The City of Fishers Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all municipal assets – some of that is done in-house at our Sign Lab. The impact of their work is felt throughout the Fishers community, from streets, parks, schools, and beyond. In honor of National Department of Public Works Week, we met with James Knowles, Streets Foreman, to learn more about the complexities and processes that go into sign creation.
The Fishers DPW creates all street signs, banners, and pole banners in house to provide value to taxpayers and ultimately save them money. In-house sign construction and fabrication benefits Fishers residents with both cost savings and reduced lead time. Signs, banners, graphics, labels, and stickers are created faster and at a fraction of the cost. “We save on costs from the start with every item that we produce. Nearly 100% of the design work is done in-house. Our production house, or the Sign Lab, fabricates, prints, and assembles every item. We also recycle as much sign substrate and mounting posts as possible,” said James.
The Sign Lab can produce a variety of signs, including traffic control signage, pole banners in the Nickel Plate District, mile marker signs, wayfinding signs, and City Hall construction banners, to name a few. Some of the department’s newest signage will be featured at Geist Waterfront Park.
“My favorite part of the job is the next new challenge. Sign design and fabrication is not my only duty. I am also the foreman over the DPW Line Striping department, Signal Maintenance department, Sign Maintenance department, Banner Maintenance, vehicle logos and graphics, and key and lock assembly at the City. I have always asked ‘What else can we do?,’” he said.
“My favorite part of the job is the next new challenge. Sign design and fabrication is not my only duty. I am also the foreman over the DPW Line Striping department, Signal Maintenance department, Sign Maintenance department, Banner Maintenance, vehicle logos and graphics, and key and lock assembly at the City. I have always asked ‘What else can we do?,’” he said.
James’ favorite project to work on was the solar flashing LED speed limit signs that were placed in Britton Falls. “We designed every part of the sign, lighting, and electrical system with an emphasis on cost reduction. It was the combination of all our skills, resources, and research that helped make that happen.”
“I live in Fishers near City Hall and Nickel Plate Trail. I love being a part of the changes that are happening in the place that I live, and I love the work that I do.”
Fishers DPW also hosts the city’s annual Touch-a-Truck, a family-favorite event where kids can explore Fishers’ fleet of big rigs, including tractors, snowplows, police cars, and fire trucks. The free event is on Wednesday, June 8 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive). James will also have a workshop for kids to create their own street signs at the event.
You can also enjoy live demonstrations from Fishers Department of Public Works, Fishers Fire Department, and the Fishers Police Department, including extrications, K-9 exercise, and road paving, as well as kids’ activities from Fishers Parks and food vendors. See a preview of what is in store at the event and learn more at thisisfishers.com/TouchaTruck.
Cami McGrady is a college intern for the City of Fishers Public Relations department. She is originally from Hillsboro, Indiana, and is a senior at Butler University. Cami is majoring in marketing and is a four-year member of Butler’s Women’s Swim Team. Outside of her internship, you can find Cami exploring coffee shops, hanging out with her family, or trying new restaurants with her friends. She loves the small town feel of Fishers and is excited to explore the city further.