HOWARD
The Howard County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on
The meeting was called to order by Sheriff Marshall Talbert and conducted
by President Bradley J. Bagwell.
The minutes from the last regular
meeting held on
IN THE MATTER OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONER REMARKS AND RECOGNITIONS:
There were no special remarks or recognitions made at this time.
IN THE MATTER
OF HIGHWAY ISSUES:
Mr. Ted Cain, Howard County Highway Engineer/Superintendent presented the
following issues for Commissioner information and approval:
1. Bridge Report:
a. The bridges on 560 West and 594 West were opened the day before school began.
b. The bridge on 300 North in the eastern part of the county that was closed for repairs might be reopened on Wednesday, August 20th.
c.
The bridge on park road near
2.
Storm Damage
Update: (See page 1,
3. Update on Road Work Projects: The paving project is nearly finished. There is only one more block to pave. This year’s Chip and Seal Project is approximately three fourths complete. If there is time before winter, the trees will be trimmed back from the road right-of-ways.
4. Proposed New Vehicles and Equipment: Mr. Cain advised that his department is in need of a new backhoe. He will address the bidding process later this year. Anticipated possible long term purchases include a new truck for the chip and seal process and maybe a new mower. One of his main priorities is to keep the trucks running to meet the County’s upcoming snow plow needs.
5. Mr. Harbaugh commended Mr. Cain’s excellent work in maintaining the county’s roads. Preventative maintenance plays a key issue in keeping the roads in good condition. Mr. Cain receives numerous phone calls from people regarding the chip and seal procedure. The roads may appear to be in good condition with no visible cracks, but Mr. Cain stated, “If you wait until you can tell its bad then it’s too late. If you loose your roads again you are not going to get them back.”
IN THE MATTER
OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:
Sheriff Marshall Talbert presented the following issues for Commissioner
information:
1. Jail Report for
month of July: Sheriff Talbert did not have the jail report
and advised he would deliver it to the Commissioners’ mailboxes. The inmate population is currently 260. Several inmates will be sent to the
Department of Corrections today, which will decrease the population to about
250.
2. Sheriff Talbert met with a F.E.M.A.
representative twice last week to complete the paperwork for reimbursement
for automobile repairs and overtime resulting from the recent flood.
IN THE MATTER
OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:
Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison presented the following issues
for Commissioner information:
1. Emergency Management
Office Repairs:
a.
The County is responsible to pay a $2,500 deductible
fee for the
b.
New emergency radio equipment will be
arriving soon for the Emergency Management Office. Before the equipment arrives, new floor tile
needs to be installed as soon as possible.
Carpet needs to be placed on the walls near the radio equipment in order
to prevent resonance when they are being used.
There is too little time to wait on the payment from the insurance
company and so Mr. Harrison has requested $8,775 out of the Cumulative Capital
Development Fund (CCD) for the tile and carpet installation. The cost for the total floor replacement is
$26,000.
Because the radio equipment is necessary for City and County emergency notification, the County Council appropriated $16,700.00 out of the Courthouse Furniture and Equipment Fund on July 22nd for an immediate purchase. The money will be appropriated back into the Courthouse Furniture and Equipment Fund.
2. Courthouse Update:
a. Three tables and twelve chairs have been delivered to the lower level near the vending machines.
b. Mr. Harrison is waiting on the results from the air quality and mold testing in the Adult Probation Office. Some work needs to be done to achieve better air circulation in this area.
c. Contractors agree that the present air conditioning in the Superior II Courtroom is not adequate to meet the needs of the department. A larger air conditioning unit is being considered.
IN THE MATTER
OF PLAN COMMISSION ISSUES AND PROPERTIES FOR APPROVAL:
Plan Commission Director Glen Boise presented the following issues for
Commissioner information and approval:
1.
There
were no subdivision plats to be presented at this time.
2.
Unsafe Buildings: There
was no new information presented.
3.
Flood Mitigation
Issues: Last week some assistance
was received from F.E.M.A. and the State Building Inspector’s Office to conduct
a flood damage survey for
IN THE MATTER
OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:
Personnel Director Wanda McKillip presented the following issues for
Commissioner information and approval:
1.
United
Way/Day of Caring: Administrative Assistant Vickie Hinkle
advised that following a series of meetings, the
At this time, she requested approval to
distribute a memorandum to office holders to post information on the annual
“Day of Caring” scheduled for Saturday, September 6th. The memo notifies employees of an opportunity
to participate in this Day of Caring by donating time to community projects or donating
blood during the coordinated blood drive.
Incorporated in the memo will be information regarding the plans for the
Mr. Raver
made a motion to authorize the posting of the
2. Health Insurance Changes: Miles and Finch Insurance Representative Doug
Heath stated that the County Insurance Committee continually reviews the process
and claims on a monthly basis. The
claims are such at this point that the County must make some minor
modifications to the plan. Within the
next 60 days, Anthem should have some renewal projections available for the
claim year that will become effective
· Office Visit Co-pay $25.00
· Maximum Out-of-Pocket:
o $2,000 per Person/$4,000 per Family In Network
o $4,000 per Person/$8,000 per Family Out-of Network
· Specific
Maximum Reinsurance increased to $2,000,000.
Mr.
Harbaugh commented that everybody is aware that health insurance continues to
increase and
Personnel
Administrator Wanda McKillip stated, as of today a notice of the changes will
be distributed to employees.
4. State of Indiana Deferred Compensation Plan (ING): (See page 4, August 4th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Personnel Administrator Issues”, for related discussion) At the previous meeting the Commissioners were presented with information regarding PERF voluntary pre-tax contributions and a “Resolution For Employer Participation In The Pick-up Of Additional Employee Contributions” to be approved by the County Council.
Mr. Raver made a motion to forward the Resolution For Employer Participation In The Pick-up Of Additional Employee Contributions to the County Council, recommending adoption of the voluntary pre-tax contribution plan. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.
IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT:
Mr. Raver together with Mr. Harrison presented the following updates:
· The new furniture has been delivered.
· As Mr. Harrison mentioned earlier, a larger fan coil is proposed for Superior II and better air circulation in the Adult Probation area in the basement.
·
There is no new information to report on
air quality and mold tests. I.O.S.H.A.
collected samples on
· Terstep needs to make some minor adjustments to a few doors. Mr. Harrison continues working on the proper signage for the doors.
· Contractors are working on gathering up building materials and supplies.
· Concrete was poured for the sidewalks last week. Terstep Inc. is responsible to grade and seed the lawn.
IN THE MATTER OF DARROUGH CHAPEL SEWAGE ISSUES:
Resolution No. 2003-BCC-15, a Resolution of the Howard
Mr. Bagwell asked if there was anyone present concerning the Darrough Chapel Sewage Issue.
Sharon Johnson,
Mr. Cliff Bolton,
The Board of Health letter said a
public health problem has been acknowledged in the community due to sewage
discharges. The letter stated that, “A
potential for disease caused by sewage contamination and for
Mr. Bolton said it was stated that the City has a taxing process to generate a funding source for sewer projects. He said the community has asked the City to annex them but was told there was no money to install a sewer system. Mr. Bagwell said it also depends on whether the City has an interest to annex that area. If the area is annexed, a lot of other things need to happen such as compliance with city standards. Mr. Bolton commented that all the residents’ care about is hooking onto the sewer system. The street improvements, sidewalks, and streetlights could be pushed a few years behind. Mr. Bagwell reiterated that the Commissioners do not have the authority to control the city’s requirements.
Mr. Raver asked if there has been an official petition requesting annexation. Mr. Bolton said, upon a preliminary evaluation of the issue, they were told there was no need for a petition because the City does not have the funding. Mr. Harbaugh speculated that the City might not be interested in annexing an area where the taxes do not add up enough to be a benefit. Mr. Bagwell reiterated that the City would incur a lot of expense to bring the area up to city standards.
Mr. Bolton asked if the comments in the newspaper regarding the Darrough Chapel area being declared a health hazard were submitted as a means for the Commissioners to take the necessary action to get the community connected to a sewer system. Mr. Bagwell clarified that the comment was, “Now that the Board of Health has declared it a health hazard, it is now a means for us to move on.”
Jim Ferguson,
Donald Young,
There were questions and miscellaneous
comments on how the Conkle Pontiac Superstore at
Mr. Young was concerned about costs and encouraged the County to use the bidding process. Mr. Bagwell explained that the bidding process must be used and expense and time are involved in establishing a sewer district. If Taylor Regional Sewer District accepts Darrough Chapel, the costs are minimized by not having to establish a new sewer district. Mr. Harbaugh commented that the Commissioners putting forth their best efforts to try to offset the costs to the residents in resolving the sewage issue.
Resolution No. 2003-BCC-15, requesting the Taylor Township Regional Sewer District take such immediate steps as are necessary and appropriate to include Darrough Chapel within its boundaries and jurisdiction for the purpose of addressing the sewage problems existing in Darrough Chapel, was approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Seconded by Mr. Raver, the motion carried.
IN THE MATTER OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY UPDATE:
Mapping/Property Records
Coordinator & Draftsman Jamie Shepherd reported that the new aerial
photography for
IN THE MATTER OF VACATION OF UTILITY EASEMENT,
(See page 7,
Scheduled
Public Hearing –
Vacate Utility Easement
Mr. Tom Harrold, owner of
real estate
An Ordinance had not been prepared to vacate the easement. Mr. Bagwell advised Mrs. Stevens that the proper ordinance for vacation of the easement must be submitted for Commissioners’ signatures.
There being no questions or comments from the audience, Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded by Mr. Raver, the motion carried.
Close
Public Hearing –
Mr. Harrold will be informed to return to the Board with the necessary ordinance in order to complete this request.
IN THE MATTER OF
HOWARD HAVEN COUNTY HOME:
Interim Co-Managers Joyce Colburn
and Deborah France presented a progress report and submitted applications for
two prospective residents for Commissioner review. Ms.
An additional person did not
submit an application in time for the ARCH beds but she is the first person
placed on the ARCH Program waiting list.
Ms. Colburn and Ms. France attended a County Home Association meeting in
Ms. France and Ms. Colburn propose to vacate their staff bedrooms and relocate to the second floor. The staff bedrooms, having complete bathrooms, are being considered to house married couples that do not wish to be separated.
Center Township Trustee Jean Lushin commended the efforts of Ms. Colburn and Ms. France. He said they have done a wonderful job in the short time they have been managing the facility. He said there is a definite need for this type of facility in our community. A round of applause followed Mr. Lushin’s comments.
Two applications for admission to the Howard Haven Home were submitted
on behalf of the following people:
1. Fannie Belle Kendrick who currently resides at Windsor Estates. She was accepted on the ARCH Program. The only item needed is a release from her doctor who was out of town last week. Mr. Raver made a motion to accept the application to Howard Haven Home for Fannie Belle Kendrick for a ninety-day probationary period pending approval from her physician. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.
2. Gretchen Matise submitted an application on a self-pay basis. Mr. Raver made a motion to accept the application to Howard Haven Home for Fannie Belle Kendrick on a self-pay basis for a ninety-day probationary period. Seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, the motion carried.
IN THE MATTER OF REQUESTED GRANT – SHERIFF DEPARTMENT:
(See
page 7,
Sheriff Deputy Jerry Asher conducted a presentation at the
previous meeting for a grant that would accommodate the purchase of travel
safety equipment. The details of the
Department of Transportation National Highway Safety Travel Grant were
discussed at the previous meeting.
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to confirm President Bagwell’s
signature on the grant. Mr. Raver
seconded the motion, and it carried.
(Advertised Time –
IN MATTER OF UTILITY EASEMENT VACATION – ORDINANCE NO. 2003-BCC-37:
Attorney J. Conrad Maugans
submitted a petition on behalf of his clients, Billy and Mildred Middlesworth,
to vacate the fifteen (15) foot easement along the east line of
Due to a misunderstanding,
Attorney Maugans had not previously asked the Commissioners to schedule a
public hearing. However, the case was
properly advertised and the adjoining property owners were notified of the
hearing. Letters were sent to the
utility companies and there were no objections to vacating the easement. Attorney Maugans requested authorization to
proceed with an unscheduled public hearing.
No one in the audience had questions or comments. Mr. Raver made a motion to close the public hearing. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried. Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-37 was approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.
IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:
Mr. William Bassett of William Bassett and Associates presented the
following issues for Commissioner information:
·
The
sidewalk along the south side of the building has been repaired and the
contractor will be seeding the
disturbed area.
·
The
air conditioning has been installed and is operating in Communications Room.
·
The
contractor will finish up the security room this week.
·
Tom
Harrison will be contacted regarding training on cutting cards for the door
access system.
·
The
following Construction Change Directives (Change Order No. 11) were submitted for
Commissioner approval:
Change
Dir. Location/
Number Department Work Total
Cost
1 Prosecutor’s Office Revisions $ 4,369.00
2 Clerk’s Area Casework
revisions $ 1,085.00
3 Room 203 Additional
electrical power & data $ 944.00
4 Second Floor 14
new doors & frames $ 8,452.00
5 Probation, Drug Task
Force, Additional
carpet & paint $50,605.00
&
6 Clerk & File Room Additional
receptacles & lighting $2,175.00
8 Voter Registration &
Drug Alcohol Additional
electrical work & $1,600.00
Flooring
changes $3,655.00
9 Rooms 328, 325 & 154 Additional
electrical power & data $1,486.00
10 CASA Carpet,
patch & paint $6,149.00
11 Throughout Building Electrical,
data, & phone $7,141.00
Total $87,661.00
There are three (3) remaining items of work that need to be
accomplished. (See page 4 - 5,
· The Commissioners previously approved replacement of the six water coolers in the building.
· The ductwork in the Superior II area is still being evaluated because there is more work involved than originally anticipated. The contractor has been asked for an air balance report in order to determine how much air is getting out of the air handler through the duct system.
· Work is in progress on the video security monitoring system in the holding cell that failed to work. Mr. Bassett has instructed the Contractor to obtain a proposal for this work.
· A plan was mentioned earlier to change out the beds and put benches in the holding sell. Mr. Bassett stated that the Sheriff’s Department is responsible for this project.
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve Change Order No. 11 as presented in
the amount of $87,661.00. Seconded by
Mr. Raver, the motion carried.
IN THE MATTER OF ROAD 400 NORTH PROJECT – PURCHASE OF PARCELS:
(See page 8,
Mr. James
Hamilton from
Mr. Raver made a motion to accept and authorize the purchase of Parcel Number 3 and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.
IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS AND
REPORTS:
1.
Operating claims payable on
2.
Commissioner’s Salary Claims for hourly, salary, and overtime payable
for August 22nd, and
3.
Additional
Appropriations to be considered at the Council meeting on
IN THE MATTER OF COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES:
(See page 8,
IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER ISSUES:
1.
2. An Executive Session may need to be
scheduled soon to address the
There being no further
business before the Board at this time, Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to
adjourn. Mr. Raver seconded the motion
and it carried. The meeting closed at
THE
HOWARD
___________________________________________
BRADLEY J. BAGWELL, PRESIDENT
___________________________________________
JOHN B. HARBAUGH, VICE PRESIDENT
___________________________________________
PAUL J. RAVER, MEMBER
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Commissioner Minutes,