Common Council agenda & minutes — March 3, 2026

===== page 1 =====
PRESIDENT - BRIAN COWGILL VICE PRESIDENT - ERIKA DEVINE

MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA e.

Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITY of MARION
Date: March 3, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL
Time: 7:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER
PRAYER: Dr. Keenan Davis, COO City of Marion
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilman Jim Brunner
ROLL CALL
RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: Old Fitz Public House- Anthony Decker
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 17, 2026
B. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS
C. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Additional Appropriation 01-2026- Marion Arts Commission- 2"4 reading public hearing
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 24 reading public hearing (a motion
will be made to move to the March 17" Common Council Meeting)

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

General Ordinance 02-2026- Ordinance amending council rules-2"4 reading public hearing
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.

Grant County Visitors Bureau- Common Council opening
Marion Common Council has a vacant position on the Grant County Visitors Bureau.


===== page 2 =====
New Business
None.

===== page 3 =====
REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL — MARCH 03, 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 March 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, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill.

Absent:

Prayer: Dr. Keenan Dais, COO City of Marion

Pledge of Allegiance: Councilman Jim Brunner

SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: Old Fitz Pub- Anthony Decker

e Brian Cowgill introduces Anthony Decker, owner of the Old Fitz Pub, for recognition.

e Anthony Decker expresses gratitude for the support from the community and shares his journey
of opening the pub.

e He highlights the pub's family-friendly atmosphere and its role in the community.

e Anthony announces the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Festival on March 14, including a 5K race
and various events.

e Anthony Decker provides details about the St. Patrick's Day Festival, including the Green for
Good 5K race.

e Proceeds from the race will benefit St. Martin's Community Center and other community
initiatives.

e The festival will feature live music, face painting, and a large Irish flag flying over Washington
Street, and turning the river green.

CONSENT AGENDA FOR MARCH 3, 2026 preapproved claims and claims for MARCH 3, 2026.
President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the consent agenda for March 3, 2026.

Motion to approve the consent agenda for March 3, 2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce,
Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

e Rose Cadena provides updates from the Park Board.

e The dog park will open around the end of the summer. They will be installing sod and it is not a
good idea for people and dogs to be on it. They are also going to be installing internet for the
entry into the dog park.

¢ The first draw from the federal money has been received and there will be one more for this
project.

e There are two areas inside Friendship Corner that require PIP surfacing for ADA requirements.
A $50,000 grant has been applied for and the total cost is around $85,000.

« A grant through AWS has been applied for to purchase six more ADA compliant picnic tables to
for the parks.

e Bucks complex is coming along, striping for the tennis courts and pickleball courts need and then
those projects will be complete.

¢ There is one last restroom in Matter Park that needs renovated and that is in shelter 5.

e Erika Devine provides updates the Board of Works meeting. The awarded for the new fire
pumper truck was awarded to Sentinel for $999,694. There will be a four-month demo period so
the equipment can be run and tested and worked through to make sure it working properly.

e Erika Devine stated the Utilities Board did not meet prior to the council meeting. It is getting
closer for a discussion regarding the rates and what the two consultants have come up with.


===== page 4 =====
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 1-2026- Marion Arts Commission
An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission.

e Matt Wilson, West Windsor Ave gave updates on the Marion Arts Commission grant and funding
that have been received.

e Matt Wilson mentions the activities, plans, and partnerships for up coming fundraising efforts by
the commission.

Public hearing

e Tashima Davis and Misty Fox speak in support of the commission, emphasizing the importance
of arts in the community.

e Charles Moon expresses concern about the allocation of funds, suggesting that the police
department's salary should be prioritized.

e Wendy Puffer highlights the role of art as an ambassador for the city and encourages continued
support for the commission.

¢ Council members discuss the sustainability of the Marion Arts Commission and the need for them
to become self-sufficient.

Public hearing closed

« Council members discuss the sustainability of the Marion Arts Commission and the need for them
to become self-sufficient.

¢ Matt Wilson outlines plan for future fundraising efforts and potential grants to support the
commission.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 01-2026 - Cain, second Devine. Aye: Cain,
Reyes, Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: Fordyce. Motion passes.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 01-2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Brunner, Cline,
Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: Fordyce. Motion passes.

GENERAL ORDINANCE 01-2026- Amending the monthly water user rates 2"4 reading public hearing
An ordinance amending the monthly water user rates and changes for the City of Marion, Indiana.

e Council President Brian Cowgill explains that Baker Till and Crow needed another week to get
the final percentages and numbers. We want to give everyone a chance to review everything in a
timely manner,

President Cowgill asks for a motion to suspend the rules and move General Ordinance 01-2026 2™
reading public hearing to the March 17, 2026 meeting.

Motion to suspend the rules and move General Ordinance 01-2026 2" reading public hearing to March
17, 2026- Cline, second Brunner. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine,
Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

===== page 5 =====
GENERAL ORDINANCE 02-2026- Amending the council rules 2nd reading public hearing
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.

Public hearing
None

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

Motion to pass General Ordinance 02-2026 - Cain, second Brunner.
Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion
carties.

GRANT COUNTY VISITORS’ BUREAU
It was discovered the council does not have a seat on the Grant County Visitors’ Bureau Board. The
resumes that were received have been sent to the mayor’s office for consideration for one of his seats.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Brian Cowgill verified that the controller’s office is the only one using Gateway to advertise the
additional appropriations. Everyone else will continue as normal. Lynda Faw clarified that it is only the
additional appropriations being advertised on Gateway.

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

a

The gating was adjot ed at 8:03 pm.

Vi has oe

Brian Cowgill-President Cc


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

MARION COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA e.

Regular Meeting - Marion City Hall Council Chambers CITY of MARION
Date: March 3, 2026 COMMON COUNCIL
Time: 7:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER
PRAYER: Dr. Keenan Davis, COO City of Marion
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilman Jim Brunner
ROLL CALL
RECOGNITION-SPOTLIGHT: Old Fitz Public House- Anthony Decker
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 17, 2026
B. CONSIDERATION OF PRE-APPROVED CLAIMS
C. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Additional Appropriation 01-2026- Marion Arts Commission- 2"4 reading public hearing
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 24 reading public hearing (a motion
will be made to move to the March 17" Common Council Meeting)

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

General Ordinance 02-2026- Ordinance amending council rules-2"4 reading public hearing
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.

Grant County Visitors Bureau- Common Council opening
Marion Common Council has a vacant position on the Grant County Visitors Bureau.


===== page 7 =====
New Business
None.

===== page 8 =====
REGULAR MEETING — MARION COMMON COUNCIL — MARCH 03, 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 March 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, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill.

Absent:

Prayer: Dr. Keenan Dais, COO City of Marion

Pledge of Allegiance: Councilman Jim Brunner

SPOTLIGHT/RECOGNITION: Old Fitz Pub- Anthony Decker

e Brian Cowgill introduces Anthony Decker, owner of the Old Fitz Pub, for recognition.

e Anthony Decker expresses gratitude for the support from the community and shares his journey
of opening the pub.

e He highlights the pub's family-friendly atmosphere and its role in the community.

e Anthony announces the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Festival on March 14, including a 5K race
and various events.

e Anthony Decker provides details about the St. Patrick's Day Festival, including the Green for
Good 5K race.

e Proceeds from the race will benefit St. Martin's Community Center and other community
initiatives.

e The festival will feature live music, face painting, and a large Irish flag flying over Washington
Street, and turning the river green.

CONSENT AGENDA FOR MARCH 3, 2026 preapproved claims and claims for MARCH 3, 2026.
President Brian Cowgill moves for a motion to approve the consent agenda for March 3, 2026.

Motion to approve the consent agenda for March 3, 2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce,
Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

e Rose Cadena provides updates from the Park Board.

e The dog park will open around the end of the summer. They will be installing sod and it is not a
good idea for people and dogs to be on it. They are also going to be installing internet for the
entry into the dog park.

¢ The first draw from the federal money has been received and there will be one more for this
project.

e There are two areas inside Friendship Corner that require PIP surfacing for ADA requirements.
A $50,000 grant has been applied for and the total cost is around $85,000.

« A grant through AWS has been applied for to purchase six more ADA compliant picnic tables to
for the parks.

e Bucks complex is coming along, striping for the tennis courts and pickleball courts need and then
those projects will be complete.

¢ There is one last restroom in Matter Park that needs renovated and that is in shelter 5.

e Erika Devine provides updates the Board of Works meeting. The awarded for the new fire
pumper truck was awarded to Sentinel for $999,694. There will be a four-month demo period so
the equipment can be run and tested and worked through to make sure it working properly.

e Erika Devine stated the Utilities Board did not meet prior to the council meeting. It is getting
closer for a discussion regarding the rates and what the two consultants have come up with.


===== page 9 =====
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION 1-2026- Marion Arts Commission
An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for the Marion Arts Commission.

e Matt Wilson, West Windsor Ave gave updates on the Marion Arts Commission grant and funding
that have been received.

e Matt Wilson mentions the activities, plans, and partnerships for up coming fundraising efforts by
the commission.

Public hearing

e Tashima Davis and Misty Fox speak in support of the commission, emphasizing the importance
of arts in the community.

e Charles Moon expresses concern about the allocation of funds, suggesting that the police
department's salary should be prioritized.

e Wendy Puffer highlights the role of art as an ambassador for the city and encourages continued
support for the commission.

¢ Council members discuss the sustainability of the Marion Arts Commission and the need for them
to become self-sufficient.

Public hearing closed

« Council members discuss the sustainability of the Marion Arts Commission and the need for them
to become self-sufficient.

¢ Matt Wilson outlines plan for future fundraising efforts and potential grants to support the
commission.

Motion to suspend the rules for Additional Appropriation 01-2026 - Cain, second Devine. Aye: Cain,
Reyes, Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: Fordyce. Motion passes.

Motion to pass Additional Appropriation 01-2026- Cain, second Cline. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Brunner, Cline,
Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: Fordyce. Motion passes.

GENERAL ORDINANCE 01-2026- Amending the monthly water user rates 2"4 reading public hearing
An ordinance amending the monthly water user rates and changes for the City of Marion, Indiana.

e Council President Brian Cowgill explains that Baker Till and Crow needed another week to get
the final percentages and numbers. We want to give everyone a chance to review everything in a
timely manner,

President Cowgill asks for a motion to suspend the rules and move General Ordinance 01-2026 2™
reading public hearing to the March 17, 2026 meeting.

Motion to suspend the rules and move General Ordinance 01-2026 2" reading public hearing to March
17, 2026- Cline, second Brunner. Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine,
Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion carries.

===== page 10 =====
GENERAL ORDINANCE 02-2026- Amending the council rules 2nd reading public hearing
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.

Public hearing
None

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

Motion to pass General Ordinance 02-2026 - Cain, second Brunner.
Aye: Cain, Reyes, Fordyce, Brunner, Cline, Marshall, Whitton, Devine, Cowgill. Nay: none. Motion
carties.

GRANT COUNTY VISITORS’ BUREAU
It was discovered the council does not have a seat on the Grant County Visitors’ Bureau Board. The
resumes that were received have been sent to the mayor’s office for consideration for one of his seats.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Brian Cowgill verified that the controller’s office is the only one using Gateway to advertise the
additional appropriations. Everyone else will continue as normal. Lynda Faw clarified that it is only the
additional appropriations being advertised on Gateway.

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

a

The gating was adjot ed at 8:03 pm.

Vi has oe

Brian Cowgill-President Cc