Winchester Council approves sidewalk repair ordinance

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

Winchester City Council Monday approved the second and third readings of an unsafe sidewalk ordinance creating a fund to assist with fixing damaged sidewalks. The sidewalk repair process will work according to a policy to be established and administered by the Winchester Board of Works. The program will provide a one-to-one match with citizen contributions to fix up their own sidewalks.

"I've had questions and positive feedback on this, but I've heard no negative comments," said councilman Bill Peden. Other council members said they also have heard no negative opinions regarding the sidewalk ordinance.

The ordinance allows the Board of Works to decide how money set aside for side walk repairs will be used and how it will be dispersed. The first year of the program will be funded with proceeds from closing out the city's revolving loan funds. It will continue in future years with state money from riverboat gambling proceeds.

Winchester Mayor Steve Croyle said the Board of Works would meet Tuesday to set parameters and work out details of the sidewalk improvement plan. He said the program will begin as soon as the details are worked out by the Board of Works.

In other business, Winchester Street Department Superintendent Mike Henry said Thursday's citywide clean-up day was a great success. He said they took in 27-30 tons of trash during the one-day event.

Councilman Larry Preston, who helped out with the clean-up, said it was a great event and he was especially impressed by how hard street department employees worked.

Henry said he especially appreciates the assistance of Randolph County Community Corrections which provided help from several corrections clients as well as office personnel.

"I can't thank them enough for their assistance," Henry said.

Council also heard a report from a group of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduate students on their plan for a rails to trails fitness trail. The fitness trail would connect the Beeson Community Center to the Randolph County YMCA, Goodrich Park and Camp Yale. It would involve the creation of 4.7 miles of walking trails, combined with a trail currently under construction by the city parks department.

It is estimated the project will cost $850,000, including materials, labor and equipment but not land acquisition fees.

The student presentation recommended several grants that are available for such projects. They researched the respective grant procedures and provided links for applications.

Grad student Erin Locke suggested a public contest open to local school kids asking them to design a logo for the walking trail.

Council commended them on their work.

"It's up to you guys whether it's a 5-year, 10-year or 15-year program," Croyle told council.

"Fitness trails have become such a quality of life issue. In many larger cities such trails are constantly in use and shops and businesses are cropping up along the routes. While we aren't expecting a dramatic increase in usage, we are kind of excited about it."

He said the project can likely be completed for less than the estimated price.

"As we look at our strategic plan and our development, we can include this as something we want to get done," Croyle said. "I think this project has an awful lot of merit and it's something we may want to do. It could be as much as a 20-year project if it needs to be."

Peden outlined a new Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) Green Initiative program which recognizes communities that are trying to be more environmentally conscious.

"I looked at the information on the IACT website and we're doing all of the things that are recommended by the program," Peden said. "I think it would be good for us to be involved."

Peden also noted that the City Redevelopment Commission will host a report on the use of extra Willow Ridge TIF district funds. The public meeting is may 13 at 5 p.m. at the Beeson Community Center.

"We're seeking community input on possible projects that could be done with TIF money," Peden said. "The public is welcome to attend. Willow Ridge residents are especially encouraged to attend."