The City of Fishers will move forward with permit requests for 5G towers in residential neighborhoods using all the legal levers at its disposal, but the mayor and city attorney caution local residents that the state and federal governments have usurped most of the  authority to regulate 5G technology.

Mayor Scott Fadness was at the forefront of lobbying the Indiana General Assembly to allow local governments more legal authority over 5G tower regulations, but state lawmakers chose to limit cities and towns ability to evaluate requests from wireless providers for tower permits.

City Attorney Chris Greisl told the Board of Public Works and Safety Monday that Fishers can look at where towers are located within a neighborhood, but cannot ban or deny all requests for 5G small cell towers based on state and federal law.

Fadness also said the federal government does not allow local municipalities to take any possible health risks into account when evaluating small cell tower permits.

Fadness did say the city will notify homeowners associations (HOAs) when tower permits are under consideration, and will also notify all residents within 200 feet of the proposed pole.  This will be city policy beyond state or federal requirements, Fadness said.  Those living in the area of any proposed tower will be given the opportunity to provide their views before any tower permit is decided by the Board of Works.

Verizon Wireless has 40 5G tower permits pending with the city, with 500 total expected in the coming year-and-a-half.   There are now 115 towers deployed locally, mostly along Fishers thoroughfares.

Based on Greisl’s presentation to the board, the city’s jurisdiction is limited to where small cell towers are specifically located within in a given neighborhood.  Verizon has been cooperating with city staff in efforts to locate such towers in common areas of neighborhoods, away from homes as much as possible, according to Greisl.  The city may also consider the aesthetics within a neighborhood when evaluating permit requests.

City Attorney Greisl talked about the health and safety issues connected with 5G technology.  “The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has spoken pretty clearly about our prohibition in regulating this (5G techology) use,” Greisl said.  He referred to a resolution passed by the Carmel City Council asking the state to slow down 5G implementation, but Greisl added that Carmel also has 40 small cell tower permit requests filed and Carmel is processing those requests under the same laws as Fishers.

The first permit requests are being proposed in the north central area of Fishers.

5G towers have a shorter range than the current 4G wireless system, with towers needed every 500-1,000 feet.

Greisl told the board there are time deadlines for the board to act.  Failure to act within the prescribed time periods in the law will lead to an automatic approval of the tower permit.  The city staff has 10 days to review a permit once submitted, then the Board of Works has 45 days to consider approval or denial of that submission.

The Board of Works is expected to consider the first small tower permit request in April.

The city has a new section of its Web site dedicated to 5G…you can access it at this link.

When you flip the power switch at home, you expect the lights to work.  Unless, of course, you insist on not paying the electric bill.

When you go to the sink, you expect to have water.  Unless, of course, you continue not to pay the water utility.

Most Americans know the consequences when we do not pay for what we need.  We lose it.

America is seeing the loss of local news sources at an alarming rate.   According to a story published late last year in the New York Times, the United States has seen 1 in 5 newspapers cease publication over the past 15 years.  The number of local journalists has been cut in half during that same period.

There is no indication this is improving.  Even at large newspapers the number of journalists continues to dwindle.

So, what can be done about this?  We need to realize that good journalism, be it from a newspaper, online outlet or another platform, needs subscribers.  By that, I mean paid subscriptions.

Just as your power and water can be turned off if you don’t pay for it, journalism will go away if you are not willing to pay for a subscription.  The lack of local, independent journalism can drag down any community.

I had a local Fishers elected official admit something to me privately a couple of years ago.  While prefacing the remark that nothing nefarious should be implied, this person admitted elected bodies behave much differently when there is no independent journalist in the meeting room.

Think carefully about that for a moment.

The best way to support journalism is to subscribe to your local news organizations.  The Indianapolis Star, the Indianapolis Business Journal and the Hamilton County Reporter are three examples that come to mind, but there are many more.

My message to you is to subscribe to any and all news sources in your local area.  That is the only means to guarantee there will be a journalist in that meeting room as elected officials deliberate.

I have not been paid as a journalist for a very long time, so there is no dog in this hunt for me.  But our communities need this, and I love my community of Fishers.

Don’t let the lights go out in the local journalistic enterprises left in our central Indiana area.  Subscribe!

by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

The Hamilton County Highway Department, along with city engineering departments in Noblesville, Carmel and Fishers, are consulting with one another to determine the best location for another White River bridge. County Commissioner Christine Altman says there is increasing need for improving the county’s east/west traffic flow. No specific site has yet been established.

* * *

Steve Key, director of the Hoosier State Press Association and former Noblesville resident and writer for the Noblesville Ledger, says it appears there will not be state legislation this year that would end schools’ requirement to publish an annual performance report. A bill in the legislature had earlier included elimination of that requirement. State Sen. Victoria Spartz (R-Noblesville) had opposed elimination of the requirement while State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero), favored it.

* * *

Probably the fastest growing revenue source for Hamilton County government is the Innkeepers Tax. The treasurer’s office reports nearly $5.5 million in collections last year. That figure is expected to grow significantly this year with its 5 percent tax on each hotel and motel room rented. The revenue can only be used for advancing the county tourism, convention and visitor industry.

* * *

There is preliminary work in progress planning for Hamilton County’s bicentennial in 2023. County Historian David Heighway says a group will be formally organized to make certain anniversary is properly marked. The county, named for Alexander Hamilton, was established by state legislation in 1823 when the population was around 1,000. Dave would probably like to hear from folks interested in assisting the efforts.

* * *

The widely-respected Carmel Dads’ Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary later this year. The organization has provided an organized sports experience for thousands of young people, many of whom has gone on to excel in high school and college sports. The club was organized in 1960 by a group of Carmel fathers to further athletic activity and provide a feeder system for the high school which has proved highly successful.

* * *

Big Woods, the growing chain of informal restaurants and brew pubs, announced this week it will soon open at 146th Street and Hazel Dell Road, Noblesville. Based in Nashville, Ind., the restaurant and brewing firm is headed by Jeff and September (Hinshaw) McCabe, who are both former county residents and alumni of Carmel High School.

Scientists call it COVID-19, but the popular name for it is coronavirus.  You have likely heard and read plenty about this health issue.  Let me preface this discussion with the fact that I am no health professional, but I do believe in paying careful attention to the experts that are in the know about this virus.

I am no expert in the stock market either but it has been down dramatically in recent days.  What are the Wall Street traders trying to tell us, if anything?

Again, reading the true experts, what appears to be freaking-out the markets is the fact that we in America, and some other parts of the world, have no idea how many COVID-19 infections exist because there is a major shortage of testing equipment.  Markets do not like uncertainty.  If we do not know how many people are infected, that is a lot of uncertainty.

There is also no vaccine or reliable treatment for those infected.  Health experts say even a crash program would get a vaccine on the market in 12-16 months at best.

Fear is an emotion we all have as humans.  There has been some fear in America when you see hand sanitizing lotion impossible to buy because they all have been purchased already, or face masks are also almost impossible to find, people are afraid.

Again, based on what the experts tell us, the spread of COVID-19 could be worse than we are projecting or much less that we are projecting.  Without testing widely available, we are in a zone of uncertainty.

We have outstanding science experts at places like the NationaI Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.  We need to read and listen to their guidance.

In Indiana, we have an outstanding State Health Commissioner in Dr. Kristina Box.  It appears Governor Eric Holcomb is listening to her advice and taking actions based on her analysis.

The City of Fishers has established part of their Web site providing information on the COVID-19.  You can access that information at this link.

A recent public opinion poll found that when something like coronavirus becomes an issue, people do not want to listen to politicians or most elected officials.  Most of those polled were clear:  they want to hear from health professionals that specialize in communicable diseases.

I have always believed that you cannot live your life in fear, but should always take reasonable precautions.  Let’s not let fear take over.  Listen to the health professionals and just be smart about how you go about your everyday life.

The Spark Fishers Festival is many months away, when the days will be longer and the weather warmer, in late June.  Nonetheless, the Fishers Arts Council (FAC) is on the lookout of four visual artists to teach 1-3 students in art creation.

FAC’s goal for these classes, while being fun, will be to “Spark! Creativity” in our community, encouraging those that try out music, theater, and visual art, to continue to pursue the medium that most speaks to them. The more FAC can introduce and involve the community in various art forms, the greater impact artists can make to enhance and enrich the lives of those who live, work, and visit Fishers. The students will drop in at any time during the five (5) hour event and work with those that are available.

The deadline for submissions is May 1st.  Here are the details, as provided by FAC:

Continue reading Fishers Arts Council seeking 4 visual artists for Spark Fishers Festival →

For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Fishers invited a crowd of volunteers to an evening of dinner and honors for local volunteers for the City of Service Awards.  The Fishers Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award went to Tom Rich, a man honored for many years of service to the arts in Fishers.  Mr. Rich is the current President of the Fishers Arts Council.

Various city departments and Hamilton Southeastern Schools selected their volunteer of the year awards.

Here is a full list of nominees for all the various awards handed out at the Forum Event Center Wednesday night:

Continue reading Volunteer night in the City of Fishers →

The Geist Conservancy District legislation has cleared the last hurdle with lawmakers at the Indiana Statehouse.  State Representative & Speaker-Elect Todd Huston tells LarryInFishers.com that the measure creating the conservancy district has now passed the House and Senate and is on the way to Governor Holcomb’s desk where he is expected to sign the bill.

A conservancy district would have the legal authority to tax property owners and impose fees in the area of Geist Lake in order to do required maintenance on the reservoir.

On the deal reached between Fishers and Carmel officials over the County Option Income Tax (COIT) distribution, Huston says that measure is still moving through the legislative process and he is not anticipating any changes, but cautions that the process is not yet officially done.

Fishers Mayor Fadness recently told LarryInFishers.com the deal reached with Carmel calls for a revised COIT distribution formula that will add $15 million-$18 million in additional COIT funds to Fishers over three years, but that increase is tied to a rise in COIT tax collections of 2.5% each year.  In other words, presuming a strong economy continues locally, Fishers will receive the extra funds.  According to Fadness, after that initial three-year period, Fishers would receive $4 million-$6 million in additional money per year from COIT, but that would once again rely on continued COIT tax collection growth in the coming years.

The 2020 short session of the General Assembly is scheduled to end in a few days.

In Indiana, counties are generally responsible for public health issues, so when something like coronaviris becomes an issue locally, residents look to the Hamilton County Health Department for guidance.

My news-gathering partner, the Hamilton County Reporter, checked with a number of county officials that may hve responsibilities to deal with the coronavirus.

“We are monitoring and managing the situation,” said County Commissioner Christine Altman. “We are reviewing our pandemic flu and infectious disease plans and are ready to implement them if needed.”

The Health Department and Emergency Management team are working directly with local hospitals, health care providers, and local cities and towns to ensure everyone is kept in the loop.

“The biggest thing is getting ahead of it,” said Shane Booker, executive director of Hamilton County’s EMA. “We went through a very similar situation in 2010 with the H1N1 virus. There were a lot of the same concerns then that there are now. The good news is the H1N1 virus taught us a lot that helps us prepare now.”

Currently there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton County or the State of Indiana. Much is still unknown about how the virus spreads. In the meantime, the Hamilton County Health Department encourages anyone with symptoms of acute respiratory illness to stay home.

“The primary symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath,” said Chris Walker, emergency preparedness coordinator for the Hamilton County Health Department. “To prevent the spread of COVID-19, citizens should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean them often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer of at least 60 percent alcohol. Also consider routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, especially in the workplace.”

Like any business, Hamilton County is working to help reduce transmission among staff and maintain business operations.

“No matter how bad it gets, we want to keep essential functions up and running,” Altman said. “If that means telecommuting or flexible work hours to increase the distance among employees and avoid increased absenteeism, so be it. We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to keep county government operational.”

For more information about COVID-19, the current situation here in Hamilton County and preventative measures, please click here. You’ll also find specific links for healthcare providers, long-term healthcare facilities, businesses and schools.

by

Richie Hall

Sports Editor

Hamilton County Reporter

NOBLESVILLE – Anyone who has ever had an investment in an Indiana basketball sectional knows one thing: Anything can happen.

That was the case in the first game of Class 4A Sectional 8 at Noblesville on Tuesday.  Fishers and Zionsville were locked in a defensive slugfest, and the Eagles came out on top after a last-second shot, sending the Tigers to a 23-21 loss.

In the second game, Carmel and Hamilton Southeastern played each other for the second time in 18 days. The Royals won the earlier game by one point, and Tuesday’s contest was just as close until the Greyhounds pulled away late for a 50-43 victory.

Tuesday’s winners advance to the Friday semi-finals, where Zionsville takes on Westfield and Carmel will play host Noblesville.

DIFFERENT RE-MATCH
The Fishers-Zionsville game was a re-match as well – in fact, the first time the two teams played was on Feb. 21, the regular-season finale for the Eagles. The Tigers won 58-39 at the Zionsville gym.

“I think it was kind of fool’s gold when we beat them at their place,” said Fishers coach Matt Moore. The Tigers made shots early in that game and got out to a big lead.

“Now you’re playing with a lead and that changes how they have to play,” said Moore. “When they take a minute off the clock in each possession, when they try to stretch, shorten a game, every shot matters.”

Any lead was a big lead in the sectional re-match. The Tigers held a 7-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, after Isaac Farah made a 3-pointer and Jeffrey Simmons added a layin.

The Eagles led 10-9 late in the second period, but Lucas Prewitt nailed a 3 for Fishers, sending it into the locker room with a 12-10 halftime advantage. The Tigers’ Alex Szilagyi scored the first basket of the second half: Another 3, giving Fishers a 15-10 lead.

Zionsville clawed its back to within one point, 18-17 by the end of the third quarter, with Szilagyi making a traditional three-point play as the Tigers’ only other points of the period.

A free throw by Gunnar Vannatta tied the game, then Anthony Scales made a layin to put the Eagles ahead 20-18.

Dominic Castellani gave Fishers back the lead, with his triple getting the Tigers up 21-20. Scales tied the game by making a free throw with 36.5 seconds left.

Zionsville got the ball back, and Vannatta passed it to Jackson Hughes, who made a floater as time ran out.

Szilagyi’s six points led Fishers, who finished the season 18-7, but not before setting a record for most wins in a season.

“It just continues to show the direction we’re trending,” said Moore. “I think Year 1 to Year 2 to Year 3, the progress that we’ve made across the board has been nothing but positive. That’s what you build off of.”

ANOTHER CLOSE GAME
The second game was close as well. After some initial back and forth, Carmel used a 6-0 run (back-to-back 3-pointers by Brian Waddell and Connor Gioia) to jump out to a 10-5 lead in the first quarter.

The Greyhounds never trailed again, but the Royals stayed in contention for the
entire game.

“We’ve got some guys that can shoot it,” said Carmel coach Ryan Osborn. “We’re far from a one or two-man show. Guys give it everything they’ve got. They like each other. It’s an awesome group to coach.”

Carmel led 12-7 after the first quarter, then went up 17-12 with three minutes left in the second after Peter Suder made a floater. Southeastern cut that advantage to 17-16 by halftime after Mabor Majak made a hook shot, then DeAndre Rhodes scored off a steal.

Josh Whack hit a 3 to open the second half, getting the ‘Hounds up 20-16. The Royals got within one again, 23-22, when Majak made a dunk and Kole Hornbuckle hit two free throws. Jackson Jannsen drained a 3 to get Carmel up by four, then Nick Frische’s layin put the Greyhounds ahead 30-25 after three.

Waddell took over for Carmel in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points. He helped the Greyhounds hold off one final push by Southeastern, which included six consecutive free throws by Hornbuckle to tie the game at 37-37 with 4:23 left.

“Waddell’s been great,” said Osborn. “Since he’s come back from his injury, he’s gaining some confidence, he’s going to the boards hard, he’s hitting shots. He defends, he’s long.”

Waddell made a layin to put Carmel back up front, then after HSE’s John McCall made a free throw, the ‘Hounds went on an 7-0 run to lead 46-38. Waddell finished the run with a dunk.

“They’re tough and you got to give Coach Osborn a lot of credit for what he’s done this year,” said Royals coach Brian Satterfield. “But the toughest thing was is, we had to battle back, took a lot of energy. But yes, when we got to that stage, you can see the confidence in our guys’ eyes and I thought that we were going to do it. But we didn’t take advantage.”

Waddell finished the game with 19 points, including a 12-of-13 performance from the free-throw line. Suder added 11 points and led the rebounds with five.

Carmel improved to 16-7 with the win. Hornbuckle was the Royals’ top scorer, with 18 points, including a 14-of-15 performance from the line. Majak had 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. He will play for Cleveland State University this fall, while Satterfield said Hornbuckle is also getting college looks. Rhodes will play football for Indiana
State University.

“It was such a fun group to coach,” said Satterfield, whose team finished the season 17-6. “These guys, the way they came out, worked hard every day. It was fun to be in the gym with them.”

Life Without Limits is the theme of this year’s Disability Awareness Month activities in the City of Fishers.  Fishers City Council President Cecilia Coble and Kelly Hartman, co-chairs for this year’s local effort, handled the agenda for the Monday morning kickoff event at City Hall. The emphasis was on taking care of the caregivers and finding employment for those in our community with disabilities.

The Life Without Limits award went to Noah Malone, a state champion track star at HSE High School.  Noah is legally blind.

The Cornerstone Employer Award was handed out to Books & Brews in Noblesville, for their cooperation in allowing people with disabilities an opportunity to work in their business.

The Accessibility Award went to former Fishers Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath.  She is now a candidate for a seat in the Indiana House of Representatives.

A panel discussion moderated by the mayor covered a number of issues, including what paths to employment exist past high school special education for students with disabilities.  The group talked about challenges of finding housing for the disabled in Fishers.   There was also a discussion about what the community can and should do in supporting caregivers.

For more information on Fishers events tied to March as Disability Awareness Month, use this link.

The Fishers YMCA is offering a special to caregivers.  For more on this, use this link.

I posted a podcast with Cecilia Coble and Kelly Hartman about Disability Awareness Month in Fishers.  Listen to the podcast at this link.