The first Carmel City Council are sworn in by Indiana Governor Otis Bowen. Left to right: (seated) Mayor Albert Pickett, Fred Swift, Dave Coots, Dr. Walter Dean, Minnie Doane, James Garretson, Stan Meacham, Jane Reiman.
Carmel’s transition to a city began with a pivotal vote by residents in November 1974, following state legislation that allowed towns to be designated Fourth Class Cities. After the first municipal election in 1975, the inaugural council took their seats exactly 50 years ago this coming Monday.
The special recognition will include the presentation of a formal resolution that recognizes the full seven-member body that served as the inaugural Common Council: Dave Coots, Dr. Walter Dean, Minnie Doane, James Garretson, Stan Meacham, Jane Reiman and Fred Swift.
The City is honored to announce that the four surviving members of that historic body—David Coots, James Garretson, Jane Reiman and Fred Swift—are expected to attend the ceremony. These individuals moved Carmel beyond its small-town roots, establishing the framework that allowed the community to flourish into a world-class city.
"As we celebrate 50 years since becoming a city, we are reminded that our current success is rooted in the work of those who first led the way,” said Mayor Sue Finkam. “It is an honor to stand alongside these pioneers and an honor to recognize the original seven who are an example of true public service.”
The 1974 referendum marked the moment residents chose to move beyond their small-town roots, a move that required a new level of municipal sophistication and planning.
"In 1974, the people of Carmel voted to codify a new future, and on Jan. 5, 1976, this group of seven individuals was tasked with a city from the ground up,” said Council President Matthew Snyder. “They turned a referendum into a reality, establishing the framework that allowed us to grow from a small, but well-respected town into the greatest city in the world that we love today. This resolution is our way of ensuring their names and their foresight are never forgotten."
These original councilors helped oversee the critical transition years, establishing the early services and infrastructure that facilitated Carmel’s growth.
“It is rare to have the opportunity to say, 'thank you' in person to the architects of your community fifty years after the fact,” said Councilor Jeff Worrell. “This is a powerful reminder that the decisions made in this chamber have an impact that spans generations. We owe them a debt of gratitude for the hours they spent in these seats when the 'City of Carmel' was just a new and ambitious idea."
The community is invited to witness this historic recognition on Monday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. during the City Council meeting.
