HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2002

 

 

The Howard County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, December 16, 2002, at 8:30 a.m. in Hearing Room No. 338 of the Howard County Administration Center.  Those in attendance included President Paul J. Raver, Vice President Bradley J. Bagwell, and Member John B. Harbaugh.  Also present were County Attorney Larry Murrell, Personnel Administrator Wanda McKillip, and Auditor Martha Lake.

 

The meeting was called to order by Major Larry Shipman and conducted by President Paul Raver.

 

The minutes from the last regular meeting held on December 2, 2002 were considered.  There being no additions or corrections, Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF HIGHWAY ISSUES:

 

Mr. Ted Cain, Howard County Highway Engineer/Superintendent presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

 

1.        Road 400 North Project:  The project originated before Mr. Cain came to work for Howard County and he could not find any records of the design.  Mr. Cain made a decision to entertain proposals for bids for the construction and engineering.  The bids shall be submitted in time for the meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2003.

 

2.        The new streets in Sugar Mill Subdivision, Section 3, were approved on a motion made by Mr. Bagwell, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and carried.  The contractor will be responsible for the maintenance of these improvements for three (3) years after the acceptance of the streets, and is required to provide a three (3) year maintenance bond.

 

3.        Transfer of Highway Funds:

 

a.     The following requisition for transfer of funds within the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund was approved on a motion made by Mr. Bagwell.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

                                                        FROM                                                                    TO

                                APPROP. NO.     ACCOUNT                       APPROP. NO.         ACCOUNT                   AMOUNT

                                44725                      Garage Equipment            44721                          Trucks                           $  5,000.00

                                22375                      Other Supplies                  22371                          Hardware & Tools      $     182.31

 

                        b.     Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the following transfer of Cumulative Bridge funds.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried:

               

                                                        FROM                                                                    TO

                                APPROP. NO.     ACCOUNT                       APPROP. NO.         ACCOUNT                   AMOUNT

                                33715                      Bridge #11                         33716                          Bridge #35                    $  3,720.96

 

                        c.     Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the following transfer of Local Road and Street funds.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried:

               

                                                        FROM                                                                    TO

                                APPROP. NO.     ACCOUNT                       APPROP. NO.         ACCOUNT                   AMOUNT

                                33757                      Dixon Rd.Alto Rd.       33746                          Paint Center Lines       $  1,266.96

                                                                to Zartman Rd.

 

                4.     Butler, Fairman and Seufert will help obtain a permit to make improvements to Bridge #37, 100 W 290 S, since it is near the city limits.  The project started in 1998.  At that time Mr. Cain approached a property owner about purchasing some right-of-way.  Mr. Cain hopes to complete the work on Bridge #37 in 2003 before work on the Dixon Road Project between Zartman and Alto Roads, Also, Mr. Cain did not want the bridge to be closed at the same time that the State will be working on a project that possibly might close St. Rd. 26 between Park Rd. and Dixon Rd.  Mr. Cain requested authorization to proceed with purchasing the right-of-way in the amount of $6,500.00.   

 

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to authorize Mr. Cain to proceed with the right-of-way purchase for Bridge #37 in the amount of $6,500.00.  Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion, which carried.

 

                5.     Northwestern School Corporation Superintendent, Ryan A. Snoddy, submitted two (2) written requests for school bus turn-arounds as follows:

 

a.        Real estate property of Yvette Freeman, located at 4508 East 00 North/South.  Because the property is located on a State road, Mr. Cain had advised Northwestern School Corporation they would need to contact the State regarding this issue.  No action was taken on this request.

 

b.       Real estate property of Wayne Miller, located at 7631 West 500 North.  Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the school bus turn around pending Mr. Cain’s review and approval.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

                6.     Howard County was named as a party in a complaint by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) on the Dixon Road project.  (Commissioner, IDEM v. Grades, Inc., R.L. McCoy, Inc., of Kokomo, and Howard County Board of Commissioners, Case No. 2001-11096-W) Howard County Commissioners were included because the bridge construction was a part of the Dixon Road project.  There were three aspects to the complaint against Howard County:  1.) Failure to submit a notice of intent before disturbing activities, 2.)  Failure to develop an erosion control plan, and 3.) Failure to assure erosion control measures were implemented at the site.  The alleged violation was simply a misunderstanding concerning responsibilities of the contractor and the responsibilities of the county.  Although Mr. Cain had checked with the proper authorities, he was misadvised.  With help from Barnes & Thornberg Law Firm, Howard County agreed to a compromise settlement with the State in the amount of a $1,762.00 fine.  The Order states that it does not constitute admission that any alleged violation had occurred. 

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the settlement in the amount of $1,762.00 and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF PLAN COMMISSION ISSUES AND PROPERTIES FOR APPROVAL:

 

Plan Commission Director, Glen Boise, presented the following issues for information and approval:

 

1.        There were no subdivision plats submitted for approval.

 

2.        Howard County Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan Amendment:  The Flood Hazard Ordinance is being upgraded at the request of the Federal Government to an “All Hazardous Ordinance” to analyze the probability and accommodate other natural hazards such as hurricanes, ice storms, earthquakes, and wildfires.  Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to schedule an advertised public hearing on Tuesday, January 21st, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. to review the Amendment to the Howard County Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion.  Mr. Boise will send out the notices of the public hearing and will collaborate with the Auditor in preparing the advertising.

 

3.        Unsafe Building Issues:

 

                        a.     A clean up order was sent to the property owner of 5389 East 50 South.  No one lives on the property.  One of the daughters, Joann Johnson, contacted Mr. Boise and requested a hearing.  The property contains four (4) unlicensed vehicles.  Someone had pulled off the back door of the house and dumped trash inside.  A garage with a collapsed roof and dilapidated barn are also located on the property.   

 

 Mr. Bagwell made a motion to set a hearing on Monday, February 3rd, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. to review the status of the unsafe structures on the subject property.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

                        b.     Owners of the burned house at 2941 North 300 East, requested a thirty (30) day extension in order to conclude negotiations with the Kokomo Municipal Airport to purchase the property.  The owners agreed to clean up the trash outside of the house while the negotiations are being conducted.

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to grant a thirty (30) day extension as requested by the owners.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

c.        The house at 1803 North 850 East is sealed but the deterioration has progressed.  Mr. Boise sent a letter requesting a response from the property owner.

 

d.       The owners of the mobile home at 775 West 600 North had a fire.  They ceased cleaning up the property when the mortgage went into foreclosure.  Mr. Boise stated he will contact the attorney for the mortgage company regarding clean up of the property.

 

e.        The new owners of 800 S. Lewis St. are in the process of cleaning up the property.  During discussion at the last meeting, Lewis Street was erroneously referred to as Leeds Street.  (See page 2, December 2, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Plan Commission Issues and Properties for Approval”, Item 8.c)

 

4.        The Plan Commission is in the process of seeking another consultant for the Howard County Comprehensive Plan Project.  The Council has not yet approved funding.  Mr. Boise requested Commissioner support for the funding of $50,000.00 for the year-2003.  An additional $50,000.00 would then be requested for the year-2004 to complete the project.  Once the consultant’s contract price is determined, the Commissioners will discuss appropriating money out of the EDIT Fund for this project.

 

IN THE MATTER OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

 

Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison presented the following issues for Commissioner information:

 

 

1.        Courthouse Update: 

               

a.        Title 4-D in the Prosecutor’s Office in the basement area is currently being moved to the second floor of the Courthouse.  The new furniture for the Prosecutor’s Office was delivered on Friday, December 13th.  If everything goes according to plans, the move should be completed by Wednesday, December 18th. 

 

b.       Last week the third floor County Clerk’s Office moved to the second floor and the office is ready for business.  The Microfilm sign above the door will be removed.

 

c.        With help from Judge Dennis Parry, many old law books were disposed of in preparation for remodeling work on the third floor.

 

                                (Also see the following pages regarding the Courthouse Renovation:

 

                                                                           i.      Page 4, “In the Matter Information Systems Manager Issues”, Item 1.

                                                                         ii.      Page 4, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”.

 

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:

 

Personnel Director Wanda McKillip presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

 

                1.     PAC Committee Recommendations:

 

a.        Soil and Water Reimbursable Grant:  (See November 4, 2002, page 5, “In the Matter of Howard County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)” for previous discussion) 

 

The Commissioners made a recommendation to approve the administration of the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on November 4, 2002, but the Soil and Water Conservation was to pay the part time salary for one month in advance to avoid creating a negative balance.  The PAC Committee recommended that the Commissioners amend the motion because, according to the findings by the State Board of Accounts, that is not possible.  Rene Weaver affirmed that the SWCD is not allowed to pay for hours that are not worked.  As long as it remains a reimbursable grant, Rick Cole from the State Board of Accounts advised that the County would not be written up for the negative balance, contingent that everything else is not in the red.  Mr. Harbaugh suggested obtaining something in writing from Rick Cole that the County would not be cited.

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to support the LARE Grant for the Soil and Water Conservation position pending written approval from the State Board of Accounts that the County will not be cited for operating with a negative balance.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.            

 

b.       Salary Issue for New Employee:  At the November 26th meeting the Council requested the PAC Committee to review County Prosecutor James Flemming’s request to rehire a former Prosecuting Attorney at 100% of the salary, instead of 90% as stated in the Howard County Handbook.  The PAC Committee recommends that the County follow the Handbook and allow no exceptions.

 

The 90% pay scale was established considering that new employees are not as familiar with the job and should not be paid the same rate as experienced employees.  Also the pay scale helps accommodate each department’s budget in paying for any vacation or time accrued by an employee that leaves the position.  If an exception is made for one new employee, the PAC Committee does not want to set a precedent of considering exceptions for every new employee. 

 

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to follow the Howard County Employee Handbook with no exceptions.  Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

                        c.     Compensation Pay For Military Mobilization:  (See December 2, 2002, pages 3 - 4, “In the Matter of Personnel Administrator Issues”, Item 2, for previous discussion) At the last Commissioners’ meeting on December 2nd, the PAC Committee was requested to review the military pay compensation in regard to fully activated County employees.  This would authorize the County to pay the difference between the salary that the employee would earn in his military position and the salary he is currently earning through the County. (if his county pay is higher)  The PAC Committee recommends that the Howard County Policy continues the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) as stated and not supplement the employee’s salary when serving in the military.  This means that the County will not pay for anything over and above military weekend training and drills, which allows for 15 full days paid per year. Since the departments would need to fill any vacant positions due to an employee on activated military leave this could lead to a financial hardship on the County.  Due to the circumstances of the budget and the possibility that nine (9) employees could be mobilized, the PAC Committee decided to not compensate any additional pay other than what is required by law.

 

The employee’s time off would be treated as a leave of absence and the employee may be reinstated to the same position upon returning.  After a certain amount of time the employee has the opportunity to take COBRA insurance.  The employee’s time would still accrue. 

 

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to accept the PAC Committee’s recommendation to not compensate military pay for County employees.  Mr. Raver vacated the chair to second the motion.  The vote was split two (2) to one (1) due to Mr. Bagwell’s opposition to the motion.

 

                2.     Commissioner Appointments:

 

a.        The Commissioner Committee Appointmentments for 2003 will be discussed at the January 6, 2003 meeting.

 

b.       The Commissioner Appointments for the City of Firsts Automotive Heritage Museum/Johanning Civic Center, Inc.  Board Members were discussed under “The Matter of Commissioner Issues”, on page 8.

 

IN THE MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:

 

Mr. Terry Tribby, Information Systems Manager, presented the following issues for Commissioner information:

 

                1.     Courthouse Data and Communications Update:

 

a.        Information Systems has been diligently working on the connectivity between the Courthouse and Kinsey Youth Center (Juvenile Probation) to access the Quest Application server for juvenile information.  Mr. Tribby hopes to have the work completed by the end of the week.

 

b.       Mr. Tribby will assist with the Prosecutor’s Office move to the second floor today.

 

c.        Everything is in place to accommodate moving the servers: 

i.      Mr. Tribby has a meeting scheduled with the State today to discuss moving the ISET server from the basement to the new communications room on the first floor.  This will free up space for the construction to begin in the basement area.

ii.     The main JTS server will be moved in the old communications center down to the first floor on Wednesday, December 18th.

iii.    All equipment will be moved from the old communications center except for the old switches that people are still communicating through.  The new communications room will be set up as soon as the new wiring is complete.

 

                        d.     Circuit Court is scheduled to move in order for construction to begin on the third floor. 

 

2.        The Plan Commission server and workstations have been installed and are up and running.  The Plan Commission uses the County’s DSL line for connection to the City to process claims and payroll.

 

3.        Mr. Tribby is in the process of investigating wireless communications between county owned buildings.  CISCO, a network hardware company, sent configuration recommendations to be reviewed.

 

4.        Mr. Tribby received a letter from the State addressing the Indiana Courthouse Minimum Security Standards.  The wireless security specifications for the Howard County Courthouse actually exceed the State’s minimum standards.

 

5.        Mr. Tribby plans to meet with Attorney Larry Murrell to review the DoxPop Contract and CSI Software Maintenance Renewal Contract for 2003 in time for the contracts to be considered at the next Commissioners’ meeting.

 

IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:

 

Mr. William Bassett of William Bassett and Associates presented the following issues for Commissioner information:

·              Terstep Co. Inc. will begin remodeling the basement once the Prosecutor and Title IVD area has been vacated.  The third floor area adjacent to Circuit Court, vacated by the County Clerk, is scheduled to be remodeled at the same time.

 

·              Mr. Raver signed for the change order document approved by the Commissioners at the last meeting (See page 5, December 2, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, Items 15, 16, 17, 19, and 21 on the Request for Proposals).

 

·              Report on Clerk’s Office request for a glass entrance door:  It would not be cost effective to re-work the new wood door by installing glass in the top half.  An existing glass door between the Superior Courtroom and lobby on the third floor can be exchanged with the wood door for the Clerk’s Office. 

 

·              An additional receptacle will be installed on the north wall of the Clerk’s Office to accommodate a fax machine and paper shredder machine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN  THE MATTER OF KINSEY YOUTH CENTER ISSUES:

 

Kinsey Youth Center Director Jan Weaver and Assistant Director Jeff Lipiniski presented the following issue for Commissioner information and approval:

 

Mr. Lipiniski requested approval to purchase a new control board for the Kinsey Youth Center.  He explained that the Center is behind on upgrading.  The current system has become outdated and replacement parts are difficult to find.  Mr. Lipiniski was unsure whether a maintenance agreement could be renewed on the old equipment.

 

Simplex Integrator has submitted a proposal to replace the old system with a new touch screen system.  Ms. Weaver said the new system will allow for growth by accommodating additional components as needed.  The warranty will be in effect for two years before a maintenance agreement needs to be considered.  The initial cost of the new system (control station, master control but not the informer computer data logger) is $24,950.00.  Future budgeted funds will be used to accommodate any new add-on equipment.  Security, intercom communications, and ability to monitor the facilities will improve with the new equipment. 

 

Ms. Weaver said most of the cost can be paid from the 2002 budget with transfers from various accounts.  The transfers will be requested at the next Council Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, December 17th.  Approximately $2,000.00 of the cost will be paid out of the year-2003 budget.  

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the new equipment pending approval of the transfers by the Council.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF KOKOMO HUMANE SOCIETY ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT:

(See December 2, 2002 minutes, page 6, “In the Matter of Claims and Reports” for related discussion)

 

Director Beryl Geer presented the revised Animal Control Contract for 2003, written according to Commissioner specifications.  Significant changes were made to Paragraph B in Section 2 of the Contract regarding the schedule of services.

                                    Maintain Regular Animal Control service:

 

·              Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

·              Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.

·              Excluding Wednesdays for the months of January through April and September through December.

·              Excluding holidays.

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the revised Contract for Animal Control and Shelter Services for 2003.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF NEW AERIAL MAPS:

 

Jessie Johnson and Jamie Shepherd of the Howard County Auditor’s Office presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

 

                a.     The County is ready to fly new aerial maps (photography) and is ready to send out specifications.  The cost of the project is estimated to be just under $75,000.00, therefore it can be quoted.  Funding will come from Reassessment monies. In the specifications for the new photographs, shooting will be done using a higher resolution (½ ft. pixel) than the existing photographs (1 ft. pixel).  The entire County project includes flying over the City as well.   The new software will combine with the existing software. 

 

Mr. Johnson stated that the previous project cost was nearly $100,000.00.  At that time a digital elevation model was produced, which can be used again for the new project.  This will significantly cut the cost of the new project.  The tentative flight schedule will be in February or March 2003. 

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to authorize the issuance of specifications for quotes and authorize Jessie Johnson to work with Schneider Engineering on the project.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

                b.     Authorization To Proceed – GIS Professional Services:  In accordance with an agreement with the Howard County Commissioners dated January 7, 2002, The Schneider Corporation requested written authorization to proceed with creating topology and new centroids for the Ervin, Honey Creek, Howard, Jackson, Taylor and Union Township parcel maps.  The Center-Kokomo Township parcel maps are already completed.  Mr. Johnson defined a centroid as a point in a center of a tax parcel, which is used as a reference point to acknowledge the parcel.

 

Auditor Martha Lake advised the cost of $5,250.00 for the services will be paid out of the Reassessment Fund.  There is a balance left from 2002 and $20,000.00 is appropriated for 2003 for similar mapping type of projects.

 

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the Authorization to Proceed with The Schneider Corporation for the project as noted for the townships and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners.  Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF SET DATE FOR PETITION TO VACATE RIGHT-OF-WAY:

(See November 18, 2002 minutes, page 4, “In the Matter of Petition to Vacate” for related discussion)

 

David T Baird, Attorney for U.A.W. Legal Services, postponed the petition in November in order to notify one of the property owners.  Attorney Baird was unable to attend this meeting but needed a date set for the public hearing.  In reviewing the petition, it was discovered that the right-of-way is located in Taylor-Kokomo inside the City limits, for which the County has no jurisdiction.  No action was taken on this matter.

 

IN THE MATTER OF DARROUGH CHAPEL SEWER SITUATION:

 

Roger Roe, Chairman of the Darrough Chapel Steering Committee, presented the following issue for Commissioner information:

 

The Steering Committee, comprised of six (6) members voted 3-2 in favor of a new sewer project at their last meeting held on November 12, 2002.  Mr. Roe abstained from voting because he is the Chairman.  Based on the split vote, the Steering Committee felt like there was nothing else that could be done except present the results to the Commissioners for further direction.   The Steering Committee had discussed what it would cost to test all of the homes in the community.

 

There are no current plans to conduct dye testing in the Darrough Chapel community.  Greg Lake, Environmental Coordinator for the Howard County Department of Health, said it would be at least three (3) years before any testing would be done.

 

The Commissioners wanted to know what the Steering Committee specifically wants to do.  Mr. Roe said the Committee has differences of opinion.  The cost for new sewers is major concern.  Residents felt that the estimates are inflated and are reluctant to spend the money.  Mr. Roe suggested creating a county-wide fund for sewers that each community could apply to draw a percentage from it.  This suggestion stimulated a brief discussion about the feasibility of creating a Howard County sewer district for all unincorporated areas.  There are many sewer systems that work well and those residents might be opposed to paying the fees necessary for such a plan.

 

Mr. Bagwell asked Mr. Lake what would happen if nothing is done about the sewer situation.  Mr. Lake said any home causing a public health threat such as sewage standing on top on the ground would be issued a Disconnect/Pump and Haul Order to abate the health threat.  Cleaning a septic tank can be very costly.  If a property owner cannot afford to have their septic tank cleaned weekly, and the public health continues to be at risk, the Health Department could proceed with condemnation.  With the West Nile virus on the rise in Howard County, this next mosquito season is anticipated to be very problematic.  At the request of the State Health Department, the County Health Department will be very stringent in dealing with breeding areas such as septic waste in standing water. 

 

Attorney Murrell questioned if random testing could be conducted to determine the sources of the problems.  Mr. Lake said the only way to find the sources is to dye test each home.  The Department of Health has the authority to dye test any system.  If a property owner refuses entry, the matter is taken to court to obtain access.  Mr. Roe commented that some of the residents feel there is nothing wrong with their septic system.  Mr. Raver said many of those residents don’t realize that their waste goes directly into field tiles that eventually discharge into waterways.

 

Even if the Darrough Chapel community were to be included in the Taylor Township Regional Sewer District, all residents would not be obligated to connect onto the system.  If a number of residents refuse to sign up with the sewer district, there would not be enough funds to support the project.

 

A suggestion was made that the Department of Health could conduct random dye testing on certain septic systems.  There needs to be an education process to convince about half of the residents that their systems contribute to the situation and that they need to join with those who are working on these critical problems so the project can be financed.  The Commissioners requested Greg Lake to research and come up with proposals on testing and costs in order to identify which septic systems are discharging waste.  Mr. Roe said residents are afraid the testing will result in having to move them out of their homes.  Mr. Roe implored that the testing should be used for educational purposes.   Mr. Lake explained, if test results show a problem and the homeowner refuses to do anything more, then a condemnation order would probably be issued.  Sewage in underground tiles has not been addressed yet, but if sewage is standing on top of the ground creating a health problem, it will not be allowed to continue.

 

One problem in conducting dye testing on the north side is to determine where the drainage tile outlets are located.  Surveyor Grimme and his assistant, Dan Minor, plan to go out and walk along the state’s storm water drainage tile to find where the outlet is located.  Mr. Harbaugh made a comment that these issues were already discussed a few months ago.

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to take the Darrough Chapel Steering Committee Report under advisement and request Greg Lake from the Howard County Department of Health to propose a testing plan with costs and report back to the Commissioners.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF APPOINTMENT FOR CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BOARD:

(See December 2, 2002 minutes, page7, “In the Matter of Commissioner Issues”, Item 2.g., regarding Commissioner Appointments) 

 

Peggy Hobson, Executive Director of City of Firsts Automotive Heritage Museum, Inc. requested the Commissioners to reconsider the recent appointment (Rick Seegert, of Courtyard by Marriott) to the Howard County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board.

 

Five years ago the representatives form the CVB Board went before the State Senate Finance Committee requesting that the Board specifically include individual representatives from restaurant and hotel businesses.  Mr. John Livengood, a representative from the Indiana Lodging and Restaurant Association, was in favor of the change.  Ms. Hobson felt that the Howard County Commissioners have appointed someone who is technically not a restaurant person.  Because the Board would like to have a restaurant point of view Ms. Hobson asked the Commissioners to reconsider the appointment.  The following names were recommended and they are willing to serve on the Board:

 

                                                        Dorinda Davis, Director of Operations for Wendy’s Restaurant

                                                        Sondy Chism, Owner/Manager of Sondy’s Sycamore Grill

                                                        Curtis Hatcher, Owner/Manager of Cartier Lounge

 

The Commissioners contend that current appointee’s (Mr. Seegert) vocation is affiliated with a food service business.  The Commissioners felt that he would be a benefit to the CVB Board.  It was Mr. Bagwell’s opinion that Ms. Hobson’s problem was more of a personality issue than a technical issue.  The Commissioners decided to allow the appointee to remain on the CVB Board and they will monitor the situation to see how things work out.

 

IN THE MATTER OF POOR RELIEF APPEALS FOR CENTER TOWNSHIP:

 

A Poor Relief Hearing was conducted on December 12, 2002 for Center Township on behalf of Roberta Hodgin.  Commissioner Bagwell, Poor Relief Hearing Officer, made a recommendation to uphold the written denial for rent assistance made by the Center Township Trustee on November 25, 2002.  Mr. Bagwell made a motion to uphold the denial of the Center Township Trustee based upon the finding that the Township Trustee followed the Eligibility Standards and Guidelines for Poor Relief applicable to the case.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF POOR RELIEF APPEALS FOR HARRISON TOWNSHIP:

 

A Poor Relief Hearing was conducted on December 13, 2002 for Harrison Township on behalf of Byron Kelley.  Commissioner Paul Raver, Acting Poor Relief Hearing Officer, made a recommendation to uphold the written denial for assistance made by the Harrison Township Trustee on November 22, 2002.  Mr. Bagwell made a motion to uphold the denial of the Harrison Township Trustee based upon the finding that the Township Trustee followed the Eligibility Standards and Guidelines for Poor Relief applicable to the case.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS AND REPORTS:

 

Howard County Auditor Martha Lake presented the following reports for Commissioner information and approval:

 

1.        Operating claims payable on December 16, 2002 in the amount of $1,723,995.38 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Bagwell, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and carried.

 

2.        Commissioners’ Salary Claims for hourly, salary, and overtime payable for December 20th and December 27th, 2002 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh.  Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion, which carried.

 

3.        The County Treasurer’s Report for the month of November 2002 was accepted on a motion made by Mr. Bagwell, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh and it carried.

 

4.        Ordinance No. 2002-BCC-61, Additional Appropriations for Fund 145 the E-911 Fund, in the amount of $100,000.00 for phones and communications, was approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Bagwell and it carried.

 

5.        Resolution No. 2002-BCC-21, Transfer for Dispatch to pay overtime in Fund 145 the E-911 Fund, was considered.  Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the transfer as requested.  Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion, which carried.

 

6.        Ordinance No. 2002-HCC-59, Additional Appropriations to be considered at the Council meeting on December 17th 2002 was presented for Commissioner information as follows: 

                               

                                001         HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:

                                023          Howard County Board of Commissioners

                                1522        PERF                                     $86,000                                                  

                                3210        Contract Services                 $15,000
                                3512        Insurance Bldgs., etc.          $  6,000  

                               

Mr. Raver asked Mr. Bagwell and/or Mr. Harbaugh to attend the Council meeting to help support the requests.

 

7.        Special Transfer Request:  The financial department in the Auditor’s Office is working hard to make sure all of the approximately 200 funds are in the black at the end of the year-2002.  Three funds, Alcohol & Drug Fund, Coroner Holding Fund and the Clearing Fund for Insurance, combined about $45,000, will be in arrears due to extenuating circumstances.  Auditor Martha Lake requested approval for a transfer of money in the Cumulative Capital Development Fund, Courthouse Renovation line item to a temporary loan fund to accommodate the three funds with a deficit balance.  The money will be paid back to the CCD Fund immediately after January 1, 2003. 

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to transfer money from the Courthouse Renovation line item in the Cumulative Capital Development Fund to a temporary loan line item to accommodate the three short-term loans needed until after the first of the year-2003.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

                8.     A motion was made by Mr. Bagwell to adopt the 2003 schedule of meeting dates for the Board of County Commissioners.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES:

 

County Attorney Larry Murrell presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

 

                1.     Resolution No. BCC-2002-22, A Resolution of the Howard County Board of Commissioners Approving Salary Contract With Sheriff-Elect Marshall Talbert:  Sheriff Talbert requested the following changes in the provisions of the current contract format:

 

a.        In lieu of providing health insurance, the County shall agree to pay the monthly premium for his Indiana State Police Retiree Medical Insurance, which would be a savings to the County.

 

b.       Provide an initial clothing allowance of $2,000.00 for the proper uniforms.  Afterward, provide the same amount of annual clothing allowance as for merit deputies.

 

c.        Sheriff Talbert requested that he be allowed to submit to random drug testing.

 

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve Resolution No. BCC-2002-22 as presented.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

                2.     Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the Indiana Inventory Gas Tax Voucher for gas stored at the Howard County Jail and Juvenile Detention Center and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER ISSUES:

 

1.        The Report from the Veteran’s Service Officer for the Months of October and November 2002 was accepted on a motion made by Mr. Bagwell.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

 

2.        2003 Budget Request for Fund 145, the E-911 Fund, was submitted from Communications Director Tony Ramsey for Commissioner information.  The request will be considered in January 2003.

 

3.        Solid Waste Board will hold a meeting on Friday, December 20th 2002, at 9:00 a.m. to fill the open Director’s position.

 

4.        The City of Firsts Automobile Heritage Museum/Johanning Civic Center, Inc. Board appointments were delayed from the last meeting held on December 2nd.  Section 2.03 (1) of the CFAHM Code of By-Laws requires a “list of individuals” nominated by the CVB and the Pioneer Auto Club to serve on the Board, that is, more than one nominee.  Only one (1) name from each entity was submitted to the Commissioners.  Mr. Bagwell made a motion to authorize the President to send letters to the CVB and Pioneer Auto Club requesting a list of individuals be considered at the next Commissioners meeting on December 30th, 2002.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

 

There being no further business before the Board at this time, Mr. Bagwell made a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.  The meeting closed at 11:40 a.m.

 

                                                                                                     THE HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

                                                                                                                ___________________________________________

                                                                                                                PAUL J. RAVER, PRESIDENT

 

 

                                                                                                                ___________________________________________

                                                                                                                BRADLEY J. BAGWELL, VICE-PRESIDENT

 

 

                                                                                                                ___________________________________________

                                                                                                                JOHN B. HARBAUGH, MEMBER

 

ATTEST:

 

 

__________________________________

MARTHA J. LAKE, AUDITOR

Commissioner Minutes, December 16, 2002