McCORDSVILLE/FORTVILLE — As the year comes to a close, town council members from both McCordsville and Fortville were recognized and thanked for their time serving the communities.
Larry Longman and Branden Williams, two members of the McCordsville Town Council, were honored and recognized at the last town meeting of 2023 on December 12.
Greg Brewer, town council president, started the meeting off by recognizing the two members and gifting them with awards.
Longman had joined town council in 2012, just serving more than a decade on the council. Longman said that he decided to run in the 2011 election after seeing how the town council members had their own areas of expertise but still needed someone for the town’s development.
“I thought that, again, would be a good fit for applying my own talent to something that I was passionate about and where I lived,” Longman said.
Another way of thanking Longman for his years of service, the south plaza in the town center along the currently under construction IU Health building will be named “The Longman Plaza.”
Longman said that he was happy to receive that honor, with development in the area of town something he is passionate about.
“It was acknowledged that was going to be a substantial development in town, and it’s an honor to be recognized as someone that helped with the planning efforts of bringing that to fruition,” Longman said.
One passion Longman still wants to see happen is Aurora Way, and have it make its way from CR 600 W to CR 500 W, which would aim to help residents on the south side of the town avoid sharing roads with truck traffic with the industrial development.
While Longman is no longer on town council, he will still be involved with the town by being a part of the redevelopment commission, municipal building corporation and the McCord Square review board — listed at the town council meeting on Dec. 12.
“I really appreciate the time that I have had,” said Longman at the meeting, also mentioning how he enjoyed his time as town council president in 2017 and 2018, and thanking Brewer for taking on the role currently.
Williams had joined the council in 2016 and has been active with the Parks and Recreation Board.
In honor and recognition of Williams’ efforts over the past several years, Brewer shared that they are going to put a bench in Old School Park with a plaque that recognizes the efforts Williams has contributed toward the parks.
“To my current council members, to the ones that came before me, (I’m) so appreciative,” said Williams at the end of the meeting, being his last contribution to the councilor comments. “I do want to say to the incoming council members, I think we have a really great group of council members that will take this town to the next level.”
Williams also thanked Longman for encouraging him to join the council.
Williams will still be involved with the town by continuing to be on the Parks and Recreation Board.
Council member Dr. Bryan Burney said at the town council meeting he had been able to sit “sorta of next to” Longman and Williams — being two chair spaces away on the board — and had been able to listen to their words of wisdom.
“Everything was worth listening to. They speak seldom,” Dr. Burney said. “And when they do, better heads up because it’s always right.”
Council member Scott Jones seconded what Dr. Burney said and added that he was appreciative of them welcoming him on the board this past year.
John Price will take the District 3 seat and Chad Gooding will take the District 1 seat.
Also at Fortville’s Town Council meeting on Dec. 18, council members and others thanked Becky Davis, council member, for her four years served on council and said that they would see her in the audience at future town council meetings.
Vanessa Battagz will be joining the council.
“Thanks for hanging in there and all your help,” said Tonya Davis, town council president, at the last council meeting of the year. “It’s been great. I’ll miss you.”
Effective Jan. 1 2024, new members for both councils will begin their positions.
