City-County Council passes ban to stop sale of animals, moves forward with park investment, library board appointment

Pets, parks, libraries and Indianapolis jazz legend Wes Montgomery were all on the agenda at Monday’s Indianapolis City-County Council meeting.

The council gave final approval for a measure that prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at pet stores in Indianapolis. 

“I don’t like it when Indianapolis is behind the curve, and we are in this situation. Over 400 cities have already done this across the country, including 13 in Indiana,”said Councilor John Barth, who co-sponsored the measure.

Existing pet stores that sell puppies in the city will have two years to transition to a new business model, which can include the option of continuing to sell animals sourced from Animal Care Services or rescue organizations.

A council resolution approved the appointment of Eugene White to the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees. White is a former Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent and president of Martin University. He will take the seat as the library board continues to be scrutinized over leadership decisions.

Councilors also passed a proposal that appropriates $74 million for park redevelopment, made possible through a gift from the Lilly Endowment.

During public testimony, Eddie Hager said while he supports park improvements, he worries about park safety. 

“The money that’s being spent, not a single penny is going to go towards security,” Hager said. 

The council also offered a special resolution to honor jazz great and Indianapolis native Wes Montgomery on what would have been his 100th birthday. Indy Parks Director Phylis Boyd said $1.3 million will be invested in planned upgrades to Wes Montgomery Park.

“There’s going to be a really beautiful basketball pavilion with two full courts, two half courts, maybe the only space in Indianapolis where you have covered basketball courts,” Boyd said. An outdoor roller skating rink is also planned.

Musicians Rob Dixon and Brandon Meeks played one of Montgomery’s songs during the meeting.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.