TownTalk Fishers
Official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana
September 2014
FISHERS FUN GUIDE
Fishers Renaissance Faire
THE LIST
October 4-5
GIVE RAISES MONEY FOR PROMISING FUTURES THE FUTURE OF MY FISHERS
FISHERS OKTOBERFEST ENGAGE FISHERS WITH DAN DOMSIC FISHERS ADVANTAGE WHITE RIVER CLEANUP FISHERS HAPPENINGS FEMA FLOODPLAIN MAPS TOWN HALL BRIEF
Welcome to the
September issue of Town Talk! Dear Resident, The Town’s upcoming transition from town to city is nearer than ever and as we begin to look ahead and plan for our first year as the City of Fishers, we want to hear from you. We’ve started a new series called “The Future of My Fishers” and we’re asking residents to submit essays of no more than 400 words describing the future of Fishers from their eyes. What would you like to see, experience, foster or support here in Fishers? We’re soliciting responses from all ages and perspectives. Essays will be featured here in Town Talk, on the Town’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and the website through the month of December. Submit your essays online at www.fishers. in.us/FutureofMyFishers. Check out the first Future of My Fishers submission on page 4. Have you been curious about all of the new business developments happening throughout town? Learn more about Fishers Advantage and the Town’s economic development strategy in the feature article on pages 8 and 9. We are constantly working to strengthen our communications with you, our residents. We could use your help in connecting with Fishers neighborhoods through homeowners associations. Learn more about our HOA outreach efforts and what you can do to help by reading Dan Domsic’s column on page 7. Finally, be sure to check out The List on page 5 for fall events you don’t want to miss! We thank you for your readership of Town Talk and look forward to seeing you around town!
Produced by the Town of Fishers, Indiana, Public Relations Department, Town Talk is an official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana. Additional copies are available at the Fishers Town Hall. For more information about the Town of Fishers, visit us at www.fishers.in.us.
Fishers Town Council
John W. Weingardt, President C. Pete Peterson, Vice President Scott A. Faultless, Stuart F. Easley, David C. George, Michael L. Colby, Renee L. Cox
Town Judge
Daniel E. Henke
Clerk/Treasurer
Gaye Cordell, IAMC, CMC
Town Manager Scott A. Fadness
Deputy Town Manager Nathan George, ICMA-CM
Public Works Director Eric Pethtel
Engineering Director Jeff Hill
Community Development Director Tom Dickey
Parks & Recreation Director Tony Elliot
Police Chief George Kehl
Fire & Emergency Services Chief Steve Orusa
Information Technology Director Tracy Gaynor
Fleet Management Director Elliot Hultgren
Human Resources Director
Respectfully, Fishers Town Council John W. Weingardt, President C. Pete Peterson, Vice President Scott A. Faultless Stuart F. Easley David C. George Michael L. Colby Renee L. Cox
Cici Hendrix, PHR, IPMA-CP
Public Relations Director Autumn Gasior
Town Talk Editor
Communications Manager Tiffany Holbert
Design and Layout
Propeller Marketing 7050 E. 116th St., Suite 200 Fishers, IN 46038
Town of Fishers, Indiana
Cover: Rebecca Peter performs as one of the 250 costumed characters at the 10th annual Fishers Renaissance Faire on Oct. 4-5, 2014. See page 11 for details. Photo by Rich Phelan
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Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 317.595.3111 • www.fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us
GIVE raises $10,000 for Promising Futures of Central Indiana On Aug. 5, The Town of Fishers Generosity, Involvement and Volunteerism by Employees (GIVE) committee presented Promising Futures of Central Indiana with a check in the amount of $10,000.
GIVE’s contribution to Promising Futures will: • Help to offset enrollment costs for participants in the Anger Management Group, helping them learn alternative ways to express and manage their feelings. • Send teenagers to a conference related to peer leadership, further strengthening their leadership skills. • Provide counseling services for families to meet their goals while dealing with a challenging situation. The GIVE committee, comprised of Town employees across several different departments, coordinates fundraisers throughout the year, including concession sales at concerts and movies at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater for the committee’s annual charity of choice. GIVE’s primary fundraiser, however, is the committee’s popular inflatables booth at the Fishers Freedom Festival. At this year’s Freedom Festival, GIVE raised $5,420, more than half of it’s fundraising goal for the year. This year’s beneficiary, Promising Futures of Central Indiana, services at-risk youth and their families in Hamilton and surrounding counties.
• Cover the costs of supervised visitations conducted at the Family Access Center, which helps the non-custodial parents establish, re-establish, or maintain familial relationships with their children in a safe, conflict-free setting. • Provide Choose to Live marketing and public relations support, which will allow Promising Futures to develop public service announcements, print materials and other marketing to educate teens about the dangers of alcohol and drug usage. • Educate youth about Project Safe Place. Project Safe Place is a resource to any youth who is experiencing a difficult situation in which he/she is unable to cope and the goal is to strengthen and unite families.
GIVE was established in 2007 to leverage employee’s individual volunteer efforts to make an even greater impact on the community. To learn more about GIVE or 2015 sponsorship opportunities, contact Aimee Ector at 317-595-3106 or ectora@fishers.in.us.
Thank You! Title sponso r of GIVE’s 20 14 Fishers Free dom Festiva l booth
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My
FISHERS
The future of Fishers? In my opinion, energetic, vibrant, and event-filled. I moved to Fishers three years ago and was delighted to find a well-educated, cultureembracing population of families, senior citizens, and single people creating a community. From what I see, our city planners are fulfilling a vision of a central gathering space filled with music, family-owned restaurants, and accessible artwork showcasing lots of local talent along the way. Live music is a personal favorite of mine, and I am particularly proud of the new amphitheater and the variety of genres represented in the programming there. It seems that at least three times a week we have the option to enjoy musical talent somewhere in Fishers, which speaks well of the priorities of our city leaders. Parks and Recreation has also worked hard to determine what form residents think our parks should take, and I am proud to see the focus on enhancing pathways that can be used for active transportation as well as programs to meet the needs of many age groups. Multiple civic groups make it easy for newcomers to get involved and I see many collaborative efforts happening as our city plays a role in convening those with like interests. Innovative ideas on how to attract new businesses by encouraging entrepreneurs and investing in space that allows start-ups to grow is evident in our Launch Fishers. With intense competition for new businesses, I view Launch as a tremendous asset to our community, nurturing good ideas into thriving businesses located here in Fishers. Additionally, we are well on our way to developing a unique, affordable framework that can attract and retain youthful employees who enjoy active lifestyles. Creating an interesting mix of events, parks, and eating options within reach on a quick bike ride or walking path is a smart approach that I believe appeals to future generations. It takes courage to create a sense of place that accommodates so many people of different age groups, cultures, faiths and family structures in a way that lets everyone feel a part of the new city that we are becoming. Excellent schools, safe streets, and abundant opportunities are a great foundation for our city to thrive. Fortunately, we have leadership willing to take carefully planned risks to weave the old Fishers heritage with a vision of urban qualities into a Fishers we can all be proud of and enjoy.
Jill R. Troha Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Hamilton County United Way of Central Indiana
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the
LIST
Let the Fall Fun Begin! Fall Movies in the Park Fridays, Sept. 5-Oct. 17 Pack a blanket and some snacks and bring the family out to the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater on Friday nights to enjoy Fall Movies in the Park, presented by Xfinity! All movies are free to attend and begin at sunset on the lawn. Friday, Sept. 5 – The Nut Job Friday, Sept. 12 – Free Birds Friday, Sept. 19 – Tad the Lost Explorer Friday, Sept. 26 – The Lego Movie View the full schedule at www.fishers.in.us/Movies.
Glow in the Park Sept. 13, 9-11 p.m. Help us light up the night in the Nickel Plate District! Families of all ages are encouraged to come enjoy live music, face painting, a graffiti wall and other fun activities. Be sure to wear white so you glow under the black lights, and come prepared to get messy in the neon splash zone. Parents, supervision is required and towels for the ride home are encouraged!
Farmer’s Market Fall Celebration Sept. 27, 8 a.m.-noon The Fishers Farmers Market is winding down this month, with the last day of market being Saturday, Sept. 27. Don’t miss the last big hurrah of the season, the Fall Harvest Celebration. In addition to the market favorites, attendees will enjoy live music and games and activities for kids including bobbing for apples and chucking pumpkins. Don’t miss this family-friendly celebration of all things fall!
Try It Day Sept. 27 Grab your bucket list and get ready to embark on adventures throughout town! Fishers Parks & Recreation offers residents of all ages an opportunity to participate in a variety of experiences at low or no cost. Visit www.fishers.in.us/TryIt for additional information about all of the activities available throughout the day and how you can get signed up!
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Fishers Oktoberfest at Saxony Celebrates Fall and All Things German
This family-friendly festival, hosted by Saxony, Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest and the Fishers Freedom Festival, is a celebration of fall and all things German. The daylong festival includes children’s activities and games from noon-4 p.m., arts and crafts vendors from noon-7 p.m., and various food vendors offering authentic German foods, including bratwursts, sauerkraut, German potato salad and German chocolate cake, as well as American favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, elephant ears, funnel cakes and cheese fries. The Beer Garden will be open all day to attendees 21 and over and will offer Warsteiner, Leinenkugel and Coors Light on tap. Come dressed in your best German garb for the chance to win the “Best Dressed German Outfit” contest which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Performances on the event’s main stage feature Polkamotion from noon-3 p.m., Big Daddy Caddy from 3:30- 6:30 p.m. and My Yellow Rickshaw from 7-10 p.m. While the event is free, attendees are asked to bring canned goods or new toys for donation to local Fishers’ food pantries.
The 9th Annual Fishers Oktoberfest at Saxony Date: Saturday, Sept. 27 Time: noon-10 p.m. Where: Witten Park, 13257 Saxony Blvd. Entertainment: • Polkamotion, noon-3 p.m. • Big Daddy Caddy, 3:30-6:30 p.m. • “ Best Dressed German Outfit” contest, 6:30 p.m. • My Yellow Rickashaw, 7-10 p.m. • Children’s activities and games, noon-4 p.m. • Arts and Crafts Vendors, noon-7 p.m. • Beer Garden, purchase $5 tokens to acquire beer or wine *Coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted.
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.#.@.
#EngageFishers with @FishersDan By Dan Domsic
It’s my mission to understand the issues that face residents of Fishers in an effort to better link our community together and improve services.
In just speaking with a few HOAs, I’ve heard much, including problematic covenants and more. The neighborhoods in town are a vital (and basic) building block to the community, and it’s important that each one has the tools it deserves and needs to be strong and successful.
conversation I can help answer questions about everyday issues, and by doing so, really get to the heart of our community by understanding what everyone sees on a day-to-day basis. So, if you are on an HOA here in Fishers, and I have not had the opportunity to reach out to you, please give me a call or send me an email. Alternately, fill out the contact information form at www.fishers.in.us/HOA and I’ll reach out to you. There are hundreds of homeowners associations in Fishers, so this is an ongoing task, and more importantly, a stronger relationship I am trying to help build. I’d love to hear about your neighborhood and help where I can.
If you’re an HOA board member, I want to talk to you and see your neighborhood – all that you are proud of and all that you are concerned with. Through this type of
Of course, if you’re not on your HOA board you’re still more than welcome to contact me with questions or whatever is on your mind.
Recently, and with the help of our public relations department, I’ve taken up a new tactic to do my best to make that mission successful. I’ve been speaking with leaders of some of the homeowners associations here in town to better understand what issues they see every day and how those issues impact citizens and neighborhoods.
Check it out:
Fishers Town Government Academy – The Fishers Town Government Academy is coming back at the end of this month. Our first meeting will be on September 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium (1 Municipal Drive). It’s a 10-week program that will give you an up-close look at how your local government works and give you a chance to get to know some passionate staff members. This will be the last time the program is offered with the “Town” moniker on it, as the transition to a city draws ever closer. Registration is required for this program. Visit www.fishers.in.us/tga for more information.
Dan Domsic is the Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for Fishers Parks & Recreation. September 2014 Town Talk
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Fishers Advantage Leads the Effort in Creating a Sustainable Community Fishers leads the country in affordability, workforce and quality of life. None of those distinctions happened by chance, though. Fishers Advantage, the Town’s economic development arm, works diligently to ensure that Fishers remains a thriving community with continued opportunities for economic growth and development, creating a sustainable city for all to enjoy. Fishers Advantage is responsible for business attraction, retention and expansion efforts, all of which are booming with recent announcements of several businesses moving to Fishers, including world-class consumer products company, Jarden Home Brands, and extensive redevelopment underway with projects like The Depot at Nickel Plate. The Town’s economic development strategy for business attraction, growth and development is multipronged, explained Assistant Director of Economic Development, Tim Gropp. First, the Town evaluated its existing industry clusters, which are finance, technology, life sciences and medical. By focusing on attracting businesses in these sectors, the Town is confident that its residents have skill sets in those areas to fill jobs that these companies bring. “ With every new business that’s coming in, we’re trying to balance different wage levels, skill levels and match our workforce and community patterns as best as possible,” said Gropp. Next, the Town focused on creating a sense of place or community identity. Through the Nickel Plate District redevelopment, which will yield a walkable, connected destination for entertainment, shopping and restaurants in the heart of Fishers, the Town has created a live-work-play triumvirate. This vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown area is not only a great benefit to residents, but also an essential element of the Town’s effort to draw innovative businesses and attract creative, entrepreneurial talent to Fishers. Finally, the Town’s effort to support, retain, grow and develop existing businesses is equally as important as attracting new ones, explained Gropp. 8
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“ A thriving local business scene is very important,” said Gropp. “They’re the ones that truly create the community. They’re the ones that you see at the football game on Friday night. They’re the ones that sponsor the little league team and are really ingrained in the community.” Gropp explained the concept of economic gardening, which embraces the idea that entrepreneurs drive economies. “ Launch is important to the overall economic ecosystem,” said Gropp. “The businesses in Launch represent brand new economic development activity. When we grow businesses through Launch and then move them into a bigger office space and then they decide to lease space at Concourse or wherever, that’s a true economic success.” Economic development is a never-ending job, said Gropp. Constant changes in business, policy and workforce necessitate continued economic growth and development efforts. Gropp encourages residents to stay engaged and abreast of the Town’s economic development initiatives and especially to support local businesses.
Learn more about the Town’s recent economic development successes: Healthiest Employers
Jarden Home Goods
Technology and analytics company, Healthiest Employers is investing $1 million to lease and equip 4,000 square feet of office space in Fishers. The space is expected to be open by early 2015 and will lead to the creation of up to 90 new jobs by 2017. At its Fishers location, Healthiest Employers will begin insourcing software development for Springbuk, the company’s corporate health analytics software.
Jarden Home Goods will bring its regional headquarters to Fishers, taking occupancy of the former Sony Building at 9999 E. 121st St. The move brings more than $16 million in investment and nearly 300 jobs to Fishers by 2019. The facility will handle products from a variety of brands and consumer goods categories.
Community Health Network Lantern Rd.
Community Health Network will be the first tenant in the three-story mixed-use building that will be located on the north east corner of 116th St. and Lantern Rd. in the Nickel Plate District. Community Health Network will lease 22,000 square feet and occupy the entire third and a portion of the second floors with primary care, imaging and lab services.
116th St.
Two Concourse at Crosspoint With 678,000 square feet of existing office space and only 16 percent vacancy, Two Concourse at Crosspoint, the second of five buildings slated for the Concourse at Crosspoint office park, provides 132,993 additional square feet of Class A office space in Fishers.
www.thefishersadvantage.com Questions? Call 317.595.3470
Crosspoint Boulevard
I-69
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Join Community Volunteers for the 20th Annual White River Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 13 • 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
In 2013, 525 volunteers and staff removed:
1.4
tons of metals
4.3
tons of trash
132
tires
Over the last 20 years, 407 tons of trash has been removed from the river. Join others from communities all the way from the headwaters of the White River in Randolph County down through Indianapolis in a watershed-wide event. Each year hundreds of volunteers and municipal staff join together to remove trash from the White River. Hamilton County volunteers will gather at Hazel Landing Park in Carmel, 10601 Hazel Dell Parkway.
You can make a great difference in our community and our water quality by participating in this annual cleanup effort. Canoes, gloves, trash bags, T-shirts, and lunch will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and plan to get dirty.
New FEMA Floodplain Maps to Become Effective Soon The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is about to issue new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The new maps, which have been under review since 2010, will become effective on November 19, 2014. Residents who live in or near a floodplain (on a mapped creek, river, or on Geist Reservoir) should be aware of this potential change to their properties and/or their flood insurance premiums. Visit www.fishers.in.us/Floodplain to view the currently effective maps versus the preliminary maps that will become effective on November 19, 2014 and/or to view information regarding flood insurance premiums.
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Fishers Happenings Fridays, Sept. 5-Oct. 17 Fall Movies in the Park See The List on page 5.
Saturday, Sept. 27 Oktoberfest at Saxony See article on page 6.
Saturdays through Sept. 27 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fishers Farmers Market Nickel Plate District, in front of Amphitheater More than 38 high quality vendors. Presented by the Fishers Chamber of Commerce. Don't miss the Farmer’s Market Fall Celebration on the 27th. See The List on page 5. www.fisherschamber.com
Sunday, Sept. 28 1-3 p.m. “Fall Container Class,” presented by the Windowbox Gardener Historic Ambassador House at Fishers Heritage Park, 10595 Eller Rd. Join us for a "make and take" garden container class filled with fall annuals and accents. $40 fee includes potting soil, container, fall flowers and accents to fill your container. To register, call 317-696-4047 or email Gretchen@windowboxgardener.com. www.ambassadorhouse.org
Saturdays, Sept. 6 and 13 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saxony Market 131st and Olio Road The Market offers fresh produce from local vendors and farmers in the area. Sponsored by IU Health Saxony Hospital. www.saxony-indiana.com Saturday, Sept. 6 7-10 p.m. 6th Annual Harvest Wine Tasting Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens, 10595 Eller Rd. Live music, silent auction, food and wine. Proceeds benefit the historic house and beautiful gardens. Tickets are $40 at the door; $35 purchased in advance. www.ambassadorhouse.org Saturday, Sept. 13 Glow in the Park See The List on page 5. Saturday, Sept. 13 20th Annual White River Cleanup See article on page 10. Saturday, Sept. 20 7:30 p.m. Fishers Chamber Orchestra “A Baroque Festival” Promise United Methodist Church 12648 E 116th St Music by Bach, Handel, Stolzel, Boyce, and Vivaldi. Guest vocalists Dr. Lisa Dawson and Eric Wickens. Ticket prices at the door are $15/adult, $5/child, $30/family. Advance discount tickets can be purchased online. www.fishersmusicworks.org Saturday, Sept. 27 Fishers Try It Day See The List on page 5.
Meetings Open to the Public
Tuesday, Sept. 2 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Monday, Sept. 8 6 p.m. Parks Advisory Committee Town Hall Auditorium Tuesday, Sept. 9 5:30 p.m. Planned Unit Development (PUD) Committee Town Hall Auditorium Tuesday, Sept. 9 6:30 p.m. Plan Commission Town Hall Auditorium Monday, Sept. 15 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Wednesday, Sept. 24 6:30 p.m. Town of Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Town Hall Auditorium
Saturday-Sunday., Oct. 4-5 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fishers Renaissance Faire Saxony, 136th and Olio Rd. Come all ye lords and ladies! The Fishers Renaissance Fair is celebrating its 10 year anniversary! Enjoy jousting, live entertainment (more than 50 shows a day), unique shopping, food and drink, music, a 21 and over entertainment tent (complete with craft beers and a variety of live music), and costumed characters! This is a family friendly event. Rain or shine. Ticket prices the day of event are: Adults (age 13 & older) $12, children (ages 5 to 12) $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Parking is free. Early Bird tickets are now available online at www.fishersrenfaire.com/tickets. Adults $10 and children $4 when purchased in advance.
Wednesday, Sept. 24 5:30 p.m. Nickel Plate Review Committee 1 Municipal Drive Thursday, Sept. 25 6:30 p.m. Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Town Hall Auditorium Thursday, Sept. 25 9 a.m. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Town Hall Auditorium Monday, Oct. 6 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium
www.fishersrenfaire.com
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PRESORT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PA I D FISHERS, IN PERMIT NO. 12
Town of Fishers, Indiana Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive Fishers, IN 46038
Town Hall Brief Fishers Police Department Receives National Award Fishers Police Department School Resource Officers (SRO) were recently recognized with the Model SRO Agency Award by the National Association of School Resource Officers. We celebrate our police officers and thank them for all they do to keep our children and schools safe.
Community Gateways Coming to Fishers Fishers first community gateway is underway at Fall Creek and Brook School Road. The gateway will enhance the highly-trafficked intersection while preserving green space in the area. Construction will be complete in mid-September.
Real Time Traffic Signals System in Operation The Real Time Signal System was deployed in late July and is now fully operational. Traffic signals along 116th Street, 96th Street and Allisonville Road have been upgraded to more efficient technology allowing the signals to adjust accordingly during periods of heavy traffic flow. For updates on traffic and road construction, visit www.fishers.in.us/DriveFishers or follow @DriveFishers on Twitter.
Community Health Network Anchors Redevelopment Project Mixed-Use Building Community Health Network has signed on as the first tenant in the mixed-use building that will be located on the northeast corner of 116th Street and Lantern Road in the Nickel Plate District. Community Health Network will lease 22,000 square feet and occupy the entire third and a portion of the second floors with primary care, imaging and lab services.