Lindsey M. Bennett

The meeting commenced with presentations, including an update on the school systems' innovation efforts funded by previous appropriations, highlighting STEM projects like robotics, VR welding, and resources for ENL classrooms and real-time math translation. Student beneficiaries presented on their media network projects funded by the grants. The council addressed financial matters, including approving an additional appropriation for the economic development fund to cover trailing professional services costs related to the event center construction. Amendments were discussed and approved concerning the City View project's bond anticipation note financing and the transfer of funds for land acquisition related to the State Road 37 and 141st Street interchange project. An amendment to the storm water code of ordinances was also passed to change residential storm water billing from annual to monthly, planned for implementation in 2026.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on several consent agenda items. Key discussions involved authorizing the council to transfer circuit funds, including a new capital item for the 2026 budget year related to professional services being reclassified as capital. A blanket transfer resolution was presented, covering adjustments between accounts such as professional services and salaries, totaling approximately $150,000 to balance funds. A resolution (R012026A) was discussed, authorizing the transfer of storm water utility funds as an additional appropriation for the 2026 budget to support a storm water grant for pond filling administered by Town Hall Building Corp for an EDA project. The committee also discussed future scheduling, agreeing to maintain the Wednesday meeting date prior to the City Council meeting, and mentioned plans to address 2025 year-end closing results and discuss the community center's operational performance after a few months of activity.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on September 16th. A key segment involved recognizing a member for years of service, although the member was absent due to a family circumstance. The main agenda item featured a guest speaker, Shelley King from Kids, Inc., who presented her nonprofit initiative, 'Team' (Together Employability Aims for More). This initiative focuses on developing job skills, executive functioning, and sustainable employment paths for teens and young adults with varying abilities in Fishers, bridging the gap left by the conclusion of school-based services. Current operations include the 'One Day Cafe' training center and plans for a modified grocery store and a take-and-bake meal station. The discussion highlighted a need for increased collaboration with local businesses and other community organizations to expand inclusive workforce development.

The Fischers Plat Committee meeting included a call to order followed by the pledge of allegiance. The primary agenda item addressed was a public hearing for the minor plat PP25-14, concerning the primary platting of the Cadillac F1 headquarters property. This involved subdividing 97.65 acres into four lots, with Lot One designated for the facility and remaining lots reserved for future development. Discussions covered site access via East 96th Street and H Road, the status of internal private roads (Victory Lane and Formula Way), and the provision of paths and sidewalks, including a trailhead access point. The committee also clarified that access to 96th Street includes a cross-access easement agreement with the airport authority intended to eventually become a public road built to city standards. The committee ultimately approved the primary plat with the condition that all TAC comments are addressed. Staff communicated that the 2026 meeting dates for the plat committee were posted online.

The meeting addressed several critical items concerning the Fischer Test Kitchen and real estate acquisitions. Key discussions included the decision to part ways with the current tenant (HBTK or FTK test kitchen) and requesting approval for a $10,000 settlement to terminate their lease, as the current setup was not achieving its potential. Furthermore, the commission sought approval for a three-year professional services and test kitchen use agreement with Kelsey Murphy (Clutch Kitchen), including up to $250,000 in tenant improvements, structured rent payments, and a 1.5% revenue share. Finally, the commission moved to approve two real estate purchase agreements funded by State Road 37 excess funds: one for $1.3 million at 11425 Lantern Road, and two parcels for $3 million on South Street near the Nickel Plate Trail, subject to due diligence and appraisals. The commission also confirmed its decision not to pass through any excess increment to overlapping taxing districts for the current year.