April 28, 2020
In this issue • Town of Zionsville Responds to COVID-19 • Meet Zionsville’s Chief of Police • 2020 Road Project Update
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April 28, 2020
IT TAKES A VILLAGE Town of Zionsville Responds to COVID-19 Zionsville Town Hall doors closed to the public beginning March 12 due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. Immediately after, Mayor Styron and department heads began working to ensure local government continued to run smoothly and customer service remained a top priority. The team knew there needed to be a plan in place to maintain business as usual. The Communications Department began a COVID-19 resource webpage to create one centralized hub with all key information from both a local level and state level. The Planning & Economic Development Department moved permitting, planning and invoicing operations to an online submission format. The Information Technology Department coordinated with staff to ensure those working remotely had the technology tools they needed.
Town facilities are currently closed through May 1 but staff continue to evaluate the situation and adjust policies and protocol as needed. “Even with COVID-19 temporarily altering our reality, the Town of Zionsville is working to keep local government running as smoothly as possible,” said Mayor Styron. “Each day we recalibrate our determination of what is safe for our staff, for our community, for our families. We continue to ask, what does our community need from us day to day?” Currently, many staff work remotely, with essential staff on site maintaining social distancing protocols. For the most part, it’s business as usual and the Town is in full operation: Planning Department inspectors continue to work in the field inspecting homes and businesses, Fire Department inspectors continue to
conduct routine fire inspections, Street Department personnel continue to work on the Town’s roads and 2020 road and paving projects are underway. Fire, police and EMS services continue to be on duty and prepared should they be needed. Playgrounds and basketball courts are closed, but parks and trails remain open. The Town continues to encourage residents to get outside for fresh air but remain vigilant about social distancing. “Please continue to do all you can to safely support our local businesses and check in with your neighbors virtually,” Mayor Styron said. “It is vital that we continue to practice social distancing and remember to wash our hands frequently. We are all in this together and it will take each of us doing our part to get through this safely.”
April 28, 2020
Keeping the Community Engaged and Informed Temporary Curbside Parking
Online Live Streams
In an effort to support restaurants that depend on carry-out orders and to help residents and visitors who will be using these services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Zionsville added temporary curbside parking spaces in commercial corridors. These parking spaces, located in front of Zionsville restaurants, allow for temporary parking of 15 minutes or less.
The Town of Zionsville honors Officer Leath and her legacy On April 14, Zionsville Police Department, Zionsville Fire Department, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, public safety officials and residents came together for a Zionsville tribute to IMPD Officer Breann Leath. Cars parked on and around Main Street and filled the Brick Street with headlights and flashers – a powerful image of respect and a visual that truly represented Zionsville.
While Zion Nature Center (ZNC) remains closed, and events are currently cancelled, Park Naturalist Mindy Murdock has moved programs online to a Facebook live stream. Topics have included: Birding for Beginners, Amazing Amphibians, Coyotes and more. The goal is to continue to offer live stream programs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as long as needed. To view ZNC’s live steams, visit: www.facebook.com/zionnaturecenter.
Virtual Live Session
with Mayor Styron and Town Council President Josh Garrett Mayor Styron and Town Council President Josh Garrett held their first video live session and were joined by Zionsville Fire Department Chief VanGorder. This was streamed live to the Town of Zionsville YouTube channel. Mayor Styron, Josh and Chief VanGorder provided an update on current happenings and the public was invited to submit questions. To view the schedule for future live sessions, visit the Town of Zionsville website or Facebook page.
For more information about the Town’s response to COVID-19 visit www.zionsville-in.gov.
Happening Around Town Heavy Trash Collection The Town of Zionsville will be providing the annual Heavy Trash Collection for residents in the urban service district the week of May 4, 2020 on your regular trash collection day. Refrigerant-bearing appliances and tires will be collected by town staff, and Ray’s Trash Service will collect and dispose of all other items, including TVs and computers. Residents placing refrigerant-bearing appliances and tires curbside should contact the Zionsville Street and Stormwater Department with a description and address for pick-up. Items must be placed curbside by 7 a.m. on your regular trash collection day in order to guarantee collection. For more information, visit: www.zionsville-in.gov/152/Heavy-Trash-Collection
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April 28, 2020
MEET ZIONSVILLE’S CHIEF OF POLICE On April 1, Zionsville welcomed Michael Spears as the new Chief of Police. Former Chief Robert Knox retired after 35 years as a police officer and eight years as Chief of Police. Chief Spears joined the Indianapolis Police Department in 1982. He began his career as a patrol officer assigned to the south side of the city. He worked his way through the department attaining every rank. He has also served as the Assistant Chief of the Department and as the Chief of Police. In his most recent role with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), he served as a Deputy Chief responsible for the Performance and Policy Division. Over the coming weeks, Chief Spears plans to meet individually with all members of the police department to introduce himself and learn about interests and concerns. “Mayor Styron and I have spoken about the future of the police department,” said Chief Spears. “I am extremely impressed with the support she has for our officers and her commitment to the citizens of Zionsville. I am very honored by the trust she has bestowed in me. I am eager to begin meeting and working with our officers, town officials and all the citizens of Zionsville.” The search for Zionsville’s next police chief Seventy candidates from across the U.S. applied for Zionsville’s Chief of Police posting. All candidates were thoroughly reviewed by a team of three former public safety executives, the former Chief of IMPD and the former Carmel police chief. Eight candidates were interviewed by a panel of four members of Zionsville Police Department, Deputy Mayor Julie Johns-Cole, Zionsville Fire Chief James VanGorder, Town Council President Josh Garrett, Town Council Vice President Bryan Traylor, Chair of the Zionsville Police Commission Suzy Nagy, Community member Kenneth Johnson and the Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Zionsville Community Schools Rebecca Coffman. The interview process was conducted online due to the COVID-19 situation. The candidates were asked to respond to a series of real-world, Zionsville and industry-specific questions and issues. Mayor Styron interviewed the top two candidates. “I interviewed the top candidates and asked them about their vision for the department and what their plan was for growing and developing opportunities for the Town of Zionsville and the community. One candidate described a robust plan and had an excellent set of ideas to provide personal and professional growth for the Zionsville Police Department. Bright times are ahead for the community.”
Rapid Fire with Chief Spears • Texting or talking? Talking • Favorite city or town, besides Zionsville? Brownsburg, the town in which I was raised • How long does it take you to get ready? Twenty-five minutes (five minutes if I am leaving to report for an important police-related matter) • Any pet peeves? I would prefer people not talk on cell phones during movies • How many pull-ups can you do in a row? Not as many as I could when I was younger. An unlimited amount if I jump first. • Best advice you have received? Ask yourself these three questions before you speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If the answer to any of these questions is no, remain silent • What did you eat for breakfast today? A banana and an apple • Cats or dogs? Dogs • How many hours of sleep do you need? Six to seven • Favorite junk food? My daughter Nicole’s crispy chocolate chip cookies with walnuts • Do you snore? I have never heard myself snore • What is your greatest strength? My wife, four children, their spouses, nine grandchildren and the tenth due this October • And your greatest weakness? Failing to take time to be thankful for all God has done for me • If you could have any three people (dead or alive) over for dinner, who would they be? James Taylor, Stevie Nicks and Jim Croce (I like music)
April 28, 2020
MEET THE MERCHANT Q&A with Donna Lennox Events & Florals of Zionsville Opening this spring 70 South Main Street www.ZionsvilleFloristandEvents.com
Opening a business during a pandemic comes with its challenges. But Donna Lennox has already started the process of opening her second floral shop, Events & Florals of Zionsville, on Main Street. The original location in Cincinnati will remain her satellite workshop.
What products and services will your future shop offer?
We will offer floral arrangements for corporate and social events and interior styling and consultation services. We will carry a few gift items to go along with our garden and floral theme. I am looking forward to better understanding what the desires and needs might be from the Village community but I know we will provide some amazing “botanical inspirations.”
How would you describe your floral style? Our style is more free form and a fresh gathered garden style look. I have adopted the style of a European flower market. I also typically try to carry more unusual styles of blooms and things that are not readily available elsewhere: lots of grasses, pods, twigs, exotics and blossoms that are not available at other traditional mom and pop shops or box stores.
What else sets you apart?
Ninety percent of our flowers come from around the world. The majority of them are from South American continents, with some from Europe (primarily Holland). All of our designs are customized. We do not pre-make flowers and have them sit in a visual cooler. I believe it is important that everything is as fresh as possible for the recipient.
What flowers or type of arrangements are you drawn to?
Hydrangeas are always a huge part of our available designs as well as an English triple bloom and fragrant garden rose which has been known as the Mariemont Rose for a very long time. I believe now it will become known as the Zionsville Rose as well.
You are opening a business during a pandemic. How are you working through these circumstances?
As a small business owner, I constantly find myself exploring ways to redefine ourselves and grow and remain relevant in my industry. I am attempting to launch a “Virtual Floral Bouquet” delivery option. An individual will be able to send a virtual bouquet with an amazing sentiment, allowing the sender to let those special individuals know that though they cannot be together at this time, they are still thinking of them. I am calling it “Fragrance in Photos.”
Why have you chosen Zionsville as your next location?
In 2018, my husband Kenneth and I got married in the 150-year old Holliday family farm barn, a Zionsville landmark. Our wedding was the first event after the barn’s extensive renovations and rebuild.
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April 28, 2020
Zionsville Fire Department Gears Up for COVID-19 Zionsville Fire Department (ZFD) is constantly evaluating their response during these unprecedented times. Typically, firehouse bay doors are open and residents are invited to tour facilities and visit with firefighters. Currently, ZFD is proceeding with an abundance of caution to make sure emergency responders are healthy and taken care of. In order to assure the safety of staff, as well as to protect others from exposure, crews on scenes are wearing full personal protective equipment. This includes gloves, gown, N95 mask, goggles and face shield. This does not mean the reason ZFD is on a medical call is due to COVID-19. It has become standard during this situation. “We are continuing to facilitate regular operations while striving to keep ZFD members and those we come into contact with as safe as possible,” said Chief VanGorder. “During these challenging times for all citizens, firefighters are working hard to maintain a high level of readiness under the adverse conditions we are all working through.”
April 28, 2020
2020 ROAD PROJECT UPDATE Behind-The-Scenes with the Zionsville Street Department: Zionsville Road Update By Lance Lantz, Superintendent of Zionsville Street Department After more than four years of planning and design, as well as a construction delay for a year due to utility conflicts, the Zionsville Road reconstruction project is in the home stretch. Weather dependent, residents and visitors should enjoy the new road and pathways by the end of April. Construction activities are expected to continue through May, but the new vastly improved multi-use transportation facilities will be evident. Complex reconstruction projects such as this can take up to two years to design. Once a basic, preliminary design is developed, team members approach each property owner along the project length with drawings and an estimated value of the land needing to be purchased. Team members listen to the concerns of property owners and attempt to implement alterations to the plans based on these concerns. Ideally, the Town and property owners come to an agreement on the compensation package which may include monetary compensation or additional construction elements. The Town of Zionsville makes every reasonable attempt to negotiate monetary compensations for property needed for projects. But even after design is complete and a construction contract is awarded, a project of this magnitude continues to evolve. It is nearly impossible to foresee all issues that arise during a project’s construction. By both the Town and the affected residents keeping an open mind and engaging in civil discourse, resolutions can typically be implemented. And while the landscape a property owner has enjoyed for many years may be forever altered, the elements of a well-construed project will introduce amenities and improvements that will be valued by future generations of home purchasers.
It is a busy year for Zionsville road projects and sewer projects. Below is an overview of several upcoming projects. All projects are subject to change with updates posted on the Town of Zionsville website on a daily basis. To view all road projects, along with 2020 paving projects, visit: www.zionsville-in.gov/493/KeyRoadProjects.
Zionsville Road
Final construction activities are taking place. There are no road closures expected, but there will be lane restrictions. • Estimated completion: May 2020
Irongate Drainage and Improvement
This project is intended to mitigate localized street flooding in the Irongate subdivision that frequently results in roads being closed during intense rain events. The project includes the installation of a new storm sewer pipe along the south side of Oak Street from Irongate Drive to just west of Ford Road. There are no road closures expected, but there will be lane restrictions. • Estimated completion: May 2020
North-South Connector
Construction has begun on a new roadway segment that will connect the intersection of CR 850 East/Cooper Road with CR 875 East to the north. The design includes a roundabout at the intersection of 850 East/Cooper Road and Oak Street as well as a roundabout at the intersection of CR 875 East and Whitestown Road. The project is also expected to include a 10-foot multi-use path. Closures are expected from June 1 – August 1 at the intersection of CR 875 East and Whitestown Road. • Estimated Completion: September 2020
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April 28, 2020
Community Spotlight – Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library Register for private events like Stories with Miss Robyn & Red, Books & Babies on Zoom, Fun for Fridays virtual break-in boxes, Adult Trivia and more available on the event calendar.
The Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library is much more than a building. It’s a team of people dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and relevant entertainment, educational opportunities and fun events for local residents. Even while we are all practicing social distancing, your Library staff is offering new ways for you to stay connected. Did you know? The Library now offers:
A Library Card within 24-Hours
Visit the Get a Card page, fill out the application and receive an email within 24-hours with personal library card information. All ages are welcome to receive a card.
Free Streaming and Downloadable Services
Several new online services have been added to the Library’s website so residents may discover an almost endless supply of eBooks, audiobooks, videos, music, graphic novels, classes and more. Visit the Digital Library Branch to see 48 services now available.
Now offering Tutor.com
A Library Card provides free, live tutoring assistance for students in Grades K – early college, plus adults; career and resume guidance; document drop-off or immediate one-on-one assistance from vetted, expert tutors in 60 subjects; and test-prep areas.
More Virtual Events
Visit the event calendar to find a variety of virtual events offered by your favorite librarians. Registration is required for some, while others may be found on the Library’s YouTube channel at or on Facebook. Stay active with certified fitness instructor & Hussey-Mayfield Librarian Connie during her weekly Fitness Friday videos. Check the calendar each week for the link to her latest video, published on YouTube each Friday at 10 a.m. Enjoy Virtual Storytime with Miss Becky every Wednesday and Saturday at 10 a.m. on Facebook or watch her past events on our YouTube channel.
The Adventures of Library Lion
Follow the Library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to watch the Adventures of Library Lion as he prowls the empty Library looking for a little adventure and fun.
Watch it Grow! Spring Reading Challenge
Springtime is a time of growth and new life. Celebrate the spring season with a Spring Reading Challenge: Watch it Grow! Record reading minutes, collect Plant Badges and earn tickets to use toward future prizes through the Library’s online reading app, Beanstack.
Visit the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library website for more updates about the Library and future events at zionsvillelibrary.org
ONE MORE THING TO WORRY ABOUT?
NO THANKS.
SAVE YOUR PIPES. DON’T FLUSH WIPES. Even if the package says “flushable”, things are clogging up.
Please help keep our homes and the town’s entire sewer system safe.
Save Your Pipes, Don’t Flush Wipes Zionsville Wastewater Department has a message for residents: please stop flushing wipes down the toilet. With an increase in use of disinfectant wipes, the Zionsville Wastewater Department is more concerned about backups and overflows. Even if the container says the wipes are flushable, they are not. “Flushable wipes may go down the drain, but they do not break down like toilet paper does,” said Zionsville Wastewater Superintendent Barry Cook. Items that are NOT flushable include: cleaning wipes of any kind, baby wipes, paper towels, facial tissue, fibrous towels and medical waste including needles, colostomy bags and catheters. Putting these items in the toilet could cause blockages and damage the sewer system.
WASTE WATER DEPT.