The County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, May 24. Commissioners Tom Wall and Kathy Branham were present. Commissioner Jerry Helvie was absent.
IN THE MATTER OF MINUTES
* Kathy Branham made a motion to approve the 5/17/10 minutes. Tom Wall seconded and the motion passed 2-0.
IN THE MATTER OF DISCUSSION
* John Stoekley, Roanoke Town Council, came before the Commissioners to discuss the possibility of using CEDIT funds for an infrastructure in Roanoke. The Commissioners advised John to come back before the Commissioners when he had more information on this request that he could present to them.
* Sue Sunderman and Brenda Williams came before the Commissioners to discuss the decision made by the Huntington County Drainage Board on the Sunderman property located at 284 W 100 S and how she is very unhappy with this decision. Sue stated that in the 15 years that she has lived there they have not had any drainage issues because they maintain the ditch in question. Sue advised the Commissioners that she has offered to provide pictures and or video monthly to the drainage board showing
the shape of the ditch. She also stated that the property values in Huntington have lowered and she feels that removing the trees will lower the value of her property. Sue stated she feels that as a landowner she has no rights. Commissioner Wall thanked
Sue for coming in and expressing her concerns.
* Director of HCUED Mark Wickersham came before the Commissioners to advise them of the April unemployment report. Mark stated that the numbers are stabilizing for Huntington County and the number of employed individuals jumped by 234 which is the largest increase Mark has seen in two years.
Mark discussed the CF1 compliance forms and how the Tax Abatement Review Committee feels there is some confusion about the internal compliance process. The Committee feels that the internal intent needs to be followed through with. The Board will discuss this at their next meeting.
* IT Director John Miller and IT Associate Director Matt Taylor came before the Commissioners to discuss a contract they have received from Manatron. The contract is for three years and is proposing no rate increases for the three years. Kathy Branham made a motion to approve the contract pending approval from the County Attorney and also that it be added in the contract that it is subject to approved appropriations. Tom Wall seconded and the motion passed 2-0.
Matt advised the Commissioners that the Perry Corporation did an audit on all printers for the County and City combined. The IT Department feels that the numbers presented reflected the purchase of original OEM toners and the IT department uses
remanufactured toners which is a huge savings. The IT department does not feel that using the Perry Corporation would benefit the County or City.
* Jim Shivley, Jail Maintenance, came before the Commissioners to discuss the heating and cooling system at the Jail. Jim asked if the Havel contract was going to be signed again. Commissioner Tom Wall explained that the County is trying to get an
energy grant and if the grant is approved then the Commissioners would like to get a more efficient heating and cooling system at the Jail. So at this time they are waiting on the decision for the grant. Jim also stated that he would like to be notified of any
changes at the Jail.
IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS
* Kathy Branham made a motion to approve the claims docket for the 5/24/10. Tom Wall seconded and the motion passed 2-0.
IN THE MATTER OF PAYROLL
* The 5/21/10 payroll claim and allowance docket was received and reviewed by the Commissioners.
IN THE MATTER OF DISCUSSION
* DCD Director Nate Schacht came before the Commissioners to advise them that his office is going to have an intern again this year. The intern is Matt Olinger.
Nate advised the Commissioners that he has given out 12 applications for the Main Street Project.
Commissioner Tom Wall advised everyone that he had received information that the DeGroote Dairy farm was going to be reopening. Nate stated that he felt nothing could be done unless a complaint was made once they were opened.
* Highway Superintendent Troy Hostetler discussed the bids for the dump truck. Troy stated that the Stoops bid had 17 different exceptions to the specifications, some of which were: could not provide heated windshield and 2010 emissions instead of
2007. Kathy Branham made a motion to purchase the dump truck from Selking International. The bid from Stoops was not awarded due to the 17 different exceptions and poor past experience. Tom Wall seconded and the motion passed.
Troy advised the Commissioners that one of his Freight Liner dump trucks broke down and was going to cost $8,000 to be (repaired).
Troy advised the Commissioners that 100 S would have to be widened by two feet to be used as a truck route for the Natures Fuel Traffic, if this is the approved route to take. Troy stated that he sent the application to the State for Federal Funding for
Division Road / 300W project.
Troy asked if the Commissioners would like for him to get quotes for the Etna Avenue – 300 W project. The Commissioners agreed to get the quotes.
* John Miller advised the Commissioners that he would like to stay until his anniversary date of February 15, 2011 instead of retiring in June of 2010. The Commissioner advised John that this would be fine.
The Commissioners discussed having all courthouse employees issued a key card to enter the Courthouse and to lock all doors until 8 a.m. They would like this to be effective July 1, 2010. The IT department will order the cards and get them done
ASAP. Tom Wall made a motion to have all employees issued key cards and to wear them effective July 1, 2010 and for the Courthouse to be locked until 8 a.m. This measure is being taken for the security of the Courthouse. Kathy Branham
seconded and the motion passed 2-0.
John advised the Commissioners that the Accu Globe software has been installed.
* Mike Crago with Tri County Heating & Cooling came before the Commissioners to present them with a quote for replacing the heating and air conditioning at the Sheriff’s Department. Commissioner Tom Wall informed everyone that the Energy Grant has not been approved yet. Tom asked Mike to come back before the Commissioners to give a presentation on his quote.
* The Commissioners discussed the Public Access Request Forms with County Attorney Robert Garrett and the information they would like to see on it.
* Kim Goble and Todd Swymeier with ESCO Communications came before the Commissioners to give them a presentation on fire Protection for the Courthouse. Kim stated that she and Todd have toured the Courthouse to see what can be done. Different options were discussed. One of their concerns is the historic preservation of the art work on the ceilings and how smoke detectors would affect them. The commissioners asked Kim to get some quotes for the different options that were discussed.
* Jennifer Bippus and Patty Kindler with the Indiana Board of Tax Review called the Commissioner’s office to see if they could plant the Courthouse flower box. The Commissioners appreciate this request.
* Joann from the Chamber of Commerce called to see if the parking lot across the tracks could be used after 5 p.m. during Heritage Days. The Commissioners approved this request.
* Kim received an Income Survey Proposal from Jeff Hornsby to do an income survey of Huntington County. Commissioner Tom Wall signed the proposal.
* The Commissioners discussed the additional vehicle purchased by the Emergency Management Agency. Brandon Taylor advised the Commissioners that he also
received a vehicle from Roanoke to add to his fleet. Brandon is to get the information on the vehicles to Kim Heaston so she may notify the insurance company to get them insured.
* IT Associate Ryan Wall came before the Commissioners to discuss the cell phone plans and usage of the County cell phones. The overages, texting and downloads were also discussed.
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