Flags at Half Mast Today for Peace Officers Memorial Day

I don't know about you, but I'm always curious when I see flags flying at half mast.  Sometimes I can readily identify who we are mourning based on current events.  However, more often than not, I really have no idea why the flags have been lowered and I wish there was some easy way to find out.

You may have noticed that flags in Westfield are flying at half mast (or half staff) today, Tuesday, May 15, 2012.  In fact, flags should be at half mast throughout the country today because the president has proclaimed today to be Peace Officers Memorial Day.

By a joint resolution of Congress approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103 322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136 137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."

From the president's proclamation:

"Every day, public safety officers work tirelessly to protect our citizens, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods safe. They report for duty knowing full well the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make. This week, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery, and we remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more just society.

 

We owe a profound debt to all those who have worn the badge, and to the families whose care enables them to serve with courage and pride. When the unthinkable happens and officers give their lives or are seriously injured in the line of duty, we have an obligation to give their loved ones the support they deserve. During Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we recall the selflessness of our law enforcement officers and their families, and we honor all those who devote their lives to forging a stronger, safer America. Let us reflect on their invaluable contributions as we enjoy the peace they bring to our communities, and let us vow that their service will never be taken for granted." 

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

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Mayor Announces Possible Sale of Westfield's Water and Sewer Utility

Speaking at today's Westfield Rotary Club meeting, Mayor Andy Cook announced that the city will seek potential private sector buyers of its water and waste water utility.

Citing the challenges of maintaining fiscal responsibility during tough economic times while simultaneously preparing for the infrastructure needs of the next 20 years, the Mayor laid out the rationale behind the decision to seek potential suitors.  "Many cities in the Midwest and across the country are faced with meeting the demands of growth," he said. "The City of Westfield is exploring various creative options that will preserve an adequate source of water for the future, address environmental mandates relating to waste water, solve urgent capital needs resulting from rapid growth, and harness future water rate increases."

The city's debt load of $8 million in municipal debt and $6 million of Tax Increment Finance debt pale in comparison to the $56 million of utility debt.  Although this utility debt is by no means out of proportion with other similarly sized municipalities around the state and country, it still represents challenges for the future.  By selling the utility to the private sector, the city hopes to erase that utility debt while also raising cash that can be used to make needed infrastructure improvements.  Such improvements could include much-needed intersection improvements as well as filling gaps in the trail system.

The Mayor lauded Rotarian Kurt Wanninger, Westfield Public Works Director, for the job he has done building the utility to be the valuable asset that it is today.  Potential private suitors should be attracted by the quality of the water assets and infrastructure as well as Westfield's enormous potential growth.

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be distributed locally and nationally this week.  Responses should be received by mid-June.  An advisory team of city department heads as well as appointed and elected officials will review the proposals and recommend a course of action to the Mayor and City Council by late July.

The City has created a website dedicated to the possible water and waste water utility sale.  It can be found within the city's website at www.westfield.in.gov.  The site will contain all relevant important documents, including the RFP. Additional information and updates will be sent to rate payers' homes and a series of public community meetings will be scheduled in the upcoming months to discuss the RFP. Those dates, times and locations, when available, will be found on the website. 

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

David McIntosh at Westfield Lighting April 4

Another Republican candidate for Dan Burton's former congressional seat will be visiting Westfield next week.  

David McIntosh, the former congressman, will be holding an informal "Meet and Greet" at Westfield Lighting on Wednesday, April 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served. Westfield Lighting is located at 3440 East State Road 32 in Westfield, Indiana.  I encourage you to attend.

You can learn more about David at www.DavidMcIntosh.org.  If you're on facebook, you can also check him out at facebook.com/davidmcintoshforcongress.

I am still uncommitted on this race.  I have posted information here regarding events in Westfield for those candidates that have directly provided me with such.  Any other candidates that give me similar event information will be treated in the same manner.

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

Westfield Grand Park Construction

Most people don't notice or pay much attention but Grand Park construction continues at a steady pace.  Recent activity includes burying infrastructure now so it won't have to be done later.  This includes pipes for the sewer system as well as the various water and storm water lines.

The water system is being pressure tested; equipment is being delivered; and more erosion control fencing is being installed along Cool Creek.  Much of the storm water infrastructure will be installed this week, weather permitting.

This activity is important.  It signals to would-be private investors that Westfield means business when it comes to Grand Park.  This is much more than just another plan gathering dust on a shelf.  Grand Park will become reality very soon.  

The pace of economic development will soon quicken.  Main Street, the senior living facility, which was the first piece of economic development to land next door to Grand Park has filed plans with the City Community Development Department for their building.  I truly believe that economic development around Grand Park will snowball.  I understand that there are some very real possibilities that will be announced soon.

If you get a chance, drive by the site and take a look at what's happening for yourself.  Just drive north on US 31 and turn left on 196th Street.  Keep going west on 196th Street and when you pass Tomlinson Road, you'll see the Grand Park site on your left stretching all the way to Springmill Road.  Just don't get off the road or you'll get stuck in the mud!

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

 

Governor Daniels and INDOT Proposing to Speed Up Construction of US 31 Through Westfield

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels today proposed to accelerate the construction of US 31 through Westfield and Carmel. The plan involves consolidating the entire project through Hamilton County into one large project and utilizing contractor financing. The upshot is that the project will cost less and open to traffic three years earlier than originally planned. The quicker completion time will be accomplished by completely shutting down portions of the highway during construction--a new strategy, as far as I know.

I haven't had a chance to speak to the Mayor yet, so I'm not sure what his reaction is to this news. On the one hand, it'll be great to get US 31 completed much quicker. On the other hand, the intensity of the disruption in and around Westfield during a complete shut down of the highway will be much greater.

There will be a "New U.S. 31 Hamilton County" public open house on Thursday, March 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Carmel High School main cafeteria. That should be an interesting event.

For your convenience, I've linked to an Indianapolis Star story and to the "New U.S. 31 Hamilton County" web page if you want more information. The links are on the upper right corner of my main blog page under the heading "Westfield News Around the Web."


Thanks for reading.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Westfield Reduces Tax Rate

Westfield announced in a press release today that the city property tax rate for 2012 will be less than it was in 2011. This comes after a decision by the state Department of Local Government Finance authorizing Westfield to raise its rate to compensate for $35 million of lost assessed value.

Given the opportunity to raise rates, most governments would have done so. Consider Washington, where increasing the budget at a slower rate than the previous year is routinely referred to as "cutting" the budget.

"Instead of raising the rate to the authorized amount it is our responsibility to be a fiscally responsibile muncipality, furthermore, instead of raising the rate, we've responded to the economic realities and we were able to slightly lower the rate," said Mayor Andy Cook. "We are constantly looking at developing ways to deliver services to our citizens in the most efficient ways possible," he said.

I'm told that the rate was reduced by a couple of cents per hundred dollars of assessed value. Although not a hugely significant dollar figure, this reduction in rate sends the message that the city continues to do its best to do more with less.

Fiscal responsibility on the part of the city alone is not enough. Therefore the city hopes to work with other taxing entities that impact our property tax bills in Westfield to reduce our overall tax bills. Did you know that the city tax represents approximately 25% of your property tax bill? Westfield-Washington schools make up about 65% of your bill, while the other entities such as Washington Township, the County, and the Library make up the remaining 10%.

I find it odd that there is generally very little public attendance at School Board meetings. It would seem that, given the share of the property tax bill apportioned to the schools, more attention would be paid to their fiscal practices.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Art Exhibit at Cool Creek Park

Today we went to Nature's Inspirations, a fine art exhibit and sale at the Cool Creek Park Nature Center in Westfield.  The exhibit runs until March 11, so there is still time for you to visit if you wish.  And why not?  It's free. 

Many of the artists are local Hamilton County artists, some are well known residents of Westfield.  If you do visit, you'll see paintings, illustrations, photography, woodcarving, and sculpture--all featuring nature and wildlife in some form or another.

One of my favorite pieces was a Valeri Dawson photograph of a trail through the woods during early fall, entitled "Inviting Path."  It reminded me of hiking in Brown County or at Turkey Run.

Two watercolors by Lola Gamble also caught my eye.  One entitled "Bubba" is a head shot of a large tortoise.  The other, titled "Polly," is of a scarlet macaw.  We always appreciate parrot art since we have parrots.

I also liked a photograph of a group of bald eagles by Gene McClarney--mostly for its title:  "The Committee." Been there, done that.

A photograph of a bathing hummingbird by John W. Sumner also caught my eye.  It's rare to see a hummingbird sit still on a branch.  You almost always see them in flight, their wings beating so fast they're invisible.

When you go, be sure to pick up a ballot and vote for your favorite piece in the show.  The top vote getter wins the People's Choice Award.  Voting concludes on Thursday, March 8 and a ribbon will be placed on the award winning piece on Friday, the 9th.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana