DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS – MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

I was pleased to recently join our Department of Public Works to announce a new initiative – the launching of a free app called RecycleFW! The app is designed to help residents get easy access to information about disposal of recyclables, garbage and other waste materials.

Now at an 80 percent participation rate, Fort Wayne’s single stream recycling program is a huge hit with residents. In fact, participation in the City’s One Cart recycling program, which began in 2011, has grown more than 45 percent since it began.

Our new app will give residents access to information from their iPhone, iPad or Android, any time they want, whether on the road or at home.

RecycleFW can be downloaded from the Apple Store for iPhone and iPad users and at Google Play for Android users. In addition to the app, residents can still get online information from their phones via the internet at recyclefortwayne.org.

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The app will help residents set a reminder notice about their recycling day, gather instant information about what can be recycled and where to take items that can’t be placed in the cart. The app also has a link to current information about holiday schedules, leaf collection and advice on how to handle everything from spring and summer yard waste to holiday wrapping paper.

On another note, I was pleased to join with Frontier Communications recently to announce their establishment of a new Community Wi-Fi Hot Zone downtown in Freimann Square and One Summit Square. This initiative allows downtown visitors to seamlessly stay connected to broadband Internet services while in the Hot Zone. A variety of Wi-Fi-enabled devices are supported, including tablets, smartphones and laptops.

I’m encouraged by the investment and positive momentum in the City of Fort Wayne. We appreciate the partnership with Frontier to provide free Wi-Fi in our downtown area that continues to grow and succeed. Being a leader in technology demonstrates a commitment to attracting and retaining jobs and businesses and making Fort Wayne a welcoming place for citizens and visitors.

And, finally, please join me in congratulating the Holiday Cab program, which is kicking off its 26th year in our city. Holiday Cab provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during the holiday season. This year, it runs from Thursday, Dec. 19 to Wednesday, Jan. 1 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Residents must call Holiday Cab at 426-1301, in order to participate in the free service program.

Holiday Cab was created in 1987 to provide an alternative for residents looking for a safe ride home. Last year, the program provided nearly 400 rides. We applaud the Holiday Cab program for providing this community service for 25 years – including providing 400 rides in 2011. We join them in seeking to ensure that no lives are endangered on our roadways.

On behalf of the City of Fort Wayne, I wish all of our residents a very Happy Holiday season!