Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the bond amount was for $6.725 million.
The Westfield City Council met Aug. 9. Included in the meeting were several council introductions and updates for the HAWK system and the citywide audit. For more, visit westfield.in.gov.
What happened: Mayor Andy Cook gave an update on the HAWK system, or high-intensity-activated crosswalk, at the Monon Trail Crossing at 161st Street.
What it means: Cook said the equipment will be solar powered, which allows the city to use some of the same equipment already at the crosswalk because of the simplicity of the new system. Cook said the system should be up and running by the end of this month.
What happened: Cook gave a brief update on the Baker/Tilly Taft audit of all city departments.
What it means: Cook said the reports are being merged between the three firms and all will be presented to the council and administration by Sept. 15. Council President Mike Johns said the council hasn’t seen an invoice since March, and he has asked the clerk’s office and the council’s finance committee to look into the issue.
What happened: The council approved a planned unit development ordinance for IMI to construct a concrete batch plant at Ind. 32 and Mule Barn Road.
What it means: The council approved the project knowing the Indiana Dept. of Transportation doesn’t plan to make improvements to the Ind. 32 and Mule Barn Road intersection near the project until 2026. Because the project will add more truck traffic to the intersection, the city council is working with INDOT on an interlocal agreement whereby the city would improve the intersection as early as 2022 and be reimbursed by INDOT in 2026. An agreement hasn’t been approved.
What happened: Westfield Washington Public Library Executive Director Cheryl Sollars requested the council to approve the library moving forward to obtain $16.725 million in bonds to construct a new library.
What it means: Because it was an introduction, a vote was not taken. If approved, the maximum repayment time would be 20 years, but WWPL officials want to pay off the bonds in 16 years. Sollars said the library is finishing the schematic design for the new building. If approved, the bonds would be paid solely by the library and not the city.
What happened: A public hearing was held for an annexation ordinance for the Bonterra subdivision.
What it means: The 100 percent voluntary annexation is just under 29 acres on the southwest quadrant of Ind. 32 and Gray Road.
What happened: Parks and Recreation Supt. Chris McConnell requested an amendment to the Westfield Parks and Trails Rules and Procedures.
What it means: McConnell said the rules and procedures were last updated in 2014. Some of the new rules and procedures encompass pickleball courts use, Grand Junction Plaza operations, Grand Junction Plaza ice rink operation and adds an entire section about trail use and establishes a speed limit on trails and updates the rules and procedures for non-city special events. Because it was an introduction, the council did not vote.
