A two-year trash contract with Clinton County Disposal was approved for $235,189 at Monday night's meeting of the Flora Town Council.

Clinton County Disposal's bid was the lowest of four submitted. The Frankfort company has Flora's current contract which expires Dec. 31.

Council president Josh Ayres reported that the volunteer fire department has received a grant in the amount of $73,000 to purchase new turnout gear for the entire department and purchase a wash machine.

Sgt. James Bishop reported the police department's activity for November: 11 arrests/misdemeanors, 5 felonies, 28 citations, 39 warnings, 122 calls for service, 5 accidents and 1 warrant served.

Bishop said that a recent break-in at Wolf Machine Shop was solved quickly when Officer Josh Disinger pulled over a motorist for a routine violation and he turned out to be the burglar.

Bishop and Disinger participated in Operation Pullover for 10 days in November.

Residents are encouraged to call police to report any suspicious activity.

The 2009 holiday schedule for the town was approved as follows: Jan. 1 - New Year's Day, Jan. 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Feb. 16 - President's Day, May 25 - Memorial Day, July 3 - Independence Day (Friday), Sept. 7 - Labor Day, Oct. 12 - Columbus Day, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day, Nov. 26-27 - Thanksgiving, Dec. 25 - Christmas. Town employees also receive two personal days and their birthdays off.

Council meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., except September. The meeting that month will be on Tues., Sept. 8, at 6 p.m.

The council will name a replacement for Alan Flora, who recently moved, on both the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Anyone interested should contact a council member or the town office.

Building permits issued in November were both for sheds to Harlan Miller and Harry Lucas.

A 1994 pickup truck will be put up for bid.

The town office will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1 for the holidays.

Trash pickup will be on Saturday after Christmas and New Year's.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. Dec. 29 to conduct yearend business. The next regular meeting will be Jan. 5 at 6 p.m.