Mayor, Staff Address Wayne Township Residents

Mayor, Staff Address Wayne Residents

(posted 7.8.09)

Mayor Greg Ballard and his staff fielded written questions from westside residents for about an hour during the Wayne Township Mayor's Night Out, hosted at Bridgeport Elementary School.

Local resident Mike Hennigan had different expectations than the information he received at the July 7 meeting. He was "disappointed" by the staff's lack information about specific Wayne Township neighborhoods. Although Hennigan came to the meeting in hopes of hearing detailed answers about specific neighborhood sewer, street and sidewalk projects, he received an overview of the city's $5 billion need for infrastructure improvement, the CIB, Super Bowl, smoking ban, leaking pools and double taxation.

Hennigan, describing his neighborhood as "neglected" by the city, said his area is in dire need of storm sewers to alleviate flooding in the area of Burk and Richie Streets. Hennigan did not say if he submitted a question during the meeting. Many of the questions submitted were not neighborhood specific.

One question asked how the Mayor and his staff coordinate with neighborhood associations. The Mayor responded that he relies on his neighborhood liaisons to stay connected with neighborhood associations' needs. He called those relationships "robust." He also plans to continue his own meetings in the neighborhoods.

Ballard's administration is also making efforts to make follow up calls for those who are filing complaints with Mayor's Action Line. The mayor hopes to budget for more follow-up calls in 2010. Sarah Taylor, director of constituent services, said she will be looking in-house to find internal resources before asking for an increase in the budget.

One question asked if the intersection of Morris Street and Bridgeport Road will be converted to roundabout from a four way stop. DPW Deputy Director Steve Nielsen said roundabouts are more expensive and require more land than a signalized intersection. He said further studies are necessary to make a determination. He also said that Holt Road's extension to 38th Street is "probably a couple years down the road" and would require federal money due to its magnitude.

The mayor was questioned as to why the City of Indianapolis is not protecting the public safety, property rights and property values for Speedway residents over the redevelopment project. DMD Director Maury Plambeck said the redevelopment commission is its own entity created by the state legislature, and the city has been involved in the planning process and believes the plans are good. He said the redevelopment commission has its own laws to comply with in order to carry out the plan.

"We expect the Speedway Redevelopment Commission to follow those laws as they implement the plan over the next several years," Plambeck said. The mayor thought the SRC had been open with its plans to redevelop the town.

Ballard discussed some of the Super Bowl plans, stating that downtown traffic will only be disrupted for a week. Georgia and Maryland Streets will be closed for the week prior to the game to create a Super Bowl Village to draw more than those attending the game.

He said the recent legislation passed is not sufficient to help the Capital Improvement Board. The CIB has about a $47 million deficit. Ballard does not think the CIB can trim anymore expenses from the its budget. He still contends the CIB needs revenue generating funds to save the convention business. He said that "deferred maintenance" will have to happen. The most recent legislation will allow the city to raise its hotel tax from nine to ten percent this year; and increase car rental and ticket taxes in 2013.

He contends that media bashing directed at the CIB was unfair; especially to Treasurer Ann Lathrop. He admitted to the probability of leadership changes, but speculates the pool of volunteers is shrinking due to the media's attack against the CIB members.

Ballard also made his own personal views known about smoking. He noted that it makes him sick and he avoids smoking establishments. "I am not pushing my personal agenda out there."

Despite Ballard's personal opposition to smoke, he contends the community is still not willing to accept a total smoking ban. He said it is more than a health issue for some, it is a "freedom issue."

Thatcher Aquatic Center is not expected to be open until next year, according to Indy Parks Director Stuart Lowery. He said 11 of the 21 aquatic centers have major pool leaks, resulting in the loss of 20 to 30 million gallons of water.

Public Safety Director Scott Newman said consolidation is the answer to the question asked about the "double taxation" issue for township residents. Consolidation does not mean the township fire departments are "substandard," but he expected many of the townships to become saddled with debt from borrowing due to the tax disbursement delays. The critical issue is not to burden the city with townships' debt if consolidation occurs. Ballard interjected that Franklin and Lawrence Townships have expressed an interest to consolidate.

City Controller David Reynolds said the .65% county option income tax dedicated to public safety has created a double tax for township residents. Their shares are dedicated to IMPD and IFD, and not the township fire departments.