By Sadie Hunter
The Noblesville Common Council held its first meeting of the year Jan. 12. The council’s next regular meeting is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Noblesville City Hall Council Chambers, 16 S. 10th St. To see an agenda for that meeting, visit www.cityofnoblesville.org.
What happened: In the council committee reports section of the meeting, Councilor Mary Sue Rowland recapped points from the Jan. 11 parks board meeting.
Why it matters: Rowland discussed how the Noblesville Parks Dept. was continuing to look into, potentially fund and plan development of Finch Creek Park, the proposed park on the east side of the city off of 166th Street and Boden Road. “In that park, they want to know how they’re going to fund it … They, the park board, (are looking to hire) a consulting firm … I think we’re going to have to answer some funding questions in seven or eight months,” Rowland said.
What happened: Also in the council committee reports section of the meeting, Roy Johnson reviewed agenda items from the Jan. 8 roads committee meeting.
Why it matters: Johnson said the committee was continuing to purchase parcels for the extension of the Midland Trace Trail in Noblesville. He said the construction for the Riverwalk project was set to begin in October and that the extension of Presley Drive to Pleasant Street would continue in 30 to 60 days, depending on weather. Johnson said new city limits signs will be placed throughout the city in the near future and that a road impact fee, or RIF, update would soon be coming across the council’s agenda. Currently, the city has four different RIF amounts, which it hopes to change to one, overall amount, keeping the fee one of the lowest in Hamilton Co.
What happened: Under new ordinances discussed, Mayor John Ditslear introduced the proposal of a trash and recycling fee for City of Noblesville residents.
Why it matters: After some back and forth, the council heard comments from the public on the issue but wasn’t scheduled to take action. The official public hearing for the proposal will take place at tonight’s 7 p.m. meeting, Jan. 26. For more on this story, visit youarecurrent.com or see page 3 in Current in Noblesville’s Jan. 16 edition.
What happened: Deputy Planning Director Andy Wert introduced two ordinances to the council for annexation of two properties.
Why it matters: The two properties – 170 Mill Creek Rd. and 3477 Conner St. – were proposed to be voluntarily annexed into Noblesville city limits for sewer connection. The council passed both ordinances with a unanimous, 8-0 vote (At-Large Councilor Mark Boice absent). No comments were made at either public hearing for the ordinances.
What happened: The council unanimously passed an ordinance amending the traffic schedule in chapter 78 of the code of ordinances of the City of Noblesville.
Why it matters: This ordinance changes to speed limit for an approximately 500-foot area of Little Chicago Road, south of 211th St, from 40 miles per hour to 35 mph. For more on this story, see !!!!PAGE 0!!!.
What happened: The council unanimously voted re-appointed a member of the Noblesville Board of Zoning Appeals for 2016.
Why it matters: James Hanlin was appointed. “Jim’s been on the BZA … two terms, and I think he’s done an excellent job,” Council President Greg O’Connor said. “He attends the plan commission meetings. He’s interested and willing to continue to serve.”
