City directed to proceed with animal ordinance enforcement
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

After hearing that a Monroe St. family was cited for harboring a dangerous canine and failed to respond appropriately to a letter from city attorney Kurtis Fouts, Delphi Board of Works voted to proceed with ordinance enforcement. Given that no city employee is trained, nor does the city own equipment to handle vicious animals, exactly how the animal would be seized and by whom went unanswered.

It was noted the attorney's letter provided seven stipulations for which the animal owner to comply, however he has not, although he was told by both Fouts and police chief Justin Darling to follow the directions given to him in the letter.

One-way street proposed

City leaders are considering making Summit St. one-way to the east, from Washington to Prince William streets, to ease parking and passing issues. Mayor Randy Strasser said one resident proposed the change stating many in the neighborhood agreed with the plan.

"I think it's a good idea because it is dangerous," council member Kyle Germond said.

Germond asked the mayor to find out which way the school bus traveled on the road for future discussions.

Council member Brian Garrison asked the mayor to determine if any residents opposed the plan. Council member Nelson Smith said he needed to know why residents considered Summit St. east of Washington St. more dangerous than the west side.

Strasser said he would send a letter to each resident informing them of the possible action and encourage them to provide input.

Rainy Day Fund

Council members took the first step to establish a rainy day fund for the city by approving a necessary ordinance on first reading.

According to clerk-treasurer Janice Roe, the city could deposit up to 10 percent of the total budget each year, as well as some CAGIT funds, to save for projects and unexpected city needs.

Street department

Street commissioner Aaron Lyons reported streets in the downtown area will be swept each Monday after 3 a.m. He reminded residents who park in the vicinity of downtown to move cars located in marked spaces.

Police department

Darling announced increases from February to March in traffic summons (from 18 to 23), warnings (67 to 97), felony arrests (one to four), information reports (six to 24) and animal ordinance violations (two to 13).

Darling provided the Indiana Code that allows for the city to establish an ordinance to charge for vehicle title checks and inspections. He said since the county enacted a similar ordinance, the city has experienced a higher number of requests.

Other business

Council voted to close Franklin and Market streets April 25 at 4 p.m. to accommodate a cruise-in sponsored by Carroll County Relay for Life.

A Forestry Commission manual was approved for residents' use. A notice of availability will be issued with water bills.

Peters Revington Human Resource manager Eric Jensen provided an update about services to be offered to employees who will be without jobs when manufacturing ceases at the Delphi plant.

"We have many good associates there," he said.

In an effort to help outgoing employees find other employment opportunities, the company will work with Tecumseh Area Partnership to offer workshops and job training activities. Additionally, P&R staff have been contacting local businesses soliciting jobs for displaced employees.

"I think you are trying to cover the bases," council member Carolyn Pearson said.

National Arbor Day will be celebrated at Delphi Middle School and the Forestry Commission April 25 at noon. The state's assistant forester will attend the event.

Mayor's report

Strasser announced the revised city Web site will be operational by the end of April. He said department information will be update plus ordinances and committee meetings will be available for residents to view.

A draft of an updated policies and procedures manual will be completed in approximately two weeks.

Strasser will develop a resolution to be able to gift Habitat for Humanity city-owned land where the recycling site was located on north Washington St.

The next meeting will be May 5 at 7 p.m.

Board of works will meet April 21 at 4:30 p.m.