Delphi sports new cruisers Delphi's Chief of Police Ed Chapman and Sgt. Brook McCain show off one of the city's two new police cars. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe Delphi's new police cruisers have a slightly different look this spring, and officers have a slightly different attitude.

Police chief Ed Chapman announced at the Monday night Delphi City Council meeting two new squad cars have been purchased and are in use. The new cars have a color scheme of blue and black which is a change from the old yellow and black ones.

Chapman also reported a significant increase in the number of warnings issued in March. He disclosed an increase in the number of traffic summons, misdemeanor arrests and abandoned vehicle violations.

"I gave the officers a little pep talk in March," Chapman explained. He said since the weather has improved residents can expect stringent enforcement of most ordinances.

The first reading of the proposed water and sewage ordinance to increase residents' rates was approved. A philosophical difference arose between some council members and Mayor Lee Hoard about how much information from department heads was needed for the council to adopt the ordinance.

Council member Randy Strasser began the discussion by asking for the numbers used to determine how much of an increase was needed and how the new money would be spent by department heads.

Hoard said the revenue increase would be used for repairs, upgrades to lines and equipment, and for infrastructure to accommodate the Hoosier Heartland.

Hoard said both Hathaway and Van Sickle prepared reports that were given to the utility advisory rate board to use to calculate the proposed rates. He explained the ordinance was prepared by city attorney Miriam Robeson with input from the rate board.

"I'm just looking for some documentation to say why the rates are being raised," Strasser said.

Council member John Hampton, in his first council meeting since returning from Iraq, asked for the plans or lists of prioritized needs prepared by department heads to guide them in their use of the new money.

"I depend on the department heads to manage their departments," Hoard explained. He expressed concern about "micro-managing" departments and their leaders.

"When the department heads start making bad decisions, I take care of that," Hoard said.

"I don't understand us not having a plan," Hampton stated.

Strasser requested a work session to assist council members and the mayor to reach a consensus about the rate ordinance and to plan for budget preparation time. The work session will be April 17 at 5 p.m. in the council room.

Grants coordinator Jean Howell announced the formation of the Delphi Forestry Commission. The development of the group was recommended by the Department of Natural Resources to allow the city to more fully take advantage of funding opportunities for city improvement. It will encourage residents to understand the relationship between how a city looks and its economic development.

Commission members are Faye Underhill, Kyle Germond, Tara Garrison, Bob Smith and Kevin Howell. Street commissioner Aaron Lyons and grants coordinator Howell were named e-officio members.

Delphi Fire Chief Bill Schock reported the arrival of turn-out equipment from a 2005 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant. The equipment includes protection against skin injuries such as jackets, bunker pants, helmets, gloves, boots and hoods.

A 2006 FEMA grant was submitted for fire hose, fittings, 30 pagers, mobile radios and portable radios.

The Delphi Tri-Township Volunteer Fire Department made 26 runs in March, 16 of which were fire calls and 10 were good intention calls.

Wastewater superintendent Dick Van Sickle announced Robert Risley as the new department employee.

He said two toxicity tests were removed from the battery of tests required by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. He said the measure provides a cost savings to the city.

Water superintendent Gary Hathaway reported various water leaks repaired during March. Total gallons of water pumped for the city was 22,040,000 and the total for Indiana Packers Corporation was 15,177,700.

Street department superintendent Lyons said there are new street signs on Indiana and Union streets and the department recycled a dumpster for festival use. Lyons expects the new street sweeper to arrive next week.

Airport manager Brian Stirm said the airport sold 1,000 gallons of fuel in March. Construction for runway expansion is planned for this year. The airport will host a fly-in breakfast on June 18.

Hoard said he and Logansport Mayor Mike Fincher will meet with INDOT Commissioner Tom Sharp, Deputy Chief of Staff Earl Goode and Betsy Burdick both from Gov. Mitch Daniels' office about the Hoosier Heartland route in the near future.

The next city council meeting is May 1 at 7 p.m.