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| www.brettfoster.net/ciceroresidentsspeakout.html |
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| Brett's projects and opinions |
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| I have previously presented a proposal to the full council at our last retreat to place a referendum on the next ballot to increase the size of the town council to seven members instead of the current five. I was largely ignored except for councilor Wilma Ross, who supports me on most issues. I would like to revisit this topic, but this time with public support, including a referendum (letting the public vote on the idea) to make Cicero a city, and place it on the 2007 ballot. It is my fear that a larger town like Noblesville would arbitrarily annex Cicero and just "take us in". If we become a "city" and get on equal footing, we can prevent from happening to us what Carmel is doing to Westfield. If you don't think it can happen to us, click here: http://www.thenoblesvilleledger.com/articles/8/027934-6098-093.html |
| The sidewalk committee is doing a great job of organizing a push for sidewalk replacements and installations to eventually connect both parks. My fear is that if we don't get sidewalks across the causeway, in front of the library (across Brinton St.), and down Stringtown Pike (for starters), a young child may have to pay the price with their life. |
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| Unfortunately my proposal to video tape all council meetings like the towns of Noblesville, Fishers, and Carmel currently do, was defeated. Much of what is said is left out of the minutes. An accurate and accountable record would make good common sense.I hope to revisit this issue another day, with another council. |
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| STOPLIGHT at Brinton and Peru: On 2/5/04, Police Chief Garry Cook and I met with Diane Riley who is a field investigator with the Indiana Department of Transportation. After surveying the area and taking several photographs, Ms. Riley agreed that the intersection is a public safety hazard, and she will continue her investigation to place a stoplight at the corner. As of 8/22/04, I have not yet received an update from Ms. Riley. |
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| One of the town's hardest working and most underpaid and underappreciated employees is council administrative assistant Karen Blake. After a little boy was hit on the causeway last year, I asked Karen to look for grants to widen and improve the causeway. She applied for, and the town is in line to receive a $1.9 million grant to widen and improve the causeway. This is only an estimate and the actual work may cost much less. The town's match is only 20%. When I realized how delapidated the old town sewer systems were last year, I asked Karen to see "what was out there". She found a $148,000 grant through Dan Burton's office. All of that money can be used to pay for the current Geotivity flow study being done in old town. The remainder can be used for repairs. God job Karen. In February of 2004, Karen was being pushed out of her job in lieu of a town manager which had been tried twice before unsuccessfully.. Fortunately for Karen, she had strong support and the measure was beaten. Karen wishes to go full time and there certainly is enough work for her to do. This would only result in a cost of $6,000 to the town. She has insurance through her husband and will not burden the town with the cost. I hope you will support her and let the other councilors know. Karen and I work together on many projects for the town. She can be reached at 984-7072 weekdays, or e-mail Karen at townof.cicero@insightbb.com. |
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