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1. How much is the acquisition of Carpenter Nature Preserve?

Jim and Nancy Carpenter purchased the land in 2021 and have been a partner to the Town of Zionsville in the effort of this project. The preserve is appraised at $6,020,000. The Carpenters have agreed to sell the property to the Town of Zionsville for $4,520,000. To acquire the Carpenter Nature Preserve, the Parks and Recreation Department is requesting a bond not to exceed $5.5 million.

2. How much is the bond request and what is it for?

The Parks and Recreation Department is requesting a bond not to exceed $5.5 million - $4.55 million toward acquisition/closing costs and the remainder toward engineering, surveys and construction documents for phase one of construction.

Phase one:

3. What grants have been awarded and how will the grants assist the Town in acquisition and construction?

The Parks and Recreation Department has been nominated for:

1. $3 million Next Level Conservation Trust grant for the acquisition of the Carpenter Nature Preserve. This grant will reimburse the Town for acquiring the land. There are contingencies to receiving this grant – both acquisition of the land and the opening of a public park in a reasonable amount of time are required.
2. $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for the development of phase one of the Carpenter Nature Preserve.
3. $4 million in IN-SWMP credits to fund restoration work along Eagle Creek. These funds would be utilized to remove invasive species, stabilize banks and reduce erosion, replant with native species and establish a 10-year maintenance fund for continued upkeep along Eagle Creek within the preserve. 

4. What restrictions come with the grants?

The Parks and Recreation Department has been nominated for:

1. $3 million Next Level Conservation Trust grant for the acquisition of the Carpenter Nature Preserve
2. $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for the development of phase one of the Carpenter Nature Preserve
3. $4 million in IN-SWMP credits to fund restoration work along Eagle Creek

Each grant is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and requires deed restriction or conservation easements to be placed within the preserve. This is a common practice with IDNR-issued grants. The restriction terms are in line with previous IDNR grants awarded to the Parks Department and complement the vision for the Carpenter Nature Preserve. 

Next Level Conservation Trust grant

The Next Level Conservation Trust grant (NLCT) is an IDNR program developed to reimburse communities for the preservation and protection of historic, recreational and ecologically important sites. The Town must own the preserve in order to be eligible to receive reimbursement and must open the preserve as a public facility within a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, a conservation easement would be placed on 173 acres of the preserve at the time of reimbursement. This conservation easement perpetually runs with the land and ensures the preserve will remain natural, protected and enhanced with recreational opportunities as listed in the application. This conservation easement will prohibit subdivision of the preserve and exclude residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial use. Approximately 42 acres of the 600+ acre preserve will remain outside of the conservation easement area to allow for the development of a future nature center, public/private White Oaks Common multi-use space and maintenance facility.  

Land and Water Conservation Fund grant

The Land and Water Conservation Fund grant (LWCF) is a federal program that is administered by the IDNR for the acquisition and development of recreation sites. This grant is a reimbursement for actual construction costs and would require phase one of construction to be complete and the preserve to be open to the public within three years of grant execution. Additionally, a deed restriction would be placed on the preserve at the closeout of the grant. This restriction provides legal protection for the site to remain a public park. More information on the deed restriction parameters can be found here. Approximately fifteen acres will remain outside of the deed-restricted area to allow for the development of the public/private White Oaks Common multi-use space and maintenance facility.

Indiana Stream and Wetland Mitigation Program (INSWMP) 

The Indiana Stream and Wetland Mitigation Program (INSWMP) is an IDNR program established to offer developers the opportunity to purchase stream mitigation credits that are applied to alternative project sites for restoration work. A mitigation plan is developed by IDNR for project sites and is peer-reviewed by the Army Corps of Engineers. More information can be found here. This program would provide mitigation and restoration work along 25 acres of the preserve along Eagle Creek and develop a 10-year maintenance fund for upkeep. A conservation easement would be placed on approximately 25 acres of the preserve within 50 feet of each side of Eagle Creek as it runs through the preserve upon program agreement. This restriction prohibits alteration or disturbance of mitigation work and subdivision of the preserve within the conservation easement. It excludes residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial use.  

5. How much can Zionsville homeowners expect to pay if the $5.5 m bond is approved?

Per Crowe:

• For a $300,000 home value, this is currently estimated to be about $20/year.
• For a $500,000 home value, this is currently estimated to be about $34.84/year.
• For a $700,000 home value, this is currently estimated to be about $50.96/year.

6. How can I share my input on the requested bond and other matters?

During the January 18, 2023 Parks Board meeting, the board unanimously approved a declaratory resolution of preliminary determination to issue bonds. During the February 8, 2023 Parks Board meeting, public hearings were held for the bond request and additional appropriation for the acquisition and phase 1 development of the Carpenter Nature Preserve. Several resolutions were passed as a result by the Park Board and the vote to issue a Carpenter Nature Preserve bond not to exceed $5.5 million will be before the Zionsville Town Council during the April 10, 2023 meeting.

If you would like to share input or get involved, please attend the upcoming Town Council meeting on April 10 at 7 p.m. at Zionsville Town Hall. You may also contact your Town Council representative. 

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1. Why doesn’t Zionsville Fire Department have a Dalmatian dog?

While we don’t have a live Dalmatian dog, we do have the ever so famous Sparky the Fire Dog Mascot. You will see him around the Town at different events and also at numerous public education events.

2. Why doesn’t Zionsville Fire Department have a fire pole?

We currently only have 1 2-story fire station and we chose not to put a pole in it due to the cost of installation ($30,000 - $50,000) and the safety issues that come along with it.

3. Why do the firefighters leave the trucks running after they get out of them when they are not on station?

The trucks are left running so that important electronics such as cardiac monitors can stay charged and so that the trucks that use diesel fuel will not freeze up in the winter.

4. How can I get one of the green reflective address signs?

If you live in the Zionsville Fire Department (ZFD) service area, simply call the ZFD Headquarters office at 317-873-5358 and we will have 1 made for you. There is currently no fee for this.

5. How can I get a copy of a fire report?

There is a small fee for a fire report unless you are the home owner, then there is no fee. To get a copy of a fire report bring a written request to the Zionsville Fire Department Headquarters office located at:
1100 W Oak Street
Zionsville, IN 46077

6. Where do I discard expired fire extinguishers?

We recommend you call a local fire extinguisher company.

7. Where do I recharge/refill my fire extinguisher?

Not all fire extinguishers are rechargeable/refillable. We recommend you call a local fire extinguisher company to find out if yours is.

8. I would like to have a recreational fire on my property, is this allowed?

Please read through the Open Burn Regulations.

9. I would like to burn leaves on my property, is this allowed?

No, burning of leaves is not permitted.

10. I would like to burn clean wood products on my property, is this allowed?

Please read through the Open Burn Regulations.

11. How do I schedule a tour of the fire station?

Please call 317-873-5358 to schedule a tour with your preferred date and time and approximate number of children and adults to attend.

12. Who do I call if I have questions regarding my EMS bill?

Please call our billing department at 317-870-6700.

13. Why do I sometimes see a fire engine following the ambulance?

Fire engines respond with ambulances to provide extra personnel or equipment at the emergency scene. The information obtained from the 911 call helps determine if the engine might be needed. Depending on the patient’s needs or location 2 people aren’t always enough to provide the best care. Sometimes the engine crew arrives to find out that they are not needed. If this is the case they return to service for the next call. Better to be there and not needed, than be needed and not there.

14. Who decides what hospital that I go to?

You do. If you require care and transport it is always your choice as to what hospital you are transported to. Based on the type of illness or injury that you might have we may suggest a location that focuses on that specialty. We will inform you as to why we may suggest that specific hospital, but the final decision is always yours.

15. Are all of the firefighters also EMTs?

All of the Zionsville firefighters are cross trained as either EMTs or Paramedics. There may be some days when the firefighter will be assigned to the ambulance, and other days when they are assigned to the fire engine. Sometimes depending on the amount of calls they may do both in the same shift.

16. What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?

The news media tends to use the titles EMT or Paramedic interchangeably. Both are certifications that are provided by the State. Although they are both trained to provide treatment in an emergency there are some significant differences. An EMT course is around 180 hours taught over about 3 months.

The course specializes in training to provide basic life support care. This includes bandaging, splinting, basic airway support, CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators. A Paramedic Course is an additional approximately 14 month intensive program. This additional training allows the paramedic to perform advanced procedures such as inserting a breathing tube, starting IV lines and giving several different medications. ZFD staffs minimally 1 paramedic and 1 EMT on the ambulance.

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1. Can the cameras capture a vehicle’s speed?

Flock Safety license plate readers capture the rear of the vehicle and do not measure speed.

2. How long is information stored in the camera system?

Data is stored for 30 days and there is no retention past that.

3. Who has access to the stored information?

Cameras are only accessible by law enforcement (not HOAs, businesses or Flock Safety employees). HOA cameras are private, and the HOA camera administrator has access to their camera(s) only.

4. What are the circumstances under which that information can be accessed by police?

Law enforcement can access data when they have “reasonable suspicion.” There are strict guidelines on how and why officers can access data. Flock Safety will proactively scan the data for stolen vehicle searches and alert law enforcement if a positive ID is made.

5. How will these cameras better help police officers investigate criminal activity?

Flock Safety will alert police through a “Hot List” if a stolen vehicle, missing persons vehicle or any vehicle that was used in a crime is detected on the camera. By alerting officers of stolen vehicles and wanted persons, officers may be able to prevent a stop crime before it occurs.

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1. Are TV’s and computers accepted?

Yes, electronics are accepted.

2. Are mattresses accepted?

Yes, but they must be placed in a mattress bag (due to COVID-19).

3. Are cans of paint accepted if dried out?

No, cans of paint are not accepted. Latex paint is non-toxic and should be allowed to dry out until it is non-liquid (cat litter helps). Once dried out, place it in a trash bag in your residential curbside trash. Oil-based paint is accepted during the semi-annual Tox Drop Collection events hosted by the Boone County Solid Waste Management District.

4. Is there a limit to the number of tires accepted?

There is no established maximum for tires, but we ask that residents not abuse this component. We only accept a reasonable amount that one would have in their home garage. For an excess of tires, please contact a tire shop or visit the IDEM website.

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1. Why isn’t my dog park fob working?

Permitted dog fobs are set to deactivate on the dog permit anniversary date or based on vaccination expiration, whichever occurs first. If your fob is not working, one or more of your vaccination records have likely expired. If your vaccination records are current, it may be time to renew your permit.

2. How can I reactivate my dog park fob?

New vaccine records can be uploaded to your dog park permit application on the Opengov registration site. 

If your membership has expired, please visit MyRec, create an account and purchase a new membership via this site.

If you have trouble uploading your documents, please contact Bonnie Black for further assistance. Once records are received, your fob will be reactivated to your next vaccine expiration or permit anniversary, whichever is first. Dog park registration support is available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on holidays.

3. What vaccines are required?

Upon registration, DAPP or DHPP combination (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza), Bordetella and Rabies vaccinations are required along with a negative stool sample.

4. I just got a new dog. How can I add them to my permit?

New dogs can be registered within your dog park permit application online. You can upload vaccine records and a photo similar to your original registration. Once payment is received, we will mail a dog tag for your new family member can begin enjoying the park.

5. How old does my new dog have to be to join?

Dogs must be at least 4 months old, current on vaccinations and without parasites to be approved.

6. Can my child join me in the dog park?

Children ages 7 and under are not allowed. Children ages 8 - 15 must be accompanied by an adult permit holder.

7. How can I contact maintenance?

To report maintenance repairs, contact Zionsville Parks & Recreation at 317-733-2273. To report an emergency or incident call 317-873-5967 or 911.

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1. Where do I find the trash/recycling calendar for the upcoming year?

Find the Waste Management trash/recycling calendar here.

2. How do I get permission to plant a tree between the sidewalk and the street?

Homeowners are generally allowed and encouraged to plant street trees, which are trees planted in the strip between sidewalk and curb. However, such plantings must be in compliance with Town of Zionsville regulations. These are available here.

The Zionsville Parks & Recreation Department offers a list of recommended trees for Zionsville. Please note that Zionsville requires a permit for planting street trees, but it is a simple matter to obtain this permit. You should know what you are planning to plant, have your utilities marked (call 8-1-1 for this free service), choose the locations for your trees and then apply for the permit. The Town will need to confirm that your planting location is not too close to utility or drainage lines. Please note that the utility marking service will not detect your sprinkler system. Any sprinkler lines that will be affected by tree planting are the homeowner’s responsibility. After the trees have been planted, they are technically the property of the town, since Zionsville owns the curb strip land. This means that if a tree dies after the warranty has expired, you can request that the town replace it. However, this will undoubtedly be a low priority for the town, and it may take them years to get to it.
   

3. How do I report a problem with my sidewalk?

Please call the DPW main line at 317-873-4544 and notify the department of the specific address or location. Sidewalks located in the public right-of-way are chosen for repair or replacement based on their priority listing and condition rating and will be repaired on an on-going basis as budgeted by DPW.

4. Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks and trails when there is a lot of snow?

The Town does not clear snow from pathways or sidewalks as this responsibility legally falls to the abutting property owners. By Title V, Chapter 53, §53.16 of the Town code, abutting property owners are required to remove snow, ice and debris from any sidewalk or pathway that passes along their property (front/side/rear) to a minimum width of four feet by noon of the second day after a snowfall. This minimum width was included so those living along wider pathways are not burdened more than those living along a narrower sidewalk. The Town is simply not staffed or equipped to routinely clear snow from all the pathways and sidewalks.

Zionsville Parks & Recreation Department does not clear trails unless there is accumulation of three inches of snow or more. The department does not work overtime, with the exception of  Level 1 priorities:

• Park sidewalks along town roads (Elm Street Green, Lincoln Park, Mulberry Fields)
• Zion Nature Center parking area, drive and sidewalk
• Rail Trail (Laurel Street/Nancy Burton Connection to Heritage Trail Park)
• Mulberry Fields driveway and middle and south parking lots 

The  department does not salt trails due to the effects on the environment (salt affects water quality when it washes into lakes and streams and seeps into groundwater) and fiscal impact.  

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1. What is a Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is an organized effort between citizens and the police to prevent crime and improve the quality of life within neighborhood groups. In cooperation with the Zionsville Police Department, neighbors work to safeguard each other’s homes and reduce the risk of crime in their community.

2. What is Required of Block Captains?

Block Captains support the Coordinator by communicating with residents in their immediate area. The number of Block Captains that a Watch has is determined by the size of the Watch. Block Captains’ primary duties are to share information with the Watch members and to assist the Coordinator with events and meetings.

3. How is a Neighborhood Watch organized?

A Neighborhood Watch typically consists of the Police Liaison, a Coordinator, Block Captains, and Watch members, but the program can be customized to meet the specific needs of the neighborhood. Regardless, the success of Neighborhood Watch depends on each group and/or member to be alert and communicate with each other.

 The Police Liaison is a Zionsville Police Department member assigned to the Neighborhood Watch Program.

 The Coordinator is a neighborhood member who serves as the liaison between the neighborhood and the police department. The Coordinator is also responsible for the sharing of information with the Block Captains.

 Block Captains communicate with the watch members who live on their respective blocks or areas.

 Watch members live in the neighborhood and make a commitment to remain aware and vigilant of suspicious and possible criminal activity. Watch members serve as the “eyes and ears” of the Neighborhood Watch.

4. What is Required of Watch Members?

The fundamental purpose of Neighborhood Watch is to prevent crime by increasing member’s awareness. Zionsville Police Department will provide strategies and techniques to prepare watch members to be observant to possible suspicious or criminal activity. Members are expected to pay attention to what goes on in their neighborhood, to recognize suspicious activity, and to report it to the police. Additionally, members may work with the Block Captains and the Coordinator to solve neighborhood problems or participate in organized events.

5. What is Required of the Coordinator?

Initially, the Coordinator will work with the Block Captains to plan a start-up meeting. The Coordinator is responsible for creating and maintaining a Neighborhood Watch phone tree (a list of the names and telephone numbers of all participating members). Coordinators should hold at least one Neighborhood Watch meeting each year, although more frequent gatherings are encouraged. The Zionsville Police Department will assist with the agenda and attend the Neighborhood Watch meetings.

6. What Should be Expected from the Police Liaison?

The Police Liaison’s role is to provide the Neighborhood Watch with the information and tools for success in implementing and maintaining a strong Neighborhood Watch program. The Police Liaison will attend meetings and be available for the Neighborhood Watch if any issues or questions arise. Lastly, the Police Liaison will relay neighborhood concerns to other Zionsville Police Department members to ensure that criminal patrols are focused and responsive to the concerns of the Neighborhood Watch.

7. How to get Started?

Neighborhoods interested in a Watch Program should talk amongst themselves to gauge interest and feasibility. Once the neighborhood has determined their interest in a Watch Program, contact Captain Drake Sterling at dsterling@zionsville-in.gov or 317-873-5967 ext. 9923.

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1. What does Zionsville enforce per code related to roofing permits?

Roofing FAQ

2. Where do I apply for a permit?

The Zionsville Planning and Building Department is located at:
Town Hall
1100 W Oak Street
Zionsville, IN 46077

3. How long does it take to obtain an Improvement Location Permit?

• Permits are reviewed in the order received.  
• Zionsville does not offer expedited review services.
• By ordinance, reviewers have up to 15 business days to review applications for commercial permits and up to 5 business days to review applications for residential permits (not counting the day submitted or holidays).  Re-Roof and Sewer Repair permits are issued on a walk in basis.  

4. What are the building codes for the Town of Zionsville?

The Town of Zionsville enforces the adopted Indiana State Building Codes and utilizes the following
resources for Code Enforcement:
- IABO - Indiana Association of Building Officials
- IDHS - Indiana Department of Homeland Security
- ICC - International Code Council
- FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Town of Zionsville’s Code of Ordinances, and Zoning Ordinances may be viewed under the Planning Department tab.

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1. What is going on with the Rail Trail?

In 2019, the Zionsville Town Council approved a parks bond to complete the Rail Trail corridor by extensions south from Eagle Creek to Zionsville Road and north from Heritage Trail Park to 400 S. In 2021, the Parks Department was awarded the Next Level Trails grant for $1.8 million to assist with the active extension projects as well as a southern trailhead facility. With this award, the Department and Park Board had the opportunity to evaluate the condition of the existing Rail Trail corridor and begin plans for replacement and improvement.

2. Why is the trail being widened by 2 feet?

This widening project has long been part of the Town’s plans for many years and is in fact in the 2018-2022 Parks Master Plan. The study was produced by REA with input from Town administration, Town Council, Parks Board, Parks and Recreation Department, and residents. View the Parks Master Plan (2018-2022) here. This widening will improve the user experience and trail safety as more cyclists, runners, strollers, dogs and pedestrians enjoy our regional trail.

3. How is this project being communicated?

We have shared information about this project in the Town and Parks newsletters, in a postcard to all Zionsville residents, and on our website and social media. We have emailed stakeholders directly, including the schools. To stay updated on this project, follow our project website, sign up for our Parks newsletter and follow us on social media. 

4. Can I access the trail while construction in ongoing?

The widening project was divided into two phases to allow public access in inactive segments throughout the project (see our project website for information about the phases). Construction barricades and project signage are placed at each entrance to closed sections and are not open to the public. 

5. When will each phase take place?

Phase 1 of the widening project began in January 2023 and will continue through the spring. Once complete, the segment of the trail will be reopened to the public and phase 2 will begin.

6. Why are trees being cleared?

As stewards of our parkland, the Parks and Recreation Department must balance conservation and development with the needs of our growing community. For the Rail Trail widening project, clearing limits are set at the minimum distance to minimize disturbance. Contractors are instructed to only clear materials necessary to allow equipment to operate in an effective manner. This clearing also minimizes future pavement upheaval, increases the longevity of the asphalt and prolongs the need for future disturbance.

While we attempt to minimize disturbance in all projects, the clearing associated with the Rail Trail widening provides an opportunity to address dead and dying hazard trees, removes invasive woody and noxious species and allows the proliferation of native wildflowers and saplings to return. 

7. Can my child still walk to Pleasant View Elementary?

During phase 1, the Rail Trail will be closed north of Mulberry Street. If a parent or guardian approves, during phase 1 students may use the pathway along Whitestown Road as an alternative route to access PVE.

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1. What is redistricting

Redistricting is the process cities and towns go through periodically to determine district boundaries for Council districts. This determines which constituents are represented by respective Council members based on their residential addresses within the Town of Zionsville. Zionsville has five Council districts and two at-large Council seats.

2. How often is it required?

Redistricting is required by law to be completed at least every 10 years, following certification of federal census data.

3. What factors have to be considered when a city/town goes through a redistricting process?

Pursuant to Indiana Code section 36-4-6-3, a council district map has to divide the city/town into districts that:

(1) are composed of contiguous territory,

(2) are reasonably compact,

(3) do not cross precinct boundary lines, except in specified circumstances; and

(4) contain, as nearly as possible, equal population.

4. What is the approval process and deadline for adopting the new district map?

A proposed new council district map is considered by the Town Council with public comment received on the topic. Following the public comment period, the Town Council can vote to adopt a new map for the districts, which would be effective for 2023 primary and general elections. The new districts have to be adopted before November 2022.

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1. If sewer is installed on my street, will I be required to hook up?

Although state law does allow for the Town to require connection of properties located within 300 feet of a sewer main, the Town is currently developing these sewer extensions with the intent to allow connection by adjacent properties to be optional. 

2. How much will it cost to connect?

Property owners will be responsible for hiring a plumbing contractor to install a grinder pump unit to serve their home as well as the pipes from the home to the grinder unit and from the grinder unit to the main in the street; also to decommission the existing septic tank.  We have contacted some local contractors and are being told this cost would likely be in the range of $15,000 to $20,000 which is similar to the cost of installing a new septic system. Note that every property will be different so owners should contact contractors to get actual quotes. Additionally, a $4,000 sewer availability and $25 permit fee will need to be paid to the Town at the time of connection.  

3. Who will be responsible for future maintenance?

The Town will be responsible for maintaining the sewer main along the street. Property owners will be responsible for owning and maintaining the grinder pump unit and piping up to the point of connection to the main sewer.

 

4. Will this project disrupt my neighborhood?

There will be some disturbance to the existing streets however, this should be minimized as we anticipate most of the pipes to be installed by directional boring. This construction method should also allow for most of the street trees and landscaping along the roadway to stay in place.

5. Why are pressure sewers being installed instead of gravity mains?

Small diameter pressure sewers can be installed at a much lower cost and with much less disturbance than gravity sewers. This will allow sewers to be installed into the planned areas in a much shorter timeframe and will allow the Town to make it optional for property owners to connect. Please review the presentation made to the Town Council on Aug. 2, 2021 for additional information.

6. Could the sewer mains be installed along the back yards as many of the houses have existing rear yard septic systems?

The new sewer mains are anticipated to be installed along the streets for the following reasons:

• To minimize land acquisition by using existing rights-of-way which will minimize costs and allow the project to proceed more quickly.
• To allow for better future access to the sewer mains for maintenance.
• Due to the way the existing neighborhoods are laid out, much more pipe would need to be installed to use rear yard routes which would significantly increase costs.

7. Is the Town providing a list of approved, recommended or certified contractors to install the pumps?

The Town is not generating a list of contractors, so as not to endorse any providers over others. Similar to other home improvement work, we are suggesting that property owners contact local licensed plumbers and get multiple quotes for the work. If they do not do that kind of work, they may be able to refer you to someone who can. We have heard that some contractors may be distributing flyers in the neighborhoods to advertise their services. As to whether one contractor can complete the work - that will depend on the capabilities of each company.

8. Will the Town be installing a service drop to each property?

Individual service drops are not being installed by the Town; only the main. Part of the homeowner’s installation will include tapping the new lateral into the main. The installation will need to be completed per the Town’s grinder pump lateral installation detail (S-17) which can be obtained on the Town website within the wastewater construction standards.

9. Will homeowners be required to hook up if their spectic system fails or needs repairs?

Per the Boone County Health Department, the construction or full replacement of a septic system will not be permitted once sanitary sewer service is available. The approval of minor repairs to existing systems will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

10. Is there a deadline a homeowner needs to connect by?

There is no deadline for homeowners. Connections can occur whenever the homeowner decides in the future.

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1. My road looks clear, so why do you keep coming back?

There are several reasons why this occurs. Most importantly, during a major snow event of approximately 5 inches or more, passes are made to keep the road open and passable. Once the storm abates, we then return to clear snow all the way back to the curb line or pavement edge. This prohibits the snow from refreezing on the street, making the road essentially un-plowable in the event that another snow occurs in the relatively near future. Additionally, this clears areas that are frequently used for on-street parking. Finally, during heavy snow, the US Postal Service must be provided access to your mailboxes to maintain mail service.

2. A truck hit my mailbox. Will you replace it?

Yes and no. If a truck or plow physically hits a mailbox, the Town will reimburse the homeowner for the cost of replacement. However, this is extremely rare; commonly the cause of mailbox damage is from 200-300 pounds of snow being thrown from the plow blade, and is unavoidable. In this situation, the Town will not replace damaged mailboxes. This is consistent with Boone County’s policies, as well as most municipalities in the area.

3. How fast are you going to throw snow 15 feet from the roadway?

All drivers are instructed to follow all traffic laws, including speed limits, and to lower their speed when necessary to maintain safe operation. In most cases, it is impossible even to attain posted speed limits, and snow plowing typically occurs in the 15 to 20 mph range on minor streets and 25 to 30 mph on main thoroughfares. Slower speeds are ineffective, as the trucks lose traction if they do not maintain momentum.

4. How much snow do we get before you plow?

Plowing is always viewed as a last resort. In any snow event, we try to melt as much of it as possible. Once the decision to plow is made, usually when 3 or more inches have accumulated or are expected to accumulate, plowing will commence. If weather conditions are favorable and the salt application is working effectively, plowing may be temporarily or permanently suspended.

5. Do you plow cul-de-sacs?

As the ends of cul-de-sacs or “bulbs” are very low speed and very low volume, the target condition for snow removal is to be “passable” and not snow-free. It has been the long-standing policy of the DPW to only plow these bulbs when they accumulate more than 3”, which is a standard benchmark in the field of municipal snow plowing. With approximately 200 of these across town and within Zionsville’s jurisdiction, it takes a minimum of 60 man-hours to clear them all, which is almost as much time as it takes to fully plow the 112 miles of Zionsville’s roadway responsibilities. The clearing of cul-de-sac bulbs can be destructive on both equipment and property. Trucks clearing cul-de-sac bulbs must constantly shift from forward to reverse and back repeatedly, which is very hard on transmissions and shortens the life of the equipment. Since the snow is cleared in a circular, or radiant manner by pushing snow from the center of the bulb to and around the edges, it often results in damage to yards when the plows ride up and over the curbs and dig into the turf or landscaping, which must then be repaired in the spring. For this reason, there are as many residents who ask the Town of Zionsville NOT to clear their bulbs as there are those who request it. In many cases, when homes are densely placed around a bulb, there is no room to place snow in a location that doesn’t block mailboxes or driveways. In these situations, snow must be pulled to the center of the bulb into a mound, and often must be hauled away if significant additional snow is in the forecast. This task can add up to 30 more man-hours to load and haul snow to a disposal site. For the above reasons, the Town will take universal and equitable actions only to keep cul-de-sac bulbs passable, and not snow-free. Whenever the school or post office makes us aware of any difficulties they encounter due to winter weather, DPW will take the necessary actions to correct the condition and ensure passable conditions.

6. Why do I get all the snow piled in front of my house?

This question is usually posed by homeowners on a cul-de-sac. When you look at the configuration of most cul-de-sacs, there is little room between driveways and mailboxes to place piles of snow. Due to area geometry and snow plow mobility, the snow gets piled at the easiest and most efficient location so that we may get to everyone as quickly as possible.

7. Can you avoid plowing across my driveway and blocking me in or out?

Unfortunately, no. There is no other way to remove snow than starting in the middle of the street and moving outward. This always results in a generally uniform placement of snow along the edge of the street, which means across drives as well. It is not intentional, but merely unavoidable in any practical sense.

8. Who decides when to apply salt to the streets?

During business hours, the Street Department monitors weather and tries to anticipate as much as possible. Because Town staffing is limited, we rely on the Zionsville Police Department to keep us apprised of road conditions, particularly at night when they are patrolling.

9. What can a resident or business owner do to facilitate the snow plow process?

Keeping the streets free of parked cars is extremely beneficial. Additionally, do not throw snow cleared from sidewalks and driveways into the street. This is too concentrated for the salt to work effectively and these areas will tend to refreeze quickly creating icy spots on the roads. Also, whenever practical locate trash cans a few extra feet from the street to avoid disturbance caused by snow being cast from the plows.

Please contact the Zionsville Street Department with any specific questions. Public safety is our primary goal, and we ask that during the snowy winter season, everyone understand that there are certain inherent problems associated with snow removal beyond the plain nuisance of it all.

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1. How do I pay my ticket?

You may pay your check by mail, on line or in person before your court date. You must wait at least 10 days after receiving your ticket to contact the Court or to pay online. You can view payment information on the Ticket Information page.

2. Can I make partial payments on my ticket or set up a payment plan?

No. The Court cannot accept partial payments. You may contact the Court to request an extension if needed.

3. If I come to Court and the officer does not show up will my ticket be dropped?

No. The date indicated on your ticket is your Initial Appearance Date. This is your opportunity to admit or deny charges against you. The officer is not required to appear at this hearing and charges will not be dropped if he/she is not present.

4. What if I want to contest/deny the ticket?

You must appear in Court on the date and time indicated at the bottom of the ticket. If you plead "Not Guilty" at that time a trial date will be set for you at a later date, usually the following month. Trials are held one evening per month at 6 p.m. The officer is required to appear for the trial date.

5. I want or am required to appear in Court but am unable to on the date indicated on my ticket. What can I do?

Continuances must be arranged and approved by the Court at least 5 days before your scheduled Court date. Defendants must contact the Court in writing or by mail. You are allowed one continuance. 

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6. I’m interested in the Deferral Program, how do I sign up?

If you have had no moving violations anywhere within the last 2 years and no major violations (i.e.: OWI, Driving While Suspended) or suspensions with the last 5, you probably qualify for the program. You do not need to contact the court for an application. Your ticket will automatically be processed and reviewed by the Prosecutor’s office to determine if you qualify.

If you do, information and paperwork will be sent to you. If you think you are interested and you think you qualify, you do not need to do anything. Simply wait to pay your ticket until you receive the information by mail and follow instructions at that time.

Please note: the deferral program is not free or nor does it lower cost. The fee for a Local Ordinance Violation or State Infraction Deferral is $252.50. For State Infractions contact the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office. For more information, click here.