Town of Flora adopts plan in the event of water rationing
By Susan Scholl Editor

The Flora Town Council approved Ordinance 2007-03 establishing a water emergency conservation plan Monday evening. The ordinance sets water limits and penalty provisions in the event of water rationing.

"The state is asking everybody to adopt one," said town attorney Dick T. Bishop. "And with our aquifer, we'll probably never need this thing."

The request came after it became necessary this summer for some communities in the state to ration water. By establishing an ordinance, the town has leverage in the event that would ever happen.

The Council agreed to pay Milestone Contractors $100,000 of the $147,000 owed for the town's curb project. Two residents on North Center Street complained that the approach to their driveways is now not wide enough. Ayres assured the residents that Milestone will correct the problem.

The balance of the bid will be paid after work is done to the town's satisfaction.

With the county no longer going to fund animal control, council president Josh Ayres indicated his support for the animal control committee to look at alternate ways to fund a program.

"The Town of Flora is willing to cooperate and will consider any options," said Ayres.

Police department

The September police activity report was presented by police officer Josh Disinger. He said the department made 4 arrests/ misdemeanors, issued 35 citations, 3 parking citations and 144 warnings, made 58 calls for service, and investigated one accident.

With Halloween and Trickor Treat night approaching Disinger asked the public to be mindful of traffic and safety concerns such as the blinding sun at dusk. He urged motorists to use caution and slow down.

He also asked residents to put away yard ornaments that might be of interest to pranksters. He said it would likely cut down on damages and calls for police.

Fire department

The town has confirmed that it has liability insurance for a county-wide training facility, but will need certificates of insurance on file from each participating department. The training site will house a steel container and props and the town has not yet decided on a location for the facility.

Fire chief Scott Sisson reported that the department is having problems with the alternator on the tanker. He said it is currently running and that is good because field fires are more of an issue this time of year.

When asked why the garage doors to the fire department are usually open, Sisson responded that someone is there and that's a plus for the citizens of Flora because his department has the best response time in the county.

Firefighter Duane Pirtle reported that four members of the VFD have been undergoing 24 hours of training to be certified so that they can help in Hazmat situations.

Ayres complimented the department for "giving back to the community" through this commitment.

October is Fire Safety Month said Pirtle, a good time to check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The department will be participating in safety days at Carroll Elementary School and at a 4-H sponsored event.

The VFD will be open Oct. 31 for trick-or-treaters, handing out candy and glow-in-thedark bracelets. "Hopefully with the bracelets," said Pirtle, "the children will be more visible that night."

Park department

Sisson, reporting for the park board, said that they are looking at alternate uses for the volleyball court because it is seldom used. He requested that anyone having an opinion to let a park board or council member know.

Sisson also said that they have picked out 17 or more trees to replace at the park.

Other business

In his utilities report, Chuck Everett asked residents to separate leaves and sticks into separate piles at the curb. Hidden sticks in leaf piles block the hose picking up the piles, he said.

The leaf schedule is: west side of railroad tracks in the morning and east side, afternoon.

Ayres said that town employees spend a lot of time clearing storm drains and any help residents can offer to keep the drains clear would be appreciated.

Building permits issued by the Plan Commission include: Jerry Reinke, deck; JoshAyres, deck on Elm St.; and Scott Sheagley, sign on S. Center St.

Town officials accepted a joint pole use agreement between the town and Embarq.

The town office will be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day.

The next meeting will be Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. Fire station proposals will be discussed.