The Beech Grove Common Council addressed sewer rates, redistricting, and ending an unenforced two-hour parking limit on Main Street during its June 2 meeting, focusing on infrastructure and community needs.
Sewer rate study
Financial consultant Jeff Peters presented a sewer rate study, recommending raising the residential sewer rate from $37 to $56.69 to address a $1.75 million shortfall in the wastewater utility fund. The proposal supports $13.5 million in stormwater projects identified by Wessler Engineering and ensures operational stability, as the sewer fund ended 2024 with nearly no cash reserves. Councilor Elizabeth Lamping suggested aligning with a 2023 ordinance setting the rate at $46.75, citing affordability concerns. Clerk-Treasurer Samantha Stratton noted high wastewater bills from Citizens Energy, including $259,862 for April, underscoring the urgency. The council deferred a final decision to refine the proposal.
[RELATED: Beech Grove confronts rising sewer costs]
Removing two-hour parking restrictions on Main Street and more
General Ordinance No. 2, 2025, passed its first reading, proposing to remove the two-hour parking restriction on Main Street between Emerson and Eighth avenues. Councilors Ryan Matkins and Dan McMillan, after consulting businesses, supported the change to encourage longer patron visits. The ordinance, amending a 2017 rule, awaits further readings in July.
The council unanimously approved General Ordinance No. 1, 2025, on its second and third readings, finalizing redistricting to comply with Indiana Code 36-4-6-4, effective through 2032. Resident Matthew praised the map for maintaining neighborhood cohesion south of Interstate 465.
Resolution No. 1, 2025, adopted the 2024 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, enabling FEMA funding access for disaster recovery over five years. Mayor James Coffman highlighted its importance for disaster preparedness.
The council appointed Aubrey Anderson to the Board of Zoning Appeals for 2025, nominated by Councilor Avis Frieson. Anderson, a Marine Corps veteran, pledged to serve the community.
Proposal to amend backyard chicken ordinance
Resident Jacob Stewart proposed amending ordinances 90.60(A), 90.64(C), and 90.64(F) to remove the six-chicken limit, allowing more hens if coops provide three square feet per hen and attached runs offer eight square feet per hen, while removing arbitrary size restrictions. Supported by over 100 signatures, the proposal aims to align with public health standards, minimize public nuisance, and enhance financial sustainability through increased egg production. The council requested further details for review.
[RELATED: Amendment to Beech Grove’s backyard chicken ordinance to be presented June 2]
The council approved correcting three misallocated 2024 state tax distributions totaling $493,511.49 to stormwater and Community Crossing Grant funds. Stratton reported bank balances, including $4.25 million for City Corporation and $1.03 million for utilities.
[RELATED: Beech Grove should remove arbitrary limits on chickens]
Community updates included the Beech Grove Farmer’s Market starting June 3, the Mayor’s Clean City Initiative on June 7, and the Summer Concert Series on June 12. The next meeting is set for July 1.
Key Outcomes from the Beech Grove Common Council Meeting on June 2, 2025
- Proposed sewer rate increase from $37 to $56.69 to address $1.75 million shortfall and fund $13.5 million in stormwater projects.
- Approved redistricting ordinance to comply with Indiana Code, effective through 2032.
- Passed first reading to remove Main Street parking restrictions to support businesses.
- Adopted 2024 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for FEMA funding eligibility.
- Appointed Aubrey Anderson to Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Discussed amending ordinances 90.60(A), 90.64(C), and 90.64(F) to allow more than six hens based on coop/run space, removing arbitrary size limits.