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
On page 8, “In the Matter of Commissioner Issues”, Item 1, change the spelling of Clay Township Trustee David Boise to David Boyce.
This was seconded by Mr. Raver, and duly carried:
IN THE MATTER OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONER REMARKS AND RECOGNITIONS:
1.
Mr. Jerry Jenkins, Director of the City of Firsts Automotive Heritage
Museum has requested that the
2.
Commissioner Bagwell stated that during the week of
IN THE MATTER OF HIGHWAY ISSUES:
Mr. Ted Cain, Howard County Highway
Engineer/Superintendent was unable to attend the meeting due to his vacation
schedule.
IN THE MATTER OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:
Sheriff Marshall Talbert presented the following
issues for Commissioner information and approval:
1.
Deputy/Lieutenant Don Howard is in the hospital recuperating from what
appears to be two strokes, which he suffered on Friday, May 30th. He has been in ICU over the weekend. He is doing better, and is expected to be
moved out of ICU soon.
2.
A check in the amount of $12,500.00 was presented to the Auditor for
the Commissary Deputy position. This
money will cover the salary and benefits for the next quarter.
3.
Buckeye Power Sales serviced the generator at the
Mr. Raver made a motion to accept the contract from Buckeye Power Sales in the amount of $1,317.10 to perform a load bank test of the generator and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.
4. Jail Report: The jail population is at 275. Two prisoners were hospitalized within the
past week. One prisoner was injured and
taken to
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 44-CP-01 – one (1) lot in
2.
Case 14-CP-03 – twenty (20) lots in Cloverdale
Subdivision, located at
3.
Case 13-CP-03 – one (1) lot in DeWeese
Subdivision of
4. Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-21 - (Case 2-CZ-03) a request for a change in zone classification from R-1 (Residential) to C-1 (Light Industrial) for property located at 4802 West 250 South was considered. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-21 as requested. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.
5. Unsafe Buildings:
a. 3904 South 350 West: There has been no response from the
Bankruptcy Trustee regarding the Martin
and Frieda Myers property. In a conversation with
b. An
unsafe building and property was inspected in Phlox. The building exterior was not in good
condition but the building and property are being maintained. Mr. Boise will further investigate the
property.
c.
1050 West: Letters were sent out to the property
owners. The building is abandoned and
has been condemned by the Health Department because children were using it to
play in.
d.
Mr. Boise contacted
the Center Township Trustee for advice about qualified building inspectors. The individuals that inspect buildings for
Trustee are not certified, however, they referred Mr. Boise to a fireman that
has a certificate for building inspection.
Mr. Boise is in the process of contacting the fireman.
6. Flood Mitigation Issues: Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.) requested some additional information on a form that they sent. Mr. Boise is working on filling out the form.
7.
Visibility Complaints: Mr. Boise is
the enforcement officer of an ordinance addressing vegetation growth. Any complaints about tall weeds at public
intersections or obstructing traffic signs in the County right-of-way should be
directed to Mr. Boise at 765-456-2330.
IN THE
MATTER OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:
Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison was not
in attendance due to his vacation. Mr.
Raver reported on the following issues on behalf of Mr. Harrison:
1. Status of Missing Door: (See page 6,
2. Outdoor Electrical Boxes at
Courthouse: (See page 3,
IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR
ISSUES:
Personnel Director Wanda McKillip presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:
1. Crime Alert Bulletin: The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety
Emergency Management Division distributed a bulletin regarding suspicious
powder in envelopes that have been sent to numerous Government buildings
throughout the
3.
The Family
Medical Leave Log for 2003 was confirmed on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh,
seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.
4.
Mrs. McKillip
is proposing a seminar in Fall - 2003 about Family Medical Leave and
American Disabilities Act (
5. Birthday Post Card: Mrs. McKillip asked if the Board would like to continue the practice of sending Birthday Cards to Howard County Employees for 2003. By consensus, the Board decided to continue the practice.
6.
Mrs. McKillip
and Administrative Assistant Vickie Hinkle attended the Association of Indiana
Counties seminar on
IN THE
MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:
Mr. Terry Tribby, Information Systems Manager, presented the following issues for
Commissioner information:
1. E-911 Phase 2 Mapping Project: (See page 5,
2. County Internet Website: Mr. Tribby will check over the website (www.co.howard.in.us)
to make sure it is up to date.
IN THE MATTER OF HUMANE SOCIETY ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT RENEWAL:
Mr. Beryl Geer, Executive Director of the Kokomo Humane Society, submitted a budget that coordinates with the renewal of the Animal Control Program Contract for 2004.
Fewer calls were made and the number of animals decreased from 40% to 35% last year, which reduced the budget for the 2004-year to $144,617.50. Mr. Geer felt this was due to the publicity of the new Animal Control Ordinance that permits animal control officers to write citations.
In December 2002, significant
changes were made to Paragraph B in Section 2 of the 2003 Contract regarding
the schedule of services. (See
page 5,
IN THE MATTER OF GIS NEEDS
ASSESSMENT UPDATE:
Mr. Andrew Harrison, Project Business Manager, and Mr. James “Jimmy” West, Project Technical Manager, from The Schneider Corporation presented the following issues for Commissioner information:
The GIS Task Force held their first project kick off meeting to discuss conducting the needs assessment portion of the project. The task force members were oriented and a preliminary contact list was created. Mr. Harrison emphasized that the Commissioners are welcome to attend the meetings. Mr. West has already started scheduling interviews with various departments to discuss their needs. Mr. Harrison encouraged the Commissioners to contact either Mr. West or himself regarding questions or comments about the project
An important goal of the Needs
Assessment is to make sure the needs of multiple offices are addressed and not
just design the system to meet the needs of one office. Mr. Harrison conducted a short video
presentation of how sharing GIS information data works, using
In designing the GIS System, emphasis is placed on are five (5) key points:
1. Design the system to be easy to use.
2. The system needs to be fast and deliver the information quickly.
3. The system needs to be relevant to the questions being asked.
4. The system must be accessible from various locations.
5. The accuracy of the data must be current.
Mr. Harrison said discussion was held about sending a
letter to the people that are going to be interviewed in order to clarify what
is taking place. The letter would create
a more receptive response to the interviews.
The Commissioners supported the idea of sending the letter.
IN THE MATTER
OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:
Mr. William Bassett of William Bassett and Associates presented the following issues for Commissioner information:
1. Upgrade to Court Recording Systems: (See page 6, May 19th, 2003
minutes, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, Item 3, for related
discussion) Mr. Bassett said
numerous meetings were held with Ms. Kim Coble from Word Systems, Inc., her
technicians, Information Systems Manager Terry Tribby and Commissioner
President Paul Raver to discuss upgrading the court recording systems. Discussions were held with the Judges and
court reporters to evaluate their needs.
A walk-through assessment was conducted to assess the needs of the
courtrooms. There are three (3)
components in designing an efficient cost effective recording system:
i. The software supplier.
ii.
The County will furnish the hardware.
iii. The
general contractors will handle electrical rewiring for cabling.
Ms. Coble, in attendance
today, presented a final proposal to upgrade all of the courtrooms at a total
cost of $82,884.00. Payment will be 100%
due upon completion of the installation with a 60-day warranty.
Ms. Coble gave a detailed
description on how the Sony BM246 4-channel recording system operates. Instead of recording on 90-minute cassette
tapes, the recording will go onto a 22-hour compact disc by the use of a
computer. With installation of
additional equipment, video recording may be installed.
Information Systems Manager
Terry Tribby said the hardware is standardized with Dell Computer being the
primary vendor. The multi-use computers
will be able to access the Judicial Tracking System (JTS) and the
internet. The cost for the computers is
approximately $1,400.00 to $1,500.00 each for six (6) courtrooms (
The Request for Proposals
Tabulation No. 34 addresses the new cabling for the recording equipment at a
cost of $6,930.00.
Mr. Raver made a motion to
authorize the purchase of the recording equipment from Word Systems, Inc. for
all Howard County Courts including the jail in the amount of $82,884.00 based
on the fact that compatibility is a substantial consideration in purchasing the
recording equipment and only one source meets those requirements and authorize
the President to sign on behalf of the board.
Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.
Mr. Raver made a motion to
approve Request for Proposals Tabulation No. 34 and contract with Terstep
Company, Inc. for the electrical and cabling updates in the amount of
$6,930.00. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the
motion, and it carried.
A motion was made by Mr.
Raver to authorize Information Management Systems to purchase the six (6)
computers to update the recording systems in the Howard County Courts as
discussed. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the
motion, which carried.
2. Courthouse Renovation Update:
·
Contractors are in the process of finishing the cell area.
·
The walls have been painted and new carpeting is being installed in the
CASA area.
·
Work on the new courtroom on the second floor is nearly completed.
·
Work is progressing in the clerical area of Superior Court II.
·
All construction trailers have been removed from the premises.
·
Drain tile is being replaced around the south perimeter of the
building. The old tile is 100% blocked
by mud.
·
The new furniture order was finalized last week and is in the process
of being delivered.
IN THE MATTER OF ROAD 400 NORTH PROJECT – PURCHASE OF PARCELS:
(See page 6,
Mr. James Hamilton from
IN THE MATTER OF PHASE II STORM WATER
REGULATIONS (MS4 PROJECT):
(See page 6,
Mr. James Hamilton from
1. Community Initial Assessment: One of the things put into place to
facilitate public education and outreach is a series of incentives to be
awarded to property owners for participating in a questionnaire. Some of the local business agreed to furnish
the following incentives for a promotional giveaway:
True Green Chemlawn Two $100 valued lawn
chemical applications
Newby Lawn Services Two $100 valued lawn
chemical applications
Mike’s Sewer Service One 1000-gallon septic
tank cleaning in year-2003
Don’s Sewer Service One 1000-gallon septic
tank cleaning
The questionnaires will be available in upcoming
issues of the Kokomo Perspective, the various government offices, the public
library and at the
Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the incentives listed above for the MS4 promotional questionnaire and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.
2. Designate MS4 Operator: Mr. Raver reminded the Commissioners that it is getting close to budget time and a MS4 Operator and Contact person (one or two names) must be determined soon. In April the Commissioner discussed whether the Surveyor’s Office would be able to accommodate this position and decisions would need to be made whether the existing employees can absorb the responsibilities or it is necessary to hire a new person. A suggestion was made that a preliminary job description should be written to outline the responsibilities of the MS4 Operator. The issue will be addressed at the next MS4 Committee meeting and then returned to the Commissioners for review/approval at their June 16th meeting.
IN THE MATTER OF REQUEST TO VACATE ALLEY –
Mr. Vincent McAninch, 7571 West 226 South,
approached the Board with a preliminary request to vacate an alley.
IN THE MATTER OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAYNES APPERSON DAY:
Chamber Director, Rick Hamilton presented the
following issues for Commissioner information and approval:
1. Parking for Vendors: The Chamber requested approval for the
concession vendors to park in the County parking lot at the corner of Mulberry
and Buckeye Streets on
Mr. Raver made a motion to
authorize the Chamber of Commerce and their sponsorship to use the County
parking lot at the northeast corner of Mulberry and Buckeye Streets for Haynes
Apperson Day on July 4th and 5th, 2003 with the parking
to be supervised by the Chamber of Commerce.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and it carried.
2. Emergency Management Agency: EMA needs permission to set up their area in
the Courthouse on Thursday, July 3rd at
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion
to authorize the use of the Courthouse for emergency services only on
July 3rd from
3.
IN THE MATTER OF APPOINTMENTS TO PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT BOARD OF APPEALS (PTBOA):
County Assessor Ann Harrigan explained that Indiana
Code 6-1.1-28 states that the County fiscal body shall make two (2) of the four
(4) appointments to the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTBOA). One appointment must be a Republican and the
other a Democrat. Since a Republican has
previously been appointed, Mrs. Harrigan recommended Mr. William W. Jones,
Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to appoint Mr. William W.
Jones to the PTBOA. Mr. Raver seconded
the motion and it carried.
IN THE MATTER OF HOWARD
HAVEN COUNTY HOME:
(See page 5,
Superintendent Kim Krieg and Deputy Auditor Delmo
Lynch presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval.
As the request of the Commissioners from the
previous meeting, Mr. Lynch submitted a detailed report on revenues versus
expenditures from the year 2000 through
Ms. Krieg said the freeze placed on the Assistance
to Residents in County Homes (ARCH Program) is getting ready to be lifted but
she did not have any information when it will happen. Purportedly, the Indiana Division of Family
and Children’s’ Services has estimated the date to be
The possibility of implementing an adult day care at Howard Haven was discussed. Several questions came up regarding:
Licensing Hours of service Additional
costs and/or equipment
Available
space Maximum number of
clients Types of
activities for the clients
Fee
structure Number
of employees required Management
of the operation
Insurance
liability costs Cost of additional
meals Method of
advertising/promoting services
Ms. Charlene Bolton was present to support the
continued operation of Howard Haven. She
has a sister that is a resident and asked what would it take to keep the home
open? Mr. Bagwell said the County is
concerned that overall the estimated revenue for the County General Fund is
about $2 million less than the estimated budget. The County fiscal body is
looking at where costs can be cut. As it
stands, the County is facing an unfunded expenditure of approximately
$90,000.00 over and above the income that is generated to keep Howard Haven
operating. There are three (3)
options: increase the revenue, decrease
the costs, or close the facility.
Ms. Phyliss Croyle in the audience said her brother
resides at Howard Haven. Should the
facility close down, Ms. Croyle contends that her home is too small accommodate
her brother and he would not have anywhere to live.
The Commissioners encouraged Ms. Krieg to research
if there are any legal guidelines required to operate an adult day care
facility. Mr. Raver suggested finding
out if there is a need or demand for this type of facility in our
community. County Attorney Larry Murrell
said he would contact Mr. Phil Thatcher at Miles and Finch Insurance regarding
insurance liability for operating an adult day care service. Mr. Bagwell said it is getting close to
budget time in July and the Board needs to make a decision by the next meeting
on June 16th. Ms. Krieg
stated she would accrue information about adult day care requirements in the
next two weeks.
IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS AND REPORTS:
Howard County Auditor Martha Lake presented the
following reports for Commissioner information and approval:
1. Agreement for School Bus Turn Around: Eastern Howard School Corporation Transportation Director, Brad Schrock, submitted a written request that the Howard County Board of Commissioners approve a facility for a school bus turn around on property owned by Rodney and Tammy Eckart located at 11132 East 200 South.
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.
2. Operating claims payable on June 2nd,
2003 in the amount of $1,357,850.60 were approved on a motion made by Mr.
Raver, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh,
and carried.
3. Commissioners’ Salary Claims
for hourly, salary, and overtime payable for June 6th and June 13th,
2003 were approved on a motion made by Mr.
Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion,
which carried.
4.
Indiana State Board of
Animal Health Contract for Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication
Program (for animal testing) in the amount of $1,000.00 was
approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver.
Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.
5.
Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-22 –
additional appropriations of $40,000.00 out of the E-911 Enhanced Service Fund was considered. This
issue was discussed earlier in the year regarding payment to Cerulean Company
relating to mobile data terminals in police vehicles. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-22. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it
carried.
6.
The following statements from Butler, Fairman and Seufert were presented for
Commissioner information only:
MS4
Coordination $ 1,837.81
400
North Right-of-Way Project $ 516.68
7.
Judge Douglass A. Tate submitted a letter to inform the Commissioners
that a new Canon Copier has been purchased for Superior Court III. The cost of the copier was paid out of his
discretionary fund Account No. 105-00000 in the amount of $3,240.00.
8.
Indiana LTAP sent a letter requesting a list of bridges in Howard County having
historical significance. James Hamilton
stated the list would be outside of what Butler, Fairman and Seufert has
already reported on Howard County’s behalf.
The Auditor will pursue the request made by LTAP and contract others who
may have pertinent information.
IN THE MATTER OF
ATTORNEY ISSUES:
County Attorney Larry Murrell presented the
following reports for Commissioner information and approval:
1. Attorney Murrell presented two
claims from Barnes & Thornburg for a total amount of $360.00 for
legal services through the month of April 2003.
Mr. Raver made a motion to approve payment of the claim. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it
carried.
2. Attorney Murrell
presented a claim for his monthly office allowance in the amount of $550.00 for
June 2003 and $175.00 for reimbursement for the registration fee for the
Municipal Law Association (IACT) Seminar in Indianapolis. Mr.
Harbaugh made a motion to approve payment.
Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.
IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER ISSUES:
1. Rib Fest pyrotechnic display: (See page 4, March 17th, 2003
minutes, “In the Matter of Rib Fest / Pyrotechnic Display” for related
discussion) The Commissioners
acknowledged a Certificate of Liability Insurance for a fireworks display from
the Courthouse roof at the annual Ribfest to be held on Saturday June 21st,
2003.
2. The County Council approved the requests
for additional appropriations at their recent meeting held on Tuesday, May
27th, 2003.
3. New London Conservancy District: Mr. Raver attended the New London Conservancy
District meeting on Tuesday, May 20th, 2003. Hometown Engineering presented the 60%
complete preliminary engineering report.
There was a lot of positive participation in the meeting. The committee decided it would be best to
take New London sewage to Russiaville.
The Russiaville Town Board was agreeable and the committee decided to
explore this possibility. The report
also indicated that moving sewage from Green Acres and West Middleton to New
London or Russiaville was not a feasible plan.
4. Darrough Chapel Sewer Issue: Mr. Raver reported that another meeting with
the residents has not been scheduled at this time. The Department of Health has indicated they
want to discuss taking some action at their next Board meeting.
5. Jail Study Committee: The committee has not commenced meetings yet.
6. Renovations to the Courthouse
are nearing completion.
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 11:37 a.m.
THE
HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
___________________________________________
BRADLEY
J. BAGWELL, PRESIDENT
___________________________________________
JOHN
B. HARBAUGH, VICE PRESIDENT
___________________________________________
PAUL
J. RAVER, MEMBER
ATTEST:
__________________________________
MARTHA J. LAKE, AUDITOR
Commissioner Minutes, June 2, 2003