Wastewater foreman Bill McCarty reported at Monday night's Flora Town Council meeting that his department continues to work on locating and repairing problems in the town's wastewater system.

He said that they are still learning about the capabilities of the newly purchased camera that they have already used three times.

McCarty said his department has replaced 35 to 40 manhole frames and lids and will use the remaining five frames and lids this week. He does not expect to order any more for a while.

After completing downspout inspections in Flora and Bringhurst, McCarty said that 170 to 200 violations and/or potential violations were noted.

The council agreed with his request to allow all property owners (businesses and individuals) one month to do self inspections of their properties for improper drains and downspouts.

"It's up to the property owner to prove where the water goes," McCarty said.

"Just call the wastewater plant (967-3005 between 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday) and we'll help you," McCarty said. "We're a resource for property owners."

McCarty said that there are fenced properties that were not inspected. He asked those with fenced property to call his department to set up a time for an inspection.

McCarty will adjust his work hours to assist people in the evenings if that is more convenient.

After the month of self inspections, violators will be issued a letter and fine as per town ordinance.

McCarty reminded the council that it is taking more to keep the Vactor truck in working order. The 1983 model was purchased used by the town about 15 years ago. He suggested the town consider purchasing a newer used Vactor.

Salary ordinance

The 2010 salary ordinance was approved on third and final reading after rules were suspended. The council gave raises of between one and one and a half percent to all employees.

"In the past, we've pretty much always given raises to employees," said Ayres. "It's maybe not as generous as in the past, but all employees got something."

"The Council did not take a raise and seasonal help received no increase," Ayres added.

Longevity bonuses remain the same for town and utility personnel based on 2,080 hours worked per year: completion of five years of service, .5%; ten years service, 1.0%; 15 years service, 1.5%; and 20 years service, 2.0%. Longevity bonuses do not include the police department.

Apprentice lineman Ron Fritz recently completed another step to becoming a lineman that entitles him to a 50¢ per hour raise as per his hiring agreement with the town. The increase became effective Aug. 3.

2010 budget

 

Clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman explained that the 2010 budget was not changed much from last year.

She said that the town's assessed valuation in 2009 was $45 million, down from $57 million in 2008. She said she has been told by the state to figure an additional five percent decrease in assessed valuation for 2010.

The council had earlier this year discussed a curb and sidewalk project using EDIT monies, but decided instead to combine that money with next year's money for a bigger project with hopefully better pricing.

Tractor pull

Ayres reported that the Community Club is considering hosting a tractor pull.

"The club realizes Flora has no facility, that there will have to be a designated area at the park for a pull," Ayres said. "The Community Club is willing to put some money into this."

No decisions have been made, Ayres added.

The club is soliciting ideas and input from the council and town residents. Anyone with an opinion or idea is asked to contact Ayres.

Police department

Town Marshal Paul Redmon reported that he could not think of one incident during the recent 4-H fair. "It went smooth," he said.

His department has solved three recent burglaries and is investigating a fourth that occurred Thursday at Co-Alliance north of town.

The police department's July report included: 3 arrests/misdemeanors, 2 felonies, 13 traffic citations, 1 parking violation, 26 warnings issued, 83 calls for service, and 2 accidents investigated.

Other business

A quote from Sunrise Communications, Rossville, in the amount of $4,006.90 was approved to replace the end-oflife phone system in the Fireside Building. The other quote obtained was from U.S. Voice & Data in the amount of $11,000.

The new system will include voice mail that the current, 15- year-old system does not have.

A public hearing was held on a request by Kevin and Jill Clothier to vacate a portion of Second Street that is an unimproved alley. The Clothiers own the property on both sides of the alley. No objections were heard.

Ordinance 2009-3 vacating the alley was passed on third reading after rules were suspended.

Five building permits were issued in July: Ricardo Boutista, garage; Jackson-Lee- Pearson, alteration to entrance and porch; Paul Wisler, porch; Thomas Starbuck, addition; and John McPherson, fence.

The utilities department reported that the walking trail has been extended from the park to the Carroll County YMCA.

Councilmember David Albaugh will serve as the town's representative to the board of the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission.

The clerk-treasurer was instructed to request proposals from the three local banks for services.

Utilities xxxxxx Chuck Everett and Tinsman will attend the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Workshop on Aug. 8 in Peru.

Flora will host the IACT Roundtable on Aug. 12 at the Community Center.

Everett will attend an IMEA conference Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Indianapolis.

McCarty will attend a oneday seminar on collection system odor, corrosion and rehab Aug. 20 in West Lafayette.

The town office will be closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day. The September Council meeting will be the following day, the 8th, at 6 p.m.