Storm fallout shuts down suburban government

Sunday’s winter storm shut down most government offices in Hamilton and Boone counties, forcing a bevy of public meetings scheduled for Monday to be postponed.

Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville all closed their offices as crews work in subzero temperatures to clear area roadways. Commissioners in both counties declared snow emergencies, closing county-run buildings, courts and parks.

Carmel’s city offices stayed open in a limited capacity, with so-called “essential” personnel in place to assist residents.

“During the aftermath of the storm, I believe it is our responsibility to be open if it all possible and have the phones answered and personnel available to help the public,” Mayor Jim Brainard said in a prepared statement.

The Carmel City Council canceled its first meeting of the year, scheduled for Monday evening. So did the Fishers Town Council, Noblesville Common Council, Zionsville Town Council and Westfield’s Advisory Plan Commission.

As of midday Monday, two of the government bodies had announced new dates: Fishers councilors will convene Wednesday at 7 p.m., and Noblesville’s council will have its annual organizational meeting Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Carmel plans to take up items from Monday's agenda at its next regularly scheduled council meeting on Feb. 3.

What’s your take on the suburban response to the recent snowstorms? Did our communities do any better than our big-city neighbor to the south?