Flora learns moratorium on Medicaid beds stands
By Susan Scholl

The Family & Social Services Administration has denied the request that the Brethren's Home be grandfathered against the moratorium placed on Medicaid beds by the state legislature last December.

The town recently purchased the property and is trying to have it reopened as a healthcare facility.

The moratorium will expire on June 30, 2007, if it is not extended by the legislature.

"We haven't given up hope," said clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman at Monday night's meeting of the Flora Town Council. She indicated the town will continue to work toward reopening the facility as a healthcare center.

"We're not going to sit back and wait on legislation," she said.

Council president Josh Ayres announced that the town has received a Petroleum Remediation Grant in the amount of $84,520 through the Indiana Brownfield Program. The funds will be used to remove a buried tank and remediate the ground at the Brethren's Home property, An environmental study indicated that the tank is leaking. Removal of the tank will help ready the property for future use.

As a follow-up to inquiries made at the September Council meeting, Tinsman reported speaking with the Frankfort clerk-treasurer regarding their school demolition. She was told Frankfort did not use an engineer.

Councilman David Albaugh said that the town will continue to look at options regarding the old Flora School.

"We're looking for money," added Ayres.

Terry Lauderdale, through a letter, requested that town officials recognize the safety issue created by semis and trailers that park and turnaround in his property , while waiting to fuel at a nearby service station. Lauderdale owns a business on the west side of SR 75, just north of the intersection with SR 18.

Town Marshal Paul Redmon said that he has contacted the State Highway Department and was told that a detailed letter was needed, explaining the situation, along with measurements. Thirty days after receipt of the letter, INDOT will put up "no parking" signs.

The Town of Flora was a recipient, along with Burlington and Delphi, of a Local Government Cooperation Award for the shared Carroll County Communities Recycling Program. Flora's award will hang in the town office.

Town officials approved advertising specifications for a two-year trash contract with the addition of two, six-lid containers during fair week.

Redmon reported that the new parking ordinance is in effect.

The police station has moved to 27 W. Main Street in the Fireside Building.

Tinsman reported that it is working well having the police station in the Fireside Building. When officers are away from the building, town office employees are able to assist residents and locate an officer to help them.

Redmon reminded residents that pranksters are often out in October, and to be mindful and keep doors and windows locked.

Police activity for September included: 12 arrests/misdemeanors, seven felonies, 31 citations, 55 warnings, 108 calls for service, five accidents, and three warrants served.

Tinsman reported that the town has received two checks for unclaimed properties, one for the volunteer fire department and the other for the wastewater treatment plant. The checks, in the amount of $129.50 and $160.67, will be deposited into the town's general fund.

Moonlight Madness will be held Saturday in downtown Flora. During the festivities, Channel 2 will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate 25 years on the air.

Also this weekend at the log cabin at the park, there will be a rendezvous Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The town office will be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day.

Trick-or-Treat Night will be Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The next Council meeting will be Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Fireside Building.