Steve Griesemer, a Geist resident, is the lead attorney representing the Fishers residents in their case against the Town of Fishers.

In 1990, the Town of Fishers was an exit off of I-69 with a McDonalds, gas station, and only 7,200 residents. Today, according to 2010 census data, the town has grown to 76,794 residents, growing nearly 10 times the size in just 20 years. In the Indianapolis metro area, Fishers is second in size behind the City of Carmel with 79,191 residents.

A group of Fishers residents think that it’s time for Fishers to change from a town form of government to a city. A group of residents, led by Joe Weingarten, led the charge to get over 1,700 Fishers residents to sign a petition to put the notion on the ballot in the form of a referendum last fall. Petitions were filed in May of 2010, and three days later the Fishers Town Council announced they were going to reorganize, buying them six months to propose an alternative plan.

In December 2010, the Town Council proposed and adopted their reorganization plan (click here), which on the surface seemed like a step in the right direction. However, buried in the details of the plan were some changes that take away the rights of voters to elect their own city mayor and self-appoints the current town council members as the city’s first council members. Residents are crying foul.

Weingarten, along with Mike Kole and Glenn Brown, took their grievances to the Indiana Supreme Court (download plaintiff’s brief). Local Geist resident Steve Greisemer, an attorney with Lewis & Kappes, PC, is representing the residents of Fishers.

“We would be perfectly fine with the reorganization plan,” said Greisemer, “if we only had the voting rights that came along with being a city. If this holds up, we’d be the only city in the State of Indiana that has a city council voted at large with an appointed mayor.”

The current town government structure allows for town council members to be voted in at large, and then those town council members nominate and choose the town council president. Currently Scott Faultless, a 16-year town council member, is the town council president. In a city form of government, according to Indiana Code 36-4-5-2 and 36-4-6-3(i), officials are elected by their own districts, not at large, and the mayor is then voted on by all the voters in the city. What the Town of Fishers is proposing is a “hybrid” style city where officials are still voted in the same way as they are now with the mayor being appointed by the city council. Fishers residents would not be able to elect their mayor, making the mayor accountable only to the town council. Further, the initial Fishers city council would appoint themselves as the first city council, giving residents absolutely no say in electing their first mayor.

A referendum is currently planned for the November elections. If the Town of Fishers has their way, two options for a city will be on the ballot: A traditional city versus the proposed hybrid city proposed by the Fishers Town Council. Petitioners feel this is confusing and will only dilute the vote. Either the traditional city or hybrid city must collect 50% plus one votes in order for either to carry.

“It’s ‘Sham City’,” said Joe Weingarten, one of the plaintiffs in the case and active organizer that collected many of the 1,700 signatures. “The Town of Fishers is doing everything they can to keep Scott Faultless in power.”

A verdict in the Indiana Supreme Court case (No. 94S00-1112-CQ-692) is likely to be handed down soon. (click here to watch the oral arguments online)

Dr. Philip Dulberger stands in front of the newly opened IU Health Saxony Hospital just off of Exit 10 at I-69.

Just across the interstate from Hamilton Town Center, IU Health Saxony Hospital is now open for business with a local anesthesiologist at the helm. Dr. Philip Dulberger, or “Dr. Phil” as his friends and colleagues refer to him, shared an idea six years ago that took him from the operating room to the second floor administrative offices at Fishers’ first specialty hospital with services focused on cardiovascular, orthopedic, spine care and emergency services.

In October 2005, Dulberger was in between surgeries when he decided to call IU Health (then called Clarian Health) CEO Dan Evans.

“I have an idea about a different approach to deliver health care,” Dulberger told Evans. “Hospitals traditionally wait for people to get sick and come in. I propose that we should establish a campus that focuses on helping people live a healthier lifestyle and keeping them well, so that when patients do become sick, we have developed that relationship with the patient, and they choose IU Health as their partner.”

Dulberger often times sports his lab coat and makes his rounds to check in on the IU Health Saxony “partners”.

Evans listened, agreed, and discussions continued for about six months with others within IU Health. After Dulberger returned from a spring break vacation in 2006, the decision was made to move forward with the plan. Dulberger traded his lab coat for a hardhat and wound down his anesthesiology practice.

Being a doctor, Dulberger brought a unique perspective to the planning process. He believes that the future of health care will be based on two things: Patient quality outcomes and service experience. Dulberger, with a team of architects and designers, created a hospital centered around the healing forces of nature. Everything from the natural stone and walking paths outside to the 11-by-24 foot mural in the lobby entitled “Hope Around the Bend” creates an atmosphere that feels more like a resort than a hospital.

Upon entering the hospital, what’s most impressive is what you don’t see. Borrowing Disney theme park concepts, patient support and custodial services are all conducted “off stage”, out of view from patients or visitors in the hallways. Patient rooms feel like a deluxe suite at the Conrad, complete with oak cabinetry designed to hide all the hoses, gauges, and monitors that can intimidate anyone.

Dr. Philip Dulberger stands in front of a 24 foot wide mural entitled “Hope Around the Bend” which welcomes visitors and “guests” to IU Health Saxony. Indiana native Forrest Formsma was commissioned to paint this oil on canvas to signify hope for patients and families.

“My goal is to have people walk out of here and say ‘that didn’t feel like a hospital’.”

Dulberger will be the first to admit that form follows function throughout the design, but he adds that the most important element is the staff.

“Doctors are generally trained as individual care givers, not as teams. The only way to a successful facility is not through any one person, but through the team.”

To that end, Dulberger dons his lab coat and makes his rounds like any other doctor, checking in on his staff. Greeting each employee by name with a smile, Dulberger exemplifies the team spirit he feels is so important to patient care. As for the patients he checks in on, he refers to them internally as “guests,” citing “it gives us a different mindset and keeps us in touch with the experience.”

While the doors are now open on the hospital, construction continues. Dulberger still hopes that some day a future expansion will include a fitness facility-medical office building complex to fulfill the original vision of connecting health care and prevention. “Imagine treating a patient with borderline diabetes and high-blood pressure with a weight-loss program jointly developed by physicians and health trainers. Rather than the traditional prescription as a treatment, we would engage patients in a healthier lifestyle.” Dulberger plans to return to his anesthesia practice at least one day per week now that the hospital has opened to “keep you in touch” with his fellow team members.

Now that the stress of opening the facility has passed, Dulberger looks forward to spending more time with his Carmel High School sweetheart and wife, Carolyn, and his two children Lauren and Josh. Active members of the New Hope Presbyterian Church, Dulberger and his wife enjoy a glass of wine and their patio in the summer months at their Hamilton Proper home. You also might spot them at their favorite restaurant across I-69, Stone Creek Dining Company. This summer, they plan to take their family on a train trip out west to San Francisco to see the country as he did when he was a child.

“We did this trip when I was a kid and I’ve always wanted to do this with mine.”

The train trip out west and the experience Dulberger strives to deliver throughout the IU Health Saxony Hospital have a lot in common. While the destination can often times seem far away, the journey and outcomes can have a lasting impression.

The nine-person volunteer Geist Impoundment Board at their first meeting in the Fishers Town Hall to decide how to best spend $2.5 million on local improvements.

After a four-year fight by the Geist United Opposition, the unincorporated areas on the north half of Geist Reservoir officially became the Town of Fishers’ newest residents on January 1, 2010. A new voting district was formed to give these residents a voice on the seven-person Fishers Town Council and Pete Peterson, the former leader of the anti-annexation movement, won the seat in the November election. Furthering Fishers’ olive branch to the residents, the Fishers Town Council set aside an impoundment fund of $2.5 million for the newly annexed residents to spend on local improvements. A volunteer board of Geist residents will get to work on how to best utilize this fund, and they need input.

The Geist Impoundment Board is comprised of two individuals from each of the three annexed sections, along with three “at large” residents. The nine men and women went through an application process and were selected by the town council after a round of interviews. The Geist Impoundment Board is comprised of the following residents: Mark Jones, Jack Kowal, Jeff Lantz, Rachel Quade, Gary Batesole, Russell Bruce, Roger Kessler, Brad Johnson, and Anthony Najem.

While the council refrained from questioning the individuals’ personal opinions on the Geist annexation, the resulting selections were a mixed bag of pro- and anti-annexation residents. Rachel Quade, a member of the Geist Impoundment Board and former Geist United Opposition board member, commented, “I think it actually says a lot about the [Fishers] Council members in that they put some of the people who were involved in the Geist United Opposition on this board. I think it’s a good sign.” A diversity of opinions about the annexation will certainly be fertile ground for a lot of great ideas for the future.

The Geist Impoundment Fund was endowed through property taxes from the residents in the annexed areas and earmarked for capital improvement projects. “It’s a proxy fund that will be paid over three years. In two more years it should be a total of $2.5 million,” said Scott Faultless, Town Council President.

Their first order of business is to gather the opinions of their Geist constituents and flush out the best ideas. After they have selected the best projects, they will present them to the Fishers Town Council along with a cost analysis. The council will then decide if the project should be carried out or not, limited only by budget.

“The board will be active for the next three years, although residents can expect to see results much sooner than that,” said new Fishers Town Council member Pete Peterson. He insisted the Geist Impoundment Board could turn an idea around in just a few months if it hit all the right notes.

Several projects are already being considered for the next few years, including:

• Fire Station 96 renovations
• New park at 101st and Cyntheane Road
• Roundabout at Brooks School Road and Fall Creek Road (scheduled to begin early this year)
• Roundabout at 106th and Geist Road (scheduled for 2013)
• Widening of 113th Street east of Olio
• Sidewalk along 96th Street from the Indianapolis Yacht Club to the entrance of Cambridge

To zero in on the best projects, the Geist Impoundment Fund Board will be polling their neighbors. The board will study all the different suggestions and consider them based on probability and how broadly they will benefit the community. The board could decide to use all of the money for a big project or spread the budget out across multiple projects.

Of the individuals interviewed, Peterson thought the watershed and water quality of Geist could use some attention. Blue green algae has been a persistent problem on Geist Reservoir. Faultless mused on the many ideas available; from intersection improvements to public reservoir access and pathways. Quade was also interested in walking paths and public parks. The possibilities are endless and citizens should see this as an exciting time to have their voices heard.

“Now that we are formally a part of Fishers, we have a voice, and a place to bring our voices to,” said Peterson.

This board has a large responsibility ahead of them. Their hard work could greatly affect the community and these dedicated citizens are certainly energized by the challenge. But the first step is starting the discussion on exactly what the area needs. Citizens can got to www.TownePost.com to start giving their suggestions and letting their voices be heard. Don’t hesitate to have a hand in shaping Fisher’s future!

Submit your ideas here!

X103 radio's "Deuce" was chosen to represent the station and broadcast downtown at NFL Superbowl XLVI.

The NFL Superbowl XLVI is coming to central Indiana in February and one Geist resident and local radio DJ is super excited about the big game coming to town!

“Deuce,” as he is known on radio station X103 weekdays 2 p.m. – 7p.m., has been asked to join radio ro broadcast downtown during the big event. “I just think it is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says the 41-year-old jockey who lives close to his favorite haunts – Scotty’s Lakehouse and Jonah’s market.

“I know ESPN does this kind of stuff all the time, but for me, this is a big deal and I’m glad to be part of it!”

Details have not yet been released, but “Deuce” knows he will be broadcasting in and around the “NFL Experience,” which is a huge playground of games, autograph sessions and guest appearances, all housed in the newly remodeled convention center.

Media from all over the world will line Georgia street and the downtown area starting about a week before the game.

Fishers/Geist is also part of the Superbowl fun as one of the 17 designated communities in central Indiana to play host to visitors with special events planned, as well as an information site for restaurants and transportation. Local cheer and dance groups have been making welcome videos for several area hotels and stay tuned for other Hamilton county announcements which will add to the excitement.

Local businesses such as Gallery 116 in Fishers are jumping on board with special offerings during the week leading up to the Superbowl. Other businesses in outlying areas will announce their programs in January as well.

Noblesville and Carmel are also designated super sites and will have information for visitors at welcome centers in the Arts & Design District in Carmel located at 37 E. Main Street and, in historic downtown Noblesville located at 839 Conner Street.

Most area hotels are booked and some area restaurants have been rented for corporate events.

Craig Toby with Hotel Indigo Inn in Fishers says they have been booked for months and their employees have been taking the online Super Service training program (offered by the host committee) to better handle out of town visitors.

“We’ve had many calls and visits about restaurants in the area, transportation options and meeting rooms for rent,” says Toby. “We are ready for them,” he Adds.

It is estimated that more than 150,000 visitors will be coming to central Indiana with an economic impact to the area of $125,000 to $400,000 dollars. Since the crowd will have to fan out from downtown, Hamilton County is one community working “super” hard to make a great impression.

So with thousands coming to central Indiana and millions watching on television, Central Indiana needs to put their best foot forward and offer a warm greeting to all, even if it is well below zero during the NFL Superbowl XLVI! One thing you can be sure of is Indiana will offer a warm greeting to all!

You can learn more about the Superbowl festivities and get involved by going to www.IndianapolisSuperBowl.com.

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park owner Jeffrey Mast.

A new Fishers franchise has customers jumping up and down. Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park just off of 121st and Cumberland Road (10080 E. 121st Street, Suite 182) in Fishers just opened a 25,000 ft2 facility boasting 16,000 ft2 of indoor jumping fun.

Founded in 2002 in Las Vegas, Sky Zone was originally designed to facilitate a professional indoor trampoline sport. According to Jeffrey Mast, owner of the local franchise and former senior executive with Stanley Steemer in Ohio, the original concept did not work out but a new business model evolved.

“While they were trying to get their financial backing in place, people lined up to bounce around on the trampolines. The owner literally put a coffee can out and solicited a $2 donation from the public. After the coffee can was filled for weeks on end, he decided to franchise the idea.”

The facility houses two dodge ball courts, an open jump court, a Sky Slam two-lane basketball court, and a three-lane Foam Zone complete with 10,000 foam blocks. Even the walls are trampolines around much of the space.

“Dodge ball leagues have become very popular in other cities, so we expect to keep those to be a big part of our business,” said Mast. “We are also offering several fitness and aerobic classes. They say you can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour and not even know it.”

First-time visitors are required to sign a waiver prior to hitting the trampoline surface. Mast recommends reading and signing the waiver online at www.SkyZoneSports.com as well as scheduling your preferred bounce time. Once the paperwork is completed, visitors are loaned special high top bounce shoes and given a briefing on safety. “Have fun, be safe” is the culture Mast insists on cultivating.

Cost is $13 per hour and includes shoe rental. Group and nonprofit rates are also available.

“The most popular jump times are :60 minutes. Some younger kids can go longer than that, but in most cases an hour is enough to wear you out,” Mast said with a smile.

With so much space, music, concessions, and private party rooms, Sky Zone is already a hit with youth groups, schools, corporate groups, and boy/girl scout troops. Dodge ball leagues, exercise classes, and teen-centric open jump nights are available for all ages.

For more information, visit www.SkyZoneSports.com or call (317) 572-2999. They are visible from I-69 just north of the 116th Street exit on the south side of the highway (10080 E. 121st Street, Suite 182, Fishers).

Homes along the north side of 96th Street between Mollenkopf and Fall Creek Road could be rezoned C2 commercial, opening the door to office buildings, drug stores, daycares, and banks.

Eight property owners along the newly improved 96th Street between Mollenkopf and Fall Creek Road have filed a petition with the Town of Fishers to rezone their properties from R2 residential to C2 commercial. Rezoning these homes would make way for businesses to build on the north side of 96th Street, and nearby homeowners fear this could lead to more commercial development in their backyards.

Ginny Cain, Indianapolis City Councillor that represents homeowners on the south side of 96th Street, feels that commercial development along this residential area could negatively impact residents in surrounding neighborhoods.

“This is not Marion County but a Hamilton County, Fishers decision. However, if this domino falls, it could negatively impact Geist Woods and the homes behind this strip of homes,” she said.

Neighborhoods adjacent to this stretch of homes include South Avalon Estates, Lighthouse Cove, Geist Woods, and Masthead.

UPDATE: The first hearing on the matter is scheduled for January 10th at the Fishers Town Hall (One Municipal Drive) at 6:30 pm. The Fishers Planning Committee will be reviewing this petition and public comment will be allowed. You may also email Ryan Crum (crumr@fishers.in.us), Senior Planner for the Town of Fishers, with your comments prior to the meeting.

Download Petition (PDF)

Students sort items purchased with proceeds from the Trick-or-Treat for Kids off Their Feet project before delivering them to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent.

The Harrison Parkway School Student Council recently collected just under $700 by holding a spirit week. HPE Students were encouraged to bring in spare change in order to participate in special dress-up days. The money was then used to purchase items for Trick-or-Treat for Kids off Their Feet benefiting patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

This community service event allows student organizations to collect “treats” for children who are unable to trick-or-treat on Halloween night due to an illness, injury, surgery recovery or frail immune system. The Student Council was able to purchase 100 games and puzzles, 36 pairs of pajamas, 50 packs of silly bands, 35 coloring books with crayons and other items.

The video contest entailed making a travel video blog about a recent trip. The video Resler submitted two months earlier, entitled “On Nashville…,” detailed Resler’s trip to Nashville, Indiana, this summer and his observations while in the town. His winning video was first named one of the top five finalists and then chosen as the winner through fan votes on Lonely Planet’s YouTube channel. Resler was awarded a $10,000 VISA gift card for his winning video.

Resler has been making video blogs on his YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/danrezler) for the past two years that have garnered some success in the past.

To learn more about the details of the contest and to view Resler’s winner video, visit http://www.youtube.com/lonelyplanet.

Video entries were judged on literary merit, creative merit, originality, entertainment value and video graphic skill. Categories for submissions included outdoor adventure, urban adventure, visual adventure, culinary adventure and family adventure, with the top five consisting of one video from each category.

The other video blogs selected in the top five included “Adventures in South Korea and China,” “American Dogman,” “Eating Live Octopus” and “today (in NYC)”.

For more information, contact Hamilton Southeastern High School broadcast journalism adviser David Young at dyoung@hse.k12.in.us.

HSEHS National Merit Honorees - (Front Row) Alyson Faultless, Hannah Doherty, Kristie Hsu (Row 2) Sawyer Hitchcock, Alex Nelson, Mike Young, Chase Williams, Collin Baker, Jacob Crell.

Thirteen seniors from across the HSE district performed well enough on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) to be National Merit Semifinalists or National Achievement Scholarship Program Semifinalists. Both programs recognize students with elite performances.

FHS National Merit Semifinalists are Jennifer Funk, Paul Pratt, Jacob Ryan and Amanda Wiesler. HSEHS National Merit Semifinalists include Collin Baker, Jacob Crell, Hannah Doherty, Alyson Faultless, Sawyer Hitchcock, Kristie Hsu, Alex Nelson, Mike Young. Chase Williams is a National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalist.

They are invited to apply to continue in the competitions to become finalists and/or scholars when they can possibly receive college scholarships.

Approximately 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists are named across the country and compete for 8,400 scholarships announced in the spring. Approximately 1,600 National Achievement semifinalists compete for 700 scholarships.