Author Archives: amandaguzman@goshencity.com

Boil Order for Lincolnway E

In Consultation with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, it has been de-termined that the water customers should boil their drinking water. This precautionary measure is recommended because a water main valve will be shut off to do repairs in your area. 

It is recommended that all cooking and drinking water be brought to a complete boil for five (5) minutes before using. Please con-tinue to boil all cooking and drinking water un-til we notify you that it is no longer necessary. 

Until we resolve this drinking water problem, we are also asking that you conserve water and only use what is necessary for household and personal needs. 

We appreciate your cooperation during this time and will update you as necessary until the drinking water problem has been solved. If you have any questions concerning the drinking water problem, please contact the water de-partment at 574-534-5306.

A Boil advisory is not as bad as it seems. Whenever there is a disruption of water ser-vice, it is always a cautious measure to issue a boil advisory allowing our customers to make an informed decision based on their particular situation. There is an inherent risk of contami-nation when the soil around the pipe is dis-turbed due to the main break and subsequent repair of the water pipes. 

We take every precaution to minimize the risk of contamination. Water is then tested in cycles of 24 hours to ensure that there are no contaminants present. Two sets of samples are taken 24 hours apart, when both samples come back clean the boil advisory is lifted. 

Normal water pressure for city service is 60 pounds of pressure. During a boil order, pres-sure may become low until the problem is fixed. 

Clientes de Agua de Goshen Orden De Ebullición 

En consulta con el Departamento de Gestio n Ambiental de Indiana, se ha determinado que los clientes de agua deben hervir su agua potable. Esta medida de precau-cio n se recomienda porque una válvula principal de agua se apagará para realizar reparaciones en su área. 

Se recomienda que toda el agua de coccio n y bebida se lleve a una ebullicio n completa durante cinco (5) minu-tos antes de usar. Por favor, continu e hirviendo toda el agua de cocinar y bebida hasta que le notifiquemos que ya no es necesaria. 

Hasta que resue lvanos este problema de agua potable, tambie n le pedimos que conserve el agua y utilice so lo lo necesario para las necesidades dome sticas y personales. 

Agradecemos su cooperacio n durante este tiempo y le informaremos si es necesario hasta que se haya resuelto el problema del agua potable. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el problema del agua potable, po ngase en contacto con el departamento de agua al 574-534-5306 

Un consejo de ebullicio n no es tan malo como parece. Siempre que se produzca una interrupcio n del servicio de agua, es siempre una medida de precaucio n emitir un aviso de ebullicio n que permita a nuestros clientes to-mar una decisio n informada basada en su situacio n par-ticular. Existe un riesgo inherente de contaminacio n cuando el suelo alrededor de la tuberí a es perturbado debido a la ruptura principal y posterior reparacio n de las tuberí as de agua. 

Tomamos todas las precauciones para minimizar el riesgo de contaminacio n. Luego se prueba el agua en ciclos de 24 horas para asegurarse de que no hay conta-minantes presentes. Dos conjuntos de muestras se to-man a intervalos de 24 horas, cuando ambas muestras vuelven limpias se levanta el aviso de ebullicio n. 

La presio n normal del agua para el servicio de la ciu-dad es de 60 libras de presio n. Durante un orden de ebullicio n, la presio n puede bajar hasta que el problema se arregle. 

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Elkhart County Pay Dirt 2024

Where cultivation and construction meet.

Tuesday, March 5th 2024 at 6 PM – 8 PM

Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds 17746 CR 34 Goshen, IN 46528

The evening of Tuesday, March 5th the City will hold its annual Flood Resilience Public Meeting. This event is free and part of the paydirt conference. The public meeting will be an opportunity for city and county residents to hear details of Goshen’s Flood Resilience Plan, the impacts of flooding in the City, efforts to both adapt to and mitigate flooding, and to interact with experts and displays.

The second event will be a complimentary municipal breakfast that will provide required training on good housekeeping and pollution prevention to municipal employees. 

Municipal Breakfast

Thursday, March 7th 2024

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The City of Goshen is one of four municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) communities in Elkhart County and together we are the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership. The MS4 communities are the City of Elkhart, the City of Goshen, Elkhart County, and the Town of Bristol. 

The Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been a supporting partner of the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership since the Partnership was formed in May of 2005. The SWCD is an integral partner in implementing public education, outreach, and involvement, as well as reviewing stormwater pollution prevention plans and conducting construction site inspections. 

The city of Goshen supports the Conference as part of the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership.

Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, Goshen’s Environmental Resilience Department head is one of the speakers in the Urban Conservation Path breakout session on Wednesday, March 6 and the city’s Stormwater Department will be there to help moderate sessions as needed. 

Breakout Session

PDH Credits pending ACEC approval

Design Path

  1. Rob Beck, IN Department of Environmental Management
  2. Donovan Wilczynski, Keramida Inc.
  3. Kate Barret, St, Joseph River Basin Commission

Contractor Path

  1. Chad Montgomery, IN Ready Mix Concrete Association
  2. Joe Moore, Erosion Construction Services
  3. Rob Beck, IN Dept. of Environmental Management

Urban Conservation Path

  1. Jenna Wait, Soil & Water Conservation District
  2. Krystofer Yacks, Aquascapes of Michiana
  3. Aaron Kingsley, Goshen Department of Environmental Resilience

Learn more about the Pay Dirt conference and events here: https://www.elkcoswcd.org/pay-dirt/

Late-Winter Pruning

The Goshen Forestry Division will begin young tree pruning the week of February 19. Our initial focus will be on Oak trees in neighborhoods between Lincoln and Plymouth Avenues. Specifically, we will plan to work on street trees which the City planted in or near the right-of-way over the past 12 years.

We will be working at structural pruning. Young trees can benefit especially from this kind of attention. Structural pruning looks at the growth patterns and habits of a young tree, in combination with its surroundings – where are there existing obstacles? where might there be future conflicts? Is there plenty of space for the tree to grow? Is it crowded by buildings, street, driveway, other uses? Noticing how the young tree is growing and what it may face in the future helps us to make good decisions about guiding the tree’s growth by removing certain branches.

The term “structural” pruning may include cuts that help a tree to recover from past damage – storm damage or human damage to a branch – but primarily refers to cuts that remove branches which may be detrimental to the overall structure and strength of the tree. Sometimes branches may cross and rub in the interior of a tree, for instance; while this is not a structural issue for small branches and twigs, occasionally such branches mature and become large, creating open wounds which weaken the tree. Branches sometimes grow weak attachments to the trunk of the tree, predisposing them to being torn out of the tree by storms. This can often leave a tree with wounds which are too large to adequately heal. Structural pruning seeks to correct or remove these kinds of branches in order to eliminate the potential for serious damage in the future. In many ways, structural pruning is like preventive medicine, doing the right things now to create good health outcomes later.

The work which we will be doing is really only necessary for urban trees, or trees which are close to human activities. These trees spend their lives in fairly unnatural and stressful settings – impacted by machines, vehicles, chemicals, digging, compaction, and various kinds of unintended and intended abuse. Good pruning can help to reduce some of the conflict which they will experience with human land use practices, thereby reducing the potential for some kinds of damage. And a healthier tree is a sounder, more productive tree, one which benefits the people living near to it with shade, shelter, and beauty.

As I mentioned above, we will focus initially only on pruning Oak trees. Pruning Oaks at this time of year is an important way to protect them from a deadly fungus, called Oak Wilt. The fungus needs warmer temperatures to grow and spread, and can infect an Oak tree through an open wound. Pruning Oaks during this strategic moment, when temperatures are cool, helps us to feel more secure that the fungus will not be present, will allow the wound to harden off a bit, and give the tree the best and longest portions of the growing season to begin compartmentalizing (healing) the cut. Our first several weeks of work this year will be focused exclusively on Oak trees, to make sure that we complete the necessary work on them.

One thing I’ve learned over the years through experience, research, and learning from other arborists is that pruning in late winter and early spring is really the ideal time for most tree species in terms of healing after the work. This is because trees will shortly be coming out of winter dormancy and giving a lot of energy to growth. During the spring a tree can quickly begin to compartmentalize – seal off an injury and surround it with living tissue – properly placed prune cuts. Additionally, prune cuts timed for late winter / early spring allow a tree the full length of the growing season to continue growing over the wound, as opposed to cuts made in late summer or fall, or even winter.

In fact, one of the things which I learned through experience – that is, the hard way – is that fall and winter pruning can actually be detrimental to a tree. When the live tissue of a tree (cambium) is exposed – say through pruning – the tissue begins to dry out. If the tree is not active, as is the case in the fall and winter, the tree has no way to slow or prevent further drying. As a result, I’ve seen fall and winter prune cuts open to double and triple their original size by the following growing season, presenting the tree with a much more significant wound, and the increasing risk of decay.

Getting young trees growing in the right direction is a great investment in future tree canopy.

Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley is the director of Environmental Resilience for the city of Goshen. He can be reached at aaronkingsley@goshencity.com or at 574-537-3850.

POSTPONED: Goshen City Council

Tonight’s Regular Meeting of the Goshen City Council has been POSTPONED until 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 due to inclement weather, including the U.S. National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Advisory for freezing rain and ice accumulations, which will create difficult travel conditions.

Please stay at home if possible.

The Indiana Ave. Recycling Drop-off Facility will be closed Saturday, January 13 to Tuesday, January 16 due to anticipated weather.

The Indiana Ave. Recycling Drop-off Facility will be inaccessible from Saturday, January 13, to Tuesday, January 16, due to anticipated snow and wind. Please note that this site will not undergo servicing or plowing during this period. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

GOSHEN WATER UTILITY REMINDS RESIDENTS TO GUARD AGAINST FROZEN WATER LINES.

In past years the Water Utility issued a Freeze Warning asking for people to take the precaution of running a single faucet.  During a posted Freeze Warning, utility accounts were adjusted if the customer contacted the Utility Business Office.  Because current conditions do not warrant a Freeze Warning, utility billing account adjustments are not being offered.  To prevent disruption to service, the Utility will continue to monitor the depth of the local frost line and keep customers informed if further actions become necessary via local newspapers, Goshen’s web page, goshenindiana.org, and Facebook.

The Goshen Water Utility has determined that a Freeze Warning is currently unnecessary.  However, due to the predicted cold weather, the Utility suggests that residential and commercial Water Utility customers with water services and plumbing prone to freezing leave their water run in a small stream the size of a pencil lead.  Running water from within a home or business is less likely to freeze.

 Residents are encouraged to take further precautions against frozen or busted water lines by ensuring that exposed pipes are insulted and by eliminating sources of cold air near water lines.  Areas most vulnerable to freezing are basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and water lines located in or along outside walls.  To lessen the risk for water lines along outside walls within cabinets, consider leaving the cabinet doors open.

For more information please reach out to Kent Holdren, Water Utility Superintendent (574).534.5701

To guard against frozen pipes, especially during cold weather, you can take several preventive measures:

  • Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes with pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping. Focus on pipes in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
  • Seal Leaks: Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s walls, windows, and foundation to prevent cold air from entering and reaching the pipes.
  • Keep a Constant Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, especially during cold nights. Set your thermostat to a level that keeps the interior warm enough to prevent freezing.
  • Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and vanities by keeping cabinet doors open during extremely cold weather.
  • Let Faucets Drip: When temperatures drop significantly, allow faucets to drip slightly. This helps relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
  • Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off the outdoor water supply. This prevents water from freezing in the hose and extending into the pipes.
  • Add Heat Tape: Consider using electrical heat tape or cables on pipes that are prone to freezing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
  • Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Ensure that doors and windows are closed tightly to minimize the entry of cold air into your home.
  • Inspect Insulation: Regularly check the insulation in your home, especially in attics and basements. Ensure that it is in good condition and replace any damaged insulation.

If you suspect that your pipes are already frozen, it’s crucial to act quickly to thaw them and prevent bursting. You can use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or hot towels to thaw the affected pipes. Avoid using open flames or any methods that could cause damage.

Final Leaf Pickup of 2023

The Goshen Street Department will make one last round of leaf collecting beginning Monday, December 11. Residents who miss this round can still take their leaves to the Environmental Center.

Located at 20100 CR 19, the center accepts brush and leaves, loose or in bags, at no charge to Goshen residents. However, if leaves are bagged, the bags must be emptied.

Goshen Environmental Center

Winter hours: Dec. 1–March 31
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

Please keep this information in mind when raking your leaves for pickup:

Leaf piles:

  • Rake leaves into long piles on the grass next to the street or sidewalk beside the curb, not more than 6 feet from the curb.
    • For the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, if you must pile leaves on the sidewalk, please leave as wide a walking path as possible.
  • Leaves must be kept out of the street.
    • The piles of leaves interfere with the flow of traffic.
    • Later in the autumn, if it snows, the snow plows will be forced to drive over/through the leaf piles and end up throwing leaves from the piles far back into the yard.
  • Residents and property owners that have a storm drain in front of their property are asked to keep the drain area clear of leaves. This will help reduce the chances of water backing up on City streets.
  • When finished raking, spraying the piles down with water will help keep them from blowing away during periods of high wind.
  • Bagged leaves will be collected, but it slows the city-wide collection down drastically.  The leaf vac crew has to empty the bags out in order to vacuum up the leaves and they will leave the bags on the property.
  • Do not place leaves in the alley—they will not be removed.
  • Do not put sticks, twigs and other trash into or on top of the leaf piles.  These items can damage the vacuum equipment and force crews to pluck these items from the leaves—another time-consuming task. 

Parking:

  • Never park over a leaf pile.  A hot catalytic converter can easily ignite the dry leaves and, in turn, your vehicle. 
  • Please do not park cars in front of leaf piles. The crews will not be able to collect the leaves.
  • Park cars with at least 15 feet between leaf piles and vehicles.
  • Please use off street parking during this time if available.

Goshen continues annual Mirth Tree ornament exchange

‘Tis the season for spreading joy and reducing waste in Goshen! The City of Goshen’s Department of Environmental Resilience is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Mirth Tree Ornament Exchange, a festive initiative to celebrate the holidays in an eco-friendly way.

This is the third year residents are encouraged to create ornaments from items that can be found or recycled, then hang them on the Mirth Tree to spread holiday cheer. The tree is located outside the Goshen Utilities Business Office, 203 S. 5th Street. To reduce waste, ornaments are encouraged to be made from natural or recycled materials.

If you aren’t sure where to start, get your creative juices flowing by visiting an ornament-making station. We’ll provide all the materials you need for a creative and environmentally conscious crafting session.

  • The Goshen Public Library, any time from December 1 through 22
  • The Green Bee, any time from December 1 through 22
  • The Electric Brew, Tuesday, December 12, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

If you are making ornaments at home, please keep these things in mind:

  • Please refrain from using glass. We want to keep everyone safe and avoid broken glass.
  • Paper and cardboard are great materials, but the weather may ruin the ornament because the tree is outside.
  • Please do not use any glitter. While glitter appeals to the eye, its adverse effects on the environment outweigh the visual appeal.
  • Here are some suggestions for materials to use:
    • Buttons
    • Ribbons
    • Popsicle sticks
    • Wooden beads
    • Sticks, Acorns, Pinecones, and other natural materials

Starting Christmas Eve, individuals can return and take an ornament home to hang on a tree. Individuals are still welcome to take an ornament from the Mirth Tree even if they did not make one.

Join us in making a difference, one ornament at a time, and let the Mirth Tree become a symbol of joy, community, and environmental stewardship this holiday season.

Notice of Adoption of City of Goshen Ordinance 5171

Notice is given that Ordinance 5171, Amending Ordinance Violations Bureau, was passed by the Goshen Common Council on November 13, 2023, and approved and adopted by Mayor Leichty. Ordinance 5171 describes and continues the operation of previously established City of Goshen Ordinance Violations Bureau; establishes the City of Goshen ordinances, Goshen City Code sections, and Elkhart County Code sections (referred to individually as a “Bureau Ordinance”) that are subject to enforcement through an admission of violation before the violations clerk; assigns an appropriate civil penalty tier to the types of violations listed in the City of Goshen Bureau Ordinances Schedule and Elkhart County Bureau Ordinances Schedule; establishes the amount of civil penalties to be imposed for each civil penalty tier; and identifies the officials, employees or agents authorized to issue citations for the violation of a Bureau Ordinance. Ordinance 5171 is available for inspection in its entirety during regular business hours at the Goshen Clerk- Treasurer’s Office located at 202 S. Fifth Street, Goshen, Indiana.

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