Mayor Roswarski spoke on the financial state of the City of
Lafayette, its projects
and future. The financial status of Lafayette is in "not too bad of
shape"
compared with other cities in Indiana, which are in dire straights.
The Mayor,
department heads and city employees will continue to be prudent,
frugal and
careful with the City's resources. The delay in mailing tax bills
had a profound
effect on Lafayette. Lafayette went 11 months without revenue coming
into the
City, before borrowing $4 million with $19,000 in interest, which was
paid back in
32 days. Mayor Roswarski commended department heads and city employees
for being careful with our money and at the same time providing
quality services.
Current concerns include not receiving Form 1782 from the State of
Indiana; not
knowing how much of President Obama's stimulus package we will
receive or
which projects it will fund; tax bills may not go out until July 2009
and how
property tax caps will effect distribution of funds. Mayor
Roswarski said the City
will continue to practice pro-active fiscal restraints, push itself
out of this
economic situation, move forward to promote quality of life, capture
economic
development and retain current businesses and industries.
Lafayette's big project is the giant tunnel running from the Pearl
River Lift Station
underneath the City from 2nd street to Riehle Plaza. It will be
2,600 feet long and
currently they have built 1,000 feet of the tunnel. This tunnel is
designed to
integrate the sewers, so when it rains it can store over one million
gallons of rain
and wastewater, and clear up the CSO (combined sewer overflow) that
goes into
the Wabash River. This will place the City in compliance with a
judicial
agreement with the EPA and IDEM. The City is thinking of extending
the tunnel
another 600 feet to intercept another CSO (combined sewer overflow)
near the
potential site of the Juvenile Justice Center. The Mayor would like
to keep the
company here to continue the work, as the price is right.
The 2nd project is on the south end of Lafayette. Bids are coming in
for the
widening of 350 South, Concord Road and Brady Lane. The City wants
to create
a boulevard-type feel with calming measures and restricted access. Some
amenities would include a median, bicycle lanes, trees, decorative
lighting, etc.
The City has completely renovated the 6500 foot Elliott Ditch taking
industrial
flow out of the neighborhoods.
The City is continuing the work on its 5-year strategic capitol
plan. It will be a
comprehensive, city-wide, detailed plan. The Zoo projects continue;
more trails
are being built which will add value and provide quality of life to
the community
and neighborhoods.
Public safety is the Mayor's top priority. He will continue support
for the Police
and Fire Departments, continue to support the Weed and Seed Program, the
We-Tipp Program and prosecutor's office on decreasing crime and gang
activity
in our City. Tearing down the Bridgeway Apartments has helped with
the drop in
crime for 2008. Mayor Roswarski says he feels safe in our community
and at the
same time reminds us that we live in a very mobile society and we
must be
vigilant.
The City of Lafayette will continue with the downtown streetscape
project in an
effort to attract folks downtown. He recommended long-term parking
in the 3
conveniently-located garages.
The Wabash River development, along with the Hoosier Heartland
Highway will
help our community grown and prosper. During these difficult times,
it is critically
important for Lafayette, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County and Purdue
University to continue working together to keep our community moving
forward in
a responsible manner to develop our urban core, keep our community
dynamic,
beautiful and prosperous.
