Flora's east end to get new warning siren
By Susan Scholl

Flora Town Council approved the purchase of a fifth warning siren for the town at Monday night's council meeting.

"People complain in the east end of town that they can't hear the siren," said councilman Roger Daugherty.

The quote submitted was from Kirby Risk of Lafayette in the amount of $3,490.95, plus an additional $852 for wiring. The siren will be placed in the park area. The other sirens are located at the town office, county highway garage, and north and south ends of town.

The council has been reviewing the town's personnel policy and will be making changes, said councilman David Albaugh. When putting the present personnel policy into action, it does not adequately address violations.

The review was prompted by the recent DUI conviction and sentencing of Utilities employee Ted Donoho.

Allbaugh explained that the situation is an imposition on the rest of the department because Donoho cannot drive. His CDL license is also in jeopardy.

The town's insurance is a concern, too, said Albaugh.

It could be a situation where "you lose your license, you lose your job, but at this point the council is undecided on what action it will be taking (concerning policy revision)," said Albaugh.

The changes to the personnel policy will not be retroactive, explained Albaugh. However, Donoho could face disciplinary action, yet to be determined.

Town residents Kevin Clothier and Mark Sharp both suggested that the policy have some flexibility and that punishment be based on the offense, taking into consideration whether it is first-time. "Everyone can make a mistake," said Sharp.

It's a complicated issue," added council president Josh Ayres.

Interest has been expressed in saving the old burned out train depot on Sycamore Street, said Ayres. The depot could be moved to Flora Community Park a n d be rehabilitated. The town is looking into obtaining a grant for a feasibility study.

The town is asking for volunteers to help with the project. Anyone interested should contact town clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman at the town office.

Town marshal Paul Redmon reminded residents that school will be starting next week and to watch out for children and school buses.

Redmon recently presented a program to Flora Rotary Club on methamphetamine and was asked to return in September and talk about the concerns with Internet chat rooms.

The marshal's report for July included: 16 arrests/misdemeanors, 4 felonies, 39 citations, 1 parking violation, 83 warnings, 3 field interviews, 115 calls for service, 2 accidents, 2 consents, and 3 warrants.

A reminder was issued to the Utilities Department that no new radio-read meters are to be ordered without council approval.

Flora, Burlington and Delphi will receive the Indiana Association of Cities & Town's Local Government Cooperation Award for the Carroll Communities Recycling Cooperative. The presentation will be made at a noon luncheon Sept. 25 in Indianapolis.

Ayres commended town employees for the good job they have done cleaning up the old Brethren Home property and keeping bushes trimmed at the old Flora School.

A leak survey was performed by a representative from the Indiana Alliance of Rural Water.

Utilities employees Kenny Coddingham and Donoho recently attended IDEM classes for Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection of Byproducts Rule held in Attica.

Sharp requested that the town start up its curb program again.

Tinsman said that the town is looking for someone to do a few small brick and cement repair projects.

Flora Plan Commission issued a permit in July to Joann Jarrard for a carport.

The new pickup for the wastewater superintendent has been delivered.

Salary ordinance 2006-5 was passed on second reading.

The town will hold a public meeting on the 2007 budget on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Fireside Building. The next regular council meeting will be Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.

The town office will be closed Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.