The most recent hailstorm produced costly damage for two Delphi city departments. Both situations were described to the Delphi City Council at Monday night's meeting.

Police chief Ed Chapman reported two squad cars were damaged during the storm and fire chief Bill Schock said several fire trucks experienced dents. Both department heads reported at least one broken windshield.

Schock said five to six department owned trucks are dispatched to outlying areas during threatening weather to allow firefighters to act as storm spotters. The damage occurred during the storm spotting activity.

Both Chapman and Schock said the damaged vehicles were fully covered by insurance. However Schock reported some firefighters' personal vehicles sustained similar damage while parked during the storm and were not fully covered.

Other news

Rate ordinance 2006-1, which will implement a four-step water utility rate increase as recommended by the Utility Advisory Commission, passed second reading unanimously. Council member John Hampton

requested standard line-item budgets from water utility department heads before the next reading.

Hoard said the utility commission plans to review the action and its consequences every six months after implementation.

Delphi resident Gayle Connor asked officials to develop an ordinance to sanction owners of vicious dogs that bite and maul. Conner cited examples of multiple attacks of mail carriers and provided information about two additional incidents, plus her own experiences of feeling threatened at a park in her neighborhood.

After sharing a personal experience of his own, Delphi City Mayor Lee Hoard said, "It is a problem and becoming more of one."

Council consensus was to proceed with development of the ordinance.

Hoard announced he will be working with the Hoosier Heartland Coalition to address issues about the Hoosier Heartland Highway Corridor's route through Carroll County with the Indiana Department of Transportation and design engineers. The meetings will be held bi-monthly.

Chapman reminded residents and businesses that peddlers are required to secure a permit before going door-to-door. The photoidentification permits are to be carried with the peddler at all times. Chapman encouraged everyone to ask for the identification before opening their doors to them.

Chapman said police officers are taking enforcement actions on weed and junk vehicle complaints.

Parks superintendent Richard Farrer reported he is meeting with area youth to determine what activities they would like implemented in city parks. He expressed interest in engaging parents for the same reason.

Farrer reported the Delphi Lions Club is interested in helping with a skate park for skate boarders.

Gary Hathaway, water department superintendent announced the department received the 2004 Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Center for Disease Control. Grants coordinator Jean Howell

said two property owners have expressed interest in participating in the Downtown Facade Program.

Delphi Forestry Commission members worked with middle school students to plant trees on Arbor Day.

Howell reported meeting with senior housing project representative David Uttermohlen about how the city will provide the infrastructure for the project. She said a loan might be needed for funding instead of a grant to complete the project.

Aaron Lyons, street department superintendent, reported progress on the installation of a caution light on Hamilton Street to slow traffic during softball games. He has secured a pole and is attempting to find an appropriate light.

The next meeting is June 5 at 7 p.m.