HOWARD COUNTY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JULY 22ND,  2003

 

 

The Howard County Council met Tuesday, July 22nd, 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, Leslie Ellison, Stanley Ortman and Jeffrey Stout.  Also present were County Attorney Larry Murrell, Personnel Administrator Wanda McKillip, and Auditor Martha Lake.  

 

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

 

The minutes of the June 24th, 2003 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. Papacek commended the county employees, especially members of the Sheriff’s Department, for their outstanding work during the recent storms and flooding.  The gentleman rescued from floodwater in western Howard County was miraculous. 

 

IN THE MATTER OF ORDINANCE NO. 2003-HCC-26 ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:

 

Ordinance No. 2003-HCC-26 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-26 was presented and acted upon as follows:

 

020         HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ACCIDENT REPORT FUND:

4710        Equipment                                                                             $    2,000.00                            $    2,000.00

Total Accident Report Fund:                                                             $    2,000.00                          $    2,000.00                         

 

Sheriff Marshall Talbert explained this fund is generated by the sale of accident reports.  The Sheriff proposes to use $2,000.00 to purchase two (2) hand held radar units.  One unit would be assigned to a K-9 Truck and the other unit would be used in a car that is equipped for the Reserve Deputy Program.  Sheriff Talbert proposes to have the Reserve Deputies focus on traffic on traffic enforcement and speeding complaints. 

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to appropriate $2,000.00 in Line Item 4710 as presented.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

150         HOWARD COUNTY CUMULATIVE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND:

4305.05   Sheriff Emergency Generator                                             $  54,000.00                            $  54,000.00
Total CCD Fund:                                                                 $  54,000.00                         $  54,000.00

 

(See page 4, June 24th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of the Monthly Commissary Report and Misc. Issues”, Item 2, for related discussion)

 

Sheriff Talbert reported that the new emergency generator is in place at the Criminal Justice Center.  The former generator stopped working when a cylinder seal leaked antifreeze into the oil.  The old 2-cycle generator was not E.P.A. compliant and it is no longer being manufactured to sell to the public.  It would have cost about $15,000.00 to $25,000.00 to repair the old generator.  MacAllister Engine Power gave a discount of $10,500.00 for trading in the old generator and wrote off the fee for a portable generator that was rented during the replacement interim.  The new emergency generator complies with EPA regulations and thus far, it has been working flawlessly.  MacAllister Engine Power provided training for maintenance personnel and several shift sergeants assigned to the jail. 

 

Mr. Singer made a motion to appropriate $54,000.00 to Line Item 4305.05 for the Sheriff Emergency Generator as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Ortman, the motion carried.

 

202         HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT INMATE MEDICAL FUND:

3263        Medical & Hospital Services                                             $   5,000.00                             $    5,000.00

Total  Inmate Medical Fund:                                                              $   5,000.00                           $    5,000.00

Sheriff Talbert said there was not enough money appropriated to carry the Medical & Hospital Services funds to the end of the calendar 2003-year.  When the budget was prepared for the year-2003, only $75,000.00 was appropriated.  In comparison, the County spent approximately $150,000.00 during 2002 for Inmate Medical Services.  Sheriff Talbert reported that most of the medical money has been depleted and requested an additional $5,000.00 for medical and hospital services.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Ellison and carried to appropriate $5,000.00 to Line Item 3263, Medical & Hospital Services in Account 202.

 

Sheriff Talbert distributed copies of the Monthly Commissary Report and Jail Report for the month of June 2003 to the Council members.

 

500         HOWARD COUNTY ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENT INCOME TAX FUND:

4733.01   Emergency Equipment                                                        $    6,775.00                            $    6,775.00
Total EDIT Fund:                                                                 $    6,775.00                          $    6,775.00

This request, which was presented by Commissioner President Bradley Bagwell, is to enable Emergency Management to purchase some radio equipment.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to allocate $6,775.00 to Line Item 4733.01 Emergency Radio Equipment as requested.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, which carried.

 

522         HOWARD COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUVENILE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FUND:
1111        SHOCAP Tracker                                                 $  25,691.00                            $  25,691.00
1520        Unemployment Compensation                                          $    1,966.00                            $    1,966.00

1521        FICA                                                                                      $    1,966.00                            $    1,966.00

1522        PERF                                                                                      $    2,261.00                            $    2,261.00
1523        Insurance                                                                              $    8,132.00                            $    8,132.00

3590        Contractual Services                                                           $  10,000.00                            $  10,000.00
3120        Professional Services                                                          $  16,148.00                            $  16,148.00
3213        Travel                                                                                     $    2,000.00                            $    2,000.00

3250        Prevention Program                                                             $    5,136.00                            $    5,136.00
Total Juvenile Community Corrections Fund:                              $  73,300.00                         $  73,300.00

 

(See page 2, June 24th, 2003 minutes, “104   Howard County Circuit Court Supplemental Juvenile Services Fund”, for related discussion)

 

Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Donald Travis submitted a written explanation last month regarding three accounts.  At that time, Mr. Travis asked the Council to disregard the first paragraph explaining the request in Account 522 because it was not advertised in time for the meeting.   The request was legally advertised and is ready to be considered by the Council. 

 

This is an on-going grant, one that the County has had a few years of experience in the administration process.  The requested appropriations for this fund correspond to the same appropriated figures that occurred in 2002, representing no increase in funding.  This fund supports the SHOCAP Tracker Program, Community Service Work Program (Volunteer Service Program), and the Mentoring Program.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Singer and carried to appropriate a total of $73,300.00 to the Line Items listed above in the Howard County Circuit Court Juvenile Community Corrections Fund 522.

 

TOTAL ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

ALL FUNDS:                                                                                        $141,075.00                        $ 141,075.00

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF RESOLUTION NO. 2003-HCC-12  -- TRANSFERS:

 

Resolution No. 2003-HCC-12 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 DEPARTMENT:

1113        Deputies                                                1119.07    Overtime Deputies              $  17,226.89                            $  17,226.89
1119.01   Corrections Officers            1122         Overtime-Corr. Off.             $  20,647.38                            $  20,647.38

1119.01   Corrections Officers            1115.02   Clerical Part-time                  $    3,000.00                            $   3, 000.00           

4723        Motor Vehicles                     3121        Radio Removal/Install.        $    5,500.00                            $    5,500.00
4723        Motor Vehicles                     2725        Red lights, sirens etc.          $    3,000.00                            $    3,000.00
4728        Mobile Comp. Terminals     2726        Police Equip.                         $         87.00                            $         87.00

 

Personnel Administrator Ree Moon stated that the Sheriff’s Department continues to struggle with overtime hours.  Two to four employees have been on family medical leave this year, there is double staffing in unit force since the recent suicide of an inmate, and 16 hours of mandated training have all contributed to overtime costs. 

 

The Sheriff’s Department is looking into a new objective versus subjective classification system that the jail inspector will require in the year 2005.  Inmate classification would be thoroughly scrutinized, which should help better utilize manpower at the jail.   An inmate would have to meet very rigid standards to be classified as minimum security.  This would cause the inmates to be in a secured environment more often, resulting in less security guards needed.

 

Mr. Miller requested the total figures for overtime spent this year.  Ms. Moon said up to now, $36,000.00 has been spent for overtime pay this year.  Sheriff Talbert said the staffing is greatly affected as several Correction Officers are on extended family medical leave.  Two inmates were seriously injured which required guards to be present for several days during their hospitalization.  Sheriff Talbert said he worked during some of the shifts in an attempt to keep some of the overtime down.  One of the employees that had been on extended family medical leave recently quit work and the position had to be filled.  A deputy who is very ill remains on medical leave.

 

Mr. Papacek asked, “How much difference in manpower does it take with direct supervision of the inmates as opposed to a linear supervision?”  Sheriff Talbert said, “It takes quite a bit more manpower in a linear facility.”  Ms. Moon said, “Inmates have a tendency to be more aggressive in a linear setting than in an open concept setting.  A linear setting results in more injuries to inmates and correctional officers.”

 

Regarding the request for a transfer to Line Item 1115.02 Clerical Part-time:  Ms. Moon said the Sheriff’s Department employs a civilian to work as a part time civil process server.  The employee helps with prisoner transports and other necessary duties.

 

In regard to the last three listed non-salary transfers, so far this year the Sheriff’s Department has purchased two civil process vehicles, two K-9 trucks, a prisoner transport van and one Chevrolet Impala for the Courthouse Deputy.  This amounts to six vehicles that have been equipped with radios, emergency lights and sirens.  The cost to install emergency equipment in each car ranges from $300 to $950.  Only $3,000.00 was appropriated to Line Item 3121 Radio Removal/Installation.  Also, a mechanically sound vehicle was discovered in the back line, destined for disposal or trade-in, having only 66,000 miles on it.  The necessary lights and sirens were installed on the vehicle and it is reinstated to be used in the Reserve Deputy Program.  On July 10th, 2003, the Sheriff’s Department received approval to purchase more two vehicles, therefore additional money is needed to accommodate the necessary equipment.  The Sheriff’s Department is finished purchasing vehicles for the reminder of 2003 unless an emergency replacement is needed. 

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve the transfers to the Line Items as listed above in Account 001-005.  Mr. Singer seconded the motion, which carried.

 

033          HOWARD COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT III:
1118        Clerk/Civil                              1120        Clerk/Criminal                       $   1,696.00                             Return to Council

     8/26/03

 

Superior Court III Judge Douglas A. Tate explained that after recently hiring a new employee to take over the position of Civil Clerk, the payroll indicated that the existing Criminal Clerk’s salary was significantly less.  The duties of the Civil Clerk remain unchanged but the Criminal Clerk’s workload has increased over the last three years.  Judge Tate proposed an adjustment in order to make the Clerks’ salaries the same:  Combine the existing Criminal Clerk’s salary of $26,975.00 with the Civil Clerk’s salary of $30,367.00 for a total of $57,342.00 and divide the money equally to create two clerk salaries of $28,671.00 each.

 

Mr. Singer stated that job descriptions were not provided when the PAC Committee reviewed this request.  Judge Tate explained that the duties will not change.  He reiterated that an employee hired less than a month ago would be making significantly more money than the other employee that started working three years ago with increased job duties.  Judge Tate advised that the proposed salary adjustment has been discussed with the employees.

 

Mr. Papacek said in the past, the Council encouraged all four courts to establish the same rate of pay for each job classification.  Judge Tate explained that he has three different salary rates within his office.   

 

Mr. Ellison made a motion to table this request until the next meeting.  Mr. Ortman seconded the motion, resulting in a split vote for three (3) in favor of and three (3) opposed.  The motion died.   

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to return this request to the PAC Committee and request the PAC Committee to make a recommendation before the next Council meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Stout, the motion carried.

 

150         HOWARD COUNTY CUMULATIVE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND:
4723.01   Furn. & Equip.--CH              4329        EM Equip./Repair $  16,700.00                            $   16,700.00

 

Auditor Martha Lake stated that Emergency Management Director Larry Smith went to the Commissioners’ meeting on July 21st and explained that some weather radios were severely damaged from the recent storms.  Because the equipment is necessary for City and County emergency notification, the equipment needs to be purchased immediately.  The money will be appropriated back into the Courthouse Furniture and Equipment Fund when there is time for the necessary advertising process.   Reimbursement will be made for the damaged equipment by the county insurance company and from F.E.M.A.

 

Mr. Singer made a motion to approve the transfer as requested.  Mr. Ellison seconded the motion, which carried.

 

510         HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS GRANT FUND (2002-03):

1580        PERF                                      1500        FICA                                      $        42.07                             $           42.07

 

Auditor Martha Lake said she received this request only yesterday and did not have an opportunity to meet with Community Corrections Director Steve Maus.  Apparently this request is a matter of housekeeping on the 2002-2003 records.

 

Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve the transfer of $42.07 from 1580 PERF to 1500 FICA.  Mr. Shearer seconded the motion, and it carried.

 

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF SALARY ORDINANCE NO. 2003-HCC-27 – AMENDING THE EXISTING SALARY ORDINANCE FOR 2003:

 

A motion was made by Mr. Papacek, seconded by Mr. Shearer and carried to approve Amended Salary Ordinance 2003-HCC-27 as read.  The amended salaries, any changed position titles and all other pertinent information is shown as follows:

 

 

 

 

POSITION/NUMBER/SALARY                                                      REQUEST:            APPROVED:             YTD:

 

001         HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL FUND:

005          HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT:
1113        Deputies   19@$36,549 -$61,054=$633,377                                       -$ 17,226.89            -$  17,226.89           $ 616.150.11

1119.01   Corrections Officers 32@/$27,234 -$2,451=$869,067                      -$  23,647.38           -$  23,647.38           $ 845,389.62
1119.07   Overtime Deputies   $20,000                                                               +$ 17,226.89           +$  17,226.89          $   37,226.89
1115.02   Clerical/Process Server Part-time $12,000                                         +$   3,000.00           +$    3,000.00          $   15,000.00

1122        Overtime Corr. Off.  $16,000.00                                                           +$ 20,647.38           +$  20,647.38          $   36,647.38

 

033          HOWARD COUNTY SUPERIOR COUT III:

1118        Clerk/Civil   2@$30.367.00=$60,734                                   -$   1,696.00            Return to               $   30,367.00 1120  Clerk/Criminal                                                                                       +$  1,696.00            Council 8/26/03     $   26,742.00                                                                          

510         HOWARD COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUVENILE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FUND:
1111        SHOCAP Tracker    New 1 @ $25,691.00                                          +$ 25,691.00           +$  25,691.00          $ 25,691.00

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE ISSUE:

 

Prosecutor James Fleming explained the Prosecutor’s Office has four programs that generate income:

 

1.  Pre Trial Diversion

2.  Asset Forfeiture Program

3.  Bad Check Program

4.  Copy Money

 

Mr. Fleming presented checks to the Commissioners in the amount of $9,300 from money generated from the Bad Check Program and $2,000 from fees collected for photocopies.

 

IN THE MATTER OF MAYOR’S COMMUNITY BASED COUNCIL ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION:

 

Rick Swigart, Coordinator for the Howard County Drug-Free Community Program addressed the Council in regard to his 2003-2004 Budget. 

 

The Drug-Free Community Program conducts a range of activities including purchasing interdiction equipment, providing law enforcement training, funding community awareness activities. 

 

As of July 11th, 2003, in the Drug Free Communities Fund Account, there was a balance of $77,834.51.  Mr. Swigart asked that $70,000.00 be appropriated for operating funds for the next year.  State Statute divides the fund up into four parts with three parts going to three standing committees and the fourth part going to the discretionary fund that provides operating expenses and covers projects at large that are not funded under the other committees’ allocations.  Mr. Swigart presented the Council with information containing a breakdown of the proposed budget for each committee.

 

There were no questions or comments.  Mr. Papacek made a motion to approve the allocation proposal of the Drug Free Community Funds for the 2003-2004 year as submitted.  Mr. Ellison seconded the motion, which carried.

 

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUE – ANTHEM PRESCRIPTION PLAN:

 

Personnel Director Wanda McKillip distributed Information packets to Council Members regarding the Prescription Program for employees enrolled in the Anthem Insurance Plan.

 

IN THE MATTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUE:

 

Administrator Kristine Conyers presented information regarding the mosquito elimination program.

 

In 2002 the State Department of Health gave every county in Indiana $1,000 from the CDC Preventive Block Grant money for West Nile Virus Surveillance.  Last year the Howard County Health Department used $975.00 of the grant money to purchase chemicals to eradicate mosquitoes.  The Health Department plans to spend the $1,000 received for the 2003-year for larvicide and chemicals.  One of the chemicals is a derivative of mineral oil, which is sprayed on standing water to suffocate mosquito larva.  Also there are granules and dunks that can be applied to the water.  The Health Department is being inundated with requests for fogging but no adulticiding is being done.  Fogging and spraying is not a good use of the funds.  The main focus is to prevent the mosquito larva from hatching.  Mrs. Conyers explained that ponds containing fish and other living things will not be treated.  The fish, frogs, and other living things prey on the mosquitoes, keeping the population down.

 

The Health Department also put together and distributed educational packets to people in the community that have potential to have mosquito breeding sites on their property.  Literature regarding mold is also being distributed to the community.

 

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF BUDGET HEARINGS:

 

The next regular Council Meeting on August 26th will be extended to hold the 2004 Budget Sessions for a total of four sessions – August 26th, 27th, 28th and September 9th, which will include regular business and adoption.

 

IN THE MATTER OF MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

 

Sheriff Marshall Talbert mentioned on the evening of July 21st, there was an incident in Greentown requiring the SWAT team to be called in.  There was a hostage situation where an armed man threatened to kill his wife and himself.  The situation was resolved without violence or gunfire.  Coroner Jeff Stout, who happened to be in the Greentown area on other business, was able to observe the operation from beginning to end.  After a discussion, Sheriff Talbert and Major Steve Rogers thought it would be a good idea to notify any interested Council Members or Commissioners when the Sheriff’s Department sets up a command post for major incidents such as a SWAT operation, manhunt, missing child, explosion, etc.  The Councilman or Commissioner would be permitted to go to the command post as an observer, help coordinate things or offer suggestions.

 

Sheriff Talbert felt this would be a viable program and would establish a good working relationship between the Sheriff’s Department, County Council, and Commissioners.  Anyone interested in the program should contact Sheriff Talbert.

 

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Papacek made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Stout, 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, July 22nd, 2003