Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser told the three out of five city council members present for the March 1 meeting that it is nearly time for the public to be involved as plans progress toward the purchase of part of the Globe Valve property on North Washington St.

“I feel we owe it to the public to have a public meeting to discuss what we plan on doing with the area, the cost associated with the building, and how we are going to fund the purchase,” read Strasser’s printed report, distributed for the meeting.

The mayor said the project goal is to consolidate the street department’s equipment and materials and to remodel the east end of the city building for expansion of the Delphi Tri-Township Fire Territory. He explained that the city is waiting for appraisals, which are not expected to be completed before the end of March.

“We need to now make our intentions public and see how the public feels,” Strasser said in the written report.

Cinco de Mayo celebration

Council members Dan Sterrett, Carolyn Pearson and Nelson Smith gave unanimous approval for a Cinco de Mayo Celebration to be held around the courthouse May 1 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Washington, Franklin and Market streets will be closed for the event.

Organizer Michael Gonzalez said five bands would play during the alcohol-free festival designed to “bring minorities out into the community.” There will be food vendors and a pageant.

“Business owners are plugged into this,” Gonzales said. “It is a real community event.”

“I think it is a great idea,” council president Pearson said.

“It’s a good opportunity to learn about another culture,” Smith added.

Other business

Strasser reported that there has been no progress to resolve the on-going trash collection cost dispute with Jeff and Krista Watson, who own several properties affected by the city’s mandatory trash removal program. He said there has “been no communication” with the couple.

Council members voted to send a letter of approval to INDOT for a plan to relocate utilities south and east of Delphi in conjunction with the Hoosier Heartland Highway construction. Strasser said a special meeting will be scheduled to discuss how the city will fund the relocation project.

Main Street Association member Craig Wellnitz explained the group’s 2010 budget, which includes $18,000 for operating expenses and $15,000 for the façade improvement program, both funded from the city’s economic development income tax. He said there is also $3,800 in a nonreverting fund for the group.

Smith requested a quarterly expense report be provided to council members in 2010. Wellnitz said the Delphi Board of Works approves all Main Street expenditures.

Department reports

Clerk-treasurer Leanne Aldrich reported that the 2010 budget will be advertised twice by the April council meeting, which will enable the council to approve it in one meeting by suspending the rules of adoption.

Aldrich said that a person who holds two old bonds Homes in Camden and coupons, worth $13,900, from his father’s estate, has presented them to the city for payment. She said research has indicated that they are to be paid out of the wastewater fund.

Parks superintendent Anita Force reported the parks department will offer an eight-week team-walking program, “Get Out and Walk,” from April 10 to June 5. Free pedometers will be issued to the first 110 registered walkers. Prizes will be awarded to teams and individuals who have walked the most miles. Force said extra points will be given for those who utilize the Delphi track and trails.

Delphi Airport manager Brian Stirm said that out of the 256 gallons of fuel sold at the airport in February, most of it was sold to those not based at the airport.

In the mayor’s report, Strasser said that he has “made some changes on the airport board.” He said he wanted “to make sure the airport board and the council are headed in the same direction.” Strasser said in his printed report there are a “few outstanding rental fees from 2008 and 2009.” Strasser indicated that letters to all renters will be out by mid- March and the collection of past due rental fees should be completed within 30 to 45 days from the time the letters are received. A policy and procedure will be established to prevent the situation from happening in the future.

Strasser said he is working with the airport board to develop a proposal for improvements, including costs and funding recommendations, for the April council meeting.

The next meeting will be April 5 at 7 p.m.