Many of you have participated in this process by attending focus groups and public meetings. When completed, the Comprehensive Plan will provide long range goals and policies for land use, transportation, public safety, public works infrastructure, parks, trails, and green space. This has been an excellent example of community participation. Thanks to all of you for your time and ideas. To view and comment on the plan, go to www.rdgusa.com/crp/carlisle.

Avon Lake/Gateway Sewer Extension Project

This project became a reality when Carlisle received a USDA grant. When completed later in 2009, the project will provide service to the Avon Lake area and open up approximately 600 acres for economic development.

Marketing Plan

Earlier this year, we developed an action plan to more aggressively market our community to external audiences such as realtors, business developers and tourist attractions. Our efforts are focused on updating our community website and pursuing media coverage for events and projects. As we market “Carlisle: The Natural Choice,” we want to be seen in a way that says we are sensitive to our natural environment and serious about energy conservation.  Please give us your thoughts and ideas as we move in that direction.

Warren County Great Place Designation

This exciting designation highlights the value of our Scotch Ridge Environmental Center and provides an opportunity to apply for additional funds to move this project forward.

Carlisle Gateway Project

Three years ago, we obtained a federal allocation allowing us to move forward on this project. I will be the first to tell you that bringing a project like this to fruition, takes much time, passion and continued faith.  We are beginning to see the progress now that we have a design for the intersection improvement at County Line Road and Highway 5, as well as a design for the Summerset Trail extension from Carlisle to the Des Moines Riverwalk.  Progress is a sweet thing, and every step should be celebrated!

Emergency Back Up Generation Project

While this type of a project is not the most exciting, it is one that we will celebrate the first time we have to use it! If needed, it will provide emergency back up electricity to guarantee reliable operation of the City’s water and sewer systems under any type of disaster.

Future Projects

Future project is why this time of year is so exciting for me. While we celebrate the successes of many projects listed above because they are finally starting to take shape, the City’s new fiscal year begins July 1, and with it are new goals and projects planned for Carlisle.

For example, we have committed in our new budget that the assistant Librarian will become a full-time employee, allowing us to better serve our growing needs in the community.  We have also planned for implementation of our Comprehensive Plan.

Additionally, we have received grants and FEMA monies for infrastructure projects. We will begin work on South 1^st Street improvements, which is part of the Summerset Trail project and we will be improving our waste water treatment facility to fix damages from the flood last year.

And, finally, Polk County received a Prairie Meadows Grant for seed money to begin a process for a corridor enhancement effort for the Highway 5 bypass from I80 south to I35.  This project will involve a cooperative effort with Warren and Dallas Counties as well as all of the cities on the bypass to better identify and promote its designation as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway”.

Much to Celebrate

While summer always brings excitement my way, I think I am especially enthused for this summer!  There seems to be an increased sense of pride within the community as we shape the future of Carlisle. Congratulations to the new or expanded business endeavors, TMC Auto Body, James Oil, Carlisle Assisted Living, Roberts Plumbing and Heating, the high school remodeling and athletic field remodeling projects. It’s also been great to see new residential additions in the community.

And all of this has happened as we reduced our tax rate from $13.96 per $,1000 to $13.80 per $1,000 in 2008/09 and then maintained that lower rate in fiscal year 2009/10. We as citizens need to give kudos to our city staff for their continued effort to look for cost savings and ways to maximize our city’s budget… thank you!

I would like to personally thank my fellow council members. We have tackled some tough issues this past fiscal year and stayed focused on making some even tougher projects become a reality. Thank you for your dedication!

And to all of our residents and business owners – it is a pleasure to serve as your Mayor. Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to a wonderful summer in this community!  Celebrate by attending our local events.

As always, please contact me at any time with suggestions, ideas and concerns.  I also plan to continue my Mayor’s Coffee the second Saturday of each month at Moe’s Joe 8:00AM to 10:00AM. 

Ruth Randleman
Mayor, City of Carlisle