The Elkhart City Common Council opened its organizational work by accepting nominations for 2026 leadership. A councilmember moved to nominate Arvast Austin for council president; the motion was seconded and the body indicated support by voice vote. Later, a nomination for Dwight Fish as vice president was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair congratulated the newly designated officers.

The council also approved minutes from the Dec. 15, 2025 meeting by voice vote and announced several appointments that will appear on a future agenda, including Anne Lindley as a Board of Zoning Appeals nominee and Cindy Ostrom potentially replacing Wes Stefan on the Redevelopment Commission.

No public comment was recorded on these organizational items.