Fishers City Council SW
David Giffel
MAY 2022
Announcements/News
Nickel Trail is officially OPENED!
Fishers received $4.5 million in funding through the Next Level Trails program to build portions of the Nickel Plate Trail north of 96th Street.

Smartassets reports Fishers as the 6th most livable Small City in the country.

County Assessments - Almost all properties are significantly higher.
We've received our Pay 2023 assessment. Next year your payment could be far larger than this year's Pay 2022. My video explains how budgets and Tax rates are determined.
https://www.giffel.com/single-post/property-taxes If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal. You must have a valid change or why the property is assessed wrong. The SW Fishers District Total Assessed value (AV) is about $2 billion. So you know, for pay 2023, expect to pay about $125 for every $10,000 in increased AV but remember this is for ALL taxing units.

Constituents Survey
I'm conducting a survey, and please take a few minutes to fill it out and return it. My goal is to reach 20% of random households in several neighborhoods based on assessed values. So far, my return rate is about 28%. I've left room for comments. I will share the results in June. Those that return the survey will enable me to be a better leader.
NE corner of 96th and Masters Road - a warehouse to be built is progressing. link

Highline Apartment/Mix development - The new apartment will break ground in July. Highline is located on the SW corner of 106th and Lantern Road.

2022 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant Winners FIshers SW
Bluestone - ($4,180) to plant additional trees along Easy Street to increase urban tree coverage.
Covington Estates - ($5,000) to place a new irrigation system to keep grass, plants, and trees vibrant.
Muir Woods - ($3,845.26) to add landscaping around a new entrance sign.
Northfield Estates - ($5,000) to install three streetlights.
The Haven - ($4,400) to convert a 14-acre pasture to native prairie with grasses and wildflowers to support pollinators and wildlife in our community. 
The Pines - ($2,000) to install three new benches.
Wildwood Estates - ($487) to update mulch and drainage equipment at the community playground to maintain a safe play environment. 
Wintercove - ($650) to place a bench at the entrance for peaceful reflection.

Information from the City on a variety of topics. Link
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 16, 2022 BY GOING TO: https://townoffishers.formstack.com/forms/public_meeting_comment_form.
 
BOARD/COMMISSION: City Council Meeting DATE: 5/16/2022
DIRECTIONS:     Fishers City Hall
 
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, 7:00 p.m., City Hall Auditorium
1.      Meeting Called to Order with the Pledge of Allegiance
2.      Announcements:
3.      Proclamations:
a.      National Public Works Week
b.     We the People
 
4.      Presentations:
a.      Service Awards: 20 Years
i.     Rick DeCrastos Jr.
ii.     Ky Ragsdale
iii.     Maria Rhea
 
5.      Council Committee Reports
a.      Finance Committee Report:            REPORT
b.      Nonprofit Committee Report:       REPORT
6.      Department Reports:
a.      Health Department Report:            REPORT
7.      Consent Agenda:
a.      Request to approve the previous meeting minutes: Regular Session and Work Session for April 18, 2022
b.     R051622 - A Resolution of the Common Council Authorizing the City Controller to Transfer Certain Funds
 
REGULAR AGENDA
 
Budget/Financial
8.      R051622B - A Resolution Adopting a Capital Plan and Identifying Funds to be Applied to Certain Projects - Fishers Arts & Municipal Complex - Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Resolution
The resolution is to approve where your tax dollars will be spent in 2022. I will vote yes.

In this resolution, funding is identified for the new Arts & City Hall Municipal Complex. The cost is rather high at nearly $24 million, but the building is sinking. The city will use $7 million cash from our General Fund since we received the same amount from the AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021. The balance will be from a capital bond.
 
9.      051622 - An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 081621 with respect to the use of the proceeds of the City of Fishers, Indiana Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 2021. - 1st Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
The city sold a bond when purchasing the Sewage works and will have extra funds for some future sewer improvements. Yes.

10.  051622A - An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 081516J with respect to the use of the proceeds of the City of Fishers, Indiana Taxable Economic Development Revenue Bonds of 2018C. - 1st Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
The city has surplus proceeds from the sale of a 2018 Bond to be used on other projects. Yes

11.  R051622A - A Request to Approve an Additional Appropriation from Excess Levy Fund (Neighborhood Matching Grant) - Public Hearing: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Exhibit B I Resolution
 Taxing units that collect more than the State allows by law will force the city to place the funds into an Excess levy Fund. A year later, the unit can use the funds. Yes.

Government/Miscellaneous
12.  041822 - An Ordinance Authorizing the City of Fishers to Become a Member of the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority Pursuant to Ind. Code 36-7.7 et. seq. - 2nd Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
I voted to delay this vote last month to conduct more due diligence. Fishers joining the Authority should enable more Federal and State taxes to return to our community. The grants could pay for infrastructure and tax breaks for significant economic development projects.

We send our income tax dollars, sales taxes, and probably other taxes to both the state and Federal governments. Based on reports paid into local income taxes to the county, Fishers' residence taxable income is over $4 billion, paying almost a quarter billion dollars in taxes. Therefore, I will vote YES for our Mayor to try and bring home more grants.

This new Authority will have an administration cost associate that will be minimal. The Authority is not a taxing authority and will not give up any spending approvals by the Council. The council can opt out of this authority should goals from other central Indiana entities decide their goals are different from Fishers' goals. The Council has the authority to write laws to opt out.

13.  R041822B - A Resolution Adopting a Preliminary Strategic Economic Development Plan for the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority Pursuant to Ind. Code 36-7.7 et. Seq.: Council Action Form I Resolution
This outlines the above authorities' powers and plans. Yes.

14.  051622D - A request to approve an Amendment to the City of Fishers Salary Ordinance - 1st Reading: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Ordinance
State law requires we approve any salary changes.
 
Planning & Zoning
 
Almost every Annexation into the city is good for current taxpayers. The greater the Assessed Value added in Fishers will contribute to lower tax rates for ALL units. The Unincorporated properties do not contribute to Fishers Parks, road improvements, police and fire protection, and economic development yet often benefit from City services. The following is for the council to approve several annexations.

Burns Annexation
 15.  R051622D - Request to approve a resolution adopting the Fiscal Plan for the Burns property annexation, Case #ANX-22-3.: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Resolution
16.  041822A - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of 7.06 acres, known as the Burns property. Subject site is generally located north of Southeastern Parkway, with the common address of 15348 Southeastern Parkway Fishers, Indiana 46037. Case ANX-22-3. - 2nd Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
 
Whitcraf Estates Annexation
 19.  R051622E - Request to approve a resolution adopting the Fiscal Plan for the Whitcraft Estates property annexation, Case #ANX-22-4.: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Resolution
20.  041822B - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of 4.99 acres known as the Whitcraft Estates property. Subject site is generally located east of Hoosier Road, with a common address of 12354 Hoosier Road Fishers, Indiana 46037. Case ANX-22-4 - 2nd Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance

21.  R051622F - Request to approve a resolution adopting the Fiscal Plan for the Hurst property annexation, Case #ANX-22-5.: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Resolution
22.  041822C - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of 1.25 acres, known as the Hurst property. Subject site is generally located south of 106th St and east of Mollenkopf Rd, with a common address of 10450 Mollenkopf Rd. Case ANX-22-5. - 2nd Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
 
McMullan Annexation
23.  R051622G - Request to approve a resolution adopting the Fiscal Plan for the McMullan property annexation, Case #ANX-22-2.: Council Action Form I Exhibit A I Resolution
24.  041822D - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of one (1) lot known as the McMullan Property. Subject site has a common address of 12825 Lantern Road, consisting of 4.15 Acres. Case ANX-22-2. - 2nd Reading: Council Action Form I Ordinance
 
25.  041822E - Consideration of a Text Amendment to various sections of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Case TA-22-1. - Final Reading: Council Action Form I Staff Report I Ordinance
Some companies want to put huge unsightly billboards in our community. I don't want "sign litter" off I-69 as we already have enough. Do You? I will vote yes to this law to outline what a sign company can and cannot do.

26.  051622E - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of 60 acres, known as Milford Park. Subject site is generally located Northeast of Florida Rd and 113th, with a common address of 11810 Florida Rd. Case ANX-22-6. - 1st Reading, Public Hearing: Council Action Form I Ordinance

27.  051622F - Request to approve a voluntary annexation of 15.069 acres, known as the Lehman property. Subject site has a common address of 8115 E 126th St, Fishers, IN. Case ANX-21-11. – 1st Reading, Public Hearing: Council Action Form I Ordinance
 
REGULAR ITEMS 
28.     Any other Unfinished / New Business
29.     Community Comment
30.     Meeting Adjournment
Ongoing Issues and Concerns
Nickel Plate Trail
A few neighbors back up to the Nickle Plate Trail and have privacy concerns. In the coming weeks. Fishers Council approved a change in the PUD to allow more latitude for privacy for these parcels. We are also looking at connecting behind a couple of houses on Berkley Grove's land.

5G Tower Update
Permits for the 5G towers have been delayed until January 11th to review some legal questions. I'm not supporting any unwanted and unsightly tower in front of a family home. If you don't attend the meeting, the Mayor and the public works department will decide for you. Please read my blog. Link

Corporations Buy Up homes for Rentals - First-time homeowners who want to live in Fishers are getting shut out of the market. The city has researched the issue and possible solutions if your subdivision is concerned. Link

Fisher Housing Study - Link
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 Trustee and can help you get back on your feet.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Paid for by Giffel Campaign