New hope for the old levee
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

There might be a new lease on life for the Delphi levee after all. The levee was damaged in the 2003 flood and local residents have been asking that something be done to avoid a similar situation in the future.

Mayor Lee Hoard announced at the Monday night city council meeting, a request for proposal for a $100,000 federally-funded feasibility study was received from the Army Corps of Engineers last week.

"We're still working on the levee situation," Hoard said.

He said he was able to meet the quick turn-around deadline for proposal submission with the help of Congressman Joe Donnelly's office.

The study would help determine if the levee could be effectively repaired after suffering a significant breach in the 2003 flood. Hoard said he expected to learn results of the funding proposal later this year.

Park facility usage fees

Acting on the recommendation of the Delphi Parks Board, council members set fees for use of the Boy Scout Cabin, the gazebo and the Riley and City Park pavilions.

Rental fee for the cabin is $50 with a $100 refundable damage deposit. All other facilities cost $25 with a $50 refundable damage deposit.

Facilities can be reserved and fees paid at the clerk's office during normal working hours.

Park superintendent Richard Farrer said drop-in users are welcome without paying, provided the facility has not been reserved.

The fees are effective immediately for all new reservations.

Police department

Police chief Ed Chapman reported that the department is now data-linked with the county sheriff's office and the Flora Police Department.

"The data base is growing and growing," Chapman said.

"It's really an asset," Hoard said, noting enhanced communication between the departments.

Other business

City grants coordinator Jean Howell said the Main Street Association is seeking volunteers for the economic re-development committee.

Howell reported a concept plan for developing the recycling center on North Washington St. is being revised. She said the city will seek estimates when the plan is fully developed.

Council member John Hampton reported that a proposal from Ground Rules Inc. of Indianapolis was received for consideration by the city. The proposal is to provide an update of the city's land use plan.

Hampton recommended the city plan be updated with the goal to incorporate Delphi's plan into the county plan, which is currently under development by Ground Rules.

"I believe now is the time to make some decisions," Hoard said in support of Hampton's recommendation.

Hoard said in meeting with the Indiana Department of Transportation, he learned construction on the Hoosier Heartland Highway is scheduled to begin in three years. He said it was important to the annexa- tion process to plan land use in and around the city now.

Hampton urged residents and business owners in Delphi to participate in both the county and city planning processes.

Delphi Municipal Airport manager Brian Stirm reported fuel sales at the airport took a weather-related dip last month.

Stirm said the third annual Transportation Festival will be two days in June over Fathers' Day weekend. He said planners are attempting to engage all local business owners in the celebration.

Stirm said a "parts bus" for the trolley was purchased with donations for $1,200.

A re-zoning request by Krista and Jeff Watson for land along SR25N was approved unanimously.

Board of Works

The Delphi Board of Works approved a motion for the city to pay a $15/employee initiation fee for the health savings account plan recently adopted by the city council.

It was decided health insurance benefits will begin for new city employees after the employment probationary period has been successfully completed.

Hoard said he would meet with city attorney Miriam Robeson about the personnel policy March 8.

The next city council meeting will be April 2 at 7 p.m. The next board of works meeting will be March 21 at 5:30 p.m.