Council adopts fire-code changes, approves rezoning and interlocal agreement, and designates Carl Ross Memorial Way

The Terre Haute City Council voted on several ordinances and resolutions at its March 5 meeting, adopting updates to the city’s fire code, approving a rezoning, formalizing an interlocal agreement on seized-asset funds, and designating a memorial way for a local hero.

Fire-code ordinances: Council took action on General Ordinance 1 2026, which amends City Code Chapter 7 (fire prevention code) to revise inspection fee schedules, add false-alarm provisions (previously approved), adjust certain apartment-unit thresholds, and add language addressing exit signage and bollard protection for gas meters. Council debated the changes briefly, confirmed that the false-alarm language matched prior action, and then moved and approved the ordinance. General Ordinance 3 2026 (fire protection services, inspection protocols for sprinklers, standpipes and kitchen-hood suppression systems) was also approved after discussion emphasizing coordination between contractors and the fire department.

Tabled items: General Ordinances 2 and 4 were held to next week so staff can reconcile language with pending state-code changes.

Rezoning: Special Ordinance 1 2026 (rezoning and plan development for property at 2722 South Fruitridge) was amended (removing an unnecessary setback variance and adding reversion-to-R1 language should the nonresidential use cease) and approved. Petitioner Ron Hodge told council he intends to relocate his business into the city and sought plan development controls to limit uses and protect the neighborhood.

Interlocal agreement on civil forfeiture: City Attorney Michael Wright explained Resolution 3 2026, an interlocal agreement to govern seized-asset funds administered through the combined drug task force and overseen by the county; the measure was adopted to satisfy State Board of Accounts guidance and formalize oversight; Wright said it will not materially change day-to-day operations but clarifies administration.

Carl Ross Memorial Way: The council adopted Resolution 4-2026 to designate North 7th Street (from Cherry Street to Larry Bird Avenue) as Carl Ross Memorial Way. Historian D. Reed and family members recounted Ross’s 1961 act of bravery, when Ross attempted to remove an explosive device from the YWCA and lost his life while saving 53 women. The council instructed the Board of Public Works and Safety to install signage at North 7th and Cherry.

Votes at a glance: - General Ordinance 1 2026 (amend City Code Chapter 7): Motion to approve moved by Councilperson Loudermilk, seconded by Councilperson DeBon; outcome: adopted (voice vote after full council present; roll-call details not specified in the record). - General Ordinance 3 2026 (fire protection services): Moved by Councilperson Azar, seconded by Councilperson Loudermilk; outcome: adopted. - General Ordinance 2 2026 and General Ordinance 4 2026: both tabled to next week for state-code alignment. - Special Ordinance 1 2026 (rezoning 2722 South Fruitridge): Amendment and final approval moved by Councilperson DeBon, seconded by Councilperson Boland; outcome: adopted. - Resolution 3 2026 (interlocal civil-forfeiture agreement): Moved by Councilperson Loudermilk, seconded by Councilperson Hinton; outcome: adopted. - Resolution 4-2026 (Carl Ross Memorial Way): Moved by Councilperson Azar, seconded by Councilperson Chelios; outcome: adopted.

Why it matters: the adopted fire-code changes update inspection and fee rules, affecting businesses and landlords; the revolving enforcement/forfeiture agreement addresses state-accounting requirements; and the rezoning and memorial designation change land-use and public commemoration.

What’s next: ordinances 2 and 4 will return next week with clarified language; staff will circulate the adopted documents and the Board of Public Works and Safety will arrange the Carl Ross signage.