COMMISSIONERS MEETING

REGULAR SESSION

June 7, 2004 at 9:00 a.m.

ATTENDANCE:

COMMISSIONERS:                           Gene R. Beck, President

                                                        Donald K. Walton, Vice President

COUNCIL:                                         Lana Schimpf

COUNTY ATTORNEY:                       Timothy Bookwalter

AUDITOR:                                         Kristina Warren

AUDIENCE:                                      Nineteen Individuals

The Putnam County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 7, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse Annex.  The pledge to the flag was given.  Gene Beck asked for a moment of silence for the recently deceased Past President Ronald Reagan.  Gene Beck announced that Dennis O’Hair would not be at the meeting today because he was out of town.

SIGNAGE IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

Dave Sutherlin, Highway Supervisor submitted paperwork that added additional signage in the area of: 1) CR 1000N west of CR 100E, W2-4 (crossroads symbol) w/ W13-1 (speed advisory plaque) of 35 mph and 2) CR 1100N west of CR 100E, W13-1 (speed advisory) of 35 mph added to existing W2-4 (crossroads) sign.  The signs were installed, approved and added to sign inventory on May 24, 2004.  Gene Beck read the paperwork and the Commissioners signed the paperwork.

PARKING PROBLEM IN CLINTON TOWNSHIP

Dave Sutherlin, Highway Supervisor submitted paperwork to the Commissioners.  Gene Beck read letter.  The request came from the Van Bibber Fire Department.  The letter was in regards to a parking problem on CR 575W north of CR 375N in Clinton Township.  The Commissioners signed the paperwork approving no parking signs with tow away zone symbol in the area where parking on the county road was preventing fire apparatus and wellhead maintenance personnel from accessing the area.

BRIDGE 77 IN MONROE TOWNSHIP

The Commissioners received two bids:

H. E. Henderson            $156,216.33

John Huber Construction $91,779.60

Gene Beck clarified that these bids were for labor only.  This did not include the cost of the bridge.

The Commissioners tabled to give Dave Sutherlin, Highway Supervisor time to review the bids.

BRIDGE 260 IN BELLE UNION

Don Walton informed Dave Sutherlin, Highway Supervisor that he wanted the concrete structure in Jefferson Township looked at for a new culvert.  He asked Mr. Sutherlin if CPI was working on a price.  Mr. Sutherlin said CPI was working on a proposal.

BRIDGE 182 IN CLOVERDALE W. OF TOWN (CULVERT)

Don Walton wanted CPI to look at the culvert in Cloverdale (west of town).  He felt it needed to be replaced.  Dave Sutherlin, Highway Supervisor said CPI was working on a proposal. 

TOPOLOGICALLY INTEGRATED GEOGRAPHIC ENCODING AND REFERENCING (TIGER) SYSTEM

Kim Hyten, Plan Commission Director passed out information.  He wanted the Commissioners and County Attorney to review.  At a later date, Dave Costin and Robbie Cudnik would be coming before the Commissioners.  Don Walton made the motion to approve a letter per Kim Hyten’s recommendation; Gene Beck seconded.  The motion carried. 

COUNTY WEB SITE

Mary Williams said they had been meeting every week.  The Department Heads have been very helpful and cooperative.  Kristina Warren will be taking a picture of the County Council at their June meeting for the web site.  Ms. Williams said some key departments that needed to be on the site have not had the time to give the needed information.  The front page was done already and they have been linking the site with others too.

Ms. Williams said the $2,000 allotted for the web site was almost expended.

MAXIMUS

Mary Williams said her brother worked for Maximus.  After the Commissioners had approved the annual contract at their last meeting, she called him.  She found that a lot of counties were facing financial problems i.e. ambulance service.  He told her a lot of people were taking people to the hospital instead of calling for an ambulance.

ROAD TO FILLMORE FROM HERITAGE LAKE

Mary Williams suggested to the Commissioners to make sure the detour was marked really well when they started the road project.  Otherwise, people will turn around and shop in Danville. 

THANK YOU CALLS

Mary Williams said she had received a lot of calls concerning the work done by the Highway Department.  She said they were happy with the department.  She also informed the Commissioners how some people at Heritage Lake had cut easements to help the community and the county.

BRIDGE 77

Gene Beck made the motion to award it to John Huber Construction; Don Walton seconded.  The motion carried.

ANTIQUE CAR TRAVEL SHOW

Don Walton asked Dave Sutherlin, Highway Supervisor about the route.  Are the roads they were planning on traveling in good shape?  Dave Sutherlin said they were looking at going through Houck Bridge and also near Clinton Falls.  Don Walton said Walt Prosser had not contacted him regarding the route and the roads.  He did not have any intent on doing the road by Houck Bridge and it was pretty rough.  Could the Highway Department do something about the chuckholes?  Mr. Sutherlin said he would look into it. 

MANHATTAN ROAD

Don Walton also questioned Manhattan Road.  He said they probably would not have the money for resurfacing the road.  However, he wanted the hump in the road taken care of at the intersection because it was dangerous. 

E911 ISSUES

Dave Costin, 911 Director said he was working on reimbursement back from the State on the mapping.  The county should get $25,500.

E911 FUNDING

Gene Beck said he had spoken to Dave Costin, 911 Director about paying for the health insurance for E911 department.  If they could do that, it would see them through the end of the year.  He did not know if the Council could take it out of the Rainy Day fund or whatever.  It would be an easy fix at this time.  Lana Schimpf said this was a good suggestion.  Don Walton felt it was a good idea.  Gene Beck made the motion to request to the County Council to pay for the E911 Department health insurance from the Rainy Day Fund; Don Walton seconded.  The motion carried. Lana Schimpf said she would take the recommendation to the Council.

OPERATION LIFE

Rick Archer, Director came to discuss the funding issue they had with the Commissioners.  Don Walton asked if it was getting any better.  Mr. Archer said the middle of May was busy but the beginning and end was slow.  Operation Life was still in a financial bind of about $20,000 shortfall per month.  They were not asking for make up money for January through May but for help in the remainder of the year.  Don Walton said about the only place the county had for a financial resource was the rainy day fund.  The county was already looking at cutting $236,000 from the 2004 budget since we were over levy.  Operation Life would need to make cuts where they could with the county having to cut.  Mr. Archer said they had cut where they could. The next step was cutting money needed by reducing the ambulance service.  They would not be able to offer 24 service.

Don Walton made the motion to take the extra money needed each month for the Operation Life from the Rainy Day fund.  Gene Beck questioned how much money they would need.  Mr. Archer said he would like it to start in July.  They would look at the amount of runs they had for the month and look at the loss of revenue.  He asked for the County to make up for the loss of revenue each month.  Mr. Archer would furnish the Commissioners and Council with reports and the request of how much money he would need for the month.  The County would pay it month by month for an approximate amount of $120,000 for the year.  Gene Beck seconded.  The motion carried.

MICROFILM DEPARTMENT

Kathy Van Arsdale, Director said she would like to put machines in the hallway for a brief time.  She had spoken to the Commissioners prior to the meeting.  Don Walton and Dennis O’Hair did not have a problem with it.  Gene Beck had expressed a concern with having the machines in the hallway and asked her to contact the Fire Department.  She contacted the Fire Department and they did not have a problem with it.  Mr. Beck said he still had a problem with it. 

Ms. Van Arsdale said the problem was that the machines were currently on a desk.  She needed the desk for an additional person.  Mr. Beck questioned the space.  Her office was large.  She said boxes took up the space.  Gene Beck said he did not agree with it and she could wait until the next meeting when Dennis O’Hair was back.

PUTNAM COUNTY MUSEUM

Sally Gray came to introduce the new Director, Stacy Klingler.  Ms. Gray informed everyone that Ms. Klingler was willing to open the Museum on Saturdays, which was an option they did not have before.  However, a door would need to be open.  A sign would need to be made for Putnam County Museum parking. 

Don Walton asked Tim Bookwalter if there was a problem with it.  He did not have a problem with it.

Don Walton made the motion to approve the requests; Gene Beck seconded.  The motion carried.

Kim Hyten asked for the Director to call dispatch if she accidentally set off the alarm. 

PUTNAM COUNTY COURTHOUSE CLOCK

Lee Stewart and Mike Hecko came to the meeting to discuss the clock.  Mr. Hecko said he and Mr. Stewart volunteered for a lot of community projects: Museum, Park…and now they were working on the Courthouse clock.  They finally figured out how to set the clock and get it running correctly.  Mr. Hecko said they had their work cut out for them after looking at the wiring and etc.  They do have the chimes working again too on the North Side.  They were now looking at fixing the South side.  They put new bulbs in the light and fixed the wiring.  The South side works now also.  Mr. Hecko explained if the power goes off it would mess up the clock again.  They are looking into how to fix that problem.  It is not an easy task.  To reset the clock it takes two people: attic and outside.  They then have to set the chimes to match the clock. 

Mr. Hecko said they were in the process of getting prices for a new clock and speaker system.  They currently had 4 speakers hooked into one amplifier, which was a problem.  Mr. Hecko wanted the Commissioners to know where they were in the project.

LOGICAL CHOICE – COMPUTER NETWORKING FOR COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Clark Matthews, representative from Logical Choice brought a contract for the Commissioners and County Attorney to review.  He also gave a copy to the Auditor.  Don Walton asked if this was the same project that Michael Rogers had started with the county.  Mr. Matthews said that was correct.  Mr. Rogers had run into some financial problems and such.  He is on the next agenda to further discuss the contract.

ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE

Gene Beck said they were on hold regarding the ordinance.  He was on the board.  They had not met for awhile.  They were waiting for the Humane Society lawsuit to be resolved.  The reason why is that people from both boards served on the Animal Control Committee.

Mr. Beck said an ordinance had been submitted to the Board of Commissioners for review.  It was taken back and revised and now waiting for the lawsuit to be resolved.

Beth Glaze said they had 28 dog bites this year.  Once a dog bite is reported then the owner is contacted and asked to quarantine the dog for 10 days.  The Sheriff Department does not have the time to go around checking to make sure they are doing it.  The Health Department Staff have been trying to check.  The problem was that they had no teeth to back up the quarantine.  They needed an ordinance to address the dog problem.

Gene Beck suggested having a cage at the Humane Society to keep them for 10 days.  Ms. Glaze said there was the problem of going to get the dog.   She said the Humane Society would do it but at a charge of $8 per day.  They have only had one person agree to do it.

Sheriff Mark Frisbie said they were at the mercy of the lawsuit.  He said another issue that held up the ordinance was part of the wording for the animals.  Mike Biggs and some farmers had a problem with it.  He had received some good suggestions and some ridiculous ones.  The committee had gone off an ordinance created by Ft. Wayne.  It was too restrictive.  But, the committee could not address the issue until the lawsuit was resolved. 

GREENBRIAR SUBDIVISION

The Commissioners set the meeting for June 24 at 7:00 p.m.

HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTAL

Beth Glaze, Health Department said there was a concern with the tests.  They found they were testing it wrong.  They have changed the process and ask that they be allowed to continue the testing.  The Commissioners encouraged the Health Department to continue doing the tests.

JAIL UPDATE

Sheriff Frisbie stated they were currently holding 73 DOC inmates.  They are above the money estimated in bringing in to the county.  He was 6 months behind the schedule he had set for the department due to unforeseen circumstances.  However, they were going to start a gigantic kick off again of the department on several issues: meth labs, horse/atv patrol – cruising levies to find meth labs.  They currently have two horses and two more coming.  They also have two mules.  They want to be up and running by the end of July.  He will be meeting with the farmers.  It would be a hog roast/educational process.  He will also be asking for permission to go on their property. 

Sheriff Frisbie said they have a winter of feed already donated.  And, 10 acres donated for the housing.  They were not looking for free horses but dedicated ones.

Sheriff Frisbie said the Regional Sheriff Meeting coming up in July would be held in Putnam County.  Putnam County would also be hosting the National Criminal Enforcement Conference coming up.  It would be around 200 people.

Sheriff Frisbie said July 10 is the annual Sheriff’s ride.  He was expecting 400 participants; they had 168 last year with no advertising.  They have advertised it this year.  The money raised would be split 50/50 between the Sheriff Association and State FOP (funeral team).  Sheriff ride is $25 per bike.  Includes a t-shirt and the hog roast afterward.

WET AREA AT JAIL

Gene Beck asked about it.  Sheriff Frisbie said he only knew that Deputy Fenwick had talked to Clark Brothers and they were supposed to come back.

SHERIFF DEPARTMENT WORK CREW

Sheriff Frisbie said they have them going.  They need help with the trash and appliances.  They could not haul appliances in a car.  The Commissioners said the Highway Department would work with him on that problem.

2004 E.D.I.T. PLAN

Tim Bookwalter said the plan would need to be amended: $9,000 for W. Central Economic Development.  Mr. Bookwalter will amend it and have it ready for the next meeting.  This will take them down to an approximate balance of $4,000.  Don Walton made the motion to approve:

$  96,000              Highway Operations Loan

$  10,000              Economic Warchest

$  34,500              Economic Development Office

$    9,000              W. Central Economic Development

$476,000              Jail Bond

$350,000              Highway for roads

Gene Beck seconded.  The motion carried.

MAY 17, 2004 MINUTES

Don Walton made the motion to approve; Gene Beck seconded.  The motion carried.

CLAIMS

Gene Beck made the motion to approve; Don Walton seconded.  The motion carried.

JUNE 4, 2004 PAYROLL

Gene Beck made the motion to approve; Don Walton seconded.  The motion carried.

ST. MARY OF THE WOODS

Gene Beck made the motion to approve; Don Walton seconded.  The motion carried.

ANIMAL HEALTH ANNUAL CONTRACT

Gene Beck made the motion to approve; Don Walton seconded.  The motion carried.

COMMISSIONERS MAIL

1.     Indiana Wireless Enhanced 911 Advisory Board Guidelines.

2.     Bridge 159 LPA Claim Voucher.

3.     Reelsville Water Grant Paperwork.

4.     Sycamore Trails – Minutes of April 13, 2004 Meeting.

5.     Putnam County Emergency Management Agency – Table Top.

6.     Cummins Mental Health – Minutes of March 19 & March 20 Meetings.

7.     Board of Trustees Minutes – April 21, 2004 Meeting.

8.     Microfilm Progress Report – May 2004.

The Commissioners acknowledged their mail.

BRIDGE 159

Steve Luther, Beam Longest & Neff, Inc. said the trailer by the bridge had not been moved yet.  And, Mr. Burke had moved dirt that belonged to the county.  Don Walton said Mr. Burke also built a dam.  Tim Bookwalter asked Steve Luther to take him over there to see it and he would look into it.

APPLICATION FOR RAILROAD CROSSING SAFETY FUNDS

Steve Luther with Beam Longest & Neff, Inc. said they were putting the application together to try and receive funding. 

MANHATTAN ROAD INTERSECTION

Steve Luther, Beam Longest & Neff, Inc. stated he would be getting with Dave Sutherlin, Highway Supervisor to get the project started.

CAMPAIGN ORDINANCE

Gene Beck asked Tim Bookwalter about drawing up an ordinance regarding campaign material on county government property.  He wanted the ordinance to state no campaign material of any kind on county government owned property.  Mr. Bookwalter questioned the signs that are put in the yard at the Courthouse and Annex the night before an election because it is a voting precinct location.  Mr. Beck did not have a problem with that.  Don Walton made the motion to have Tim Bookwalter draw up an ordinance; Gene Beck seconded.  The motion carried.

CAMPAIGN SIGN ORDINANCE

Gene Beck asked Tim Bookwalter about preparing an ordinance for the campaign signs.  He would like to see the signs not put up until 30 days before an election and be removed by 2 weeks after an election.  Mr. Bookwalter advised the Commissioners that it was hard to enforce a sign ordinance.  The City of Greencastle has found that to be true.  Gene Beck made the motion to have Mr. Bookwalter draw up the ordinance; Don Walton seconded.  The motion carried.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT’S NEW EMPLOYEE

Gene Beck stated the Commissioners had received over 50 applications for the office position at the Highway Department.  The Commissioners interviewed some of the applicants and hired Brenda Turner.

ADJOURN

Don Walton made the motion to adjourn; Gene Beck seconded.  The motion carried.

________________________________      _________________________________

Gene R. Beck, President                        Donald K. Walton, V. President

________________________________

Attest: Kristina Warren, Auditor