Setting the Stage for a New Year

Hello neighbors, 

We’re done with City Council meetings for 2025, and I have closed my second year as a city councilor. This has been a difficult year for many, but it has also been such a joy and privilege to work with so many of you over the past twelve months. I have been fortunate to meet incredible community members who care deeply for this city and its residents, all of whom have taught me what it means to be a leader. I’m excited to continue caring for Carmel in 2026 alongside each and every one of you. Thank you for supporting the rest of the Carmel City Council and me this year. 

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you and yours!

As always, you can watch the entire City Council meeting here. 

CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATES

Public Comments

• Lori Schilling opposed the U.S. 31 subarea plan because she believes that high-density townhomes will price out current residents.

Council Comments

• We want to extend a warm thank you to the Street Department for the titanic job they’ve done this past week.

• Tonight was Aasen’s final meeting as Council President. We thank him for his professionalism, dignity, and integrity in leading us throughout 2025, a year full of unique challenges.

• On January 5, we will recognize the remaining city councillors from the first Carmel City Council in 1976. Please come to honor them–we want a packed house for Carmel’s 50th anniversary!

Land Use Committee

• We received great feedback on the U.S. 31 Subarea plan, and we will consider your thoughts as we mull over the plan. 

• Please come to our meeting in the boardroom at the Carmel Clay Library on the second floor on Wednesday at 5:30 pm if you have additional suggestions or questions.

Public Hearings

Resolution D–2805-25

• Approved

• Amends the Carmel City Code to extend the nonelective deferred compensation structure to include the Carmel Fire Department.

• This allows Carmel firefighters to decline their 6.2% Social Security tax and instead elect for Carmel to pay that amount into their retirement. 

• The Fire Union voted for this unanimously, and police officers already have this perk. 

Ordinance D-2806-25

• Approved

• Petition to vacate an easement on 12213 N Meridian that consists of two. blocks on Hamilton Crossing East

• Several city departments have reviewed the easement and given it a positive recommendation. 

Resolution CC-12-15-25-01

• Approved

• Transfers funds within the Street Department budget for salt and calcium, overtime, and repair parts. 

Resolution CC-12-15-25-02

• Approved

• Transfers funds from the Grant Fund to the General Fund to support EMS training and our mobile integrated health program.

Resolution CC-12-15-25-03

• Approved

• Transfers funds from the Grant Fund to the Ambulance Fund to pay for HAZMAT training equipment. 

Resolution CC-12-15-25-04

• Approved

• Transfers funds from the Grant Fund to the General Fund to pay for advertising arts and culture events in The Current. 

Resolution CC-12-15-25-04

• Approved

• Transfers funds within the Fire Department budget to cover fire tower training.

Election of Council Positions for 2026

• Councilor Snyder was elected Council President, and Councilor Locke was elected his Vice President. 

• Having worked with him these past two years, I am certain he will approach this position with the same care, passion, and consideration he gives to his constituents. His enthusiasm for the job is unmatched, and I can’t think of a better person for the position. Best of luck to him in 2026! 

Council Appointees

• We made our Councilor appointments for committees and commissions for the next year. Due to the large number of incredible applicants, we will appoint non-councilors in the New Year.

• Councilor Locke will remain on the Audit Committee.

• Councilors Locke and Ayer will continue to serve the Climate Action Advisory Committee

• Councilor Aasen will sit on the Carmel Plan Commission.

• Councilor Minnaar will serve the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.

Events Around Carmel

• On Saturday, December 20, participate in the 5th annual Gluhwein Gallop 5k Run/Walk, starting and ending at the Christkindlmarkt. Race packet pickup is on December 19, from 3-7 pm at the Runners Forum. 

• Here’s a unique one–you can see props, costumes, and other artifacts from the classic film White Christmas at the Transitions Senior Communities Songbook Gallery. They’ll be there for the rest of the week! 

• Come see A Christmas Story: The Musical at the Tarkington through December 27!

• Here’s a unique one–you can see props, costumes, and other artifacts from the classic film White Christmas at the Transitions Senior Communities Songbook Gallery. They’ll be there for the rest of the week! 

• The Christkindlmarkt is open Wednesday through Sunday until Christmas Eve. Come and enjoy live music, ice skating, festive food, and more. 

• Visit the Carmel Winter Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm. 

• Enjoy seasonal lights on the Monon every day from November 22 to December 31. 

Thank you all for reading this recap, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions.

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!