Official Town Newsletter for the Citizens of Brownsburg Fall 2014

TOWN HIRES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The Town of Brownsburg has hired Gregory J. Anderson, AICP, MBA as its first economic development director. He will help market the community as an ideal location for businesses to bring more employment, retail and dining options to our community. Anderson joins the Town after serving as community and economic development coordinator for the Village of Machesney Park, Illinois. He helped plan a retail marketing campaign, prepared redevelopment agreements and incentive packages, and helped the village expand its new job base. Anderson directed economic development for the City of Westfield from 2007 to 2009. He earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix and has a B.A. in urban design from Southern Illinois University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association.

FROM THE TOWN MANAGER’S OFFICE

You may recall at the beginning of the year we called attention to a number of objectives that the Town of Brownsburg would be working to complete in 2014. Now that we’re past the mid-year point, we thought it was the perfect time to give you a progress report.

The newest section of Northfield Drive, connecting S. Green Street to Hornaday Road, opened in June. Called South Northfield, the road helps with traffic flow and is spurring significant economic

development in the Wynne Farms area.

Speaking of traffic flow, we understand that your daily travels are impacted right now due to the West and East Northfield Drive construction. It is a temporary inconvenience, and long-term the addition of much-needed travel and turn lanes will alleviate congestion.

More than $700,000 of street resurfacing projects recently began. Among local streets that will get overlays are: Odell, Maple Lane and Court, and Stadium Drive. See the full list and schedule on the website, www.brownsburg.org.

The Town’s new Façade Improvement Grant is helping existing businesses get a facelift. You can read about our first three matching funds recipients on Page 2.

I hope you’ve noticed the new Brownsburg gateway signs are installed, welcoming all on Green Street at both the north and south end of town. Seasonal banners let folks know what’s going on -- as I write this the “welcome race fans” banners hang in honor of the NHRA’s U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Finally, the tax rate decrease. For the second year in a row, Town Council approved a balanced budget that allowed us to cut the tax rate. In fact, your 2014 Town property tax rate is lower than it was in 2011. We are always working to do more with less!

If you always want to know what’s going on, like us on Facebook or follow @BrownsburgIN and @BrownsburgTM on Twitter.

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Capital Projects Update 2

Facade Grants 2

2015 Budget Process 3

Free Recycling Event 4

Parks Dept. Sees Growth 5

Pumpkin Smash Bash 5

CSO Notice 6

Sewer Maintenance 7

Fall Leaf Pickup 7

Town Calendar 8

Grant Kleinhenz@BrownsburgTM

CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE

CR 900E Water Main Loop Project – The Town is designing a water main extension on CR 900E from Motorsports Way north, extending under I-74 and connecting on the northside of the area that will create a loop to the growing northeast side of Town. The $350,000 project will be under construction later this year.

Northfield East and West – The project will include new travel and turn lanes, intersection improvements, widening and completing the sidewalk, plus resurfacing existing travel lanes. Work that closed the W. Northfield railroad crossing this summer is complete. After the installation of a box culvert near the Northride entrance, no other closures are expected for the duration of this major construction project. The Town appreciates residents’ patience as we complete this critical piece of our long-range goals for improved transportation.

Street Resurfacing – More than $700,000 of paving projects are currently underway. Streets that will get overlays include:

Nelson Drive: 56th Street to Sable Chase North Odell Street: 56th Street to Austin MeadowsMaple Lane: Stadium Drive to Tilden Road Maple CourtStadium Drive: College Avenue to Tilden Road Raceway Road: Railroad tracks south to Town limitsCR 1000E: CR 300N to US 136 CR 300N: CR 1000E to CR 900E & CR 800E to Wynne Farms

Airport Road Lift Station Upgrade:With growth on the south side of Town near the newly constructed Northfield Drive South, the Town is upgrading the Airport Road Lift Station in order to increase the pumping capacity for wastewater. This upgrade will allow for the construction of nearly 100 residential units in the Lacabreah Apartments located on CR 300N and will improve the collection system for future growth in the area. This project is being funded with a significant contribution from the developer of the apartments and will be a major improvement to the system.

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BUSINESSES GET A FACELIFT WITH NEW FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM

Three established Brownsburg business properties will get a facelift with help from the Town of Brownsburg’s first round of Façade Improvement Grant funding awards. Brownsburg Town Council and the Brownsburg Improvement Committee approved awards to Walker-Bray Tax and Cochran Commercial Properties. A new economic development tool, the Façade Improvement Grant is a matching grant program that will help businesses located in or adjacent to the Town’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts make façade improvements. The program is designed to add value to downtown Brownsburg’s commercial buildings with exterior enhancements such as painting, windows/doors, tuck pointing, awnings or canopies, historic or architectural restoration, shutters, signage, and landscaping.

Walker-Bray Tax was awarded $12,193 to help refurbish what was once an old residential property at 511 E. Main Street. Improvements include soffits and gutters, windows and doors, lighting, iron railing, landscaping, a privacy fence and replacement of an old tree. Cochran Commercial Properties was awarded $8,695 to assist with renovations to 710 E. Main Street (formerly the Blanck Chevrolet facility) for the new home to Mowery Heating and Cooling Solutions. The building will be tuck pointed, patched, repainted and landscaped. Cochran also was awarded $12,048 to help renovate the former Thrifty Supply located at 800 E. Main Street. The building is getting new windows, awnings and other exterior work.

The Façade Improvement Grant program utilizes TIF funds to match up to half of the project cost. The maximum grant amount is $15,000. Properties must remain primarily commercial and be maintained for a minimum of three years following completion of the façade work. Applications for the second round of funding are currently under review.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTH FAIR

The Town of Brownsburg is partnering again with Brownsburg Parks and Roland Retirement Communities to put on a health fair.

The health fair is free and open to the public. A number of local organizations will provide information on health resources in the community. Flu vaccinations will be available for a cost.

The fair will be held at the Brownsburg Fire Territory Headquarters on October 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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The process to approve the fiscal year 2015 budget started in the spring of 2014, even though fiscal year 2014 was not long underway. The proposed budget will be carefully reviewed, examined, and balanced by Town officials within the context of important priorities competing for limited funds.

With a few more reviews still to go as of August 2014, the proposed 2015 budget totals about $44.5 million across 22 funds. The primary funds are the General, Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Funds, which combine for almost $19 million, or about 43 percent of all budgeted funds. Some of the other funds include the Motor Vehicle Highway, Park & Recreation, Economic Redevelopment, and Food & Beverage Funds.

Increases in some of the fund’s budgets address infrastructure projects that are programmed for the coming fiscal year. However, the proposed 2015 General Fund budget is a balanced budget. The Town generally spends less than it takes in, especially for recurring operational expenses.

Healthy fund balances allow expenditures to exceed revenues in a given year when approved. In this way, the Town can save for several years for a specific purpose or project. In all cases, the Town continues to strive to find new ways to save tax payer dollars while continuing to provide quality service and achieve progress in our many areas of focus.

The portion of the budget derived by property tax revenue includes the General Fund, Motor Vehicle Highway (MVH) Fund, Building Debt Fund, and the Cumulative Capital Development (CCD) Fund. Approximately 22 percent of the annual property tax paid by a homeowner goes to the Town of Brownsburg to fund these four operating funds. The remaining three-fourths is a revenue stream for other agencies such as the county, township, library, fire territory, and school district. Property taxes do not fund water or wastewater utilities, these utilities are funded by user fees and charges.

The below table summarizes the 2015 proposed Town Operating Budget funded by the aforementioned collection of property tax revenue. The following pie chart summarizes the specific use of these revenues as a percentage of the overall property tax revenue.

2015 Town Operating Budget Funded by Property Tax Revenue

Fund 2015 Amount Difference from 2014

General Fund Budget $8,840,225 7.32%

MVH Fund Budget $1,523,185 1.57%

Building Debt Fund Budget $1,628,580 -0.50%

CCD Fund Budget $697,510 42.83%

TOTALS $12,689,500

Brownsburg residents can expect to receive services for a fair price and that the Town utilizes taxes received in a fiscally responsible way. The average property tax paid on a $150,000 home is about $1,500. That means about $329 goes to the Town to fund parks, police, planning, administration, etc. Put another way:

For $40.21, the cost of a tank of gas, you receive proper administration of the Town.

For $52.40, the cost for dinner for a family of four at a sit-down restaurant, you receive street maintenance and improvement, recycling, brush disposal, and mosquito control.

For $146.36, the cost for a few seats at a downtown concert or professional athletic event, you are protected by the Brownsburg Police Department.

For $22.69, about the cost of a basic oil change, you are able to enjoy opportunities to relax and play at our Town parks, activities, and events.

For $6.69, the cost of a value meal at a local fast food restaurant, you can be ensured proper zoning and enforcement that prevents a metal scrap yard from relocating to your neighborhood.

For $47.17, the cost of a pair of pants or new shirt, you help provide Town facilities such as Town Hall, the Police Department, and the Fire Territory Headquarters.

For $18.06, the cost of two movie tickets, you are able to provide Town employees with the necessary equipment, such as dump trucks, police cars, and lawnmowers to provide services to you and other residents.

FISCAL YEAR 2015 BUDGET PROCESS ALREADY UNDERWAY

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EASY RECYCLING AT THE ONE STOP DROP OFF

Brownsburg area residents and businesses will be able to safely dispose of appliances and electronics at the next One Stop Drop Off event in mid-September.

The Town of Brownsburg is partnering again with Technology Recyclers on the free recycling

event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Brownsburg Fleet Maintenance Facility, 221 S. Mardale Drive.

This event will be focusing on electronics, appliances and metals. The following items will be accepted:

• appliances• air conditioners• A/V equipment• medical equipment• office machines• tools• metals

There is a $5 processing fee for glass computer monitors and TVs. Please note that toxic chemicals, paint, consumer waste, mattresses and wood will not be accepted.

The One Stop Drop Off held last fall collected 12.5 tons of recyclables, bringing the total to 72 tons of waste diverted from landfills since the Town started its free recycling events in 2010.

BROWNSBURG RANKS HIGH ON HOMEOWNERSHIP, SAFETY

When it comes to choosing a place for you and your family to live, affordability and safety are among the top considerations.

Brownsburg ranks high on both counts, according to recent studies conducted by consumer advocacy website NerdWallet and the Movoto real estate blog.

You may recall that CNN Money Magazine has recognized Brownsburg twice among best places to live. No surprise, given that it ranks fifth in Indiana for homeownership and 8th among the state’s safest places to live.

Nerdwallet based its rankings on homeownership rate; selected monthly homeowner costs; monthly household income; and population growth.

The town has a homeownership rate of 81.5%, and grew by 5.7% between 2010 and 2012. Brownsburg is an affordable place to call home with median monthly homeowner costs of just $1,326.

Movoto’s safety ranking is thanks to our community’s low crime rate -- just 1,611 crimes per 100,000 population. For the period studied (2012) Brownsburg had 106 violent crimes and 1,505 property crimes per 100,000 — one of the lowest numbers of property crimes in the state.

Violent crimes included no murders, five rapes, 18 robberies, and 83 assaults per 100,000, while the property crimes were made up of 55 vehicle thefts, 1,238 thefts, and 212 burglaries per 100,000 people.

TOWN OFFERS MOBILE APP

A new mobile application makes it easier for smart phone users to connect with the Town of Brownsburg while they are on the go. The app pulls live information from the Town’s website for immediate access to news and events, contact information for officials and departments, and a services directory. Users can report issues on the Town’s Action Center. The free iPhone app can be downloaded from the App Store by searching Brownsburg, IN. The mobile app is set to be live on the Android platform later this summer.

Town of Brownsburg @BrownsburgIN

CONNECT WITH US!

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BROWNSBURG PARKS EXPERIENCING NEW GROWTH EVEN IN THE FALL

As Brownsburg Parks transitions from summer to fall, activity in the parks won’t slow down anytime soon! There are many events and activities slated for the remainder of 2014 including the Fall Hayrides in Arbuckle Acres, the Pumpkin Smash Bash in October, and Christmas Under the Stars in December.

Starting in September, Brownsburg Parks will have a new location for some programs. In September, we start offering many Active Adult activities in Noll Hall in the former St. Malachy school, adjacent to the Park administrative offices at 326 N. Green Street.

More details on fall programs and events can be found in the Fall Recreation Guide released the first of September. New in 2015, Brownsburg Parks will release two Recreation Guides a year starting with our winter/spring edition in early January highlighting programs and events through May and ending with our summer/fall edition including details on activities through December. Pick up a copy at Town Hall, the Parks office or view them on www.brownsburgparks.com.

Park users will also see projects in various stages this fall that when complete will enhance the experience for all ages and many interests. Updates on the progress of the improvements highlighted below along with many others can be found on our website under park projects.

Brownsburg Parks plans to complete the bidding process on site improvements to Williams Park including increased parking, walkways, stormwater drainage and detention and improvements to the adjacent playground that would allow for a new splash pad amenity to be constructed, the first of its kind in Brownsburg. This project has a target of opening May 2015.

A new concept of Arbuckle Acres has been unveiled including the former St. Malachy site, which the Town purchased in 2012.The possibilities for the property include business and expansion of Arbuckle Acres with a second entrance to the park. A feasibility

study was completed to determine the ability of a multi-generational recreation center, a possible new addition to Arbuckle Acres, to generate revenue and how much of the revenue would cover expenses from the facility. More details on this concept, including what the next steps are, can be found on www.brownsburgparks.com under park projects.

Over the last few years Brownsburg Parks has worked to acquire new park land that could benefit the community by expanding the park system and the services that are offered within. More than 40 acres have been donated to Brownsburg Parks near the West Wynne Farms development on the south side of Town. Another piece of property that is developed and anticipated to be taken over by Brownsburg Parks is the B&O Trail in between 300 North and State Road 267. Brownsburg Parks has expanded by over 54 acres with the potential of more in the near future.

There are a variety of ways to stay up to date on the progress of our growing park system including brownsburgparks.com, following us on Facebook and Twitter, watching the Park Board meetings live on www.brownsburg.org and through our seasonal Recreation Guides. We hope you are able to take advantage of these opportunities and enjoy your fall in the parks!

Pumpkin Smash Bash

11 to 4 on Oct. 4

at Town Hall

Build a Bale

Hayrides

Trunk or Treat

KidZone

Concert

A concept of Arbuckle Acres was unveiled in July. Follow the progress of this project on www.brownsburgparks.com.

CALL STORMWATER HOTLINE TO REPORT ILLICIT DISCHARGE

It is unlawful to deposit, discharge, dump or otherwise permit substances, chemicals, or other materials in any storm sewer system within the Town of Brownsburg.

Materials prohibited include but are not limited to: petroleum products, fertilizer, concrete, pet waste, paint, grass clippings, car wash water, and pool water (>1 ppm of chlorine).

Call the Stormwater Hotline at 852-1121 if you see someone depositing any of the above materials in the storm sewer system, pond, stream, or creek, or have questions about a possible illicit discharge. All calls are confidential.

COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW PUBLIC NOTICE

The combined sewer overflow storage facility captures the majority of rain events; however discharges occur on occasion as the result of heavy rainfalls. Data is gathered during each event to determine what additional requirements may need to be met. Ultimately, the EPA requires that either discharges receive full treatment or a community reduces their discharges to zero.

Brownsburg is continuing to minimize the number and volume of these events by maximizing flows to the treatment plant and moving forward with stormwater separation projects. The Southside Drainage project scheduled for bid requests this winter provides a stormwater drainage system for streets instead of allowing the drainage into the sanitary sewer along a section of Tilden Drive.

As customers to the sanitary sewer system, you can help by verifying your downspouts and sump pumps are not connected to the sanitary sewer regardless of where you live. It is illegal to connect your downspouts and foundation drains to the sanitary sewer system. When property owners illegally connect to pipes, it costs everyone as well as the environment. Another way for customers to help minimize overflows and the need for additional overflow storage tanks/treatment processes is by using rain barrels or other rain reuse alternatives.

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TOWN WORKS TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER

The source of Brownsburg’s drinking water is groundwater from local drinking water wells. To help protect the underground aquifer and water wells from potential contamination, the Town of Brownsburg has a Wellhead Protection Plan which was approved by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in November 2002.

Since then, the Local Planning Team has met annually to update the Plan and implement management strategies to protect our drinking water source. The Town of Brownsburg continues to implement strategies to protect groundwater and stay in compliance with IDEM requirements.

A complete copy of the Wellhead Protection Plan and educational pamphlets are available for public viewing at the Planning and Building Department in Brownsburg Town Hall at 61 N. Green Street.

The Local Planning Team held an annual meeting on July 2, 2014 to discuss the Wellhead Protection Program. Brownsburg’s Wellhead Protection Program focuses on public awareness, education, spill prevention and reporting.

This year, notification letters with educational materials regarding Wellhead Protection will be sent to potential contamination sources located within the Town’s Wellhead Protection Areas.

In the upcoming year, the Local Planning Team will continue public education efforts and will also focus on identifying active, inactive, and abandoned water wells.

Water wells that become damaged, or are no longer in use, may become a potential conduit for surface contamination to reach the groundwater and contaminate the underground drinking water source.

If you have a well on your property, please contact Mike Good, Water Superintendent, Brownsburg Municipal Water Utility, at (317) 852-1138.

Combined Sewer Overflows

Month 2013 Events

2013 Total Gallons/Month

2014 Events

2014 Total Gallons

per month January 3 13,420,000 0 0

February 1 517,000 1 167,700

March 0 0 0 0

April 5 20,151,000 2 4,925,000

May 0 0 1 3,151,700

June 0 0 0 0

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SEWER MAIN PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Sewer main lines are pipes that run under our town that are easy to forget exist until an issue becomes evident such as a sink hole or sewage overflow.

In an effort to minimize the chance of sewer related issues, town personnel clean the sewer lines as well as televise the lines documenting the pipe conditions on a regular basis.

Our goal is to check the condition of the lines every 5 years. Some of the newer lines in town do not need checked as frequently, while the older lines should be checked every 5 years if possible.

During the inspections, the most commonly found issues are roots that have found their way into the sewer line through joints or private lateral connections. We also find piles of debris such as various types of hygiene wipes that can eventually build up and block sewers or end up causing equipment failures at the treatment plant.

Another item we find is piping that has been bored through the sewer line accidently by another utility company which over time leads to complete line failure. Although sewer cleaning can cause some inconveniences such as gurgling noises and water splashing out of toilets, it is required to keep our sewers flowing properly.

LEAF PICK-UP STARTS SOON

The Street Department starts free curbside leaf pick-up on October 13. Leaves in recyclable, paper bags can be put out behind the curb for weekly pick-up. Make sure the bag is closed securely and is light enough for one person to lift. Do not put sticks, limbs, shrubs, dirt, trash, or other items in the leaf bags, please.

Residents can take advantage of the Town’s Christmas tree recycling service December 29 through January. Set your Christmas tree out behind the curb, not in the street, for weekly pick-up. Please make sure all ornaments, lights, and decorations are removed. Do not bag the tree.

Want to know what day the Street Department comes to your neighborhood? View the route map on www.brownsburg.org under Town Departments/Street Department/Yard Waste Recycling.

GEOCACHING – THE GREAT ADVENTURE

Geocaching is an activity that brings interesting places and information together and lead people on an adventure. Participants use either a GPS unit or GPS-activated phone to find these places and complete various activities. Once the player has found the location, there is usually a hidden container to find or a specific activity that the player must complete. If the player completes the adventure steps, they earn the recognition of completing that adventure.

Geocaches (containers or locations) are located all over the world. There are even geocaching events such as CITO (cache in trash out) events that bring people together for an activity that can consist of trash removal, invasive species removal, or tree planting.

The various town departments will be partnering in the future to provide various types of geocaches that share information about infrastructure, best management practices, utility information, and water quality. The goal is to provide a series of destinations right here in Brownsburg for people to visit while learning more about the various utilities & services provided allowing Brownsburg personnel to easily track education and obtain feedback on the status of water quality.

Whether you are an experienced geocacher (found thousands of the caches) or just starting out, there are adventures here for you to take in Brownsburg.

WATER QUALITY CONCERN: PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus is a chemical that can be found in stormwater and wastewater discharges. When discharged into lakes and streams it contributes to the excessive growth of various types of algae. Some algae can create toxins that kill aquatic life or make people sick. Sources of phosphorus include human/pet waste, food, and some soaps and detergents.

To protect public health and water quality, Indiana Department of Environmental Management requires that all wastewater dischargers monitor for phosphorus and meet a limit of 1 ppm. Brownsburg has completed preliminary testing of phosphorus and determined that a new process involving chemical addition will need to be added to meet the limit.

Although there are capital and operational expenses associated with the new requirement, there will also be an added protection to the quality of life we need and enjoy. Most treatment facilities are having the requirement added to their permit when a permit modification or renewal occurs. Brownsburg’s permit is scheduled for renewal in 2015.

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www.brownsburg.org

Town of Brownsburg61 N. Green StreetBrownsburg, IN 46112

TOWN OF BROWNSBURG CONTACTS AND HOURSAll Town Offices are open Monday - Friday

General Information: 852-1120 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Street Department: 852-1113 6:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Parks and Recreation: 858-4172 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Utility Department: 852-1102 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Planning and Building: 852-1128 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Water Department: 852-1138 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

November10 Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

11 Town Offices Closed for Veterans Day

11 Police Commission, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

13 Town Council, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

19 Park Board, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

20 Economic Dev. Comm., 5 p.m. at Town Hall

27 Plan Commission, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

27-28 Town Offices Closed for Thanksgiving

December6 Christmas Under the Stars Parade, Downtown

8 Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

9 Police Commission, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

11 Town Council, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

17 Park Board, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

18 Economic Dev. Comm., 5 p.m. at Town Hall

22 Plan Commission, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

24-25 Town Offices Closed for Christmas

September11 Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. at Town Hall

11 Town Council, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

13 One Stop Drop Off, 9 to 2 at Fleet Maint.

18 Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. at Town Hall

18 Economic Dev. Comm., 5 p.m. at Town Hall

18 Park Board, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

22 Plan Commission, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

25 Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. at Town Hall

25 Town Council, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

October4 Pumpkin Smash Bash, 11-4 at Town Hall

7 Health Fair, 11-7 at Fire Territory HQ

9 Town Council, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

13 Town Offices Closed for Columbus Day

13 Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

14 Police Commission, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

16 Economic Dev. Comm., 5 p.m. at Town Hall

22 Park Board, 6 p.m. at Town Hall

23 Town Council, 7 p.m. at Town Hall

27 Plan Commission, 6 p.m. at Town Hall