Last Updated on July 9, 2019 by cassnetwork
We’ve invited Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell to share updates from the city in a monthly column on CassCountyOnline.com.
Dave Kitchell
You can hear the hammers pounding and the table saws whirring.
Roofing is being replaced and additions are being attached. Improvements for city residences and businesses have boosted construction numbers this year at an eye-popping rate.
Through May of last year, the city issued building permits for $3.59 million in projects. Through May of this year, permits were issued for $6.97 million in construction.
It is one of the most telling indicators we have of the investment being made in Logansport – both by local residents and companies, and by investors who believe in Logansport’s potential for growth.
June brought even more activity to the city, including work on the Market Street Bridge and city stormwater projects downtown. City Street Department crews worked with Central Paving on the paving of Broadway west to Eel River, and Eel River Avenue from Third Street south.
June also was a month in which we opened a new restroom and storage facility at Spencer Park.
It also was a month when city officials began serious conversations on the conversion of the former LMU generating plant property as well as the redevelopment of the former Trelleborg site and potential opportunities for solar fields there.
I had an opportunity to attend the Indiana Conference of Mayors in Richmond. About two dozen mayors from around the state listened to in-depth issues facing our communities, including waste disposal and recycling which is one of our largest expenses. As we prepare to advertise for a new trash collection contract next year, I am working now to contain all our related costs so that we won’t have to increase the monthly trash fee to residents, and may be able to reduce the fee and improve our services.
One option we may pursue is offering trash collection and/or recycling to LMU customers outside the city limits. It may be possible to reduce our costs by expanding the customer base. The move also may allow LMU customers who don’t live in the city a cheaper option for trash collection and recycling. I also am exploring ways we can reduce our recycling costs.
June was a month for enjoying “Legally Blonde” presented by Civic Players and the Summer Sundown Series in local parks. The United Commercial Travelers sponsored a safety poster contest, and our baseball and softball leagues at Fairview Park, Melbourne Avenue Park and Aim-Hi Park were busy places.
We also spent time examining new ways the city can reduce its energy costs. As we prepared for the 2020 budget process, we want to do all we can to present a balanced budget through cost savings and smart money management.
It is a privilege to serve as your mayor. If you have a comment, a concern, an idea or a complaint, please contact me at 753-2551, or via e-mail at dkitchell@cityoflogansport.org.