Centerville officials are seeking residents’ support before requesting $50,000 to update plans for future decisions and growth.
Before its regular meeting on Aug. 13, the council held a public hearing to gather comments on its application to the Indiana Department of Community and Rural Affairs. The city’s share for the Lochmueller Group’s work would be $9,600.
The city’s current plan is 21 years old and most of the items were completed earlier than expected or are no longer relevant today, said Council President Dan Wandersee.
Wandersee said there is a tremendous need for housing in Centerville and up-to-date information would be helpful.
Comprehensive plans cover everything from roads to parks to land use, and companies review them when thinking about communities.
Councilman Jack Bodiker said Centerville’s population has increased more than any other municipality in Wayne County, according to the 2010 and 2020 U.S. Census, and that an updated plan would be money well spent.
Improving Centerville could increase property values, attract additional businesses and have a positive impact throughout Wayne County and beyond, Bodiker said.
Kent Anderson of Kenna Consulting told residents that his company helps the city apply for numerous grants, but none is as important to the city’s future as this one.
Chloe Brown, representative of Main Street in Centerville, recommended establishing a parks management agency and utilizing research previously conducted at Purdue University on accessibility and beautification measures.
Brown encouraged more residents to participate in decision-making and attend Main Street’s short monthly online Zoom meetings.
City Councilor Josh Tudor said he is pleased to see local improvement projects gain citizen attention through social media, but additional personal involvement is needed.
Gary Holbert said when he joined the council in 1996, there was nothing in Maplewood Park except rabbits and squirrels, and today’s assets are a reminder of what can be achieved when people open their eyes and work with their hands.
In other business areas
- Maintenance work on Centerville’s east water tower has been completed. Council approved payment of $208,352. The west tower was drained for similar work on August 12.
- Friends of Dennis Spears are hosting a pancake breakfast at Fire Station 1, 414 N. Morton Ave., starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, until supplies run out. Donations can help cover the retired fire chief’s medical bills.
- The council approved the lower of two bids ($6,890) from Andrew Roberts Construction for a podium in the new city hall.
- Fire Chief Andy Aughe attended the Indiana Fire Chief Academy and earned one state and three national certifications.
- In July, Centerville Fire/Rescue responded to 76 calls for fires, medical emergencies, accidents, etc.
- Archway Days organizers have worked with city authorities to finalize logistics for the festival on August 23 and 24.
- Police investigated one car theft and another theft in July, making one arrest each for driving under the influence and public intoxication. Five accidents were investigated. 47 tickets were issued in 61 vehicle checks.
- Wayne County Railroaders has installed anti-skid strips and repainted the deck around the restored caboose. By opening until 7 p.m. on the second Saturday during the Maplewood Park Farmers Market, attendance at the caboose increased by about 50%.
- The council will hold a work session on Tuesday, August 27, at 7 p.m. at 220 E. Main St., Centerville. The public is invited to attend.
A version of this article appeared in the August 21, 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
