Council approves minutes, rezoning ordinance and Meadowbrook rates; public comments and road updates reported

At its meeting the Clayton City Council approved several routine actions and received reports on local roadwork and community events.

Minutes: Council approved the March 19, 2026 meeting minutes. The motion to approve was moved by Mr. Gorman and seconded by Ms. Kelly. Roll call recorded Bustos: Yes; Henning: Abstain; Gorman: Yes; McDowell: Yes; Kelly: Yes; York: Yes; Farmer: Yes. The motion passed (6 yes, 1 abstain).

Rezoning ordinance: The council read and approved Ordinance O-PC-26-01, which amends the official zoning map to rezone approximately 2.925 acres (parcel M60-03005-0009 at 5123 Sweet Potato Ridge Road) from RCD2 (Rural Conservation District) to RCD1, "subject to subdivision as indicated in the application and supporting materials." Mr. Gorman moved for approval and Mr. Henning seconded; after brief discussion about outdated township labeling on some maps the motion passed. (Transcript does not include a roll-call vote for this ordinance; the motion was recorded as approved in open session.)

Meadowbrook rates and fees: The council adopted Resolution R-04-26-29 to establish Meadowbrook at Clayton rates and fees for 2026. Mr. York moved for approval and Ms. Bustos seconded. Staff said the increases largely track inflation and will help fund planned improvements, including replacement of blinds, new carpet and paint. The council approved the resolution; the transcript records the motion and its passage but does not provide a roll-call tally.

City manager report and construction updates: The city manager reminded council of a workshop prior to the next meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss residential code enforcement and potential fee structures. She also reported that paving work on Haber/National Road was delayed when new asphalt did not cool quickly enough and the asphalt plant closed for potential rain; crews were allowing the surface to cool and expected to stripe the road later that evening. She explained that trees along Houk Road had been removed earlier than planned because federal protections for the Indiana bat prohibit tree removal between April 1 and Sept. 30, requiring the city to act early to keep the construction schedule.

Public comments and community events: Mary Ann Moore, representing the Northmont Optimist Club, announced an adult Easter egg hunt at Centennial Park on April 11 with food trucks, music and prizes (registration 5:30 p.m.; egg hunt about 8:00 p.m.; 21+ for prize eligibility). Resident Earl Harlbutt thanked volunteer crews for park cleanup and recounted an Easter egg event that used approximately 2,000 plastic eggs.

The meeting adjourned after a motion by Mr. Gorman and a second from Ms. Kelly. No executive session was held.

Why it matters: The rezoning and Meadowbrook fee resolution are formal actions that change local land-use designations and fee structures; roadwork and tree management notes indicate near-term construction impacts for residents and businesses.