Flora Town Marshal Paul Redmon warned of an international lottery scam that has resurfaced again at Monday night's meeting of the Flora Town Council. He said area residents have reported receiving letters stating that they have won a million dollar sweepstakes.

Redmon warned, "if you get a letter, trash it! Throw it away! This scam has cost some people several thousand dollars in the past."

The scam is being investigated by the FBI. Redmon suggests that anyone who receives a letter should notify police or a local bank or file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

Marshal Redmon reported that he has had several complaints about speeding traffic on Park Row. He recommended that the speed limit be reduced to 15 mph between the intersection of Main and Third streets and the north tennis courts. "We need to do what we can to make it safer," he said.

Council members agreed that it is a good idea to reduce the speed limit there for safety reasons. They will monitor the area and then have town attorney, Dick T. Bishop, draw up an ordinance.

The police department has stepped up night patrols due to increased criminal mischief, said Redmon.

The new town police car, a 2006 black Impala ordered from Mann Chevrolet, has arrived. White paint is being added to the car this week at Collisions Unlimited and then it will be striped and equipped. Redmon said he expects the vehicle to be on the road next week.

The police department report for April included: 6 arrests/misdemeanors, 1 felony, 21 citations, 46 warnings, 105 calls for service, 3 accidents, 3 consents, and 1 warrant.

The Phase II Environmental Study on the Brethren's Home has been received. Town clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman said there were no surprises. The buried tank will need to be removed and the town is applying for a grant through the Brownfield Project to remove it. The report also indicated that there is no lead-based paint in the building, however there is some mold and some asbestos in the floor tile in the housekeeping area (if the tile is not disturbed, it can be left alone).

Billy G. Best has filed a tort claim against the county and the town of Flora for injuries he received when he allegedly fell through an undisclosed hole in the roof of the 4-H Community Building. Bishop said the matter has been turned over to the town's insurance carrier through RME Insurance.

The town agreed to reimburse Perry Brewington for $292.50 for expenses he incurred when work was done on his neighbor's sewer line.

No individual or group has come forward to offer to take responsibility for the log cabin at Flora Community Park. The town will explore other options. Town officials voted to remove the horseshoe pits at the park due to liability concerns.

Bishop continues to work with Tinsman on an ordinance for parking during fair week in July.

The town plan commission issued five permits in April - Scott Sisson, shed; Eric Miller, room addition; James Weiand, sidewalk; Thomas Starbuck, garage; and Singletree Hitching, room addition.

The town's utilities department has been issued a 2004 Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Center for Disease Control.

The town office will be closed May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. The next council meeting will be June 5 at 6 p.m. in the town office.