Flora must address its sewer problems
Firms disagree on how to do it
By Susan Scholl Editor

Flora Town Council has heard presentations from four firms on how to deal with the town's sewer problems and each firm has taken a different corrective approach.

At Monday night's town council meeting presentations were made by Commonwealth Engineering and Triad Associates, both of Indianapolis, and T-Bird Design of Lafayette. The council had previously heard a presentation by Hawkins Environmental, also of Lafayette.

Instead of adding clarity on how to address the problem, the presentations brought up more questions than answers. Town officials have four options to consider, all similar in cost, according to Council president Josh Ayres.

Ayres instructed Sewage Superintendent Bill McCarty to read over each proposal and give his recommendations to the council.

McCarty explained that one of two pumps at the Bringhurst lift station is no longer working. The pump is 20 to 22 years old and it is difficult to find parts to repair. He said he has ordered a new pump at a cost of $4,600 plus freight charges and it should be here and operational by the end of the week.

Clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman said Tuesday that Flora's high water table is the source of problems with the town's sewer system. The sewer lines are at the water table line and when it rains, infiltration occurs. The town has been operating under a sewer ban from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management since Oct. 31, 1974. The town has recently been referred to IDEM's Office of Enforcement.

Town Marshal Paul Redmon said that damage is occurring in restrooms on nights there are ballgames, due to unsupervised children. He asked parents to be responsible and supervise their children's activities.

Tinsman confirmed that two previous incidents have cost the town $200 each to correct.

The town closed on the Abdon property at 103 W. Columbia Street on May 30.

Mike Cottrell, one of two firemen who are representing the Volunteer Fire Department on the committee exploring options for a new fire station and/or combined police station, spoke.

Cottrell expressed concern that with the town purchasing the Abdon property the downtown location will be the only location considered. He said that the fire department would like to have enough room for a new station and training facility and that would require two to three acres of ground. The downtown location under consideration is not large enough as it is to accommodate a station and training facility, said Cottrell.

Councilman David Albaugh requested that the fire department let the committee do its job and present its recommendation.

Albaugh said that he does not expect a quick decision and that all sides will meet together before a decision is made.

Sisson said that firemen will have fireworks training on June 12 at the park. He also announced that Jason Homier is a new member of the department.

The council agreed to move a downtown handicapped parking spot from North Center Street, beside First Financial Bank, to West Main Street, beside the Corner Café.

The town's plan commission approved fences for Kris and Bonnie Daugherty, Laurie Brower and Jason Burns.

Redmon announced that the new seatbelt law requiring all drivers and passengers in both automobiles and trucks to wear a seatbelt will become effective July 1.

The police department's activity for May included: 10 arrests/ misdemeanors, 2 felonies, 28 citations, 3 parking violations, 39 warnings, 132 calls for service, 9 accidents and 1 warrant served.

The town office will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day. The next meeting is July 2 at 6 p.m.