Steve Egley of Battleground pitched digitizing town ordinances to the Flora Town Council at Monday night's June meeting. Egley explained that he is an engineer who works in the software field at Purdue Research Park.

After joining Battleground's Town Council in the 1990s, he learned that no one knew what ordinances the town had. He worked out a program to organize the ordinances, making them look like as much like the original document as possible. Once digitized word searches can be made, finding any ordinance that contains that word.

Egley said that when digitizing the ordinances it is best to start at the present and work backwards to save time and money by not including ordinance repeals. He suggested that town officials not have him upgrade the ordinances but once every one or two years and not go any longer than four years.

Egley's proposal, which includes 10 copies, is valid until Aug. 1. He said once given the ok to start it would take him four months. After complete, they will go to the town clerk-treasurer for review, another four to six weeks, and then back to him to finalize which should take an additional four to six weeks.

Council members decided to review his proposal and make a decision at the July meeting. Marshal's report

"We've had five dog bite reports in the last month and usually we only have one or two a year," stated Town Marshal Paul Redmon. He said that the town ordinance regarding pets stipulates that they be registered at the town office. Proof of proper vaccinations is required.

"People need to be responsible for their animals," commented council president Josh Ayres.

Redmon added, "It's the owner's responsibility to restrain their animal. Liability is the owner's responsibility."

"We've had a lot of criminal mischief and burglaries during the past month," said Redmon. He warned that residents should keep their vehicles and homes locked. Police activity statistics for May include: 15 arrests/misdemeanors; 9 felonies; 37 citations; 55 warnings; 98 calls for service; 2 accidents; 2 consents; and 4 warrants served.

In violation of a town ordinance, youth are riding bicycles on downtown sidewalks. Redmon said repeat offenders will be cited, as will four-wheelers and motor bikes that are in violation of state statutes.

Redmon said his department is keeping track of junk vehicles and towing them when necessary. He reminded those with swimming pools that they must have a locked fence around their pools. Town streets

Council members agreed to post additional signage on South Division Street, noting that it is one-way, traveling south.

Town attorney Dick T. Bishop was instructed to create an ordinance to erect stop signs in Prairie View Subdivision. Signs will be erected immediately. He was also instructed to create an ordinance changing the speed limit on Park Row from East Main Street to Julius Drive to 20 miles per hour. Signs will be posted.

Plum Street, between East Main and Columbia, will be closed June 17 for an auction. Other business

Residents in the east end of town have reported difficulty in hearing the town weather siren. It was determined to have Utilities Manager Chuck Everett obtain a quote on a siren. Marshal Redmon suggested contacting Emergency Management Director Justin Darling, too.

Ordinance 2006-1 regarding parking of livestock trailers during the Carroll County 4-H Fair was passed. Vehicles in violation will be towed at the owner's expense.

The request by Doris Pirtle to partially reimburse her for sewer line repairs was approved in the amount of $2,292.50. Ayres read a prepared statement by Bishop which said: "In the future, if a sewer is illegally connected, the property owner will be responsible for corrections."

Flora Plan Commission approved the following permits: James Hancock, fence; William Hollis, porch; Terry Lauderdale, pole barn shop; Ed Rogers, shed; Cindy Langston, fence; and Ronald and Elizabeth Eurit, new home.

Pavement Solutions is sealing various streets at a cost of $23,942.27 and patch repairing various streets at a cost of $4,503.60.

Summer help park employees are painting the lower portions of the Merchants Building at Flora Community Park. The town will obtain quotes for painting the east and west ends of the building.

Mark Sharp questioned council members about installation of curbs. He was told that the town has a seven to ten year plan $125,000 is spent every other year on curbs.

The town office is now collecting household batteries for recycling. A household hazardous waste and tire collection will be held July 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park.

The annual fireworks display will be at 10 p.m. July 4 at the community park.

Hearing no objections, council members approved Gary and Giselle Parrett's application to vacate the alley between lots 3 and 4 in Voorhees addition.

The next council meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 10 in the Fireside Building.