MENTONE – Flood plain designations are being changed by FEMA, but allegedly no one notified the town of Mentone. According to the old map, the flood plain in the town encompassed a large area following and around Swick Meredith ditch, including the cemetery and Youth League ball diamonds. The new flood plain map is just the ditch and its immediate vicinity. Councilwoman Jill Gross said Monday that FEMA allegedly sent out the notification in September 2013 via certified letter to everyone who was in the flood plain area, but no one came to complain, “so probably no one received anything.” Tim Croy, council president, said everyone in Mentone is being eliminated from the flood plain area. “We were supposed to get something from Indianapolis and we didn’t, so we don’t know what’s going on,” Gross commented. She said the town was waiting to see what the state says about it. Ed Rock, Kosciusko County Emergency Management director, attended the meeting to answer questions the council or public had about the flood plain change. “They have redone the flood plains, if you will,” he said. While the old flood plain area was fairly large, Rock said it’s “obviously changed drastically to only the creek bottom itself until it gets out of town. It’s still a bit smaller.” Rock said the town was supposed to get the notification in September 2013. Since the town didn’t receive it, he said it could still file a dispute with FEMA if it wanted to. “I’m not sure we want to dispute that,” Croy responded. Rock cautioned anyone who dropped their flood insurance now that they’re going to be out of the flood plain. If they drop their insurance and then the town gets a flood, Rock said their homeowner insurance may have a problem with it or not cover the damage. He suggested homeowners should contact FEMA and let the agency know whether or not they should be a part of the flood plain. “We don’t know if these homeowners have received notice,” Gross said. Rock suggested leaving the maps in Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross’ office so the public can come in and look at them. After the meeting, Rock said the federal government underwrites flood insurance. If a homeowner drops the insurance, he stressed they need to readjust their homeowners insurance. Rock said flood plain areas have been readjusted all over the county and elsewhere. It was a major readjustment, but he did not know offhand if any other town or area were not informed of the changes. Gross said a letter sent in July doesn’t indicate when the new flood plain designation goes into effect. Council members also heard from Town Marshal Jim Eads that new reserve officer Bryce Good got through his 40 hours of pre-basic class. He still needs to get through firearms qualifications, and Eads hope Good will be riding with officers soon. Eads also told the council he was involved in an incident Aug. 21 where his stun gun didn’t work. It also was six months out of warranty and will cost $1,000 to replace. He asked the council for permission to replace it, to which they agreed. Deputy Terry Engstrand was given permission to attend stun gun instructor recertification training in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 22 to 24. The training will cost $800, plus $450 for food and lodging. Eads said Engstrand has taught three classes for 49 officers from other departments, at no cost to the town. Gross asked how often Engstrand has to be recertified. Eads said it’s about every three or four years. Gross also asked if there was any money left to pay for it. Ross said there was still money left in the police department’s training fund. In other business, the council: • Held a public budget hearing, with no remonstrators. The 2015 budget was unanimously approved. • Approved the 2015 salary ordinance as presented by Ross. • Scheduled an executive meeting for Oct. 16 for personnel matters. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the council meeting with Ross at 6 p.m., Eads at 6:30 p.m. and Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd at 7 p.m. • Set trick-or-treat for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, with a costume contest at 8 p.m. at Mentone Elementary School.
