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 March
17th, the special meeting held on March 24th, and the
joint Commissioner / County Council meeting held on
IN THE MATTER OF HIGHWAY ISSUES:
Mr. Ted Cain, Howard County Highway
Engineer/Superintendent was unable to attend the meeting due to bereavement of
a family member. Five (5) Agreements for
School Bus Turn Arounds were addressed later during the meeting under “In the
Matter of Claims and Reports”. (See
page 7 attached)
IN THE MATTER OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONER REMARKS AND RECOGNITIONS:
1.
Resolution No. BCC-2003-07, A Resolution of the Howard County Board of
Commissioners Proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month was read in full by
President Bagwell. (See page 3,
2.
Recognition of military service: Mr. Raver
made the following motion: “Be it
Resolved that we the Howard County Board of Commissioners recognize all men and
women, especially those from
IN THE MATTER OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:
Sheriff Marshall Talbert presented the following
issues for Commissioner information and approval: (First Sergeant Terry Sokol and Major Steve
Rogers were also present for the discussion)
1.
The Monthly Jail Report
for March, 2003 was presented for Commissioner information.
a. Inmate Report: The inmate population at the
Discussion ensued as to how
to address the overcrowding issue. Would
it help to establish a work-release program?
The consensus concluded that the situation should be reviewed. Should additional space be constructed in the
future, the Sheriff stated his preference of a linear pod instead of the
current design, which is labor intensive.
Sheriff Talbert mentioned if an expansion were constructed, the
increased bed-space would not remain empty.
The Indiana Department of Corrections continuously looks for and pays
counties to house inmates.
The Commissioners asked the
Sheriff to research and provide statistics on the number of inmates, ages and
classifications that have been housed at the jail. Captain Harold Vincent is currently working
on the annual report for 2002 and will compile this data for Commissioner
information. Mr. Raver suggested forming
a group which would include the Sheriff, a Commissioner, Council Member(s),
plus others who work directly with the Jail and its operation, to study the
population issue, statistics and trends at the jail.
Mr. Raver made a motion to
consider appointment of a committee at the
b. New
Commissioner
Issues”, Item 1, for related discussion) Communications Director Tony Ramsey learned
that Hoosier Project Safety (statewide radio system) is not interested in space
on the proposed tower.
2. Simplex Grinnell Service Contracts: The kitchen equipment service contract
expires this month. There are three
separate service contracts having various expiration dates within the year
2003:
a. Cameras, video system, and intercom.
b. Smoke detectors.
c. Kitchen Equipment.
The Sheriff’s Department is working with Simplex Grinnell to prorate the contracts to cover each calendar year from January 1st through December 31st.
3.
Purchase of Tires for Sheriff Department Vehicles: (See page 2,
4.
False
Alarm Ordinance: The Sheriff’s
Department is making dozens of false alarm runs each month. Sheriff Talbert is considering a false alarm
ordinance similar to the one used by the Kokomo Police Department. Major Steve Rogers is collecting information
from other counties having a false alarm ordinance in place. After a certain number of responses to a
false alarm, the owner would be charged a fee.
The ordinance would reduce the number of false runs and make people more
responsible in the use and maintenance of their alarm systems.
5.
Ordinance No. BCC-2003-16, An Ordinance of the Howard
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve Ordinance No. BCC-2003-16, seconded by Mr. Raver, the motion carried.
6. Status of purchase of New Vehicles:
a.
K-9 trucks: (See
pages 1 - 2,
b.
Prisoner Transport Van: (See page 1,
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.
Case 1-CZ-03 – A change in zone classification from R-1 (Residential)
to B-1 (Local Business) for property located at
2.
Case 4-CP-03 – six (6) lots in R & K Subdivision, located at 2860
East 150 North
was considered. Mr. Raver made a motion
to approve Case 4-CP-03. Mr. Harbaugh
seconded the motion, which carried.
3.
Community Rating System Application: (See
page 2, October 21st, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Plan
Commission Issues and Properties for Approval”, Item 3, for related discussion) This system is used by the flood
insurance program to reduce flood insurance rates by 5-10% for communities
participating in the program. Mr. Raver
made a motion to approve the Community Rating System Application and authorize
the President to sign on behalf of the Board.
Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.
4.
Unsafe Buildings: A letter was sent to the owner
of 5389 East 50 South but a response has not yet been received. (See page 1 and 3,
5.
Flood
Mitigation Issues: (See page 2,
February 17th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Plan Commission
Issues and Properties for Approval”, Item 3, for related discussion) Mr. Boise has been working on re-writing
the Request for Proposals and asked for approval to seek comments from Mr.
James Hamilton of Butler, Fairman and Seufert.
IN THE MATTER OF NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY
TELE-COMMUNICATORS’ WEEK:
In 1991 the United States Congress declared the
second week in April as National Public Safety Tele-communicator Week. The Howard County Sheriff’s Department
currently has ten (10) men and women dedicated to serving the citizens of our
community as public safety dispatchers.
Communications Director Tony Ramsey presented a
document proclaiming
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve proclaiming
The dispatchers, Sheriff
Talbert and Tony Ramsey were photographed next to the Commissioners.
IN THE MATTER
OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:
Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison presented
the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:
1. Courthouse Renovation: (Also see page 5, “In the Matter of Communications Systems Manager Issues”, Item 2 and pages 5 – 6, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, for additional information regarding Courthouse Renovation Project)
·
The Drug Task Force will be moved into their permanent office on
Wednesday, April 9th.
·
Beginning Thursday morning on April 10th, the Voter
Registration will move from their temporary location in the
Voter Registration
Department Head Carol Shallenberger spoke earlier with Mr. Bagwell regarding
computer issues. She was concerned as to
whether the computers will be operating correctly to prepare for the Primary
Election on May 6th. There
was discussion about postponing the move for one week but the
The Voter Registration computer systems are very old and Information Systems does not have a budget to replace them. It is the Voter Registration’s responsibility to request money from the Council for new computers. Mr. Raver said the money in the Courthouse Renovation Fund is reserved for a few high priority items such as installing the duress system and upgrading the recording /sound systems for the courts not provided for in the original contract.
2. Outdoor Lighting at
Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the request of $1,650.00 from Cumulative Capital Development Fund to repair the in-ground light fixtures as requested. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.
3. Power Disruption at Courthouse: At the request of the electric utility
company, electricity was shut off to the Courthouse in conjunction with several
downtown locations for safety reasons following a storm on Friday evening. The emergency lighting at the Courthouse was
working properly. The electricity was
restored by
IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR
ISSUES:
Personnel Director Wanda McKillip presented the
following issues for Commissioner information and approval:
1. Paycheck stuffers: Mrs. McKillip requested approval to distribute the following printed information with employee paychecks:
a. 2002 Flower
b. A Gigantic Garage Sale is
scheduled at the
In October 2002, the
Commissioners decided that paycheck stuffers should be limited to County
related issues. However, the
Commissioners passed a resolution that such advertisements and information
promoting activities in the community may be placed in the employee break
areas. (See page 2,
The Commissioners decided,
by consensus, that the above referenced information should be distributed to
individual departments for posting in employee break areas instead of
distribution with the paychecks.
2.
The State of
3.
4.
Blue Ribbon Campaign: In
conjunction with Resolution No. BCC-2003-07 proclaiming the week of
5.
Anthem Health Insurance: The annual
settlement was received. Though there
was an increase in claims for the month of February 2003, the fund balance is
in good shape. Receipt of an additional
$146,000 has been received due to the Stop Loss agreement.
The Board of Commissioners
called a recess to hold a Board of Finance Meeting by consensus.
BOARD OF FINANCE MEETING WITH HOWARD COUNTY TREASURER ANN WELLS:
The Howard County Board of Finance Committee consists
of the following Members: Chairman John
B. Harbaugh, Paul J. Raver, Bradley J. Bagwell, and Treasurer and Secretary to
the Committee Ann Wells.
The meeting was called to order. Ms. Wells read a memorandum to the Board of
Finance Committee as follows:
“I am adding a new authorized depository to our list
of banking institutions available to
Community First Bank of
Ms. Wells plans to contact several banks in
Money has not been invested in Certificates of
Deposits recently because of putting them in for a specified time. The interest rates are higher when the money
is invested for a longer time.
This report was for information only and no action was
necessary. According to statute, the
main function of the Board of Finance is to de-list any financial
institution. Otherwise, the Treasurer
has the authority to invest in any bank listed subject to any investment
policies set by the Board of Commissioners.
There being no further business before the Board of
Finance, Mr. Raver made a motion to adjourn.
Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion, which carried. The meeting closed at
The
IN THE
MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:
Mr. Terry Tribby, Information Systems Manager, presented the following issues for
Commissioner information:
1.
There are continual problems with the Recorder’s
software package after switching from the DOS based version over to the new windows
version. Since September 2002, there
have been 21 instances when it was necessary to reboot the server. Since March 2003, there have been 53 instances
of lock ups and various issues with the workstations. Recorder Linda Koontz stated that when the
server has to be shut down, it affects more than just the workstations in her
office. It affects other offices such as
the
The software vendor, Lowe,
recommends rebuilding the server and installing the software from scratch. Lowe offered to loan or lease a server but
since that time Lowe claims a server is not available and recommends the
purchase of a new one for $10,000. The
existing server is only two years old and Mr. Tribby feels that it is fully
functional. He recommends upgrading the
existing server, installing additional memory, and adding new hard drives at a
cost of $1,500. The old hard drives will
be retained in the event of problems with the setup. The old hard drives contain data from several
years of work. Mr. Terry does not want
to spend money for a new server if the same software problems would be experienced. If problems continue after upgrading the
existing server, Mr. Tribby suggested that the county should consider selecting
a different software vendor.
Lowe suggested the
anti-virus software might be causing the problems. Mr. Tribby uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus
Protection in November 2002 but the server still has to be rebooted once or
twice each week. Mr. Tribby does not
want to leave the server without anti-virus protection, especially with what is
going on in today’s world. Mr. Bagwell
said the server at E-911 Dispatch experienced similar problems. Their server would get real slow and
accumulate errors until it was rebooted again.
Mr. Bagwell offered a suggestion to shut down the Recorder’s server on
the weekends and start it back up on Monday mornings. Considering all of the efforts to trouble
shoot the problems, Mr. Tribby believes the problems could possibly originate
from the Lowe software.
In order to rule out
electrical issues, a quote from Stelko Amber Electric Inc. to investigate the
voltage in the Recorder’s Office was prsented.
The price consists of a four-hour block of time during normal working
hours at a base price of $240. Mr.
Tribby stated he would advise the Commissioners regarding of any electrical
issues. Mr. Bill Bassett also presented
suggestions in regard to checking the electrical system. Maintenance Superintendent Tom Harrison
commented that the use of portable electric heaters have often caused problems
with electrical energy. The
Commissioners requested that an initial voltage check be conducted by the
maintenance department as soon as possible.
2.
Heating Problem Update: (See
page 5,
3.
Purchase of New Computer Equipment: For
Commissioner information, the following departments requested the following
items:
a. Captain Napoleon Leal requested
Information Systems to order six (6) laptop computers to be used in their
cruisers. The Sheriff’s Department has
funds available for the units.
b. Community Corrections
requested an order for three (3) computer systems to replace their older systems. Mr. Tribby needs to check whether the
department has money available to pay for the equipment.
4. Doxpop Update (Court Record Internet Publishing): There are 33 registered users and the service is going well. Mr. Tribby felt ample time has been given for people to register before the modem lines are disconnected from the server. He requested authorization to disconnect the lines in 45 days and the Commissioners agreed, by consensus. Mr. Tribby has a list of attorneys that will be notified of the termination.
5.
Jury
Selection Process Update: (See
pages 2 – 3,
6.
Wireless Duress Alarm System: A presentation was given at an earlier date
by a vendor of Mobile Radio of Kokomo, Inc.
The component is Windows based system that can be controlled by a
computer. Quotes from Mobile Radio of
Kokomo, Inc. and Stop Tech LTD will be available soon.
7.
Reassessment Update: The
reassessment is a work in progress. Mrs.
Marilyn Beroshok in the Center Township Assessor’s Office worked over this last
weekend and turned over six townships and all of
IN THE MATTER
OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:
Mr. William Bassett of
William Bassett and Associates presented the following issues for Commissioner
information:
Mr. Bassett extended condolence to Mr. Ed Heffelmier,
Project Manager of Terstep,
whose mother
passed away.
·
Change Order No. 7 (See page 5, March 17th,
2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, for previous
discussion) Mr. Raver made a motion to
approve Change Order No. 7 in the amount of $11,704.00 as presented and
authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it
carried.
·
The Drug and Alcohol Task force has moved into their area. The protective paper on the ceramic floor
tile will be removed in approximately one week.
·
Mr. Harrison briefed the Commissioners earlier in the meeting regarding
the Voter Registration and Drug Task Force moves (See page 3, “In the Matter
of Maintenance Department Issues”, Item 1, attached)
·
Contractors are putting up drywall in the new area for the Public
Defender. The walls will be painted this
week.
·
New walls are being installed on the second floor for the new evidence
room of the new court and restroom areas.
·
Work continues on the third floor in the Circuit Court Clerk’s area.
·
The Juvenile Court was in session this morning. People were able to sit in the new waiting
room instead of out in the rotunda. The
seating was constructed from benches salvaged from the former Commissioners’
meeting room. There is space for one
more bench but it is not certain if one will become available. Mr. Raver said the Circuit Court jury room is
getting new chairs and suggested moving the old heavy oak chairs into the
Juvenile Court waiting room on a temporary basis.
·
Mr. Bassett has been working with Communication Systems regarding the
cooling issue in the new Communication Room.
Mr. Bassett and Mr. Tribby identified each piece of computer equipment
and anticipated additional equipment in order to calculate what temperature
will be generated in the room. A Request
for Proposals was submitted to Terstep Co. Inc. for an independent air
conditioning system above the ceiling.
In the interim, a portable air conditioner is being used to cool the
room between 72 and 74 degrees.
·
Mr. Bassett felt the proposal for preventative containment of leaks in
the penthouse area was excessive. In
order to bring the costs down, Mr. Bassett asked Terstep Co. Inc. to refigure
the proposal.
·
Maintenance Superintendent Tom Harrison is working with Mr. Bassett to
select a contractor to install and maintain the new fire alarm system. Mr. Bassett commented that Simplex Grinnell
has service agreements for equipment at the Jail and is the manufacturer of the
equipment being installed in the Courthouse.
·
Tom Harrison contacted Huston Electric about doing some electrical
work. However, Huston Electric will not
do any further work without an order because they have not been paid for some
electrical work in the Prosecutor’s Office.
Mr. Bassett had requested Huston Electric to submit “as built” drawings
but they did not want to submit them until the end of the project. Mr. Bassett anticipates this issue to be
resolved by the next Commissioners’ meeting.
·
The new jury room will be used by a judge pro-tem on Monday April 14th. Three of the old brown Commissioner’ chairs
currently on the fourth floor of the
·
Mr. Bassett said plans need to be made to start the work on the new
recording / sound systems. It was the consensus of the Board to purchase new
systems for Superior Courts I, II and
Circuit Court and to tie this into the existing contract as a “Change
Order”, duplicating what exists in Superior Court III and will be used in the new
court. There is possibility that Juvenile Court will
also need a new recording / sound system.
Judge Murray will be contacted as to the Juvenile Court need. Mr. Bassett will work with Huston Electric
and Word. He will also talk with Terstep
and come back to the Board with a “Change Order”.
IN THE MATTER OF PROPERTY TAX BOARD OF APPEALS (PTBOA) APPOINTMENTS:
Indiana Code 6-1.1-28-1 states the
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to reappoint Mr. William
Sahm to the Property Tax Board of Appeals. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.
IN THE MATTER OF
(See
Executive Director Kelly Thompson made the following
presentation:
The renovation project is a sponsorship program that
will fund approximately $200,000.00. The
total project cost is $500,000. Several
of the rooms in the mansion have already been sponsored. The total cash and pledged donations to date
are $97,000.00.
As the kitchen area was being remodeled, the
contractor came across some unexpected electrical work. The estimate for the electrical upgrade in
the kitchen was originally $3,500 but the actual work came to $14,055.72 plus
$8,200.00 for plaster restoration. This
resulted in $22,255 of additional unexpected costs.
The total plaster restoration for the entire mansion
of $29,000 has already been paid. Up to
now, a total of $108,000 has been spent for the project and only $97,000 in
donations has been received. The
remainder of the costs was paid out of operating expenses. The project is anticipated to be completed in
May 2003. Mrs. Thompson requested
financial help from the County out of Economic Development Income Tax Fund
(EDIT) or any other appropriate fund.
The Commissioners discussed funding sources. The were unsure how much money would be
available due to the priorities of existing projects already lined up. Ms. Thompson was asked to present a formal
written request detailing the amount of money needed at the next Commissioners’
meeting.
IN THE MATTER OF
A Poor Relief Hearing was conducted on
Mr. Raver 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 CLAIMS AND REPORTS:
1.
Agreements for School Bus Turn Arounds:
a. Northwestern School Corporation:
Superintendent Ryan A. Snoddy submitted written requests that the Howard County
Board of Commissioners approve facilities for three (3) school bus turn arounds
on real estate of the following properties as follows:
Holly Corwin 921
West 600 North
Jerry Yager 4180
North 300 East
Wayne Miller 7631
West 500 North
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion
to approve the school bus turn around pending Mr. Cain’s review and
approval. Mr. Raver seconded the motion
and it carried.
b. Eastern Howard School Corporation: Transportation Director submitted written requests that the Howard County Board of Commissioners approve facilities for two (2) school bus turn arounds on real estate of the following properties as follows:
Brent A. & Tammy L.
Gulla 8172 East 300 North
Jeff Craner 8155
East 600 North
2.
Operating claims payable on
Coca-Cola Bottling – Kok Inc. $31.55 Superior Court III – beverages for office
Rabb/Kinetico Water Systems $31.70 Recorder’s
Office – bottled water
Ice Mountain Spring water $15.73 Prosecutor’s Office – bottled water
Recently the State Board of Accounts established a policy that money in
the General Fund should not be spent for employee refreshments or
benefits. The Commissioners stated that
claims for money spent for juror food and beverages must be specifically
identified.
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to withhold payment of the above listed claims
until they find out what the money was used for. Mr. Raver seconded the motion.
After a discussion, the Commissioners decided to implement a policy that
the county funds will not be approved to pay for food and beverages for
employees. Mr. Harbaugh and Mr. Raver
withdrew their previous motions. Mr.
Raver made a motion to proceed with paying the beverage claims at this time and
set a policy that food and beverage claims for office use will no longer be
approved for payment from any funds except as related and specifically
identified for jury use; and send a memorandum to elected officials and
department heads stating such. Mr.
Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.
The Commissioners had questions and deliberated on the following claims:
Sherwin Williams Co. Inc. $297.57
Ubik’s Painting & Contracting $1,200.00
Kokomo Glass Shop Inc. $730.96
The claim from Sherwin Williams Co. Inc.
pertains to painting crosses on the roads for flying new aerial
photography. The claim from Ubik’s Painting
& Contracting and a portion of the claim ($231.15) to Kokomo Glass Shop
Inc. occurred when the Recorder’s Office was recently painted without
authorization.
Mr. Raver made a motion to approve payment on
the claims as listed except deny a portion of the claim for Kokomo Glass Shop
Inc. in the amount of $231.15 and the claim from Ubik’s Painting &
Contracting in the amount of $1,200.00 due to the fact that the painting in the
Recorder’s Office was unauthorized. Mr.
Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.
3.
Commissioners’ Salary Claims for hourly, salary,
and overtime payable for April 11th, and
4.
Resolution No. 2003-BCC-006: The request for a transfer in the Howard County
E-911 Enhancement Services Fund to be heard by the Howard County Council on
5.
6.
The County received $146,669.86 from the aggregate insurance company
(stop loss).
7.
The following statements from
MS4
Coordination $2,068.10
400
North Right-of-Way Project $1,110.98
8.
IN THE MATTER OF COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES:
IN THE MATTER OF
COMMISSIONER ISSUES:
1.
The Commissioners received copies of the following
letters addressed to Highway Superintendent Ted Cain from
a. The bridge inspection report.
b. Tuesday, April 15th at
2. A letter was received from Insight
Communications stating their contract expires on
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,