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.
