Dunkirk is clicking

DUNKIRK — The city is headed in a positive direction.

The hope is that there is more to come.

That was the message shared by Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins and his department heads during Tuesday’s State of the City address at West Jay Community Center.

Robbins spent most of his time touting local business growth, noting two new buildings — the new AgBest Countrymark and the new MJS Mortuaries facility —  in the downtown area. He mentioned other businesses as well, including the new Firehouse BBQ & Blues restaurant. He added that Dunkirk Historical Society is moving to the Webster Depot building, Rock and Kathy Fuqua are on the verge of opening a new art center adjacent to the police department and Sculpt Fitness owners Darrin and Eleathia Harding are continuing to work on downtown buildings.

He reminded residents that Ardagh will start a partial shutdown on Oct. 4 for renovations.

“That’s a big investment for Dunkirk,” Robbins said. “If they’re going to do that, that’s throwing a lot of money back into that plant. That’s good to hear. … That means they’re interested in staying in Dunkirk.”

He noted projects completed, including the addition of detention basins on the southeast side of the city and improvements along Broad Street. Those efforts come from the city’s five-year utility master plan.

Looking toward the future, Robbins noted various projects the city submitted for Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0, including funding for planning. Other potential projects include restoring the Stewart Brothers building for commercial use on the first floor and apartments above and adding a daycare at West Jay Community Center.

Also looking toward the future, he said Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation is trying to acquire land on the south side of the city for housing development. He said he’s targeting 18 to 24 homes.

Following his comments, he opened the floor to questions from the public. He received only one response from the few dozen in attendance.

“I just want to express appreciation for all your commitment,” said Dunkirk resident Blake Watson. “It takes a team … It takes a whole group of people to come together and put for the commitment. And it’s there. The chemistry’s there. And it’s just exciting. It seems like everything is going in a positive direction.”

In addition to his comments, Robbins asked each of the city’s superintendents to share information about their departments.

Police Chief Dane Mumbower told those in attendance that his department is fully staffed with six officers, though one is currently at Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He emphasized the importance of training, saying he likes the city’s officers to exceed state standards.

One area that is a challenge, he said, is an increasing number of incidents relating to mental health.

Mumbower also encouraged residents to get involved in their community.

“Just because Dunkirk’s small doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot to offer,” he said.”

Fire Chief Robert Fields noted his department’s effort to be involved in the community through education at schools and participation in events such as Glass Days. He pointed out the importance of a countywide grant that led to purchasing new self-contained breathing apparatus.

Brad Barger of the street and parks department highlighted the rebirth of Dunkirk Junior League this year as well as the completion of the walking trail at Dunkirk City Park. He also talked about Community Crossings grants from the Indiana Department of Transportation that led to the paving of Quincy Place and Washington Street.

Water department superintendent Brock Farmer reported that the city passed checks for lead and copper pipes. His department also replaced some fire hydrants and is in the beginning stages of installing a new water meter system throughout the city.

“It’ll help us find leaks on the city side and customers’ houses,” he said. “It will be a huge improvement.”

He also noted efforts to add new wells in order to expand water capacity to allow for business and industry growth.

Steven Gillette of the wastewater department said the city has gotten its water usage under control, indicating that his department is treating about 500,000 gallons per day down from about 850,000 when he started in his role. The department has also been working on getting a phosphorus issue under control.

Robbins thanked the department heads, city employees, city council and others involved in the day-to-day operations of the city.

“It takes (everyone) to make the city click,” he said. “And right now Dunkirk’s clicking good.”