With former police chief Larry Brinker leaving to become head of the new consolidated dispatch center for Hendricks County, the town was in need of a new police chief. After deliberation, the Town Council confirmed the Board of Police Commissioners' recommendation of Jeff Mitny.
Jack Burlison of the police board said, "We looked at the next in line, which was Assistant Chief Mitny, to see if there was anything that would prevent him from being a good candidate. We didn't find anything, and so we talked to Town Council Member Kent McPhail, our liaison with the Council, to see if there was anything that would prevent us from interviewing the most obvious candidate. We asked if they wanted us to interview others as well. Kent went to the Council and we were assured we could do it the way we wanted."
"Mitny had four years experience as the assistant chief under Brinker and in fact had run the department for a short time when Chief Brinker was out for health reasons. He interviewed well and had sent a terrific resume letter, so we unanimously decided to recommend him to the Council." Burlison noted that only the Town Council has the actual power to appoint the police chief.
Mitny has been with the police department for nineteen years and has risen steadily through the ranks. "Looking ahead, I think the challenge will be to manage the growth (of the community) while maintaining accessibility of the officers," he said. "We want to keep that small town feel, where people feel that the officers are approachable. At the same time, we have to heal with the growth of the community."
Early in his career, Mitny followed his family's tradition of being in public safety services and was employed as an Emergency Medical Technician at Wishard. But being a policeman was something he always wanted to do, and he eventually followed his heart. Once he joined the Plainfield Police Department, he knew he wanted to be chief someday. "We all strive for the best that we can do, and I'm glad to have achieved my goal."
Mitny is married, and his wife is a life-long resident of Plainfield. In his spare time, he likes to fly. he is a pilot with a commercial, multi-engine license and an instrument rating.
Department of Public Works Employees Receive CPR and First Aid Training
All employees of the Department of Public Works are now certified in CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and in first aid.
"I think this kind of training is a good thing for anyone to have," said Jason Castetter, Superintendent of Public Works. "It's especially good for us and for the town, because we see a lot of people every day as we're out working. In an emergency situation, we're qualified now to help. You never know when something's going to happen, not only to a citizen, but to a co-worker. You want to be prepared."
Castetter said his twenty-four employees had the training several weeks ago. "The (Plainfield) fire department provided the training for us, and they did it at the rec center. The certification is god for two years."
The CPR and first aid training is an extension of the safety program Castetter initiated about two years ago. Employees have also had instruction in confined space entry, handling hazardous chemicals, safe usage of the machinery they operate, and respiratory protection.
Summer Sewer Rates Available to Residents
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 June through October. 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 $25.20/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 multi-family (two units or more) property.
For 2007 the summer sewage rate will begin with the June billing and end with the October 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 June 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 Kent McPhail, 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.
Plainfield Becomes Smoke-Free February 1
As was mentioned in last month's Water Line, on February 1 the Town of Plainfield goes smoke-free. Smoking will be prohibited on all Town properties, including the parks, as well as all restaurants, bars, retail stores, banks, and schools. The ordinance can be found on the town's website www.townofplainfield.com The ordinance also contains a complete listing of all places where smoking is prohibited.
Town leaders cited Plainfield's history in encouraging healthy lifestyles through the creation of its extensive greenways system and highly regarded recreation and aquatic center as one of the main reasons for the ordinance. Having the town become smoke-free is a natural extension of this vision to promote healthy living among residents and visitors. It also serves to protect people who are at special risk when it comes to secondhand smoke, like children, the elderly, individuals with cardiovascular disease, and those who have impaired respiratory function, like asthmatics.
