May 2023
Announcements/News
Property Tax Appeal (Deadline June 15th)

The assessors' office sent out property assessments for 2024 property taxes. The appeal deadline is June 15th, 2023. An informal meeting is easy. (Click Here to start the Process) The appeal of an assessment requires evidence, so please be sure to be prepared. Compare your neighbor's values, needed repairs, home condition, and things like that. (County Map Link For researching - Click Here)

Our District Fishers SW average assessed values are up 9% for next year's property tax bill. Muir Woods is up a whopping 23%!
Geist Park $50 Parking fee for non-residence resolution

Imagine your family planning a day to enjoy Geist Waterfront Park. You pay your taxes for this park. You drive over only to find the park at parking capacity and full of families from other cities. How would you feel? I wouldn't like it, nor do I believe most Fishers taxpayers would either.

Geist Park has parking limitations. (240 parking Spots). The Fee is set to discourage those not paying Fishers' taxes to find other transportation methods to enjoy the park. Pedestrians and bike traffic are free and welcome. I agree with the $50 entrance Parking fee until the Parks Department can determine the demand for the park.

To drive in, you must register (Click here to be notified)
Keeping Fishers Safe - FLOCK

Flock Safety License Plate Reader Cameras are installed across our city. As a result, fishers Police have access to the information provided for criminal investigations and the location of someone who committed a crime. 70% of crime involves a vehicle.

The police have rules to follow when using the tool. First, the officers must confirm any data before any action is taken.

Fishers police have arrested several individuals using evidence from the Flock machines. We hope that more people learn about the system and that it becomes a deterrent.

Recent new Developments Announced

JPS Consulting Engineer applied for a permit to build a new retail building between The Mark at Fishers District Apartments and Torchy's Tacos.
Walmart on 96th Street will begin remodeling the Supercenter soon.
Nickel Plate Trail

A big shout out to Berkley Grove, and a big thank you for working with the city on the north 106th Street connection.

Eventually, the trail will continue south with a racing theme bridge over 96th to downtown Indianapolis.

Finances

The 2024 budget process has started. The Mayor is meeting with all department heads to build operating and capital budgets. Please email me if you want to provide input into areas Fishers should improve or spend on. This year, I'm on the budget committee and be providing more details about our budget.
2023 Elections in November, I announced my candidacy to run for the city council next year. I would be honored to serve.

We must be Safe
  • The People in Fishers must Feel Safe, and we must provide the police and fire departments with the necessary tools.

Neighborhood Strong
  • I am placing myself in your shoes.
  • My being a liaison working with the Mayor regarding YOUR concerns/issues.
  • Things to do

Smart Commercial Growth
  • Development that existing residents want and need.
  • It is providing job incentives that could net YOU a better job.
Fishers City Council Meeting Agenda

Please email or text me with any input.
THE PUBLIC MAY STREAM THE MEETING BY GOING TO: http://tinyurl.com/CityOfFishers
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY SUBMIT COMMENTS BEFORE 12PM ON Monday, May 15, 2023, BY GOING TO:
BOARD/COMMISSION: City Council Meeting DATE: 5/15/2023
DIRECTIONS: Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, Fishers, Indiana 46038
WORK SESSION, 6:30 p.m., Launch Fishers, Auditorium
·        Public Safety Nuisance
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, 7:00 p.m., Launch Fishers, Auditorium
1.      Meeting Called to Order with the Pledge of Allegiance
2.      Announcements:
3.      Proclamations:
4.      Presentations: Nina Hersberger - Kids Journal Fishers City Parks; FHS Robotic Team; Mayors Youth Academy
5.      Council Committee Reports
a.      Finance Committee Report - REPORT
6.      Department Reports
a.      Health Department Report - REPORT
b.      Engineering Report - REPORT
7.      Consent Agenda:
a.      Request to approve the previous meeting minutes for Monday, April 17, 2023.
b.      R051523 - A Resolution of the Common Council Authorizing the City Controller to Transfer Certain Funds:
REGULAR AGENDA
Budget/ Financial
Item 8 is an infrastructure spend on a lift station for growing areas in the far east part of Fishers. The reason the council approves is because it is an unbudgeted item. I will vote yes.
8.      R051523A - A Request to Approve Additional Appropriation of Sewer Availability Fees (Grantham Lift Station) - Public Hearing: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Exhibit B I Resolution

Item 9 is to renew a policy required by the state. Fishers' reserves are much like your own savings account. The reserve collects interest and will net taxpayers over $1 million in the coming year. Some policymakers believe we should spend this reserve down. I don't. Why? It nets us a AAA bond rating for lower borrowing costs (taxpayer savings) and provides Fishers taxpayers a safety net should the economy go into a deep recession. I will vote yes.
9.      051523A - Ordinance Regarding the City of Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana’s Investment Policy - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance

Item 10 is to replace worn-out safety equipment for our firefighters. I will vote yes.
10.      051523 - Ordinance of the City of Fishers Approving Short Term Loan Financing for 2023 Fire Equipment (SCBA) - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Exhibit B I Ordinance

Item 11 is rather complicated. Fishers sold a short-term bond for infrastructure needed at the SW corner of 126th and Cumberland Road to give incentives to two Life Science manufacturers. The short-term bond will be turned into a longer-term bond in the next couple of years, but interest rates have changed. This amendment addresses a higher interest rate. Does this project increase any citizens' taxes? NO. I will vote yes.
11.      R051523E – Request to Approve an Amendment of a Resolution of the Common Council, Approving An Amendment to Lease, and Taking Other Actions Related Thereto (Stevenato BAN): Council Action Form I Resolution
Economic Development

Item 12 is an incentive for a new office building costing the developer $15 million in the Life Science Park. Eighty-one new jobs for Fishers are expected by building this office. When we bring in $5 million of new taxable income, Fishers will receive about 15%+ of this tax back to the City. The balance goes to the other taxing authorities. It will also allow a current resident to gain employment for a better job closer to home. The incentive is the land for $1.00, and the property inside the building will be abated. We should know more at the meeting, but this will be good and not cost any additional taxes on a citizen.
12.      R051523C - Request to Approve Project Agreement with OnPoint Innovation Park 3, LLC:
Government/Miscellaneous

Item 13 & 14 - The county imposed an income tax for public safety a couple of years ago. The balance of this fund is rather large, and the County elected officials will distribute the excess back to the cities. We plan to use this for safety and protection services. I will vote yes.
13.      R051523D - A Request to Approve an Interlocal Agreement with Hamilton County Indiana Concerning a One-Time Distribution of Public Safety Income Tax Proceeds: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Resolution
14.      R051523B - A Request to Approve Additional Appropriation of Public Safety Income Tax Proceeds (one-time PSAP distribution) - Public Hearing: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Exhibit B I Resolution

Item 15 is a policy for Geist Park. Parking is limited, and Fishers' taxpayers are paying for the amenity. If Fishers' taxpayers do not use the park to capacity, the fee could be lower. (Township residents can use the park for free) I will vote yes.
15.      R051523F - A Resolution of the Common Council for the City of Fishers Approving Certain Parking Fees for Geist Waterfront Park: Council Action Form I Resolution

16.      051523C - An Ordinance of the Common Council Creating Chapter 100 (Public Safety Nuisance) and Amending Chapter 36 of the City of Fishers Code of Ordinances - 1st Reading: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Ordinance
Planning & Zoning
Items 17 and 19 are regarding a new hair salon business in a very appropriate commercial area and have a pleasing design. I will vote yes.
17.      091922C – Consideration of a rezone of 1.76 acres from R2 to C1 to allow for Magnolia Grove Salon. Subject site is located at a common address of 13484 E. 116th St. (RZ-22-4) - Final Reading: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Exhibit B I Exhibit C I Staff Report I Ordinance

Item 18 - The problem for many current subdivisions in our city is that a change is impossible when wanting to restrict rental properties or make other convenient changes. Most homeowners associations require 75-100% approval from their shareholders for any changes. 

The Council will vote on a new law preventing NEW subdivision development deed restrictions requiring approval of more than a simple majority (50%+). A law to change the current Fishers HOA's deed restrictions is still being legally investigated. 
18.      022023C - Consideration of a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Case #TA-23-2 – Final Reading: Council Action Form I Staff Report I Ordinance

See above Item 17 comments.
19.      051523D - Consideration of a rezone of .98 acres from R2 to C1 to allow for the Drive Planning office located at 13562 E. 116th St. (RZ-23-2) - 1st Reading: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Petitioner Packet I Ordinance
Voluntary Annexations
An Annexation brings in more dollars to contribute to the city funds in different pots, but more importantly, annexations increase the AV for the city. Fishers city spending (levy) does not need (and State limited) to grow due to these annexations. Thus, the tax rate drops. Tax Rate = Levy/(AV+Annexation)

Willow Crest Lot 3
20.      R051523G - Request to approve a resolution adopting the Fiscal Plan for the Willow Crest Annexation, Lot 3 (ANX-23-2):
21.      041723F - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of .29 acres known as the Willow Crest Annexation, Lot 3. Subject site is generally located east of Allisonville Road with a common address of 14543 Allisonville Road (ANX-23-2) - Final Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
Willow Crest Lot 5
22.      R051523H - Request to approve a resolution adopting the Fiscal Plan for the Willow Crest Annexation, Lot 5 (ANX-23-3):
23.      041723G - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of .4 acres known as the Willow Crest Annexation, Lot 5. Subject site is generally located east of Allisonville Road with a common address of 14521 Allisonville Road (ANX-23-3) - Final Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
Willow Crest Lot 4
24.      R051523I - Request to approve a resolution adopting the Fiscal Plan for the Willow Crest Annexation, Lot 4 (ANX-23-4):
25.      041723H - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of .37 acres known as the Willow Crest Annexation, Lot 4. Subject site is generally located east of Allisonville Road with a common address of 14541 Allisonville Road (ANX-23-4) - Final Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
 
Flat Fork PUD Annexations
26.      051523E - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of 50.10 acres known as the Flat Fork PUD Annexation. Subject site is generally located north of E 96th Street and east of Georgia Road. (ANX-23-5) - 1st Reading & Public Hearing: Council Action Form I Ordinance
27.      051523F - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of 58.64 acres known as the Flat Fork PUD Annexation. Subject site is generally located north of 96th Street and west of Cyntheanne Road. (ANX-23-6) - 1st Reading & Public Hearing: Council Action Form I Ordinance
 
REGULAR ITEMS
28. Any other Unfinished / New Business
29. Community Comment
30. Meeting Adjournment
Resources
Fishers Property Issue & Complaints - (Please let me know if you need assistance)

Hungry? Hurting? Safety Net Assistance?
Have you lost hope and are in dire financial need? Contact the Delaware Township and meet with a caseworker. Link Debbie Driskell is our Delaware Trustee and Doug Allman is our Fall Creek Trustee (Link). They can help you get back on your feet.

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