The Hamilton Southeastern School Board approved the property transfer, the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety has approved their part of the property transfer and the city has contracted for design and construction management services to construct a new fire station at 136th Street and Prairie Baptist Road.  Fire Chief Steve Orusa says the new station should be in service by late 2022.

Mayor Scott Fadness says the original plan was to take possession of land belonging to IU Health, but legal complications scuttled that idea.  The city will fund teachers for “experiential learning” for two years as part of the land acquisition deal with the local school district.

In other actions from the Board of Works meeting Tuesday afternoon:

–The board voted to opt-out of any opioid litigation settlements, at the recommendation of City Attorney Chris Greisl.  The state legislature has enacted a law encouraging Indiana local governments to opt-out of their local lawsuits and join the state litigation.  Greisl added that the state statute penalizes political subdivisions that choose not to choose this option of joining the state.  “This is an unusual set of circumstances but there really aren’t too many choices in front of us,” said Mayor Scott Fadness.

–The board formally awarded a contract for Meyer Najem to handle Phase 1B construction and operation for the new Geist Waterfront Park.

–A supplemental agreement was approved with with Butler, Fariman and Seufert
(BF&S) for Geist Greenway professional services aimed at realigning a sharp S-curve on Florida Road.

— The board said yes to a request for 16 Fishers Police Department Ford Explorer SUVs.  The Explorers will replace currently owned vehicles that are past their life expectancy.  Pearson Ford’s bid was the lowest, most responsive bid, according to city officials.