What happened: Andrea Burke presented the Safe Routes to School completed project. The project was part of a grant that involved educating students at Harrison Parkway Elementary about healthy lifestyles and safety when walking to and from school. Student essay contests on safety and healthy lifestyles were held as well as t-shirt contests and classroom competitions.
Why it matters: Burke said she was pleased with the enthusiastic school community, infrastructure needs articulated and the greater awareness about healthier living expressed. The city is now pursuing additional grants to improve infrastructure for safety based on the success of this project.
What happened: The owners of Indy Fuel hockey team, Indiana Ice Arenas LLC are making a move to invest at least $1.65 million dollars back in the Forum at Fishers to utilize the arena for youth hockey organizations from all around Hamilton County and surrounding areas. They have requested that the council waive the approximately $400,000 dollar mortgage in order for them to move forward with purchasing the building to begin making the renovations.
Why it matters: The council approved the request to waive the mortgage of $400,000 pending IIA keeps its commitment to invest the near $2 million in renovations to the arena. The arena will see a variety of renovations including architectural and cosmetic work, hockey arena improvements such as new netting and goals, new sound systems and new parking pavement among other updates. Renovations are expected to be complete by July of 2016.
What happened: The school board was presented with the layout plan of a new sign on the HSE High School Athletic Building. Indianapolis-based SignCraft is in charge of the proposed sign and its elements. The proposed layout reads “Welcome to the Home of the Royals,” in white lettering with an emblem of the school mascot above the lettering. The sign would be lit and would cost approximately $13,000 to $14,000.
Why it matters: The council approved the construction of the signage. The new sign would be provided by funds from the Royals Varsity Club and is expected to take approximately five to six weeks to complete.
Update on sports complex: The Fishers City Council has further delayed the decision regarding the proposed $76.4 million sports complex. The vote was anticipated to come on the June 15 city council meeting, but is still awaiting decision.
The delay comes from a hesitation on a finalized financial plan which could include an incentives plan for a $2 million tax abatement over a 10-year period. But the delay shouldn’t last long, as a special meeting will likely be held soon to confirm the fiscal plan for the arena.
