of motions, and guests • City Tree Board Urban Forestry Management Plan – Chairman Glen Schulte E. Resolution or Bills • Ordinance 2026-13C: Annexing Certain Parcels into the City of Madison (Sponsor- Schafer) (Super Voluntarily annexes approximately 23.16 acres to be known as Madison Woods.) • Ordinance 2026-14C: Annexing Certain Parcels into the City of Madison (Sponsor- Storm) (Super Voluntarily annexes approximately 80.54 acres known as Koehler Farms.) • Resolution 2026-8C: Fiscal Plan and Definite Policy for an Area Known as Annexation Territory in Ordinance No. 2026-13C and 2026-14C (Sponsors – Schafer & Storm) (Describes the limited fiscal impact from expanding the corporate boundaries.) • Resolution 2026-9C: Removing and Replacing Jim Bartlett as Common Council President Pro Tempore (Sponsor-Thevenow) • Resolution 2026-10C: Censuring Mayor Bob G. Courtney (Sponsor-Thevenow) F. Reports, recommendations, other business from standing/select committees of the city council • Appointment of Select Committee on Professional Conduct – Mayor Courtney G. Reports from City Officials • Grant Acceptance Bethany Legacy Foundation – Mayor Courtney H. Bills on second reading I. Miscellaneous J. Public comments (per sign-up sheet) K. Mayor’s comments L. Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall, Council Chambers M. Motion to adjourn City of Madison acknowledges its responsibility to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To assist individuals with disabilities who require special services (i.e. sign interpretative services, alternative audio/visual devices, etc.) for participation in or access to City sponsored public programs, services and/or meetings, the City requests that individuals make requests for these services forty-eight (48) hours ahead of the scheduled program, service and/or meeting. To plan, contact ADA Coordinator at 812-265-8300. Common Council Minutes MEETING DATE: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM MEETING PLACE: City Hall, 101 W. Main Street, Madison, IN 47250 The Common Council of the City of Madison, Indiana, met in regular session at 5:30 P.M. at City Hall, 101 W. Main Street, Madison, IN 47250. Mayor Bob Courtney opened the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Thevenow, Krebs, Wilber, Schafer, Dattilo, Storm, and Bartlett were present (7-0). Minutes: Schafer moved to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2026, regular meeting, seconded by Dattilo. All in favor, motion carried (7-0). Presentation of petitions, memorials, remonstrances, introduction of motion & guests: None. Resolutions or Bills: Resolution 2026-7C: Authorizing the Transfer of Interests in Real Estate to Madison Redevelopment Commission (Sp: Storm) (Transfers city’s interests in the coal lot at fair market value.) Mayor Courtney reminded the members of Council and the public of the rules and procedures of Council meetings, which are also referenced in Ordinance 2024-6, which was adopted by Council in October 2024. Motion: Storm moved to approve Resolution 2026-7C, seconded by Schafer. Motion: Councilmember Thevenow moved to amend Resolution 2026-7C by adding the following clause as number 2 and renumbering the existing numbers 2 and 3 as numbers 3 and 4: "The Madison Redevelopment Commission shall include a clause preventing any request for variances from zoning standards in Madison's Unified Development Ordinance as part of any agreement to transfer this property to a developer or other third party,” seconded by Wilber. Roll Call Vote re. Amendment: Thevenow – Y, Krebs – Y, Dattilo – N, Schafer – Y, Storm – Y, Bartlett – N, Wilber – Y. Majority rules, amendment passes (5-2). Roll Call Vote re. Amended Resolution 2026-7C: Thevenow – N, Krebs – N, Dattilo – Y, Schafer – Y, Storm – Y, Bartlett – Y, Wilber – Y. Majority rules, resolution passes (5-2). The following individuals voiced concerns regarding the resolution and outlined the reasons for their opposition: Robert Stacier, Randy Bellamy, Jan Vehtrus, Richard Ice, Warren Auxier, Judy Stacier, Shelley Murphy Smith, Kurt Jacobs, Gina Freeman, and Councilmember Thevenow. The following individuals spoke in support of the resolution and shared the reasons for their support: Champ Claussen, Kevin Kellums, Debbie Beemon, Lisa Ferguson, Councilmember Dattilo, and Councilmember Storm. Mayor Courtney corrected comments made by the public regarding the property and resolution. Reports, recommendations, and other business from standing/select committees of the city council: None. Reports from city officials: Vintage Lanes Liquor License Renewal – Emily McKinney: Vintage Lanes annual renewal application was presented. This renewal has been reviewed by the Economic and Redevelopment department and the Mayor’s Office, and they are recommending approval of the renewal. Motion: Thevenow moved to approve the Vintage Lanes Liquor License Renewal, seconded by Krebs. All in favor, motion carried (7-0). PACE Projects Overview – Brenna Haley: Brenna gave the Council and the public a detailed presentation regarding current and completed PACE Projects in Madison. The full presentation is available for review on the City of Madison YouTube channel. Vacant & Abandoned Structures Update – Duey O’Neal: Duey gave the Council and the public a detailed presentation regarding vacant and abandoned structures in Madison. The full presentation is available for review on the City of Madison YouTube channel. Bills on Second Reading: None. Public comment (per sign-up sheet): Warren Auxier, 3611 W. Ohio River Rd., expressed concerns regarding transparency related to the proposed riverfront project. Debbie Beemon, 709 Walnut St., spoke about concerns involving blighted but occupied properties. Randy Bellamy reiterated his opposition to Resolution 2026-7C. Jan Vehtrus commented on the PACE program, discussing ways to maintain its progress while addressing abandoned houses. Gina Freeman suggested demolishing Presidential Estates to allow for new housing development. Shelley Murphy Smith expressed appreciation for the PACE program, recommended amendments for individuals purchasing properties for rehabilitation and resale, and voiced disappointment with the Council's vote on Resolution 2026-7C. Angie and Kevin Williams, 1117 W. Main St., addressed concerns regarding a recent property and liability dispute involving Councilman Thevenow following a significant storm. Mayor’s comments: At the next meeting, the Mayor will appoint a select committee to review and make recommendations for professional conduct for Councilmembers. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 5:30 pm. Adjourn: Krebs moved to adjourn, seconded by Dattilo. Majority in favor (6-1). Attested: Mayor President Pro Tempore Shirley Rynearson, Clerk-Treasurer Urban Forestry Management Plan for Madison, Indiana I. Executive Summary Purpose: The purpose of this Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) is to develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy for managing Madison’s urban forest. Vision Statement: To cultivate a resilient, diverse, and equitable urban canopy that honors Madison’s historic legacy, protects our riverfront ecosystem, and enhances the health and prosperity of all residents. Goals for 2026 - 2031: 1. Increase canopy cover from 34.8% to 40% by 2036. 2. Enhance tree health and biodiversity. Implement a 5-year cycle for risk assessment and pruning of all street trees. 3. Engage the community in urban forestry e orts. Enhance historic aesthetic by preserving the Legacy and canopy trees that de ne the aesthetic of the Historic District whenever possible. 4. Address climate change impacts on the urban forest. 5. Improve the city’s resilience to storms, pests, and diseases. 6. Promote equitable distribution by prioritizing new plantings in the underplanted areas of downtown such as the Georgetown and West Third Street areas. II. Introduction City Overview: Madison, located along the Ohio River in Je erson County, Indiana, has a population of approximately 12,000. Its historic downtown and scenic views of the river make it a unique urban area with a variety of native and non-native tree species. Importance of Urban Forestry: Urban trees provide numerous bene ts, including stormwater management, temperature regulation, wildlife habitat, and enhanced quality of life for residents. fi ff ff fi III. Inventory and Assessment of Existing Urban Forest Tree Canopy Cover: Conduct a canopy cover assessment to determine the current percentage of tree cover within the city. This can be done using aerial imagery or remote sensing technology. Species Composition: Identify and catalog the species currently in the urban forest, noting their diversity, age structure, and health. Tree Health and Condition: Perform tree inspections across the city to assess the overall health of the trees, including diseases, pests, structural damage, and any other concerns. Key Areas of Focus: 1. Downtown Historic District 2. Riverfront Areas 3. Parks and Green Spaces (e.g., Bicentennial Park) IV. Goals and Objectives 1. Increase Tree Canopy Cover: Look into how to assess canopy cover. a. Target: Increase canopy cover by X% over the next X years (e.g., 5% in the next 10 years). How do we acquire hard data? Strategies: * Plant trees in underserved areas such as west Third Street and the Georgetown District.. * Prioritize planting native species to maintain biodiversity and reduce maintenance. * Enhance green spaces and medians with additional tree planting. 2. Improve Tree Health and Diversity: Strategies: * Remove and replace diseased or hazardous trees on a one for one basis. * Implement a pest and disease monitoring system. * Promote diversity in species planting to avoid susceptibility to pests like the emerald ash borer. * Follow the 10-20-30 Rule. No more than 10% of any single species, 20% of one genus, or 30% of one family. * Create a native Focus: Prioritize native Indiana species such as bur oak, tulip tree, and Kentucky co eetree to support local pollinators. * Within the historic district use smaller, ornamental natives like serviceberry or redbud under utility lines to maintain the "human scale" of historic streets. 3. Community Engagement and Education: Strategies: * Increase communication with residents about tree removal, pruning, and planting. * Create programs that celebrate and educate about signi cant and native trees. ff fi  * Educate residents on the importance of tree diversity, maintaining a healthy urban canopy, and the economic value of city trees. 4. Mitigate Climate Change and Improve Resilience: Strategies: * Promote the planting of climate-adapted species. * Utilize green infrastructure (e.g., trees in parking lots and along streets) to absorb stormwater and reduce urban heat islands. * Develop a tree replacement plan for trees a ected by climate change. 5. Tree Maintenance and Management: Strategies: * Establish a regular tree inspection and maintenance schedule. Initiate a hazardous tree assessment to identify trees in need of immediate removal or pruning, or removal during the next 5 years * Implement a pruning program to maintain tree health and safety. * Integrate technology to track tree health and plan for future care. V. Management Strategies Urban Forest Governance: 1. Leadership: The UFMP should be overseen by the City Tree Board and the Mayors executive departments consisting of Streets and Parks, with collaboration from local environmental organizations, community groups, and utility companies. 2. Funding: Identify potential sources of funding, such as grants from the USDA Forest Service, local businesses, and private donations. 3. Tree Planting and Maintenance: a. Planting Plan: Include an inventory of spaces that need additional tree cover, prioritizing areas of opportunity such as like streetscapes, parks, and community centers. b. Pruning and Removal: Regularly prune trees to prevent damage from storm events and ensure public safety. Trees that are dead or diseased should be removed in a timely manner to prevent spread. c. Future Planning - Identify trees that area aging out and develop a timeline for replacement. Stopped revisions here at March 2026 meeting. Pest and Disease Management: Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) system to identify and treat issues like the Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, or other emerging threats. Based on current Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Purdue Extension reports, here are the pests to be watching for: 1. The High-Alert “Invaders" - These are non-native species that are actively expanding their range into southern Indiana. Spotted Lantern y: This is currently the #1 priority. Asian Longhorned Beetle: While not yet o cially con rmed in Indiana, it is present in fi ff ffi fl  neighboring states (like Ohio). It is a major threat to maple, birch, and elm trees. Box Tree Moth 2. Established Threats (Persistent Presence) These pests are already in Madison but require active management to prevent damage: Emerald Ash Borer: If you have ash trees that haven't been treated, they are at extreme risk of canopy dieback this year. Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth): Continues to threaten hardwood forests in southern Indiana. Stormwater Management: Strategically place trees in ood-prone areas and along waterways to reduce surface runo , manage erosion, and improve water quality. Storm Response: Prepare a protocol for responding to storm damage, including a list of high-risk trees and resources for quick removal or pruning. VI. Community Involvement and Education Public Engagement: * Provide educational materials on tree care, climate change, and the importance of urban trees. * Legacy Tree Program: Formalize the recognition of historic "Legacy Trees" with plaques and digital storytelling. * Johnson Lake Park "Showcase Forests": Use the current plantings Johnson Lake Park as areas for residents to see and be informed on mature native species. * Arbor Day Celebrations: Maintain "Tree City USA" status through annual City Tree Board: Maintain a committee to provide ongoing feedback and input into tree management decisions. VII. Monitoring and Evaluation Progress Tracking: Establish baseline data on canopy cover, species composition, and tree health to track progress toward the goals. Regular Updates: Review and update the UFMP every 3-5 years, or as needed, to ensure it re ects the latest data and community needs. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): fl fl ff  * Increase in canopy cover. * Number of trees planted and replaced. * Health improvement of urban trees (e.g., reduction in pest or disease problems). * Public participation and attendance in/at tree related events and areas. VIII. Conclusion This UFMP will serve as a guiding document for managing and enhancing Madison’s urban forest. It will help ensure that the city’s tree canopy thrives for generations to come, improving the quality of life for all residents, supporting biodiversity, and creating a more resilient urban environment. Additional Considerations: 1. Stakeholder Engagement: Work with local utility companies, environmental groups, and the community to ensure broad support for the plan. 2. Climate Resilience: Consider future climate projections to ensure that the urban forest is prepared for changing conditions (e.g., hotter summers, more intense storms). 3. Partnerships: Explore partnerships with local schools, businesses, and nonpro ts to support tree planting and maintenance activities. fi  (Sponsor: Thevenow) ______________________________ Councilman ______________________________ Bob G. Courtney, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Shirley Rynearson, Clerk-Treasurer (Sponsor: Thevenow)  DULY PASSED on this ______ day of ___________, 2026, by the Common Council of the City of Madison, Indiana. ______________________________ Councilman ______________________________ Bob G. Courtney, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Shirley Rynearson, Clerk-Treasurer  GRANT AWARD LETTER July 15, 2026 Bob G. Courtney Mayor City Of Madison 101 W. Main Street Madison IN 47250 Dear Bob G. Courtney, Congratulations! On behalf of Bethany Legacy Foundation, it is my pleasure to inform you that we will be awarding your organization a grant of $500,000.00. By accepting/utilizing these funds, you and your organization agree to meet the specifications of the request and use the funds for the purpose outlined below: Project Name: City of Madison Park Investment Project Purpose: Parks and Recreation updates downtown (2026: $250,000) and on the hilltop (2027: $250,000). Payment Schedule: via ACH over two (2) years (2026: $250,000, 2027: $250,000) Contingencies: N/A Through the award of this grant, we hope to form a partnership wherein we provide support to your organization/project and in turn learn more about the needs of the population you serve. We always welcome stories, feedback and candid lessons learned at any time. To ensure the smooth administration of this grant, please refer to the email this letter is attached to for next steps. We are delighted to support this important organization and your service to the residents of Jefferson County. Thank you for your great work! Dora Anim President & CEO 812.916.4390 bethanylegacy.org P.O. Box 472 | Madison, IN 47250  Bethany Legacy Foundation Grant Agreement 7/15/2026 Bethany Legacy Foundation (“BLF”) is pleased to enter into the Grant Agreement described below with City Of Madison (“Grantee”) subject to the following General Conditions and Special Conditions: Amount and Record Keeping: The total project grant award is $500,000.00. The Grantee agrees to maintain accounting records, receipts and disbursements from the grant using generally accepted accounting procedures where transactions are easily and readily identifiable. The records that document the use of funds will be retained by the Grantee for at least five (5) years electronically after the grant award. Purpose: BLF agrees for the grant award to be used for "City of Madison Park Investment" for the purposes described in the Grant Award Letter. Written approval by BLF is required prior to any changes to the scope or purpose. Failure to obtain prior authorization may result in suspension of the award or a request for repayment of the grant to BLF. Term and Disbursement Schedule: The grant payment will be made by BLF in the amount of $500,000.00 via ACH over two (2) years (2026: $250,000, 2027: $250,000). The award is to be used within approximately 12 months of the award date (i.e. the date funding is received by the Grantee). Multi-year grants are to be used within the timeframe of the grant award. Contingencies: N/A Reporting: The Grantee is responsible for submitting a final report to BLF reflecting on the impact of the grant. If the grant is a multi-year grant, the grantee will be asked to submit a report annually. The submission of additional stories, photos, and testimonials is encouraged. Grantee Status: The Grantee shall give immediate notice to BLF of every change in such status declared in the application, that it is a government entity and is exempt from federal taxation. Marketing and Publicity: BLF will be given advance notice via email (marketing@bethanylegacy.org) for any public announcement, promotional materials, or public acknowledgments regarding the Grant. Limitation of Liability: BLF shall not be liable to the Grantee for any consequential, indirect, incidental, punitive, injuries, or special damages, of any kind or character, including loss of revenue or profits, failure to realize savings or other benefits, loss of data or use, and claims by any third person, with respect to the subject matter of this agreement. Termination: BLF may withhold any undisbursed portion of the grant in the event the Grantee fails to comply with this agreement. Prior to withholding a payment, BLF shall provide written notice and the Grantee will have thirty (30) days to cure the breach. BETHANY LEGACY FOUNDATION, INC. Dora Anim, President and CEO City Of Madison Signature: _______________________________________________________ Printed Name: ____________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________________