Council approves preliminary plat for Reimer Road subdivision; sewer and final approvals remain to come

City council voted on May 19 to adopt an ordinance approving the preliminary plat for a major subdivision proposed by Contract Consultants Inc. for a roughly 58-acre site on Reimer Road (parcel numbers cited in the ordinance). The ordinance authorizes movement of the project to the next steps in the review process; it does not approve final plat, sewer hookups, development agreements or incentives.

Council discussion emphasized outstanding questions about sewer costs and whether sewer connections would be mandatory or voluntary for existing residents. Councilmember Harbert said his primary concern is impacts on residents along State Route 261 and clarifying costs and required connections. Another councilor reiterated that the preliminary plat "is strictly the preliminary plat" and that additional ordinances and agreements — including sewer agreements, development agreements, final plat and any economic incentives — will return to council for separate review.

The roll-call vote to adopt Ordinance 43-20-25 (preliminary plat approval) recorded the following: Mr. DeHart — yes; Mr. Harbert — yes; Mr. Lukens — yes; Mr. Towsley — no; Mr. Adler — yes; Ms. Lee — yes; Mr. Mowery — yes. The ordinance passed 6–1.

What happens next: staff and developers must complete required engineering, sewer negotiations, potential economic development incentives and a final plat package. Council members asked staff to supply answers on sewer costs and whether residents would face mandatory ties or assessments before final approvals are granted.