By Jarred Meeks
The Fishers City Council met March 23 to vote on extending a travel advisory, waiving certain formalities during a disaster emergency and more.
What happened: The council approved a resolution to extend a local emergency executive order that issues a travel advisory and a second executive order to suspend door-to-door solicitation.
What it means: To protect residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Scott Fadness asked the council for an extension of the executive order through the duration of Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order, which runs through April 7. The council granted the request.
What happened: The council approved a resolution waiving certain procedures and formalities pursuant with the Emergency Management and Disaster Act.
What it means: The act allows cities to continue to operate during times of emergency when it is unknown how frequently government bodies convene. It allows the mayor to see to essential matters as necessary in the interim. In response to the pandemic, the act has allowed the city to delay stormwater payments for 60 days, create signs to assist restaurants with takeout deliveries, close park playgrounds and more.
What happened: The council approved a resolution reestablishing a cumulative capital development fund.
What it means: Legislation requires that the fund be established each year, meaning it is not a new tax. The city has utilized the fund since 1984, according to city officials. Traditionally, cities use the fund to pay for expenditures related to capital developments, though city officials said it can be used for any municipal purchase.
What happened: The council approved multiple resolutions regarding the issuance of bonds.
What it means: The council approved actions taken by the Fishers Redevelopment Commission to take advantage of favorable market interest rates and to refinance outstanding city bonds.
