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Flora council seeks 5-year plan from VFD




The Flora Town Council granted approvals for expenditures and projects and heard from the fire department about replacing the grass rig at Monday night’s meeting.

Flora VFD Chief Adam Randle reported his department had 8 fire runs and 14 medical runs in March and participated in pump operations training. He said the 601 is at Hufty’s for maintenance work and the grass rig is out for repairs.

Deputy Chief Todd Trent explained at a previous meeting the grass rig needs to be replaced – repairs for the 30-year-old vehicle are too costly. The council requested at that time the VFD present quotes to replace the grass rig before the budget process begins for 2017.

Trent said originally the VFD thought it would cost around $100,000 to replace the grass rig, but NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) requirements have added significantly to the cost.

Two quotes were presented, one for $132,892 and the other for $135,000. Trent explained the quotes are for a no-frills grass rig with a 450 chassis and 250 to 300 gallon water capacity tank with the rest of the cost driven by NFPA requirements.

Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman and Council president Josh Ayres explained the importance of having a five-year plan from the fire department for replacing equipment. They said it is easier for the town to budget for these expenses if the needs are known ahead of time.

The fire department will put together a five-year equipment plan for the next council meeting, Trent said. Ayres explained the council will then set a meeting with the township trustee to discuss funding items in the plan.

The VFD indicated it will put a “bandaid” on the present grass rig, a modified 1987 Dodge Ram, to hopefully get the department through this year before a new grass rig can be purchased in 2017.

Approvals granted

The Garden Spot Express Board is adding a second transportation vehicle, a 2016 Chrysler Town & Country van. The vehicle, purchased through the state bid process, is smaller than the Garden Spot Express handicapped accessible van and will be used when that van is not needed. Tinsman explained the older van is more expensive to operate and with the option of using the smaller van, transportation costs should be reduced.

The van was purchased from accumulated rural transportation funds from Area IV who provides insurance and repair costs. The Garden Spot Express Board provides the gas, Tinsman added.

With the additional van, the Garden Spot Express Board requested permission from the town to construct a garage for the van on town property. The garage addition will share a common wall with the existing garage for the handicapped accessible van. The council approved the addition.

The council also approved a one-year contract with Jake Adams of Indiana Marketing Group to develop and maintain a social media presence for the town. Social media should complement the town’s website with real time information, Adams said. The cost is $60 per month.

A quote from Mendenhall & Associates to provide an income survey at a cost of $3,924.80 was approved. Ayres explained that the survey is a requirement to apply for certain government-funded grants. Once completed the survey is good for two to three years.

The council agreed to allow an art project during the Carroll County 4-H Fair in July that will involve the skating rink building. The project will involve art classes and painting the four outside walls of the building with various themes.

Other business

Atlee Oyler will continue his summer position at the park. He agreed to schedule work for two part-time employees and a student employee.

At a recent Park Committee meeting it was determined that cameras are needed at the park to deter vandalism and dumping. The committee will meet April 25 to review quotes for a closed circuit recording system.

Wastewater Utility Foreman Bill McCarty reported six lateral upgrades were made in March – five in the project and one emergency upgrade.

The marshal’s report for March included 4 misdemeanors, 1 felony, 20 citations, 1 parking violation, 12 warnings, 52 calls for service, 3 accidents, and 1 warrant.

The new police car is up and running, according to Marshal Paul Redmon. The car it is replacing will be sold at auction.

The plan commission issued two permits in March: James Newswanger, garage/storage, and Karamjeet Singh Mann for alterations to Allen’s Service Station.

Terri Brummett, a 21-year employee in the town office, is resigning her position effective July 1.

Spring trash pickup will be April 29 and 30. All items for pickup should be set at the curb by 7 a.m. April 29.

Household hazardous waste and tire collection will be June 11 at the Flora Municipal Shop on North Division St.

Community Shred Day will be July 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. May 2.



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