The new roof installed in 2007 on the Delphi city building over the street and fire departments has been leaking since early in 2008. The contractor was, and is, not willing to guarantee the work, although the roof material manufacturer is willing to replace the material at no cost. The no cost roof comes with no guarantee.

"It's a mess up there," street commissioner Aaron Lyons said

That was the situation Delphi City Council members realized at the Monday night meeting. Lyons said the only contractor he can find to replace or repair the liquid plastic roof, out of six inquiries, is Henshaw Roofing and Sheet Metal Co., Inc., who will charge $27,900. He is not aware if Henshaw will guarantee the labor for the project.

Lyons said another contractor suggested a new rubber roof could be installed, with a guarantee, for roughly $35,000. That figure is not contained in a formal bid.

Lyons was directed to solicit estimates for the different roofing material and to find out if Henshaw offers a guarantee.

Environmental study

The city's plan to give two plots of land located on N. Washington St. to Habitat for Humanity for two residences hit a snag when an environmental report commissioned by the city revealed underground storage tanks might be located on the proposed building site. Mayor Randy Strasser said it will cost the city slightly more than $8,000 to determine if a storage tank exists. However the land deal, which will return the real estate to the tax rolls, can not proceed without confirmation either way. He said if a tank is found, insurance will pay for remediation until the issue is resolved.

"It seems we should go ahead rather than just let the land sit there," council president Carolyn Pearson said.

"At some point in time we're probably going to have to do something with it," Dan Sterrett said in agreement. "And it will probably cost us more later."

Consensus of the council was to proceed with the investigation.

Department reports

A policy and procedures manual for the parks department was approved. The document will be available on the city Web site.

Park board president Chris Neumann said the three board members are sharing management tasks because the city is without a parks superintendent. She said Anita Force is coordinating the summer recreation program.

Neumann said Riley Park has re-opened, however the playground will remain closed until a fresh load of sand for the play surface can be laid.

The police activity report indicated 38 traffic summons and 51 warnings were issued in May compared to 26 and 23 respectively last month and 76 and 130 respectively in May of 2008. Four handgun permits were issued while felony arrests decreased from last month but increased from a year ago. Misdemeanor arrests increased from both last month and last year. The number of times the department assisted another agency doubled, from two to four, from April to May of this year but decreased from 36 in May, 2008.

The fire department reported two structure fires, two trash fires and four motor vehicle crashes. Firefighters served on 10 work details, made four public appearances and hosted seven training events. Total hours spent in fire department activities for the month was 853.75 and 7,600 gallons of water were used.

Mayor's report

Strasser said the budgeting process for the fire territory which will become effective in July, is underway. He said the funding will go through the city accounting system and will be managed by the board of works.

Strasser reported he is not satisfied with the "product" out of his office, which has nothing to do with department heads' production. He asked for council members' patience until he resolves the situation. He said Hoosier Heartland Highway demands will soon become the most important project for his administration.

Strasser announced the boat ramp for the new canal boat, due to arrive this week, will be funded from federal stimulus money.

According to Wabash & Erie Canal Association member Dan McCain, bids for the project are expected to be let today, Wednesday. McCain said the new boat will be on display at the canal Friday night. Saturday is volunteer appreciation day at the canal. McCain invited council members to attend the ceremony and toast a volunteer. Grand opening and dedication for the boat will be June 20.

The next council meeting will be July 6 at 7 p.m.

Board of works

After learning it will cost the city $4,500 for a safety survey for S. Indiana St. to determine if it should be designated a one-way street going south, board of works members Bob Conner and Brian Garrison recommended to Strasser, the third board of works member, that the three meet with anyone who opposed the one-way and discuss a solution for agreement. The study is deemed necessary because there is opposition to the one-way expressed by some residents on the street.

"I think we need to sit down with the entities to discuss the situation," Garrison said.

Strasser said he will arrange a meeting.

The next board of works meeting will be June 15 at 4:30 p.m.