Flora interested in purchasing Abdon lot
By Susan Scholl Editor

Council president Josh Ayres said at Monday night's meeting of the Flora Town Council that the town is interested in purchasing the Abdon lot on West Main Street. An auction of the building and lots will be held Nov. 28.

Councilman Roger Daugherty explained that the council is thinking ahead for future needs.

Town officials approved spending up to $35,000 to acquire the 160-foot by 87-foot stoned lot.

"If a car dealer wanted it, we'd probably sell it back to them," said Ayres.

State Senator Brandt Hershman has set up an appointment for council members Ayres, Daugherty and David Albaugh, clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman, and Carroll County Economic Development Director Daryl Smith to meet with Family & Social Services officials about getting the former Brethren's Home building reopened as a healthcare facility. Currently the state legislature has placed a moratorium on Medicaid beds that is in effect until next June.

"We hope to convince them that our project was substantially under development when the moratorium went into effect," said Tinsman. "We had already done a lot of work and the state had put money into the project before the moratorium."

Troy Helderman of T&M Heating & Cooling gave an update on the fire restoration project at the Flora Community Center.

He explained that the project is proceeding well and that he expects the insulation, ceiling and doors to be finished this week and the flooring to be installed next week. The building should be ready for occupancy soon, he said.

Tinsman said that the town is doing several upgrades to the building that are not insurance based.

Two trash contract bids for 2007 and 2008 were opened. Clinton County Disposal's bid was $192,149, while Waste Management's bid was $307,032. The council took the bids under advisement and will make a decision at the December meeting.

Following a study, the Indiana Department of Transportation has put up signs along a section of SR 75 prohibiting parking on the west side in front of Lauderdale Plumbing & Heating. The action was taken after owner Terry Lauderdale complained that semi trucks were blocking the entrance to his building while they waited to fuel up at Allen's Station.

The town's ordinances placed on disc from Sunshine Publishing are currently under review by town officials.

Town Marshal Paul Redmon reported that Sgt. James Bishop and Sheriff's Deputy Tony Liggett recently completed Instructor Development Class and are certified to train other officers. The Flora department now has three certified officers.

He also said that October was a "pretty quiet month." The monthly report included: 13 arrests/misdemeanors, 5 felonies, 30 citations, 37 warnings, 105 calls for service, 4 accidents, 1 consent, and 3 warrants served.

Kent King's letter of resignation from the Flora Airport Board was read and approved. "We appreciate his years of service," said Ayres. King's resignation is effective Dec. 31.

The Utilities Department reminds residents that leaves will be picked up on the west side of the railroad tracks in the morning and the east side in the afternoon. Do not put sticks in the piles of leaves.

Town employees have earned the Indiana Public Employers' Plan safety award for 2005. "We've received one every year since the program was implemented," said Tinsman.

A new furnace has been installed in the Scout Cabin at a cost of $1,627.

The town office will be closed Friday in honor of Veteran's Day and Nov. 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving.

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 4.