Indianapolis City-County Council Unanimously Approves Key Appointments for Police and Fire Department Chiefs
- Meeting Overview:
In a decisive and unanimous move, the Indianapolis City-County Council approved the appointments of Christopher Bailey as Chief of Police for the Everest Metro Police Department and Ernst Team as the Fire Department Chief. Both appointments had previously received strong recommendations from their respective committees, with each proposal passing with an 11-0 vote. The council’s full approval came through with a 25-0 vote for both appointments.
The appointment of Christopher Bailey as Chief of Police highlights the council’s confidence in his leadership capabilities and vision for the Everest Metro Police Department. This decision follows a thorough vetting process and public comment period, during which the committee overseeing the appointment endorsed him unanimously. Similarly, Ernst Team’s appointment as Fire Department Chief was met with unanimous support.
In addition to these appointments, the council addressed numerous proposals that further define the operational aspects of the city. One of the topics was proposal number 71, which had been previously recommended for approval by the Rules and Public Policy Committee with a 9-0 vote. The full council echoed this recommendation, passing the proposal with a 25-0 vote.
Among the various proposals, proposal number 75 sought to implement changes to the Deferred Compensation plan for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County. This proposal was one of the many procedural measures introduced to streamline municipal financial operations. Another measure was proposal number 76, which authorized the issuance of taxable income development lease rental revenue bonds for the reuse project at the old City Hall. This initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize and repurpose historic sites within the city, potentially enhancing economic development.
The council also focused on public works and infrastructure improvements. Proposal number 89, which approved the mayor’s appointment of Todd Wilson as the director of the Department of Public Works, was among several proposals aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure. Discussions surrounding speed limit reductions in various districts were also prominent, with proposals aimed at reducing limits to 35 miles per hour on Madison Avenue and 25 miles per hour on certain streets in Districts 13 and 20. Each of these proposals passed unanimously.
In the realm of urban planning, the council addressed several rezoning proposals. Proposals numbers 77 to 85, certified for approval by the Metropolitan Development Commission, were passed into law without objection. These proposals are expected to shape the city’s development trajectory, aligning land use with community needs and growth objectives. Proposal number 86, a rezoning denied by the commission, was similarly upheld.
A public hearing scheduled for proposal number 52, a zoning ordinance, was rendered unnecessary following new developments. The council was informed that the petitioner intended to withdraw the rezoning petition in favor of filing for variances instead. Consequently, the hearing was continued to the next meeting.
The council session also included discussions on financial allocations and budgetary concerns. Proposal number 50, concerning the budget of the Downtown Economic Enhancement District, passed without objection. Similarly, proposal number 51, which addressed the allocation of community development grant funds, was unanimously approved.
In closing, the council session included a motion for adjournment, which served as a moment to memorialize several individuals who had recently passed away.
Joe Hogsett
City Council, County Council Officials:
Vop Osili, Maggie A. Lewis, Michael-Paul Hart, Leroy Robinson, Brienne Delaney, Dan Boots, Nick Roberts, Carlos Perkins, John Barth, Ron Gibson, Keith L. Graves, Alison “Ali” Brown, Crista Carlino, Jesse Brown, Andy Nielsen, Rena Allen, Jessica McCormick, Jared Evans, Kristin Jones, Frank Mascari, Joshua Bain, Paul Annee, Derek Cahill, Michael Dilk, Brian Mowery, Yulonda Winfield (Clerk of the Council)
-
Meeting Type:
City Council, County Council
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
03/03/2025
-
Recording Published:
-
Duration:
29 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Indiana
-
County:
Marion County
-
Towns:
Beech Grove, Center Township, Clermont, Crows Nest, Decatur Township, Franklin Township, Homecroft, Indianapolis, Lawrence, Lawrence Township, Meridian Hills, North Crows Nest, Perry Township, Pike Township, Rocky Ripple, Southport, Speedway, Spring Hill, Warren Park, Warren Township, Washington Township, Wayne Township, Williams Creek, Wynnedale
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/16/2025
- 12/16/2025
- 45 Minutes
- 12/16/2025
- 12/16/2025
- 41 Minutes
- 12/15/2025
- 12/15/2025
- 49 Minutes