City workers quietly help fix problems 11.25.10

This year, Star Watch has much to be thankful for.
We're grateful for readers who take the time to report infrastructure problems to Star Watch. Since Thanksgiving Day of last year, you have reported more than 2,400 problems by phone, e-mail and online. Without your help, Star Watch couldn't follow up. And without the help of many city government employees, your complaints would not have been resolved.
A few examples of how city workers have gone above and beyond to help readers:
When an Eastside resident reported seeing a beagle tied up without shelter, food or water in a backyard on Houston Street, Star Watch asked Amber Myers and Darcie Kurtz of Animal Care and Control for help. Myers, a deputy administrator who handles field operations, sent Animal Control officers to the property. She reported to Star Watch that they found the dog's owner in violation of a city ordinance and arranged for the dog to be surrendered to Animal Control. Kurtz, who handles Animal Control's kennel operations, helped find a new home for the beagle.
Both helped Star Watch follow up on complaints about other abused animals and dangerous dogs running loose in neighborhoods.
Trash littered the grounds and weeds covered the small grave markers this summer at the old Central State Hospital cemetery, where more than 600 patients were buried from 1905 to 1947. Department of Metropolitan Development spokesman John Bartholomew helped organize a day of service in September and pitched in to fill dozens of bags of trash. He also has helped Star Watch gather information about tax sale properties, the fate of houses on the city's demolition list and problems with the Downtown Canal.
High weeds and grass were the top complaint to Star Watch this spring and summer. Mayor's Action Center operators send requests for mowing to the Department of Code Enforcement for follow-up. Spokeswoman Kate Johnson played detective for Star Watch in dozens of instances when properties in violation were not mowed by city contractors within the allotted time. Johnson also tracked down many requests for information about zoning violations.
Without these and hundreds of dedicated public servants, our infrastructure problems would not be resolved. On this Thanksgiving Day, Star Watch says thanks!
http://www.indystar.com/article/20101125/LOCAL/11250461/-1/7daysarchives/star-watch-today-s-blog-entry