Recycle your Christmas tree

From the Green City Email Newsletter, December 2009:

Recycle your Christmas tree! December 26 – January 15

For More Information Contact the Allen County Solid Waste Management District at 449-7878 or www.acwastewatcher.org

Drop-off Locations in the Fort Wayne Area:

*** Allen County Highway Garage -2234 Carroll Rd
*** Foster Park West – Soccer Field parking lot W side
*** Foellinger Theatre – back parking lot SW corner
*** McMillen Park – Pool parking lot
*** Shoaff park Conklin Pavilion

Remember: Plastic bags, ornaments and tinsel MUST be removed. Wreaths are NOT accepted.

Fat free is good for sewers, too

From The Green City Newsletter for December 2009:

**********

Fat Free Sewers
By Fort Wayne City Utilities

The holiday season means that more of us are cooking traditional foods and special treats that may be extra rich and fattening. This may also mean more fats, oils and grease that can eventually make its way down the drain and into a City sewer line. Fort Wayne City Utilities spends an estimated half-million dollars per year to clean grease out of sewer lines and to prevent it from building up, clogging pipes and causing sewer backups.

Grease is a by-product of cooking that comes from meat fats, lard, oil, shortening, food scraps, and even baked goods. When these materials are washed down the sink, the grease sticks on the sides of the sewer pipes – both on private property and in the public sewer system. Over time, grease can build up to the point where it blocks the entire line. Home garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the plumbing system. Products such as detergents that claim to dissolve grease just pass it down the line so that it causes problems elsewhere. And while hot water may appear to make grease go away, it just melts the solids which can harden again when they hit a cold sewer pipe.

Here are some things you can do to help reduce the chances of backups caused by oil and grease buildup in you drain and in public sewers:

* Never pour grease down the drain, into the toilet or into a storm drain.

* For a large amount of oil, pour the cooled liquid into a milk jug. Fill the jug about half full, then add kitty litter to absorb the liquid. Put the lid on the jug and place it in the trash.

* Scrape grease dripping from cooking and food scraps into the trash and wipe greasy dishes and pans with paper towels before washing them. Dispose of the paper toweling in the trash.

* Place baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids and empty the strainers into the trash.

* Seek out opportunities to share your knowledge with friends and neighbors who may not know about the risks and costs of putting grease down the drain.

Proposed Redevelopment of 225 East Dupont Road

I previously sent you a letter regarding a proposed Rezoning and Primary Development Plan Application for redevelopment of the Dupont Road Wesleyan Church property located at 225 East Dupont Road. A neighborhood meeting had been scheduled to discuss the proposed development on Thursday, November 12. That meeting was cancelled.

At this time, our client has withdrawn their Rezoning and Primary Development Plan Applications, in total, for the proposed redevelopment and use of this property. As such, there will be no rescheduling of the neighborhood meeting that was cancelled last evening. I am,

Very truly yours,

Thomas M. Niezer

Barrett & McNagny, LLP

Neighborhood Meeting; Proposed Redevelopment of 225 East Dupont Road

As you may know, the Real Estate at 225 East Dupont Road has been marketed for sale by Mr. Dave Norton of Martin Goldstine Knapke for some time. The Church recently entered into a purchase agreement with Janelle Ford, who operates Ace Medical Supply, Inc. This firm has been asked to represent Ms. Ford and Ace Medical Supply, Inc. in the acquisition and rezoning of the Real Estate. Donovan Engineering is also working with our client as civil engineer for the project. I am writing to inform you that a neighborhood meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 PM regarding the rezoning and future development of the Real Estate. The meeting will take place at Faith United Church of Christ, located at 10707 Coldwater Road, behind the Dupont Villages Shopping Center.

The proposed rezoning is comprised of two main parts. Currently, the Dupont Road Wesleyan Church is situated on the south third of the Real Estate. As you are aware, the Church has discontinued use of the building, which now sits largely vacant. Ace Medical Supply would convert the existing Church building into a specialty durable medical equipment store. Other than minor cosmetic improvements and interior renovations, the south third of the Real Estate will be left largely in its current condition. The proposed use of the south third of the Real Estate for a durable medical equipment business will require rezoning the Real Estate to CM-1. This zoning classification is generally used as a buffer between residential uses and more intense commercial uses, such as those uses located in and around Dupont Village.

The second part of the Real Estate’s rezoning will involve the north two-thirds of the Real Estate. Specifically, as currently proposed, the north two-thirds of the Real Estate will be developed as approximately 32 single-family retirement/senior-only residential units. As proposed, access to the residential units will be available by an extension of the existing access currently serving the Church building. These units will be clustered in the center of the Real Estate, and will be surrounded on the outside by an asphalt drive. The residential portion of the development will be buffered on all sides by landscaping. As proposed, the residential units will be designed in a townhome style. More information about specific design aspects of the units themselves will be available at the neighborhood meeting. This senior-only residential use will act as a buffer between the surrounding residential uses and the commercial uses to the east of the Real Estate. This residential development of the north two-thirds of the Real Estate will require rezoning that portion as an RP, or Planned Residential, district.

To date, Ms. Ford has not yet applied for the necessary rezoning and primary development plan approval with the City of Fort Wayne Plan Commission. The application deadline for this project is November 4, 2009; therefore, copies of Ms. Ford’s proposed applications for rezoning and primary development plan approval as well as copies of the proposed site plan will each be made available at the upcoming neighborhood meeting. Additionally, the public hearing before the City of Fort Wayne Plan Commission, assuming application is made by November 4th, will occur on December 7, 2009 at 6:00 PM in room 126 of the City-County Building. The primary goal of the neighborhood meeting is to give the surrounding property owners an opportunity to be among the first to receive details and information regarding the rezoning and proposed development.

Very truly yours,

Thomas M. Niezer

Barrett & McNagny, LLP

15 East Berry Street

P.O. Box 2263

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801-2263

260-423-9651

www.barrettlaw.com

Leaf pickup starts October 26

From the City of Fort Wayne website:

Two Pick-Ups Schedule for Each Neighborhood

Leaf pick-up in the City’s 355 neighborhoods will begin later this month. The Street Department will collect leaves in two separate sweeps through each neighborhood. Crews will roll into the neighborhoods between October 26th and December 11, 2009.

Fort Wayne Leaf Pick-up 2009

October 26-30	Central
November 2-6	South
November 9-13	North
November 16-20	Central
November 29- Dec 4	South
December 7-11	North

The week of November 23-27 will be used as a catch-up week due to any weather delays.

Leaf collection can occur on any day of the designated collection week. It is important for residents to have leaves ready for pick-up by 7:00am on Monday of their designated week. Crews cannot backtrack through neighborhoods.

Leaf collection is provided at the street only. Leaves are to be raked to the curb or park strip in front of the residence or placed in biodegradable bags for collection. Other yard waste should not be mixed with the leaves, and cars should not be parked over the leaves.

Residents can visit the City’s website at www.cityoffortwayne.org to view the schedule for their neighborhood. The site will be updated daily during the collection period with the latest information about where crews will be on a particular day. Additionally, residents can call the leaf pick-up hotline, 427-2302 to get daily updates.

To schedule a pick-up with biodegradable bags, residents can call 3-1-1.

Online downtown survey available through Nov. 4

From the City of Fort Wayne website:

Mayor Tom Henry invites Fort Wayne residents to complete an online survey as part of the City’s process to update downtown development and design standards. The downtown design survey will provide public input on different building and site design topic areas.

To fill out the survey, click here. Deadline is November 4, 2009.

Camp Scott open for tours October 7

From the City of Fort Wayne website:

A free opportunity to observe wildlife and native wildflowers is coming October 7th at the Camp Scott Wetlands. This is a rare chance for residents to see Camp Scott, as it is usually not open to the public.

An open house is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7th from 2pm-7pm. A three-quarter mile path around the wetlands lets visitors experience the natural beauty of Camp Scott without disturbing the habitat. Visitors will enjoy kid’s activities and observing wildlife and flowers as they stroll through the wetlands.

Camp Scott is a “constructed wetlands” that helps reduce flooding in nearby neighborhoods and improves water quality. The wetlands are fed by a massive 1.7 million gallon underground storage tank and pump station located under McMillen Park, 6 blocks west of the wetlands. The underground tank collects stormwater from southeast Fort Wayne neighborhoods during rains. Pumps then send the water through a 4-foot diameter pipe to the wetlands storage area. The water moves through a series of wetlands before it enters the two-and-a-half acre storage pond. From there it filters into the Maumee River.

During World War II, a small part of the wetlands site was adjacent to a prisoner-of-war camp and military training facility that was named “Camp Scott”. This is the origin of the name of the wetlands.

Camp Scott is located at 3615 Oxford Street.

FYI - Nuisance Barking

Several residents have commented recently about barking dogs in the neighborhood. Here is what the city says about "nuisance barking":

A common neighborhood animal control complaint centers on dogs that bark excessively. Continuous barking, especially during late night hours, can result in neighborhood disputes and is a violation of the City Animal Care Ordinance. According to code, “Noisy Dog” - no person shall allow an animal to bark, yelp, whine, howl, or make sounds common to its species in excess, continuously for 15 minutes or for a total of 20 minutes in a one-hour period.

Although it’s normal and reasonable for dogs to bark from time to time, just as children make noise when they play outside, continual barking is a symptom of a problem that needs addressing. Most often dogs howl, bark and whine out of frustration and boredom. Increase the dog’s exercise through daily walks and play time to give the dog more “people time” and mental stimulation from new sites and smells. Neutering is recommended to reduce territorial barking and crate training is strongly recommended to bring the dog inside the house while you are away.

Be a considerate neighbor and a responsible dog owner and eliminate the neighborhood complaints from the mail carriers, neighbors, and parents of children walking to and from school. Report nuisance barking to the Animal Care & Control office at 427-1244. In some cases an affidavit process may be offered, which will result in the dog owner being summoned to Court.

Kids Dart, Drive Smart

A perennial complaint from Limberlost residents is the speed at which some cars travel through our addition. Technically, the speed limit is 30 mph, but given we have narrow streets and no sidewalks, sometimes even that is too fast.

Please slow down, drive carefully, and watch for children, pets, and pedestrians when cruising our neighborhood.

Now through September 10, "Kids Dart, Drive Smart" signs may be picked up at any Allen County fire station. Get 'em while supplies last!

Vote for sidewalks

One of the great things about Limberlost Acres is its location. We are within walking distance of Salomon Farm, the Y, a library branch, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. The only drawback is, to get to these places, one must walk along Dupont. Yikes!

If you often find yourself wishing there were sidewalks along Dupont, here is your chance to let Mayor Tom Henry know how you feel. Complete the Online Sidewalk Survey to encourage the development of sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings in this part of Fort Wayne.

If the link above does not work for you, cut and paste this url in your browser's url box:
http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/forms/online_sidewalk_survey.php

Thanks!

Clarification of association dues

When I posted the compliance rates for association dues, my intent was to encourage more households to contribute, but I seem to have generated some confusion instead. Hopefully, this posting will clarify some issues.

First, a big thank you to those who have already paid their 2009 dues. Every year we send out fliers and post signs, and now we also post information online, all in an effort to gather dues without the additional expense of postage. Those who have already paid make my job as treasurer easier. I really appreciate that!

Now, if you read the abstract for your property, you will discover that our association dues are voluntary. Originally, the dues were $10 a year, and a few residents kept the pond property mowed and trimmed out of the goodness of their hearts. The association later voted to raise dues to $30, in part so that the mowing could be hired out.

As treasurer, I am guilty of playing down the voluntary aspect of paying dues. However, when mortgage companies contact me, I explain the dues are voluntary and there are no liens against the property. They either don't believe me or don't care because invariably I receive at least partial payment of any outstanding dues.

Some of you are probably wondering why you should pay your dues when not everyone does. The simple answer is, Because it is the right thing to do. As you can see by my report, the dues the association collects barely cover our expenses. If enough residents don't contribute, the pond property won't get mowed, and we will be at the mercy of the city for snow plowing.

Most Limberlost residents do pay their dues. There are just a few households that don't. It could be that some truly cannot afford $30 a year, but I'm guessing the bulk of the non-compliant simply do not see the benefit in being a good neighbor.

So please, please continue to pay your dues, and encourage your neighbors to do likewise.

Thanks!

Mayor Henry To Meet With Residents At Dupont Library For Mayor’s Night Out

Residents can call to schedule an appointment for April 29

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will hold a Mayor’s Night Out from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 29 at the Dupont branch of the Allen County Public Library, 536 E. Dupont Road.

Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in the meeting rooms of the Dupont branch library to discuss their concerns and comments about City government or services.

“This month we are taking our show on the road, so to speak, to the Dupont branch of the library. It is important to me to meet with residents on a regular basis, and perhaps this session will be a little more convenient for residents in north Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “Meeting with residents is one of the most important things I can do. Taxpayers deserve access to the leaders they elected and I am glad to participate in this event multiple times a year.”

Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor’s Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff.

Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor. Anyone who has had a Mayor’s Night In or Mayor’s Night Out appointment in the last year will be placed on a waiting list to give other residents the opportunity to meet with Mayor Henry.
Mayor Henry plans to host a Mayor’s Night In or Mayor’s Night Out during each quarter of 2009.

Contact: Rebecca Karcher, Public Information, 427-1120
rebecca.karcher@cityoffortwayne.org
Rachel Blakeman, Public Information, 427-1120
rachel.blakeman@cityoffortwayne.org

Progress report on dues collection

So far, we have only 35% compliance on the paying of dues for 2009. This will not be enough to cover our expenses for this year. Please write a check today and drop it off at either 10207 Jamaica Drive or 10221 Limberlost Trail.

Thanks for your support!

Where does the money go?

Treasurer's Report 2008

Below is an accounting for the income and outgo of Limberlost Acres Community Association. As you can see, our annual dues barely cover our expenses. With the advent of this blog to replace the website, we have eliminated the Web hosting expense, which gives us a little more breathing room. But it is important that we all pay our dues in order to maintain these simple services. Thanks!

Item	Expense	Income
Mowing	$1205.00
Web hosting	$150.96
Postage	$42.00
Property tax	$79.08
Plowing	$247.50
Total expenses	$1573.58
Dues		$1590.00
Total income		$1590.00

Let's set a record!

Do you ever feel like you are the only one who pays their association dues every year? Well, you are not.

According to my records, these are the recent annual percentages of dues compliance for our association:

2003 - 88%
2004 - 77%
2005 - 77%
2006 - 73%
2007 - 79%
2008 - 75%

As you can see, we have slipped a bit since 2003, but in general are holding steady.

Let's make this a year where everyone contributes!

Annual Dues Drive

Each year, Limberlost Acres collects $30 from each household to help defray association expenses. Some of those expenses are:

* Snow plowing
* Mowing of pond property
* Paying property taxes on pond property
* Maintaining signage

Please make your check for $30 payable to "Limberlost Acres Community Association" and mail or deliver to:

* Scott Naltner at 10221 Limberlost Trail
- OR -
* Cheryl Allen at 10207 Jamaica Drive

When you meet your obligation, it helps us meet ours.

Thanks!