By

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

(NOTE: Fred Swift commentaries are posted here as part of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter and LarryInFishers.com.  In the piece below, Fred writes about a number of Hamilton County items)

–The surprising decision of Luke Kenley to resign from the State Senate has reportedly
brought a flood of prospective candidates to fill Kenley’s seat. The winner of
a Republican Party caucus in the next few months will represent Hamilton County in
the next three sessions of the legislature.  So far five individuals have expressed
interest including Noblesville City Councilor Megan Wiles, longtime GOP activist
Victoria Sparx and Carmel City Councilor Sue Finkam. There is also interest from a
county council member and a Westfield businessman indicating intentions to run.

–State officials last week released plans on where the Department of Transportation (INDOT) will spend new revenue from the 10 cent per gallon increase in the
gas tax. Hamilton County state roads are scheduled to get about $25 million over
the next five years. This is far less than some other counties in central Indiana, but
there may be a good reason for that. In an agreement last year Hamilton County is
getting $100 million for State Road 37 reconstruction and got another $65 million
in a one-time COIT distribution, most of which must go toward road improvements.
So, we already got a pretty good deal out of the Statehouse.

–New York is known as the city that never sleeps. We could call Carmel the city
that never quits building. The city council will soon consider a new $100 million
bond issue for more public improvements and amenities. Plans call for yet more
roundabouts, a five-star hotel and an antique Canadian merry-go-round among
other things. Mayor Jim Brainard has reportedly lined up needed majority support
on the council.

–Plans proposed earlier this year by County Commissioners for the use of solar
energy to provide power at the county jail did not get immediate approval from the
County Council. At their last meeting the council majority said costs and financing
will undergo detailed study by members.  No firm date has been set for a vote on the
$8.1 million request to fund a bank of solar panels and other equipment needed to
convert sunlight to electricity. The use of solar energy could save big money, commissioners say.

–Commissioners in their last meeting approved an agreement with the firm of
Butler, Fairman and Seufert to provide engineering for the widening and rehabilitation of Noblesville’s Logan Street Bridge. The plan is to get a new pedestrian walkway across the river to allow safer access to the new Federal Hill Commons.  Cost, about $200,000. Another bridge job approved calls for a new span across the Keiser Ditch on Cyntheanne Road at a cost of $1.1 million.

–And, the Good Kid Award this month goes to Eagle Scout Zach Witty, who is
leading a project to create a walking trail around the perimeter of the County 4-H
Fairgrounds. Signage will be provided along the pathway which is designed to
promote physical fitness.