The City of Jasper, Indiana

“The whole purpose of education is to
turn mirrors into windows.”

Sydney J. Harris, American Journalist

          The quote for this month’s message represents the difference between inward thinking and outward thought.  When one is staring only at a mirror, there is but one focus:  the person in the mirror.  When one looks through a window there is an entirely different view.

          This month is back to school time for area students of all ages and opportunities will be created which could change lives or change the world.  I am an advocate of lifelong learning.  I am also a proponent of career and technical training in addition to a traditional four year degree after high school.

          A skilled and trained workforce will enable Jasper to continue the productivity which is the envy of the rest of Indiana.  Our products and services will remain desired and praised around the world because of the commitment to quality taught in our schools and at our workplaces.

          This school year I ask you to do two things:

1)  Observe for school children and school buses and
     never pass a school bus with the stop sign displayed.

2)  No matter what your age, learn one new skill or task
     before Christmas.

Let’s open some doors!

Mayor Seitz

“Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.”

Khalil Gibran – Lebanese writer/poet

There is a great amount of construction work underway in Jasper.  Much of it is from our wonderful companies who are building commercial structures, a clinic and homes. Other projects are those the city is involved in and here’s an update for you:

We have over 20 street projects, numerous sidewalk improvements and much stormwater work underway.  We are also performing repairs and updates in all our utility departments and in many parks.  I’d like to thank city staff and our summer help for a job well done.

Smithville Fiber continues its giga city buildout.  You can learn more about their project at https://jasper.smithville.com.

Work at The Parklands of Jasper is ahead of schedule.  Formation of a center pond, foundations for the bridge, parking and The Pavilion are well underway.

It’s almost time for residents to move into Jasper Lofts, the 67-unit workforce apartment complex on the old JOFCO property at 13^th & Mill.  Across the street, Miller-Valentine is wrapping up demolition work for Vine Street Lofts on the site of the former Jasper Wood Products.

The River Centre development by Boxer Girl recently received formal approval of tax credits from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation which enables them to complete the pre-construction planning.

Finally, the Jasper Arts Commission and the Jasper Public Library Board have awarded a design and construction document contract to CityWorks of Louisville for the Jasper Cultural Center.

Jasper is advancing toward what it will be!

Mayor Seitz

“The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history. It represents the experiences made by men and women, the experiences of those who do and live under that flag.”
- Unknown

          There is a group of staff members who have a special role in the City of Jasper.  I refer to them as our “Flag Corps”. They are on call to lower and raise the flag as directed by the President of the United States or, at times, the Governor of Indiana.

          Jasper has many flags flying high across our skies and those that are on City properties are our responsibility to care for and symbolically lower to half-staff no matter what the time or day.  Often a notice is sent after hours or on weekends.  A system is in place to call upon staff at each department to perform the duty.  Other Flag Corps members attend to the flags at parks and other public places.

          The City can only lower the Stars and Stripes by official order from state or federal leaders.  As Mayor, I cannot order the American flag to be lowered.  However, in front of City Hall, we have three poles, one each for the American, State and City flags.  I can order the City flag only to be lowered for a commemoration.

          With the observance of Memorial Day, Flag Day and 4^th of July occurring, I offer my thanks to all our Flag Corps members for the behind-the-scenes work they do!

Mayor Seitz

“Individually, we are one drop.
Together, we are an ocean.”

Ryunosuke Satoro, Japanese author

Every year, I accept an invitation to speak to High Ponies participants, a springtime gathering of youth built around the topics of citizenship, exercise and activity, developed by Jill Wigand of Jasper.  My 2017 message was about CITY:

Communities

Investing in

Today’s

Youth

It’s rather fascinating to see what our youngest citizens know about local government.  For me, it’s back to basics as we explain about the obvious – police and fire – to the not-so-obvious such as running water and lights which magically come on with the flick of a switch.

Then I speak about citizenship and how many of them it takes to make us a community. Finally, we wrap it all up with a message about what Jasper will be like when they grow up and how Jasper leaders are focused on our future.

CITY – Communities Investing in Today’s Youth – is an acronym which represents the approach we are taking with Jasper today.  We are very fortunate for the vision, plans and implementation underway and for the city staff, boards and elected officials who are striving to make a better tomorrow possible.

Mayor Terry Seitz

“Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I may remember.
Involve me and I learn.”

-- Benjamin Franklin

          In 2016, the City of Jasper held its first “Touch a Truck” event.  Little did we know the impact we would have for the 700 children and adults in attendance. We had people of all ages ask about the work our city staff performed each day of service to our citizens.  Small children asked their parents if they could do work for the City when they grew up. Everyone loved to get close to the trucks, equipment and machinery they see around Jasper every day.  Mark your calendars for the 2017 City of Jasper Touch a Truck!

CITY OF JASPER TOUCH A TRUCK EVENT

Saturday, April 29^th 9:00-11:00AM

Jasper Train Depot area

Open to the public & Free for all

Rain date:  May 6

“At the end of the day, the goals are simple:
Safety and Security.”

-- Jodi Rell, former Governor of Connecticut”

            There is nothing better than to be healthy.  It’s so easy for us to take our health for granted until we have a minor bout with a cold or flu which knocks us down for a few days.  In the City of Jasper, we take a long-term approach to health, wellness, and safety.

            Through our Rejuvenate Jasper Wellness Program all employees of the city on duty have participated in wellness screenings several years running.  These annual events help us identify areas we need to improve upon and where to focus regular wellness activities.  In addition, a majority of employees undergo bi-monthly wellness sessions featuring blood pressure and weight checks and conversations with a certified counselor.

            On the job, our Personnel/Safety/Loss Control Department leads the way. The City of Jasper is the only government entity in Indiana which is INSHARP certified meaning we have met all standards for inclusion in the Indiana Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.  Together, the City of Jasper has achieved more than a year of without a lost time injury!  For these efforts I thank Director Cale Knies, HR Assistant Cindy Hochgesang and our Safety Committee:

• Tim Berger – Street Department/Fire Department
• Mike Cravener – Gas and Water Department
• Mike Gould – Gas and Water Department
• Jeff Durcholz – Electric Department
• Duane Lindauer – Police Department
• Steve Hall – Park Department
• Mark Pierce – Waste Water Department
• J.P. Stemply – Park Department/Fire Department
• Cindy Hochgesang – P/S/LC Department

Like the quote above says, at the end of the day it’s all about safety and security!

Mayor Terry Seitz

“Heroes don't wear capes they wear a police uniform.” 

A day doesn’t pass without a significant action by one or more members of the Jasper Police Department.  Under the direction of Chief Michael Bennett and Assistant Chief Nathan Schmitt, the 22 officers serve the citizens of Jasper well.  From homes to our schools, from highways to neighborhoods, JPD responds to calls from an ever-growing city.  In fact, Jasper has grown by nearly 1,000 people since 2010 - from 14,572 to 15,538.  JPD statistics indicate the increase and the changes in our society:

• In 2016, there were 9,397 calls for service, a 28% increase since 2012.
• In 2016, there were 4, 582 traffic stops resulting in 921 citations issued. This is a 9% increase in stops since 2013 and reflects a 4:1 warning-to-citation ratio. 
• In 2016, there were 804 reports taken (accident, criminal, incident, etc.) a 34% increase since 2012.
• In 2016, there were 517 criminal arrests, a 7% increase since 2012. There were 62 drug arrest with the K-9 in 2016, a 79% increase since 2013.
• In 2016, officer reports show 71 community relations details (programs, car seat inspections, tours, etc.) an increase of 58% since 2012.
• In 2016, there were 216 domestic violence calls, a 48% increase since 2014. This was a major factor in the Department becoming involved in the Lethality Assessment Program to help victims following an incident.
• In 2016, officers drove 218,700 miles, a 3% increase over last year.

I am grateful for the work of the Jasper Police Department and you should be, too.

Mayor Terry Seitz

How Jasper Is Implementing Our 2010 Comprehensive Plan
& Our 2013 Downtown/Riverfront Master Plan

In January of 2015, I provided an update on where we were as a city in response to the 2010 Comprehensive Plan which says: “There was overwhelming agreement the community should aggressively pursue ways to diversify its economy, continue to promote Jasper’s unique cultural history, as well as strengthen its quality of life.” The plan listed eight key issues and ideas:

1. Support and strengthen local businesses in the community especially in the downtown area.
2. Continue to support and expand recent development along the Patoka River.
3. Capitalize on, and provide greater variety of, accommodations for visitors.
4. Seek innovative ways to retain and/or redevelop underutilized factories or similar buildings in the downtown area.
5. Preserve the surrounding rural setting (avoid sprawl) and seek ways to support local farm practices.
6. Continue to support and strengthen Jasper’s unique arts and cultural programs.
7. Encourage new development that reflects and enhances the unique character and qualities of the community.
8. Provide a greater variety of affordable housing options as one method to attract families to Jasper.

That document also called for investing in planning for our downtown and riverfront leading to the 2013 Downtown/Riverfront Master Plan which states: “With this Plan as a blueprint, Jasper has put itself in the enviable position to re-imagine the character of the community in ways never before envisioned.” Key components are:

1. The Courthouse Square
2. Enhancing the City’s Relationship to the River
3. Reuse of Former Industrial Properties
4. Downtown Connectivity
5. Integrating Art Into the Public Realm

As of January 2017, millions of dollars of private investment has been unleashed, local Economic Development Income Tax revenues have been judiciously leveraged and millions of dollars in donations have been received to be invested in our city core.  All these projects have included a very high degree of public transparency – from public information sessions attended by hundreds, numerous public advisory teams and actions taken at public meetings.

Jasper Quality of Place Investments

Project                                                 Investment      Funding Source(s)

Smithville Giga-City Fiber Build              $  7.0M (est.)    Private 

The Parklands of Jasper                        $  6.5M (est.)    City, State, Gifts

Jasper Lofts (old JOFCO)                       $15.0M (est.)     Private, City, State 

River Centre (old Jasper Cabinet)          $30.0M (est.)      Private, City infrastructure

Jasper Cultural Ctr. (old Hoosier Desk)   $17.0M (est.)      City, Library, State, Gifts

Vine Street Lofts (old Wood Products)    $14.0M (est.)      Private, City, State, County 

Astra Theater (Next Act LLC)                 $  1.6M (est.)      Private gifts, State grant

Multi-use Trail                                      $  2.5M (est.)      City, State grant

Downtown Jasper Revitalization             $  4.2M (est.)       State, City, Gifts

It will be wonderful to see construction begin on many of these projects in 2017 and continue with the development of others.  With so much support from the public, elected officials, boards and city departments we are truly “re-imaging the character of the community”! 

We’re very glad you call Jasper home!

Mayor Terry Seitz

“I’m stronger because of my hard times; wiser because of my mistakes; happier because of my sad experiences.”

Kushandwizdom

The holiday season is upon us.  Virtually every event, activity and workplace is filled with the gifting, helping others and many measures of kindness as we celebrate. Similarly for many, this time of year is replete with emotional triggers for which joy is not present.

          The quotation above symbolizes life’s balance.

          First, there is no adult among us who hasn’t faced challenges at some point.  Using those moments as learning experiences is essential and overcoming obstacles enables us to be compassionate to others facing them.

          Secondly, none of us has gone through life without making a mistake and we’re probably annoyed with a few people who think they haven’t!  One should always attempt to minimize errors and, when they occur, to gain knowledge which prevents them from being repeated.

          Finally, the most significant negative impact this time of year is sadness – often from the loss of loved ones who are not able to share with us any longer.  Here is where understanding the root of happiness is so very important.  That is:  Being happy comes from within not from another.

          I extend my prayers for happiness to all citizens of Jasper and our city employees now and in the future. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Mayor Terry Seitz

“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” 

Alphonse Karr, French author

          It’s human nature to complain rather than give praise.  Traditionally, gossip spreads much faster than the Gospel and none of us are immune.  For example, recently I had an elective medical procedure to alleviate a condition that’s bothered me for years.  Yet, within 24 hours, I found myself expressing disappointment for having to temporarily wear a sling!

          We really do need Thanksgiving!

          Thanksgiving remains a nationally-treasured holiday…not because it’s a precursor to the holiday shopping season…not because of parades and football…but because of the simplicity of its two basic tenets:  Food and fellowship.

          The opportunity to share a meal with another opens the door to conversation and talking leads to understanding.  Thanksgiving enriches us through human outreach, community meals and gatherings of all kinds of “families”.

          I wish to thank employees of the city for the work they do, especially for those working on holidays on our behalf.  And to the citizens of Jasper, we are grateful to be your hometown.

Blessings,

Mayor Terry Seitz

To help our citizens be informed about the Library referendum on November 8,
I present the following:

What is the proposed Jasper Cultural Center? – The Jasper Cultural Center will be the new home for the Jasper Public Library combined with Jasper Community Arts education, studios and galleries. It will replace the existing building on the site of the old Hoosier Desk property at 3^rd Avenue & Mill Street. Each entity will have a wing along with more than 8,000 square feet of shared space. A private developer, City Properties Group of Louisville, is evaluating the potential for loft apartments at the site. Millions of dollars have already been raised for the project from a funding partnership involving local residents, businesses and the State of Indiana.

Estimated construction costs:        $16,800,000

State of Indiana Tax Credits¹                $3,400,000    ¹Assumption of dollar for dollar

Jim & Pat Thyen private gift                  $1,700,000

Jasper LEADs private donations             $1,700,000

City of Jasper EDIT bond²                     $3,500,000    ² A maximum bond amount is projected to be $5.0M with up to $3.5M dedicated to the Jasper Cultural Center.

Jasper Public Library tax bond³             $6,500,000    ³Involves a property tax increase.  The library bond amount will be reduced by the private funds directed from the Jasper LEADs community fund drive.                   

Balance                                      $0           Jasper LEADs library pledges as of 9/30/16: $700,000

Let me get this straight – The state has already approved $3.4M in tax credits. YES. Another $3.4M is coming from the Thyen family and other private sources. YES. And the city is prepared to pay for the remaining portion by an EDIT bond just like the ballfields - without any property tax increase. Is that right?  YES.

So the only tax increase for this project would be from the library and it will be about $2.70 a month or $32.00 a year (or less) for a median home owner for the next 15 years? YES.

Mayor Seitz

“People in small towns…share a destiny.”
Richard Russo – American author/screenwriter

The City of Jasper believes that our destiny is influenced by the vision, planning and actions of today.  One of the most important projects we have undertaken is an exhaustive review of the City of Jasper’s 20+ year-old zoning and subdivision control ordinances (UDO).

Since January 2014, the department of Community Development and Planning has been working with a citizen steering committee and planning consultants RATIO Architects, of Indianapolis, to compile recommended changes. To date, a public kick-off meeting, four focus group meetings, stakeholder interviews, surveys and dozens of steering committee meetings have been held.

The citizen steering committee made up of a diverse cross-section of the community includes Plan Commission members, members of the Board of Zoning Appeals, City Council members, Chamber of Commerce representatives, realtors, developers, contractors, engineers and business owners. This dedicated group of volunteers has met over the past two years, and already 12 times in 2016, to guide the creation of the ordinance that will address how best to zone and develop key areas of the city. This group has been selfless in its devotion to the future of Jasper. All in all more than 200 residents have provided input for the new UDO. The final decision will be made after careful study and analysis of the impact on:

• Neighborhoods
• Retail centers
• Industrial and commercial sites
• Mixed use development
• Overlay districts
• Medical and educational campuses
• Agricultural land
• Open spaces and the Riverfront
• Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations
• Complete streets and parking
• Green infrastructure
• Signage

A draft of the proposed UDO and zoning map is available for review in the offices of the Community Development and Planning Department, second floor of Jasper City Hall, 610 Main Street or on the City’s website at jasperindiana.gov.

Mayor Seitz

“The raising of extraordinarily large sums of money, given voluntarily and freely by millions of our fellow Americans, is a unique American tradition.

President John F. Kennedy

          Recently, I was asked by a visitor to our city how Jasper was doing. My response was, “We are an extraordinary city in the midst of extraordinary times!”

          In the last four years, our employers have invested tens of millions of dollars into existing facilities or new complexes creating hundreds of new jobs.  At the same time, through vision, public input, planning Jasper has attracted the interest of many other companies and organizations who desire to invest in housing and commercial space.

          All this activity has brought forth significant charitable partners who are willing to offer their own money towards key public projects – something which has happened in Jasper often.  The Krempp Gallery, the Arnold F. Habig Center and Ruxer Golf Course have all occurred due to private gifts.  The City received the Jasper Riverwalk and Dave Buehler Plaza and contributions from the Seger families made Central Green and The Parklands of Jasper possible just to name a few.

          Recently, Jim and Pat Thyen provided a challenge gift of $1.7M towards the arts including the proposed Jasper Cultural Center, the Astra, the current Jasper Arts Center and future programming.  This helped to create an $8M community fund drive called Jasper LEADs – Library Enrichment Arts Downtown – with the goal of accomplishing these projects.  Learn more and donate at: www.jasperleads.org Thank you to the Thyen family and to all who have made gifts so far. These are truly extraordinary times!

Mayor Seitz

“You’ve got a playdate with destiny!!”

Lotso - “Toy Story”

          On Saturday, July 16, the City of Jasper will roll out the equipment we use to make this a great place to live and we’ll bring it to the Jasper Train Depot for our first annual “Touch a Truck” day!  We will have massive trucks, fire trucks, specialized vehicles, police cars, and even the Spirit of Jasper engine for all to see and touch!

          This event will take place from 9:00AM-11:00AM and it is open to the public, especially children.

Mayor Seitz

“Summer means happy times and good sunshine!”

Brian Wilson – The Beach Boys

There is indeed something about summer which encourages more activity and a better frame of mind.  The City of Jasper gears up for the season by hiring additional help – for our Municipal Pool, Buffalo Trace, Ruxer Golf Courses and at many other departments.  As always, there are many great activities taking place every summer through your city government and 2016 is no different:

• Various street, sidewalk and stormwater projects
• ARTVentures for K through Adult featuring painting, clay and more
  • (https://www.jasperindiana.gov/egov/documents/1460484956_70115.pdf)
• Excursions on the Spirit of Jasper
  • (spiritofjasper.com)
• Jasper Farmers Market each Saturday
• Indianapolis Colts Fan Fest at the Train Depot on June 9 from 5-7
• CampCare
• Camp4Kids
• Exhibitions in Krempp Gallery at the Jasper Arts Centre
• Preparation for the Strassenfest August 4-7
  • (http://www.jasperstrassenfest.org/)

Summer time is a great time to be in Jasper.  Happy times and good sunshine to you and yours!

Mayor Seitz

“Small flags mark big sacrifices.”

To the Jasper citizens who take a small trash bag along on their walks to help keep our city clean.  Thank you.

To those who help take friends, neighbors and relatives to doctors’ appointments.  Thank you.

To the countless volunteer hours clubs and organizations invest in creating our quality of life.  Thank you.

For those random acts of kindness that are performed routinely by our residents and businesses.  Thank you.

The most important things in life are often little ones.  In honor of Memorial Day, thousands of small American flags will be placed on the graves of deceased veterans - a small remembrance of a great service.  This ritual is such an important element to lives in Dubois County it is impossible to imagine cemeteries without it every May.

It is essential for each generation to carry on the legacy of the one prior.  Therefore, on behalf of the 37 veterans employed by the City of Jasper it is my request that you acknowledge those comrades who have gone on before us with a moment of silence when you read this.  Thank you and thank a veteran.

Have a blessed Memorial Day.    

Mayor Terry Seitz

“A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams.”

-- Herb Caen, American journalist

          Today, I ask you to consider the important role local government plays in your lives and, how much is done effectively and efficiently for taxpayers in the City of Jasper and Jasper Municipal Utility ratepayers.  In my 2016 State of the City address, I include “Jasper By the Numbers” for the last year:

• 3,221 tickets sold for Spirit of Jasper
• Nine youth tournaments held at Jasper Youth Sports Park including Little League State Tournament
• 300 softball players; 459 baseball players and 580 soccer players in just some of our youth sports programs
• 1,771 tons of trash collected; 260 tons recycled
• Nearly 9,000 calls to JPD Communications Center
• 30,000 patrons engaged by Jasper Arts
• 250 building, fence, pool or sign permits granted
• 35 miles of streets paved/overlaid
• 19,000 feet of sidewalk/driveway replaced
• Funding in place for replacement of JVFD Squad 1

          Finally, local government officials provide the greatest public access, either in person or by other means.  You’ll see someone from the City of Jasper on the job or in public every day of the week.  I ask that you provide our city staff, department leaders and other elected officials the greatest respect. Here’s a link to the State of the City:

Mayor Seitz's 2016 State of the City

Mayor Terry Seitz

“Quality of Place is…the unique set of characteristics that define a place and make it attractive – the interrelated experiences of…
what’s there, who’s there and what’s going on.”

-- Richard Florida, the Urban Land Institute – originator of the term “Quality of Place”

From time to time, someone will ask me about all that is happening in Jasper.  They may even question so many projects going on at once or why we want to utilize old buildings.  My answer is that we are investing in our quality of place – highlighting and celebrating the unique attributes which make Jasper a city in which people want to live.

The necessities a city provides have always been our strengths:  Streets, parks, utilities and safety. Since the turn of the 21^st century we have set our sights on a different type of strength: Quality of Place.  Three key elements of Quality of Place are:

• Attraction of creative people and talent – to sustain current employers with the people they need to compete in a global environment.
• Authenticity – celebrate Jasper’s rich heritage industries by utilizing former factory space in new ways and for new purposes.
• An ongoing, dynamic process – building from existing neighborhoods and blending together old and new, young and young-at-heart, necessities with amenities.

The vision, planning and implementation of these initiatives are essential to Jasper’s future as a city. Communities failing to invest in components which attract the next generation of citizens will find those potential residents living elsewhere.  We can’t afford to take Jasper’s success for granted.

We need your support to help make Jasper “The City of Choice!”

Mayor Terry Seitz

“As a community, great things can happen when each individual contributes, according to their strengths, toward a common goal.”

-- Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability

Our Community

It's the middle of basketball season and we're experiencing some amazing displays of teamwork. But I'm not talking about on the hardwood.  Rather, I'm speaking of the events unfolding on our poultry farms.

From neighbors to neighbors; from farmers to the marketplace; from the firehouse to the courthouse to the Indiana Statehouse; from City Hall to the Halls of Congress, there has been a common focus and unified effort which most Americans will never encounter let alone understand.

Because of the avian influenza outbreak hundreds of people from across the country have descended upon our community and, for the time being, our home is their home, too. I've heard firsthand how friendly we are compared to other places their work has taken them. They've shared stories of amazing planning and preparation, extraordinary collaboration, hands-on problem solving and quite a bit of "rural ingenuity". I think the last term refers to the fact that not all knowledge comes from a book!

Through it all, politics has taken a backseat to benevolence. We are working together for the common good. While acknowledging some of our citizens are facing an immediate and ongoing crisis, we must also give thanks for our ability to rise up and respond in true Dubois County partnership. I believe it's what we do best.  Thank you to several departments of the City of Jasper for your assistance during these times.

Though I have lived here all my life I have never been any more delighted to say that this is my home. I hope you'll join me in a moment of gratitude.

Mayor Terry Seitz

 “Ice and snow…take it slow.”

 Winter Safety Tips

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
• Keep dry. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing outdoors rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
• If you drive in bad weather, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
• Add water, non-perishable food, extra blankets, clothing, rock salt, sand, scrapers and shovels to home and travel emergency kits
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather.

As always, the Jasper Police Department, Jasper Volunteer Fire Department and Street Department will be on duty during this winter’s bad weather and we thank them for their service.  We are also grateful for the utility staff who will continue to serve in all conditions.

Mayor Terry Seitz