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Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets Shares Thoughts Regarding Growth and Development for City of Frankfort

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Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets shares her thoughts on the planned development at I-65 & S.R. 28on Friday, February 10, 2023, via a press release. (Photo: City of Frankfort)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 10, 2023) – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets issued a press release Friday sharing her thoughts on the recent announcement of the proposed development at I-65 & S.R. 28 – Banderas Point. Below is the media release.

Due to the recent news regarding the proposed “Banderas Point” development near the I-65 Interchange, I would like to thank Good Oil Company and their CEO, Don Good for their investment and partnership with Frankfort and Clinton County. This investment will bring new opportunities and high-quality development to our community. Good Oil has shown great commitment to the goals in the State Road 28 Overlay District that guard the gateway to the City of Frankfort both inside and outside the City Corporate limits. They have worked through many challenges and are bringing a proposal that is mindful of the Comprehensive Plan and will have unique amenities that we are very excited about.

I have had my team involved in the planning process to make sure that as this development takes shape, the transition is smooth, and the high standards for development in Frankfort’s gateway are maintained. Don Stock, Director of Planning & Housing Initiatives, attends zoning meetings and has reported back to me to resolve any issues that may arise in the future. A considerable challenge for this project is merging two different zoning districts. The new enterprise designed by Prince Alexander Architecture with Crystal Kent, the main project architect, will have its own Planned United Development (PUD) district which our current ordinance doesn’t support. PUD districts allow for creative combinations of uses, such as outdoor shopping malls, entertainment venues, recreational facilities, agri-tourism, parks, and more, in a single high-end custom district that allows for stronger design control and a consistent look and feel. My hope is that the Council will look at passing the 2023 Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) updating the cities aging 1967 zoning ordinance. The new UDO will allow Frankfort to use all the tools enacted by State Law for encouraging high-quality mixed use development. It’s modern, easy-to-navigate land use ordinances will also allow Frankfort to successfully partner in helping this project go off without hesitation before and after partial annexation of the site. Frankfort will benefit from annexation with the increased commercial tax revenue created by the structures once they are completed, and from the economic development effects of the entertainment venue that will draw visitors to spend money in our community. This proposed development will help place Frankfort on the map as a destination. Visitors will be excited to spend time in our community as well as add multiple new entertainment and recreational amenities that we, as residents, can enjoy close to home.

I am honored and privileged to be able to lead our community with updated ordinances and collaborate with developers and Clinton County to further position the City of Frankfort to attract investments while maintaining a high quality of life that will draw increasing interest in Clinton County and the City of Frankfort.

City of Frankfort launches City App – Connect Frankfort IN

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City of Frankfort launches City App – Connect Frankfort IN

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has launched a smartphone app allowing residents to stay up-to-date with activities and better communicate with city departments.

The smartphone app – Connect Frankfort IN – is available for both iPhone and Android devices in the respective Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Frankfort Community Development Director, Kimberly Black, stated via a press release the app launched on November 14, “We constantly hear that our community doesn’t know what is going on. I have been looking for other alternatives because a lot of people aren’t on Facebook, or social media. I wanted a way to directly communicate with our residents about important information straight from City Hall.”

Adding, “in an age of digital and instant information, the City of Frankfort wanted to be one step ahead.”

Connect Frankfort IN is available to be downloaded from any smartphone including Apple iPhones and Android phones. Residents will need to scan the QR code or visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Residents will need to make an account with their email address and allow push notifications from the Connect Frankfort IN. If residents don’t allow push notifications, they won’t be notified until they open the App. Connect Frankfort IN is also linked to the City of Frankfort website where residents can find more information about topics. “Residents will be able to view the notification and then visit the website all from their phone. We wanted to make sure the App was user-friendly and that anyone would be to access it for free,” continued Black.

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets added, “Kimberly and I had discussed ways to help bridge the communication gap from City Hall to our residents. Once I saw how Connect Frankfort IN worked from our end and from the community side, I knew it was something we needed. We want our community to be involved and engaged in local government. We want them to feel like they are connected. They will be able to know about road closures, community events, job openings, staff directory and more. The possibilities are really endless.”

Frankfort Residents Reminded of New Automated Trash Collection Program

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automated trash collection reminder

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has issued a reminder to residents today regarding the new automated trash collecting program.

It is important to have your trash carts out BY 7:00am. Crews will begin pickup at 7:00am. We are working on day 2 of automation and will need to run the routes differently based on the truck arm location. If your trash is not set out by 7:00am on your trash day it will NOT be picked up until the following week. You can set your carts out the night before to ensure pickup.

The ONLY trash that will be picked up is if they are in the new City of Frankfort trash containers. Bagged trash on the ground will NOT be picked up.
If you have extra trash that doesn’t fit in the cart, please bring it to the Street Department Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm or on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:00am to Noon. There is no extra charge for residents who bring in bagged trash.

Recycle: Recycling will remain the same with bags on the ground. We encourage residents to recycle with no sorting necessary. Due to the safety of the crew members, we do NOT accept glass during pick up but it can be dropped off at the Recycle Barn.

Street pick-up locations: If you have street pick up please make sure it is as close to the road or curb as possible. Do NOT place your cart against a fence, utility pole, or garage.

Alley pick-up locations: If you have alley pick up please make sure it is along the alley and NOT by your garage or fence.

If you have not received your new trash carts please call the office at 765.659.2912. Please leave a voicemail with your name, phone number, and address if no one answers.

Paving of 11 City of Frankfort Streets to Begin Monday, October 24th

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Paving of 11 City of Frankfort Streets to Begin Monday, October 24th

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Frankfort Street Superintendent, Jason Forsythe, has announced paving of 11 streets will begin on Monday, October 24 according to a Friday press release. The paving is part of a $864,666.37 package approved by Mayor Judy Sheets and the Board of Public Works in the Spring of 2022; nine of the 11 streets are part of the Community Crossing Matching Grant.

The project’s milling and paving will be done by E&B Paving, the same company doing work on the INDOT State Road 28 project in Frankfort.

“We were on a waitlist with E&B Paving and they have been working hard on the INDOT State Road 28 project. E&B and I have been in communication over the last couple of weeks and we are hoping the weather cooperates for us to get all of our projects completed over the next couple of weeks,” stated Forsythe.

Milling will begin on Bill Goodwin Drive and Morrison Street.

Below is a list of the streets:

• East Washington Street (North Jackson to South Fudge Street)
• East Wabash Street (South Clay Street to South Williams Road)
• Ann Street (South Clay to Dead End)
• Van Buren Street (East Ohio Street to State Road 28/Walnut)
• East Street ( Washington Avenue to State Road 28/Walnut)
• Rossville Avenue (West Morrison Street to Railroad tracks)
• O’Neil Street (Washington Avenue to Dead end)
• Morrison Street (Myrtle Avenue to Rossville Avenue)
• Hemlock Drive (South Clay Street to Alhambra Avenue)
• Taylor Street (West Walnut to West Washington Street)
• Bill Goodwin Drive (East Green Street to Kyger Street)

Please be aware if you have on-street parking as cars will be towed if they aren’t moved when milling and paving work is being done.

The list does not reflect the order in which work will be completed. For updated information visit the City of Frankfort or the Frankfort Street Department Facebook page.

Delivery of Trash Totes to Frankfort Residents Scheduled to Begin Sunday, October 23

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Delivery of Trash Totes to Frankfort Residents Scheduled to Begin Sunday, October 23

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Residents of Frankfort will soon begin receiving delivery of new trash containers – totes – as part of the automation trash collection service according to a press release from Kimberly Black, Community Development & Outreach Director for the City of Frankfort. The first day of automated trash collection using the new totes will be Monday, October 31, with service in the southwest quadrant of the city.

“We received some news from the company that is supplying and putting together all of the new trash toters,” stated Black in the Thursday press release. “They are going to start delivering the new toters on Sunday, October 23rd to the Southwest quadrant and possibly the North west quadrant of Frankfort. On Monday, October 24th the company will finish where they left off. Every resident should have the new trash carts by Thursday, October 27th. Please DO NOT use the new containers until the week of Monday, October 31st.”

Black noted that, “all trash carts will be delivered to the front door or street side. If you have alley trash pick-up please move your trash cart to the pick-up location.”

Trash collection will remain the same as current. There is no cost to residents for the single, 96-gallon tote. Additional totes are available from the street department at a cost of $5 per month.

The Frankfort Street Department may be reached by calling 765-659-2912.

The City of Frankfort to Honor Veterans at Veterans Park

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The City of Frankfort to Honor Veterans at Veterans Park

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort is honoring Hometown Heroes at Veterans Park.

The Veterans’ signs will be located at Veterans Park and will be showcased during the Veterans’ Day Program on Friday, November 11, 2022. The information for the signs must come from a Veteran and needs to include their name, military picture, military branch, and years of service.
Veterans can email to Kimberly Black at kblack@frankfort-in.gov or it can be dropped off at the Community Development Office inside Old Stoney (301 East Clinton Street, Frankfort IN) by Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Each sign can be purchased for $20.00 and will be due at the time of the order. The City of Frankfort can only accept cash or checks. Please make the checks payable to the City of Frankfort.

Mayor Sheets commented, “I wanted to find a way to honor our Veterans in the community since I first took office. This is a great opportunity for our community to honor and thank all of the members of the Armed Forces who have served our great country. They have sacrificed so much over the years and it is time that the City of Frankfort does our part in honoring them. I am excited to see all of the signs in Veterans Park in November.”

Veterans can pick up the signs after the Veterans Day Program and place them in their own yard or landscaping. “I know our community has many Veterans and this is a great opportunity to honor them. I’m hoping our community and visitors that drive-thru Frankfort notice the signs at Veterans Park and all over Frankfort after the 11th and see the impact our community members have given to our great nation, said Black.”

If businesses would like to sponsor our Hometown Heroes, please contact Kimberly Black, Community Development & Outreach Director, City of Frankfort.

Frankfort Police Department Awarded Department of Justice Grant to Hire New Police Officer

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Frankfort Police Department Awarded Department of Justice Grant to Hire New Police Officer

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The Frankfort Police Department (FPD) has been awarded a $125,000 grant to hire a new police officer through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). FPD was one of 180 grants awarded nationwide of 711 applications received for fiscal year 2022 grant cycle.

“We’re happy with this [announcement],”said Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker.

Shoemaker explained the funding process as the funding from CHP will provide partial funding over three years with the city committing to fund 100% of the new officer pay in year 4, “the first three years is a match, 75% federal government, 25% the city. And then in the fourth year, we’re required to fully fund that position for at least one year.”

The original FPD grant application requested funding for three officers to allow for specialized trained officers in mental health shared Shoemaker.

“We’d ask for three. Our intent was to have an officer with using one that we already have – our goal was to have at least one specialized officer that’s trained in mental health – a little bit far beyond than what we normally do.”

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets too was excited to receive news of the awarding of the grant.

“I’m so excited about this,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “That’s gonna help us out to be able to add one more person to the police department.”

Sheets added this grant will assist the city with services needed as part of the annexation to I-65 in 2025.

“As we move forward on 28 to the interstate, we are hoping to add possibly up to three officers. So this is gonna help the city out quite a bit financially as we are moving forward because we have to start offering services in 2025.”

Shoemaker was asked if the grant will allow the FPD to hire from the current recruitment class going through the hiring process.

“Absolutely. That’s the good news – the good news is that instead of hiring one out of this, we’ll be able to hire two. We have some good candidates.”

FPD is waiting to hear when the funding will be released from the DOJ for the hiring to be funded, but believe it will be no later than January 2023.

Nationwide, the awards provide direct funding to 180 law enforcement agencies, allowing those agencies to hire 973 additional full-time law enforcement professionals according to the DOJ.

Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers.

City of Frankfort Official Trick or Treat Halloween Hours

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frankfort-trick-or-treat

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has announced its official trick-or-treat hours will be 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Halloween night, Monday, October 31.

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved trick-or-treat times at their September 26th meeting. Residents who are planning to share candy should turn on their porch lights during trick-or-treat hours.

Frankfort Police are offering safety tips for trick-or-treaters. According to Police Chief Scott Shoemaker, trick-or-treaters of all ages are encouraged to take the following precautions to help ensure a safe evening by choosing a well-lit path of travel and only visiting homes of those you know and that have porch lights on.

“We encourage all trick-or-treaters to wear reflective clothing. Remember to stop at the edge of streets before crossing and never run into the road.” Chief Shoemaker said in a city Facebook post. Motorists are asked to be especially careful on Halloween night by decreasing speed and increasing awareness of trick-or-treating children and families.

Frankfort Main Street and many of the downtown businesses will be trick-or-treating on the square from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Stop by if you dare for the Kid’s Costume Contest at Veterans Park, judging begins at 6pm.

In addition to trick-or-treating within their neighborhoods and downtown Frankfort, Frankfort’s ghosts, witches, superheroes, and goblins can visit the Frankfort Unified Neighborhood Truck or Treat event at Veterans Park on Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

Community Asks Questions of Automated Trash Collection, Service to Begin October 31

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Community Asks Questions of Automated Trash Collection, Service to Begin October 31
Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets, far left, addresses a group of more than 50 residents regarding the city's rollout of automated trash collection service ahead of the planned Monday, October 31 kickoff of the program.

FRANKFORT, Ind. – More than 50 Frankfort residents attended a public discussion of automated trash collection at the Frankfort Public Library Tuesday evening prior to the program roll out on Monday, October 31 in the southwest quadrant of the city.

Residents will keep the same scheduled trash collection day currently under the new automated trash collection service.

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets was pleased with the number of residents in attendance and the questions asked.

“I’m very pleased with the number of people showed up tonight,” said Sheets. “You never know when you have a public meeting like this. A lot of people want questions answered, but they won’t always go to the source. So I was really excited to see so many people here.”

“We had a lot of good questions, and that’s what we were hoping for, that we’d be able to answer questions or at least give them an avenue later on to come to, come to the street department, contact my office.”

Jason Forsythe, Frankfort Street Superintendent echoed the mayor’s comment.

“I thought it was a great, great meeting,” said Forsythe. “People [are] concerned about different things and that’s why I had it. I wanted to make sure that everyone got an opportunity to ask the questions. When you go on social media and you complain, we can’t answer everything on there.”

Forsythe stressed the improvement to the safety and health of employees with the new service.

“I can’t be more happier for my guys and gals. As I said tonight, the safety side of things is, is so important for me and for them. You could strain a muscle. You can tear things up in your body every day, let alone the main factors of getting hit by a vehicle or getting splashed in the face of a chemical or something like that.”

In the coming weeks, two new automated trash collection trucks along with a used automated trash collection truck will arrive to allow employees to begin training and driving the streets and alleyways. Over 5,000 96-gallon trash collection totes will also arrive to be assembled and delivered to residents homes.

Each tote with have a serial number and will be assigned to the corresponding street address. Forsythe stated residents should allow time to acclimate to the new totes, but residents will have the opportunity to have a secondary tote for an additional $5 per month charge if needed. There are no additional costs to residents for the first tote.

Residents with questions or concerns can contact the street department at 765-659-2912 or the mayor’s office at 765-654-7332 or visit the city’s website at https://frankfort-in.gov/.

John Kirby Retires From Fire Department, “Excited For The Next Chapter of Life”

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John Kirby Retires From Fire Department, “Excited For The Next Chapter of Life”
Frankfort Fire Department firefighter John Kirby has retired from FFD after a 24-year career. (Photos provided by John Kirby)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Firefighter John Kirby has retired from the Frankfort Fire Department. The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety accepted his retirement at its September 12th meeting. Kirby’s official retirement date of September 7th marked the end of 24-years of community service as a firefighter with 10 of those years served as Fire Chief under both Mayor Chris McBarnes and Mayor Judy Sheets. He began his firefighter career during Mayor Harold Woodruff’s administration.

“I am excited for the next chapter of life,” said Kirby when reached to discuss his retirement. “I will miss my fellow firefighters – we are a big family.”

When asked what he will miss most as a firefighter, Kirby replied, “I will miss serving the citizens of Frankfort as a firefighter.”

Retirement as a firefighter does not signal the end of community service. Kirby shared his involvement in youth basketball and program development.

“I was recently asked by the new Frankfort Hot Dog varsity basketball coach Dave McCullough to be the junior Hot Dog basketball coordinator,” explained Kirby. “I will also coach the 8th grade boys basketball teams alongside Brian Ewing.”

Kirby described the junior Hot Dog basketball program as a youth basketball development program.

In a press release issued by the city of Frankfort today (September 16), Mayor Sheets thanked Kirby for his service and dedication.

“Thank you John for your years of service and dedication to the residents and to the Fire Department. We (Frankfort) know you will miss the firefighter duties and serving the City of Frankfort, but we know you will enjoy spending this time with your family. I want to wish you the best in your future endeavors.”

Recently, Kirby announced his intention to run as a Republican for mayor of Frankfort in the May 2023 Republican primary.

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