Due to construction along Linway Plaza, the eastbound lanes in the 700 block of West Lincoln Avenue (between Indiana and Chicago avenues), will be shifted from Tuesday, January 8, to Friday, January 18.

Additional temporary signage had been installed at intersections close to Linway Plaza to help direct traffic.

Follow The City of Goshen, Indiana on Facebook or goshenindiana.org for more road construction updates.

On March 20, 2018 the Goshen City Council approved changes to the water and sewer rates and charges (per ordinances 4939 and 4940). This year, the monthly usage charge has been increased as follows:

The Council also approved changes to sewer-rate charges. This year the monthly usage charge has been increased to $6.28 per 100 cubic feet. Monthly service charges, which include administrative fees, fire protection charges and maintenance of meters, also have changed this year. Both water and sewer rate charges will be slightly increased each year until 2022.

Water rates and charges

Sewer rates and charges

Monthly rates for fire-sprinkler meters, private fire hydrants and private fire sprinklers also have changed.

The monthly usage charge for unmetered customers (flat rate customers), are as follows:

• City water available: User charge is $78.94 per month
• City water not available: User charge is $53.82 per month

To view a full list of rate charges, go to goshenindiana.org/water-&-sewer-billing. For other questions, contact the Utility Business Office at 533.9399 or via email at watersewer@goshencity.com.

A group of Goshen nonprofits and Faith Mission in Elkhart have organized a plan to aid those who may need a shelter from freezing temperatures this winter.

Beginning in January, Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network (GIHN) will open its location at 105 S. Third Street to all who may need a warm place to stay the night. The location will serve men and alike. The shelter will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. every day on days when the temperature dips below 20 degrees according to the Weather Channel forecast for Goshen. It will be open at least through February, when the organizations will gather again and discuss whether the shelter will remain open in March.

Elkhart County Clubhouse, Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, Faith Mission of Elkhart, GIHN and The Window, Inc. will take turns in providing staff and volunteers to greet the homeless as they come in and look over the shelter.
Communication will be ongoing among all the organizations involved, as well as the City of Goshen, and information about the new shelter will be shared directly with known members of the homeless community. Signs will be posted in places frequented by the homeless as well.

“I was overwhelmed by the support and everyone’s work to make this a community effort,” GIHN executive director Mindy Morehead said. “The mayor has also been very involved in working with us so we can provide people with a warm place to sleep on the coldest nights.”

GIHN is accepting donations of pillows and blankets, which would be provided for those staying at the shelter overnight. To learn more and to make a donation, call GIHN at 534.2300.

The City of Goshen is pleased to announce the return of a popular street art project to this community. The Storm Drain Art Project raises awareness that our local waters need to be protected from the pollutants that flow into storm drains. The theme of the project is “Our rivers are a resource worth protecting.”

Mayor Stutsman added, “In Goshen, artwork can be found in the most unexpected places. As storm drains are collecting stormwater to keep streets and the city from flooding, pollutants are also flowing into the rivers with that stormwater. Artwork next to storm drains will not only add vibrant color to the City, but also bring awareness to the importance of protecting our local waters from pollutants.  This project brings together the amazing talent of local artists with the important message to protect our local resources. I am never disappointed by the talent, spirit, and enthusiasm of the volunteers that continue to make our community a great place to live.”

In advance of the spring project, the City of Goshen is seeking artists who are interested in helping to transform eight of the City’s storm drains, in and around the downtown, into public works of art. Interested artists are encouraged to submit design proposals by midnight on Sunday, February 10. Proposals should include the following:

• The applicant’s contact information, including their name, address, telephone number, and email address;
• A description of any applicable art training or experience;
• A short biography; and
• Information about the proposed design as well as a color rendition with appropriate dimensions.

This information should be submitted via email to Michelle Kercher at kerchersailor@ksconnections.com. Artists will be notified by March 1 of the City’s selections.

This vibrant community project is being made possible through coordination with My Community My Water LLC, local stormwater fees, the generosity of local businesses and community members, and the time and effort of local artists.

Complete rules are available at: StormDrainArt.org, or on Goshen’s website at: www.goshenindiana.org/storm-drain-art.

Due to the Martin Luther King Day, the Board of Public Works & Safety and Stormwater have been rescheduled from Monday, January 21, to Friday, January 18.

The meeting will be held at 11 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Police and Court Building, 111 E. Jefferson St. 

Meetings will resume their regular schedule on Monday, January 28, at 2 p.m.

NOTE:  Deadline for agenda items are at 5 pm on January 17, 2019.