A mask mandate indoors for staff and students went into effect for all Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School buildings Monday, August 16. How is the school district handling requests for exemptions from wearing the masks?
HSE School Superintendent Yvonne Stokes says there are two types of exemptions that may be requested – medical and religious.
Medical requests will generally be approved based on a written statement from a physician that a medical condition results in not being able to wear a mask indoors at school, according to Dr. Stokes.
The exemption requests based on religious beliefs are evaluated by each building principal, according to the superintendent.
In a related matter, two men entered the school administration building Tuesday morning to attend the school board work session. The two were asked to wear masks and they refused. They were asked to leave. After a lengthy discussion, the men left the school board meeting room.
The Fishers City Council approved the project agreement for a mixed use development at 106th Street and Kincaid, near I-69. The vote was 6-2, with council members Jocelyn Vare and Crystal Newmann voting no. Councilman David George did not attend Monday’s session.
Developer Envoy says there will be a $52 million investment in the plans, with Tax Increment Financing provided by the city. The project calls for 280 residential apartments and 18,600 square feet on the first floor for restaurant, commercial and retail operations. 4,800 square feet will be set aside for a restaurant.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will be utilized to fund roughly $8 million toward the project, with a 25-year bond. Envoy has committed to fund a walking trail and improvements to Pearl Street. Envoy will be responsible for the debt service funding the plans. The city is waiving some fees and imposing others (inspection, parks, roads & bridges).
The development, named Highline, already is receiving interest from several restaurant operators, according to attorney Steve Hardin, representing Envoy.
Councilor Jocelyn Vare listed several reasons for her no vote. She was only made aware of this project agreement vote 3 days ago. She is not convinced TIF is needed for this project, and she has concerns about State Senator Scott Baldwin’s involvement as CEO of Envoy, saying this was not transparent to the public.
Councilman John Weingardt responded, saying Scott Baldwin and Envoy contain all the ingredients he seeks in a development project. He also emphasized that HSE Schools will receive $150,000 per year despite the TIF, because of a referendum exception to the TIF under state law.
Councilor Crystal Newmann cited concerns about sustainability parts of the project in voting no.
The project agreement sets the financing for Highline, now a rezone must be approved with a Planned Unit Development (PUD), a process that includes a public hearing with the Fishers Plan Commission.
In other City Council items from Monday night’s meeting:
–Council had first reading on a proposal for the city to purchase the assets of HSE Utilities sewer system within the Fishers City Limits.
–Council members gave final approval for two residential developments near 113th Street and Florida Road, Milford Place and The Cove.
–Council gave final approval to a text amendment for the Nickel Plate Code, to close a loophole in the ordinance that allowed some, according to city staff, to avoid fees and standards by building under residential rules and converting the property to commercial.
–First reading was done for a proposed increase in park impact fees.
–Mayor Scott Fadness opened the meeting, requesting a moment of silence for three Fishers teenagers that died in a crash in South Carolina in the early hours of Monday.
The past week has revealed some important numbers for the City of Fishers. I know, there are a ton of numbers associated with our city. But let’s look at two from the past week of important note.
The first number – 98,977 – is the population figure for Fishers per the 2020 census. Many in Fishers were hoping we would crack the 100,000 mark but missed it by that much. This means Fishers is the 6th largest city in the state….Carmel is just barely above us with a population of 99,757…a difference of a little less than 800 residents.
The second number is a percentage – 75.1% – the share of the Fishers population fully vaccinated against COVID. This when the entire state of Indiana is at about a 50% fully COVID vaccinated rate. City officials have set a goal of vaccinating 85% of the eligible Fishers population. Mayor Scott Fadness says the city is putting together an outreach program aimed at encouraging people in Fishers to receive the COVID vaccination.
It is difficult to imagine the sheer scale of the numbers that I review as part of my work volunteer news blogging here in Fishers. Those are just a few that put some items into perspective.
Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools will require all students and staff to wear masks beginning Monday, August 16 indoors, regardless of vaccination status. A video released Friday (see above link) provides a message from Superintendent Yvonne Stokes.
“I know this will not make everyone happy, but it is my goal to protect our students and staff and keep our schools open and running,” Dr. Stokes says in the video.
HSE Schools have tracked 80 positive cases in the student population and more than 500 students have been notified as being a close contact, according to Dr. Stokes.
Stokes also says a change is coming on the time frames for quarantines, generally reducing the number of days.
Below is the full statement from Dr. Stokes:
==========
We have made it through a partial and first full week of the new school year, and I believe I speak for most for when I say — the return of students to our buildings has given us a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation to work alongside you and your family once again.
I also would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we ramped up operations following a year without being at full capacity. Last year was tough, and we had hoped this year would be as close to pre-COVID times for our students and staff as possible. Unfortunately, we are still living in a pandemic.
As you know, our community and state are experiencing an increase in COVID-positive cases due the highly contagious, circulating Delta variant. Our schools are not immune to this trend. Since classes began, we have tracked 80 positive cases in our student population and more than 500 students have been notified as being a close contact.
Due to the spike in numbers and the updated guidance from healthcare officials, beginning on Monday, August 16, masks will be required for all students and staff, K through 12, when indoors during the school day, regardless of vaccination status.
I know this will not make everyone happy, but it is my goal to protect our students and staff and keep our schools open and running.
This change is reflective of what local and state health departments have messaged to schools.
A benefit of universal masking is that it will allow us to limit the number of students and staff quarantined by contact tracing at 3-feet versus at 6-feet in the classroom-setting only.
Another change we are making is reducing the length of quarantine for unvaccinated students and staff. The CDC gives options for reduced quarantine which include:
10-day quarantine with return to school on day 11, or
7-day quarantine with a return to school on day 8, if a negative PCR test was obtained on day 5, 6 or 7 from date of exposure. (Result must be given to school nurse prior to student’s return to school.)
In both circumstances, individuals will need to be symptom-free and will also need to maintain distancing and increase personal hygiene for the full the 14 days.
Please remember, these changes are what we believe will keep our students learning in-person, in their classrooms — and that is our goal.
Road construction projects continue in and around Fishers. Here is the latest update, as provided by the city:
============
STATE ROAD 37 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
STATE ROAD 37 AND 146TH STREET All left-turn lanes are currently restricted on SR 37 and on 146th Street with traffic moved to the interior lanes. Thru traffic and right turns on SR 37 and 146th Street will remain open. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes for all left turn access. View an alternate route map here.
STATE ROAD 37 AND 131ST / 135TH STREETS
The westside of 131st Street at SR 37 is currently closed as work progresses on the interchange. SR 37 will remain open both north and southbound. SR 37 southbound left and right turns onto 131st Street will be restricted. Westbound left turns onto SR 37 will also be restricted on 131st Street. View the detour map here.
The Northbound SR 37 right turn lane onto 135th Street is currently closed from 131st Street to approximately halfway to 135th Street for Phase 1 construction. This portion of the dedicated turn lane will not reopen to regular capacity until the interchange is complete.
Please drive with caution through this area. To learn more about the State Road 37 Improvement Project and sign up to receive text updates, visit 37Thrives.com.
NICKEL PLATE TUNNEL PROJECT
116TH STREET AT THE NICKEL PLATE TRAIL
116th Street in downtown Fishers has fully opened to four lanes of traffic after the completion of the Nickel Plate Trail tunnel. Upon completion of the Nickel Plate Trail, slated for Spring 2022, pedestrians will access the trail via the tunnel to provide safe passage beneath 116th Street. Construction in the area related to the downtown development projects will impact the roadway at various times in August and September.
Gas main work is currently taking place weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the intersection of 116th Street and Fishers Center Drive and is anticipated to be completed by Wednesday, August 18. View restrictions and the detour map here.
2021 RESURFACING PROJECT
ADA ramp and curb reconstruction has started as part of the 2021 Resurfacing Project. After ADA ramp and curb reconstruction is completed, those areas will be restored with topsoil and seed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to water the seed for the seed to germinate. Prior to road resurfacing, residents will be notified via street signage for street parking restrictions.
BRITTON RIDGE
ADA ramp work is currently taking place in Britton Ridge and is anticipated to be completed in August.
PROJECTS NORTH OF 116TH STREET
ALLISONVILLE ROAD
On Tuesday, August 17, Allisonville Road, just north of 126th Street will be restricted to one lane in each direction between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for utility work.
PARKSIDE DRIVE
There will be intermittent closures on Parkside Drive, just north of Publishers Drive, on Wednesday, August 18 and Thursday, August 19 for utility work. View detour map here.
PROJECTS SOUTH OF 116TH STREET
96TH STREET
Starting on Monday, August 16th, 96th Street from I-69 to the Nickel Plate Trail will have rolling lane restrictions and reduced lane width to allow Fishers DPW crews to diamond grind the roadway.
PROJECTS ON 116TH STREET
116TH STREET
Starting on Monday, August 16th, eastbound 116th Street between IKEA Way and Cumberland Road will have rolling lane restrictions and reduced lane width to allow Fishers DPW crews to diamond grind the roadway.
A new mixed-use development is coming to Fishers, but this will not be located downtown. Instead, the project will be located along 106th Street and Kincaid Drive.
The developer says there will be a $52 million investment in the plans, with Tax Increment Financing of $10.1 Million provided by the city. The proposal will be considered by the Fishers City Council Monday night.
The project calls for 280 residential apartments and 18,600 square feet on the first floor for restaurant, commercial and retail operations. 4,800 square feet will be set aside for a restaurant, generally located at the south-east corner of 106th Street and Kincaid Boulevard.
As part of the economic development deal with the city, developer Envoy will design and construct the streetscape and other infrastructure improvements. Envoy has also committed to building a multi-use pedestrian trail around the entire perimeter of Delaware
Park (Kincaid Drive south to Sunlight Drive, east on Sunlight to Lantern Road, north on Lantern to 106th Street, 106th Street west to Kincaid). In addition, the developer will handle a forced right-turn road improvement from Kincaid onto Pearl Street. Finally, Envoy will construct Pearl Street to city engineering standards.
Numbers provided by the Fishers Health Department show about 18,000 unvaccinated people within the city limits. Fishers is preparing to reach out to those individuals and provide an opportunity to get the COVID vaccine.
Of those unvaccinated in Fishers, there are two age groups that stand out. One consists of those between the ages of 20 and 40. The second group is the youngest, ages 12-15.
Mayor Scott Fadness tells LarryInFishers that his administration is putting together a “robust” program targeting those yet to receive the shots. Fadness described the COVID vaccination as a “path to freedom.”
Look for more on this project in the next 30 days.
Hamilton County is ready to take applications from local organizations impacted by COVID. County government has American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to distribute and the portal is a way groups in Hamilton County may apply. If you represent businesses, nonprofits, or governmental units within Hamilton County, you are eligible to apply.
“This is about much more than simply replacing lost revenue,” said Amy Massillamany, Hamilton County Council President in a county news release. “It’s about helping the people in our communities. Sure, it’s about helping to keep the doors open, but by doing so, we are helping our neighbors receive paychecks and healthcare their families are relying on, now more than ever.”
The county has formed an ARPA committee. The panel created criteria for those applying. The criteria include groups who:
Are in good standing concerning state and local taxes, any appropriate professional licensing and/or program (state and federal)
Are in compliance with any appropriate and applicable local codes and ordinances
Are locally owned
Are in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State
Endured negative economic impact due to the COVID-19 public health emergency
Show a decline in overall revenue from 2019
Can supply a COVID impact statement that illustrates the connection between the negative economic harm and the COVID-19 public health emergency
The committee says it will giver priority to those businesses that are minority, woman or veteran owned and service organizations focused on providing direct, life-sustaining assistance, with a focus toward recovery and sustainability.
To begin the application process, go to the ARPA Committee Web site at this link.
Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board member Suzanne Thomas objected to the wording in meeting minutes for the July 28th board meeting, but she was the only no vote when the board approved the minutes at Wednesday’s board meeting. Here is the part of the minutes Ms. Thomas questioned:
“One speaker and several members from the community became unruly
and began shouting. The speaker at the podium ignored repeated requests by the board president to be seated.”
Thomas claimed it was not just the crowd that was unruly.
In another matter before the board, Ms. Thomas objected to paying Child Advocates for diversity training conducted for school district staff members that has already been conducted. Superintendent Yvonne Stokes says this training is voluntary for staff members and has been offered since 2015. The only complaint she received about this year’s training was that it would be better held in-person instead of virtually. Stokes did say she would seek other vendors in addition to Child Advocates for future staff diversity professional education. The board approved the payment to Child Advocates.
Board member Thomas objected to a proposed school policy referring to the Indiana open Door Law. The policy language cites the Indiana statute that governs the Open Door Law, but Thomas said she wants a link to the law. Board member Julie Chambers said the policy committee considered that, but links change all the time, leading the committee to recommend using the same language as in previous policy, but putting several parts of current policy in one place. There was no vote on the polices concerning board meetings, governance and school transportation policies at Wednesday’s session, but is scheduled for a vote at the August 25th board meeting.
Also at Wednesday’s session, Dr. Stokes apologized for an internal staff document that has been making the rounds on social media. The document addresses awareness to the staff of monthly observances. There was no intention to leave out any religious events from this listing and the intent was to be supportive of students. She apologized for any “angst” this caused in the local community.
Dr. Stokes also said there continues to be a need in the district for more substitute teachers, food service workers and school bus drivers. Anyone interested in applying should contact the HSE Schools HR Department.
Board President Janet Pritchett announced that Brian Meyer, the school board appointee to the Hamilton East Library Board the past 12 years, has been appointed to another four-year term. Ms. Pritchett said there were many good and qualified candidates that applied for this appointment and she appreciates the interest of each one. There were several letters of support from Mr. Meyer’s fellow library board members supporting his re-appointment. Mr. Meyer has committed to providing an annual update to the school board on the Hamilton East Library. The Hamilton East Library system runs the Noblesville and Fishers libraries.
