On Tuesday night, the City of Noblesville’s outgoing Common Council members Brian Ayer, Greg O’Connor, and Dan Spartz attended their final council meeting and were honored by their fellow councilors and Mayor Chris Jensen for their combined 38 years of service.
Councilor Brian Ayer is the longest-serving Noblesville Common Council member. During his 20 years of dedicated service, Ayer has served as council president twice and has been the chair of the council’s roads, building & land acquisition, and wastewater committees. He also has been a member of the Noblesville Architecture Review Board. Since he began serving on the Council, Noblesville’s population has more than doubled. Ayer has been a prominent voice for preserving the hometown charm of the community while funding necessary infrastructure and public safety enhancements. His vision and hard work were instrumental in the development of the Hamilton Town Center, the Reimagine Pleasant Street east-west corridor, the expansion of the city’s trail network, the Levinson mixed-used development, the construction of a new eastside fire station, and the partnership with the county for the 146th Street corridor.
“Noblesville is a better community today because of Brian Ayer’s service,” Mayor Jensen said. “He has been active in Noblesville as a businessman, councilor, and volunteer. His accomplishments over the past two decades will have an impact in our community for generations to come. I’m grateful to have served alongside him, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Councilor Greg O’Connor has served District 5 on the council for 16 years. O’Connor served as the council president in 2016, 2012, and 2009. He has been the chair of the council’s finance & economic development committees and a member of the Noblesville Plan Commission. He has been instrumental in setting fiscal policy for the city and enhancing accounting and financial strategies in coordination with the city controller to promote stewardship of taxpayer funds. O’Connor was instrumental in acquiring the Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations property between Division Street and Pleasant Street near downtown Noblesville, which the city acquired 14 years after the closure of the manufacturing plants.
“I applaud Greg O’Connor on his 16 years of service to our community,” Mayor Jensen said. “He has played an instrumental part in the growth of our city while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Greg has been an important part of our community and council, and I wish him a happy and healthy retirement.”
Councilor Dan Spartz joined the council in 2021 when he was elected via a caucus to fill former councilor Wil Hampton’s remaining term on the Noblesville Common Council. He chaired the council’s Wastewater Committee and was a member of the Public Safety Committee. He has also served as the street department liaison.
“Dan Spartz stepped up to serve our community on the Common Council and has been a part of transformational projects for our city,” Mayor Jensen said. “During his time on the council, he has had an impact on the long-term growth opportunities in the City of Noblesville. I’m grateful he stepped in to serve and wish him a relaxing retirement.”
At the conclusion of their final council meeting, Mayor Jensen presented each outgoing member with the Distinguished Hoosier Award on behalf of Gov. Eric Holcomb. The Distinguished Hoosier Award is one of the highest tributes given out by the State of Indiana to its citizens.
“The City of Noblesville owes a debt of gratitude to Brian Ayer, Greg O’Connor, and Dan Spartz,” Council President Aaron Smith said. “Over the last four years, this council funded the Pleasant Street extension, supported our public safety officials at record levels, and moved crucial economic development projects forward. I’m grateful for the support from all three of these councilors to ensure Noblesville continues to grow well.”
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the Noblesville Common Council will include Evan Elliott (At-Large); Darren Peterson (At-Large); Pete Schwartz (At-Large); Mike Davis (District 1); Todd Thurston (District 2); Aaron Smith (District 3); Mark Boice (District 4); Dave Johnson (District 5); and Megan Wiles (District 6). The elected officials were sworn into office on Dec. 13 along with City Judge S. Matthew Cook, Mayor Jensen, and Clerk Evelyn Lees.