Keeping up with the times
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Hoard

Delphi City Council members decided the time was right to update the city's comprehensive land use plan. And it seemed as if they would get something of a bargain by doing it now.

The decision came after a presentation at the Monday night meeting by Brad Johnson of Ground Rules Inc., the firm hired to develop a comprehensive plan for Carroll County.

Johnson said in the county plan the city would be treated with a "broad brush stroke." However working in conjunction with the county, the treatment would be more like "fine brush strokes."

Mayor Lee Hoard said, in recommending the decision, the cost of the project

given in the written proposal was approximately one-third of what it would cost without acting in concert with the county effort. Ground Rules will be paid no more than $25,000 for the city plan.

Johnson said now was the best time to take advantage of an opportunity to make the two plans fit uniformly.

Hoard said the city plan would address specific city interests as they relate to the Hoosier Heartland Highway.

City ordinances

Resident and council candidate Gayle Conner questioned the perceived lack of enforcement of city ordinances related to vicious dogs and semi-truck parking.

Conner said since last year's passage of an ordinance to address vicious and dangerous animals, there seemed to be no enforcement about the containment of the animals. Conner said this was noted by the mail carrier on his route.

Hoard said the police department has received no complaints about the animals. He stated the city cannot enforce an ordinance if it is not aware of violations.

Conner then questioned the enforcement procedure of Ordinance 71.09 concerning parking of semis on residential streets. She explained after repeated telephone calls to the mayor's office and to police chief Ed Chapman since last year, one ticket was written to the owner of a semi parked on a residential street near her home.

Hoard clarified that Chapman has issued more than one ticket to the owner.

"We have enforced the parking ordinance," he said.

However Hoard said the city parking ordinance had to be recodified "to put some teeth in it."

"I'm not making excuses," Hoard said. "You can't enforce the ordinance."

During a back and forth discussion and in an attempt to clarify what had taken place, Hoard told Conner all of his telephone calls are recorded and facts about what was said in the past could be checked. Hoard said city ordinances were in need of attention.

"Believe me," Hoard concluded, "we are not on the side of truckers."

Mayor's report

Hoard said he was concerned about theft of water from the city water system. He said several months ago an individual was caught taking water and was cited for the action.

Hoard said another company connected to a fire hydrant last Friday and stole water from the city.

Hoard's concern was someone could inject a harmful substance into the city system and he urged anyone who needs to use city water to notify the water department and obtain permission.

"It's extremely important to protect our water system," he warned. He concluded by stating the city would not tolerate anyone interfering with the infrastructure.

Street department

Council members voted to assume the financial responsibility of replacing city curbs. Superintendent Aaron Lyons said the measure would give the city more control to decide what curbs are to be re-done and would work in conjunction with road work.

Fire Department

Newly appointed fire chief John Patterson made his first appearance before the council to present first quarter reports.

The department responded to 93 calls this year and the total number of runs in 2006 was 261.

Police Department

The monthly report indicated the department issued seven traffic summons in March, down from 46 for the same month in 2006. Ten warnings were issued, which was down from 66 the year before, 12 misdemeanor arrests, which was up from eight in 2006, investigated 10 accidents, three more than last year in March and issued two parking tickets, which was down from 13 in 2006.

Delphi airport

Airport manager Brian Stirm reported fuel sales are on the rise. He said 550 gallons of aviation fuel were sold in March.

Engineering Day at the airport will be Saturday and the Purdue Flight Team will be practicing also.

Stirm said because the airport found it difficult to purchase a trainer in which to offer primary training, he decided to design, manufacture and certify light sport airplanes at the airport. He predicted production would begin within two years.

Clerk-treasurer

Janice Roe reported FEMA began evaluating the February snow emergency expenses. She said more than $4,000 has been certified, however the process was not complete.

The next meeting will be May 7 at 7 p.m. The next board of works meeting will be April 18 at 5:30 p.m.