What happened: The council members and staff discussed the town-to-city transition in a work session.
What it means: In an open meeting before the regular town council meeting, the councilors had the opportunity to discuss and ask questions concerning the transition from town government to city government. Few questions were raised to the town’s legal counsel, Jennifer Messer, as the councilors agreed a memo was clear and detailed. The only deadline approaching is in November of 2013, if elections are to be held in 2014.
What happened: The council members were briefed by Jeff Hill, director of engineering, on road projects around town.
What it means: Hill gave the councilors a rundown on every project going on in Fishers, including those that are not being executed by the town. Expect work to be made on the Fall Creek and Brooks School Road roundabout before winter sets in earnest. The Allisonville Road and 96th Street project isn’t set for “substantial completion” until May 28 of next year. Other projects have seen varying degrees of completion.
What happened: Additional funding for Holland Park Building renovations was approved.
What it means: The Holland Park Building renovation project is a multifaceted one. To renovate the building, a base bid was set, which then had a total five alternates adding onto the project. In the previous town council session, the councilors wanted advice on how to fund the project in its full capacity, including the alternates. Staff came back at this meeting with a recommended plan that includes the base bid plus four of the alternates, with the only one not included being the third alternate for kitchen renovations. Myers Construction is in charge of the now $602,700 project, funded by current and future Community Development Block Grants, the Parks and Recreation budget.
What happened: A request to approve annual contract for Town Court legal services was pulled from the consent agenda.
What it means: At a typical town council meeting, approximately five items are put on the consent agenda and voted upon as a slate, meaning one vote takes place for all of the items. This item was specifically in regards to Church, Church, Hittle and Antrim’s services at the Town Court. Town council member Renee Cox asked to pull the item from the consent agenda for further discussion in new business. Cox and council member Stuart Easley asked questions concerning the degree of automation involved in the town’s deferral program, as well as the number of cases the program sees. Ultimately, the contract for 2013 was approved, and Church, Church, Hittle and Antrim will collect $36,000 for its services in this area.