'We've soiled our pants': Westfield City Council meeting turns contentious

A cost-saving plan to downsize the ambitious Grand Junction Plaza project in Westfield has left some city council members frustrated and ignited a war of words between the mayor and a council member, punctuated by a vivid scatological reference.

The kerfuffle was set off at a Dec. 17 City Council meeting when the city disclosed that nearly $17 million in cuts to park amenities would be needed to keep construction under its $31.5 million budget.

Those reductions include nixing – for now -- the band shell at the amphitheater and a trailhead building, and replacing the permanent ice rink with a temporary one. City officials blamed rising construction costs and a low preliminary budget estimate.

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After Public Works Director Jeremy Lollarhad delivered the news at the meeting about the plans for “value engineering,” Councilor Troy Patton expressed his displeasure.

“Value engineering, is that another word for overbudget?” Patton asked. “We promised something to the people of Westfield and frankly we’ve soiled our pants and have to smell it.”

Read more: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/2020/12/29/grand-junction-plaza-meeting-turns-westfield-meeting-contentious/4064900001/