New Flora VFD station grant options are next step
By Susan Scholl Editor

Flora Town Council took a preliminary look at what the town is considering in the way of a new fire station at Monday night's meeting.

Scott Carnegie with DLZ - Architects, Indianapolis, explained his firm's proposal for a 112 ft., 8-inch by 65 ft. building that is estimated to cost $1.22 million.

The two-story, five-bay truck facility will face Main Street. It will include a street level community room, separate restroom facilities, kitchenette, and upstairs storage area.

Ample parking is planned on the west side of the building, along with parking at the rear of the building with an entrance/ exit to SR 18.

The rigid frame steel building with metal roof will have brick veneer on the north side and wainscoting on the other three sides.

Carnegie explained that the base price is estimated at $976,000, with an additional $244,000 in soft costs. The addition of a sixth truck bay will be an additional $135,000, and a radiant floor heating system, an extra $5,700.

Because the town has no funding to build a new fire station, grants will be pursued, said council president Josh Ayres.

Old Flora School

Because grant funding is not available this year, Area IV Agency on Aging will not be rehabilitating the old Flora School. Estimated cost to convert the facility into senior housing is $5 million.

The problem now, said Ayres, is the condition of the building and the liability it represents. If nothing is going to be done this year, then the site needs to be secured.

According to Ayres the property is tied up in an estate and the property taxes have not been paid in several years.

The town provides upkeep to the property to keep it from becoming any more of an eyesore for area residents, explained clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman.

"It's our problem because it's in our town. We don't want it, but it's our problem," said Ayres.

The town previously received estimates ranging from $80,000 to $200,000 to tear the building down.

"The residents of Flora need to weigh in," said Ayres. "If there are other ideas (on what to do with the building), we need to hear about it."

EDC vacancy

Ayres announced that anyone interested in filling the town's third position on the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation to notify the town office. Applicants will be required to submit a written letter of their qualifications and reason(s) for desiring to serve. A representative will be named at the April meeting.

Other business

Town officials signed an engagement agreement with Baker & Daniels LLP to represent the town's interest in its negotiations with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management over the sewer ban.

The company that removed the buried tank at the Flora Airport reportedly did not file the proper paperwork with the state so the state is requiring the town have additional soil borings and groundwater tests at a cost $3,917.50.

"We are in hopes that this takes care of the problem," said Councilman Vince Seward.

Town Marshal Paul Redmon announced that the sixth annual Bicycle Helmet and Safety Program for Carroll Elementary kindergarten students will be held soon. Donations to offset the costs of the helmets are being accepted in the town office or may be mailed to the police department.

Redmon explained that with the proposed cuts to the county sheriff's department, his department will be called on more often to provide assistance.

"We're responsible for Flora," he said. "We will not be responding to the county's nonemergency calls."

The marshal's report for February included 12 arrests/misdemeanors, 2 felonies, 17 traffic citations, 2 parking violations, 33 written warnings, 98 calls for service, 5 accidents investigated, and 2 warrants served.

Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District will use Flora Community Park on July 26 as a household hazardous waste collection site.

Wastewater superintendent Bill McCarty recently attended a training seminar at Merrell Brothers in Kokomo on new IDEM sludge regulations and other sludge-related topics. All wastewater staff attended a safety meeting on overhead personal protective grounding.

The next council meeting will be April 7 at 6 p.m.