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Office of the
Clerk-Treasurer COMMON COUNCIL
MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 - 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/CITY HALL/ONE CIVIC SQUARE
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES AND OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. November 2, 2015 Regular Meeting
5. RECOGNITION OF PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
6. COUNCIL,MAYORAL AND CLERK-TREASURER COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS
7. ACTION ON MAYORAL VETOES
8. CLAIMS
a. Payroll
b. General Claims - $2,316,485.76
c. Retirement
d. Wire Transfers; Month of July, $10,421,179.74; Month of September, 2015 -
$3,047,390.57
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Finance, Administration and Rules Committee
b. Land Use, Annexation and Economic Development Committee
c. Parks, Recreation and Arts Committee
d. Utilities, Transportation and Public Safety Committee
e. All reports designated by the Chair to qualify for placement under this category.
ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL,INDIANA 46032 317/571-2414
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10. OTHER REPORTS
a. Cannel Redevelopment Commission(Monthly)
b. Economic Development Commission(Quarterly—February, May, August, November)
c. Cannel Historic Preservation Commission(Quarterly—January, April, July, October)
d. Redevelopment Authority(Bi-annual—April, October)
e. Cannel Cable and Telecommunications Commission(Bi-annual—April, October)
f. Ethics Board(Annual—February)
g. Library Board(Annual—February)
h. All reports designated by the Chair to qualify for placement under this category.
11. OLD BUSINESS
a. Second Reading of Ordinance D-2234-15; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the
City of Cannel, Indiana, Authorizing the Issuance of the City of Carmel, Indiana
Economic Development Revenue Bonds, Series 2015 (Proscenium Project/The design
and construction of infrastructure improvements, including parking, street development,
utility relocations and/or streetscape development, all to support a proposed mixed use
residential, retail and office development generally to be located in the northwest
quadrant of the intersection of Carmel Drive and Rangeline Road; not to exceed
$8,000,000), and Authorizing and Approving Other Actions in Respect Thereto;
Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Finkam, Snyder, Rider and Schleif. Remains in the Finance,
Administration and Rules Committee (11/19/15) and the Land Use,Annexation and
Economic Development Committee (11/24/15).
b. Second Reading of Ordinance D-2237-15; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the
City of Cannel, Indiana, Amending Chapter 3, Article 1, Division 2, Sections 3-29
(Council Committee) and 3-31 (Agenda/Additions to Agenda/Public Rights to Address
Council); Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Finkam, Carter, Rider, Snyder and Schleif. Remains
in the Finance, Administration and Rules Committee(11/19/15).
c. Resolution CC-11-02-15-02; A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of
Carmel, Indiana,Approving Certain Matters in Connection with the Integrated 126th Street
Corridor Economic Development Area(Proscenium Project/The design and construction
of infrastructure improvements, including parking, street development, utility relocations
and/or streetscape development, all to support a proposed mixed use residential, retail
and office development generally to be located in the northwest quadrant of the
intersection of Carmel Drive and Rangeline Road; not to exceed$8,000,000. Based on
representation of the developer of the mixed use project, the Commission has determined
that the development will not proceed as planned without the contribution of tax
increment revenues to be derived from the Proscenium Allocation Area to the projects
described above); Sponsor(s): Councilor(s)Finkam, Snyder, Rider and Schleif. Remains
in the Finance, Administration and Rules Committee (11/19/15).
d. Resolution CC-11-02-15-04; Resolution of the Common Council for City Carmel to
Petition to Appeal for an Increase to the Maximum Levy(Property Tax Shortfall-
$5,000,000); Sponsor: Councilor Carter. Remains in the Finance, Administration and
Rules Committee (11/19/15).
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e. Fourth Reading of Ordinance Z-604-15; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the
City of Cannel, Indiana, Establishing The Albany Place Planned Unit Development
District; Sponsor: Councilor Rider. Remains in the Land Use, Annexation and Economic
Development Committee (11/24/15).
f. Second Reading of Ordinance Z-605-15; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the
City of Cannel, Indiana, Establishing Kensington Green(Smokey Row &Rohrer Road)
Planned Unit Development District; Sponsor: Councilor Seidensticker. Remains in the
Land Use, Annexation and Economic Development Committee (11/24/15).
g. Second Reading of Ordinance Z-606-15; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the
City of Cannel, Indiana, Amending the Permitting Process,Definitions and Standards for
Wireless Support Structures; Sponsor: Councilor Rider. Remains in the Land Use,
PP p
Annexation and Economic Development Committee (11/24/15).
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Second Reading of Ordinance D-2235-15; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the
City of Cannel, Indiana, Authorizing and Approving an Additional Appropriation of
Funds from the Operating Balance of the General Fund ($325,000); Sponsor(s):
Councilor(s) Finkam and Rider. Remains in the Finance, Administration and Rules
Committee (11/19/15).
b. Second Reading of Ordinance D-2236-15; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the
City of Cannel, Indiana, Authorizing and Approving an Additional Appropriation of
Funds from the Operating Balance of the General Fund; TOTAL- $5,385,651 ($3,435,500
from the General Fund; $1,832,319 from the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund to 2014 B
COIT Bond; $95,000 from Local Road and Street Fund; $2,554 from the Cumulative
Capital Improvement Fund and$20,278 from the Fire Pension Fund); Sponsor(s):
Councilor(s)Rider and Sharp. Remains in the Finance, Administration and Rules
Committee (11/19/15).
13. NEW BUSINESS
14. OTHER BUSINESS
15. ANNOUNCEMENTS
16. EXECUTION OF DOCUMENT
17. ADJOURNMENT
1.16'15 CC Mee-ng Agenda
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COMMON COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 - 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/CITY HALL/ONE CIVIC SQUARE
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Council President Richard L. Sharp, Council Members Sue Finkam, Carol Schleif, W. Eric
Seidensticker, Ronald E. Carter, Kevin D. Rider and Deputy Clerk Lois Craig.
Mayor James Brainard, Councilor Luci Snyder and Clerk-Treasurer Diana L. Cordray were not in
attendance.
Council President Sharp called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pastor Graham Richards, Central Christian Church,pronounced the Invocation.
Council President Sharp led the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES AND OUTSTANDING CITIZENS:
There were none.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilor Seidensticker made a motion to approve minutes from the November 2, 2015 Regular
Meeting. Councilor Finkam seconded. There was no Council discussion. Council President Sharp
called for the vote. Minutes were approved 5-0 (Councilor Seidensticker abstained).
RECOGNITION OF PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL:
There were none.
COUNCIL, MAYORAL AND CLERK-TREASURER COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS:
Councilor Seidensticker informed the Council that Bill Ernst provided a letter dated November 12, 2015
to the Council and asked that it be read into the record. Councilor Seidensticker stated that the letter was
very long and he requested the clerk-treasurer's office include the letter with the minutes.
ACTION ON MAYORAL VETOES:
There were none.
CLAIMS:
Councilor Seidensticker made a motion to approve claims in the amount of$2,316,485.76. Councilor
Schleif seconded. There was no Council discussion. Council President Sharp called for the vote.
Claims were approved 6-0.
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Wire Transfers - Councilor Seidensticker made a motion to acknowledge wire transfers for the month of
July in the amount of$10,421,179.74. Councilor Schleif seconded. Councilor Seidensticker made a
motion to acknowledge wire transfers for the month of September in the amount of$3,047,390.57.
Councilor Schleif seconded. There was no Council discussion. Council President Sharp called for the
vote. Wire Transfers were acknowledged 6-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Council President Sharp reported that the Finance, Administration and Rules Committee had not met.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday,November 18, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.
Councilor Seidensticker reported that the Land Use, Annexation and Economic Development
Committee had not met. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday,November 24, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.
Councilor Rider reported that the Parks, Recreation and Arts Committee had not met.
Councilor Finkam reported that the Utilities, Transportation and Public Safety Committee had not met.
All reports designated by the Chair to qualify for placement under this category.
OTHER REPORTS:
Cannel Redevelopment Commission(Monthly).
Economic Development Commission(Quarterly—February,May, August,November).
Cannel Historic Preservation Commission(Quarterly—January, April, July, October).
Redevelopment Authority(Bi-annual—April, October).
Cannel Cable and Telecommunications Commission(Bi-annual—April, October).
Ethics Board (Annual—February).
Library Board (Annual—February).
All reports designated by the Chair to qualify for placement under this category.
OLD BUSINESS
Council President Sharp announced the Second Reading of Ordinance D-2234-15; An Ordinance of
the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Authorizing the Issuance of the City of Cannel,
Indiana Economic Development Revenue Bonds, Series 2015 (Proscenium Project/The design and
construction of infrastructure improvements, including parking, street development, utility relocations
and/or streetscape development, all to support a proposed mixed use residential, retail and office
development generally to be located in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Carmel Drive and
Rangeline Road; not to exceed$8,000,000), and Authorizing and Approving Other Actions in Respect
Thereto; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s)Finkam, Snyder, Rider and Schleif. Remains in the Finance,
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Administration and Rules Committee (11/18/15) and the Land Use, Annexation and Economic
Development Committee (11/24/15). This item was not discussed.
Council President Sharp announced the Second Reading of Ordinance D-2237-15; An Ordinance of
the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending Chapter 3, Article 1, Division 2,
Sections 3-29 (Council Committee) and 3-31 (Agenda/Additions to Agenda/Public Rights to Address
Council); Sponsor(s): Councilor(s)Finkam, Carter,Rider, Snyder and Schleif. Remains in the Finance,
Administration and Rules Committee (11/18/15). This item was not discussed.
Council President Sharp announced Resolution CC-11-02-15-02; A Resolution of the Common Council
of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Approving Certain Matters in Connection with the Integrated 126th Street
Corridor Economic Development Area(Proscenium Project/The design and construction of
infrastructure improvements, including parking, street development, utility relocations and/or
streetscape development, all to support a proposed mixed use residential, retail and office development
generally to be located in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Carmel Drive and Rangeline
Road; not to exceed$8,000,000. Based on representation of the developer of the mixed use project, the
Commission has determined that the development will not proceed as planned without the contribution
of tax increment revenues to be derived from the Proscenium Allocation Area to the projects described
above); Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Finkam, Snyder, Rider and Schleif. Remains in the Finance,
Administration and Rules Committee(11/18/15). This item was not discussed.
Council President Sharp,announced Resolution CC-11-02-15-04; Resolution of the Common Council
for City Cannel to Petition to Appeal for an Increase to the Maximum Levy(Property Tax Shortfall-
$5,000,000); Sponsor: Councilor Carter. Remains in the Finance, Administration and Rules Committee
(11/18/15). This item was not discussed.
Council President Sharp announced the Fourth Reading of Ordinance Z-604-15; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Establishing The Albany Place Planned Unit
Development District; Sponsor: Councilor Rider. Remains in the Land Use, Annexation and Economic
Development Committee (11/24/15). This item was not discussed.
Council President Sharp announced the Second Reading of Ordinance Z-605-15; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Cannel, Indiana, Establishing Kensington Green (Smokey Row &
Rohrer Road) Planned Unit Development District; Sponsor: Councilor Seidensticker. Remains in the
Land Use, Annexation and Economic Development Committee(11/24/15). This item was not
discussed.
Council President Sharp announced the Second Reading of Ordinance Z-606-15; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending the Permitting Process, Definitions and
Standards for Wireless Support Structures; Sponsor: Councilor Rider. Remains in the Land Use,
Annexation and Economic Development Committee(11/24/15). This item was not discussed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council President Sharp announced the Second Reading of Ordinance D-2235-15; An Ordinance of
the Common Council of the City of Cannel, Indiana, Authorizing and Approving an Additional
Appropriation of Funds from the Operating Balance of the General Fund ($325,000); Sponsor(s):
Councilor(s) Finkam and Rider. Remains in the Finance, Administration and Rules Committee
(11/18/15). Council President Sharp opened the Public Hearing at 6:08 p.m. Seeing no one who wished
3
to speak, Council President Sharp closed the Public Hearing at 6:08:15 p.m. This item was not
discussed.
Council President Sharp announced the Second Reading of Ordinance D-2236-15; An Ordinance of
the Common Council of the City of Cannel, Indiana, Authorizing and Approving an Additional
Appropriation of Funds from the Operating Balance of the General Fund; TOTAL- $5,385,651
($3,435,500 from the General Fund; $1,832,319 from the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund to 2014 B COLT
Bond; $95,000 from Local Road and Street Fund; $2,554 from the Cumulative Capital Improvement
Fund and$20,278 from the Fire Pension Fund); Sponsor(s): Councilor(s)Rider and Sharp. Remains in
the Finance, Administration and Rules Committee (11/18/15). Council President Sharp opened the
Public Hearing at 6:09 p.m. Seeing no one who wished to speak, Council President sharp closed the
Public Hearing at 6:09:15 p.m. This item was not discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
There was none.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was none.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were none.
EXECUTION OF DOCUMENT
ADJOURNMENT
Council President Sharp adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Clerk-Treasurer Diana L. Cordray, A
Approved,
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es Brainard,Mayor
ATTEST:
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Diana L. Cordray, IAMC, Clerk-Tre 0 rer
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A Note from the desk of
J. William(Bill)Ernst
Date: November 12,2015
To:All sitting members of the City Council for the City if Carmel, Indiana.
From:J.William(Bill) Ernst,a resident of Carmel, Indiana &Past Director of Planning.
Dear Honorable Council Members:
I would deeply appreciate this letter being read openly at your meeting on November 16,2015,as part
of the agenda for tonight's meeting.
It is with personal regret that I could not attend the meeting of the council this evening, but due to a
conflict of meetings I am unable to do so.
I have,over the past few years continued to watch with substantial interest the transformation of
Carmel,from a small town with a town board,when we moved here in 1974,to the City it is today.
Most of this transformation has been a growth with many positive attributes.
However some of the developments,which have and continue to take place or are currently announced
as new, need substantially more study before being implemented.
I have recently read or heard of some very substantial plans and question the benefit to our citizens. I
wish to make clear that my comments herein need to be reviewed with an open mind and not judged as
being anti or in opposition.
I feel substantial more thought should be implemented before further endorsement or funding with
taxpayer capital.This is your responsibility,even though many of you will be leaving office at the end of
this year.
Safeguards must and I say Must be put in place Now to make sure proper,and professional oversight
both fiscally and financially for the ultimate benefit of ALL our citizenry.
I am specifically speaking right now of some of the roundabouts currently in planning stages. I have
written to the City Engineers office and the Engineering firm as advertised and solicited by the city,with
no reply. (Please see copy of letter attached). I have written a response to the article published in the
Current in Carmel by Adam Aasen, (please see letter attached),asking if certain proper planning steps
had been taken and unfortunately this letter did not get published.
Ladies and gentlemen,these are legitimate questions and are questions the council should address and
make sure this process is followed. You as guardians of the taxpayers'dollars must take into
consideration and be responsible for these programs and projects,whether you are going out of office
12344 St.Armands Circle
Carmel, Indiana 46033
317-848-4410
Cell 317-506-6770
J•
ti
A Note from the desk of
J. William(Bill)Ernst
or not.These items must be then passed on to the new council members as their continuing
responsibility and the new guardians of and for the taxpayers of this City.
I can only assume you will view these letters,which I have attached and this letter that I am opposed to
Roundabouts.That is not the case and in fact even though the Keystone Parkway Roundabouts cost
considerably more than the original estimate and created multiple difficulties, I think they have been a
good solution to those traffic issues which existed.Saying that, I must say that most folks do not know
how to drive them properly as they fail to indicate with turn signals which direction they are traversing.
Other than needing to be extremely cautious not knowing what the other vehicles are going to do they
have been a successful solution to the issues at hand at the time.
My response to the latest publication is that just doing roundabouts for the sake of saying that"Gray
Road& 116th Street when completed will be our 100th Roundabout and makes Carmel the roundabout
capital is irresponsible and will impose tremendous costs on the taxes for the City.Just look at the
elevations on 116th east and west and also on Gray Road north and south,when driving the areas.
Folks we need other more pressing projects.We need more street lights for safety and security in our
neighborhoods, and making sure the ones we have stay lit at night,as many are continuously out.We
need to solve drainage and flooding issues on 106th street between Keystone Parkway and Pennsylvania.
We need to provide the widening of 116th Street to allow traffic to flow properly between Hazel Dell
Pkwy,and Keystone and not stack up vehicles at all hours with substantial emissions from the traffic in
the neighborhoods. Roundabouts will only contribute to the traffic problems in all directions. We need
to widen Hazel Dell to complete the 4 lane traffic flow from the roundabout at Cherry Tree to and from
146th Street.The attempt to put a roundabout where significant elevation differs on 116th and Gray is
going to be terribly expensive and is not needed. It will cause more of a bottle neck on a two lane 116th
street if 116th is not widened. Putting one at 116th& Hazel Dell also makes no sense since traffic to the
west of Hazel Dell will jam up further on the 2 lane 116th street. Not widening the balance of Hazel Dell
from Cherry Tree north and south to and from 146th street continues to stack traffic south in front of
Cherry Tree Elementary and up to 146th street.The proposal to place a roundabout at Executive Drive&
Rangeline Rd would cause undue problems for the recently expanded Kroger Store and the New
Huntington Bank location where Walgreens previously was located.The proposal for another at Carmel
Drive and Rangeline Rd would disrupt or possibly cause the Circle K Station (Shell),The Feinberg
Properties as well as Arby's and the Turkey Hill building who have never been able to rent the top floor
of that building,but was a mandate that they build 2 stories,to close during the construction or be
relocated. Don't we care about these businesses that have millions invested in our community?All
these issues require substantial thought and study and professional overviews taking into account all the
ramifications to our business partners,our citizens,the tax implications and cost.
Now all of a sudden we hear there will be some slight imposition on the taxpayers for these
improvements. I understand the MVH Fund which is the Motor Vehicle and Highway Funds,which are
the fees and taxes the City gets as their share of the gasoline taxes,the motor vehicle taxes,vehicle
registration fees,fees imposed on the trucking industry,and excise taxes has been used in the past for
these expensive roundabouts.The roundabouts are also very expensive to maintain and in many cases
12344 St.Armands Circle
Carmel,Indiana 46033
317-848-4410
Cell 317-506-6770
..t
A Note from the desk of
J. William (Bill)Ernst
are detrimental to the businesses that are adjacent to the roundabouts due to access issues.That has
and was experienced at Merchants Square.
The City council must include the MVH Fund in our total tax revenue picture and how it is used. It is the
council's responsibility to administer the expenditures of tax dollars.
Transparency is of the most important issue when it comes to all taxes the city collects,whether from
property taxes or other shared tax revenue from the state.
Why has the city imposed regulations in planning for taller structures?Why have the real estate
assessments been going up?Could this be because there is higher income from tax revenue due to the
assessments being up,yet the ability to say or brag that our tax rate is still low? How you define
statements or mask the rate versus assessed value can be misleading. It is still more tax.
There have been many excellent projects during the administration's efforts over the past few years, but
some of the projects both proposed and in the past did or do not have sufficient study and were or not
needed. Further, I implore you as guardians of the taxpayers to be socially,fiscally and financially
prudent with the funds entrusted to you to manage as overseers of any administration's efforts, plans or
desires.This is the charge and responsibility you have been given and you have agreed to accept as
public servants and guardians of our tax monies.
Your review of my letters hereto attached is much a part of this concern.
Thank you for this opportunity to address my views and for the ability to speak openly about the
concerns I have for our city.
Sincerely yours,
‘14)
.W'lia 81 Er sh t
Encl: opies of Letters
Copy:Current in Carmel Publication
Indianapolis Star
12344 St.Armands Circle
Carmel, Indiana 46033
317-848-4410
Cell 317-506-6770
A Note from the desk of
J. William (Bill)Ernst
I would think the City would be far better off both financially and improving traffic flow, and reducing emissions
on 116'h street if they widened 116th street to 4 lanes as it is both West of Keystone Pkwy and East of Hazel
Dell. I have spoken to a couple of the folks who were at the time proponents of not widening 116th street, and
today they are regretful for their role in that project, due to now they cannot hardly get out from their homes
onto 116`h street.
I just cannot imagine if the Mayor wants to improve traffic flow why consideration of widening 116th street in
that area would not be more beneficial than costly roundabouts which will add to the flow of traffic onto 116th
from Hazel Dell and Gray Road and slow traffic even further on 116th. It will add to the emissions from
vehicular traffic and be stymied further once it transitions onto 116"'street between Hazel Dell and Keystone
Pkwy either east or west bound.
I would personally like to see the answers from a qualified traffic engineering firm. I would like to see the input
from our current and new City Council members as well as the residents of Carmel about these proposed
roundabouts.
Further I think if the Mayor wishes to engage in spending our tax money(which is the tax money going into the
MVH fund (Motor Vehicle Highway) which is Carmel's share of Gas Tax Revenue, MVH Special Fuel Taxes,
Vehicle Registration, Title and BMV funds.)Those funds should also be controlled by the financial watch dogs
of the City Council and the residents of Carmel.
To continually use the MVH funds and other tax dollars for the special projects the mayor proposes and then
be constantly short of funds for much needed street improvements and borrowing funds from the rainy day
fund makes no fiscal sense.
I would think that the City Council who will take office in January, has a deep seated responsibility to the
citizens of Carmel who elected them to make sure our tax dollars (including MVH funds) are at work and spent
on the critical needs of the City and not just new roundabouts which are terribly expensive and in a lot of cases
are hindering or adding to the restriction of traffic.
If any additional citizens wish to voice their opinions about this issue I would encourage them to write to the
Current in Carmel, and also make their voices known to the City Council and the Mayor's office.
Respectfully submitted
J. William Ernst
A Resident of Carmel for over 41 years and
Past Director of Planning and Economic Development
12344 St.Armands Circle
Carmel,Indiana 46033
317-848-4410
Cell 317-506-6770
pp,e�r
° .. r, t A Note from the desk of
,r l."'"'y J. William(Bill)Ernst
16 Iv,
August 6, 2015
Adam Aasen
Current In Carmel
30 South Rangeline Rd
Carmel, IN 46032
Re: Recent Article published Current August 4, 2014
"Mayor has Plans to install more Roundabouts"
Dear Adam:
I have read your article on the above captioned subject with great interest. I Understand from the article that
these are proposals by the Mayor. However the legal notice has already been published about the roundabout
at Hazel! Dell & 116th Street as that is already underway. I had written the City and the Engineering firm as the
legal advertisement offered , but have not had a response on that issue. Therefore I have the following
comments:
• Has the City conducted initiated traffic studies at all these intersections to see if a roundabout is
warranted?
• Has the City developed a cost/benefit study for each of these proposed roundabouts?
• Has an environmental study been done to see what impact the traffic awaiting entry onto a
roundabout is contributing to the emissions from idling vehicles standing in line versus a traffic
signal or a 4 way stop sign?
• Has the Mayor himself been in line on E 116th Street either east or west bound at high volume
traffic time's transitioning from a 4 lane to a 2 lane street west of 116th& Hazel Dell Pkwy?
• Has the city done an evaluation of the roundabout at Hazel Dell and Cherry Creek north bound
or south bound at high volume traffic times observing the traffic backed up south of Cherry
Creek Elementary or north of the roundabout just idling and sitting awaiting the opportunity to
merge onto a 2 lane Hazel Dell south of 146thstreet?
• Why wasn't Hazel Dell widened so traffic could continue to flow easily north and south of 146th
to and from the roundabout at Cherry Tree? It is 4 lanes south of that area and also north of that
area. Again it slows traffic and adds to the emissions in front of Cherry Creek Elementary
School and the homes along Hazel Dell.
• Why do the intersections of 116th & Hazel Dell and 116th &Gray Road & 126th&Gray Road
warrant roundabouts?The topography at the Gray Road & 116th Street will make that very
difficult and expensive.
• What traffic studies have been conducted by an independent traffic engineering firm and proven
that these costly structures are warranted or are that much safer than the traffic signalized
intersection?
• Why is there such resistance to widening 116th street between Hazel Dell Pkwy and the
roundabout at Keystone Pkwy?Traffic backs up continuously in this section both west bound
and east bound but more importantly east bound all the way down the ramp coming up from
Keystone at evening rush
hours onto a 2 lane 116th Street. This is the only section of 116 Street for miles that is not 4
lanes across the county.
12344 St.Armands Circle
Carmel, Indiana 46033
317-848-4410
Cell 317-506-6770
'1
t.�
A Note from the desk of
.0-of J. William(Bill)Ernst
July 28,2015
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DLZ Indiana, LLC y k'�p":j 13
157 E. Market Street "
Indianapolis, In 46204 y
RE: Planned Improvement-Roundabout
E. 116th& Hazel Dell Pkwy.
Carmel, Indiana
I have read with interest that the City of Carmel posted a Legal Notice on July 27,2015 regarding the
above captioned Roundabout Development.
I have the following questions:
1. Is your firm or is someone conducting a thorough traffic study with qualified traffic
engineers?Will that be published?
2. Will that traffic study show a roundabout is warranted at that intersection?
3. What is being done to alleviate a bottle neck occurring such as does occur at high traffic
volume times for east bound 116th street without 116th street being widened to 4 lanes west
to Keystone Pkwy.
4. What will be done to accommodate the flow of traffic moving west bound off the
roundabout onto a 2 lane cross county section of 116th street,without widening 116th
street?
5. How will traffic be handled east bound from a 2 lane 116th street onto the roundabout
without backing traffic up onto the east bound 2 lanes of 116th Street awaiting entry onto
the roundabout due to high traffic volume from North&South bound and West bound 4
lane traffic?
6. I call your attention to the Roundabout that was installed at Hazel Dell Pkwy&Cherry Tree,
just north of Cherry Tree Elementary School.At high volume traffic times the traffic backs up
south past the School for a substantial distance in front of the school and sits in line to be
able to move north to the 146th Street Intersection due to transitioning from 4 lanes on
Hazel Dell Pkwy onto 2 lanes north of the roundabout. Other roundabouts installed at 126th
& Hazel Dell Pkwy and Main Street and Hazel Dell Pkwy cause east and west bound traffic
substantial delay entering the roundabouts during high volume traffic times.
7. Will the traffic study include the volume of emissions for traffic sitting in line awaiting the
ability to move onto the roundabout either east or west bound to and from a 4 lane entry
point or a 2 lane 116th Street?
8. What will be the cost of such a project(including the design,engineering,and land
acquisition and construction costs)versus keeping the existing traffic signal? How does the
City plan on paying for this? Will a cost/benefit study be part of the project study?
12344 St.Armands Circle
Carmel,Indiana 46033
317-848-4410
Cell 317-506-6770
A Note from the desk of
J. William(Bill)Ernst
My interest,as are many residents who use this area daily, is that we are not funding and developing
another round-about for just the sake of having another roundabout and making the traffic backups
worse. Further it would seem substantially more prudent to widen 116th street from Hazel Dell Pkwy.,
west to Keystone Pkwy from 2 lanes to 4 lanes using a monolithic design pour curb-side walk utilizing
current ROW so traffic can flow westerly and easterly more efficiently as this is the only section almost
county wide of a 2 lane street instead of 4.
I am herewith copying the City of Carmel, Engineering Department on this letter as well as the members
of the City Council both new and current and also the Hamilton County Council so everyone is aware of
the considerations needing to be addressed for this proposed project.
I shall appreciate your consideration and review of these critical issues.
Sincerely yours,
J.W. (Bill) Ernst
Copy: City of Carmel Engineering Department
City of Carmel, Common Council (Please pass a copy to the new council members)
Hamilton County Council
12344 St.Armands Circle
Carmel, Indiana 46033
317-848-4410
Cell 317-506-6770