What happened: Ron Gifford, executive director of Indy Connect Now, took questions from councilors during the work session.
What it means: With mass transit and Indy Connect Now’s plans being debated and discussed in the Statehouse, Gifford was invited to the work session to answer councilors’ questions. One of the big take-aways from the question and answer session was that the Town of Fishers could design a rapid transit bus route this year to be part of consideration if mass transit plans are implemented. The councilors dove into parts of the proposed plans, including the COIT Council’s role and balance of voting powers with Marion County.
What’s next: Gifford said he believed the mass transit bill would be amended and sent to a conference committee. According to a report from NUVO’s Rachel Townsend, it was sent to a study committee last Tuesday, a day after Gifford addressed the council.
What happened: The Liberty Plaza monument was discussed in the work session.
What it means: Liberty Plaza has been under construction in front of Town Hall on 116th Street and Municipal Drive for quite some time. The last component to be purchased and installed on the project is an eagle that will sit atop the monument’s tallest pillar. Tony Elliot, assistant to the town manager, briefed the council on a type of aluminum that could be used instead of the original proposed bronze to reduce the cost from $50,000 to $7,500. Fundraisers have procured money to pay for the eagle. The town contributed about 40 to 50 percent of the funding for the project.
What’s next: There was a concern about the eagle withstanding wind, and Town Manager Scott Fadness said it would be investigated.
What happened: The council approved an easement vacation.
What it means: A petitioner was requesting that an easement be vacated so that one large plot of land could be available for a home in a section of Springs of Cambridge. There was concern from the council, and one person in the audience, about working with the homeowners association, as well as questions about whether the land, a common area, was earmarked for a specific purpose, like parking. According to the petitioner’s representative, the lot is slated to be the site of a future Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home.
What’s next: Rules were suspended, and the vacation was approved.