Meeting documents · Common Council
Common Council agenda & minutes — February 3, 2026
February 3, 2026 · 8 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 MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA ey Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITY of MARION Date: February 3, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL Time: 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER PRAYER: Councilman David Cain PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilwoman Erika Devine ROLL CALL RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: CONSENT AGENDA: A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 20, 2026 B. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS C. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW 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. General Ordinance 01-2026- Amending the monthly water user rates An ordinance amending the monthly water user rates and changes for the City of Marion, Indiana. Speaking: Utility Director Robin Shrader Executive summary: Introducing an ordinance to adopt water rates and charges sufficient to support the Utility’s ongoing revenue requirements and obligations under Indiana Code 8-1.5-3-8 Resolution 1-2025- Yolonda’s Place & Soul Entertainment, LLC A resolution granting approving a formal written commitment and use agreement by and between the City of Marion, Grant County, Indiana and Yolonda’s Place and Soul Entertainment, LLC. Speaking: Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. Executive summary: The City of Marion proposes granting Yolonda’s Place & Soul Entertainment, LLC, a ===== page 2 ===== locally owned restaurant, a Riverfront District permit to operate in the designated Riverfront area. This initiative aims to revitalize the waterfront by fostering economic growth, increasing tourism, and enhancing community engagement. Yolonda’s Place & Soul Entertainment, LLC 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 overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike. ANNOUNCEMENTS ===== page 3 ===== REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL — FEBRUARY 3, 2026 — 7:00 P.M. ~ CITY HALL The Common Council of the City of Marion, Indiana met in a regular session on TUESDAY, the 3rd day of February 2026, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. On the call of the rol! the members were shown to be absent or present as follows: Present: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill, McKinley. Absent: Prayer: Councilman David Cain Pledge of Allegiance: Councilwoman Erika Devine SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: None. CONSENT AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 3" preapproved claims and claims for FEBRUARY 3", 2026. President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular January 20, 2026 meeting, preapproved claims and claims. Motion to approve the consent agenda for February 3, 2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. COMMITTEE REPORTS e Erika Devine provides two committee reports: the Board of Works and the Marion Utility Board. e The Board of Works discussed the replacement of two Gators for the Parks Department, and updates to the police department's policies. e The Fire Department swore in a private at the Board of Works meeting. e The Marion Utility Board reviewed November finances, payments for projects, and budget reconciliation. ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 1-2026- Marion Arts Commission An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission. e Brian Cowgill introduces the topic of Additional Appropriation 1-2026 for the Marion Arts Commnission, ¢ Dana Gault, City Controller, and Matt Wilson, Executive Director of the Marion Arts Commission, discuss the need for continued funding. e Wilson reports increased income and expenses, with a $25,000 swing from 2024 to 2025. e The Marion Arts Commission aims to be self-sufficient within three years, with the current funding supporting the director's salary and grants for local artists. ¢ Wilson explains the ongoing efforts to secure grants and collaborate with local organizations like Indiana Wesleyan. ¢ Wilson highlights upcoming projects, including the transformation of the downtown bus stop terminal. Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 1-2026 to 2"4 reading and public hearing- McKinley, second Marshall. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Nay: Fordyce. Motion passes. ===== page 4 ===== WATER USAGE RATE AMENDMENT-Amending water usage rates An ordinance amending the monthly water user rates and changes for the City of Marion, Indiana. e Robin Shrader explains this ordinance is a proposal for raising rates by 39.21% which is the number proposed after removing the pilot consideration. This is a necessity due to the in ability to maintain revenues of at least 125% of the debt service as stated in General Ordinance 24-2022. e Nick Mckinley expressed his gratitude to the work the Marion Utility employees do for the city of Marion. Motion to pass General Ordinance 01-2026 to 2nd reading and public hearing at the first meeting in March- Devine, second McKinley. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. ANNOUNCEMENTS e Brian Cowgill announces cover letters and resumes for the Grant County Visitor’s Bureau are due February 26, 2026 at noon. Jim Brunner congratulates Nick McKinley on his outstanding service as council president and wishes him luck in his future endeavors. Motion to adjourn: Mckinley, second Brunner. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Motion carries. f ‘ / ‘ The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 pm. rian Cowgill-President ===== page 5 ===== PRESIDENT - BRIAN COWGILL VICE PRESIDENT - ERIKA DEVINE MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA ey Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITY of MARION Date: February 3, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL Time: 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER PRAYER: Councilman David Cain PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilwoman Erika Devine ROLL CALL RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: CONSENT AGENDA: A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 20, 2026 B. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS C. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW 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. General Ordinance 01-2026- Amending the monthly water user rates An ordinance amending the monthly water user rates and changes for the City of Marion, Indiana. Speaking: Utility Director Robin Shrader Executive summary: Introducing an ordinance to adopt water rates and charges sufficient to support the Utility’s ongoing revenue requirements and obligations under Indiana Code 8-1.5-3-8 Resolution 1-2025- Yolonda’s Place & Soul Entertainment, LLC A resolution granting approving a formal written commitment and use agreement by and between the City of Marion, Grant County, Indiana and Yolonda’s Place and Soul Entertainment, LLC. Speaking: Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. Executive summary: The City of Marion proposes granting Yolonda’s Place & Soul Entertainment, LLC, a ===== page 6 ===== locally owned restaurant, a Riverfront District permit to operate in the designated Riverfront area. This initiative aims to revitalize the waterfront by fostering economic growth, increasing tourism, and enhancing community engagement. Yolonda’s Place & Soul Entertainment, LLC 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 overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike. ANNOUNCEMENTS ===== page 7 ===== REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL — FEBRUARY 3, 2026 — 7:00 P.M. ~ CITY HALL The Common Council of the City of Marion, Indiana met in a regular session on TUESDAY, the 3rd day of February 2026, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. On the call of the rol! the members were shown to be absent or present as follows: Present: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, Cowgill, McKinley. Absent: Prayer: Councilman David Cain Pledge of Allegiance: Councilwoman Erika Devine SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: None. CONSENT AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 3" preapproved claims and claims for FEBRUARY 3", 2026. President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the minutes for the regular January 20, 2026 meeting, preapproved claims and claims. Motion to approve the consent agenda for February 3, 2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. COMMITTEE REPORTS e Erika Devine provides two committee reports: the Board of Works and the Marion Utility Board. e The Board of Works discussed the replacement of two Gators for the Parks Department, and updates to the police department's policies. e The Fire Department swore in a private at the Board of Works meeting. e The Marion Utility Board reviewed November finances, payments for projects, and budget reconciliation. ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 1-2026- Marion Arts Commission An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission. e Brian Cowgill introduces the topic of Additional Appropriation 1-2026 for the Marion Arts Commnission, ¢ Dana Gault, City Controller, and Matt Wilson, Executive Director of the Marion Arts Commission, discuss the need for continued funding. e Wilson reports increased income and expenses, with a $25,000 swing from 2024 to 2025. e The Marion Arts Commission aims to be self-sufficient within three years, with the current funding supporting the director's salary and grants for local artists. ¢ Wilson explains the ongoing efforts to secure grants and collaborate with local organizations like Indiana Wesleyan. ¢ Wilson highlights upcoming projects, including the transformation of the downtown bus stop terminal. Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 1-2026 to 2"4 reading and public hearing- McKinley, second Marshall. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Nay: Fordyce. Motion passes. ===== page 8 ===== WATER USAGE RATE AMENDMENT-Amending water usage rates An ordinance amending the monthly water user rates and changes for the City of Marion, Indiana. e Robin Shrader explains this ordinance is a proposal for raising rates by 39.21% which is the number proposed after removing the pilot consideration. This is a necessity due to the in ability to maintain revenues of at least 125% of the debt service as stated in General Ordinance 24-2022. e Nick Mckinley expressed his gratitude to the work the Marion Utility employees do for the city of Marion. Motion to pass General Ordinance 01-2026 to 2nd reading and public hearing at the first meeting in March- Devine, second McKinley. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries. ANNOUNCEMENTS e Brian Cowgill announces cover letters and resumes for the Grant County Visitor’s Bureau are due February 26, 2026 at noon. Jim Brunner congratulates Nick McKinley on his outstanding service as council president and wishes him luck in his future endeavors. Motion to adjourn: Mckinley, second Brunner. Aye: Cain, Marshall, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Devine, Whitton, McKinley, Cowgill. Motion carries. f ‘ / ‘ The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 pm. rian Cowgill-President