Although Delphi's water utility customers experienced a 12 percent rate increase on their latest bill, no significant projects will be undertaken until at least the second year of the rate hike.

Delphi Mayor Lee Hoard said many residents believe projects, other than those that must be undertaken immediately, will be started with the additional revenue generated from the newly instituted hike. However that is not quite true.

"It will be in the second year of the hike before advance projects can be done," he explained at the Monday night city council meeting.

According to a report provided by water superintendent Gary Hathaway, the approximate net gain expected in Phase I of the plan is $14,859, $52,332 in Phase II, $93,511 in Phase III and $108,592 in Phase IV.

Hoard and council president Carolyn Pearson said the rate increases were designed so as to not present a financial hardship for residents living on fixed incomes while still netting the city some much needed additional revenue.

Other business

No decision was reached about the establishment of a vicious animal ordinance. Hoard presented ordinances from three municipalities and council members discussed differences and similarities.

City attorney Miriam Robeson was directed to compile the information along with Delphi's current ordinance and propose a new set of guidelines at the next meeting.

The street department is installing a caution light on Hamilton Street near the softball diamond. The project was made possible with a $1,000 donation by the Oddfellows, help from other city departments and Carroll County REMC.

Parks superintendent Richard Farrar reported over 90 youth are registered for summer recreation, which is a significant increase over last year. He said there were 50 children in tennis as compared to 26 last year.

June 18, from 7 to 11 a.m., is the date and time for the airport's fly-in breakfast. Airplane rides will be offered and there will be a static aircraft display.

Airport manager Brian Stirm said family activities would continue into the afternoon at Canal Park.

Stirm reported after a visit by the state airport inspector, the airport was directed to move a pile of dirt from the southern end of the runway within 30 days.

Tax abatement for PetersRevington Furniture was unanimously approved.

Parking ordinance 2006-3, to install a designated handicap parking space at the corner of Washington and Franklin streets, was passed with two readings.

Grants coordinator Jean Howell reported researching funding options for rehabilitation of the levee. She consulted the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development and the engineering firm of Butler, Fairman and Seufert. Both groups agreed that working through the Army Corps of Engineers to provide a hydrology study would be the most prudent course of action.

She said pursuing independent study is much less effective and more costly without a recommendation from the Corps' participation in the process.

Delphi Police Chief Ed Chapman reported an increase in the number of information, felony and misdemeanor reports from April to May. There were twice as many accidents investigated in the same period.

Chapman said the department is focusing on weed and junk vehicle enforcement.

Hathaway reported the springtime flushing of the water hydrants has begun. A total of 23,050,000 gallons of water was pumped in April. Indiana Packers' usage was 15,560,500.

Hoard announced at the board of works meeting, which preceded the city council meeting, Sand Ridge Bank gifted a large street-side clock to Gerald Fielding, owner of Fielding's Jewelry. The clock will be refurbished and placed in front of the jewelry store on Franklin Street in approximately four months.

The next meeting is July 3 at 7 p.m. The board of works will meet at 6:30 p.m.