Common Council agenda & minutes — April 7, 2026

April 7, 2026 · 10 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 =====
PRESIDENT - BRIAN COWGILL VICE PRESIDENT - ERIKA DEVINE

Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITY of MARION
Date: April 7, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL
Time: 7:00 P.M.

MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA ey

CALL TO ORDER

PRAYER: Council President Brian Cowgill

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilman Dr. Jeffrey Reyes
ROLL CALL

RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: Ruthann Sumpter

CONSENT AGENDA:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING March 17, 2026
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION March 17, 2026.
C. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS
D. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS

COMMITTEE REPORTS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Additional Appropriation 02-2026- Motor Vehicle Equipment-2™ reading public hearing
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for motor equipment. Speaking: Police Chief David Gilbert

Executive summary: This request outlines the next phase of investment for the police department’s vehicle
fleet. Aside from personnel, vehicles are our most critical resource for providing safe and effective
emergency services.

Additional A riation 03-2026- Equipment- 2"4 readin blic hearing public hearin
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for equipment. Speaking: Police Chief David Gilbert

Executive summary: This request is partnered with the above request and the Executive Summary shown there
applies here. With both funding requests approved, the department will be in position to obtain a minimum of
eight (8) police vehicles, including necessary support equipment installed. That number reflects a conservative
estimate of need. It will be incumbent on the department to make the vehicles last for approximately eight (8)
years apiece, which, we believe is a pretty economical responsible approach.

Addi l ropriation 04-2026- Park Maintenance- 2"4 in lic hearin
An Additional Appropriation appropriating $85,148 for maintenance at Friendship Corner Speaking Rose
Cadena, Director of Marion Parks and Recreation

Executive summary: The Marion Parks Department is requesting an additional appropriation of $85,148.00
from the Food and Beverage Tax. These funds will be used to ensure that Friendship Corner meets all American
Disabilities Act (ADA) laws and guidelines.

===== page 2 =====
NEW BUSINESS

Additional Appropriation 05-2026- Marion Aviation- 1*t reading
An additional appropriation appropriating $75,848.65 to Marion Aviation. Speaking: Representative from Board

of Aviation.

Executive Summary: The Board of Aviation is requesting an additional appropriation of $75,848.65 to help fund
the replacement of a 38-year-old aviation gasoline underground storage tank.

Resolution 03-2026- Townsquare Development
A resolution approving a formal written commitment and use agreement by and between the City of Marion,

Grant County, Indiana and Townsquare Development, LLC. Speaking: Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr.

Executive summary: The City of Marion proposes granting Townsquare Development LLC, a Riverfront District
permit to operate a Rooftop Terrace called Rooftop 360 and a Basement Speakeasy called The Boiler Room in
the designated Riverfront area. This initiative aims to revitalize the waterfront by fostering economic growth,
increasing tourism, and enhancing community engagement. The Rooftop 360 and The Boiler Room will
contribute to these goals by offering a unique dining experience, creating jobs, and attracting visitors. The
resolution aligns with the city’s vision of developing the Riverfront District into a vibrant commercial and cultural
hub, promoting local business growth, and improving the overail quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Announcements

===== page 3 =====
REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL — APRIL 7, 2026 — 7:00 P.M. —
CITY HALL

The Common Council of the City of Marion, Indiana met in a regular session on TUESDAY, the
7'4 day of April 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, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill

Absent: Marshall

Prayer: Dr. Keenan Davis, COO City of Marion

Pledge of Allegiance: Councilman Dr. Jeffrey Reyes

SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: Ruthann Sumpter

¢ Brian Cowgill introduces Ruthann Sumpter for recognition, highlighting her significant
contributions to the community, including her role in reopening Fire Station Number
One.

e Brian Cowgill praises Ruthann Sumpter for her dedication and contributions to various
community boards and organizations.

« Ruthann Sumpter shares her personal history, including her move to Marion in 1961 and
her involvement in local organizations like JC Wives, Tri Kappa, Daughters of the
American Revolution and Rotary.

¢ Ruthann emphasizes the importance of community involvement and shares her passion
for supporting veterans and local causes.

« Brian Cowgill presents Ruthann with a certificate and a frame, acknowledging her
contributions to the city.

CONSENT AGENDA FOR APRIL 7, 2026 preapproved claims and claims for April 7, 2026.
President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the consent agenda for April 7, 2026.

Motion to approve the consent agenda for April 7, 2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes,
Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

« Mike Cline reports on the Board of Aviation Commissioners’ meeting, including the
approval of a bid schedule for a taxiway project and updates on the jet fuel system
project.

« Mike Cline also mentions the upcoming "Run the Runway" 5K event to benefit the
regional Career Center and the Aviation Academy,

e Erika Devine provides an update on the demolition order for a building with major
structural issues.

e Erika Devine reports the Board of Works upheld the demolition order for 3115 and 3117
S. Washington. The order is for one building.

¢ The utility board meeting was moved to another date.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 02-2026- Police Vehicle Fleet 2"4 reading public hearing
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for motor equipment.


===== page 4 =====
e Mark Stefanatos, representing the police department, provides an update on the Bearcat
Tactical Vehicle, expected to be delivered in the third quarter of the year.

e The proposal includes funding for new vehicles and upfitting costs, emphasizing the
benefits of having warranties and newer vehicles.
e Gary Fordyce praises the new locker rooms and bathrooms at the Marion Police

Department, noting their positive impact on officer morale.

Public hearing
None.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 02-2026- Cain, second Devine. Aye:
Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 02-2026- Cain, second Whitton. Aye: Cain, Reyes,
Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 03-2026- Police Vehicle Fleet (continued) 2™ reading public

hearing
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for motor equipment.
e Brian Cowgill introduces additional appropriation 3-2026, related to equipment for the

police department, with funds coming from the opioid money set aside for law
enforcement.

Public hearing
None.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 03-2026- Cain, second Brunner. Aye:
Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 03-2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes,
Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 04-2026-Park Maintenance 2" reading public hearing
An additional appropriation appropriating $85,148 for maintenance at Friendship Corner.
« Rose Cadena provides updates on the parks, including the Friendship Corner resurfacing
project to make the park ADA compliant.

Public hearing
None.

Councilmen Cain and Reyes share the importance of this park due to the high utilization for the
community.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 04-2026- Cain, second Brunner. Aye:
Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

===== page 5 =====
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 05-2026-Marion Aviation
An additional appropriation appropriating $75,848.65 to Marion Aviation.

e Councilman Brian Cowgill explains this money was approved last year for replacing
tanks at Marion Airport.

e Ray Dosh said it was a misunderstanding and the money did not get encumbered last
year.

e Ray Dosh said the project is anticipated to be done in two or three weeks but he does not
have an exact time frame. The pads are poured and now they are curing.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 05-2026 to second reading public hearing- Cline,
second Cain. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none.
Motion carries.

RESOLUTION 03-2026-Townsquare Development
A resolution approving a formal written commitment and use agreement by and between the City
of Marion, Grant County, Indiana and Townsquare Development, LLC.

e This proposal is for Townsquare Development LLC be granted the permit to do
renovations on a building on the west side of the square.
e Keenan Davis explains the project, which includes a rooftop 360 named Rooftop Terrace

and a basement bar called the Boiler Room.

e This project will bring another culture, cultural and dining experience to downtown
Marion. It aims to revitalize the riverfront, foster economic growth, and enhance
community engagement.

e The owners are from Florida, Utah, and Marion, Indiana.

Motion to pass Resolution 3-2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner,
Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.

Motion to adjourn: Cain, second Fordyce. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton,
Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

The sfieéting was a jgumned at 7:53 pm.

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Brian Cowgill-President aa

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===== page 6 =====
PRESIDENT - BRIAN COWGILL VICE PRESIDENT - ERIKA DEVINE

Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITY of MARION
Date: April 7, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL
Time: 7:00 P.M.

MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA ey

CALL TO ORDER

PRAYER: Council President Brian Cowgill

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilman Dr. Jeffrey Reyes
ROLL CALL

RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: Ruthann Sumpter

CONSENT AGENDA:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING March 17, 2026
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION March 17, 2026.
C. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS
D. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS

COMMITTEE REPORTS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Additional Appropriation 02-2026- Motor Vehicle Equipment-2™ reading public hearing
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for motor equipment. Speaking: Police Chief David Gilbert

Executive summary: This request outlines the next phase of investment for the police department’s vehicle
fleet. Aside from personnel, vehicles are our most critical resource for providing safe and effective
emergency services.

Additional A riation 03-2026- Equipment- 2"4 readin blic hearing public hearin
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for equipment. Speaking: Police Chief David Gilbert

Executive summary: This request is partnered with the above request and the Executive Summary shown there
applies here. With both funding requests approved, the department will be in position to obtain a minimum of
eight (8) police vehicles, including necessary support equipment installed. That number reflects a conservative
estimate of need. It will be incumbent on the department to make the vehicles last for approximately eight (8)
years apiece, which, we believe is a pretty economical responsible approach.

Addi l ropriation 04-2026- Park Maintenance- 2"4 in lic hearin
An Additional Appropriation appropriating $85,148 for maintenance at Friendship Corner Speaking Rose
Cadena, Director of Marion Parks and Recreation

Executive summary: The Marion Parks Department is requesting an additional appropriation of $85,148.00
from the Food and Beverage Tax. These funds will be used to ensure that Friendship Corner meets all American
Disabilities Act (ADA) laws and guidelines.

===== page 7 =====
NEW BUSINESS

Additional Appropriation 05-2026- Marion Aviation- 1*t reading
An additional appropriation appropriating $75,848.65 to Marion Aviation. Speaking: Representative from Board

of Aviation.

Executive Summary: The Board of Aviation is requesting an additional appropriation of $75,848.65 to help fund
the replacement of a 38-year-old aviation gasoline underground storage tank.

Resolution 03-2026- Townsquare Development
A resolution approving a formal written commitment and use agreement by and between the City of Marion,

Grant County, Indiana and Townsquare Development, LLC. Speaking: Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr.

Executive summary: The City of Marion proposes granting Townsquare Development LLC, a Riverfront District
permit to operate a Rooftop Terrace called Rooftop 360 and a Basement Speakeasy called The Boiler Room in
the designated Riverfront area. This initiative aims to revitalize the waterfront by fostering economic growth,
increasing tourism, and enhancing community engagement. The Rooftop 360 and The Boiler Room will
contribute to these goals by offering a unique dining experience, creating jobs, and attracting visitors. The
resolution aligns with the city’s vision of developing the Riverfront District into a vibrant commercial and cultural
hub, promoting local business growth, and improving the overail quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Announcements

===== page 8 =====
REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL — APRIL 7, 2026 — 7:00 P.M. —
CITY HALL

The Common Council of the City of Marion, Indiana met in a regular session on TUESDAY, the
7'4 day of April 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, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill

Absent: Marshall

Prayer: Dr. Keenan Davis, COO City of Marion

Pledge of Allegiance: Councilman Dr. Jeffrey Reyes

SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: Ruthann Sumpter

¢ Brian Cowgill introduces Ruthann Sumpter for recognition, highlighting her significant
contributions to the community, including her role in reopening Fire Station Number
One.

e Brian Cowgill praises Ruthann Sumpter for her dedication and contributions to various
community boards and organizations.

« Ruthann Sumpter shares her personal history, including her move to Marion in 1961 and
her involvement in local organizations like JC Wives, Tri Kappa, Daughters of the
American Revolution and Rotary.

¢ Ruthann emphasizes the importance of community involvement and shares her passion
for supporting veterans and local causes.

« Brian Cowgill presents Ruthann with a certificate and a frame, acknowledging her
contributions to the city.

CONSENT AGENDA FOR APRIL 7, 2026 preapproved claims and claims for April 7, 2026.
President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the consent agenda for April 7, 2026.

Motion to approve the consent agenda for April 7, 2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes,
Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

« Mike Cline reports on the Board of Aviation Commissioners’ meeting, including the
approval of a bid schedule for a taxiway project and updates on the jet fuel system
project.

« Mike Cline also mentions the upcoming "Run the Runway" 5K event to benefit the
regional Career Center and the Aviation Academy,

e Erika Devine provides an update on the demolition order for a building with major
structural issues.

e Erika Devine reports the Board of Works upheld the demolition order for 3115 and 3117
S. Washington. The order is for one building.

¢ The utility board meeting was moved to another date.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 02-2026- Police Vehicle Fleet 2"4 reading public hearing
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for motor equipment.


===== page 9 =====
e Mark Stefanatos, representing the police department, provides an update on the Bearcat
Tactical Vehicle, expected to be delivered in the third quarter of the year.

e The proposal includes funding for new vehicles and upfitting costs, emphasizing the
benefits of having warranties and newer vehicles.
e Gary Fordyce praises the new locker rooms and bathrooms at the Marion Police

Department, noting their positive impact on officer morale.

Public hearing
None.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 02-2026- Cain, second Devine. Aye:
Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 02-2026- Cain, second Whitton. Aye: Cain, Reyes,
Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 03-2026- Police Vehicle Fleet (continued) 2™ reading public

hearing
An ordinance appropriating $240,000 for motor equipment.
e Brian Cowgill introduces additional appropriation 3-2026, related to equipment for the

police department, with funds coming from the opioid money set aside for law
enforcement.

Public hearing
None.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 03-2026- Cain, second Brunner. Aye:
Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 03-2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes,
Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 04-2026-Park Maintenance 2" reading public hearing
An additional appropriation appropriating $85,148 for maintenance at Friendship Corner.
« Rose Cadena provides updates on the parks, including the Friendship Corner resurfacing
project to make the park ADA compliant.

Public hearing
None.

Councilmen Cain and Reyes share the importance of this park due to the high utilization for the
community.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 04-2026- Cain, second Brunner. Aye:
Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

===== page 10 =====
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 05-2026-Marion Aviation
An additional appropriation appropriating $75,848.65 to Marion Aviation.

e Councilman Brian Cowgill explains this money was approved last year for replacing
tanks at Marion Airport.

e Ray Dosh said it was a misunderstanding and the money did not get encumbered last
year.

e Ray Dosh said the project is anticipated to be done in two or three weeks but he does not
have an exact time frame. The pads are poured and now they are curing.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 05-2026 to second reading public hearing- Cline,
second Cain. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none.
Motion carries.

RESOLUTION 03-2026-Townsquare Development
A resolution approving a formal written commitment and use agreement by and between the City
of Marion, Grant County, Indiana and Townsquare Development, LLC.

e This proposal is for Townsquare Development LLC be granted the permit to do
renovations on a building on the west side of the square.
e Keenan Davis explains the project, which includes a rooftop 360 named Rooftop Terrace

and a basement bar called the Boiler Room.

e This project will bring another culture, cultural and dining experience to downtown
Marion. It aims to revitalize the riverfront, foster economic growth, and enhance
community engagement.

e The owners are from Florida, Utah, and Marion, Indiana.

Motion to pass Resolution 3-2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner,
Cline, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.

Motion to adjourn: Cain, second Fordyce. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Whitton,
Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

The sfieéting was a jgumned at 7:53 pm.

A)... t

é. ee
Brian Cowgill-President aa

a