Apr2014 web

APR 2014

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communications@westfield.in.gov

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westfield.in.gov

IN THIS ISSUE • Utility Transfer: What You Need To Know • Arbor Day Celebration: Tree Planting and Giveaway • Parks Programming & Other Updates

Pictured: Tree Planting in Asa Bales Park

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR It may come as no surprise to you that as an elected official I have plenty of opportunities to talk. From public meetings to ribbon cuttings, there is no shortage of speaking occasions.

I find that public speaking engagements are an equally good place to listen to what others have to say as well.

A few weeks ago I had the enormous privilege of helping out with the annual Westfield Boy Scouts Scouting Breakfast. We had some great food and were able to raise a substantial amount of funding thanks to the generosity of those in attendance. But my favorite part came when I got to listen to what some of the Scouts had to say. Their plans for the future ranged from becoming more involved in community projects here in Westfield to starting their own survival television show. Whatever they decide to pursue in the future, these young men are already doing great things. We are fortunate to have them in our community.

STAFF Andy Cook MAYOR

Todd Burtron

CHIEF OF STAFF

Joel Rush

POLICE CHIEF

Joe Lyons

INTERIM FIRE CHIEF

Melody Jones

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR

John Rogers

ENTERPRISE DIRECTOR

Matt Skelton

ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Ken Alexander

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Derrick Cash

I also love what I hear at Grand Park – and I don’t just mean the sounds of enthusiastic players and fans. During a recent trip to our sports campus, I heard from many people who had nothing but good things to say about the world-class quality of the campus, and the opportunities it is bringing for Westfield. I wish that I could take credit for their compliments, but the truth is that Grand Park is the result of engineers, craftsman and many other people to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude.

Finally, at the March 10th Council meeting, I was absolutely amazed to see the work that those in the Spring Mill and 161st Street area have accomplished regarding their vision for Spring Mill Station. The residents of this area have decided to define what their neighborhood becomes, as opposed to watching it happen to them from outside developers. Their dedication to community planning, and their passion for the Spring Mill Station concept is truly remarkable, and is the embodiment of citizen engagement.

Being mayor is one of the greatest professional privileges I will ever accomplish. But, mayors can’t do it alone. Somewhere out there wander influential people who may never hold elected office, yet are nonetheless making significant contributions that will further the growth of our community. Whether they are citizens, business leaders, or our children pursuing a Scouting badge, I am glad they are here in Westfield.

INFORMATICS DIRECTOR

Erin Verplank

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Sincerely, Andy

TRASH AND STORMWATER The information provided on this insert details out important information you need to know as the Westfield Utility sale comes to completion. As one of CNN Money’s ‘Best Places to Live,’ The City of Westfield will continue to provide a high level of stormwater, trash and recycling service for the residents of Westfield while keeping costs low.

PAYING YOUR BILL You have several options to pay your bill: - Online: www.westfield.in.gov - Dropbox/In Person: 2728 E. 171st Street - PO Box: City of Westfield, PO Box 863, Indianapolis, IN 46206-0863 - Directly via your bank: Please call your bank to verify and update your information with your new account number (located on your first bill from City of Westfield) and any other necessary information.

- Auto Debit/ACH: You must fill out a NEW form which can be obtained at the City Services Center (2728 E. 171st St.) or online at www.westfield.in.gov.

IMPORTANT DATES The first trash and stormwater bill will be mailed approximately April 10th. This bill will include March - June trash and stormwater charges.

All future bills will be quarterly. The next bill you will receive from the City of Westfield will be July 10th, which will cover the time period of July - September.

Your bill will be due 17 days after the mail date. Each citizen will have 30 days past the due date to pay their bill. Trash service will be discontinued if payment is not received by that date.

THINGS YOU NEED TO DO If your bill is automatically paid through your bank, you will need to call your bank to verify and update your information with your new account number (located on your first bill from the City of Westfield) and any other necessary information.

If you currently have auto debit/ACH, you must fill out a NEW form which can be obtained in person at the City Services Center (2728 E. 171st Street) or online at www.westfield.in.gov.

If you are moving, please contact customer service at 317.804.3150 to start/stop service so you do not have any additional fees or charges from the City of Westfield.

CONTACT INFORMATION For questions regarding stormwater and trash billing please contact 317.804.3150.

For questions about Ray’s Trash please contact our Ray’s liaison via 317.804.3150 or customerservice@westfield.in.gov.

WATER AND SEWER For 126 years, Citizens Energy Group has been a utility industry leader for customer satisfaction and operational excellence. For the past three years, our natural gas utility has been the Midwest’s top ranked mid-sized utility for customer satisfaction in an annual survey by J.D. Power & Associates. Each day our employees are committed to our vision to serve our customers and communities with unparalleled excellence and integrity.

PAYING YOUR BILL You have several options to pay your bill: - Online: www.citizenswestfield.com or by telephone using your debit or credit card – a fee for this service applies.

- Dropbox/In Person: 2728 E. 171st Street - Mail: PO Box 7067, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7067 - Online Banking: Through your bank’s website, create a new payee account for Citizens Westfield. Use PO Box 7067, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7067 as the mailing address. Use the same utility account number as was used by the City of Westfield as this number is not currently changing. If y ou have paid your water/sewer bill through your bank, please delete your current payee account for the City of Westfield.

- Automatic Bank Deduction: if you were using this payment option with the Cit y of Westfield (previously known as Auto Debit/ACH), we will continue to automatically process your monthly payment.

• To enroll in Automatic Bank Deduction, please contact us at 800-282-9276 or visit our website at www.citizenswestfield.com and complete an enrollment form.

IMPORTANT DATES Citizens Westfield will begin serving as your water and sewer service utility provider March 22nd.

We will mail your first water and/or sewer utility bill the week of March 24th, due 17 days from the mailing date. Citizens Westfield may be reached by telephone at 800-282-9276.

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Our hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Use this number after hours to report any water and/or sewer emergency (24 hours/day, 7 days/week).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Your Citizens Westfield account number will remain the same for about one year – we are using the same account number that was used by the City of Westfield.

If you currently receive your gas service from Citizens Westfield, in about one year, we will combine water and sewer utility bills with your gas account.

We will send additional information prior to combining the water and sewer services with the gas service – you will continue to pay these bills separately for about one year.

CONTACT INFORMATION For questions regarding water and sewer billing please contact 800.282.9276 or visit our website at www.citizenswestfield.com.

UPDATES ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION TREE PLANTING AND GIVEAWAY For some cities Arbor Day comes and goes as any other day. Westfield, however, is taking the opportunity to celebrate its designation as a Tree City since 2007 with the community.

Join us Saturday, April 26th for the Arbor Day Celebration Tree Planting and Giveaway. Get involved, get dirty and have a good time as we bring new life to our City.

WESTFIELD HAS BEEN DESIG-

NATED A TREE CITY SINCE 2007.

The morning at Asa Bales Park will kick off at 10 a.m. with a demonstration from certified Tree Stewards.

After learning the benefits and how to properly plant trees, residents will break out and use the knowledge they’ve learned alongside Parks staff. Don’t forget gloves and shovels! There is THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATING ARBOR DAY 2013. no such thing as too many tools, and some of our planting buddies may need to borrow!

VOLUNTEERS FROM THE 2013 ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION ENJOY PLANTING A YOUNG TREE AT ASA BALES PARK.

listen to the wondrous tales of Dr. Seuss.

After all the dedicated work, it will be time for a break! Westfield Washington Public Library brings story time with “The Lorax” to shelter 2 at 10:45.

Bring park blankets and camping chairs, relax and

Before leaving, don’t forget to grab a tree! We have 500 home trees for planting in the community including Norway Spruce, Chinkapin Oak, Shellbark Hickory and American Plum. Take one or two or THREE home to liven up the forest population around the house.

Check out “Volunteer Opportunities” section at www.westfield.in.gov/ parks to sign up.

PROGRAMMING SPOTLIGHT! Zumba Kids for Girl Scouts – Monday, April 28th @ 4pm.

Looking to earn a Fitness badge? This is the class for you! Try out one of our Zumba kids classes with your Troop and see what all the excitement is about. Please contact Westfield Parks & Recreation at (317) 804-3183 to register by April 21st.

Grades: 2-3 Fee: $10 Location: Main Street Facility

CHAMBER NEWS Plans are in the works for the 11th Annual Westfield Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing.

The outing will be Monday, June 2, at The Bridgewater Club. Registration and lunch will be from 10:30 a.m. - noon. Shotgun start is at noon. Dinner and raffle will follow at 5:00 p.m. Sponsorships are available. Please call the Chamber office at 317.804.3030 to learn more.

PARKS AND REC OPPORTUNITIES Need a summer job or internship? Westfield Parks and Recreation has opportunities in special events and forestry. Internships start early/mid May. Send resumes to Jordan McBride at jmcbride@ westfield.in.gov by April 1st.

GRAND PARK UPDATE Mayor Cook will throw out the first official ball and provide the first official kick on Saturday April 19th. While the sports complex is still a work-in-progress, it is a sight to behold for sports lovers of any age. You can’t fully appreciate it until you see it for yourself!

PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID

130 Penn St., Westfield, IN 46074

CALENDAR OF EVENTS APR 8 • Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting 7:00 pm, Westfield City Hall, Assembly Room

APR 12 & 26 • Heart and Soul Free Clinic 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 202 Penn Street

APR 14 • City Council Meeting 7:00 pm, Westfield City Hall, Assembly Room

APR 24 • West Access Road Public Information Meeting 7:00 pm, Westfield City Hall, Assembly Room

APR 26 • Arbor Day Planting and Tree Giveaway 10:00 am, Asa Bales Park

APR 29 • WeCAN Meeting 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, City Services Center