See You At Diwali This Weekend!
It’s that time of year again! I hope to see you all at Carmel Diwali this Saturday, October 10, from 4:30 to 9:30 at Carter Green. This year, you can park at Carmel High School Stadium and use the free shuttles to the event to avoid traffic. Enjoy an evening filled with vibrant cultural performances, authentic cuisine, interactive activities, and opportunities to learn about the customs and significance of Diwali. Don’t miss the spectacular cold spark fireworks finale celebrating the triumph of light over darkness! Admission is free to all.
Also, if you are still dealing with the after-effects of flooding, you can find help at FEMA’s One-Stop Shop, which brings disaster recovery services together in one place so survivors can get help with applications, replace documents, find housing support, get insurance guidance, and more. Visit the Bicentennial Building on Hamilton County Fairgrounds On October 8 and 9 from 9 am to 6 pm or October 10 from 9 am to 4 pm.
Friendly reminder that you can watch the entire City Council meeting here.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATES
Persons Who Wish to Address the Council
Allie Misler had questions regarding privacy and Carmel’s new parking permit system, which is administered through Passport.
Mayoral Comments
Ben Pillar was our deputy mayor for the evening and did a terrific job!
Carmel recently hosted the Carmel International Arts Festival, the Sophia Square Pop-Up, the Carmel High School homecoming pep rally, and Oktoberfest, which were all great successes!
Carmel Redevelopment Commission & Authority
Monon Square North continues to rise, Magnolia is working on its final two buildings, and lots of progress is being made on North End Phase II.
The Commission will think of ideas to keep sidewalks usable during construction.
Carmel Historic Preservation Commission
Sam Burgess gave us an update on Preservation Commission activities:
Staff member Emily Ehrgott attended a day-long training experience.
They are discussing solutions for the Blue School.
They achieved Certified Local Government status, the highest compliance standard you can reach.
They are working on a draft for conservation guidelines for North Range Line Road District, and are currently seeking feedback.
Old Business
Ordinance D-2847-26
The Finance Committee returned this ordinance with a unanimous yes.
This represents a nominal increase in rates.
This ordinance approves Brookshire Golf Course’s fees and rates for calendar year 2027.
Public Hearings
Ordinance D-2853-26
Approved
This ordinance appropriates $416,000.00 to cover costs in the Human Resources Department 2026 budget.
$336,000 of this is the workers’ comp shortfall, and the remainder represents healthcare costs.
Ordinance D-2853-26
Approved
This ordinance appropriates $1,950,000.00 to cover costs in the Carmel Fire Department 2026 budget.
Covers building and maintenance fees and overtime.
Specifically, Stations 44 and 43 needed, or still need, HVAC repairs.
We had a productive conversation about balancing staffing levels with financial concerns. Rest assured, our firefighters will continue to be able to take the time they need, and Carmel will have enough first responders to keep us safe.
New Business
Resolution CC-10-05-26-01
Approved
This resolution transfers $158,000.00 from existing 2026 appropriations within the Carmel Fire Department.
This will cover gas and diesel costs, which are higher than anticipated when the City planned the budget.
Resolution CC-10-05-26-02
Sent to the Finance Committee.
This resolution finds that the City's 2027 property tax rate should not exceed 0.7783%, the same as the 2026 rate, and recommends how the DLGF should allocate the 2027 property levy among City funds.
It also authorizes temporary interfund borrowing for cash flow purposes only.
Ordinance D-2849-26, Ordinance D-2849-26, Ordinance D-2851-26, & Ordinance D-2852-26;
These are staying on the dais as they will be approved with the full budget.
This ordinance establishes 2027 maximum salaries for employees of the Carmel City Court, Clerk, Executive Branch, and elected officials.
Carmel Historic Preservation Commission Administrator
The Commission appointed Sam Burgess of Indiana Landmark as Carmel Historic Preservation Commission Administrator. The Council confirmed the appointment.
Events Around Carmel
Please come to Carmel Diwali Fest on October 10th at Carter Green for a night of colors, dance, and food.
The Studio Theater is hosting “Fanfare and Flourishes,” played by the Indiana Wind Symphony.
Carmel Food Truck Nights brings together Indiana’s favorite food trucks every Friday from May 1st through October 16th, 5 pm to 9 pm. Come to 930 N. Rangeline Rd for great food and fun outside!
Enjoy free outdoor movies at Midtown Plaza throughout the summer! Movies at Midtown runs from June through October, Tuesdays at 6 pm, and Thursdays at Noon & 6 pm.
Caring for Carmel,
Dr. Anita Joshi
If you have a fifth-grade Carmel student who would like to give the mayoral update at a council meeting next year, please reach out to me, and I will be happy to put your student's name forward.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to me. I’m always here to listen and advocate for you. If you wish to review the details of our city meeting, the recording is available here, and the meeting agenda is available here! If you’d like to attend a City Council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website for the calendar!
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