TownTalk Fishers
Official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana
October 2014
Headless Horseman
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Welcome to the
October issue of Town Talk! Dear Resident, Fall is here and we’ve got tons of events to help you bring in the new season with family and friends. The List has all the events you don’t want to miss on page 5. Fishers Fire Department and Emergency Services has developed a new program that will benefit all Fishers residents. The We Care Community program, in partnership with Community Health Network, will proactively address the most common healthcare needs of our residents. Learn more about the program on page 6. What started as a rural farming community, our town – soon to be city – is now one of Indianapolis’ largest suburbs with projections for continued growth for years to come. Learn more about the growth of Fishers in this month’s feature on pages 8 and 9.
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, Eric Moeller
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
Don’t forget, as we celebrate our town’s soon coming transition to a city, we want to hear your vision for the future of Fishers. Submit your thoughts online at www.fishers.in.us/FutureofMyFishers and your essay may be featured here in Town Talk or online.
Parks & Recreation Director
We thank you for your readership of Town Talk and look forward to seeing you around town!
Police Chief
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 Eric Moeller
Tom Dickey Tony Elliot
George Kehl
Fire & Emergency Services Chief Steve Orusa
Information Technology Director Tracy Gaynor
Fleet Management Director Elliot Hultgren
Human Resources Director 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 Cover: The Headless Horseman returns to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in October. See page 11 for details
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Town Talk October 2014
Town of Fishers, Indiana
Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 317.595.3111 • www.fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us
Why ride the Indy Express Bus?
Fishers’ riders weigh in. Annette Poole
Eastern Star
8850 East 106th St. Use Lantern Rd./USA Parkway entrance. Do not enter or exit using 106th St. Use designated parking spaces only.
“I’ve taken the Express Bus to work for seven years. I like it because I don’t have to drive or pay for parking. I use that time to read.”
Ernani Magalhaes
“I like the wireless on the bus. I also like napping and reading.”
Janie Cope
“I don’t like dealing with traffic, so I ride the bus. I talk it up and people will say they want control to leave work if their kids get sick and need them, but then I tell them about the emergency cab ride home service.”
Jeanette Hodges Hammel
“I like riding the Fishers Express because I don't have to be concerned about the traffic to and from work each day. Because of this, I get to work feeling relaxed and ready to start the work day. Often in the mornings I use the quiet time (I’m now riding the 6 a.m. bus) to pray and meditate on the day ahead. Going home sometimes I take a power nap, which gives me the boost I need to get things done once I get home. If I don't take a power nap, I catch up on emails, text and Facebook. I appreciate the professional drivers and have gotten to know a lot of nice people while riding the Fishers Express.”
The new Indy Express Bus schedule is as follows: FISHERS • Depart from park-and-ride at Eastern Star Church 8850 E. 106th St. 5:55 a.m. 7:15 a.m. • Depart from Pennsylvania and Ohio streets downtown 3:55 p.m. 5:15 p.m. • IUPUI access will be available only at the following times. Depart Fishers at 7:10 a.m., depart IUPUI stop at 3:40 p.m.
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My I moved to Fishers five years ago for the great schools for my son. Best decision I ever made. We enjoy the safe community and family activities. Most activities are geared towards adults and families with young children. I envision activities to include and support the teenagers in our community. For example, scheduled flag football, basketball, and volleyball at a park inviting families to participate with their neighbors. Creating competitions between neighbors, dads, and teens ages 14-18. The activities would give the teenagers in our community an option to meet community leaders and role models. One handshake from a positive role model with integrity could shape the choices our teens make for their weekend entertainment.
Kelly Marshall
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Town Talk October 2014
FISHERS
the
LIST DPW Open House Oct. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | DPW Garage, 10200 Eller Road Join the Fishers Department of Public Works for the annual DPW Open House. DPW staff will have several stations set up to allow the public to learn more about the department's many operations, all of which have an impact on residents’ day-to-day lives in Fishers. There will be activities for all ages at the event including an interactive scavenger hunt.
BEEHIVE, The '60s Musical
Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 | 8 p.m. | Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy, 10029 E. 126th Street Did you miss the Nickel Plate Players debut of Beehive? Now, you’ve got a second chance to see the production. Nickel Plate Players has partnered with Studio 37 at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy to present six encore productions of Beehive for three weekends in October. Early bird online ticket purchases are $12 and tickets at the door are $15. For more information, visit www.nickelplateplayers.com or www.fishersmusic.com.
Christmas in October
Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Fishers High School, 13000 Promise Road The Fishers Freedom Festival will host the annual Christmas in October craft fair featuring over 150 arts and craft vendors with items for sale including handcrafted cards, ornaments, painted glass, jewelry, candles, doll clothes, pottery and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors 62 and over and children 12 and under are free. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Visit www.fishersfreedomfestival.org to learn more.
Nickel Plate Street Festival Oct. 18 | 1-5 p.m. | Maple Street
Join us as we celebrate the great businesses on Maple Street and the work that has been done to create an additional outdoor gathering space in the Nickel Plate District for residents to enjoy. A portion of Maple Street will be closed for the afternoon as street performers, food and business vendors and live bands bring in the celebration.
Boo Bash
Oct. 24 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater Get your Halloween started early with Boo Bash at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Fishers’ favorite fall event features trick-or-treating, raffle drawings and children’s entertainment throughout the evening. Get your best costumes ready and come out for a great time.
Fall 2014 Recycling Day
Nov. 1 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Heritage Park, 10595 Eller Rd. The Town’s Stormwater Utility wants to take electronic waste off your hands at the Fall 2014 Recycling Day. Learn more about the recyclable items on page 10.
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Fishers Fire Department Expands
Medical Services through We Care Program Fishers Fire and Emergency Services Department has partnered with Community Health Network to expand the department’s scope of medical services to proactively address the healthcare needs of residents, enhance community access to services and offset the financial challenges associated with healthcare reform.
RECEIVE A
HOUSE CALL
WITHIN
48
HOURS OF A HOSPITAL STAY
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS FALL PREVENTION SOCIAL SERVICE REFERRALS
Through the We Care program, Fishers Fire and Emergency Services will make house calls to residents who have been discharged from the hospital within 48 hours to complete an evaluation and coaching session to teach residents how to best manage their disease or illness in hopes of reducing the risk of hospital readmission.
Because injuries resulting from falls are second only to car accidents in EMS responses leading to hospitalization, We Care paramedics will follow up with a phone call to all patients who were seen as the result of a fall at home and offer to provide a safety audit to help identify potential hazards.
Additionally, all residents will have the opportunity to stop by any Fishers fire station to receive a free blood pressure check and a card for blood pressure monitoring to be shared with the resident’s physician to aid in the diagnosis and management of hypertension and diabetes.
The We Care program will also offer social service referrals, linking residents to social service agencies suited to assist them with their specific needs. Through phone interviews and home visits, We Care paramedics can help residents to identify what type and level of assistance may be needed and connect the resident with the social service agency providing those services.
To learn more about We Care or to schedule a home safety check, call Barb Hathaway at 317-595-3200. 6
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Town Talk October 2014
.#.@.
#EngageFishers with @FishersDan By Dan Domsic
Whether looking out over the horizon while crossing I-69 or peering out of a window in a local shop, it’s hard to miss the activity in the Nickel Plate District. Construction workers toil away at new projects like The Depot. Families enjoy frosty treats from Handel’s in the Pocket Park or on the wall on the north side of 116th Street, and other local restaurants work hard to feed hungry customers. And on summer Tuesday and Friday nights, crowds come out to enjoy live music on the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater stage. While it’s not the only important part of Fishers, it is crucial to have activity thrive and foster excitement for the businesses and activities going on there. The Fishers Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Fishers are teaming up with business owners in the Nickel Plate District, mostly, to form the first-ever business council for the area. This new group, at the very least, is about sharing information about what is going on in the Nickel Plate District, but it would be amazing to see it transcend that basic purpose and be something much more.
Check it out:
As a community, Fishers has much to be proud of, including many of the people that call the Nickel Plate District home for business. It’s hard to imagine the 116th’s streetscape without iconic locales like Archer’s Meat & Catering, the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill, Gallery 116 and countless others. As new development continues, it’s important to recognize that all the businesses in the area – old and new – are crucial for a quality atmosphere to work, live, and play in. And they all could stand to gain something from a business council that helps build buzz and anticipation for everything going on there. If you’re a business owner in the Nickel Plate District and you haven’t heard about the business council, I encourage you to give me a call or send me an email. We would love to have you involved. And if you’re always looking for something fun to do, keep your eyes open for new and exciting things happening in the Nickel Plate District.
Boo Bash – Boo Bash returns to the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Drive, on October 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring the kids out for trick or treating, a costume contest, giveaways, and free refreshments.
Dan Domsic is the Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for Fishers Parks & Recreation. October 2014 Town Talk
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Fishers 1977
Fishers Leads County Growth through Smart Economic Development Initiatives Hamilton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, and the county’s growth has been led for several years by the Town of Fishers, with a 2.7 percent average annual growth rate. Founded as a rural farm community in 1802 by William Conner, settlers first came to the area after Indiana became a state in 1816. The Nickel Plate railroad, connecting New York, Chicago and St. Louis, was an early catalyst for the area’s growth, drawing residents and businesses. In 1872, Salathiel Fisher divided the land he owned next to the railroad into town lots and Fisher’s Station—later Fishers Switch and finally just Fishers—was born. In 1960, the census recorded a population of 344. The relocation of Indiana Highway 37 to the east side of town and the connection with I-69 spurred continual growth as Fishers emerged as a commercial and residential center. By 1990 the town had grown to 7,508 residents, with much of the town’s growth coming from the migration of Indianapolis residents. With award-winning schools, affordable homes and a plethora of recreational opportunities, Fishers quickly became one of the most attractive communities for families in central Indiana and has gained several national distinctions as such, including one of the 10 Best Towns for Families and one of the 100 Best Places to Live in America.
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Town Talk October 2014
The Town’s most explosive growth has come in the last two decades with the population increasing from 7,508 in 1990 to 37,835 in 2000 and then to 76,794 in 2010, according to census data. In 2013, the estimated population was up to 83,891 second only to Indianapolis, with a 10 percent increase from 2010. The Town is poised for continued growth of at least 1.5 percent annually through 2030, as projected by a forecasting and sustainability analysis completed earlier this year. The task of town officials is to ensure smart growth. The Town’s aggressive economic development strategy, as outlined in last month’s Town Talk feature ‘Fishers Advantage Leads the Effort in Creating a Sustainable Community,’ is the crux of our smart growth. Through aggressive business attraction, growth and development efforts, the Town is working to balance the tax base with residential and commercial development. As residential development continues naturally with the town’s growth, commercial development must keep pace. Significant increases in the commercial tax base are critical to increasing revenues, which are needed to fund the increasing public safety and infrastructure demands of a growing residential population.
The Nickel Plate District Redevelopment is a project that will help to diversify the tax base, while creating density and a sense of place in the downtown area. Striking the right residential/commercial balance will help to make our town more than a place where residents sleep and leave to work every day, but a complete community where residents can live, work, and play. The mixed use developments underway in the Nickel Plate District including The Depot at Nickel Plate and The Switch will bring both residents and businesses downtown. The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater has activated a sense of place in the Nickel Plate District drawing thousands weekly for the Tuesday Night Concert Series, AMP After Dark on Friday nights, Movies in the Park and special events like Blues Fest, Humane Society for Hamilton County’s Woofstock and Nickel Plate Players’ first musical production, Beehive. Throughout the summer and fall, Fishers’ Department of Engineering has been working to complete nine trail improvement projects throughout town, adding 2.8 miles of trails to more than 11 existing miles of trails in Fishers, further increasing the town’s connectivity. The Nickel Plate District’s Central Green will create outdoor pedestrian space connecting the developments along Municipal Drive. With the continuation of smart economic development initiatives, Fishers will not only continue to grow for years to come, but will do so in a way that is economically viable, environmentally responsible, community-oriented and sustainable.
Fishersʼ Population Growth 123,000* 104,600* 83,891 76,794 37,835 7,508 2,008 628 344
1980
1990
1.5%
2013
10%
1960 1970
projected annual growth rate through 2030
2000
increase from 2010
2010
2020
2030 *Projected Population
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Saturday, Nov. 1 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fall 2014 Recycling Day
Heritage Park 10595 Eller Rd.
Did you know that it’s illegal to throw away electronics in the state of Indiana? Not to worry, the Town’s Stormwater Utility wants to take electronic waste off your hands at the Fall 2014 Recycling Day. Vendors will be on site to collect electronic waste, household hazardous waste (HHW) materials and confidential documents for shredding. Technology Recyclers will accept the following items:
NuGenesis, Inc. will accept the following HHW items:
• Appliances (anything that plugs in an outlet) • Computers • Gaming Systems • Printers (cartridges and toners) • Cell phones • All batteries • Cardboard • VCRs • Stereos • Keyboards • Mice (all peripherals) • Power tools • Speakers • Wiring • Monitors • Televisions • Metals • Lawn Mowers • Workout Equipment
• All paint types (latex, lead, aluminum and oil based) • Flammable liquids* • Liquid acids • Liquid bases • Toxic solids • Motor oil • Household batteries • Propane tanks (gas size grill only) • Fire extinguishers • Pesticides/herbicides* • Aerosols • Corrosive liquids • Non-conforming waste (unknowns) • Antifreeze • Pool chemicals • Fluorescent lamp and PCB ballasts • Medical sharps
*There are limits for flammable liquids and pesticides/herbicides. Up to 100 pounds or its equivalent is free, but there will be a charge of $1 for each additional pound or its liquid equivalent.
Please note that consumer waste, foam containers, foam peanuts, glass, grease, wood or mattresses will no longer be accepted at the recycling day event. This service is available to Town of Fishers residents only.
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Town Talk October 2014
Fishers Happenings Monday-Friday, Oct. 1-31 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art in Town Hall One Municipal Dr. in Nickel Plate District The newest art exhibit, “Notorious Artwork by the Nickel Plate Gang” features a collection of work from Nickel Plate Arts studio artists. Free. Presented by Fishers Parks & Recreation Dept. and Fishers Arts Council. www.facebook.com/FishersArt Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Hamilton Harvest Train Departing from 11600 Municipal Drive in Nickel Plate District Take a train ride to a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a petting zoo, straw maze and more! All aboard this historic 1940’s era streamliner as it rolls across Indiana’s colorful fall countryside. Purchase train tickets in advance online and bring cash to participate in the destination activities. Train Tickets- Adult $15, Child $10, Children under 2 are free. www.itm.org/events/category/specialevents/hamilton-harvest Wednesday, Oct. 8 DPW Open House See The List on page 5. October 10-12, 16-19, 23-26 Headless Horseman Conner Prairie Interactive History Park The haunted hayride is back at “Conner Scairie” along with family-friendly activities such as a costume contest, entertainment and “Skary-o-ke,” where your voice can scare or thrill the crowd! Presale tickets at Marsh, Mainstreet and O'Malia's locations for $10$14 each. Tickets at the gate, $12-$16 each. www.ConnerPrairie.org Friday-Saturday, Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 BEEHIVE, The ’60 Musical See The List on page 5.
Saturday, Oct. 11 Christmas in October See The List on page 5. Saturday, Oct. 18 Nickel Plate Street Festival See The List on page 5. Thursday, Oct. 23 7 p.m. “Scotland Gardens” Historic Ambassador House at Fishers Heritage Park, 10595 Eller Rd. Garden enthusiasts and group travel coordinators, Linda and Ron Williams, will share their recent visit to the gardens of Scotland and Britain. Free to Garden Club members. Open to general public, $5 donation appreciated. www.ambassadorhouse.org Friday, Oct. 24 Boo Bash See The List on page 5. Friday, Oct. 31 7-10 p.m. Harvest Moon Costume Ball, presented by Love Your Community Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, Noblesville Special event exclusively for HSE Schools’ 7th and 8th grade students only. Costumes are required to this evening of fun! Prizes, contests and music will fill the night. Advance tickets are required to be purchased by Oct. 18. General tickets $10, VIP tickets $12. www.lycfishers.org
Meetings Open to the Public
Monday, October 6 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Monday, October 13 6 p.m. Parks Advisory Committee Town Hall Auditorium Tuesday, October 14 5:30 p.m. Planned Unit Development (PUD) Committee Town Hall Tuesday, October 14 6:30 p.m. Plan Commission Town Hall Auditorium Monday, October 20 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Wednesday, October 29 5:30 p.m. Nickel Plate Review Committee Town Hall Wednesday, October 29 6:30 p.m. Town of Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Town Hall Auditorium Thursday, October 30 9 a.m. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Town Hall Auditorium Thursday, October 30 6:30 p.m. Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Town Hall
Friday, October 31 6–8 p.m. Trick or Treat Hours Visit www.fishers.in.us for trick or treat safety tips. Saturday, Nov. 1 Fall 2014 Recycling Day See article on page 10.
Wednesday, November, 5 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Monday, November 10 6 p.m. Parks Advisory Committee Town Hall Auditorium
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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 Sun King
Parks Master Plan Survey
Fishers Town Council unanimously approved an agreement to bring Sun King Brewery, Indiana’s second largest craft brewery, to Fishers in 2015. Sun King Brewery will build its second craft brewery on 12.76 acres located at the southeast corner of Kincaid Dr. and Park Center Dr., bringing an estimated $19.5 million in regional economic impact and 27,000 visitors to Sun King’s facility and the Fishers’ community.
The Town is embarking on a Parks Master Plan to continue to enhance the parks system for our residents. As part of the master plan, a survey will be enacted through October including phone interviews with residents. Residents will be selected at random to participate in the survey. If you are selected and contacted by phone, please help us to enhance and improve our parks system by participating in the survey. Visit www.fishers.in.us/ParksPlan for more information.
Nickel Plate Arts wins Primacy of Place Award
Fishers Honored as Green Community
The Nickel Plate Arts initiative was recognized by Ball State University’s Building Better Communities program with one of four Primacy of Place Community Awards. The awards recognize innovative approaches to improving quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses. Nickel Plate Arts offers great experiences for art lovers, artists, students and corporate partners who care about the arts in six communities along the Nickel Plate Railroad in Hamilton County.
The Town of Fishers has been honored as a Green Community by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT). To be considered for the award, the Town completed a lengthy survey which evaluated the Town’s purchasing as it relates to sustainability, policies and procedures and the value and success of our green programs.