Composed by Melissa Gibson
The Brownsburg Town Council met Feb. 23 for a regular meeting. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at Brownsburg Town Hall, 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg. The next meeting was scheduled for March 9. The ICON will report on this meeting in an upcoming issue.
What happened: Council President Travis Tschaenn welcomed new council member Mark Tieken.
What this means: Chosen by a Hendricks County Republican Party caucus Feb. 20, Tieken replaces Brian Jessen who resigned Jan. 27 citing “personal reasons.”
What happened: Travis Tranbarger, Brownsburg Parks and Recreation director reviewed the bids for Brownsburg’s Virgil Park.
What this means: Virgil Park is located on County Road 300 N and was originally purchased to serve as a trailhead to the B&O Trail. The 6.7 acre parcel will include a yearround restroom, nature play area and pathways. It has a protected wetland and developed prairieland to increase natural habitat. The park board recommended the lowest bid from Smock Fansler. The council unanimously approved. The total project will cost just under $3.1 million and includes a $367,932 Land and Water Conservation Grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Virgil Park will be completed by the fall 2024.
What happened: Economic Development Director Ethan Pierce shared the annual Economic Development report.
What this means: Brownsburg saw substantial development in 2021 and 2022 with an estimated $336 million invested by commercial and industrial companies. Approximately $207 million came through the Economic Development Department, and $128 million went through development services. Pierce said trends show hiring estimates are typically low. For example, Mercury Marine originally estimated 275 new jobs but are hiring around 350.
What happened: Development Services Director Jodi Dickey presented the third reading and final adoption for Phase Two of the Garner property development.
What this means: This included annexation for property at 7210 N. CR 800 E and 3885 N. Ind. 267, both part of the same project. Council approved both annexations unanimously.