Meeting documents · Common Council
Common Council agenda & minutes — February 17, 2026
February 17, 2026 · 6 pages
This text was read off the city’s scanned PDF by optical character recognition. It will contain misreadings — names and numbers especially. The original scan is the record — read it here ↗
===== page 1 ===== MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA ey PRESIDENT - BRIAN COWGILL VICE PRESIDENT - ERIKA DEVINE Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITVof MARION Date: February 17, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL Time: 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER PRAYER: Council President Brian Cowgill PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilman Mike Cline ROLL CALL RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: Esther Williams, Administrative Assistant to Mayor Ronald Morrell CONSENT AGENDA: A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 B. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS C. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS Additional Appropriation 01-2026- Marion Arts Commission An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission. Speaking: City Controller Dana Gault Executive summary: Mayor Morrell continues to collaborate with Marion Arts Commission (MAC) for dedicated Arts District in Marion, MAC is taking the lead in show casing and elevating the arts within the community. This partnership underscores the city’s commitment to cultural enrichment and economic development. NEW BUSINESS General Ordinance 02-2026- Ordinance amending council rules-1st reading An ordinance amending the rules for the common council. Speaking: Council President Brian Cowgill Executive summary: An ordinance amending the rules changing the deadline time and the process for vetoes. ANNOUNCEMENTS Cover letters and resumes for the Grant County Visitors Bureau will be accepted until February 26, 2026 at noon. ===== page 2 ===== REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL -~ FEBRUARY 17, 2026 ~ 7:00 P.M. —- CITY HALL The Common Council of the City of Marion, Indiana met in a regular session on TUESDAY, the 17th day of February 2026, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. On the call of the roll the members were shown to be absent or present as follows: Present: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Absent: Prayer: Council President Brian Cowgill Pledge of Allegiance: Councilman Mike Cline SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: Esther Williams- Administrative Assistant to Mayor Morrell e Brian Cowgill introduces Esther Williams, the administrative assistant to Mayor Morrell. e Keenan Davis, COO of Marion, praises Esther's professionalism and dedication. ¢ Mayor Ronald Morrell expresses his gratitude for Esther's support and organization skills. e Esther Williams thanks everyone and expresses her appreciation for the opportunity to work with the city. CONSENT AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 17th preapproved claims and claims for FEBRUARY 17th 2026, President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the consent agenda for February 17, 2026. Motion to approve the consent agenda for February 17, 2026- Cline, second Brunner. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. COMMITTEE REPORTS e Gary Fordyce reports on the airport upgrades, including the grading and drainage starting soon and the jet fuel tank delivery in May. e Gary Fordyce mentions the additional appropriation of $83,248.65 for the jet fuel tank and the need to reappropriate the funds. e Gary Fordyce highlights the expansion plans, including four new unit hangers and a student program with Indiana Wesleyan and Marion High School. e¢ Erika Devine provides updates from the utility board meeting, discussing financials, budgeting, and a possible rate increase. e Erika Devine mentions the CSO denying project and the board's discussion on document management. e Erika Devine notes that the Board of Works meeting was held that morning, but she did not attend. ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 1-2026- Marion Arts Commission An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission. e Brian Cowgill discusses the need to move an ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission to the March 3 meeting due to a missed deadline. Motion to move Additional Appropriation 1-2026 to March 3, 2026- Cline, second Cain. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: None. Motion passes. ===== page 3 ===== GENERAL ORDINANCE 02-2026- Amending the council rules 1° reading An ordinance amending the rules for the common council. e¢ Brian Cowgill introduces General Ordinance 2-2026, which amends the rules for the Common Council agenda and veto process. e The ordinance changes the deadline for agenda submissions to 2 PM and automatically places vetoed items on the next agenda. Motion to pass General Ordinance 02-2026 to second reading public hearing- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. ANNOUNCEMENTS Brian Cowgill announces cover letters and resumes for the Grant County Visitor’s Bureau are due February 26, 2026 at noon. Brian Cowgill discusses the 50/50 program for sidewalk repairs and encourages citizens to call Mike Graft to participate. Gary Fordyce provides updates on the Marion Utilities meeting, including information on frozen water meters and drip adjustments. Gary Fordyce states the water department will pay for one meter if it freezes but the homeowner will be responsible any replacements after that. The cost to replace the meters will be $386. Mayor Ronald Morrell introduces the 2026 Youth Council, explaining their role in engaging loca! government and learning about city operations. The youth council members express their interest in the initiative and their desire to contribute to the community, Brian Cowgill thanks the youth council members for their participation and involvement. Councilman Brunner inquires about the replacement process for Nick McKinley, and Brian Cowgill explains the caucus process. The deadline for the caucus is set for 72 hours prior to the 28th at 9 AM. Motion to adjourn: Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. La urned at 7:30 pm. Brian Cowgill-Presiden ===== page 4 ===== MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA ey PRESIDENT - BRIAN COWGILL VICE PRESIDENT - ERIKA DEVINE Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITVof MARION Date: February 17, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL Time: 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER PRAYER: Council President Brian Cowgill PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilman Mike Cline ROLL CALL RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: Esther Williams, Administrative Assistant to Mayor Ronald Morrell CONSENT AGENDA: A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 B. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS C. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS Additional Appropriation 01-2026- Marion Arts Commission An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission. Speaking: City Controller Dana Gault Executive summary: Mayor Morrell continues to collaborate with Marion Arts Commission (MAC) for dedicated Arts District in Marion, MAC is taking the lead in show casing and elevating the arts within the community. This partnership underscores the city’s commitment to cultural enrichment and economic development. NEW BUSINESS General Ordinance 02-2026- Ordinance amending council rules-1st reading An ordinance amending the rules for the common council. Speaking: Council President Brian Cowgill Executive summary: An ordinance amending the rules changing the deadline time and the process for vetoes. ANNOUNCEMENTS Cover letters and resumes for the Grant County Visitors Bureau will be accepted until February 26, 2026 at noon. ===== page 5 ===== REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL -~ FEBRUARY 17, 2026 ~ 7:00 P.M. —- CITY HALL The Common Council of the City of Marion, Indiana met in a regular session on TUESDAY, the 17th day of February 2026, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. On the call of the roll the members were shown to be absent or present as follows: Present: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Absent: Prayer: Council President Brian Cowgill Pledge of Allegiance: Councilman Mike Cline SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: Esther Williams- Administrative Assistant to Mayor Morrell e Brian Cowgill introduces Esther Williams, the administrative assistant to Mayor Morrell. e Keenan Davis, COO of Marion, praises Esther's professionalism and dedication. ¢ Mayor Ronald Morrell expresses his gratitude for Esther's support and organization skills. e Esther Williams thanks everyone and expresses her appreciation for the opportunity to work with the city. CONSENT AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 17th preapproved claims and claims for FEBRUARY 17th 2026, President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the consent agenda for February 17, 2026. Motion to approve the consent agenda for February 17, 2026- Cline, second Brunner. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. COMMITTEE REPORTS e Gary Fordyce reports on the airport upgrades, including the grading and drainage starting soon and the jet fuel tank delivery in May. e Gary Fordyce mentions the additional appropriation of $83,248.65 for the jet fuel tank and the need to reappropriate the funds. e Gary Fordyce highlights the expansion plans, including four new unit hangers and a student program with Indiana Wesleyan and Marion High School. e¢ Erika Devine provides updates from the utility board meeting, discussing financials, budgeting, and a possible rate increase. e Erika Devine mentions the CSO denying project and the board's discussion on document management. e Erika Devine notes that the Board of Works meeting was held that morning, but she did not attend. ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 1-2026- Marion Arts Commission An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission. e Brian Cowgill discusses the need to move an ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission to the March 3 meeting due to a missed deadline. Motion to move Additional Appropriation 1-2026 to March 3, 2026- Cline, second Cain. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: None. Motion passes. ===== page 6 ===== GENERAL ORDINANCE 02-2026- Amending the council rules 1° reading An ordinance amending the rules for the common council. e¢ Brian Cowgill introduces General Ordinance 2-2026, which amends the rules for the Common Council agenda and veto process. e The ordinance changes the deadline for agenda submissions to 2 PM and automatically places vetoed items on the next agenda. Motion to pass General Ordinance 02-2026 to second reading public hearing- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. ANNOUNCEMENTS Brian Cowgill announces cover letters and resumes for the Grant County Visitor’s Bureau are due February 26, 2026 at noon. Brian Cowgill discusses the 50/50 program for sidewalk repairs and encourages citizens to call Mike Graft to participate. Gary Fordyce provides updates on the Marion Utilities meeting, including information on frozen water meters and drip adjustments. Gary Fordyce states the water department will pay for one meter if it freezes but the homeowner will be responsible any replacements after that. The cost to replace the meters will be $386. Mayor Ronald Morrell introduces the 2026 Youth Council, explaining their role in engaging loca! government and learning about city operations. The youth council members express their interest in the initiative and their desire to contribute to the community, Brian Cowgill thanks the youth council members for their participation and involvement. Councilman Brunner inquires about the replacement process for Nick McKinley, and Brian Cowgill explains the caucus process. The deadline for the caucus is set for 72 hours prior to the 28th at 9 AM. Motion to adjourn: Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. La urned at 7:30 pm. Brian Cowgill-Presiden