January2014 ycm

JAN 2014

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communications@westfield.in.gov

IN THIS ISSUE • Utility Transfer • APC Appointment • Park’s Programming • Arts Commission

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westfield.in.gov

Letter from the mayor We are excited to report the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has approved the transfer of Westfield Utilities to Citizens Energy Group.

This transfer represents an unprecedented step forward in our “Westfield, Where You Want to Be” initiative to make much needed community investments without raising your taxes.

Transferring Westfield Utilities to Citizens Energy will provide about $40 million for streets, roundabouts and sidewalks, while allowing us to expand the Midland Trace and Monon Trails. Meanwhile, Citizens will make the utility system investments necessary to facilitate community growth and meet federal clean water and environmental mandates. At the same time, we will retire all $45 million of utility debt while securing our water and wastewater systems with a trusted company committed to stable utility rates, outstanding service and future community growth.

When the transfer is complete, Citizens Westfield will provide efficient water, wastewater and gas service to the community. Citizens has committed to the current five-year schedule of modest rate increases approved last year by the Westfield City Council. Because of the association with Citizens Energy Group, Citizens Westfield will be able to achieve efficiencies that will hold down future rate increases.

STAFF Andy Cook Mayor

Todd Burtron

Chief of staff

Joel Rush

Just as they did in 2005 when they acquired Westfield Gas, Citizens will provide a smooth transition for water and wastewater customers. Retention of Westfield Utilities employees will be key to continuing great service.

Initially, the only significant changes are Citizens will not bill customers for trash and stormwater service, and a new utility phone number will be established. In the Spring, residents will receive a quarterly trash and stormwater bill from the City, as well as a bill from Citizens for water and wastewater.

Police Chief

Jason Lemons Fire Chief

Melody Jones

Parks & Recreation director

John Rogers

Enterprise director

Matt Skelton

Economic & Community development director

Ken Alexander

Public Works Director

Derrick Cash

Informatics director

Erin Verplank

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

In about a year, Citizens will reformat the water and wastewater bill and offer new payment options, including automatic bank transfer and budget billing, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month based on annual usage.

Westfield is at a critical point in its history as it strives to continue growth, while maintaining the affordability and livability of the community. Transferring Westfield Utilities to its new partner, Citizens Energy Group, is truly a milestone in our efforts to make “Westfield Where You Want to Be”.

Sincerely, Andy

Utility Transfer FAQ’s (continued) Q. Why is trash and stormwater service being removed from my utility bill?

A. Citizens is not acquiring the stormwater system; trash service is provided by Ray’s Trash service.

Q. How will the transfer impact my utility rates?

A. Citizens has agreed to the five-year schedule of modest rate increases passed recently by the Westfield City Council.

Because of the association with Citizens Energy Group, significant operational efficiencies will be achieved for Westfield customers which will help hold down future rate increases.

Q. Besides through the mail, what other forms of bill payment will Citizens offer?

A. Customers will be able to continue paying their bill online at the new Citizens Westfield website starting in early 2014.

For about one year, customers will still be able to pay their bill at the Westfield City Services Center at 2728 E. 171st Street.

Q. When will we receive more information about the utility transfer, such as the new phone number?

A. Citizens and the City will provide more information through bill inserts and special home mailings in December and January.

Q. Will Citizens be offering new payment options at some point?

A. In about a year, Citizens will reformat the current water and wastewater bill to include comparative consumption data to help customers track their utility usage. Citizens Westfield customers receiving gas service from Vectren will only receive a water and wastewater bill from Citizens. The revised bill will include these new options: • • •

Automatic bank transfer Budget Billing which allows customers to pay the same amount each month based on annual usage Multiple new bill payment sites will be established when the city stops taking utility payments

For more information about the utility transfer to Citizens Energy Group, please visit the City’s website at www.westfield.in.gov

An aerial view of the Westfield Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Utility Transfer FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions) We understand the transfer of the City’s water and wastewater facility to Citizens Energy Group raises many questions. We hope this Q&A will provide a more thorough understanding of the partnership.

Q. What are the benefits of the utility transfer?

A. The transfer will provide $40 million for much needed infrastructure investments in Westfield such as new streets, sidewalks and trail expansions without raising your taxes. The City will also retire all of the utility’s $45 million in debt.

Citizens will make necessary utility investments for community growth, while offering outstanding customer service at stable rates.

Q. When will the transfer of Westfield Utilities to Citizens Energy Group be completed?

A. The transfer of Westfield Utilities is expected to be completed in early 2014 after the completion of financing and the transfer of funds.

Q. What will the new name for the utility be?

A. Westfield Utilities will be called Citizens Westfield, so please look for the logo below on your bill and on company facilities and vehicles.

Q. What number will I call for utility services or emergencies like leaks?

A. Until notified, you should continue to call the current utility phone number for emergencies and customer service issues -- (317) 896-5452. When Citizens takes over, a new phone number will be established for utility service and emergencies.

Customers will receive a mailing soon with the new number.

Q. When will I receive my first bill from Citizens and how will it be different?

A. In early 2014, Citizens Westfield will issue its first bill for water and wastewater services, but it will not bill customers for trash and stormwater services. The City of Westfield will bill customers quarterly for trash and stormwater services. Citizens will continue to bill separately for their gas customers in Westfield. Customers in the Westfield area currently receiving gas service from Vectren will remain with Vectren. starting in January. For about one year, customers will still be able to pay their bill at the Westfield City Services Center at 2728 E. 171st Street.

Q. Will the same people be providing my utility service?

A. Yes, Citizens will retain Westfield Utilities employees, thus enhancing the established expertise at Citizens Westfield. Citizens understands that well-trained employees are the key factor in consistently delivering world-class customer service.

Q. Will Westfield have sufficient water supply for future growth?

A. Yes. As the largest water supplier in Central Indiana, Citizens’ stewardship will allow for a more regional approach to water supply planning ensuring a more sustainable supply for Westfield and all of the communities they serve. Citizens will make the system investments necessary to ensure water supply for the future, address environmental mandates related to wastewater collection and treatment, and solve urgent capital needs resulting from growth, while holding down utility rate increases.

Westfield in lights Thousands of people turned out for the 5th Annual Westfield in Lights Celebration on December 7th. Below are some pictures from the event.

UPDATES arts commission The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced today that Westfield and five other Indiana communities have been approved for the second iteration of the agency’s Vibrant Communities cultural planning consultancy project. The Arts Alliance of Westfield, a committee of Downtown Westfield Association (DWA), plans to utilize the consultancy in developing a strategic plan for the arts in Westfield. For more information about the cultural planning consultancies, please contact Kristina Davis by calling (317) 232-1279 or email kdavis-smith@iac.in.gov.

APC APPOINTMENT

Council Update Below are notes taken from the December 9th, 2013 City Council Meeting. For more information, visit www.westfield.in.gov or call 317-804-3000.

The Westfield Library gave a summary of the work being completed on their expansion. Representatives said construction is looking to get back on schedule after some delay in October.

The Mayor presented former Councilman John Dippel’s family with a street sign to be posted in the future. A representative from Congresswoman Susan Brooks’ office read a Congressional Record read

by Brooks on Oct. 30.

Westfield Parks and Recreation fees and polices were introduced and passed. In addition, write-offs from lost utility collections were approved.

The next Council Meeting will take place on January 13, 2014 at 7pm in the Assembly Room at City Hall.

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook is excited to announce that Andre Maue has been appointed to the Advisory Plan Commission to fill a vacancy left by City Councilman Chuck Lehman. Andre brings a vast knowledge of planning and development to the commission, which will continue the group’s goal of overseeing valued growth in the City of Westfield. “I’ve been around the noise, dirt and excitement of new development all my life,” says Maue. “I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity by Mayor Cook and be a part of future development in the city where I live.”

pARKS pROGRAMS Westfield Parks & Recreation is excited to offer our first ever “Try Before You Buy” week for many of our fitness classes in January! Simply register for an activity, and the first class is completely free. You only pay if you want to complete the rest of the session. Visit their website at www.westfield.in.gov/parks for all your registration options and reserve your spot today!

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130 Penn St., Westfield, IN 46074

CALENDAR OF EVENTS JAN 9 & 23 • Heart and Soul Free Clinic 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 202 Penn Street

JAN 11 • City Council Meeting 7:00 pm, Westfield City Hall, Assembly Room

JAN 12 • Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting 9:00 pm, Westfield City Hall, Assembly Room

JAN 20 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day City Offices CLOSED

JAN 22 • Westfield Community Night 7:00 pm, Butler University, Hinkle Fieldhouse

JAN 31 • WeCAN Meeting 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, City Services Center