Fishers has been the center of at least three stories covered by Indianapolis area media the past few days.

The first and most disturbing is the the front-page story in the August 15th edition of the Indianapolis Star about a Fall Creek Intermediate School teacher victimized in a case of “revenge porn.”  Reporter Tim Evans published the letter sent to parents of the school from the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation’s administration.  Evans turned the teacher’s saga into a larger story about the lack of a “revenge porn” criminal statute in Indiana, despite efforts in the General Assembly to enact such a law.  The teacher was not disciplined because she was the apparent victim in the circulation of pictures she never authorized to be released or posted to anyone.  Social media and the Internet clearly have their very ugly side.

Another Fishers-related piece, also contained in the August 15th print edition of the Star, centers on an individual once at the center of a local economic development deal.  Chris Sikich’s piece is about William A. Lindsay, 37, who is now convicted on 12 criminal counts related to securities fraud and theft in a Golden, Colorado case.  Lindsay had proposed to start a firm in Fishers called Vox Lumen which would produce high-tech lighting systems.  Fishers at first offered incentives to the firm until it came to light that Lindsay was facing charges in another state.  The incentives were never provided.

You may have read about the proposed new building along Lantern Road in the Nickel Plate District of downtown Fishers.  Indianapolis Business Journal reporter Lindsay Erdody filed a public records request and picked up some additional details on the project not contained in the city news release issued August 13th.  According to the IBJ story, Fishers is offering land for the building at no cost, will authorize a waiver of fees, and is willing to provide a 10-year real and personal property tax abatement valued at $235,984.  The city would also enter into a six-year lease, paying $25,000 a year for 20 parking spaces.  The Fishers City Council is expected to begin looking at the incentive package at the August 17th meeting.

Artist rendering of proposed Four Day Ray Brewing in Fishers

The Fishers Nickel Plate District is gaining a new development.  The City of Fishers announced that Four Day Ray Brewing will occupy 8,000 square foot in the building to be constructed along 11671 Lantern Road, North of 116th Street, near the Target Shopping Center.  The remaining space in structure (16,000 feet total) will be dedicated to office space.

In a recent issue of the Indianapolis Business Journal, an article written by reporter Lindsey Erdody detailed the lack of some types of office space in Fishers.  It would appear this development is in response to that issue.

According to the city news release, the economic development package being offered by Fishers includes a ten-year property tax abatement for real and personal property and waiver of impact and permitting fees.  Also, the city will construct and make available for public use a surface parking lot adjacent to the development.

Below is the full text of the city’s news release on the planned development:

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The City of Fishers announced today the consideration of a redevelopment project at 11671 Lantern Road submitted by Nickel Plate Development, LLC. The proposal includes a two-story, 16,000 sq. ft. mixed-use building with 8,000 sq. ft. dedicated to commercial office space. Four Day Ray Brewing, a craft brewery and restaurant, will be the first-floor tenant and occupy the remaining 8,000 sq. ft.

“We are excited to present this project to council, as it meets a critical need for office space and offers further vibrancy in our downtown,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “The 8,000 sq. ft. of office is ideal for the tech entrepreneur looking to relocate to the Nickel Plate District. We’ve experienced an increased demand for this size of office space, and expect this space to be leased quickly.”

Four Day Ray plans to be the first-floor tenant in the new urban storefront development, and has proposed a production brewery, taproom and restaurant.  Four Day Ray intends to feature a menu of elevated international street food and American favorites, all prepared with farm to fork, fresh, local ingredients.  It will serve Four Day Ray’s craft beer along with other select beers, craft cocktails and unique wines. 

“Four Day Ray looks forward to positively contributing to the City’s success,” said Brian Graham, its founder and president. “By creating an attractive setting and welcoming atmosphere for people to relax and enjoy, we strive to be a destination where patrons can spend an afternoon or get a bite to eat and a beer while exploring all the Nickel Plate District has to offer.”

The remaining 8,000 sq. ft. is located on the second floor and adds to the already low inventory of open office space in Fishers. In addition, the project includes a parcel to the west of the site to be used for parking. If approved, construction would start this fall with a projected completion date of spring 2016. 

“This project will positively contribute to the City’s future,” said Nickel Plate Development principal, Chris Welsh. “With Four Day Ray Brewing on the first floor and a creative office space on level two, this mixed-use development is the next step in the redevelopment of downtown and meets the City’s goals while adding to the vibrancy of the Nickel Plate District.”

The economic development agreement includes a ten-year property tax abatement for real and personal property and waiver of impact and permitting fees. In addition, the City will construct and make available for public use a surface parking lot adjacent to the development. The City Council and Fishers Redevelopment Commission will consider the proposal and final economic development agreement at future meetings in August.

Those using Lantern Drive near the Target Shopping Center near 116th Street and I-69 will be enduring a road closure starting Friday, August 14th.  The closure will continue to mid-September.  See the details below in a release from the City of Fishers:

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In early July the City of Fishers announced a planned infrastructure improvement project at the intersection of Lantern Road and Commercial Boulevard. The project aims to realign a troubled intersection and improve traffic flow throughout the area. Beginning on August 14, lane shifts and restrictions will be in place as construction progresses.
 
Earlier this week the new Technology Drive opened, and the former Technology Drive went offline. At the end of the week, Lantern Road will be closed between North Street and Commercial Drive. During this time traffic on Commercial Drive will reduce to one lane each direction in the west bound lane. This will remain in effect until mid-September. On August 29, Commercial Drive will be closed to allow for placement of storm pipes.

Brixx Pizza is back open in Fishers today.  Two days after a flash fire in the kitchen area, the eatery in the downtown Depot Building is once again ready to serve its customers.

Two employees were injured in the blaze.  According to a Twitter message from Brixx, they are “doing well.  Both stopped in yesterday to see how everything is going.”

The Fishers Fire Department estimated the damage to be at $200,000, but that included lost business to Brixx as well as damage to the physical structure.

Here’s the first question I asked Fishers Police Chief George Kehl at the August 12th news briefing –  when did he know it was time to retire?  Before the chief could get his answer out, Mayor Scott Fadness chimed in – “Whenever I made him mad.” The room erupted in laughter.

On August 11th, it was announced that long-time Fishers Police Chief George Kehl would be retiring in September of 2016.

With a number of news outlets asking to interview Chief Kehl, Current in Fishers Editor James Feichtner and myself had the first chance to speak with him.  Below are the questions and issues discussed by Chief Kehl and Mayor Fadness.

Continue reading Fishers Police Chief George Kehl Talks About His Career, Retirement →

The Fishers City Council Finance Committee received more details on the proposed special census in the city, which appears headed for full council consideration.  City Controller Oscar Gutierrez told committee members the cost of a special census in selected parts of Fishers will cost $373,298.69 paid to the Census Bureau.  The city will encounter some additional expenses that will raise the cost figure to roughly $450,000.  This will still net the city nearly $1.4 million over a 4-5 year period.  This will allow the city to grab a bigger share of state funding, the largest pot of money coming from the state distribution of Motor Vehicle Highway Funds.  Two other areas of state funding to the city that would see big increases from the special census would be from wagering, going into the city’s general fund, and capital improvements.

The City of Fishers is talking to library officials about extending the lease now in place for the basement area now housing Launch Fishers.  Launch is headed to a new office building. The Census Bureau projects a need for this space through February.

Mayor Scott Fadness updated the committee on the progress of the 2016 city budget.  The mayor has instructed city departments not to plan on hiring any new employees next year as part of the spending plan being formulated.  Fadness expects to have more details on the budget at the next meeting.  The city must approve the 2016 budget in October.

The Fishers Plan Commission recommended to the city council approval of a proposed new ordinance governing micro cell towers.  The council is expected to take up the matter at its August 17th meeting.  No one chose to speak at the public hearing.

The new ordinance is in line with a new state law allowing municipalities to set standards for these facilities.  These towers will be affixed to existing utility poles, will not be allowed in residential  subdivisions and must meet aesthetic standards.  These micro cell towers will likely not replace the cell phone towers we see today, but may reduce the need for more in the future.  This new technology can also enhance cell phone coverage within the city.

In another action, the Plan Commission approved, at its August 11th session, the Whelchel Springs Primary Plat.  During the public hearing, neighbors of the proposed subdivision along Florida Road complained that the developer has failed to keep promises made to them about rights of way.  Doug Allman cast the lone no vote on the issue.  The Whelchel Plat also now goes to the city council.

For the first time in a very, very long time, there will be a new top police official in Fishers. Long-time Chief George Kehl has announced his retirement from the force beginning September of next year.  Mayor Scott Fadness was quick to name the second in command, Assistant Chief Mitch Thompson, as the new chief.   Below is the news release from the City of Fishers”

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After nearly 40 years with the Fishers Police Department, long-time chief, George Kehl, has announced that he will retire from the force in September 2016. Mayor Scott Fadness has named Assistant Chief Mitch Thompson as his successor.

“I am so grateful for Chief Kehl’s leadership and his tireless service to our community,” said Mayor Fadness. “Under his command, the police department has grown into a dynamic, nationally accredited agency that takes a proactive approach to policing.”

Chief Kehl joined the Fishers Police Department in 1975 as a part-time Deputy Marshal and became police chief in 1978. During his tenure, the police department has grown from one sworn officer to a department of 103. Chief Kehl has led the department during explosive population growth, and instituted policies that ensured Fishers remained one of the safest cities in the United States. A few of his career accolades include:

·         Attended and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy – 1991

·         Participated in the LEEDS Academy elite school for law enforcement – 2001

·         Served as President of Indiana Chiefs of Police – 2006

·         Received the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Mitch Daniels – 2007

·         Implemented a successful criminal intelligence unit – 2012

“Serving my community has been the greatest honor of my life,” said Chief Kehl. “Our police department is one of the finest in the country, and I have enjoyed every minute of making Fishers a safer place to live, work and play.”

“Not only has Chief Kehl protected Fishers for the last 40 years, but he has built a team that will keep us safe for decades to come,” said Mayor Fadness. “He’s announced his retirement now to ensure a seamless transition for the new department leader.”

Assistant Chief Mitch Thompson will replace Chief Kehl as police chief in September 2016. Assistant Chief Thompson joined the force in 1991 and has been assistant chief since 2003. He is 24-year resident of Fishers.

It was early in the morning, August 10th, and Fishers High School gymnasium was packed with employees of the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Corporation.  School will start in two days and Superintendent Allen Bourff looked out at the crowd knowing he has his work cut out for him

The HSE School Board had been primed and ready to begin a campaign for a funding referendum in the upcoming November election, asking local taxpayers to increase property tax rates to better fund local schools.  Dr. Bourff, at the last minute, recommended that the board postpone any referendum until May of 2016 at the earliest.

The reason for the recommendation?  Bourff said he wanted to begin an effort to bring the community along.   The President of the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association, Janet Chandler, had informed the superintendent that 40% of the group’s membership, responding to a survey last year, said they would not support a new referendum because the last one in 2009 did not deliver what was promised.  In other words, a significant segment of HSE’s teaching staff would not support another referendum.

In his August 10th speech to the staff, Dr. Bourff provided some history and context to explain why the 2009 referendum did not deliver its promises.  In that plebiscite, voters approved a 10 cent additional property tax rate per $100 of assessed valuation.  That provided HSE Schools about $5 million in revenue at the time and generates roughly $7 million annually now.

The 2009 referendum had promised lower class sizes, better pay for teachers and other staff, as well as other improvements.  None of that happened when Governor Mitch Daniels, in response to a dramatic drop in state revenue, also dramatically lowered state funding to local schools early in 2010.

Dr. Bourrf was the Superintendent at Richmond, Indiana’s local school system in 2010.  He recounted painful staff layoffs and building closures resulting from the governor’s school funding action in early 2010.  HSE Schools did not layoff any staff or close any buildings as a result of the 2009/2010 funding shock  because the referendum that had just passed kept local funding level.  However, the promises of the 2009 referendum of lower class sizes, staff pay increases and other enhancements were never realized due to the severe drop in state income during the aftermath of the financial crisis.

“For those of you who are concerned that Dr. (Brian) Smith (HSE’s school superintendent at the time) and company, who promoted that referendum, didn’t live up to their commitments, I’m telling you, it was outside of their control,” Bourrf told the HSE staff.  “For that reason, you saw nothing come from that referendum.”

Bourff and other HSE Schools top officials plan to go on a “listening tour” to gather staff reactions to what he is saying.  “I may not have seen some of the needs that you see every day,” according to the superintendent.  “That’s why we’re going on the listening tour.”

Dr. Allen Bourff did his best to put all the funding issues into context for his staff.  Now he is prepared to listen to what staff members have to say.   Let’s see where that leads the HSE School Corporation.

During my elementary school years, I signed up for the summer reading program at the local library and enjoyed the books I read.  The Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers sponsored a summer reading program this year and these young people put me to shame.  How about these facts:  over 7,500 readers devouring more than 8.5 million pages of books.  That is an accomplishment.

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board honored the top ten readers for the summer of 2015 in its Snapshots of Success series at the August 10th session.

Here a list of the winners names, along with the astonishing number of book pages logged by each one:

Ellie Booster, New Britton Elementary: 51,859

Madison Murphy, Fishers High School: 40,050

Emily Boezeman, Hoosier Road Elementary: 21, 080

Logan Lara, Hamilton Southeastern Jr High: 20, 461

Shelby Brewer, Fishers High School: 19,046

Tucker Lara, Geist Elementary: 17,977

Carly Wilkinson, Riverside Jr High: 14,557

Sara Spieth, HSE High School: 14,330

Aubree Merriam, Fall Creek Junior High: 13,747

Shelby Bryan, Geist Elementary: 12,879