Flora contracts for water rate study
By Susan Scholl Editor

Council president Josh Ayres explained that the town's water plant will need upgrades and new filters in two to three years.

"We don't want to raise rates, but we may need to," said Ayres.

Umbaugh & Associates will be contracted at a cost of $5,000 to do a water rate study to determine if a rate increase is warranted. The last increase was in December 2002.

Skate boarding park

Pastor Scott Gamel spoke on behalf of area youth who want a place to ride their skate boards. He was requesting a public/private cooperative effort to construct a skate park, possibly at Flora Community Park.

Gamel said they are considering forming a not-for-profit group so that they can be eligible for matching grant funds.

Ayres indicated a skate park would be a nice addition to the town park and the town would be willing to work with the group toward that goal.

Marshal Paul Redmon said that he has received lots of complaints about the skateboarders and he is working to put together an ordinance that will prohibit skateboarding in the downtown area.

"Our concern is to keep the kids safe and minimize property damage," said Redmon.

Yard waste pick up

Jamie and Rich Reef complained about the lack of consistency in picking up large quantities of yard waste by town employees. They asked for review and clarification of the policy after town employees requested they bag and contain a large quantity of yard waste, but a few days later picked up a similar amount at their neighbor's that had not been bagged.

The Reefs were told that town policy stipulates that small quantities of yard waste be bagged or contained for pick up. When there is a large amount, the town should be called and town employees will bring equipment to gather up the yard waste.

Council member Vince Seward apologized to the Reefs saying, "We should have realized you had a large amount and taken care of that issue for you."

The Reefs expressed their appreciation to the town for all they do for residents and for the things they do that they don't have to do.

Mrs. Reef also asked about burning and requested town officials enforce the ordinance concerning open burning.

Recreational fires are all that is allowable under the town's nuisance ordinance, said Ayres. Opening burning complaints should be directed to the police department.

Senior Center

The town will take over the Flora Senior Center from the Carroll County Council on Aging on May 5. Midland Meals will still provide meal service. A part-time site director will be hired to work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The director will work three hours a day for Midland Meals and two hours a day coordinating activities.

Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman said that the town had applied for a grant for a transportation van, but apparently did not make the cut. The town will apply again, but in the meantime will work with the Council on Aging for transportation services.

A five-person board is being organized to oversee the Senior Center. Four people have volunteered and one more is needed. Anyone interested should contact Tinsman at the town office.

Other matters

Enviro-Sense LLC pulled samples Monday at the Flora Airport that will be sent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for testing. "We'll cross our fingers that this will close the matter," said council member Vince Seward.

Stephen Stringfield of Enviro Sense is finishing work at the airport that was not properly completed earlier to satisfy IDEM's requirements concerning the buried tanks.

Marshal Redmon issued a reminder that his department is still accepting donations for its Bicycle Safety Program for Carroll kindergarten students.

Redmon also recommended that the town consider approving a vehicle inspection fee similar to one being imposed by the county sheriff's department.

In March, police had 10 arrests/ misdemeanors, 5 felonies, 31 citations, 1 parking, 99 warnings, 114 calls for service, 4 accidents and 1 warrant served.

Building permits issued in March included: Dustin Hufty, shed; Robert Scholl, wrecking of house at 303 E. Main St.; and Greg Bowman, concrete driveway.

Morgan Yoder was hired as a summer park worker.

The park department traded its lawn mower for a new one at Jackson-Lee-Pearson at a cost of $1,960. The Utilities also traded for a new mower at a cost of $2,475.

Joe Moss was appointed to the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation to fill the unexpired term of the late Charlie Meade.

"We had three good candidates," said council member David Albaugh, "but for multiple reasons, Joe is the best candidate for the job."

Pat Meade and Dr. Mark Meyer also submitted letters of interest.

The Utilities report indicated two tons of patching put down on streets. Some alleys were graded and stone added where needed. Work will continue on both projects.

Weather and time permitting, fire hydrants will be flushed and serviced.

Tinsman reported that a grant has been received in the amount of $7,071.43 for signage and street markings for the town's railroad tracks.

The wastewater report for March indicated there were no overflows during the month. Greg Hoffman and Rob Buttice attended a safety meeting.

Utilities Superintendent Chuck Everett will attend the Indiana Municipal Electric Association Spring Conference May 1-2 in Crawfordsville.

Tinsman and Albaugh will attend the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns Legislative Wrap-Up on April 16 at Noblesville.

The town will pick up expenses for six members of the Flora VFD to attend a national trade show being held in Indianapolis on Friday.

Mike Cottrell, a member of the VFD, said that he has submitted a grant for new turnout gear for the department.

The town's spring clean-up days will be May 16-17. Items must be put out by 7 a.m. on May 16. Tires, paint, and appliances with compressors will not be picked-up.

The next meeting will be May 5 at 6 p.m. in the Fireside Building.