By Sadie Hunter
The who’s who of the city gathered at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Mayor’s State of the City luncheon on Sept. 23 to hear Mayor John Ditslear discuss the issues facing the city today. In his hour-long speech, Mayor Ditslear covered nearly every topic, from the city’s budget to its road construction.
Budget
Just introduced the night before on Sept. 22, Ditslear said the city council was close to passing an “in the black” budget, a positive after 2015’s “in the red” budget. However, he said it does not provide the adequate funding for a community to continue to maintain and grow at the rate we deserve.
According to 2010 projections for the coming year, Ditslear said approximately $30.4 million has been lost in city revenue as a result of property tax caps implemented by the state.
Taking a look at alternative funding, city officials have said they are exploring the option of a trash and recycling fee, something the city currently provides at no cost to its residents—the only city in the county to do so.
Ditslear said if the fee or another form of funding doesn’t become available, the city would be forced to cut the high quality services residents have come to expect.
Distinctions
Ditslear said in 2015, Noblesville was named by Forbes.com in a list of the “Best 25 Suburbs for Retirement.” In addition, Klipsch Music Center was named in the top five for the best outdoor venues in the nation.
Parking
This year, the city formed the Downtown Parking Task Force made up of city officials, organization heads and building and business owners.
So far, the task force has taken public input, and in August, conducted a manual count of cars for one week. Ditslear said parking solution recommendations could be expected later this year.
Parks and amenities
At the top of his speech, Ditslear mentioned Riverwalk Depot, the city’s first pocket park, situated on an irregular piece of land near the Riverwalk and railroad tracks by Eighth Street.
Ditslear said the Riverwalk project is near its final stage of development, connecting Maple Avenue to trails and a boardwalk along the White River. The final stage of the project will begin next year.
City officials broke ground on Federal Hill Commons just last month. Ditslear said the six-acre park would become a catalyst for economic development and growth west of the river.
New this year at Forest Park is the installation of an expression swing, permanent corn hole pits and a Gaga Ball pit. Ditslear said this fall, the park would welcome a Bocce Ball court.
The city is currently working to extend the Midland Trace Trail from Westfield to the center of Noblesville.
“Once completed, residents will be able to use trails to get from the heart of our city to the Monon Trail and down to Indianapolis,” he said. “Right now we are purchasing easements before we can begin building the trail extension.”
Ditslear said he would also like to see the completion of the Levee Trail through the city. “We have the design finished and are ready to move forward,” he said. “We just need the funding and approval. This will be built in three phases using Park Impact Fees to offset costs.” The city plans to connect Morse Park Beach to both downtown and to the north at 216th Street. “Levee Trail will connect at least 7,000 people to existing trails leading to downtown,” Ditslear said.
Partnerships
Ditslear took time to also mention the city’s many partnerships, naming the Chamber of Commerce, Nickel Plate Arts and Noblesville Main Street, which he said hosted more than 80 community events, from the weekly farmers markets to the annual Duck Race.
Planning and growth
Ditslear said he was happy to announce the city’s increase in building and building permits. He said the city’s planning department is recording an increase in the number of issued permits, nearly 70 more than this time last year.
“It’s a great sign that we have seen that increase in single family residential and commercial,” he said. “It also is interesting to note that 50 percent of our permit growth is in the southeast section of the city.”
Public safety
Ditslear mentioned highlights of the city’s police and fire departments so far this year. NPD achieved CALEA accreditation, something less than 10 percent of police agencies in the nation have. Greg Wyant was named NFD chief after the retirement of Ken Gilliam.
Ditslear said Noblesville was the second busiest fire department in the county and also touted the city’s tactical rescue team and dive team, each only one of two in the county.
Road construction
Ditslear announced the start of two major road projects for 2016—a roundabout by Home Depot on Ind. 38 (began Oct. 5) and a roundabout on S. 10th Street.
“I’d love to announce that you won’t have to see the see the orange ‘Road Construction Ahead’ signs next year, but that’s part of being a growing community,” Ditslear said. “It also is part of trying to be more efficient with our traffic flows. Think of them as short term pains for long term gains.”
