PRESIDENT JIM introduced Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski. 
The fourth term mayor began by explaining what the city will be doing to fight the heroin and meth epidemic that has overwhelmed courts all over the state and is taxing resources. He encouraged all to get involved to help educate young people of the dangers. He has hired five new police officers, purchased body and car cameras and continues to help the city acquire abandoned houses. Ninety percent of crime is driven by drug use.
The Mayor answered questions submitted from members:
1. Riverfront Project - $5 – 6 million of property as been acquired along the river through grant money. The MARQ building will house Old National Bank, apartments and commercial space with a landscaped riverfront promenade on the river side.
2. Shovel ready sites: Park 350 is the most recent effort. It now houses Nanshan, GE, Heartland Automotive, FedEx, Data center for Wintek and warehouses. Work on the watershed area and the Carr family property north of SIA will add 1,000 acres in our area.
3. Railroad crossings repairs are very expensive and need to be paid by the city.
4. The combined sewer overflows are not done. It involves 20 years of projects to meet the mandates.
5. The commitment to the passenger rail service will continue. Tony thanked ARVID OLSON, saying it would not have happened without ARVID’S hard work.
6. Sagamore Parkway update: On schedule
7. The biggest challenge for law enforcement is social media. He also reminded us that a tiny percentage of cops make mistakes. Support the men and women who are risking their lives to protect people and property.
THANK YOU:
Dear Lafayette Rotary Club,
Thank you for your gift to the Lafayette Rotary Club Foundation in memory of Dad. He was a proud Rotarian, and truly enjoyed the friendships and mission work he developed by being with all of you.
Thank you for honoring him in such a thoughtful way.
With love, The Tom Moran Family