Kevin S. Smith

AU, Falls School of Business Welcome Chinese Delegation

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:36:36 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson University and the city of Anderson recently welcomed a visit from a delegation from Anderson Indiana’s sister city of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, in China. The visit was in response to the mayor’s trade mission to the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Ningbo and Hangzhou in November 2006.

The eight visitors included six men and two women, representing government, health, education, art and culture for the Yuhang District. Anderson was the only Indiana city the delegation visited while in the United States. Mayor Smith and city of Anderson representatives, Anderson University officials, Flagship Enterprise representatives and business leaders participated in a welcoming dinner.

Anderson Mayor-Elect Kris Ockomon and other representatives of the new city administration have been invited by Mayor Smith to participate in all of the events with the Chinese delegation to assure continued relationships and business opportunities.

The schedule also included a breakfast and meeting with city officials, a press conference, visit to Anderson University and the Falls School of Business, a tour of the Paramount Theater, luncheon at the Flagship Enterprise Center, tour and meetings at the Flagship Enterprise Center and the new Anderson University Flagship Center.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Source: Anderson University Press Release

Chinese Delegation Makes Visit to Anderson

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 8 Dec 2007 12:36:21 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - The city of Anderson will welcome a visit from a delegation of eight Chinese from Anderson’s sister city of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, on Dec. 14, Mayor Kevin S. Smith announced. The visit is in response to the mayor’s trade mission to the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Ningbo and Hangzhou in November 2006.

“We established relationships with Chinese business, government and educational leaders in 2006 that have carried us to this return visit,” said Mayor Smith. “While in Hangzhou, we formalized a sister-city relationship between our two cities. Business in China begins with relationships and this visit to Anderson will further our cultural, educational and business exchange.”

The eight Chinese visitors will include six men and two women, representing government, health, education, art and culture for the Yuhang District. In the Chinese culture, government often represents business interests, Mayor Smith said. Anderson is the only Indiana city these Chinese will visit while in the United States.

Mayor Smith and city of Anderson representatives, Anderson University officials and business leaders will participate in a state dinner on Thursday night.

Friday will include a breakfast and meeting with city officials, a press conference, visit to Anderson University and the Falls School of Business, a tour of the Paramount Theater, luncheon at the Flagship Enterprise Center, tour and meetings at the Flagship Enterprise Center and the Flagship Education Center.

Itinerary for Chinese Visit – December 13 & 14, 2007

City of Anderson

Thursday, Dec. 13

State Dinner – 7:30 p.m., Anderson Country Club, China Delegation, Mayor Smith, Mayor-Elect Ockomon, education and business leaders.

Friday, Dec. 14

Breakfast and meeting with city government officials – 9 a.m., 5^th Floor, Anderson City Building, 120 E. 8^th St.

Press Conference – 10:30 a.m., City Hall Lobby.

Anderson University/Fall School of Business tour and meeting with Students in Free Enterprise - 11 a.m.

Paramount Theater – 12 p.m., tour

Flagship Enterprise Center – 1 p.m., luncheon

Flagship Enterprise Center – 2 p.m., tour and meetings with Anderson University, Purdue University, Ivy Tech, and business leaders.

Departure for airport – 3:30 p.m.

Source: Anderson Mayor's Office

Federal Court Dismisses Former Anderson Building Commissioner Suit

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:18:28 -0700

ANDERSON, Ind. - A federal civil rights lawsuit filed by former Anderson Building Commissioner David Eicks was dismissed Friday by the U.S. District Court in Indianapolis. The Court granted summary judgment in favor of the City of Anderson and Mayor Kevin S. Smith.

The Court rejected Eicks’ claim that his civil rights were violated by his removal from the position of Building Commissioner. The Court found that Eicks’ removal was the result of a candidate search process where all applicants wishing to serve as Building Commissioner in incoming Mayor Kevin Smith’s administration, including Eicks, applied to a search team. The search team then interviewed likely candidates, and recommended the most qualified individual for hire. Mayor Smith accepted the search team’s recommendation that current Building Commissioner Michael Widing was the most qualified applicant.

Summary judgment is a procedural tool used by courts to weed out claims that can be decided without a trial. Each party is given a chance to submit evidence and legal arguments to the judge. The judge must then decide if there are any real factual issues that need to be decided at trial, and if not, whether one party is then entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

After dismissing Eicks’ claim under federal law, the District Court remanded one remaining state law claim to Madison County Superior Court for a decision. Eicks’ was paid 170 hours (four weeks, and one and one-quarter days) of vacation when he separated from employment. His remaining state law claim is that he should be paid for four more weeks of vacation, and 1,149 hours of overtime he worked during his employment with former Mayor Mark Lawler’s administration. The City of Anderson has asked that the court grant summary judgment on these claims as well.

Source: City of Anderson

CATS Unveils Fixed Route Buses

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:18:42 -0700

Anderson Community Schools Assistant Superintendent Lennon Brown says that hourly fixed route service to Highland High School will benefit students and their families who will be better able to participate in parent-teacher conference and after-school activities. Mayor Kevin S. Smith (left) also reported that in celebration of the seven new fixed-route City of Anderson Transit buses, fares will be discontinued through Saturday, October 27.

CATS Unveils Fixed Route Buses

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:41:17 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - In celebration of seven new fixed route buses and the addition of Highland High School to City of Anderson Transit routes, Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith and Assistant School Superintendent Lennon Brown chose to ride the bus.

Located on the far northeast side of Anderson, the school has never had hourly bus service, despite repeated requests from school officials. When two of the new city buses drove up to the school for the unveiling, Mayor Smith and Mr. Brown emerged from the new, air conditioned and fully handicapped-accessible vehicles. So did the Highland High School mascots.

“We hope CATS buses will become as much a part of Highland High School life as band, choir, sports or any other school function,” said Mayor Smith. “It will also allow parents transportation to parent-teacher conferences or other events associated with their children.”

Adding to the celebration, CATS General Manager Peter Heuer announced that on Friday, when the new buses start their appointed rounds for the first time, ridership will be completely free. The no-fare ridership will continue through Saturday October 27. The seven new fixed-route buses represent a full replacement of that fleet.

For Highland High School students and families, CATS buses will stop at the school Monday through Friday at 6:25 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 10:25 a.m., 11:25 a.m., 12:25 p.m., 1:35 p.m., 3:35 p.m., 4:35 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. CATS buses will not stop at the school during the congested travel time of daily arrival and departure of students and staff at 7:25 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. Saturday service will be hourly from 9:25 a.m. through 2:25 p.m.

Highland High School Principal Mark Finger and Dean Kathy Fox also spoke at the unveiling, highlighting the partnership with the city that will allow greater transportation options for ACS students and their families.

ATS Fixed Route Buses Unveiled Oct. 18 at Highland High School

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:08:11 -0700

ANDERSON, Ind. - Seven new fixed-route buses – a complete fleet replacement - will take to the streets of Anderson Friday. Mayor Kevin S. Smith and Highland High School administrators, students and parents will be given the first opportunity to examine the buses, Thursday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m. The selection of Highland High School, 2108 E. 200 N., also calls attention to the addition of the far northeast side school to the City of Anderson Transit fixed routes.

“Highland High School administrators have long sought city bus service to allow students and their parents transportation flexibility. We hope CATS buses will become as much a part of Highland High School life as band, choir, sports or any other school function,” said Mayor Smith. “It will also allow parents transportation to parent-teacher conferences or other events associated with their children.”

CATS General Manager Peter Heuer will also announce free fares for all fixed-route riders for one week, starting Friday, Oct. 19.

The new fixed route buses offer air conditioning, complete handicapped accessibility and bicycle racks. Recently, the city unveiled for new Nifty-Lift buses. Another four are set for purchase in 2008.

FORTUNE 500 Company to Create 500 Jobs in Anderson

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:57:33 -0700

ANDERSON, Ind. (Sept. 25, 2007) - Governor Mitch Daniels and Mayor Kevin Smith joined executives from Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (NYSE: ACS) today to announce that the company will locate a customer care center here, creating 500 jobs.

The company plans to locate the new 26,000 square-foot center in the former Continental Inc. offices at 2710 Enterprise Drive and will begin hiring telecommunications and data operations specialists later this year.

"This fulfills the commitment made by IBM last year that the company and its partners would create 1,000 jobs for Hoosiers if selected to help us fix the state's welfare system," said Daniels. "Reducing waste and fraud and saving a half billion taxpayer dollars is a very large cake, but 1,000 new jobs is my favorite kind of icing."

ACS' decision to locate in Indiana follows IBM's April 30 announcement that it would locate a new 500-person call center in nearby Daleville. ACS, a FORTUNE 500 company, provides business process outsourcing and information technology solutions to commercial and government clients in more than 100 countries. The new center will service the company's commercial customers.

"Our business is global but our commitment is local," said Greg Dodge, ACS' vice president of human resources. "Our new customer care center in Anderson will enable ACS to provide superior service to our clients as their business operations partner. We appreciate the work ethic and business attributes theCity of Anderson and its residents bring to ACS."

ACS anticipates hiring 200 associates at the new Anderson customer care center by the end of the year and an additional 200 associates by December 2008. The company plans to hire the remaining complement of new employees by the end of 2010. The associates at the new facility will not provide service to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration but will serve the company's commercial, private sector clients from potentially the financial services, telecommunications and healthcare sectors.

"ACS is a global company that will create new opportunities for Anderson," said Smith. "In addition, ACS is a company that values diversity; they have said that their workforce will mirror the Anderson and Madison County community. It is their policy to seek diverse and qualified individuals for employment. ACS' commitment demonstrates that our efforts to create a new economy for our city are working, and we look forward to a long and successful future with ACS in Anderson."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered ACS up to $200,000 in training grants based upon the company's job creation plans. The City of Anderson offered the company property tax abatement and up to $850,000 in site improvements.

In addition to today's announcement, IBM and its partners have committed to hiring 1,500 Hoosiers to modernize the computer services of the Family and Social Services Administration. As part of the modernization project, IBM also committed to upgrade the supercomputer located at Indiana University and create a technology design center at Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis.

About ACS
ACS, a global FORTUNE 500 company with 60,000 people supporting client operations reaching more than 100 countries, provides business process outsourcing and information technology solutions to world-class commercial and government clients. The company's Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ACS." ACS makes technology work. Visit ACS on the Internet at www.acs-inc.com.

About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is the state's premier entity charged with economic development. The IEDC has a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mitch Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman is also chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.

AFD Breaks Ground on Training Facility Aug. 27

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:27:21 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Fire Department Chief Phil Rogers and Mayor Kevin S. Smith will break ground for a new training facility that will keep the city’s 128 firefighters in maximum form for fighting fires and protecting lives. The facility will also serve as a district training center for all fire departments in Madison County, as well as 12 other counties in the state’s Emergency Management District 6.

Groundbreaking ceremonies will be Monday, August 27, 2007 at 10 a.m. at 5812 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. The location is north of the Anderson Country Inn. Also participating in the ceremonies will be Indiana State Fire Marshall Roger Johnson and John Buchman, section chief for Indiana Firefighter Training of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Anderson Nifty Lift Buses Unveiled Thursday at Hopewell Center

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:34:10 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Four gleaming Nifty Lift Buses bearing flashy green trim with nighttime reflective properties were unveiled before a group of excited Anderson Hopewell Center clients today.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to accomplish this major advancement in our CATS service,” said Mayor Kevin S. Smith. “When General Manager Peter Heuer joined the city staff, he was charged with bringing new life to the city’s neglected transit system. Our goal is to provide the best possible transit opportunities to support employment and business needs of Anderson citizens.”

The Hopewell Center was chosen as the site for the rollout of the New Nifty Lifts because they are the largest, single source trip generator for the para-transit service. Nifty Lift currently provides approximately 30,000 trips per year for its clients in Anderson. Nifty Lift provides an extremely important, invaluable service for riders – transporting them from home to work, shopping and back; providing special needs riders independence in their daily lives.

CATS also purchased a wheelchair accessible supervisor van. The total cost to purchase these 5 vehicles was $260,000. $208,000 of the funds came from Federal grant money and the remaining $52,000 from the city’s general fund.

Seven new fixed route buses are on order and delivery is expected in mid-October. A new and more efficient system for fixed routes will be unveiled soon.

Anderson Wireless Internet Announcement Tuesday

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:38:37 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith will make an announcement Tuesday, August 21 at 10 a.m. concerning wireless internet availability in the city of Anderson. The announcement will be in Town Center Park, 12th and Meridian Street.

“The city’s fiber optics initiative over the past three years will allow us to demonstrate an innovative, progressive and exciting quality of life achievement for all Anderson residents,” said Mayor Smith.

‘Traveling’ City Hall Session. August 15

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:40:36 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kevin S. Smith will hold a “Traveling” City Hall Session Wednesday, August 15 at 1 p.m. at Southdale Tower, 524 W. 53rd St. The event will be in the community room.

The town meetings, conducted in various locations throughout the city, include a short discussion by the mayor followed by a question and answer session. Every Anderson citizen is invited to attend.

Anderson Achieves Federal Weed and Seed Status

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 9 Aug 2007 17:19:57 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks congratulated Mayor Kevin S. Smith today on Anderson’s successful application to become a Weed and Seed program site. The announcement was made during a press conference in the Anderson City Building Lobby, along with members of the Weed and Seed Steering Committee and representatives of the office of Congressman Mike Pence.

Operation Weed and Seed is a program of the U.S. Department of Justice that operates in 250 neighborhoods across the nation. Its four basic components involve law enforcement; community policing; prevention, intervention and treatment, and; neighborhood restoration.

“Weed and Seed is a highly effective crime reduction strategy that has a proven track record throughout the country,” U.S. Attorney Brooks said. “I am so pleased that the City of Anderson has brought together residents and law enforcement to work hand in hand on the community’s crime problems. The Department of Justice is proud to have the opportunity to financially assist Anderson weed out this crime, seed with revitalization efforts and restore your community.”

Susan W. Brooks

“Operation Weed and Seed’ will further the city’s efforts to create a new Anderson,” said Mayor Smith. “I appreciate the hard work and idealism this successful grant application represents. Kim Townsend, Lt. Jerry Miller, Det. Joel Sandefur, steering committee members, CrimeWatch groups, and the residents of our target neighborhood have already begun to make a difference for their families and community.”

Mayor Kevin S. Smith

The initial award for the city of Anderson is $175,000; but, Operation Weed and Seed is a multi-year, multi-step program that awards up to $1 million for communities as they achieve incremental success. The Weed and Seed Program provides resources for grant communities to enhance law enforcement efforts to reduce the re-arrest rate among adult male and female ex-offenders participating in offender re-entry programs. It also targets reduction of drug crime, related crime (such as theft and forgery) and violent crime in the designated area by at least 10 percent over five years.

"I'm grateful to the Department of Justice for their investment in the City of Anderson, said Congressman Pence. "This program will help increase the safety for residents of Anderson."

The Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) approved Central Anderson as a Weed and Seed Community (WSC) effective October 1, 2007. The designated area is bounded by Scatterfield Road, University Boulevard, Alexandria Pike, Elder Street, Indiana Avenue, White River, Arrow Avenue, Eighth Street, Baxter Road, Euclid Drive, Raible Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 25th Street, Madison Avenue, 38th Street, back to Scatterfield Road.

Anderson Mayor Orders Heat Relief Shelters for Wednesday, Thursday

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 7 Aug 2007 17:27:28 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith today directed the city’s Emergency Management office to arrange for heat relief shelters for citizens due to forecasts that expect the heat index to exceed 105 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday. “We urge all citizens to utilize these shelters to avoid heat-related illness,” he said. “Nifty Lift transports are on standby for those who have no other way to get to a shelter.”

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, three Anderson churches will provide 24-hour air conditioned shelters, light refreshments and water. Cots will also be available for resting and overnight stays.

Peter Heuer, General Manager for the City of Anderson Transit, said temporary Nifty-Lift transportation will be provided for Anderson residents with heat-related needs and no other way to get to a shelter. To arrange for pickup, Anderson residents should call 644-8312.

The shelters are:

New Hope United Methodist Church, 1503 Louise St., (642-1892).
Aletheia Fellowship and Ministry Center, 2505 Faith Dr. (south of Hoosier Park, off 53rd Street, 649-3480)
East Side Church of God, 2600 E. 5th St. (649-3534)

Anderson Fire Department EMS Director Don Watson said residents should exercise extreme care when temperatures reach such dangerous levels. Hydration – drinking plenty of water and liquids – and removing one’s self to a cooler location are key to maintaining one’s health.

There are three categories of heat-related illness, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that will require intravenous hydration and hospitalization. Heat stroke is when the body’s sweating mechanism shuts down and the body is unable to cool itself.

“Basically, if you’re sweating heavily, cramping and sick, go immediately to a cool location and start rehydrating yourself,” said Watson.

Doug Zook, superintendent of Anderson Department of Parks and Recreation said Anderson’s two swimming pools – Athletic Park and Southside Recreation Center - are open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. On Thursday, Athletic Park will be open until 7 p.m. and Southside Recreation Center will be open until 10 p.m. The Athletic Park pool is located at 8th Street, on the east side of the Eisenhower Bridge. Southside Recreation Center is adjacent to Anderson High School on south Madison Avenue.

Cots at the heat relief shelters are being provided by the Anderson Chapter of the American Red Cross and the 2nd Harvest Food Bank is assisting with refreshments and liquids.

Proposed 2008 Budget: Disciplined and Holds the Line on Property Taxes

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 6 Aug 2007 22:17:22 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The administration of Mayor Kevin S. Smith began hearings Monday evening with the City Council, proposing a disciplined budget that holds the line on city property taxes.

“By redirecting spending, the city of Anderson reduced the city portion of homeowners’ property taxes two years in a row,” said Mayor Smith. “The 2008 budget proposal again holds the line on the property tax rate by maintaining the same rate as 2007.”

City Controller Morris Long said the General Fund budget of $35.6 million projects a tax rate of $1.5136 for 2008 that is identical to 2007.

Highlights of the 2008 budget include:

Raises of 3 per cent for employees, with no change in insurance or benefits.
Continuation a paving plan for the fourth year in a row.
Matching funds to replace the city’s Nifty Lift and fixed route buses.
The proposed budget absorbs $2 million in increased spending without raising taxes.
After two years of reductions in the city property tax rate, the proposed 2008 rate remains the same as that of 2007 ($1.5135). Both rates are lower than the 2004 rate ($1.5214).

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

‘Traveling’ City Hall Sessions August 13 & 15

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 6 Aug 2007 12:20:21 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kevin S. Smith has set two “Traveling” City Hall Sessions for the week of August 13. The town meetings, conducted in various locations throughout the city, include a short discussion by the mayor followed by a question and answer session.

Monday, August 13, 2007, from 6 to 7 p.m., at New Horizons United Methodist Church, 611 E. 53rd St. The event will be in the church sanctuary.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Southdale Tower, 524 W. 53rd St. The event will be in the community room.

Mayor Smith’s City Hall Sessions allow local government to respond directly to citizens. Every city department is represented at these sessions to respond to specific inquiries. By hearing residents’ questions, the mayor and city administrators may learn what is important to residents.

Organizations that wish to host a future City Hall Session should call the mayor’s office, 648-6009.