City council discusses graffiti
By Debbie Lowe

Delphi Mayor Lee Hoard asked city council members for input about what course the city should follow in dealing with the lingering signs of the Jan. 9 rash of graffiti.

Speaking at the Monday night meeting, Hoard told council members the City of Lafayette was considering enacting an ordinance requiring business and property owners to eradicate graffiti on their property.

But Hoard did not advocate the establishment of an ordinance as a way to encourage property owners to cover the unsightly spray painted surfaces.

"I'd like to not go the ordinance route," he said.

Hoard said it was his opinion, the police department's and an expert from the Lafayette Police Department, the graffiti was not gang related. Hoard suggested the individual responsible was "expressing artistic talent."

Hoard said he has always been the kind of mayor that when a business owner needed help, he would encourage the city to help them.

"The city of Delphi will do what we can to help residents remove graffiti," he said.

"I think with the help of the businesses, we should clean it up," council president Carolyn Pearson said.

Council member John Hampton agreed with Hoard. He said an ordinance was the last resort to cope with the problem. He suggested the city lead volunteer efforts to help property owners do what they needed to do to erase the vandalism and the mayor nodded in agreement.

Hoard encouraged community members who need help eradicating graffiti to call his office at (765) 564-3039 or the street department at 564-2353.

Employee health benefits

It was determined a decision about what employee health benefit plan to pursue, and what employee contribution would be required, must be made and a contract signed by March 1. The council scheduled a special session Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. to discuss the matter.

Hampton requested a chart of options summaries and alternatives be made available to enhance the discussion.

"There's a lot to consider," he said. "I think we should dedicate some time to it."

Hoard said city employees are invited to attend the meeting.

Water department

Water superintendent Gary Hathaway reported that his department is working many hours to thaw meters to enable water to flow for residents and businesses.

Hathaway said it was important for anyone experiencing water problems in the cold weather to call the clerk's office immediately to receive help. He said the longer a meter is frozen, the more likely it is to suffer severe damage.

Hathaway strongly urged residents and businesses to run a constant small stream of water to keep meters running, which prevents freezing. He said residents who comply should contact Donna in the clerk's office and inform her that is what they are doing, so their water bill can be adjusted when it is read the next time.

Parks department

Parks superintendent Richard Farrer said the park board voted to meet the last Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m.

Board members adopted a fee schedule for building and facility usage at their last meeting. City attorney Miriam Robeson was asked to research and clarify whether the fees were required to be approved by the city council before adoption.

Farrer said the department is preparing, with the help of youth and their parents, to organize a fund raiser for a skateboard park.

Other business

The board of works accepted a gift of approximately 1.17 acres of land, which abuts the southeast corner of Riley Park.

Pearson expressed reluctance to accept the gift because the land would no longer produce property tax.

The remaining four easements for the Area IV Senior Housing Project were signed.

The next meeting will be March 5 at 7 p.m. The board of works next meets Feb. 21 at 5:30.