The Fishers City Council on Tuesday night discussed legislation moving through the Indiana Statehouse that could significantly affect how cities make decisions in the future.

Councilor Brad DeReamer highlighted two bills currently under consideration by state lawmakers that he said raise concerns for local governments.

The first, House Bill 1152, would require homeowners associations to have a quorum of residents present at any meeting where an annual budget increase is approved. DeReamer said many HOAs already struggle to get enough residents to attend meetings, and the requirement could result in underfunded neighborhoods and neglected basic maintenance.

DeReamer also focused on House Bill 1001, which legislative leaders have described as an effort to improve housing affordability. He expressed concern that the bill could limit the ability of local governments to make zoning and land-use decisions.

Mayor Scott Fadness told council members he was at the Statehouse earlier Tuesday meeting with the bill’s author, Rep. Doug Miller of Elkhart, and described the conversation as productive.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that we can get to a place that doesn’t strip you guys of your authority to make decisions on behalf of our residents and what kind of community they want to live in and grow,” Fadness told council members.

Fadness said several provisions in House Bill 1001, as currently written, could impede a city’s ability to charge impact fees, establish design standards, and regulate development density. While the bill includes an opt-out provision allowing some cities to avoid certain requirements, Fadness said he is concerned lawmakers could remove that option in a future legislative session.

With the General Assembly’s short session expected to conclude before the City Council meets again, Fadness said he will draft a letter on behalf of the council outlining its concerns. Individual council members may choose to sign the letter if they wish.