UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING: SEPT 2 - 6:00 PM.

Dear Traders Point Neighbors:

The following is an updated announcement concerning the IURC field hearing to be held this coming Wednesday, September 2, at Pike High School. We've learned that the exact location will be the Pike Performing Arts Center. It is imperative that we have a good turnout from Traders Point for this hearing. Regardless of your views on this issue, TPAN encourages you to attend, and if at all possible, please bring spouse, kids, and neighbors! This is our opportunity to make a real difference on this issue. Your neighbor, Jerry Baker, and others, have worked tirelessly for over two years to bring the fight to this historic point. The utilities are hoping that you fail to show, or leave it to your neighbor to show. Let's turn out and let them know that responsible tree trimming, that allows for safe and reliable electric power, can be achieved while still respecting property owners' rights and without destroying the environmental health and scenic beauty of our community, as well as the rest of central Indiana.
Thanks,
Steve Jones, TPAN President

Public Input Sought on Electric Utility Tree-Trimming Abuses

This is Traders Point residents' opportunity to be heard on this very important issue!

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is currently investigating alleged electric utility abuses in tree-trimming practices. A series of 6 public field hearings will be held throughout the state to accept public comments for the evidentiary record in this investigation. Traders Point residents are urged to particpate in the Central Indiana hearing to be held at Pike High School on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.

Arrive by 5:30 p.m. to register to testify -- public hearing begins at 6:00 p.m., Pike High School - Performing arts Center,
5401 W. 71st St., Indianapolis, Indiana


Below is a summary of the key issues as provided by the Indiana Tree Alliance:

IURC hearings

Property owners across central Indiana have organized to form the Indiana Tree Alliance for the purpose of opposing abusive vegetation management practices by Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL), Indiana-Michigan Power, and certain other utilities around the state, particularly practices pertaining to tree trimming and removal in the vicinity of electric-power utility lines.

Participants in the Indiana Tree Alliance believe that the utilities have obscured the real issues of contention by claiming, incorrectly, that their current practices are mandated by federal regulation, and that these practices represent their only means of assuring safe and reliable electric power. The Alliance recognizes that safe and reliable electric power is a priority, but believes this can be achieved through a better process that also respects property rights and holds the utilities accountable for their actions.

Currently the utilities interpret their charge to provide safe and reliable electric power as justification for overly aggressive trimming, which is designed to minimize costs. They also view it as justification for ignoring Constitutionally-granted property rights. The results are often manifested in the unhealthy and unsightly butchering of trees, the unwarranted removal of trees, and the taking of rights to private property without the owner’s consent.

In IPL’s case, utility Tariff E-16, 15, approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), but never reviewed by the Indiana State Attorney General, is used as a legal basis for these actions. The utilities also act as if they have no financial obligation to provide just compensation to owners when trees and other fixtures are damaged or taken on private property. In addition, the utilities incorrectly point to non-applicable federal regulations to justify this overly aggressive trimming. Indiana has allowed the utilities to increase voltage on existing lines, without a review process, even when these increases require additional wire-zone clearance. This practice effectively results in a taking of adjoining private property. Currently, a property owner’s only recourse is to take the utilities to court—a difficult task given the utilities’ deep pockets.

In addition to the Constitutional issues, the Alliance believes that the utilities’ current practices are unreasonable by any definition. The Alliance, therefore, encourages the IURC to support the following reforms to utility vegetation management in Indiana:

• Repeal of Tariff E-16, 15 and public recognition by the utilities that they have no right to trim or remove trees on private property without the owner’s consent, and that just compensation is required when a taking is necessary.
• The IURC should establish an office for arbitrating disputes when the property owner denies permission but the utility deems that trimming or removal is necessary. This office should also be able to hold the utilities accountable to property owners for damages, when appropriate.
• Utilities should be required to petition the IURC to increase voltage on existing lines, and if granted, the utility should be required to purchase the necessary easement from the adjoining property owners, or provide some other form of just compensation.
• The State of Indiana should adopt a statewide vegetation management standard for all electric-power utilities.”

Property owners and citizens concerned about reasonable measures to manage vegetation— and protecting rights to reasonable notice and fair compensation when utilities take their property — are encouraged to make their voice heard. Please join us a public hearing on abusive tree-trimming practices in central Indiana.

Contact: Jerry Baker mailto:cjbaker47@comcast.net
Charles Goodman 317.356.2499
Steve Jones Mail to:sastjones@Comcast.net

* * *

Press Conference - Friday Aug. 28 - Tree Alliance

We are pleased to invite you to a press conference to announce the formation of the Indiana Tree Alliance,

and to announce the schedule of IURC Field Hearings -- planned for six cities throughout Indiana -- the current phase of the IURC Investigation into Tree Trimming Practices.

Charles Goodman will hold the meeting at -- 12 PM -- Friday, August 28th. -- 2nd. Floor Rotunda of the Indiana Statehouse

We hope you will have 10 - 15 minutes to show your interest and support for this important cause.

Thank You and hopefully we will see you there.

Jerry Baker cjbaker47@comcast.net

Charles Goodman 356-2499

Steve Jones SLjones@IU.edu

Abusive Tree Trimming to be Discussed in Public Forums

Traders Point resident Jerry Baker continues to be a significant voice in fighting for fairness and justice on abusive trimming of privately owned trees. Please lend your support to this important issue by attending one of these upcoming meetings. For the uninitiated, abusive tree trimming is not currently addressed in case law. This case has the potential to have historical importance in changing how utilities deal with the public when on their private property. RR.

The following is an announcement of the public hearing phase of the ongoing Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) investigation into electric utilities' tree trimming practices.
Please distribute this information to everyone you know and encourage attendance at the hearings.
The IURC and the utilities need to understand that it's not just "a few people" who are angry about abusive tree trimming and property rights violations.


Thanks,
Jerry Baker cjbaker47@comcast.net
Charlie Goodman 317-356-2499




Public input sought in Electric Utility Tree Trimming Investigation


Field hearings scheduled statewide


A series of IURC public field hearings will be held throughout the state to accept sworn consumer comments for the evidentiary record in this investigation. The first two hearings are scheduled in Muncie and Indianapolis:


Monday, August 31, 2009:
OUCC* information meeting at 5:30 p.m., IURC public field hearing at 6:00 p.m.
Muncie Central High School
801 N. Walnut St.
Muncie, Indiana

Wednesday, September 2, 2009:
OUCC* information meeting at 5:30 p.m., IURC public field hearing at 6:00 p.m.
Pike High School
5401 W. 71st St.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Concerning the hearing at Pike High School:
5:30 PM register to testify / 6:00 PM Testimony begins --
Pike High School --- 5401 W 71st St
Please attend this meeting -- even if you do not plan to testify IPL and The IURC must understand that it is not only a few people that care about this matter!

*The Office of the Utility Consumer Councilor (OUCC) is an office that serves as the counsel of the public in matters concerning the IURC and utilities.

Additional IURC field hearings in this investigation are tentatively scheduled for the following dates, with times and
specific locations to be determined:

 Tuesday, September 8, 2009 – Seymour
 Wednesday, September 23 – Merrillville
 Tuesday, September 29 – Fort Wayne
 Wednesday, October 7 – Evansville

This schedule will be updated on the OUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2555.htm.

Consumers may also submit written comments for the case’s record to the OUCC by mail, fax or the Internet:

 Mail: Consumer Services Staff; Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South; Indianapolis, IN 46204
 Fax: (317) 232-5923
 E-mail: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
 OUCC Website: www.IN.gov/OUCC

Written comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43663.
Additional information on this case, including a link to the OUCC’s testimony, is available at
www.in.gov/oucc/2555.htm.





For More Information:


Learn more about this investigation at --- www.treesvspowerlines.com ---




Contact Jerry Baker cjbaker47@comcast.net
or
Charlie Goodman 356-2499

Phase 2 of Entry Way Landscaping at West 71st is October 24!

Friends, this fall we're embarking on Phase 2 of our landscaping project at the INDOT Salt Barn at 71st & I-65. We're adding native trees and shrubs to fill in around the ones our volunteers planted in November 2007. The continuing aim is to blend the maintenance facility into the surrounding woodlands and make a fitting entrance to our Traders Point neighborhoods.

May we count on your help? Please mark your calendar for Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m., and reply to Carole Cole at cp.cole@comcast.net or 317.879.8918. I'll send you several reminders before the event.

As before, our efforts are supported by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. KIB will bring gloves and tools, and we'll provide drinks and snacks.

We hope you and your family will join the fun. --Wendy

Wendy Ford
Chair, Traders Point Gateway Committee
6911 Cabernet Way
Indianapolis, IN 46278

Rural Historic District in Today's Indy Star

August 20, 2009

When the bucolic becomes iconic2 areas with a simpler past are granted distinction as rural historic districts

By Gretchen Becker
gretchen.becker@indystar.com

A new designation could help preserve farmland and equestrian trails in Traders Point on the Northwestside.

After five years of work, a group of residents has helped designate two rural historic districts in northwestern Marion and southeastern Boone counties. They are the third and fourth rural historic districts in the state.

"It's a great way to connect the past to the present," said longtime resident Cindy Lamberjack.

The northern district is bounded by Ind. 334, I-865, Old Hunt Club Road and Boone County Road 850 in Zionsville, Lamberjack said. The southern district's boundaries are I-865, I-465 and Lafayette Road.

The distinction doesn't limit what area residents can do on their properties, but it does give them a leg to stand on when asking for development that fits into the area that sits within an urban setting, said Fritz Kunz. It could help prevent intense development, such as the Traders Point shopping area east of the historic districts.

"We're showcasing our past -- what a wonderful lifestyle this was," Kunz said. "We need to create an environment where people want to do this again. One of my favorite places to ride a horse and be outdoors as a child was swallowed up, and I don't want that to happen again."

Kunz and Lamberjack worked with a team of residents who helped create a document that chronicles equestrian, farm and agricultural history in the area.

The area's equestrian history continues today with the Trader's Point Hunt, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The club's 120 members still have 40 drag -- scent-based, not live -- hunts from late August through February, Lamberjack said. The horses and riders travel throughout farms and land in the rural historic districts.

Applications to become rural historic districts cost about $10,000 each.

Residents are raising money for signage to educate those who travel through the area about its designation. Kunz wants to use the designation to educate the public and perhaps eventually offer spaces for community gardens and outdoor recreation.

The residents have driven the push for the historic designation, said Mark Dollase, vice president of preservation services and director of the Historic Landmarks Foundation.

"It helps preserve the features and qualities of that area that are unique," Dollase said.

Some states, such as Kentucky, have multiple historic districts, but Indiana is not too far behind its neighbors, Dollase said.

The designation also leans toward the trend of buying fresh, local products at places such as Traders Point Creamery, which sits in the southern district, Dollase said.

"I really think there needs to be a bond between land use and agriculture," he said.

Many families in the area, such as the Sutphins, have owned large tracts of land for many years.

Lisa Sutphin has lived in the same home off of 96th Street for 60 years, and the family owns farmland across the street that Traders Point Creamery uses for cattle.

"We want to preserve the character of the area," Sutphin said.

Sutphin's son Sam also lives on the farmland with his family. He helped document the land for the rural historic district applications.

"I have confidence that other people in the area are serious about preserving the land," Sam Sutphin said. "The quality of life is improved, because the rural historic district is accessible to others. It's unusual in a metropolitan district."

Additional Facts
Fundraiser scheduled
» What: 75th Anniversary Traders Point Hunt Club Ball.

» When: 7 p.m. Nov. 14.

» Where: Meridian Hills Country Club, 7099 Spring Mill Road.

» Cost: To be determined.

» Beneficiary: The ball will raise money for Ovar'coming, an organization that supports women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

» Contact: Cindy Lamberjack, c_lamberjack@comcast.net

» Information: www.traderspointhunt.com

IURC Update

Following is an updated version of the IURC Investigation notice---


The recently announced schedule for field hearings has been announced--a strong attendance is critical to the cause.
Please spread the word!




Greetings to All.


Charlie and I hope you will read and consider responding to this important notice. It affects every property owner, and every citizen in the state.
The fact that this opportunity even exists proves that a small number of people can make a big difference.
If you have questions or comments, please let us know.


Regards Charlie Goodman and Jerry Baker



TREES NEAR POWER LINES—A STATEWIDE INVESTIGATION Visit our website at www.treesvspowerlines.com


To all interested parties:


The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) has announced a statewide investigation into utility tree trimming practices and tariffs. This is a critical development in the effort to pass effective legislation towards curbing abusive tree trimming and violations of property rights by electric utilities.


The IURC investigation is the direct result of a petition filed by Charles Goodman, a volunteer citizen lobbyist, representing hundreds of property owners, and Sen. James Merritt, Jr., chairman of the Senate Utility Committee, who has decided to delay legislation while the IURC gathers information statewide. A report by the IURC to the Legislature is due in late November. This investigation is the key to forge real change.


Your voice and your story can be heard and can make a difference!


Now is the time to tell your story—-any grievance you have had with the power line tree-trimming crews, or with policies of your electric utility, should be put on record now! Don't wait for the chain saws to return to your neighborhood to complain. Mr. Goodman has gotten serious State-level attention for this matter, and if this opportunity is wasted, this issue may never be taken seriously again.


Here is what you can do. By Aug. 18th, Write, fax or e-mail your complaint, story, or comments to the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor—OUCC—at the addresses below.


Reference IURC Cause #43663


E-mail: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov


Fax: 317-232-5923


Mail: Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South
Indianapolis, IN 46204


Please send a copy of your OUCC correspondence to Charles Goodman for the purpose of an archive that he can refer to if necessary.


The OUCC technical and legal team assigned to this case will review all letters from consumers, which will be filed with the IURC for inclusion in the case's formal evidentiary record and their report to the Legislature.


Please follow through and tell your story factually and thoughtfully to have it included in the record.
The utilities like to believe, and tell everyone who will listen, that "only a few people are unhappy about how they cut trees"


Appear in Person
After August 19th, the IURC will hold field hearings where you can appear in person and provide oral comments under oath.


The schedule for these hearings is: Muncie-- August 31 Indianapolis-- September 2 Seymour-- September 8 Merrillville-- September 23-- Fort Wayne October 7--Evansville
Times and locations are to be announced, but you can monitor local newspapers, legal notices and television, or find the information any time on the OUCC website at www.IN.gov/oucc .


You can participate in the hearings even if you have already sent a letter. You can either read the complete letter into the record, give a summary of your thoughts and a typed copy of your full remarks to the court, or simply offer your letter for inclusion. Or, you can offer a different slant on your opinions or experiences.


Photos, maps, surveys or other pertinent documents are considered very effective for making your case.


Thank you for your interest in, and support of, this worthwhile cause. Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested --- statewide.


Contact information:


Jerry Baker
Email cjbaker47@comcast.net
Address 8561 Moore Rd.
Indianapolis IN 46278


Charles H Goodman
Email cjbaker47@comcast.net
Address 2313 No. Graham Av.
Indianapolis IN. 46218
Phone 317-356-2499

Eagle Creek Foundation golf outing Sept. 17

The Foundation with be holding the 12th Annual Double Eagle Golf Outing September 17th. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year. In an effort to say thank you to their volunteers and members and to offset the effect the economy has had on corporate participation, we have decided to extend the early bird rates ($175 / person) and to implement a $25 discount policy to park volunteers and Foundation members bringing the single entry price to only $150 (which includes an $80 tax-deductible contribution), or $600 for a four person member/volunteer team. The day includes 18 holes of golf, dinner, open cocktail hour, goodie bag and the opportunity for door prizes!
You can get more info on the outing on the website at 2009 Double Eagle Golf Outing
They are also looking for volunteers for the day – (see volunteer assignments below).
Please let us know if you are interested in participating or volunteering!
For volunteering call Rosie Johnson at 317.327.0101. To participate, just fill out the form on the website or call Sam Chambers at 317.327.7116.
Thanks a lot,
Your Eagle Creek Park Foundation
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************
12th Annual Double Eagle Golf Tournament
September 17, 2009
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

REGISTRATION/PRIZE TABLE 11:30 TO 1:00
4 volunteers needed

HOLE IN ONE (#6) 1:00 to finish
2 volunteers needed

PAR 3 CHALLENGES 1:00 to finish
Hole # 10 - $5 on the green
2 volunteers needed
Hole # 3 - $5 – 50 50
2 volunteers needed

BEVERAGE CART 12:45 to finish
4 volunteers needed

PHOTOGRAPHERS
2 volunteers needed

FRUIT PICKER UPPER
1 volunteer needed

PRIZE TICKET SALES AT THE COCKTAIL HOUR
2 volunteers needed

Assignments may be traded before or during the outing for variety or peace
To sign up or for volunteer questions contact Rosie at 327.0101

TPAN MEETING AUGUST 24

Dear Traders Point Neighbors:

The next TPAN meeting will be on Monday, August 24th at the West 86th Homeowner’s Association Clubhouse. The meeting will start at 7 PM.

There are two issues on the agenda:
(1) An update on the status of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s (IURC) review of the vegetation management practices of utilities statewide, including Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL). The IURC will be holding field hearings on this subject beginning late this Summer. TPAN will discuss the key issues at our meeting on the 24th as well as explain how you can participate. Since the legislative hearing in February 2009, there have been significant developments that will be described during our TPAN meeting. This is a complicated issue that is not without controversy, even within Traders Point. We’ll discuss this further at the meeting on the 24th. For now, TPAN has not taken an official position though it’s fair to say that TPAN wants to see a process established by which safe and reliable electric power can be delivered while recognizing property owner's rights so that the utility and the property owner know where each stands, and we want this process to include a means by which the property owner can hold IPL to its obligations without resorting to the usually prohibitive cost of taking IPL to court.

(2) The second agenda item will be an update on signage for the Traders Point Historic District and a discussion of possible complimentary signage for the Traders Point Triangle. In related news, Cindy Lamberjack reports that the Greater Historic Traders Point group received word from the National Park Service that the Traders Point Historic District has been placed on the National Register. This is great distinction for the Traders Point area, and the opportunity to mark the historic district with signage provides an additional means by which we can build a unique identity for our community.