2014 City News
Return to Archived Documents
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10.31.2014
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Beech Grove Fire Fatality/Fire Department Update
BEECH GROVE, IN - The Beech Grove Fire Department responded to 86 N. 6th. on a reported Residence Fire October 29th at 07:47 Hrs. Upon arrival initial crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the residence. Beech Grove firefighters made initial fire attack and was able to quickly knock down the fire in the front living area of the residence. Significant smoke and heat damage contained to the entire first floor, crews had difficulty with extinguishment due to extreme clutter. During a primary search, an adult male was found deceased in the residence. Beech Grove and Indianapolis Fire Departments responded with over 38 firefighters on-scene to contain and extinguish the fire. No firefighter injuries occurred. The fire and death investigation is under investigation at this time. The approximate dollar loss is over $25,000.00. This is the third significant fire within the City of Beech Grove this month. With any fire, many man hours are dedicated towards maintenance, repair and up -keep of fire apparatus, equipment, and protective gear. Although we train and prepare for emergencies, we have been faced with many different challenges through out the course of 2014. In October, we were presented with the challenge to train, prepare and purchase equipment to handle Ebola patients. Nationwide Fire Departments and Ambulance services were given guidelines by the CDC and established procedures were finalized by local Medical Direction. Our Fire and Emergency Medical Services remain at the front line encountering sick and injured patients daily. We have Patient Protocols and equipment to assist in handling an Ebola Patient to protect the health and safety of not only our providers, but to prevent further spread of the disease to family and the community. This training and equipment also will assist with providing care for the up-coming flu season which medical annalist predict will be the worst seen in several years. Our reserve Medic Unit RE-57 had significant repair work completed at Andy Morh Ford. This Ambulance was built with a Telmar retarder for safety to assist in braking. The Telmar retarder broke and needed repaired along with brakes, rotors, wheel bearings and calipers replaced on the front. We continue to work through other maintenance issues on the apparatus to keep vehicles ready for emergency response. The additional cost of unexpected vehicle and equipment repairs, along with emergency preparedness for Ebola has significantly taken a toll on this years budgeted expenses. As I stated in previous emails, we will continue with preventative maintenance on all vehicles. Robert B. Cheshire Fire Chief Beech Grove Fire Department |
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07.02.2014
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INDOT Chooses Chicago Firm for Amtrak Line
The Indiana Business Journal reports that the Indiana Department of Transportation selected Corridor Capital LLC of Chicago* to run the endangered Hoosier State passenger rail line from Indianapolis to Chicago. Under the state’s request for proposals, Corridor Capital would pick up where Amtrak left off with the Hoosier State, operating four times a week, but at an improved level of service, possibly with wi-fi access, food service and on-time performance. Read more in IBJNews online. *the original article described the firm as “of Los Angeles” |
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06.03.2014
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City to Receive Approximately $100,000 in Medicaid/Medicare Reimbursements for Ambulance Services
From the Office of Clerk Treasurer Dan McMillan In January, the City learned of a program that is sponsored by Medicaid/Medicare that provides supplemental payments to qualified ambulance services. The program is designed to assist government-owned ambulance services to recoup some of the losses they incur from Medicaid/Medicare ambulance runs. Former Steuben County Auditor Pam Coleman of Peters Municipal Consultants, Debbie Springer, Administrative Clerk for the City of Beech Grove Clerk Treasurer’s Office, Chief Cheshire & Chief Pierce of Beech Grove Fire Department and myself, spent the month of January gathering thousands of pages of data ranging from 2011 through 2013, in an effort to meet the January 31, 2014 deadline for filing applications to receive reimbursement.I want to publicly acknowledge and thank them for their assistance with completing the very lengthy applications. I am happy to announce that we just recently learned that the City has been approved. We will be receiving approximately one-hundred-thousand dollars reimbursement for the years 2011-2013, but it will take us approximately 18 months to receive payment. Going forward we should receive approximately$30 -$35,000.00 annually. As Financial Officer for the City, I will be recommending that this money be invested into a Capital Projects Fund to be used for Ambulance Service/Fire Department needs. Thank you, Dan McMillan, Clerk Treasurer City of Beech Grove |
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05.23.2014
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City of Beech Grove Opens a Compliance Division
BEECH GROVE, IN - In late April, the City of Beech Grove hired two part time employees for the purpose of conducting compliance inspections throughout the City of Beech Grove. This compliments an already part time fire inspector that was hired in early March of this year. The purpose of the Compliance Division is to enforce local ordinances that have been approved by the Common Council in order to clean up our city. Compliance Officers will work with law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, the Marion County Health Department, Department of Public Works and the local Building Commissioner to help clean up our city. How does it work? Compliance Officers will travel through the city in marked vehicles and conduct what we call “Plain View” inspections. “Plain View” inspections are inspections that occur from the street, sidewalk or in an alley. Compliance Officers have been instructed not to go on private property for the purpose of an inspection. These Officers will be wearing reflective vests and have City of Beech Grove identification, so at any time, you can approach them should you have questions or concerns. When a Compliance Officer conducts and inspection, a notice will be left at the property. With that notice there will be an instruction that a re-inspection will occur after ten calendar days. When a re-inspection occurs and conditions have not improved, the Compliance Officer will send a letter via Unites States mail to the registered owner of the property advising them that another re-inspection of the property will occur after ten days of receipt of the letter and should conditions not be mediated, a summons will be issued to appear in the City Court of Beech Grove. This becomes very relevant as the court could impose fines and court costs and order the property to be cleaned up. What will Compliance Officers look for? They will look for properties that have tall grass, weed overgrowth, trash accumulation, brush piles, construction materials laying around, wood on the ground, vehicles parked off the roadway, abandoned vehicles, properties and structures that are run down, public hazards and general nuisances. The Compliance Division office is located at 802 Main Street. They can be reached at 803-9099. There are no set hours or days that they report, so you’ll have to leave a message and one of them will get a notice when messages are left. Here’s how you can help us. If you have a concern about your neighbor’s property or would like to report a problem, simply pick up the phone and call us. It’s that simple. You can also contact them at mayorscallcenter@beechgrove.com. Your calls and e-mail reports will remain anonymous. Continued paving projects and sewer projects that we are doing, along with the start up of the Compliance Division will go a long way in helping clean up and make our beautiful city better which is all we can ask for. |
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05.20.2014
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City of Beech Grove Takes Legal Action Against Franciscan Alliance
Persistent 'impermissible flow of storm water from former hospital site into sanitary sewers placing undue burden on taxpayers, infrastructure BEECH GROVE, IN - The City of Beech Grove announced today that it has filed a lawsuit in Marion County Superior Court against Franciscan Alliance, Inc. for persistent, impermissible flow of storm water into the city sanitary sewer system at the former St. Francis Hospital site, which is a direct violation of city ordinance and a public health hazard. Read more in the Press Release issued by the City of Beech Grove... |
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04.29.2014
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Property Tax Bills On-Time In all 92 counties
INDIANAPOLIS (April 28, 2014) – The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) announced today that property tax bills were issued in 92 counties. This is the first time since at least 2001 that all 92 counties have achieved on-time billing. “The DLGF is very pleased that all 92 counties have returned to the normal statutory tax billing cycle,” said DLGF Commissioner Micah G. Vincent. “This milestone could not have been accomplished without the time and effort of the county and township assessors, county auditors, and county treasurers.” On-time tax bills provide predictability for both taxpayers and local government units. Many of Indiana’s 2,500 local governments will no longer have to borrow money to continue operations while waiting for delayed revenue distributions due to late tax billing and collections. Indiana’s property tax bills were mailed to taxpayers on or before April 25, 2014. As a general rule, the first property tax installment payment is due to the county treasurer by May 12, 2014 and the second installment is due by November 10, 2014. Taxpayers interested in learning more about the assessment to tax billing cycle can visit http://www.in.gov/dlgf/2516.htm. In depthinformation about how taxes and other public dollars are budgeted and spent by Indiana's local units of government may be found on the Indiana Gateway for Government Units website at: https://gateway.ifionline.org/. About DLGF The Department of Local Government Finance is responsible for ensuring property tax assessment and local government budgeting are carried out in accordance with Indiana law. The DLGF is charged with publishing property tax assessment rules and annually reviewing and approving the tax rates and levies of every political subdivision in the state, including all counties, cities, towns, townships, school corporations, libraries, and other entities with tax levy authority. |
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04.24.2014
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8th/9th Avenue Sewer Replacement Project to Begin Monday, April 28, 2014
Mayor Dennis Buckley has announced that Culy Contracting will be on-site Monday, April 28th to break ground on the sewer replacement project at 8th/9th Avenue and Bellefontaine Street. They plan to begin the sanitary sewer replacement first and then re-route the storm sewer after. The project is to be Substantially Complete by Saturday, May 17th. |
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04.10.2014
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Mayor Dennis Buckley Announces a New Business Coming Soon, Upcoming Events and More...
PUBLIC INFORMATION April 10, 2014 From the Desk of the Mayor I wanted to pass on a couple of items and events that are in the works… The El Nevado Corporation has announced that they will open an authentic Mexican Restaurant in our city. The restaurant will be located at 3535 S. Emerson Avenue and should be open sometime in the early summer. The name of the establishment is “El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant”. Should you need assistance with your winters heat bill you can call the John H. Boner Community Center at 808.2378. You MAY be eligible for assistance. This is a project sponsored by the United Way of Indiana and is titled EAP (Energy Assistance Program). Plans are in the works to bring this United Way program to our city this next heating season. The Promoters Club “Clean Up Day” is set for Saturday April 19, 2014. For more information on this program please call 803-9111. The Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday April 12th in Sarah T. Bolton Park. Please bring a basket or plastic bag as the event begins at 1PM. Little League and Girls Softball season starts on Saturday April 26th. The annual parade steps off at 9AM in Sarah T. Park. Citizens Energy is in the process of installing new water mains on the following streets:
May has been declared as “Go Green” month in the City of Beech Grove. We encourage all citizens to join us in cleaning up our city. For more information please call 803-9111 |
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03.27.2014
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Mayor Dennis Buckley Proclaims May "Go Green Month" in the City of Beech Grove
From the Desk of the Mayor: On Saturday, April 19th the Beech Grove Promoters Club will have their Annual Cleanup Day in Beech Grove. I encourage all citizens to participate. I am going to declare the month of May as “Go Green Month” in the City of Beech Grove, and I encourage students, schools, civic groups, local businesses, cub scouts, girl scouts, churches and private citizens to clean up our city. We ask that private citizens clean up their yards and set out heavy trash for retrieval and clean up the curb line in front of your homes. Recently, you received a flier in the mail, outlining the dates when street sweeping will occur in your neighborhood. Call us at 803-9111 to volunteer to clean up designated areas of our city as either an individual or as a group.. Over the summer, with the help of the Middle School Recycling Committee, we will begin to promote recycling in our homes. The program is currently under development and by fall, we hope to present another “Go Green” project to help keep our city beautiful and to reduce our contribution of trash to the local landfills. “Lets Keep Good Things Happening” in our City. Respectfully Submitted, Dennis B. Buckley Mayor City of Beech Grove |
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03.26.2014
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City of Beech Grove Announces 2014 Street Sweeping Schedule
Beech Grove residents will be receiving notice of the 2014 Street Sweeping Schedule with a map of the Operation Clean Sweep Zones. The city-wide program will begin the first week of April and continue through September. City thoroughfares are swept weekly. Sanitary sewer upgrades will also begin in April and the Royal Road Reconstruction Project will begin in May. Please contact the MayorsCallCenter@beechgrove.com with any questions or feedback. 2014 Operation Clean Sweep Schedule and Zone Maps (.html) 2014 Operation Clean Sweep Schedule and Zone Maps (.pdf) |
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Beech Grove Parks Department Announces 2014 Programs Schedule
The Beech Grove Parks Department has announced their schedule of programs for 2014. The schedule features favorites from previous years such as "Snakehead Ed", a rock climbing wall and the Water Show, as well several entertaining and educational programs with live animals, birds of prey and creatures of the rain forest. The fun begins on Saturday, April 12 with the Beech Grove Lion's Club returning as sponsor of the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Sarah T. Bolton Park (Rain Date: Saturday, April 19). And you won't want to miss Campfire Stories with Bob Sander on October 4; hot dogs, marshmallows and spooky stories. All Parks programs and free and open to the public. Click the link to the left for the complete schedule. |
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Mayor Buckley Informs Neighborhood Residents of Upcoming Sewer and Drainage Projects
Projects area is between S. 8th and S. 9th Avenues, north of Churchman to just north of Bellefountaine Street The following letter was sent to neighborhood residents: The City of Beech Grove is providing this notification to you regarding sanitary and storm drainage improvement projects that will be completed this spring in your neighborhood. These improvements include: the replacement of an existing sanitary sewer in poor condition located under the alley between S. 8th Avenue and S. 9th Avenue, north of Churchman Avenue to just north of Bellefountaine Street; installation of storm inlets and sewers to improve storm drainage along Bellefountaine Street on the east and west side of the alley between S. 8th Avenue and S. 9th Avenue. We anticipate the construction will take place between April 1 and May 31, 2014, however the timeframe is subject to change depending on the contractor’s availability and weather. These improvements may require the temporary closure of Bellefountaine Street and the alley between S. 8th Avenue and S. 9th Avenue. The construction contractor (Culy Contracting, Inc.) will coordinate with you on access to your property, as well as trash pickup (trash pickup will occur on S. 8th Avenue and S. 9th Avenue during project construction). If you have any questions regarding this letter or the project that will be taking place, please feel free to contact Brad Meriwether, Director of Public Works, at (317) 803-9091 during normal business hours. Sincerely, Dennis B. Buckley Mayor City of Beech Grove |
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03.03.2014
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Beech Grove City Court Launches New Website
The Beech Grove City Court has launched a new website! The site’s new address is www.BGcitycourt.com. Judge Andrew Wells said, "The new site is a massive improvement over our former website. Please take a moment to visit BGcitycourt.com. The following is a brief list of improvements." · BGcitycourt.com is fully integrated with the Court’s case management systems. · Parties are now able to get all information in one location. · Parties are now able to submit motions electronically through the “Submit A Motion” page. · Content is easier to read and easier to navigate. · The Court is now able to update its calendar in real time on BGcitycourt.com. Note: Beech Grove City Court links on the City website will take you to the new Court website. |
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Mayor Buckley Announces NRP Group Awarded Tax Credits for Development of "Rockpile" Property
PRESS RELEASE CITY OF BEECH GROVE FEBRUARY 27, 2014 The Board of Directors of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) met this morning in Indianapolis and announced tax credits for fifteen (15) projects throughout Indiana. One of the tax credits was awarded to the NRP Group, who intends to develop the “Rockpile” property located at Schaff Street and Churchman Avenue. In the coming weeks we will make an official announcement pursuant to this matter and the fiscal impact and job creation it will have on our city. Another good day for our beautiful city and “lets keep good things happening”. Note: Additional information regarding these Rental Housing Tax Credit Allocations may be found in the press release from the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (ihcda) linked on the left. |
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02.24.2014
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Beech Grove Fire Department Responds to American Tool Service Fire
The Beech Grove Fire Department responded to 3725 S. Arlington Ave on a reported Building Fire Sunday evening February 23rd at 21:17 PM Upon arrival initial crews found heavy fire and smoke coming from an overhead garage door on the East-side of the building. Beech Grove and Indianapolis firefighters worked diligently and were able to keep the fire from spreading throughout the building. The fire caused heavy damage to machinery and shop area of the structure. The office and remaining sections of the building were damaged by smoke and water. There were over 54 firefighter’s on-scene to contain and extinguish the fire. There was one employee working inside the shop at the time of the fire; he stated a spark from a steel grinder ignited the machinery and caught fire. The employee attempted to extinguish the blaze, then exited the building to call 911. The approximate dollar loss is over $950,000.00. Robert B. Cheshire Fire Chief Beech Grove Fire Department |
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Mayor Buckley Requests Citizen Assistance with OCRA Grant Survey
BEECH GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANT INFORMATION February 21, 2014 Dear Citizens, The City of Beech Grove and the Beech Grove Fire Department are in the process of applying for a “grant” through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) for the purchase of a new fire engine. The amount of the grant that we are applying for is $150,000.00 and we need your help. Within the next couple of weeks you MAY receive a survey in the mail from a company named: N.V. Grant Services, who has been retained by the City to conduct an “Income Survey” pursuant to this grant. If you receive a survey in the mail we ask that you complete the survey and return it as soon as possible to the address listed. We need at least 375 replies and we ask that you help us achieve our goal. Thank you for your cooperation in this important subject matter. Sincerely, Dennis B. Buckley Mayor City of Beech Grove |
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Mayor Buckley Releases Statement Regarding Parker Street Incident
PRESS RELEASE 3400 BLK. PARKER STREET FEBRUARY 21, 2014 On behalf of the citizens of Beech Grove, I would like to thank the Indianapolis Police Department, Beech Grove Police Department and the Beech Grove Fire Department for their immediate response to the incident on Parker Street, which occurred last night. I would also like to thank the Public Information Officers of the Indianapolis Police Department for keeping me informed through the night of the events that were unfolding. As of now there will be no press briefing, but that could change should events happen later in the day. Even though the address was in Indianapolis, our departments often respond together, as the CAD system searches for the closest vehicles to put on the incident. We are thankful for this partnership and look forward to working together in the future. Recently I have engaged local clergy and talks continue concerning crime, drugs, homeless folks, and the lack of respect for life. I suspect that as time passes, you will hear more about this initiative in our city. Not only as your Mayor, but as a citizen I’m concerned about crime and the effects it has on a community and I have voiced these concerns to City of Indianapolis officials. Part 1 crimes such as what occurred last night are not acceptable in our society and as citizens we must be vigilant and pay attention to our surroundings. Our sympathy goes to the families of those who passed and we ask that if you have information concerning this senseless crime to please call 262-8477. |
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Mayor Buckley Addresses Sewer Rate Adjustments
BEECH GROVE, IN - Mayor Dennis Buckley has issued the following statement regarding sewer rate adjustments for the City of Beech Grove: On your Beech Grove Sewage Works bill for March, you will notice an adjustment of charges. Residents who pay a flat rate bill, your bill will be adjusted by .57 cents per month. This constitutes an increase of $5.70 for the year. For those who pay the commercial rate and are charged by water usage, your bill will increase by .07 cents per 100 cubic feet of water used with a minimum of 600 cubic feet of water billed. For non residential users, the meter rate shall also increase depending on the size of your meter. These adjustments are the first of three adjustments that will be made through 2016 concerning your Beech Grove Sewage Works bill. Small adjustments to your Beech Grove Sewage Works bill are much more feasible and much easier for the consumer and our city. Covanta has recently adjusted their rates to dispose of the trash that we collect by $1.25 per ton. We suspect that Southside Landfill and Citizens Energy Group will follow suit and adjust their rates as well to dispose of trash and to treat the wastewater that all of us generate. As a paying customer, we have to be conscious of the costs of doing business and we have to be sensitive to the needs of our citizens as well. We can no longer wait years to adjust rates to make up shortages, it constitutes bad business practice. Please contact us at 784-3003 should you have any questions concerning the Beech Grove Sewage Works Department or your bill. Respectfully submitted,
Dennis Buckley Mayor City of Beech Grove |
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Beech Grove City Council to Conduct Public Hearing on March 3, 2014
General Ordinance No. 2, 2014 Establishes Policies, Procedures and Fees for the City's Stormwater Utility BEECH GROVE, IN - On Monday March 3, 2014, the Common Council of the City of Beech Grove will conduct a public hearing pursuant to General Ordinance No. 2, 2014 which amends Chapter 50 of the City of Beech Grove Code of Ordinances, which establishes polices and procedures for the stormwater utility and sets stormwater fees. The public hearing shall be in the Council Chambers in City Hall located at 802 Main Street, Beech Grove, Indiana commencing at 7:00pm. Pursuant to the Open Door Law, this notice shall be posted in a common place for viewing by the general public, and General Ordinance No. 2, 2014 shall be made available to the general public for inspection and review. General Ordinance No. 2, 2014 |
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02.05.2014
9:00am |
City of Beech Grove Weather Briefing - Wednesday Trash Pickup Canceled
BEECH GROVE, IN - Mayor Dennis Buckley has issued the following weather briefing with updated information: Beech Grove Schools and Holy Name School have closed for today. Hornet Park Community Center is open and is being utilized as a heat center. If you have lost power or heat you can go there for shelter. It is located at 5245 Hornet Avenue (west of the High School). City Hall is open for regular business. BZA meeting is still a go at 1PM (as of this writing) Public Hearing tonight on the OCRA grant at 7PM is a go (as of this writing) The Senior Citizens Center is closed to day, but will be open on Thursday for normal business. TRASH PICK UP: Todays trash pick up has been canceled.
The elements are to poor today to attempt to pick up trash. We ask that you attempt to clear your sidewalks, especially if there is a bus stop close by. Plowing has concluded and we are cleaning up including intersections. Just to give you an idea on how much this costs the city to remove snow. The major snow storm we had on 1/5/14 cost the city $46,413.27 which includes using 240 tons of salt. As always stay safe. If you have a chronic illness or heart disease, please do not shovel snow or attempt to push stuck vehicles. It's not worth it. Final briefing on this event. |
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02.04.2014
8:50pm |
City of Beech Grove Issues Weather Briefing
BEECH GROVE, IN - Mayor Dennis Buckley issued the following weather briefing: DPW has been hard at work since 3PM. The entire city was pre-salted (white salt) so you can’t see it. Snow is falling at a rate of about 1 inch per hour and we currently have about 5 inches on the ground (as of this writing). Snow is expected to taper off around midnight. New crews will report at 3AM and continue plowing. Private contractors are working neighborhoods as well. The goal is to have all roads plowed by 6AM. Crews will continue to work through rush hour traffic in the morning to minimize your disruptions. What is going to make this difficult is that the winds are strong and the snow is a light powder, so drifting is occurring. Wind chills are expected to be below zero in the morning. As of this writing, DPW intends to pick up trash tomorrow, but that may change. If you generally have your trash picked up on Wednesday, that may not occur. That’s probably a decision that will be made early in the morning. City Hall will be open for normal business on Wednesday Hornet Park Community Center will be open and used again as a heat center. If you lose heat or power, please contact our Fire Department at 782-4940 so arrangements can be made to give you adequate shelter. The Elton H. Geshwiler Senior Citizens Center will be closed on Wednesday. Extra staffing is in service at both fire stations should you need assistance. Please dial 782-4940 should you have non emergency needs. If you do not have to be out in the elements, please stay home. If you have a chronic illness or heart disease, please do not shovel snow. We’ll let this pass and clean it up in the morning. Thanks to our city employees for braving the elements and performing well. Next briefing will be at 9AM on Wednesday February 5, 2014. |
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02.04.2014
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Beech Grove City Court to Open at Noon on Wednesday, February 5th
BEECH GROVE, IN - Judge Andrew Wells has announced that due to the large accumulation of snow the Beech Grove City Court will open at Noon on Wednesday, February 5th, 2014. |
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01.27.2014
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City of Beech Grove Cancels Trash Pickup for Tuesday, January 27, 2014
BEECH GROVE, IN - Trash collection has been canceled for Tuesday, January 28, 2014 due to the extreme temperatures. Department of Public Works Director Brad Meriwether stated, "This will give our employees the best chance of staying safe in these dangerous conditions." The trash schedule for the remainder of the week will be as follows:
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01.27.2014
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Beech Grove City Court will be closed Tuesday, January 28, 2014
BEECH GROVE, IN - Judge Andrew Wells has announced that due to the extreme cold the Beech Grove City Court will be closed Tuesday, January 28, 2014. All deadlines will be extended accordingly. Online services will still be available. |
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01.26.2014
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City of Beech Grove Issues Directives for Upcoming Predicted Bitter Cold Temperatures
BEECH GROVE, IN - Mayor Dennis Buckley has announced the following directives: The National Weather Service is predicting bitter cold temperatures for central Indiana on Monday January 27, 2014 and Tuesday January 28, 2014. As a result of this, the following modifications to the operation of the City of Beech Grove will be made during this time frame. The Elton H. Geshwiler Senior Citizens Center will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. The Center will re-open at 8AM on Wednesday January 29, 2014. The Hornet Park Community Center will be open for regular business. If you have lost power or heat, we encourage you to come to the Community Center to stay warm. The Hornet Park Community Center is being dedicated as a “Heat Center”. The Community Center is located at 5245 Hornet Avenue and it is located west of Beech Grove High School. Should the need continue when the Community Center is scheduled to close, we will do whatever we can to accommodate those in need. If you have any emergency needs, please dial 911. If you have non emergency medical needs and you reside in Beech Grove, we encourage you to contact the Beech Grove Fire Department at 782-4940. If you reside in Indianapolis, we encourage you to either call 211 or 327-4MAC for assistance. City Hall will be open both days for normal business. There will be no heavy trash pick up for Monday or Tuesday. DPW does not pick up normal trash on Mondays. NORMAL TRASH PICK UP WILL OCCUR ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY unless we inform you otherwise. One of the problems we run into is that the news media reports what the City of Indianapolis is doing with trash pick up. Please only pay attention to this when the media states “Beech Grove” trash pick up. The Beech Grove Fire Department is calling in extra staff to assist you and to protect themselves from the elements as well. Please be careful if you have to go out and about in this weather. We encourage you to check on your neighbor especially if they are elderly, and if you have a chronic illness or heart disease, you may want to consider staying in doors through this. |
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01.23.2014
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City To Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project
BEECH GROVE, IN - On or about February 14, 2014, the City of Beech Grove intends to apply to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for a grant from the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program Public Facilities Program. This program is funded by Title I of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. These funds are to be used for a community development project that will include the following activities: Purchase of a fire pumper truck. The total amount of CDBG funds to be requested is $150,000.00. The amount of CDBG funds proposed to be used for activities that will benefit low- and moderate-income persons is $76,500.00. The City also proposes to expend an estimated $387,000 in non-CDBG funds on the project. These non-CDBG funds will be derived from the following source: A lease purchase from a local bank. The City of Beech Grove will hold a public hearing on February 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chamber, 802 Main Street, Beech Grove, Indiana, 46107. The purpose to the hearing is to provide interested parties an opportunity to express their views on the proposed federally funded CDBG Project. Persons with disabilities or non-English speaking persons who wish to attend the public hearing and need assistance should contact Amy Miller, Grant Administrator at 317-881-4854 no later than February 3, 2014. Every effort will be made to make reasonable accommodations for these persons. Information related to this project will be available for review prior to the public hearing as of February 5, 2014 at the City Hall located at the address listed above between the hours of 9-3. Interested citizens are invited to provide comments regarding these issues either at the public hearing or by prior written statement. Written comments should be submitted to Amy Miller, Grant Administrator, 2331 Broadway Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 no later than February 3, 2014 in order to ensure placement of such comments in the official record of the public hearing proceedings. A plan to minimize displacement and provide assistance to those displaced has been prepared by the City of Beech Grove and is also available to the public. This project will result in no displacement. For additional information concerning the proposed project, please contact Amy Miller, Grant Administrator at 317-881-4854 Monday through Friday or write to the City of Beech Grove, 806 Main Street, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107 To Be Advertised: January 24, 2014 |
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01.23.2014
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Beech Grove Community Offered Two Opportunities to Attend the 2014 State of the City Address
The 2014 State of the City Address is scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2014, 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The address will also be given Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 10:00am at the Elton H. Geshwiler Senior Center. The public is invited and encouraged to attend either presentation. |
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01.09.2014
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City of Beech Grove 2014 Holiday Trash Collection Schedule
BEECH GROVE, IN - Beech Grove Public Works Director has provided a Holiday Trash Collection Schedule for 2014. Residents can visit the Holiday Trash Collection webpage, or download and print the 2014 Holiday Trash Collection Schedule for reference. The city has a four day a week trash schedule, Tuesday through Friday. No trash is collected on Mondays. |
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01.08.2014
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Indiana Joint Information Center Winter Storm Morning Update
Weather Outlook Today, temperatures continue to rise, but are not forecasted to go above freezing. Highs will be approaching 30 degrees and finally breaking freezing Thursday afternoon. Governor Pence’s Executive Order Governor Michael R. Pence signed an executive order on January 6, that declares a state of disaster emergency for 29 counties affected by the severe winter weather that began on Sunday, January 5. The counties are: Clinton, Delaware, Elkhart, Fulton, Grant, Howard, Jasper, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marshall, Montgomery, Newton, Noble, Porter, Pulaski, Rush, St. Joseph, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, White, and Whitley. Local Declarations The following counties have locally declared a state of disaster emergency: Allen*, Boone, Carroll*, Clay*, Clinton, DeKalb*, Delaware, Elkhart, Fountain*, Fulton, Grant, Henry*, Howard, Jasper, Johnson*, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marshall, Miami*, Montgomery, Morgan*, Newton, Noble, Owen*, Perry*, Porter, Pulaski, Putnam*, Randolph*, Rush, St. Joseph, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, White, and Whitley. * Indicates counties that declared a state of disaster emergency after the governor’s executive order. These counties may be added. Greene and Perry counties have been removed from list. Their previous designation was incorrect. Travel Advisories (as of 10:30 a.m. ET) Red counties (travel warning): 0 Orange counties (travel watch): 56 Yellow counties (travel advisory): 23 White counties (no restrictions): 13 Even if your county is not designated as “red,” the highest warning on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) travel advisory map, travel conditions still may not be safe for driving. The IDHS County Travel Status Map can be found here:http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/. Drivers are strongly urged to evaluate travel routes. Information on state highways can be found through INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service at http://www.trafficwise.in.gov. Flights are beginning to depart from Indianapolis International Airport; however a number are still delayed or cancelled. Travelers are advised to check with their airline to see the status of their flights. The following link provides up-to-the-minute information on flight statuses at Indianapolis International Airport: http://www.indianapolisairport.com/flightstatus.aspx. Shelters There are 6 shelters currently open. The open shelters have a total occupancy of 123, with a total capacity of 3,458. There are 7 shelters on standby/alert. State Emergency Operations Center Status The SEOC remains at an increased activation level, with approximately 20 personnel. Positions in the SEOC include: ESF 1 Transportation (Indiana Department of Transportation), ESF 6 Mass Care (Red Cross), ESF 8 Health (Indiana State Department of Health), ESF 12 Energy (Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission), ESF 13 Law Enforcement (Indiana State Police), ESF 15 External Affairs (Indiana Department of Homeland Security), and Indiana National Guard. IDHS is staffing logistics, planning, fiscal, and administration positions. Agencies’ Operations INNG: Indiana National Guard has 22 Highway Assistance Teams (HAT) and 224 guardsmen deployed. HAT teams assist local law enforcement, emergency medical services, and public safety professionals in life saving operations. Teams have transported individuals to shelters and dialysis clinics, rescued stranded motorists and law enforcement, and performed route recon to help authorities determine safe travel routes. As of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, INNG has assisted 39 stranded motorists, 30 law enforcement agencies, transported 43 citizens, performed 31 route recons, and conducted 26 presence patrols. Teams are beginning life safety patrols on state roads and US highways in Districts 1 through 8. Counties in each district can be found on the following map: http://www.in.gov/dhs/2797.htm. ISP: Indiana State Police is patrolling roads, assisting with individuals who may have trouble travelling or who are stranded. ISP is also responding to slide offs and jackknifed semis. INDOT: The Indiana Department of Transportation has 473 yellow plow trucks statewide clearing and treating the interstates, U.S. highways and state routes. Hoosier Helpers sponsored by State Farm in the Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana and Louisville urban areas are operating around-the-clock to assist stranded motorist during the dangerous cold temperatures. The exit ramp is closed to the rest area on I-65 at mile marker 148, and S.R. 235 is closed between County Road 460 W and Mill Street in Jackson County due to high water. Increased travel and warmer temperatures will make it easier for salt and other anti-icing chemicals to lower the temperature at which the snow and ice melt. BOAH: The Indiana Board of Animal PETS Trailer has completed its efforts to support Hamilton County. Animal Control requested the trailer to support sheltering efforts that were being relocated to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. The PETS Trailer, acquired by BOAH as a state resource in 2010, will provide additional hard-line resources (such as crates and water bowls) for up to 75 small animals. DNR: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources officers have responded to more than 100 slide-offs and several accidents, mostly in northern and west central counties. They patrolled mainly by truck and occasionally snowmobile. In one instance, an officer delivered medicine to a person’s home by use of snowmobile. IDHS: Indiana Department of Homeland Security is the coordinating agency for this incident, providing logistics, planning, fiscal, administrative, and leadership positions in the SEOC. IDHS also has field staff across the state who are assisting local agencies. Deaths At least six deaths related to snow or cold weather have been confirmed. Other deaths and their relation to the storm are being evaluated. Power Outages There are currently 7,048 power outages statewide, down from a peak of 71,162. The majority of the power outages are in the Indianapolis and South Central Indiana areas. |
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01.07.2014
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BEECH GROVE, IN - Mayor Dennis Buckley would like to remind city residents that Beech Grove has normal trash pickup this week and not to go by what the City of Indianapolis is scheduling.
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01.06.2014
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BEECH GROVE CITY COURT OFFICES CLOSED TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014
BEECH GROVE, IN - Beech Grove City Court Judge Andrew J. Wells has announced that due to the extreme weather, the Beech Grove City Court Office will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, January 7th. The Court Office will reopen Wednesday, January 8th at 9:00 AM. |
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01.06.2014
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CITY OF BEECH GROVE SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE
BEECH GROVE, IN - DPW crews continue to do follow up plowing in neighborhoods. This will continue until 4PM today. If you have snow related issues, you can call 803-9091 for more information. During yesterdays storm 10 homes lost power in our city. Power could remain out for another 24 hours. All of these residents have shelter with family or friends. We will open up a government building should the need arise. In a briefing with the Fire Chief, we have not had any calls or visits to either fire station from citizens asking for help or who have lost their heat. If you know of any one who has lost electricity, they can call 261-8111 and the Power and Light Company will advise them of when there power is back on. Emergency Management along with Mayor Ballard earlier today issued a “Condition Red” for Marion County. At noon today, the order was downgraded to “Condition Orange”, which means to please stay off the roads unless an emergency occurs. In a telephone conversation with Dr. Kaiser, it was recommended that Beech Grove Schools be closed on Tuesday for the safety of everyone involved. This is probably going to happen throughout the county. If you have issues over the next couple of days and you need assistance in Beech Grove, please call the fire station at 782-4940 or visit either fire station. Here is some information for the next couple of days pursuant to the City of Beech Grove.
It is dangerous outside so please be careful. If you need us, please call us. We are working hard to keep you safe. Dennis B. Buckley, Mayor, City of Beech Grove |
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01.05.2014
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SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE
BEECH GROVE, IN - DPW crews have been out since midnight and will continue through noon on Monday. Pre-salting occurred prior to 9AM this morning. Snow is falling at a rate of 1 inch per hour and it is expected to continue through 7PM tonight. Equipment is operating well, but a couple of updates will be needed by this time next year concerning pick up trucks and a couple of plows. New crews are coming in at 4PM to relieve drivers. Folks this is a very very heavy snow and keeping up with it is very difficult. SCHOOL INFO: We have spoken with Dr. Kaiser and expressed our desire to have BGCS closed for tomorrow. It is going to be very cold out, sidewalks are not shoveled coupled with very heavy snow makes it extremely dangerous for any one, let alone school children to be out and about. HEALTH AND SAFETY: The snow is very heavy. If you have a medical condition or heart disease, PLEASE DO NOT SHOVEL SNOW. The heavy snow could cause a failure of roofs and awnings. If you have a vehicle parked under an awning or if you have an awning above a door, please pay close attention. It may be prudent to move your vehicle away from the awning until you can remove the weight. We are beginning to see the weight of the snow having an affect on tree limbs. Please pay close attention to that along with wires leading to your home. The weight of the snow could cause you to have lines drop. Certainly do not touch them and call the fire department especially if they are power lines. IF YOU LOSE ELECTRICITY OR HEAT: If you live in Beech Grove and you lose electricity or heat, you can call 782-4940 for further instructions. That number is for the fire station on Churchman. You can go to either fire station for temporary shelter, but if we have problems with widespread outages, we will open up a building for shelter. CLOSURES: City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Hornet Park Community Center will be closed tomorrow. It is DPW’s intent to have the roads cleared by morning, but we need your help by staying off of the streets. This is a very dangerous event and could have tragic consequences if we don’t pay attention to the elements. Let’s let the storm pass and clean it up when it’s over. The City is here for you and we are working hard to make it safe. Please contact the website (beechgrove.com) as well if you have concerns or need assistance. Dennis B. Buckley, Mayor, City of Beech Grove |
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01.04.2014
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CITY OF BEECH GROVE SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
JANUARY 4, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 8, 2014 BEECH GROVE, IN - As a result of the pending weather conditions the following directives shall be issued from Noon today through 8AM on Wednesday January 8, 2014. DPW crews and private contractors will begin to report this evening and work through Monday at Noon to clear roads. Snow conditions could exceed 10 inches, so we ask that you stay off of the roads if at all possible so crews can perform their tasks. Our immediate goal is to open up the main roads so emergency vehicles can travel on them if needed. Elton H. Geshwiler Senior Citizens Center located at 602 Main Street will be closed until Wednesday January 8, 2014 at 8AM. The Hornet Park Community Center located at 5245 Hornet Avenue will be closed until Wednesday January 8, 2014 at 8AM. The City Parks will remain open for sledding, but Park Department employees will not report to work until January 8, 2014 at 8AM. City Hall will be closed on Monday January 6, 2014. We will assess the weather conditions prior to recommending closure for Tuesday January 7, 2014. The City Council, Board of Public Works and Safety, and the Board of Sanitation meetings scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2014 have been cancelled. The meetings have been rescheduled for Tuesday January 21, 2014 at the regular times. The Fire and Police Departments have modified their scheduling and the Fire Department will add staffing to their vehicles for the safety of the general public. The Police Department will ask for the assistance of the Marion County Sheriffs Department in order to respond to calls for help and to have additional patrols. Heavy trash pick up for Monday January 6, 2014 has been cancelled. The Director of Public Works will assess the conditions before canceling trash pick up for Tuesday January 7, 2014. If you live in Beech Grove and your heat goes out or you have no heat, you can call the Fire Department at 782-4940 or visit them directly at either fire station. Should we begin receiving calls or visits, a municipal building for shelter purposes can be opened. (This is only for Beech Grove residents) If you have pets, please harbor them inside for safety and health purposes. Dennis B. Buckley, Mayor City of Beech Grove |
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