COUNCILMAN’S CORNER
I hope that you were able to follow the recent discussions during the meeting of the combined Fort Wayne City Council and the Allen County Council. These joint meetings have been part of a major effort by City and County officials to look for ways to enhance cooperation between local government entities. The good news is that there is already a high level of cooperation between City and County government in several areas including the health department, animal control, building department, and in the area of economic development. That’s great but we need to go a lot further. At the recent joint meeting, May 17, there was heated discussion regarding exactly how to combine the police records division, the police radio shop and the communications divisions which are currently using shared equipment while being physically separated by a wall in the communications area. The goals of the process were noble and some progress was made. An overview of the situation, however, convinces me more than ever that our current outmoded governmental structure—with nearly 75% of all county residents being served by both a city and county government and duplication of almost every city and county department—needs major reform if we’re to make real progress in the 21st century. I remain optimistic that those reforms ARE going to happen.
The Park Board met at the City-County Building on May 27th and accepted public opinion for at least the 6th time regarding the proposed improvements of the roadway leading into Foster Park. Many citizens felt the current plan was flawed and the Park Board asked its staff to come up with an alternative design and to bring that recommendation back to the board in the future. Something certainly needs to be done since the current roadway has been deteriorating steadily since the 2003 flood. I appreciate the Park Board’s willingness to listen to public opinion and to send this project back to the drawing board for review. By the way, a preliminary version of the long-awaited park study is now in the hands of the Park Department staff. I’m optimistic that the study will include some good ideas to help move our park system forward.
City Utilities has been working on a major $1 million plus utilities project in the Old Mill Road area. The planned project (actually, more than one) should help protect residential homeowners from flooding and keep contaminated water out of our rivers. One length of pipe had to be placed through Foster Park. The good news is that the project through the park was carefully planned to take only a brief period of time followed by rapid restoration of park green space. Thanks to the City Utilities Department for their careful management of this project!
A couple dates to remember: Germanfest will be held throughout the community June 9-12 and another great FREE all-Waynedale party is planned at Waynedale Park on Saturday, August 28th from 10 am to 2 pm. Thanks to all of the businesses and private citizens who have supported a great Waynedale Park celebration! A special thanks to Beulah Stoker, Cheryl Connett, and Renee Haugh and all of their fellow organizers!
Give me a call with any suggestions or questions!
Tom Hayhurst
City Councilman
4th District
432-8418
tom.hayhurst@verizon.net
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