Delphi contributes to strategic marketing plan
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Delphi City Council will financially support a strategic marketing plan with the hope that it will complement the comprehensive land use plan, currently under development by Ground Rules Inc. The decision to contribute $3,000 was made at the Monday night meeting.

County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sanna Booker explained the total cost of the plan is $21,000. She said all towns and communities in Carroll County will be asked to contribute toward the cost.

"We are all aware that the Hoosier Heartland Highway is coming," Mayor Lee Hoard said. "We have an obligation to the people we serve to be ready for it."

Council president Carolyn Pearson asked about the possibility of the marketing plan duplicating the land use plan. Attorney Miriam Robeson explained the two plans would dovetail.

Robeson said Delphi must aggressively pursue what businesses should locate in various areas. She said if there is no plan "we may not like what happens."

"You either manage change or it manages you," Hoard added.

Parks department

Parks superintendent Richard Farrer reported pre-operational work for the skateboard park was completed in June. Cement will be poured Thursday, weather permitting.

Farrer said he met with individuals interested in making Riley Park Annex Softball Field a multi-purpose facility.

Police department

Chief Ed Chapman reported fewer traffic summons but more warnings in June than the same period last year. Misdemeanor arrests decreased as did felony reports in the same time period. The number of accidents investigated increased as did information reports.

Municipal Airport

Airport manager Brian Stirm reported approximately 500 less gallons of fuel sold this year than at this time last year. He attributed the lackluster sales to a poor aviation economy.

Fire department

Tri-Township Volunteer Fire Department made 17 fire runs in June and 15 other activity runs. A total of 214 incidents and activities have been recorded for 2007, according to fire chief John Patterson.

Grants coordinator

Jean Howell reported that seven percent, or approximately 125, city trees are recommended for removal by the Forestry Commission advisor.

Council members passed the updated tree ordinance on first reading. Second and third readings will be at the August meeting.

Other business

A resolution to adopt the National Incident Management Systems was approved unanimously. A system to respond to national incidents, including an incident command structure, will be developed.

The next meeting will be Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. Board of works will meet at 6:30.

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