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IN THIS ISSUE AgReliant expansion adds jobs Memoial Day at Grand Park Adopt-a-Roundabout program
keeping you up-to-date on what’s happening in your city
FALL 2015 | COMMUNICATIONS@WESTFIELD.IN.GOV | WESTFIELD.IN.GOV
Metronet installation info
LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
ELECTED OFFICIALS Andy Cook Mayor
For me 2015 has been a year of progress for Westfield.
Cindy Gossard Clerk Treasurer Chuck Lehman City Council President
In its first year of operations, Grand Park had a direct economic impact of $43 million in total visitor spending and $5.2 million in generated state and local tax revenue.
Jim Ake, Robert Horkay, Steve Hoover, Bob Smith, Cindy L. Spoljaric, Robert Stokes City Council Members
However, none of that means much if we don’t have a community that is family focused. Recently, Westfield was ranked one of the safest communities in Indiana, by SafeWise. The company looked at FBI crime data and credited Westfield Police Department’s efforts in building a relationship with citizens with such programs as Coffee with a Cop. Also the City of Westfield was recognized as one of the “Top Workplaces 2015”. The city was awarded this title because of our employees. The men and women who work tirelessly to ensure our citizens needs are met and their families are safe. I hope you take advantage of the many amenities that make Westfield so special. Sincerely,
STAFF Todd Burtron Chief of Staff Joel Rush Police Chief Joe Lyons Fire Chief Melody Jones Parks & Recreation Director Ken Alexander Grand Park Director John Rogers Enterprise Director Matt Skelton Economic & Community Development Director Jeremy Lollar Public Works Director Chris Larsen Informatics Director
J. Andrew Cook Mayor
City of Westfield | westfield.in.gov /CityofWestfield /@CityofWestfield /CityofWestfield City of Westfield App (available for IOS and Android devices) /WestfieldIN @wstfldwelcome; @westfieldin
Erin Murphy Communications Director
Grand Park | grandpark.org / Grand Park – The Sports Campus at Westfield /GrandParkSports superservicetraining.com @grandparksports #1 Best Places in Indiana Money Magazine 2011 & 2013
AgReliant adds jobs with expansion at Westfield headquarters AgReliant, the nation’s thirdlargest corn seed company, officially marked construction in early June on an expansion that will nearly double the capacity of its corporate headquarters in Westfield. AgReliant Genetics LLC Chief Executive Officer Craig Newman was joined by state and local officials for a groundbreaking on the more than $3 million project. AgReliant has committed to adding about 30 jobs and
The new expansion will add
about 30 NEW JOBS to this Westfield company.
retaining 54 existing jobs as part of the expansion. AgReliant is one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent seed companies and is viewed as a shining star of Indiana's burgeoning agbioscience sector. The company has production locations throughout the Corn Belt and operates more than a dozen research facilities throughout North America.
Mayor Andy Cook and city officials participate in a groundbreaking for AgReliant’s expansion project.
Memorial Day at Grand Park presented by Wellbrooke of Westfield Flag Dedication Ceremony, 5K Run/Walk, Crossfit Thrive Murph Challenge and Family Activities Grand Park hosted exciting community events on Memorial Day, presented by Wellbrooke of Westfield. The festivities included a Flag Dedication Ceremony, the 2nd annual Grand Run 5K, Murph Crossfit Challenge, K-9 demonstration, fire truck display and family-friendly activities including a Kids Fun Run and an outdoor concert featuring Ruditoonz. “I was thrilled to see so many families come out and enjoy the park while honoring our military heroes,” said Westfield Mayor Andy Cook. “This is the first of what we hope will become an annual Memorial Day Celebration at Grand Park.”
The event raised $4,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. The Grand Run 5K Run/Walk finished with 230 participants and the Crossfit Thrive Murph Challenge had 55 participants.
This is the first of what we hope will become an annual Memorial Day Celebration at Grand Park. Hundreds of attendees from the community came out to honor our military heroes at the flag dedication ceremony, which
featured keynote speaker, Jeffrey O. Brown, executive director of the American Legion National Headquarters and a veteran of the United States Air Force. The ceremony also included Westfield Mayor Andy Cook, Chris Duckworth, pastor at New Joy Church and a chaplain in the Indiana Army National Guard. Members of the Sheridan American Legion Post 67 performed the flag dedication and Westfield High School band members provided patriotic music. Memorial Day at Grand Park was presented by Wellbrooke of Westfield and sponsored by Crossfit Thrive, Duke Energy, CSI Signs and the City of Westfield.
NEXT FAMILY FRIDAY DATES September 11th 6-8 p.m. October 2nd 6-8 p.m.
Metronet Installation Information The City of Westfield Public Works Department has received multiple inquiries from residents regarding utility marker flags and stakes at the front of residential and commercial properties near the city roads and streets. These markers are related to the underground installation of a fiber optic cable system by Metronet Inc., a fiber optic internet, television, and phone service provider. Metronet is in the process of a citywide fiber optic installation that, when completed, will offer most Westfield residents an alternative service provider for internet, television, and phone service. Metronet has acquired permits for
all work within the City of Westfield right-of-ways that is associated with this project. Once they complete their work at each site, they will remove the flags and restore any damage at the property as a result of their installation. Residents are encouraged to contact the Westfield Public Works Department at (317) 804-3100 with any concerns relative to this work within the city right-of-way. Learn more about this project at: https://www.metronetinc.com/westfield/
UPCOMING EVENTS Summer Movies in the Park Asa Bales \\ Sunset Aug 28 – Cinderella Sept 18 – Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Emily Yott Foundation Event Aug 29 \\ Grand Park The Emily Yott Foundation is partnering with the City of Westfield to host its first annual Family Festival and 5K run/walk. Enjoy the music, carnival games, bounce houses, face-painting and balloon artists! We will also be featuring a 3-story, 220 foot zip line! All proceeds will benefit The Emily Yott Foundation which provides support to families affected by childhood cancer. Amigos De Westfield Sept 5 \\ Asa Bales Park Enjoy a taste of Latino culture in Westfield! Experience authentic Latino cuisine, music, and live performances in Asa Bales! Bring your whole family to enjoy kids games and activities! You won’t want to miss our first Latino Night in the Park – Amigos de Westfield! Visit enjoywestfield.in.gov for more information! Voices from the Past Sept 11-12 \\ Anti-Slavery Cemetery (Asa Bales) and Old Friends Cemetery Park Attendees are guided on a journey into the past where they will be met by actors portraying locals with interesting stories to tell, paired with fascinating historical sites along the Living History Walk. Grand Junction Derby Oct 3 \\ Union Street The 7th Annual Grand Junction Derby offers a great opportunity for the community to build and race unique hand built cars. Westfield in Lights Dec 5 \\ Downtown Westfield Using over 80,000 feet of Christmas lights, we set the scene for the perfect holiday celebration! The guest list includes Santa himself, along with Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and even live reindeer! You can ride the Santa Express Train, and enjoy a carriage ride.
Westfield Opens Roundabout, Launches Adopt-a-Roundabout Program Westfield’s latest roundabout opened in June, and a new community initiative will start making the rounds as well. The new roundabout, located at 156 Street and Spring Mill, will be maintained in part by the New Joy Lutheran Church as part of Westfield’s newly launched adopt-a-roundabout program. “We contacted the city with the intention of adopting this roundabout as a project for our congregation, and it seems to have sparked a larger interest city wide,” said Pastor Chris Duckworth. “Some of the best ideas in this community have come not from the top down, but from residents who want to get involved” said Mayor Andy Cook. “I’m thrilled that New Joy had the idea, and I know other groups in Westfield have already expressed an interest in pursuing similar volunteer opportunities.” The city hosted a brief ribboncutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on June 12. A&F Engineering and Crider and Crider, the design and construction firms responsible for the roundabout, were in attendance, as was Mayor Cook, who will officially opened the roundabout with an inaugural trip around it in his yellow Jeep.
New Joy Pastor Chris Duckworth helps Mayor Andy Cook officially open the roundabout at 156 Street and Spring Mill.
In June, the Westfield Police Department recognized Westfield Fire Department’s Deputy Chief of Operations Gary Southerland for all the support he’s given to their department over the years. Thank you, Gary, for all your hard work and years of service! It is appreciated!
Westfield Receives ‘Excellence in GIS’ Award Westfield’s informatics department has been recognized by the Indiana Geographic Information Council for its work to educate the public about development within the city. The team has received an Excellence in GIS Award for spearheading Westfield’s “What’s Happening Here” campaign. The “What’s Happening Here” program places public notice signs with QR codes at sites where some type of development has been proposed to occur. Residents can scan the codes and find out more information about the project, including zoning requests, site data and contact information for the planner assigned to the project. “GIS is a great way to make sure our residents have accurate information at their fingertips regarding development going on in
The team has received an Excellence in GIS Award for spearheading Westfield’s “What’s Happening Here” campaign.
community informed. “We are always looking for ways to provide better information to support and encourage Westfield’s robust economic development environment,” Economic and Community Development Director Matt Skelton said. “The development world does not clock in at 8 a.m. and out at 5 p.m. It just makes sense to have the city’s information gateway available whenever the community needs it,” Skelton said.
the community,” said Westfield GIS Coordinator Leane Kmetz. “We’re very excited to receive this recognition from the IGIC,” Kmetz said.
The Excellence in GIS Awards recognize organizations for their use of geospatial technology to improve services for Indiana’s citizens. More information can be found at www. igic.org.
Kmetz works closely with economic development, planning and zoning staff to keep the
Westfield to Conduct Special Census Westfield’s city council voted to move forward with a special census in May, in an effort to track the community’s rapid growth for funding purposes. 2014 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Westfield’s growth outpaced that of all other Hamilton County communities since the 2010 census, with the city’s population increasing 17.4 percent to a total of 35,297.
“So much of how we receive funding from state and federal agencies is tied to per capita calculations,” Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said. “With so much growth happening so quickly in our city, we want to make sure we have the most accurate information available when it comes time to seek dollars for our community.”
The estimated total cost of the project is $625,000, with an expected increase in annual revenue of $330,000 every year. Residents will be updated on the progress of the census via the city’s social media channels, namely Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor.
Wish Granted for One Westfield Resident The Indianapolis Indians had a very special guest pitcher at one of their games this season. 94 year old Chalmer Springer was asked to throw out the first pitch. The Westfield native says it has been a dream of his since he was a child to pitch at an Indianapolis Indians game. Now a resident of Wellbrooke of Westfield, Springer was able to show off his pitching skills at the June 3rd game. Springer played softball in high school and even used that skill during his pitch, when he threw the baseball underhanded. Springer’s dream was granted through the Live a Dream program through Wellbrooke of Westfield, which fulfills childhood dreams of senior citizens. Family and friends cheered on Springer as he threw the baseball over the plate.
Live a Dream program at Wellbrooke of Westfield
TOP Chalmer Springer, a Westfield native, threw out the first pitch at the Indianapolis Indians game at the June 3rd game. ABOVE LEFT Family and friends came to support Springer realize his dream. ABOVE RIGHT TV crews interviewed Springer.
Westfield Trails Reach New Milestone Residents of Westfield are now able to take a fully paved Monon all the way to State Road 32 at Quaker Park. “I’m thankful to our public works department who worked hard to make sure this happened,” Mayor Andy Cook said. “Connectivity is very important to our community, and I look forward to enjoying the improved trail along with our residents.” A large portion of the Monon had previously been unpaved, making for sometimes messy travel during periods of heavy rainfall. The new paving allows for less mess
and increased accessibility from one area of the city to another. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard traveled the trail from Indianapolis to Quaker Park earlier in the week. When weather permits, minor work will be done to complete the project, including the pouring of concrete nodes. More substantial trail improvements are still to come: Westfield has received federal funds to construct a bridge for the Monon to cross SR 32, similar to what currently exists over 146th Street. Work will likely beginning on that project in 2018.
Westfield Celebrates National Trails Day Westfield residents took a day to experience the city’s trails, parks and natural beauty on June 6 as the city celebrated National Trails Day. Residents joined in a fun-filled afternoon of outdoor activities at Quaker Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Events included runs, a senior walk, a family cycling safety class and discussion sessions that focused on healthy eating and living. “Westfield’s trails system is second-to-none,” said Parks Director Melody Jones. “We are so excited for the community to come out and celebrate our parks and trails.” Greater Indy Friends AMBUCS chapter provided four AmTryke therapeutic bicycles to members on their wish list at the event. National AMBUCS™, Inc. is a non-profit service organization consisting of a diverse group of men and women who are dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. The presentation took place at noon in Quaker Park followed by the children’s bicycle rodeo and family bike safety class led by CIBA. Westfield’s National Trails Day was sponsored by Kroger, Wellbrooke of Westfield, My Father’s Garden Health and Wellness, Frontier Communications, VS Engineering, Growing Grins Pediatric Dentistry, Heart-
land Church and Master Yoo’s World Class Tae Kwon Do. Fresh and healthy snacks were provided by the Garden Table.
CALENDAR of EVENTS AUGUST 17 Second Advisory Plan Commission Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room
SEPTEMPBER 12 Heart and Soul Free Clinic Open 9 a.m. – End Heart and Soul Clinic
OCTOBER 10 Heart and Soul Free Clinic Open 9 a.m. – End Heart and Soul Clinic
AUGUST 22 Heart and Soul Free Clinic Open 9 a.m. – End Heart and Soul Clinic
SEPTEMPBER 14 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room
OCTOBER 12 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room
AUGUST 25 WeCAN Meeting 9:43 a.m. – End City Services Center – Main Level Media Room AUGUST 25 WeCAN Meeting 7 – 8:30 p.m. City Services Center – Main Level Media Room
SEPTEMPBER 21 Second Advisory Plan Commission Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room SEPTEMPBER 22 WeCAN Meeting 9:43 a.m. – End City Services Center – Main Level Media Room
AUGUST 26 Board of Public Works & Safety Meeting 1 p.m. – End Westfield Public Works – Large Conference Room SEPTEMPBER 07 HOLIDAY CLOSINGS Labor Day All Day
SEPTEMPBER 22 WeCAN Meeting 7 – 8:30 p.m. City Services Center – Main Level Media Room SEPTEMPBER 26 Heart and Soul Free Clinic Open 9 a.m. – End Heart and Soul Clinic
SEPTEMPBER 08 First Advisory Plan Commission Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room
SEPTEMPBER 30 Board of Public Works & Safety Meeting 1 p.m. – End Westfield Public Works – Large Conference Room
SEPTEMPBER 09 Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room
OCTOBER 05 First Advisory Plan Commission Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room
OCTOBER 13 Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room OCTOBER 19 Second Advisory Plan Commission Meeting 7 p.m. – End Westfield City Hall – Assembly Room OCTOBER 24 Heart and Soul Free Clinic Open 9 a.m. – End Heart and Soul Clinic
130 Penn St., Westfield, IN 46074
For everything you need to know... westfield.in.gov
westfieldwelcome.com
grandpark.org
enjoywestfieldevents.com
In May, City Council VP Jim Ake presented Sandy Kirsch, Executive Director of Heart and Soul Clinic, with a proclamation on the occasion of her retirement. The entire community thanks you, Sandy, for your dedication and hard work over the years!