I must credit the editors at the Indianapolis Star and reporter Rachel Fradette – the newspaper has been covering the situation at the Hamilton East Library extensively.
The latest is an advisory opinion from Indiana’s Public Access Counselor, Luke Britt, that indicates the board violated state law while having a meeting at a coffee shop about board officers.
Reporter Fradette does a deep dive into the issue and the board’s response. You can find her story at this link.
It is possible your access to this story could be limited if you are not an IndyStar subscriber. Online subscriptions are not that expensive. Once again, subscribe to your local media. If you do not, it may not be around in the future.
John Weingardt has served as a local elected official sine 2012. He started on the Fishers Town Council and was elected to the Fishers City Council. In this podcast, John says this is his last campaign for Fishers City Council. He talks about that and much more in this podcast with Larry.
HEPL Library Board member Ray Maddolone at a recent meeting
There is an opening on the Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) Board. Ray Maddolone has resigned, according to a story posted by Current Publishing.
Reporter Leila Kheiry cites a statement issued by the Hamilton County Commissioners. Here is the full statement, as reported by Kheiry:
“The Hamilton County Commissioners have accepted the resignation of Ray Maddalone from the Hamilton East Public Library Board of Trustees. We thank him for his willingness to serve and are committed to identifying the best possible replacement to ensure the future success of the Fishers and Noblesville libraries.”
Members of the HEPL board are appointed by the County Council, County Commissioners, Noblesville & HSE School Boards. Craig Seibe is the other appointee from the Commissioners currently serving on the library board.
Maddolone had been a supporter of the policy to review books in the teen section of both the Noblesville and Fishers Libraries and remove any not meeting criteria set by the board. That policy was recently “paused.”
Crystal Neumann took her Fishers City Council seat when Samantha DeLong resigned rom her seat. She is now running for a full 4-year term on the Council, representing the North Central District. She joins Larry for a podcast at the link below.
:Lane Skeeters was a Democratic candidate for Fishers City Council 4 years ago, and is now on the ballot once again in the South Central District. He joins Larry for this podcast.
Youngsters at Fishers Elementary School try on bike helmets
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has joined hands with Fishers Fire and Emergency Services to ensure the safety of first- and second-grade students in Hamilton Southeastern Schools by providing them with bike helmets. This initiative, known as the Bike IN Safe program, is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and aims to promote road safety among Indiana’s youngest cyclists.
Under the Bike IN Safe program, INDOT received a generous donation of 75,000 bike helmets, which will be distributed to local schools. Additionally, the program will include presentations to educate students on various aspects of road safety, including how to properly wear a helmet, understanding the rules of the road, avoiding distractions, appropriate attire, and safety tips.
The collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, facilitated by Bike IN Safe, highlights the importance of collective efforts to encourage road safety among young cyclists.
This initiative holds special significance for Fishers Elementary School Principal Brian Behrman. Mr. Behrman, an avid cyclist himself, was involved in a serious bike collision just days before the new school year began. Despite the challenging circumstances, Behrman has shown remarkable resilience by returning to his role as the school’s principal while continuing to heal from his injuries. His personal experience serves as a reminder of the critical importance of wearing a bike helmet for safety.
Location of the Flat Fork residential developments
After many months of behind-the-scenes meetings and negotiations, two residential developments, described as the Flat Fork Planned Unit Development (PUD), north of 96th Street on Georgia and Cyntheane Roads, finally have a positive recommendation from the Fishers Plan Commission. The rezone request next goes before the Fishers City Council.
Attorney Murray Clark, representing the developer, told commission members the homes in the 96th Street and Georgia Road development will consist of ranch homes with a projected sales price of $450,000 to $550,000. A proposed commercial component of that development has been taken off the table.
The 96th Street and Cyntheanne Road part of the project will contain 130 2-story residences with prices starting at $600,000 and go up from that price point.
Concerns about the amount of setbacks for homes in each development has been worked out after much discussion.
During the public hearing, some people currently living in that area voiced concerns about the additional traffic coming to the neighborhood. City staff responded that they have been in contact with McCordsville in Hancock County, on the other side of 96th Street, working together on developments planned adjacent to this residential area. There were promises of traffic monitoring to respond if any concerns arise.
With only 6 of the 11 members of the Fishers Plan Commission present at the Wednesday evening meeting, a unanimous vote was required for a positive recommendation, and the vote on the Flat Fork PUD was unanimous.
John DeLucia has been involved in the local community many ways, including involvement with a number of nonprofit groups and years service on the Hamilton Southeastern School Board. John is now a candidate for the Fishers City Council, North Central District seat.
John joins Larry Lannan and Mike Fassold in this podcast to talk about his candidacy.
David Giffel was elected by a Republican Party caucus to fill the remaining term of David George when he resigned his council seat in the fall of 2021. Mr. Giffel has now served nearly 2 years on the Fishers City Council and will face voters in the November general election.
David Giffel sat down with Larry Lannan and Mike Fassold to record this podcast, at the link below.
The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools are dealing with the same issues individuals and commercial operations are facing – increased costs of doing business.
HSE Facilities Director Matt Rapp updated the school board Tuesday morning on the ten-year plan to keep the school district buildings in good working order. He cited the nearly $4 million HSE price tag annually on natural gas and electricity use, despite steps taken to reduce consumption, due to dramatic increases in the rates utilities charge.
Rapp cites the Mortenson Construction Cost Index showing a 2.94% hike in construction pricing the past year. The index also says labor costs have increased 3.2% and cites a labor shortage for skilled contractors.
A project or repair in 2020 that would cost $5,000 has a price tag of $6,500 today. Bottom line, Rapp says it will cost more to do the same work, year over year.
The project timeline listing shows the Transportation Facility will be completed next year, with Lantern Road and Fishers Elementary Schools set for completion in 2025. See the chart below for more details.
As the 4th-largest school system in Indiana, Rapp provided the board an idea just how big the facilities are here. HSE facilities are over 4 million square feet under roof. By comparison, The Indiana Convention Center, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas oil Stadium and the Salesforce Tower combined have just over 3.9 million square feet total.
To view Matt Rapp’s entire presentation to the board, use this link.
