Flora works with Area IV to secure transportation van
Susan Scholl Editor

Stan Minnick, representing Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, explained a volunteer transportation program that Area IV oversees that can be expanded to the Flora area at Monday night's Town Council meeting. He said that six small communities in Area IV's service area already participate in the program.

Minnick explained that the federal program is offered through the Indiana Department of Transportation in partnership with local units of government.

Area IV will be responsible for the van's insurance and repairs and maintenance, while the town will be responsible for the gas and volunteer drivers.

Tinsman said that she is already advertising for volunteer drivers and anyone interested should inquire at the town office.

According to Minnick the town will need to set up a volunteer board to oversee the transportation program. He suggested that donations be accepted and anything in excess of fuel costs be put in a separate account for a 20% match for a future grant to purchase a van.

Town attorney Dick T. Bishop said that he had reviewed the contract and did not anticipate any problems.

Securing a van to provide transportation services to seniors became necessary after the town withdrew from the Carroll County Council on Aging to run its own senior program, in conjunction with Midland Meals.

Communications tower

Steve Woody, vice president of site development with ERS Telecom Properties, Granger, asked town officials about his company building a communications tower on town property on East Elizabeth Street.

Woody said his company works with Project Hoosier Safe-T, a statewide voice and data communications system designed for secure communication between state, local and federal first responders and public safety agencies.

He explained that ERS is looking at erecting towers in "dead areas" around the state of which Flora and the eastern part of Carroll County are included. These "dead areas" have poor cellular reception.

Town Marshal Paul Redmon said that police work off of towers at Geetingsville and Cass County and that reception in buildings here is nonexistent. Having a tower close by should correct that problem.

Woody said that by allowing his company to build an 800-mhz communications tower on town property, the town will have available space on the tower at no cost.

Council member Vince Seward expressed concern for homeowners in that area and for the Bachelor Run. He also asked about the town receiving a percentage of profits if ERS would rent space on the tower.

Woody explained that if there is stress on the tower it is designed to collapse on itself, and there is no danger to the Bachelor Run.

The council agreed to proceed with negations with ERS with David Albaugh as the town's representative.

Grubb property

The town will pursue purchase of property owned by John and Margaret Grubb on West Main St. in anticipation of building a new fire station. A meeting will be set up with the Grubbs and Council member Josh Ayres at town attorney Dick T. Bishop's office to work out details.

Other business

George Capitanio requested permission to install a 10- meter pea gravel pit at the airport as a target for skydivers. Air Indiana will incur all expenses and maintenance.

The town adopted Ordinance 2008-1 setting police inspection fees.

Ayres commended the police department for a "good job" in quickly solving the recent burglary at Payne's Pharmacy.

Chief Paul Redmon reminded residents and business owners to secure their properties and vehicles. "Don't leave your property as an open invitation for thefts and break-ins," he said.

Lock doors and windows, lock gas caps and install alarm systems, he suggested.

The police department's activity for April included: 18 arrests (4 felony), 19 citations issued, 41 warnings issued, 109 calls for service, and 2 accidents investigated.

Building permits issued in April went to Greg Michael, wreck former Van's Country Breeze Inn; George Walters, fence; and Mart and Nancy Fowler, addition.

Yearly maintenance was performed on wells and high service pumps.

Appreciation was expressed to Jackson-Lee-Pearson for the use of equipment.

"We appreciate them," said Ayres. "They let us borrow whatever we need."

The Utilities Department's newest employee, Ron Fritz, will attend a lineman apprentice climber workshop May 28 through June 6 in Mishawaka.

Bill McCarty and Rob Buttice recently attended a safety meeting on "URD Underground Grounding."

McCarty reported no overflows at the sewage treatment plant in April.

Town Spring Clean-Up will be May 16 and 17. Trash should be out by the curb by 7 a.m. May 16. Once the trash truck has picked up items at a residence, it will not return.

The town office will be closed May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.

The next council meeting will be June 9 at 6 p.m. 1x1