Compiled by Anna Skinner
The Westfield City Council met in regular session at 7 p.m. Aug. 10. The council’s next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 24 at City Hall, 130 Penn St., Westfield.
What happened: Citizen’s Energy Group presented a progress report regarding the transfer of Westfield’s water assets in March 2014.
Why it matters: Citizen’s Energy Group is converting to a new billing system, new payment methods, paperless billing and online accounts. They estimated their current property tax contribution to Westfield at $1,470,000 with an estimated increase of $530,353.
What happened: The council unanimously approved the construction of a multi-family development and commercial development on the southwest corner of Spring Mill Station.
Why it matters: Many residents disliked the plan, fearing the new apartment complex could bring crime into a close proximity to Shamrock Springs Elementary School.
What happened: The council approved a speed limit decrease on 161st Street between Farr Hills Drive to Oak Ridge Road and Gray Road to Union Street with a 6-1 vote.
Why it matters: The speed limit will decrease from 40 mph to 35 mph for safety reasons. The speed limit decrease allows for 55 feet of additional distance to safely stop. Another change for drivers, parking on Grand Park Boulevard will no longer be allowed. The city’s public works department has placed flags on the speed limit signs on 161st Street to alert drivers of the change.
What happened: A Trails PUD was approved to move on to the advisory plan commission.
Why it matters: New planning on Ind. 32 calls for multi-family developments, commercial and retail development with a trail side view. The PUD will continue to plan commission at the Sept. 8 meeting before returning to the council for adoption consideration.
What happened: The Gateway Sub District for Grand Junction was introduced to the council.
Why it matters: Kevin Todd, senior planner for the economic and community development department, presented a plan for the comprehensive plan for the four corners of U.S. 31 and Ind. 32 intersection for Grand Junction. He mentioned several themes he hopes to implement. The plan will advance to the plan commission meeting on Sept. 8.
