IDEM cites Flora for wastewater violations
By Susan Scholl Editor

The Town of Flora has been put on notice by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for violations with the town's wastewater system. A letter was read by town council president Josh Ayres at Monday night's meeting, citing violations that include recurring bypasses at the treatment plant and failure to maintain the collection system which is experiencing excessive infiltration/inflow.

Ayres said the town is aware of the infiltration problems that exist at the wastewater treatment plant due to treating sewage at double the plant's capacity. The council decided last month to have three engineering firms submit reports on a plan to address the problem. All reports should be in by the June council meeting.

The closing on the Abdon property on West Columbia Street has run into problems due to back personal property taxes owed, according to Ayres. The town does not know if or when it will take possession of the property.

Officials are proceeding with plans to have the Flora Community Center available as an emergency center. The Council agreed to review quotes already received for a generator and solicit for additional quotes, while exploring whether grants are available for this purpose.

Resolution 2007-04 was adopted. The town will no longer fill swimming pools outside of Monroe Township. Fees will be paid in advance at the town office before pools are filled by Flora Volunteer Fire Department (VFD).

Officials are requesting public input on whether or not to add a handicapped parking space at the southwest corner of Main and Center streets near the Corner Cafe. There is currently one on the northeast side of Main and Center. Options being considered are adding the additional handicapped space or eliminating the one by First Financial Bank. Comments should be left at the town office or with a council member.

Ayres recommended that the town establish guidelines for when the town will trim and cut down trees. "We want to help residents out," he said, "but we could literally spend every day doing this. It's never ending."

Fire chief Scott Sisson reported that the department needs to replace two tankers. They are working with a grant writer to secure funding.

The VFD's recent Pancake and Sausage Breakfast fundraiser for Relay for Life was reported a success with $1,083 raised. Leftover pork patties will be sold during the event as pizza burgers.

Dwayne Pirtle said work continues on the memorial board to honor all those who have served on the Flora VFD. Anyone who knows of someone who served is asked to contact the town office.

Sisson reported that the park board will put in an additional practice diamond at the park. Donations have already been secured for the project.

The police department's report for April included 13 arrests, 2 felonies, 22 citations, 1 parking violation, 38 warnings, 88 calls for service, and 5 accidents investigated.

The department participated in the recent Indiana State Police county-wide interdiction.

Sgt. James Bishop said that there has been mischief reported at the park. He asked parents to talk to their kids and be watchful.

"When kids tear up the park it costs everybody money," said Ayres. "Don't do it."

A quote from Liquid Engineering in the amount of $2,400 was approved to paint and repair pitting at the park water tower. A quote from Scrub-A-Home Inc. in the amount of $4,600 was approved to wash the outside and apply a mold barrier to the same tower.

Town attorney Dick T. Bishop has reviewed an agreement with a new fireworks company that will put on a "better display" for the same cost as last year. Ayres said the cost is $6,500 with Flora Community Club offsetting the amount by $1,500.

Excel Co-op recently spread fertilizer on the Flora Airport runway at no charge to the town.

The quote for $7,655.06 submitted by Skiles Electric for fire detectors and alarms, plus installation, at the Community Center was approved. Monitoring is an additional charge. Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman reported that monitoring for the Fireside Building is approximately $400 per year.

Six building permits were issued in April: Todd Trent, Tom and Beth Curtis, and April Forrest, all fences; Jeremiah Stevens, room addition; Michael Whitham, fence and garage; and Jeff Hodson, deck.

The town office will be closed May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.

The next council meeting will be at 6 p.m. June 4.