The Nickel Plate Trail is to be part of a regional trail network, extending south with a bridge over 96th Street, extending to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, and eventually north connecting to Noblesville’s Midland Trail System.

The City of Fishers took another step in expanding the local Nickel Plate trail south by entering into a $453,000 contract with BF&S for design services for the trail and the pedestrian bridge over 96th Street.  The Board of Public Works and Safety approved the pact Tuesday morning.

In one other item before the board, the city is moving forward with the bidding process for constructing a replacement for the current City Hall, currently named the Arts & Municipal Complex.  This phase is for a transformer and the technical equipment that goes with it.

City Attorney Chris Griesl told board member the final bid, a “substantial” package, will be presented to the board soon for the Arts & Municipal Complex.  It will include HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, site work, drywall, building enclosures and finishes.  The work is already out for bids and Griesl admitted that there are concerns about “market fluctuation, construction issues…we are seeing it right across the country.”  The board should receive information on how the bids went at a meeting in late August.

Finally, the board held its last meeting in City Hall.  While staff migrate to other facilities as construction activities begin, the meetings, at least for now, will be held in the City Court room located next door at the City Services Building (the old police headquarters).  The public is expected to have access to future board meetings by entering the building through the east entrance.