MAYOR JOES PUBLIC FORUM

MAYOR JOESPUBLIC FORUMApril 23, 20141AGENDA125th Anniversary CelebrationResidential Grant UpdateMemorial Bench ProgramFire Department HiringCity Web Site Social MediaProjects Update125th ANNIVERSARYEvent Focus - July +/-119th Street ArchwayEventsJuly 3rd FireworksJuly 4th ParadeMickey & Minnie special guestsOther Cartoon CharactersMascot themeJuly 11th Studio 659 Images of Whiting125th ANNIVERSARYEventsJuly 16th Cruise NightPixar Cars Mater, Lightning McQueen and BatmobileJuly 19th Symphony in the ParkSpecial Disney ProductionJuly 25th 27th Pierogi FestSpecial Fireworks show on Saturday nightAugust 13th Lakefront Park Open HouseFamily activitiesDisney Radio Road Crew appearance

119th STREET ARCHWAY

RESIDENTIAL GRANT PROGRAMProgram opened on April 1$550,000 allocatedTo date:82 matching assistance applicationsCity Investment Totaling $275,000Community Investment Totaling $750,00016 Senior Low Income GrantsCity Investment Totaling $58,000Community Investment Totaling $72,500Total Community Investment $825,000MEMORIAL BENCH PROGRAM

MEMORIAL BENCH PROGRAM42 benches at the new Lakefront Promenade$500 donation to dedicate a bench to:Deceased family member or friendHonor someone who is still livingShow support for an organizationClass Reunion ProjectTo date 29 benches dedicatedMoney will go into the Park Donation FundNameplates will be placed sometime spring/summerFIRE DEPARTMENT HIRINGCurrent 2-Year Hiring List expires April 30Testing in progress to establish a new listCurrent plans are to hire:3 new firefighters on June 13 new firefighters on January 1, 2015Vacancies created by the retirement of 5 firefighters

NEW WEB SITE ROLLOUTNew Web Site rolled out last monthFeatures include:Community calendarAllows anyone to post to the calendar subject to City approvalImproved navigationSocial Media integrationTwitter news!Mayor Joe is planning on entering the Twitter WorldWill focus on project updates & important newsStay tunedPROJECTS UPDATEControlled ChaosDisruptionInconvenienceLAKEFRONT PARKRoadway/Trail ProjectTake trail across tracksFinish roadwayRepave existing park pathsUtility workFront Street turning lanesUnderway Estimated completion August 1st

LAKEFRONT PARKGazebo Formal GardenGazeboEvent facilityAvailable for rentSound systemFormal GardenEvent facilityAvailable for rentFolly structure for wedding ceremoniesProject in progress Completion by August 1st

LAKEFRONT PARKEntry MonumentsBidding completedConstruction begins MayCompletion by August 1stProject includes:Monuments at Front and 117th entry waysLAKEFRONT PARKRestaurantStill working on final design to ensure successful operationNeed to be sure that the layout will work for multiple operations/restaurantsNext step is to release an RFP to select operatorSignificant interestNeed to do this correctlyExpect construction to begin by summerGoal is for early 2015 opening

LAKEFRONT PARKWhihala ImprovementsBoat docks being installed nowReady for launch seasonParking area redesignRepaving & RestripingConnecting Trail - Promenade to Concession Stand areaMaintenance Facility upgradesEntrance Road modifications?Log Cabin home of Whiting-Robertsdale Boat ClubAll should start in 2014 early 2015

LAKEFRONT PARKParking PlanProgrammable Parking Meter SystemDetermine 46394Set rates by address or use (boat launch)Rates changeable remotelyAutomation eliminate gatekeepersWill receive new incremental revenueParking Enforcement TeamIn place by year end 2014

LAKEFRONT PARKWhihala AttractionsAerial CourseHigh RopesZip LineRock ClimbingUnique to area Customers with disposable incomeBeach Related RentalsAll in discussion phase for implementation in 2015LAKEFRONT PARK

STADIUM DISTRICTAcquisitionsRecently acquired 5 properties from willing sellersCurrently working on 4 moreSuccessfully found new homes for 3 familiesNo shortage of willing sellers at this pointExpect the process to take several years

STADIUM DISTRICTMuseumsFinal phase of the Feasibility Study will be completed in early MayWill determine the proposed size of the building(s)Will determine the programming of the MuseumsWill allow the City to determine cost of constructionWill allow the City to determine Go or No-Go statusCurrent plan leaning toward1 larger building for CBM and MHOF1 smaller building for Whiting-Robertsdale Museum

STADIUM DISTRICTNew Public Works Facility (PWF)Final design in progressMove to location further away from Front StreetGreener operationWash Bays recycled waterSalt & fuel containmentEnergy efficientAdded features include:Security Super Recycling Center Fleet storageAllows for Front Street developmentSTADIUM DISTRICTNew Public Works Facility (PWF)Design completed by August 1Construction start by OctoberEstimated completion date April 2015INDIANAPOLIS BOULEVARDProject bid and cost determinedWhiting share is $2,750,000Estimated construction start May ??Estimated completion - ??Contractor will have 18 months to completeAnticipate a much earlier completionProject includes:New surface new sidewalks elimination of high curbsOrnamental street lights sewer lining turning lanesOn Street ParkingQUIET ZONEProject is fundedEngineers working on updating the safety analysisExpected to be completed this summerNext steps will be for Railroads to update our costsHope to have crossing upgrades started in late 2014Newest target for implementation is 1Q 2015117th StreetDesign completed - Bids opened May 6th Construction to begin in May - Completed in 2014Project includes:Reconfigured Oliver intersection to improve safetyNew water & sewer linesBrick intersection featureOrnamental lighting1500 1600 Atchison Avenue sidewalksADA ramps across north side of CityWHITING COMMUNITY CENTERPreliminary work completedAsbestos abatementDemo - explorationDesign completeBids opened April 29thConstruction estimated to begin in MayCompletion estimated December 1stYMCA estimated to begin operation on January 1st Follow the project online with the WCC photo blogWHITING COMMUNITY CENTER

T-BALL FIELDWork in progressEstimated completion early MayProject highlights:Artificial turfAdditional RestroomsTOURISM

AMUSEMENT TRAINWorking on final designEstimated arrival in time for Lakefront Open HousePlans to operate on weekends and for Special EventsFuture plans to:Install replica depotInstall working crossing gates and flashersChildrens attractions bring parents and grandparents into the community to spend $$ MISCELLANEOUSLF Hotel still having discussions with developers119th Apartment Building very soon!!!St. Marys city now owns the school and parking lotIlliana Hotel working with multiple developersSenior Housing?Paving Plan Hard Winter16 alleys on 2014 PlanFinalizing Street list but anticipate some street pavingCity Hall Plaza Bids open April 29th MISCELLANEOUSNorfolk Southern RailroadAdding a 3rd track at 117th StreetNIPSCOAdding a new high pressure gas line along Standard Avenue Front Street Through Whiting ParkQ&As