Town passes resolution to proceed with development plans for old Flora School

Flora Town Council approved Resolution 2007-1, conveying to Area IV Development, Inc., Lafayette, a portion of the Flora School property at Monday night's meeting.

The conveyance of the property to Area IV Development is contingent on the acquisition of the property by the Town of Flora from the county and upon Area IV Development obtaining funding for the project to develop senior citizen housing.

The Carroll County Commissioners passed a similar resolution Monday morning conveying the property to the town for development as senior citizen housing.

Sharon Wood of Area IV Development said that it was necessary for the funding process to demonstrate control of the property.

She said that the application will be submitted by March 2 and they should know something by June 15.

Two appraisals were reviewed on the Abdon property at 103 W. Columbia St. Clerktreasurer Joretta Tinsman was instructed to offer the median of the two bids.

Town officials voted to add $50,000 to the rainy day fund. They had the option of putting in ten percent of the unused budget amount from 2006 ($62,000), but chose a lesser amount. With the new monies the fund total will be $175,000. Rainy day funds can be used for anything the town council votes it wants to use the money for, said Tinsman.

Curbs along certain sections of North and South Center Street will be replaced. The town has not put in new curbing for three years and has available funds for the project, said Tinsman. Bids will be opened at the March 5 Council meeting.

The park board raised the issue of whether fees should be increased for renting or using park buildings. The council suggested that the board come up with a fee schedule to present for approval or the council will meet with the board in a joint work session to set fees.

A reconditioned 2001 street sweeper will be purchased at a cost of $64,950, less $5,000 trade-in, to replace the over 20- year model the town has been using.

Town Marshal Paul Redmon reported that his department is enforcing the parking ordinance. Citations are being issued and fines can be paid at the town office.

The police department report for January included: 6 arrests/ misdemeanors, 8 felonies, 12 citations, 18 parking citations, 29 warnings, 93 calls for service, 13 accidents investigated, and 2 warrants served.

No building permits were issued in January.

The council approved the appointment of Thomas Elzbeck to fill the vacancy on the Flora Airport Board.

Approval was given for the Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District to have a hazardous materials pickup from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28 at Flora Community Park.

All utilities employees attended CPR training.

During this extremely cold weather, water customers are reminded to let their water drip a little so the water lines won't freeze.

Council president Josh Ayres praised town employees for their hard work during the cold weather, dealing with numerous difficult issues.

Councilman Roger Daugherty, Utilities Superintendent Chuck Everett, and Tinsman will attend a legislative reception today, Wednesday, in Indianapolis.

The town office will be closed Feb. 19 in observance of President's Day.

The next meeting will be March 5 at 6 p.m.