Residents who tend to use a lot of water during the summer may want to take advantage of summer sewer rates which will be available for five months in the summer starting with the April meter read and billed on the May bill. For a non-refundable $50 application fee, residents may sign up for the special rate at the Town Hall, 206 West Main Street.
The special rate, an unmetered $29.01/ month, applies to single-family residential sewer service only. It does not apply to sewer service for any premises used wholly or in part as commercial, industrial, or multifamily (two units or more) property.
For 2012 the summer sewage rate will begin with the May billing and end with the September billing. Residents who want to take full advantage of the program should sign up as soon as possible—the deadline is April 15. New customers will be allowed to sign up until July 1.
Summer sewer rates will be in effect when the application is completed and the application fee has been paid, subject to the May start date. The fee helps offset the town's operational costs.
“The goal of the program is to provide relief for single family residential customers who sprinkle their lawns,” said Ed Gaddie, a Town Council member who acts as the liaison between the Council and the Sewer Department.
Questions may be directed to Lois Burgner, Utility Billing Director, at 317-837-0000. To complete the application, residents should go to the Town Hall, 206 West Main Street.
Update on Township Line Road
Transportation Director Don McGillem reports that work on all but the west bridge (above) for the Township Line Road project has been suspended due to winter weather. For the west bridge, the steel piling for Pier 1 and for the east end-bent has been completed and work will continue on preparing the timber piers and forming for the bridge deck. The deck pours, however, will not be done until spring.
Vincennes University Partnership Helps Town with Training
Having a campus of Vincennes University in Plainfield is helping the Town train its employees. Recently the university conducted two OSHA fork-lift operator certification classes for the employees o the Department of Public Works (DPW).
“Vincennes University's OSHA fork-lift and material handling certification is the first step in what we expect is going to become the industry standard for training,” said James Dolan, Director of Logistics, Vincennes University. “We are pleased to be able to help the Town and DPW work toward their safety training goals.”
Safety training is held every week for DPW employees, but most of it is done in house. “We call them ‘Toolbox Talks' , ” said Patty Seymour, Program Manager/ MS4 Operator, who coordinates and schedules the safety meetings. “They cover different topics like hypothermia or trench safety. The goal is keep safety measures in front of employees so that it will be in their heads when they're in the field.”
The department also does monthly “safety sessions” where the entire group gets together for presentations on important topics. “Usually one department will run a safety session,” Seymour said. “For example, the Wastewater Department has given one on chemical safety. We've also had presentations on things like blood borne pathogens. We try to keep to OSHA requirements.”
The forklift operating class was one of their safety sessions, and half of the department went to the Vincennes University facility in Plainfield to be trained. The second half will take the class in 2012. Seymour says they plan to utilize the Vincennes connection again after that. “We're excited about the possibilities,” she said. “We're looking forward to seeing what other classes they offer and how we can utilize their expertise to keep our staff trained in the latest procedures.”
“VU is thrilled to call Plainfield home to ourLogistics Training and Education Center,”added Dolan. “We're excited to offer manymore opportunities to the Town of Plainfield,local employers and community residents.”
IU Health West Hospital Partners with Plainfield Parks & Recreation
If you've been to the Plainfield Recreation and Aquatics Center recently, you've no doubt seen the notice that Indiana University Health West Hospital is the official healthcare partner of the Plainfield Parks & Recreation Department. The launch of the new multiyear relationship was announced at a Town Council Meeting in October.
“Plainfield Parks & Recreation has worldclass expertise in community fitness, recreation facilities and programming,” said IU Health West President and CEO Matt Bailey. “IU Health West provides preeminent expertise in clinical care, wellness and prevent ive medicine. By collaborating, we create a natural par tnership that st rengthens bot h organizations while contributing to a stronger, healthier community.”
Clay Chafin, Plainfield Parks & Recreation Director, said that by joining together, the two organizations will further enhance the health, wellness and fitness of local residents. “We're excited to see our relationship evolve and grow, whether it's free health and wellness education presented by IU Health West physicians or healthier snack bar options guided by one of the hospital's registered dieticians. We'll continue all of the outstanding fitness and sports programs the community has come to expect from us, while adding new opportunities, including seminars about wellness and disease or injury prevention, health screenings and new events.”
The partnership will also create an avenue for hospital patients graduating from programs such as physical therapy or cardiovascular rehabilitation to access a high quality, safe fitness environment.
“In the months ahead, we anticipate IU Health West opening a permanent on-site presence at the Aquatic Center,” Chafin said. “It will make this a true wellness hub for Plainfield residents, as well as hospital employees and patients. We think the possibilities are truly limitless.”
The partnership, which officially begins January 1 but has already seen collaborative events between the Town and the hospital, will also support the department's Beneficent Fund. The fund provides membership opportunities for individuals and families who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
