HOWARD COUNTY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2003

 

 

The Howard County Council met Tuesday, September 23rd, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., in Room 338 of the Howard County Administration Center. Those present were Council President Richard Miller, Council Vice President James Papacek and Council Members Dwight Singer, James Shearer, Stanley Outman and Jeffrey Stout.  Also present were County Attorney Larry Murrell, Personnel Administrator Wanda McKillip, and Auditor Martha Lake.  Councilman Leslie Ellison was unable to attend this meeting.  

 

The meeting was called to order by Sheriff Marshall Talbert and conducted by President Richard Miller.   

 

The minutes of the August 26th, 27th, 28th and September 9th, 2003 Regular and Budget Hearing/Adoption Meeting, having been previously reviewed, were approved as submitted on a motion made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer and carried.

 

OPENING COMMENTS AND REMARKS:

 

Mr. Stout expressed appreciation to President Miller for the letter written to Department Heads and Elected Officials thanking them for their help and cooperation during the difficult budget hearings and adoption.  

 

IN THE MATTER OF ORDINANCE NO. 2003-HCC-39 ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:

 

Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-39 was read in full for the first time by Auditor Martha Lake, and read in full for the second time by President Richard Miller.  Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-39 was presented and acted upon as follows:

 

*001       HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:

005          HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:
2335        Institutional & Medical Supplies                                      $   80,000.00                           $   80,000.00
3264        Meals for Prisoners                                                             $   70,000.00                           $   70,000.00
TOTAL SHERIFF DEPARTMENT:                                  $ 150,000.00                           $ 150,000.00

 

Sheriff Marshall Talbert distributed the Commissary Report and Jail Report for the month of August 2003 to Council members.  The Sheriff explained the requests for additional money as follows:

 

1.        The balance in the Commissary Fund is the lowest that it has been since the beginning of Sheriff Talbert’s term.  However, money has already been provided to the Auditor’s Office in the amount of $12,500 to pay the Commissary Deputy’s salary through the end of the 2003-year.

 

2.        Due to rising costs in medical supplies and medications the money in the Institutional & Medical Supplies has been depleted.  The Sheriff requested an additional $80,000 to carry the cost of medical supplies until the end of the 2003-year.

 

3.        Recently the jail experienced another surge in the inmate population.  This past weekend the inmate population increased from 267 to 304.  An increase of 37 prisoners results in preparation of an additional 111 meals per day or 777 for one week. The maximum inmate capacity is 310.  By the time Sheriff Talbert left the jail this evening the inmate population was down to 297.  Sheriff Talbert estimated the additional money requested in Line Item 3264 would carry the cost of meals through to the end of the calendar year.

 

Mr. Shearer asked if any prisoners were incarcerated from other counties or states.  Sheriff Talbert stated the department is trying to not bring in prisoners from other counties.  There may be a couple of prisoners waiting for transport by the Department of Corrections but Captain Vincent has been instructed to move them as quickly as possible.  The Judges in Howard County are being encouraged to provide the abstracts as quickly as possible once people have been sentenced.

 

4.        During a recent visit from the Social Security Administration (SSI) the Sheriff was informed about a reward program.  The Sheriff’s Department would participate in the program by identifying people incarcerated at the Howard County Jail who should not be receiving social security benefits.  As a reward, the Sheriff’s Department would receive some payments that would be directed into the County General Fund.  Sheriff Talbert advised he would meet with the Commissioners, County Attorney, and the Auditor to discuss participation in this program.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to appropriate $80,000 to Line Item 2335 and $70,000 to Line Item in Account 005 and $2,628.00 to Line Item 3264 in Account 182 as requested.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.  (See page 3)

 

Mr. Papacek commended Sheriff Talbert for setting a good example for those working in county government with his efforts of optimal use of appropriated funds.


009          HOWARD COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE:
3123        Ambulance Transport                                                         $    2,000.00                            $    2,000.00

                               

Mr. Jeffrey Stout explained the request on behalf of Coroner Brad Bray who had been called away.  Additional money is needed for to pay for accrued ambulance transportation charges and to hopefully cover further costs until the end of the calendar year.

 

Mr. Singer made a motion to appropriate $2,000 to Line Item 3123 Ambulance Transport as requested.  Seconded by Mr. Papacek, the motion carried.

 

023          HOWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
3546        Care of Inmates in Institutions                                          $ 150,000.00                           $ 150,000.00

Commissioner President Bradley Bagwell explained that Howard County is responsible for taking care of some inmates that are not housed in Howard County.  The request for $150,000 is anticipated to cover the costs for inmates in institutions outside of Howard County until the end of the 2003-year.

 

A motion to appropriate $150,000 to Line Item 3546 in Account 023 was approved by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer and carried.

 

Total Howard County General Fund:                                               $302,000.00                         $ 302,000.00       

 

**04       HOWARD COUNTY SUPPLEMENTAL JUVENILE PROBATION FUND:

3350        JAIBG Match                                                                        $   6,301.00                             $    6,301.00
Total Supplemental Juvenile Probation Fund:                               $   6,301.00                           $    6,301.00

Juvenile Probation Director Donald Travis presented the following information:

 

The JAIBG match to be taken out of Fund 104 this year is $6,301.00.  Mr. Travis received documentation from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute that the money received for Fund 156-Juvenile Accountability Block Grant would be reduced over the next several years up to 20%.  This is the last year that capital items may be purchased with the grant money, which is why a vehicle purchase is requested in Line Item 4740 in Account 156.

 

**Approval for these additional appropriations in Account 104 was combined with Account 156 and Account 178 in a motion made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Shearer, and carried.  (See page 3, following discussion of Account 178)

 

150         HOWARD COUNTY CUMULATIVE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND:

4305        Sheriff Repair Bldg./Furniture, Fixtures                            $   10,000.00                           $   10,000.00

4720        Government Bldg. Repair                                                    $   48,000.00                           $   48,000.00

Total CCD Fund:                                                                 $   58,000.00                        $   58,000.00

Commissioner Bagwell explained the first Line Item is for general upkeep and items in need of repair at the Criminal Justice Center.  Sheriff Talbert had additional comments regarding this request.  He said the Courtroom door at the Criminal Justice Center was adjusted so it would open completely.  Due to the uneven floor resulting from the building settling there are a few more doors that need adjusted as well.  Garage doors were refinished and repainted with money out of Fund 4305.     

 

Regarding Line Item 4720, Mr. Bagwell advised the insulated pipes for the HVAC system in the basement of the Government Building have visible mold growth.  This appropriation request is to clean the pipes and replace the insulation on the pipes.

 

Mr. Singer made a motion to approve the additional appropriations in the line items listed above for a total amount of $58,000.  Mr. Papacek seconded the motion, which carried.

 

**56       HOWARD COUNTY JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY BLOCK GRANT FUND:
1111        Surveillance Officer                                                             $   36,400.00                           $   36,400.00
1521        FICA                                                                                      $     2,800.00                           $     2,800.00
2370        Clothing Allowance                                                             $        500.00                           $        500.00
2380        Instant Urine Screens                                                          $     1,800.00                           $     1,800.00
3262        Urine Screens                                                                       $     2,200.00                           $     2,200.00
3375        Vehicle Maintenance                                                           $        500.00                           $        500.00          

3376        Vehicle Gas                                                                           $     1,500.00                           $     1,500.00                          

4740        Vehicle Purchase                                                                  $   17,308.00                           $   17,308.00

Total JAIBG Fund:                                                                              $   63,008.00                        $   63,008.00

 

Juvenile Probation Director Donald Travis stated that Account 156 continues to operate the JAIBG Grant that has been in existence for the past five years.  These amounts have been submitted to the State for their approval.

 

The current vehicle has 70,000 miles of use.  Since the grant money will be reduced to approximately $40,000 in a couple of years, Mr. Travis felt it is prudent to purchase a vehicle for the program this year. 

 

Line Item 2380 Instant Urine Screens is for the purchase of urine screens for the Drug Court operation.  Line Item 3262 is the for the urine screens that are sent to a laboratory.  If a juvenile is being screened five or six times a week, two of the screening will be sent to a laboratory.

 

Eight (8) children have participated or are currently participating in the Juvenile Drug Court Program.  Statistics are starting to show some positive impact on the use of drugs and alcohol. 

 

**Approval of the appropriations in the line items in Account 156 was combined with Account 104 and Account 178 in a motion made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Shearer, and carried.  (See page 3, following discussion of Account 178)

 

**178    HOWARD COUNTY JUV.  PROBATION ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAM GRANT FUND:

3120        Professional Services-Software                                         $   46,000.00                           $   46,000.00

4720        Computers                                                                             $   22,500.00                           $   22,500.00

4721        Server                                                                                     $     5,000.00                           $     5,000.00
4722        Computer Equipment                                                           $     1,500.00                           $     1,500.00

Total ASP Grant Fund:                                                                      $   75,000.00                        $   75,000.00

 

Juvenile Probation Director Donald Travis explained the Alternative School Program (ASP) is an extension of the Drug Court’s philosophy in working with Kokomo Center School Corporation.  The requested appropriations will be used to supply the hardware and software for the program.   Kokomo Center Schools provides the instructor and floor space as the in-kind match for the grant.  Once the software is purchased there is only a maintenance fee, which is approximately 10% of the cost. 

 

The program is designed for children who are expelled or pending expulsion.  The program provides the children with continued education in an alternative classroom rather that leaving them on the streets.  The software is dynamically created to conduct an assessment test and build a curriculum for the kids to catch up to their recommended education level.  The pilot program is anticipated to begin in January 2004, after the equipment is in place and training is completed. 

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to appropriate $6,301.00 to Line Item 3350 in Account 104; appropriate $63,008.00 to the line items as requested in Account 156; and allocate $75,000.00 to the line items in Fund 178.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

 

*182       HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING FUND:
3213        Travel & Training                                                                $    2,628.00                            $     2,628.00
Total LEEF Fund:                                                                 $    2,628.00                          $     2,628.00

 

Sheriff Talbert said money in this account is generated from the fees paid for tickets to the County Clerk’s Office.  This revenue source was overlooked by former administrations and per procedure, large amounts of money were sent to the State.

 

This appropriation was included and approved on an earlier motion made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Shearer and carried.  (See page 1, attached, request for additional money in Account 005 Howard County Sheriff’s Department)

 

TOTAL ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

ALL FUNDS:                                                                                        $506,937.00                        $   506,937.00

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF RESOLUTION NO. 2003-HCC-17  -- TRANSFERS:

 

Resolution No. 2003-HCC-17 addressing requested transfers was presented and read in full for Council information and review.  The following actions were taken:

 

TRANSFERS:                                                                       AMOUNT:

FROM:                                   TO:                                                         REQUESTED:                       ALLOWED:

 

001         HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:  

 

005          HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:

1115        Clerical Asst.                        1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $    2,660.00                            $   2,660.00
1119        Cook                                       1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $       555.00                            $      555.00
1119.01   Correction Officer                1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $  17,816.00                            $ 17,816.00

1119.05   SWAT Pro Pay                     1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $    1,500.00                            $   1,500.00

1120        Part-time Cook                      1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $    2,000.00                            $   2,000.00

1120.01   Part-time Corr. Officer          1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $    2,471.00                            $   2,471.00
1120.02   Road Gang Super.                1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $       450.00                            $      450.00

1121        Longevity                              1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $       500.00                            $      500.00

1123        County Dispatcher              1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $    5,579.00                            $   5,579.00

1125.01   Nurse                                     1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $    2,375.00                            $   2,375.00

3725        Dive Team                             1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $    1,000.00                            $   1,000.00

4723        Motor Vehicles                     1122        Overtime Corr. Officer         $  10,000.00                            $ 10,000.00

 

Sheriff Marshall Talbert advised that the Sheriff’s Department continues to struggle with overtime hours for correctional officers.  The posts for the cellblocks must be maintained at the facility with a minimum number of staff.  A number of officers have been on Family Medical Leave during the 2003-year.  Absences due to medical leave, injuries and illness have created a hardship on the correctional side of the jail.  In the past there has been a high turnover rate for Corrections Officers but since the economy has slowed down the turnover rate is not as high.  Unfortunately a few correctional officers had to be terminated this year due to trafficking to inmates and various other unacceptable activities.

 

Mr. Papacek asked if there currently were any job openings for Correctional Officers.  Sheriff Talbert stated there was one opening that was reserved for David McKinney when Larry Sparks returns to work on September 27th after completing active duty in Iraq.  However, Mr. McKinney has indicated that he does not want the available job and does not want to perform the duties of a Correctional Officer.  Sheriff Talbert recommended that the job opening should be filled as soon as possible.

The law enforcement side has more flexibility.  If the Sheriff’s Department is short one patrol officer, the State Police can provide assistance by moving a State patrol car into the Howard County area.  As a good cooperative effort, the Russiaville and Greentown Town Marshals are willing to provide back-up for the east and west sides of the County when necessary.  Mr. Miller commented that the assistance from the State Police is a refreshingly new concept and appreciated their help.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve the transfers in the Account 005 Howard County Sheriff’s Department as read by the Auditor.  Mr. Singer seconded the motion, which carried.

               
033          HOWARD COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT III:
1118        Clerk/Civil                              1121        Security Officer                    $   1,500.00                             $  1,500.00

 

Auditor Martha Lake advised she left a message for Judge Doug Tate regarding attending this meeting to present his request.  Judge Tate formerly submitted a request in writing to transfer funds to cover the salary of the new security officer, Chad Smalley, due to the resignation of Tucker Lewis.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve the transfer of $1,500.00 from Line Item 1118 Clerk/Civil to Line Item 1121 Security Officer.  Seconded by Mr. Stout, the motion carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF SALARY ORDINANCE NO. 2003-HCC-40 – AMENDING THE EXISTING SALARY ORDINANCE FOR 2003:

 

A motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Ortman and carried to approve Amended Salary Ordinance 2003-HCC-40 as read.  The amended salaries, any changed position titles and all other pertinent information is shown as follows:

 

001         HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:

005          HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:

1115        Clerical Asst.  7@$25,189=$176,323                                  -$   2,660.00            -$  2,660.00             $173,663.00

1119        Cook  1@$28,391                                                                  -$      555.00            -$     555.00             $  27,836.00

1119.01   Correction Officer  32@$27,234-$26,098=$845,389                          -$ 17,816.00            -$17,816.00             $827,573.00

1119.05   SWAT Pro Pay   $6,750                                                                       -$   1,500.00            -$  1,500.00             $   5,250.00

1120        Part-time Cook    $10,400                                                                     -$   2,000.00            -$  2,000.00             $   8,400.00

1120.01   Part-time Corr. Officer  $10,000                                                           -$   2,471.00            -$  2,471.00             $   7,929.00
1120.02   Road Gang Super.  1@$27,486                                                           -$      450.00            -$     450.00             $ 35,415.00

1121        Longevity $21,100                                                                                -$      500.00            -$     500.00             $ 20,600.00

1123        County Dispatcher  9@$29,144=$262,296                                        -$   5,579.00            -$  5,579.00             $256,717.00

1125.01   Nurse 2@$29,540=$59,080                                                  -$   2,375.00            -$  2,375.00             $ 56,705.00
1122        Overtime Corr. Officers  $16,000+$20,647=$36,647                          +$46,906.00            +$46,906.00            $ 83,553.00

 

033          HOWARD COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT III:

1118        Clerk/Civil  2@$30,367=$60,734                                                         -$   1,500.00            -$   1,500.00            $ 59,234.00

1121        Security Officer 1@$26,742                                                                +$  1,500.00            +$  1,500.00            $ 28,242.00

 

156         HOWARD COUNTY JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY BLOCK GRANT FUND:

1111        Surveillance Officer  @$36,400                                                          +$36,400.00            +$36,400.00            $36,400.00

 

IN THE MATTER OF UPDATE ON LEVIES:

As a matter of housekeeping Mr. Singer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Papacek and carried, to send a letter to the Department of Local Government Finance requesting a change in the total balance of the following accounts:

1.        Reassessment Levy:  Request the 0123 Reassessment Levy for 2003-2004 to be closed and place the unused portion in County General Fund for 2003-2004.

2.        Cumulative Bridge Fund Levy:  Set the 2003-2004 levies for the Cumulative Bridge Fund at a maximum of $560,000.

IN THE MATTER OF RIVERBOAT WAGERING TAX:

 

Auditor Martha Lake reported that a total of $537,255.23 came in from the Riverboat Wagering Tax.  The towns of Russiaville, Greentown, and Kokomo received a portion of the money.  It is recommended that the County’s share, in the amount of $222,663.35, be placed into the General Fund.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to deposit the County’s portion from the gaming tax fees in the amount of $222,663.35 into the Howard County General Fund.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF OLD BUSINESS:

 

There was no old business to come before the Council at this time.

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF NEW BUSINESS:

 

        1.     Indiana Department of Commerce Regionalization Program:  Program Manager Linda Klinck presented the Council with the 2002 Annual Report.  She briefly described some of the programs, services and funding that the Indiana Department of Commerce participates in. 

 

Ms. Klinck advised that at the end of the year-2002 the Department of Commerce, under the supervision of Governor Frank O’Bannon and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kernan, started a Regionalization Program to become more customer friendly in the State.  A decision was made to place representatives throughout the communities to provide the services that were formerly based in Indianapolis.  The Region 4 Office is located in the Indiana Vocational Technical Building in Howard County.  Mr. Charlie Sparks is the Regional Director, Shay Young is the Administrative Coordinator, and Linda Klinck is the Program Manager.  Ms. Klinck advised that these representatives are available to help with any community projects that Howard County might need.

 

        2.     Kokomo/Howard County Chamber of Commerce Activity Update:  Mr. Rick Hamilton gave a presentation on the project and various activities of the Chamber as follows:

 

                1.         Clearing House                                                         8.         Leadership Kokomo

                2.         Newcomers Guide                                                    9.         Beautification Efforts

                3.         Information on Internet                                           10.       Events – Chili Cook Off

                4.         Maps (provide free)                                                 11.       Teachers Appreciation Dinner

                5.         Phone Book Distribution                                        12.       Partners in Education

                6.         Demographic Information                                       13.       Promote the Community as a Whole

                7.         Leadership Kokomo                                                14.       Subsidize Main Street and Score (free or low rent)

 

        3.     Main Street Association Activity Update:  Mr. Paul Wood, President of The Main Street Association, has made two (2) budget requests to the County Commissioners since he began his tenure in August 2002.  However, Mr. Wood was not aware that the County Council determines final approval of the budget.  He gave a presentation regarding the accomplished and projected activities and grants of the Main Street Association.  Mr. Wood also presented a Master Plan for Revitalization of downtown Kokomo that was prepared by The Schneider Team.

 

With the knowledge that the budget request was reduced for the upcoming year, Mr. Wood wished to express the County’s appropriation is critical to the overall success of the Main Street Association’s activities and plans for the community.  On behalf of the Main Street Association Board, Mr. Wood requested the Council to consider restoring the budget to its current funding level of $20,000.

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:

Sexual Harassment Policy:  Elected Officials, Department Heads, and Supervisors are encouraged to attend a meeting in the Government Building on Tuesday, October 21st, 2003 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. regarding “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace”.

 

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Papacek made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Singer and carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

                                                                                                                HOWARD COUNTY COUNCIL:

 

 

                                                                                                                _________________________________________

                                                                                                                Richard H. Miller, President

 

                                                                                                                _________________________________________

                                                                                                                James Papacek, Vice President

 

                                                                                                                _________________________________________

                                                                                                                James Shearer, Councilman

 

                                                                                                                _________________________________________

                                                                                                                Dwight Singer, Jr., Councilman

 

                                                                                                                _________________________________________

                                                                                                                Leslie Ellison, Councilman

 

                                                                                                                _________________________________________

                                                                                                                Stanley Ortman, Councilman

 

                                                                                                                _________________________________________

                                                                                                                Jeffrey Stout, Councilman

ATTEST:

 

 

__________________________

MARTHA J. LAKE, AUDITOR

County Council Minutes, September 23rd, 2003