Flora Town Council approved advertising for a grant writer at Monday night's meeting.

"Money for the part-time position is in the budget," said council president Josh Ayres."

Three individuals expressed interest in serving on the town's area plan commission. One was disqualified because he resided out of town. The other two, Gary Yoder and Darrell Yoder, were appointed to serve on the area plan board, pending their approval. Gary Yoder was also appointed to serve on the board of zoning appeals.

Bret Hanaway has agreed to represent the town for another four-year term on the county Economic Development Corporation.

Marshal Paul Redmon reported that December was a "pretty inactive month" for his department. Activity statistics for December were: 10 arrests/misdemeanors, 2 felonies, 7 citations, 23 warnings, 99 calls for service, and 5 accidents.

The council recognized the efforts of the volunteer fire department helping at The Andersons cob fire.

The volunteer fire departments are no longer needed; everything has been turned back over to The Andersons, said Josh Disinger, a Flora police officer.

"We have some very dedicated people on our department," Ayres added. "We appreciate their efforts."

Wastewater foreman Bill McCarty reported that his department has been moving portable flow meters around as required by T-Bird Engineering.

"We have until August to get the flow study done for IDEM," said Ayres.

The Utilities Department replaced two poles and a transformer following a recent ice storm. They also had broken water mains that they repaired and replaced a fire hydrant due to the freezing weather.

The town's newest employee, Ron Fritz, has been cross training at the water plant.

The meeting opened with the election of officers. They will remain the same: Ayres, president; David Albaugh, vice president; and Vince Seward, finance chairman.

The town office will be closed Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The next regular meeting will be Feb. 2 at 6 p.m.