Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser presented a job description for a new city position for approval to the council at Monday night's meeting. He said duties for the new position would be to work with the water and wastewater departments on special projects, manage the GIS mapping system for the city, and provide code enforcement throughout the city.

Strasser responded to questions about the amount to be paid to the new city employee and said that amount was included in the salary ordinance, of which he did not have a copy at the meeting. He said he would not guess at the amount without the information in front of him.

Strasser said the position would be funded from the water, wastewater and general fund budgets. He also said the new employee could be asked to do some building inspections for the county and in that event, the area plan office would fund a portion of the work.

Strasser said it would be desirable to find someone with experience to fill the position. He said the new worker would be expected to problem-solve some long-standing city issues.

Council president Carolyn Pearson expressed concern the job description was presented just prior to the meeting for approval at the same meeting. Dan Sterrett asked what the new person would be responsible for that could not be done by current city employees.

Strasser said there is a lack of manpower to accomplish all that needs to be done.

Kyle Germond said he thought the council should act before another month passed. However, Strasser said the council would table the matter for that meeting.

Gerber Globe property

Strasser announced he and Carroll County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Daryl Smith discussed the future of the Gerber Globe property, located near the north end of Washington St., with the president of the corporation.

"It went real well," he said.

Strasser said the city is interested in the purchase of a portion of the property. He explained he and Smith were also acting on behalf of other parties interested in the future of the land. Strasser said the corporation seems to be interested in negating their liability associated with the property.

Fireworks

A Monticello fireworks vendor was directed to the Carroll County Area Plan Commission for a special exception to the zoning ordinance for the use of a property at the corner of Main and Market streets, across from the courthouse.

The vendor said he arranged to rent, for 31 days, the building which formerly housed a gas station to sell fireworks.

Other business

City technology consultant Jason Rubsam was introduced. He said he was refining and updating computer systems in the city building. Rubsam said all city council members would soon have a city E-mail account which they can monitor from their home computers. He said email addresses will appear on the city's Web site.

Dick VanSickle reported F&K Construction demonstrated a system to level manholes in city streets. He said the $2,000 to $3,000 system could prove to be a wise purchase for the city.

Park board president Chris Neumann reported the summer recreation schedule will be distributed to the schools in the next two weeks. Neumann said it will also be posted on the city Web site.

Police chief Justin Darling said permits are required for parades conducted in the city. He said residents sometimes forget to visit the police department to obtain the necessary paperwork at least 30 days in advance of the event, which can present issues for law enforcement.

The April activity report for the department indicated 10 felony arrests, 12 felony reports, 18 misdemeanor reports and five parking tickets issued. There were two cases of assisting another agency compared to 44 cases on record for the same month in 2008.

Nelson Smith said APC approved the Hoosier Heartland Corridor Overlay at its April 27 meeting. He said restrictions in the 1,000 foot setback, which protect adjacent land owners, includes uses for adult entertainment, junk yards and the manufacturing and/or storage of explosives. Strasser announced Front St. resident Kirk Germond was appointed to replace John Hampton on the commission.

Strasser said the latest canal boat project is expected to reach completion by May 16. He said the new boat will be delivered at the end of May and the boat christening is scheduled for June 5.

City council members will tour all city facilities May 11 at 5:30 p.m.

The next council meeting will be June 1 at 7 p.m.