Huntingburg Mayor: Take a moment to be proud; now let’s get back to work

Friday, Huntingburg Mayor Denny Spinner expounded on the growth and accomplishments of the city over the past year during his annual state of the city address.

“Four years ago, I stood in this very building in front of you as a new mayor ready to embark on the mission of making Huntingburg a leader, not only in southwestern Indiana, but throughout the state,” Spinner said in his remarks. “This mission focused on improving our economy, reinventing our quality of life and amenities our city has to offer, ensuring trust and confidence of the citizenry and leading our city government with a strong set of values. Four years later, I’m proud to stand in front of you and report that many of these goals have been accomplished, but more is yet to be done.”

Spinner pointed out the city’s accomplishments over the past year.

He started with the water department which has faced a challenge in its leadership with three different superintendents over the past year. In spite of this, the department was able to complete the 4th Street water main project . “The 4th Street water main project was discussed for decades, but this year it was completed,” Spinner said. By implementing Cured-In-Place technology, we pioneered new ways to complete infrastructure projects.”

Another large project the city has undertaken is the $4.3 million force main and lift station replacement project that was needed to update the city’s sewer system on the north side and relieve backups that occur during heavy rains. It will also allow for the future growth expected on that side of town.

He reported the Energy Department had completed several long-term projects — the 30-year 4KV electric conversion project, the 12-year meter change-out program that replaced 3,300 dial meters to electronic meters, the installation of underground primary electric wire in three areas that are part 10-year conversion plan that started in 2010, and the completion of the plugging and capping of the former gas storage field wells.

The renovation of the former gas garage on Van Buren Street into a state-of-the-art ambulance facility was a significant accomplishment for the energy department. Originally estimated to cost about $260,000, the department was able to cut the cost down to about $148,000 by using in-house labor. The new ambulance bay is considered the best facility in the county.

Spinner also commented on the extensive use of the city’s transit services. “Huntingburg Transit had a 9 percent increase in passenger boardings,” he said. “Attesting to the skill of our drivers, transit vehicles were driven 25,201 miles inside our service area in 2015 with no reportable accidents.”

He added that although the system is considered important for the senior citizens of the city, over 45 percent of the trips are being made by young adults; mainly to get to work.

Spinner stated the street department has been busy as well. “They have completed major projects including the complete reconstruction of one of the major thoroughfares in the city” he said. “First Street between Jackson and Van Buren was rebuilt, including the installation of a new storm sewer, as was 3rd Street between Main and Geiger. And in the effort to make our city more walkable, the sidewalk on South Main connecting to the Southridge campus was completely rebuilt.”

On the parks department, Spinner said the city has prepared for the expected growth by hiring an additional employee for the department.

He also expounded on the expansion and remodel that occurred with the Fire and Police Departments. The 11th Street Station was remodeled and expanded. It also now houses the city’s new aerial ladder truck which went on its first run Thursday morning.

The police station remodel and expansion is nearly completed as well. The department was expanded by 3,200 square feet, providing more functional space for every aspect of the daily operation of the department. According to Spinner, the expansion was needed not only to update facilities, but because of the expansion of the police department by two officers in the past four years.

He told the audience the city’s wellness program continues to be a model for other communities. He added that the safety department was working with the Indiana Department of Labor to become the first Indiana municipality to earn OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program designation.

Spinner pointed out that a recent study by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute entitled “Thriving Communities, Thriving State” identified factors that determine if rural communities in Indiana will indeed thrive. The report said Indiana’s top priorities should be education and workforce preparation; leadership and engagement; and quality of life and quality of place.

“Huntingburg is doing just that,” he said. “We are not waiting to see what direction others are taking. Huntingburg is leading the way.”

He reported the city was taking the following steps in that regard: the installation of fiber optic throughout the city to create High Speed Huntingburg; the addition of Current Blend, the county’s first cowork space; a unique partnership with Boxer Girl LLC to construct workforce housing; the creation of a Certificate of Occupancy process for new developments; and a partnership with the Dubois County Health Department, Memorial Hospital and the Association of Latin Americans in Southern Indiana to create the Latino Collaboration Table, which is opening lines of communication between the growing Hispanic population and the agencies and businesses that provide the services they need and deserve.

In closing Spinner asked the audience to take a long view of the city’s growth.

“Think about how much this city has changed over the last four or five years. Now think about what the next ten might bring,” he said. “We have the opportunity to be a truly stellar community. A city that sets the standard for our region and for our state. A place where people want to live. And to build a foundation for success, for years and decades to come. It won’t be easy, but I truly believe that we can do it.”

He asked the community to recognize the importance of investing in our downtown, in trails and parks, in infrastructure, in housing and in neighborhood development.

“That’s why we must focus on bold, innovative initiatives at a time when some would prefer us to maintain the status quo – to keep on doing what we had always done,” he said. “By working together, we are building ourselves into a city like no other. We are becoming the best Huntingburg we can be. Let’s take a moment to be proud of that. And then let’s get back to work.”