Fishers city officials gathered for a dinner meeting at the Chinese House at Conner Prairie Wednesday night to talk about the first year as a city, and what to expect in 2016.  One point was made early and often – the stable political climate in the city leads to getting more done, including economic development deals.

Mayor Scott Fadness, members of the city council, and City Clerk Jennifer Kehl were on hand for the meeting.  Also in attendance: Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath and City Attorney Chris Greisl.

A number of issues were discussed.  Here are a few of the main points:

–Council President Pete Peterson pushed for a more aggressive communications strategy for the city, including the addition of video programs and podcasts.

–There was much discussion of what needs to be done along the 96th Street corridor to continue upgrading that area.

–Councilwoman Cecilia Coble asked what the city is doing on retention and growth of existing businesses in Fishers, and Mayor Fadness detailed a program of outreach that is ongoing with existing local businesses.

–Mayor Fadness says a Senate measure in the Indiana Legislature would release local option income tax money that state officials have been pooling in recent years.  That would mean $9 million coming to Fishers as a lump sum payment in July if the legislation passes, which the mayor says is very likely.  25% of that money could be spent any way the city wishes.  The mayor anticipates a long discussion with council members on how to spend that money.

–Councilman Rich Block suggested that if a study found renovations to City Hall as not feasible, he wants to consider building a new city hall.  “I’m not looking to spend money necessarily, but I’d also hate to reinvest in what I consider a poor design, poor structure.”

–Mayor Fadness talked to the group about how he evaluates economic development deals that are offered to the city.

First, he looks at whether the proposal contributes to his vision of the community. “If it doesn’t, I’m not going to have that conversation,” said the mayor.

Is the entity proposing the deal able to come through and deliver the project as proposed in Fishers?

Finally the mayor asks whether this deal is financially in the best interests of the city.  “Is it going to put the taxpayers at risk to an extent it isn’t worth it?”

Fadness says those are the three questions he asks on each deal proposed to him.