Fishers Town Talk - April 2014 Issue

TownTalk Fishers

Official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana ⁄ April 2014

Rollin' in Earth Month!

RECYCLING DAY SPRING SERVICE DAY THE LIST G.I.V.E. & PROMISING FUTURES FISHERS FUN GUIDE ENGAGE FISHERS WITH DAN DOMSIC COMMUNITY PILLARS OF SMART GROWTH FIRE AND RESCUE COVERAGE FISHERS HAPPENINGS TOWN HALL BRIEF

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.

Welcome to the

April issue of Town Talk!

Dear Resident, In honor of Earth Day on April 22, this issue of Town Talk highlights sustainability in Fishers. Fishers stands at the threshold of a dynamic era of development with a clear vision for a sustainable economy that encourages people to live and work in ways that are good for business, the environment and our community. Town officials continue to develop long-term plans for our community with innovative solutions and use of resources that ultimately leads to smart growth in our community. Check out the feature article on pages 8-9 to learn more.

Dan Domsic’s column this month highlights the importance of the Town of Fishers' new initiative, Keep Fishers Beautiful. Nestled under Parks & Recreation's “Spring into Action” program, Keep Fishers Beautiful offers citizens and groups the ability to work together to help beautify one of Fishers’ neighborhoods with light landscaping and outdoor remodeling projects. Read the rest of Dan’s column over this initiative on page 7.

We talk a lot about what Fishers is doing to make our town more sustainable in this issue. Check out unique ways for you to go green at home in “The List” on page 5. You’ll learn about easy things that you and your family can do at home to protect the environment in our community.

Have you noticed a difference in Town Talk?

We want you to get involved with our monthly newsletter, and encourage you to send us stories, ideas, artwork and photographs from around Fishers to be featured in upcoming issues. You can send all content to towntalk@fishers.in.us and interact with us on twitter @FishersIN with #FishersTT. We thank you for your readership of Town Talk and look forward to seeing you around town!

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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 Cici Hendrix, PHR, IPMA-CP

Town Talk Editor

Respectfully,

Public Relations Director

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

Public Relations Assistant

Town Talk April 2014

Autumn Gasior Claire Dalton

Design and Layout

Propeller Marketing 7050 E. 116th St., Suite 200 Fishers, IN 46038

Town of Fishers, Indiana

Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 317.595.3111 • www.fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us

Spring 2014 Recycling Day Saturday, April 12 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mudsock Fields’ parking lot, 12160 Packers Ave.

Did you know in the state of Indiana that it is illegal to throw away electronics?

As we replace old electronic products with newer models, the stock pile of used and obsolete products grows. Recognizing the growing stream of electronic waste and the dangers to our natural resources, Indiana enacted an electronic waste ban in January 2011.

Electronics contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium that can be harmful if released into the environment.

Recycling electronics ensures that contaminates are safely managed and that valuable materials are reclaimed for the manufacturing of new products.

So, what do you do with your electronic waste?

Let the Town of Fishers’ Stormwater Utility take it off of your hands. 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 grill size only) • Fire extinguishers • Pesticides/herbicides* • Aerosols • Corrosive liquids • Non-conforming waste (unknowns) • Antifreeze • Pool chemicals • Fluorescent lamp and PCB ballasts • Medical sharps

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 the Town of Fishers residents only.

*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.

To learn more about the vendors and Recycle Day efforts check out www.fishers.in.us/RecycleDay.

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Spring Service Day at Ritchey Woods Fishers Parks & Recreation offers a variety of ways to get involved this spring with the town’s natural environment, and is proud to host events like Spring Service Day that allows residents and non-residents to come together, celebrate Earth Month and complete meaningful service work.

Spring Service Day is celebrating its tenth anniversary as a community service project here in Fishers. This event is great for organizations to get engaged in the community and give back through service. Spring Service Day is also an opportunity to recognize Earth Day through a coordinated service project at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve.

Sign up to spend Saturday, April 26 at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve helping our community. You will help clear the invasive garlic mustard and bush honeysuckle plants that shade out native wildflowers. Participants wanting to help are encouraged to stop by anytime between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in clothes that can get dirty.

Volunteer to make a difference right here in our community! Sign up at www.fishers.in.us/parks.

By the Numbers over the past nine years …

1,314 volunteers have logged 2,173 volunteer hours and removed enough invasive species and trash to fill the equivalent of more than 100 full-sized pick-up truck beds.

2007 was the highest turnout with 200 volunteers in one day logging 330 volunteer hours.

Hard to quantify, but still important …

Spring Service Day has saved wildflowers, improved ecological health, habitat and aesthetic value.

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Town Talk April 2014

the

LIST

Sustainable Living

We’ve all heard the same repetitive ways to go green—the reduce, reuse, recycle motto that’s been ingrained in us for years now. Here’s a list of unique ways to be kinder to the Earth that you may not think of every day: Car maintenance By regularly inflating your tires, your car will ride more smoothly and use less gas. Changing your oil and air filters will also help your car run more cleanly.

Go to a car wash You may not think of this as a green practice, but it is. Most car washes recycle the water. The water goes through a cycle to be used and reused. Driveway washing can lead to soap and chemical run-off into storm sewers and waterways.

Stop wrapping presents Let’s face it … gift wrap can be expensive and is only tossed after use. Baskets and gift bags are reusable and can make beautiful gift presentations.

Homemade canning Environmental impact is minimal when you can your own foods.

For starters, it reduces the waste associated with pre-packed foods; remember, those mason jars are reusable. Your tomato sauce is only traveling from the counter to the pantry instead of thousands of miles across the country on a truck belching out emissions. You don’t have to be a gardener either.

Stop by the Fishers Farmers Market and get your goods to can!

Rain barrels During the summer months, water usage increases 40 to 50 percent due to lawn care maintenance. Rain barrels can help supplement water usage.

Check out www.fishers.in.us/waterquality to learn more about Fishers’ rain barrel water quality pledge.

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G.I.V.E. & Promising Futures

The Town of Fishers’ G.I.V.E. (Generosity, Involvement, and Volunteerism by Employees), comprised entirely of Town employees, is committed to improving the community through charity-based initiatives.

For the past seven years, G.I.V.E. has been successful in a variety of efforts including toy and food drives, volunteer outings and fund-raising events that have resulted in more than $37,700 being donated to local charities.

This year, G.I.V.E. is sponsoring Promising Futures.

Promising Futures of Central Indiana helps young people become strong and productive citizens of the future.

Children and youth who are experiencing family struggles and abusive situations can feel invisible to their families, schools and people on the streets. Over the years, Promising Futures of Central Indiana has helped many of the invisible become visible, get help and become stronger within their communities.

Promising Futures received a call from law enforcement seeking help for a 12-year-old boy and his family. Allen (not his real name) was struggling to appropriately handle his anger and frustration, often becoming aggressive toward family members. Allen was placed in a host home the next day.

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Town Talk April 2014

While Allen was there, the family connected with one of Promising Future’s therapists who taught them tools and skills to better handle his behavior. Our therapist also helped the family work on healthy communication skills. Allen learned how to better handle his anger and to express his feelings in positive ways. Allen also developed a strong bond with his host home parents and continues to visit them for support and encouragement. Host families, volunteers and funding are all needs of Promising Futures. Get involved at www.PromisingFutures.org.

Sponsorships of the G.I.V.E. booth at the Fishers Freedom Festival is a great opportunity for local businesses to get in front of the residents of Fishers while supporting Promising Futures.

To partner with the Town of Fishers' G.I.V.E. Committee or for more information, please contact Aimee Ector at 317-595-3106 or at ectora@fishers.in.us.

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#EngageFishers with @FishersDan

By Dan Domsic

After such a cruelly cold winter, I wholeheartedly look forward to Fishers coming to life this spring for opportunities old and new.

I look forward to seeing merchants come out to the Fishers Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market and seeing the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater stage packed with talent. Not only that, but countless Fishers kids will get out and be active through HSE S.P.O.R.T.S., always keeping the baseball diamonds and athletic fields busy.

with light landscaping and outdoor remodeling projects. The idea is that if a handful of homes in a neighborhood elect to work together with volunteers on these types of projects, property values go up, pride in the neighborhood increases, and we grow closer as neighbors and community members.

It’s an energetic buzz that will make work joyful in the spring months. I’ve been helping plan a new initiative as part of the town’s Spring into Action service day, and its given me a preview of the sunshine and energy in the air. In addition, we have the Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Spring Service Day tradition continuing on April 26; more on that in the “Check it out” section.

For the inaugural year of Keep Fishers Beautiful, we’ll be working in Sunblest Countryview. It’s a multi-department effort that originated in Community Development and has already engaged residents.

Groups and volunteers have the opportunity to get together across the community to revitalize our surroundings as we shift gears and get back outdoors. This year, however, we’re adding a new dimension to Spring into Action, and it’s called Keep Fishers Beautiful.

If you or your own civic group, church, or social club would like to participate in Spring into Action or Keep Fishers Beautiful, please feel free to call or email me directly. Individual homeowners in Sunblest Countryview that are interested in participating in Keep Fishers Beautiful can do the same. Members of town staff plan to go door to door to promote the event and explain it to residents. We’ll also be determining exactly what the projects are, which could include painting, mulching, straightening mailboxes, light landscaping, and more.

Through Keep Fishers Beautiful, citizens and groups will have the ability to work together to help homeowners in one of Fishers’ neighborhoods

As Fishers charges into a new era, it’s critical to work together to sustain Fishers’ strength, beauty and individual communities.

On May 3, the community-wide service day returns with multiple projects taking place across town.

Check it out:

On April 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Fishers Parks & Recreation and the Fishers Library are hosting the themed storytelling event Jabberwocky at the library (5 Municipal Drive), with the help of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc., IndyFringe, and Storytelling Arts of Indiana. This is a great arts event for young adults and older. Scheduled storytellers tell a short story along a theme, and then it is open mic for storytellers in the audience.”

Dan Domsic is the Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for Fishers Parks & Recreation.

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Community Pillars oƒ

Smart

Most know “sustainability” as an environmental term thrown around to explain how a company or organization is “going green,” but how often do you hear what the term “sustainability” really encompasses?

Sure, there is no question that sustainability represents a green initiative, but more than that, sustainability is about a multi-faceted approach to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.

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Town Talk April 2014

Growth The Town of Fishers is investing in long-term sustainability, and has taken the time to delve into what that means for the community. The path to sustainability in Fishers includes a viable economy, healthy environment and the wellbeing of our residents. These components are tightly woven together to create a complete roadmap towards smart growth.

From trails and parks planned by the Parks & Recreation Department to Nickel Plate District and Saxony developments spurred by the Community Development Department, the Fishers community is changing for the better.

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strong, vibrant economy is the first and absolutely critical element to a sustainable municipality. We'll call this the first pillar. Traditionally, Fishers has largely been categorized as a bedroom community—a community full of neighborhoods with residents that go elsewhere for work and recreation. As Fishers grew, it became clear to Town officials that to maintain the quality of life and public safety that our residents have come to expect, revenues had to expand. A concerted effort to make way for more balanced growth began to take shape. Today, Town officials, community leaders and residents are working in tandem to attract business investments in our community in creative ways. The Town’s comprehensive economic development strategy includes fostering entrepreneurship, working to retain and help grow current businesses and telling our story to perspective new businesses.

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sustainable community’s most valuable resource is its people. The third and final pillar is protecting the well-being of the community, and Fishers works to foster a community that eliminates barriers allowing residents to fully participate. Fishers was just recently named the 2nd safest suburb in America by Movoto Real Estate—a testament to our police department. The Fire & Emergency Services Department continues to crush national standards in emergency health care with innovative solutions to complicated industry challenges. The Department of Public Works is the first American Public Works Association accredited department in Indiana.

But that’s not all.

Town officials have cultivated collaboration in our community to broaden the amenities in Fishers.

This year alone, new parks are coming to Fishers offering outdoor activities for the whole family, a pedestrian and bike master plan is in development to enhance the trail system and better connect the neighborhoods to destination spots, the Community Art Master Plan recently won an American Planning Association award for outstanding plan, and the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater will host more than 40 free events. These initiatives outline Fishers’ commitment to a healthy, connected community with a plan for smart growth.

Allyson Pumphrey, the President of Sustainable Catalyst Partners, a company that fosters understanding in the breadth of sustainability principles, truly believes that municipalities like Fishers can achieve sustainability through top-down management and bottom-up leadership that supports each other.

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be environmentally sound, the second pillar, means that the Town maintains our natural environment through guidelines, laws and policies that ensure our resources are used or protected in thoughtful ways. In Fishers, this looks like investment in technology that lead to more energy efficient street lights, the development of projects that mitigate traffic congestion and reduce emissions, the creation of new parks that include reforestation projects and enhancements to our greenspaces or the planning of Town sponsored events like Recycle Day mentioned on page 3. These efforts not only lead to a healthy environment, but also smart growth.

Sustainability is not a one-and-done thing for organizations. It is a way of being. It is about thinking in systems, stepping out of traditional organizational silos, and seeing how multiple small impacts add up to tremendous implications. And it’s about choosing to take responsibility for your role in the systems within which you interact to create true, dynamic sustainability.

Smart growth and long-term sustainability go hand in hand here in Fishers.

When these areas are addressed together, there is a powerful effect on the quality of life and future of a community. By overlapping work in these areas and working collaboratively with the community, efficiencies emerge and better results are achieved. In Fishers, that is what we call smart, sustainable growth.

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Fishers Expands Coverage for Growing Segment of the Community As part of its strategic plan, Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services has increased fire and medical coverage in the fast growing eastern part of our community.

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Town Talk April 2014

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Concerning new emergency responders, on January 27, 2014, Recruit Class 27 began with a class size of fourteen. All fourteen recruits have now earned Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certifications. In early March, Class 27 begins their arduous fire education training, and in June, 2014, they will begin shift duties.

Expansion of Fire Resources in Fall Creek Township

Brooks School Rd.

The additional staff and resources will ensure that Fishers continues to have one of the most robust paramedicine and fire response capabilities in the state if not the country.

Fishers Happenings Friday, April 11 6-8 p.m.

Family Game Night Fall Creek Intermediate School, 12001 Olio Rd. Enjoy a night with your family playing board games, puzzles, open gym and giant games. Snacks will be provided and families of all ages are welcome.

Registration is not required. Free! www.fishers.in.us Saturday, April 12 Spring 2014 Recycling Day See article on page 3.

Saturday, April 12 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Antiques in April Fishers High School, 13000 Promise Rd. Over 100 high-end exhibitors selling antiques, vintage & repurposed merchandise. $5 entrance fee for adults. $3 seniors 62+ and students.

Saturday, April 12 10 a.m.-Noon Friends of Heritage Gardens Lecture Series: “Things Your Mother Never Taught You” Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens, 10595 Eller Road This informative and hands-on event will help gardeners of all levels learn about tips and tricks to growing and maintaining a beautiful garden. Although this event is free, registration is appreciated by April 4. www.Fishers.in.us/Parks

Saturday, April 19 Noon Annual Easter Egg Hunt Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Children of all ages are invited to participate. Free!

Monday, April 7 7 p.m.

Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium

Friday, April 25 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Trees are Treasures – Arbor Day Event Nickel Plate District www.fishers.in.us/arborday

Tuesday, April 15 5:30 p.m.

Planned Unit Development (PUD) Committee Fishers Town Hall

Saturday, April 26 Spring Service Day at Ritchey Woods See article on page 4.

Tuesday, April 15 6:30 p.m.

Plan Commission Town Hall Auditorium

Sunday, April 27 7 p.m.

Fishers Wind Symphony Christ the Savior Lutheran Church 10500 E 126th St., west of Promise Rd. Tickets $10, $5 for students, $20 for family!

Buy tickets at www.FishersMusicWorks.org or at the venue.

Sunday, April 27 2-5 p.m.

Open House Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens, 10595 Eller Road For brides-to-be and those interested in hosting an event in an historic venue, The Ambassador House will be staged to showcase its wedding/party rental potential. Free and open to the public.

Candidate Events

Saturday, April 12 1 p.m.

Spring Container Class, presented by The Windowbox Gardener Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens, 10595 Eller Road Create your own fabulous, spring container. $40 registration fee includes potting soil, container, spring flowers and accents.

To register, call 317-696-4047 or email Gretchen@windowboxgardener.com

Meetings - Open to Public

7 p.m.

Town Hall Auditorium The public is invited to attend each of these three events.

Tuesday, April 8 City Clerk and Mayoral Candidate Forum The audience may submit questions for the candidates.

Hosted by The Hamilton County League of Women Voters.

Monday, April 14 6 p.m.

Parks Advisory Committee Town Hall Auditorium

Monday, April 21 7 p.m.

Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Wednesday, April 23 6:30 p.m.

Town of Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Town Hall Auditorium Thursday, April 24 9 a.m.

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Town Hall Auditorium Wednesday, May 7 7 p.m.

Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium

Wednesday, April 16 City of Fishers Mayoral Debate The candidates for mayor are invited to discuss important community topics. Presented by Fishers Arts Council.

Thursday, April 17 City Council Candidate Forum The audience may submit questions for the candidates.

Hosted by The Hamilton County League of Women Voters.

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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 State of the Town 2014

Stormwater Inlets

Fishers Town Council President, John Weingardt, gave the State of the Town speech to an audience of more than 300 people on Wednesday, February 19. Weingardt touted the town’s accomplishments, highlighting not only the community vision set forth in 2013, but the successes thus far in making that vision a reality. As the audience eagerly listened to Weingardt, it was apparent that Fishers is lucky to have such dedicated employees and business supporters to grow our community for generations to come.

Warmer weather means the rainy season is upon us. The Fishers Department of Public Works asks you to help keep our streets safe by removing debris from their stormwater inlet grates. This simple housekeeping measure will help with proper drainage, reduce flooding and help keep materials out of the storm system making our waterways cleaner.

Community Arts Master Plan The Department of Community Development worked with the Fishers Arts Council and Fishers Cultural Tourism Group to create the Community Arts Master Plan—the first policy framework of its kind to be approved in Hamilton County. The initiative defines community art in Fishers, celebrates art’s ability to engage residents and establishes priorities for future projects.

The Town recognizes art as a defining feature within the community as it grows, matures and prospers.

Two-Lane Roundabout Coming to 106th St. and Lantern Rd./Crosspoint Blvd.

The Fishers Engineering Department will kick off construction on a new two-lane roundabout construction at 106th St. and Lantern Rd./Crosspoint Blvd. that will extend for 60 days on or after April 15. Traffic patterns will change frequently, so please check the Drive Fishers website, sign up for Fishers Alert and/or frequent the @DriveFishers Twitter account to stay informed.