MAYOR BALLARD, PACERS COACH JIM O’BRIEN SEEK VOLUNTEERS, DONATIONS FOR 2010 INDY HOMELESS CONNECT

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Pacers coach Jim O’Brien and representatives from the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) announced today the upcoming 2010 Indy Homeless Connect, which will serve hundreds of homeless individuals and families.

Mayor Ballard, Coach O’Brien and members from CHIP also asked the community to volunteer and donate money for this day-long event. Mayor Ballard and his wife Winnie, and Indiana Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien and his wife Sharon will serve as the honorary co-chairs for the second year.

“Indianapolis is full of compassionate people who come together to pick up their neighbors and help those who truly need it most,” said Mayor Ballard. “By volunteering and donating money through Indy Homeless Connect, we can empower and encourage our homeless neighbors to seek the services they need.”

Indy Homeless Connect is a one-day event that offers dozens of core services to homeless clients such as acute medical care, food, mental health counseling, legal advice, employment guidance, and housing assistance – all under one roof. Indy Homeless Connect also provides non-essential “extra care” services, like free phone calls, books, and haircuts.

“My wife Sharon and I believe it is unacceptable for individuals and families to live without homes,” said O’Brien. “Indy Homeless Connect is a place where lives can change and we are committed to making it a success for our community and homeless neighbors.”

The 2010 Indy Homeless Connect will take place Tuesday, March 23 at the Indiana Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

About Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention:

The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis (CHIP) is a focal point and a resource for service providers and the lead entity for implementing the Blueprint to End Homelessness. For a listing of local service providers, or to learn more about volunteering or donating money to Indy Homeless Connect, individuals can contact CHIP directly www.chipindy.org.

A note from the new Mayor's Neighborhood Liasion

Dear Neighborhood and Community leaders,

By now I’ve probably sent enough emails that you have figured out who I am. I apologize for not sending this email out 3 weeks ago to avoid any confusion.

My name is Lisa Laflin, and I am Mayor Ballard’s Liaison for your area. I have taken over this position from Dennis Papenmeier, whom I’m pretty sure you all know and love.

I am not new to the City or to communities and many of you know me from my previous roles in DPW and with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.

I am looking forward to meeting you all over the next few months, and to serving your area. I know that Dennis worked hard for you and I intend to uphold his standards of responsiveness and reliability.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or issues about your neighborhood.

Many of you did not have monthly meetings in February do to the snow, so I hope to see you all during the month of March.

Warmest Regards,

Lisa Laflin

Mayor's Neighborhood Liaison

South Center Township

Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services

2160 City-County Building

200 E. Washington Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

317-327-5595

llaflin@indy.gov

A note from Cliff Myers

As you have seen in the News, we have a new Chief of Police. Yesterday, Paul Ciesielski was named as our Chief. Chief Ciesielski has hit the ground running and is in the process of developing his staff and formulating our crime strategy. I am happy to say that the Chief has given me a vote of confidence and I will remain as your Southeast District commander. The Chief is impressed with what we have developed in our District. Thanks to our great working relationship with our community partners, we drove down crime 19% last year in the Southeast District, the largest decrease in the city. It is my privilege to work with you and I thank you all for your continued great work in your neighborhoods. I am confident that we will have many successes in the future.

Have a great weekend.

Cliff Myers

Southeast District, Commander

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

1150 S. Shelby Street

Indpls. IN 46203

317- 327-6300

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WINTER WEATHER REMINDER: CLEAR YOUR STORM INLETS

With cold weather in full effect, treacherous driving conditions are not the only concern in Indianapolis this winter season. Ice and snow that covers storm inlets can also contribute to drainage problems and slick conditions on residential streets. As a result, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) is asking residents and property owners to do their part and regularly check and clear storm inlets of snow, ice and other debris.

“We live in a city where the weather can fluctuate greatly and all the freezing and thawing of snow and ice can have a significant impact on our community,” DPW Director David Sherman said. “Clearing inlets when you shovel your driveway or sidewalk is one small way to improve your neighborhood this winter.”

Clogged or blocked storm inlets can lead to numerous problems. Snow and ice can block proper water flow into storm inlets resulting in drainage problems, flooded streets and dangerous conditions, such as black ice on streets and sidewalks. In addition, standing water on streets can work its way into the sanitary and combined sewers, taking up needed capacity and contributing to raw sewage overflows and backups at homes and businesses.

There are more than 10,000 miles of drainage facilities in Marion County. Approximately 6,000 of those miles are on private property and must be maintained by property owners, according to Sections 431-506 and 561-211 of the Revised Code of the City and County. For these property owners, drainage responsibilities include clearing storm inlets.

For further information, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at 327.4622 or visit www.indy.gov/dpw.

MAYOR WELCOMES HANGZHOU DELEGATION TO INDIANAPOLIS DELEGATION COMES FOLLOWING MAYOR'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MISSION IN 2008

Mayor Greg Ballard today met with a delegation of
government, cultural and business leaders from Hangzhou, China. Mayor
Ballard extended an invitation to the Hangzhou delegation following his
2008 economic development trip to the country.

"Positioning our city as a strong global competitor is key to ensuring
our success for decades to come," said Mayor Ballard. "Our strong
relationship with China is providing ample opportunity for economic and
cultural exchanges -- helping Indianapolis establish a stronger global
presence."

Last year, Ningbo manufacturer Goodtime Science & Technology Co. Ltd.
located their U.S. distribution center in Indianapolis. The company
manufactures and distributes environmentally-friendly and
energy-efficient rubber, plastic, and metal items and molds for major
auto makers including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda. The company
considered locations in Michigan, Kentucky and Missouri but ultimately
chose Indianapolis because of its superior market reach, ease of doing
business and quality of life.

"Establishing relationships with community and business leaders in
Hangzhou and our other sister cities is crucial to our international
economic development efforts, which is why we have taken the opportunity
to visit Hangzhou twice in the past year. We are pleased to now take our
turn in welcoming their delegation and are thrilled they will have the
opportunity to experience firsthand all that Indianapolis has to offer,"
said Scott Miller, CEO, Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. (IEDI).

While in Indianapolis, the Hangzhou delegation also met with executives
with IEDI as well as toured several local attractions including the
Indianapolis Museum of Art and Conseco Fieldhouse.

"Indianapolis has so much to offer and we are very excited to be able to
share with the Hangzhou delegation many of our most famed cultural
attractions," said Carolin Requiz Smith, Director of the Mayor's Office
of
International and Cultural Affairs. "Hangzhou has been an excellent
partner for Indianapolis, and we are happy to have this opportunity to
extend some Hoosier hospitality."

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is a Sister City to
Indianapolis and is known for its pharmaceutical sector and strong
manufacturing sector with a focus in automotive components, and it is a
popular tourist destination.

The Mayor's criteria for selecting a Sister City include having a
metropolitan population of more than one million, an international
airport, economic vitality in multiple industries and an education and
cultural infrastructure able to foster exchanges with Indianapolis
institutions.

MAYOR BALLARD NAMES PAUL CIESIELSKI NEW CHIEF OF IMPD; PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR STRAUB ANNOUNCES REORGANIZATION

Mayor Greg Ballard today named Paul Ciesielski as chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, while Public Safety Director, Dr. Frank Straub, announced other changes to IMPD’s command team.

“Paul brings the right mix of command experience, community credibility, and leadership skills to the position of chief of police,” stated Ballard. “He is committed to making Indianapolis a safer place to work, live and raise a family.”

Ciesielski was promoted to chief of IMPD from his current position as commander of the department’s Northwest district, where he had served since January 2007. He has over 23 years service on the force.

“It's an honor and privilege to serve as your chief of police,” said Ciesielski. “I am proud of the leadership team we have assembled and the service our officers provide to the community every day. I look forward to working with every officer to make our city a better place to live.”

Along with the appointment of a new police chief, Director Straub announced the following changes to the command staff:

• Daryl Pierce: Assistant Chief of Police

• Ronald Hicks: Deputy Chief of Operations

• Valerie Cunningham: Deputy Chief of Professional Standards

• Michael Spears: Captain, Planning and Research Division

• John Conley: Major, Homeland Security Division

• Michael Bates: Commander, Homeland Security Division

"The IMPD leadership changes announced today represent an important moment in the Department's rich history,” stated Straub. “This talented and diverse team represents the future of policing in the City of Indianapolis. A police department that is committed to driving down crime and violence, strengthening ties to the community it serves, and building a diverse workforce while developing the next generation of leaders."

Mayor Ballard also took time to praise the work of IMPD Chief Michael Spears.

“Chief Spears led IMPD during some of its most difficult and challenging times—but he did so with distinction, dedication, and honor. All Indianapolis citizens owe him a debt of gratitude for his service.”