Pearson to lead city council again
By Debbie Lowe

In what seems to be an era of change among many elected officials and their offices, Delphi City Council members decided to buck the trend at their Monday night meeting.

After 19 years of sitting on the council, Carolyn Pearson was elected president for the 12th consecutive year.

"I am honored the council members have the confidence in me to want me to lead another year," Pearson said after the conclusion of the meeting.

Pearson said she always tries to strike a balance between members with opposing views to reach a compromise. She said one thing she brings to the position, which others may not be able to, is the ability to be available for meetings and consultations.

Other business

Mayor Lee Hoard re-appointed department heads for 2007 without changes from the 2006 roster.

Parks superintendent Richard Farrer reported the park board will develop a master plan to be implemented when the current one expires at the end of 2007. He said the new plan is to be used as a working document to be consulted and followed routinely.

Plans for a skateboard park are progressing. A public meeting was held to seek input.

Farrer said it was necessary to post a sign at the City Park Pavilion prohibiting skateboarders from using that facility.

Grants coordinator Jean Howell reported the status of several grants. One submitted to the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation is pending, grants to FEMA for Assistance to firefighters and the SIA Foundation grant were not funded, and one for the Delphi Forestry Commission was approved. The start date for that funding was Dec. 21.

Police Chief Ed Chapman's report indicated the department made 17 felony and misdemeanor arrests in December. There were 17 traffic summons issued and 14 accidents investigated.

Delphi Municipal Airport Manager Brian Stirm reported fuel sales for 2006 were 9,210 gallons, which was $33,000 in net sales. He said those numbers were twice the 2005 numbers.

Former Delphi Tri Township Fire Department Chief Bill Schock provided a year-end report. There were a total of 261 fire incidents, which involved 2,492.02 staff hours. The department reported 250 incidents in 2005 with 6,875.37 staff hours.

Schock explained the staff is more highly trained and efficient, resulting in less time needed at some incidents.

Less fire prevention time was spent last year than in 2005. Schock said several surrounding communities the Delphi staff provided service to in years past have now purchased their own prevention equipment and provide the service themselves.

"That's a good thing," Schock said. "It means we have been doing a good job."

Hoard announced a lease agreement with the Arby's Corporation for the building that formerly housed Hardee's, was imminent.

"It's sounding better and better that the building is going to be occupied soon," he said.

Hoard said he would appoint a representative to the Carroll County Area Plan Commission at the February meeting.

Board of works

Storm drain easements for properties adjacent to the Area IV Senior Housing Project were signed.

The next board of works meeting is Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The next council meeting will be Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. The board of works will meet at 6:30 prior to the council meeting.