New Delphi administration off & running
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Although it was the first official city meeting for four out of the five council members, it was business as usual at Monday night's Delphi City Council meeting. A few problems were discussed, some future plans were shared and Carolyn Pearson, the person who has been the council president for the past 10 years, was chosen to be the 2008 council president.

Street department superintendent Aaron Lyons reported that the roof of a building, which the city used to store sand, salt and equipment collapsed during the last snowstorm. All cityowned equipment and materials were moved before they were damaged.

Lyons said the department is in search of a replacement facility. He expressed concern that he was forced to store salt and sand outside in the weather.

Airport manager Brian Stirm said a new hard surface would be laid on the runway in the fall. He said the measure would delay runway expansion by two years but the work was necessary at this time.

Stirm reported Swift Enterprises, a Carroll County-based corporation, was planning to build a pilot plant for biofuel production in the county, perhaps at the airport. He said the corporation, which is affiliated with the Purdue Research Park, is developing "cutting edge" technology for fuel production.

Police chief Justin Darling said officers have been working 12-hour non-rotating permanent shifts since Jan. 3. He presented a list of goals for the first 90 days of 2008 which included crime prevention activities to promote a proactive community policing model, training improvements for officers in firearms, intoxilyzer and field training for officers and to establish a presence in Delphi's high, middle and elementary schools.

Mayor Randy Strasser expressed appreciation to former chief Ed Chapman for his cooperation in the positive transition period for the new chief. Darling agreed with Strasser. He said the former chief was instrumental in helping him and the other officers with the changes.

The December police activity report indicated the department issued 238 traffic summons and 462 warnings in 2007. There were 139 misdemeanor and 38 felony arrests, 24 warrants were served and 148 accidents investigated.

Grant coordinator Jean Howell reported the forestry commission was awarded the 2007 "Putting Trees to Work" grant for $10,000. Hazardous park and street trees will be replaced with new trees appropriate to each removal site utilizing the funds.

Council member Nelson Smith was appointed to Carroll County Area Plan Commission as the city representative.

Ordinance 2008-1, to establish the third Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. as the Delphi Board of Works official second meeting date and time, was adopted in three readings by suspending rules.

In the mayor's report, Strasser announced a mid-January Indiana Association of Cities and Towns "boot camp" for new council members. He said clerktreasurer Janice Roe, city council members Kyle Germond and Danny Sterrett, and he would attend.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to be working with the city council members and the department heads," Strasser said in conclusion.

The next meeting will be Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

Board of Works

Board of works members Bob Conner, Brian Garrison and Strasser approved claims for $315,860.31 from payroll and accounts payable.

Conner requested a copy of the 2008 budget for reference. He further requested guidelines to include board of works members' duties, regulations and parameters. Strasser said he was developing information packets for board of works members.

The next meeting will be Jan. 21 at 4:40 p.m.