HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING APRIL 21, 2003

The Howard County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, April 21, 2003, at 8:30 a.m. in Hearing Room No. 338 of the Howard County Administration Center. Those in attendance included President Bradley J. Bagwell, Vice President John B. Harbaugh, and Member Paul J. Raver. 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 Bradley J. Bagwell.

The minutes from the last regular meeting held on March 7th, 2003 were considered. There being no additions or corrections, Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF HIGHWAY ISSUES:

Mr. Ted Cain, Howard County Highway Engineer/Superintendent presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Requisition for Additional Appropriations for the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund (002) as follows: (Much of the request is resulting from snow related issues this past winter.)

Approp. No. Account Amount

14140 Overtime $ 50,000.00

14521 FICA $ 4,000.00

14522 PERF $ 4,000.00

14523 Group Insurance $ 35,000.00

22371 Hardware & Tools $ 2,000.00

22372 Salt $ 18,000.00

22430 Bituminous $351,000.00

24321 Gas, Oil, & Lube $ 10,000.00

32560 Rent Equipment $ 2,000.00

34511 Insurance-Building & Personal Property $ 25,000.00

Total $501,000.00

2. Requisition for Additional Appropriations for the Local Road and Street Fund (007) as follows:

Approp. No. Account Amount

23754 Bituminous $343,000.00

33746 Paint Center Lines $ 16,000.00

Total $359,000.00

Mr. Cain spoke of plans to pave more high profile roads in the 2003-year necessitating extra paint for striping the roads.

3. Requisition for Additional Appropriations for the Cumulative Bridge Fund (006) as follows:

Approp. No. Account Amount

33702 B-118 CR 100S – 1160 E $ 50,000.00

33703 B-601 Harrison St. (Greentown) $ 35,000.00

33704 B-159 CR 320S – 720W $ 50,000,00

33706 B-502 Center Drive $ 30,000.00

33707 B-507 Defenbaugh St. $ 30,000.00

33708 B-89 CR 300N – 1330E $ 20,000.00

33709 B-66 CR 600E – 440S $ 20,000.00

33711 B-13 CR 250S – 720W $ 10,000.00

33713 B-51 CR 500E – 360N $ 10,000.00

Total $255,000.00

Mr. Cain commented, even with a late start, work on many bridges was completed last year. The schedule for 2003 includes preliminary work on the bridges shown toward the bottom of the list. If there is time to complete the work, money can be transferred into these accounts. Mr. Cain would like to get preservation completed and then replace several of the bridge decks. Wherever box beams are added to an existing structure, a small gap is created, causing a write-up in the Inspection Report about an uneven riding surface. Mr. Cain anticipates replacing Bridge No. 37 in 2003 and Bridge No. 57 in 2004.

Mr. Raver made a motion to grant approval for the additional appropriations for the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund, Local Road and Street Fund, and Cumulative Bridge Fund, as submitted, subject to the approval of the Howard County Council. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

Discussion ensued regarding dependable disbursement of funds from the State to the County. Mr. Cain was confident that the money would be received in a timely manner throughout this year. He assured the Commissioners that some money is still available from the previous year. Auditor Martha Lake commented that recently, the State has been granting verbal approval of the County’s requests for additional appropriations.

IN THE MATTER OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

Sheriff Marshall Talbert, together with Major Steve Rogers, presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Status of New Vehicles: The two new K-9 trucks and a prisoner transport van have arrived at the Criminal Justice Center. Currently, radios and emergency equipment are being switched over to the new vehicles. The new transport module has been installed in the prisoner transport van. The insert will improve the security level when transporting prisoners. Once the new vehicles are fully equipped, they will be displayed to the public at the next “Coffee with the Sheriff” and will also be made available for Commissioners and County Council viewing.

2. The Monthly Jail Report for April, 2003: The average inmate population at the Howard County Criminal Justice Center runs between 270 to 290. Today the population is 294; thirty-seven of those are women. Currently there is a shortage of mattresses at the jail due to increased number of inmates. Additional mattresses will need to be purchased. Sheriff Talbert suggested some quick solutions to the inmate population issue as follows:

a. Eliminate sentences being served on weekends when there is a surge in population. The Sheriff plans to speak with some of the Judges about having people serve their sentences on weekdays.

b. For individuals having minor offenses who do not have lengthy criminal histories or any failures to appear, to just assign a court date and serve a summons to appear instead of going through the incarceration process.

3. There was discussion at the last Community Corrections Meeting regarding the possible benefits of having all of the departments (Day Reporting, Community Services, and Community Corrections) at one location. Community Corrections has a large sum of money available, but it cannot be used to build a new facility. If the County could build one, Community Corrections has money to pay for finishing and furnishing the inside of the building.

4. The laboratory at the Criminal Justice Center is inadequate. The lab is small, cramped and resembles a closet. When the misdemeanant grant money is received in the fall-2003, Sheriff Talbert would like to move the lab to a more adequately sized room.

5. Prisoner Transport Issue: Recently, it took considerable coordination to get twenty-seven prisoners transported to Superior Court II for morning hearings. On an average day, many transport officers, street deputies, and correctional people are occupied with the task of transporting prisoners. Judge Jessup contacted Sheriff Talbert about his using the courtroom at the jail beginning April 22nd. The Sheriff’s Department staff will do whatever is necessary to accommodate Judge Jessup’s needs in order to help the process run smoothly. If the Judges would be willing to use the courtroom at the jail or video hookups for the initial hearings, the number of prisoner transports could be reduced by approximately 50%.

6. Prisoner Security Issue: A potential security risk was discovered in the outside stairwell used to take prisoners into the Courthouse. There was an attempt to smuggle tobacco to a prisoner by hiding it in the stairwell. This contraband could very well have been of a hazardous nature such as a weapon or drugs. Sheriff Talbert said a security camera placed strategically at that location would be beneficial to the security of the Courthouse. Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison said it would help the security issue if the Adult Probation personnel could start using the west entrance into the Courthouse instead of the basement door.

7. Patrol Car Replacement: Officer Stacy Wines’ patrol car was involved in a recent accident and totaled beyond repair. Sheriff Talbert came up with a cost-effective plan to replace the patrol car. He proposed to assign Deputy Craig Trott’s full size Ford Crown Victoria to Officer Wines and purchase a Chevrolet Impala from Erik’s Chevrolet for $18,387.15. The vehicle is a single color in Arizona Beige. The cost is approximately $3,000.00 less than purchasing a new Ford Crown Victoria. The radio, siren, and light package salvaged from the damaged car will be installed in the new Impala. The $10,000 settlement check from Selective Insurance Company for the totaled patrol car (deposited in the Sheriff’s Department automobile line item) can be used in conjunction with a $1,000 trade in allowance for a 1997 Plymouth transport van formerly used by Officer Jon Zeck. This leaves an outlay of only $7,387.15. Sheriff Talbert advised that the Sheriff’s Department has sufficient funds to make this purchase, and this purchase will give the department an opportunity to evaluate the performance of a front wheel drive vehicle.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the purchase of the Chevrolet Impala, trading in the 1997 Plymouth transport van from Erik’s Chevrolet, for a total purchase price of $18,387.15. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

8. Simplex Grinnell Service Contract: (See page 2, April 7th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Sheriff Department Issues”, Item 2, for related discussion) Attorney Lawrence Murrell had a chance to review the service agreement for the fire alarm system at the Criminal Justice Center. A couple of changes were made and the contract was returned to Simplex Grinnell for review.

9. Cell Phone Service Renewal: Major Steve Rogers researched ways to reduce the cost of the 12 cell phones currently being used by the Sheriff’s Department. The phones have individual contracts and services. Major Rogers discovered that Centennial Wireless offered the most complete, dependable coverage of Howard County and has a separate unit specifically for government phones. Centennial will void the previous individual agreements and place the existing phones plus one additional phone (a total of 13 phones) under one contract for a term of two years. The new contract has more minutes and options at a savings of $72.82 per month. The extra minutes are additional savings from the previous overage and roaming charges. Major Rogers originally preferred to replace the phones in phases, but the second page of the contract offers a 25% discount to purchase 13 new phones all at one time. He would like the phones to be equipped with a vibration alert option, especially needed for the officers working in the street. The cost to replace all of the phones at one time would be about $500.00 to be paid out of the Commissary Fund. Major Rogers said he would discuss the issue of purchasing all new phones with Sheriff Talbert.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to authorize the Sheriff’s Department to negotiate a contract with Centennial Wireless for 13 phones and return the contract for Commissioner signature. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

10. Fire Run at Jail: Kokomo Fire Department made an emergency run to the Criminal Justice Center on Saturday, April 19th, 2003 due to smoke from an overheated lamp ballast located in the area of the Administrative Offices.

11. Jail Study Committee: The following individuals were assigned to the new Howard County Jail Study Committee on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried:

Bradley J. Bagwell, President - County Commissioner (Committee Chairman)

Richard H. Miller, President – County Council (Committee Co-Chairman)

Steven Maus, Director of In Home Detention

Judge Lynn Murray, Howard Circuit Court

Gary Conwell, Adult Probation

Marshall Talbert, Sheriff

Captain Harold Vincent, Jail Commander

James Fleming, County Prosecutor

William Menges, Public Defender

Larry Murrell, County Attorney

James Papacek, County Councilman

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. There were no subdivision plats presented for approval at this time.

2. County Comprehensive Plan Update: A series of public workshops were held on April 15th and 17th seeking input on the comprehensive plan. Mr. Boise distributed a questionnaire and survey to the Commissioners, asking them to fill out the answers and return them to the Plan Commission. As the next step, Ground Rules will draft a plan for the County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee’s review. Mr. Boise anticipated it would be several months before he will schedule another series of public workshops. Currently 8 members serve on the Steering Committee. Mr. Boise said a Commissioner and two appointees are needed to serve on the Steering Committee.

Mr. Raver nominated Mr. Bagwell to serve as the Commissioner Representative on the County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

3. Unsafe Buildings:

a. 800 S. Lewis St: (Owners formerly Earnest Jr. & Mary O. Archer) The owners have allowed a considerable amount of junk and debris to accumulate around the mobile home located there. The property has since been sold. The new owner has cleaned up the property and is currently stripping out the mobile home. A letter was sent to the new owner releasing the clean up order.

b. 618 North 780 East: (Owners formerly Gary D. & Pamela K. Frakes) The property has been sold and the current owners have cleaned up the property and filled in the holes in the front yard. A letter was sent to the new owner releasing the clean up order.

c. 1803 North 850 East: (The owners, Michael and Marcia Beachy, do not live on the property, but live at 2212N 250E, Lot 48). The owners have not responded to letters from the Plan Commission.

d. 7075 West 600 North: (Owners: Brian Cheek & Carolyn Humphrey) The attorneys’ staff at the mortgage company has indicated the property is in foreclosure.

e. 2941 North 300 East: (Michael E. Warner, William J. & Carolyn Sullivan) Kokomo Municipal Airport is still in the process of buying the land. They are buying using Federal Funds, which lengthens the paperwork process.

f. 5389 East 50 South: (Joann Johnson) No improvements have been made to the property and the owner has not contacted the Plan Commission. The junk cars are going to be tagged by the Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Boise recommended proceeding with demolition of the property subject to the money being available. Some potential asbestos on the property could affect the demolition cost.

g. 3904 South 350 West: (Martin E. & Freida H. Meyers) The house remains in poor condition. Junk vehicles and tires are still on the property. There has been no response to the Plan Commission letters. Mr. Boise recommended proceeding with demolition of the property subject to the money being available. The vehicles and construction materials scattered around the property could affect the cost of the demolition.

At Mr. Boise’s request, the Commissioners delayed action on these cases at this time. Further discussion will be held on these properties at the next meeting on May 5th, 2003.

4. Flood Mitigation Issues:

a. 504 Ridge Road: The contractor has finished cleaning up and seeding the property. Mr. Boise anticipates paying the contractors in approximately one month. Someone parked a trailer on the property. Mr. Boise will contact the owner and request that the trailer be removed.

b. Change in Project: As a subsequent project, Mr. James Hamilton from Butler, Fairman and Seufert, suggested that a consultant go out and complete an elevation certificate and assessment checklist for each property in lieu of requesting voluntary citizen participation. This change would require reworking the grant so Mr. Boise contacted Jan Crider, Flood Mitigation Assistance Coordinator at the State Emergency Management Agency (S.E.M.A.). Ms. Crider did not foresee the change as a problem as long as there are sufficient funds from the allocation to pay for the project. Mr. Boise will present the Request for Proposals to the Commissioners in May.

c. Status of Federal grant for purchasing and demolishing two more homes: Since the Flood Mitigation Plan has been approved, Ms. Jan Crider has advised that the grant was finally going through the system. Mr. Boise reminded the Commissioners that the county must come up with the local match of approximately $53,000.00 for the grant. The Commissioners agreed to discuss the funding sources for the local match upon official confirmation that the grant monies have been received.

IN THE MATTER OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Courthouse Renovation Issues: (Also see page 6, attached, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovation Issues”, for related discussion).

a. Mr. Harrison and Information Systems Manager Terry Tribby feel that the portable air conditioner can be removed from the security room at this time. This will result in a savings of $1,800 per month.

b. The storage trailer is anticipated to be removed from the lawn on the east side of the building by the end of April. Various county departments will salvage some of the items stored in the trailer. Mr. Harrison advised the departments to track those items in their inventory and forward the paperwork to the Auditor’s Office. The remaining items will be sold in the County auction with the proceeds going back into county funds.

c. The contractors estimated they would have everything cleaned up and removed within 60 days.

2. County Recorder Electrical Issues: (See page 5, April 7th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Information Systems Manager Issues”, Item 1, for related discussion) Maintenance personnel, together with Stelko Amber Electric Inc. investigated the voltage. Some of the equipment should have been connected to independent electric lines and a decision was made to install two additional outlets. Mr. Harrison obtained a proposal from Stelko Amber Electric Inc. to install two individual circuits in the amount of $488.00 to be paid out of the Maintenance Department budget.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the installation of two additional circuits in the Recorder’s Office and authorize the President of the Board to sign the agreement with Stelko on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

3. Koorsen Protective Services submitted a quote to install the equipment necessary to monitor fire alarm systems in the Courthouse and Government Building. The cost of the fire alarm equipment is $549.00 for each building; monitoring will cost $25.00 per month. Koorsen requests a three-year contract.

Discussion followed about consolidating fire alarm contracts for all County owned buildings. It was noted that Simplex Grinnell monitors the fire alarm equipment at both the Criminal Justice Center and Kinsey Youth Center. Mr. Harrison explained that Key Bank pays an “out of state company” to monitor the fire alarms in the Administration Center, but the County pays Koorsen to maintain the fire alarm equipment, sprinkler system and checks the water system. Mr. Harrison will contact Koorsen about prorating the contract so it ends on December 31st, 2005 and bring the contract back to the next meeting. Discussion also ensued regarding the benefits of coordinating all similar county contracts under one company only.

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:

Personnel Director Wanda McKillip presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. The Family Medical Leave Log was confirmed on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.

2. National Child Abuse Prevention: April 21st – 25th is National Blue Ribbon Week. Additional ribbons are located in the Personnel Office.

3. The Personnel Department updated Anthem and JP information into their database in order to quickly access information.

4. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLA): Some changes will be considered beginning July 1st, 2003, regarding exempt, non-exempt status, and job description forms.

5. Workers’ Claims (IPEP) seems to be increasing. Mrs. McKillip anticipates receiving a report from Downey Insurance soon and will keep the Commissioners updated.

IN THE MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:

Mr. Terry Tribby, Information Systems Manager, presented the following issues for Commissioner information:

1. E-911 Mapping Quotes have been received from the following companies:

MicroData GIS

WTH Engineering Inc. (Think Map)

Plexis Group

The quotes will be reviewed and presented at the next Commissioners’ meeting with a recommendation.

2. The Voter Registration Office move back into the Courthouse went well. The computer equipment is up and running and will properly accommodate the timely execution of the May 6th Primary Election work.

3. DoxPop Update: The first check in the amount slightly over $60.00 was received from DoxPop for quarterly reimbursement. The money was deposited in the General Fund, which financially supports the DoxPop program.

4. Information Systems Department Relocation: Mr. Tribby requested approval to move the Information Systems Department into the area on the fourth floor of the Administration Center formerly occupied by Property Systems and temporarily being used by some of the Auditor’s personnel. All of the racking equipment and servers will be located in the large room along with tables for working on computers. The electrical needs are already in place except for running one fiber line. The staff will use the smaller, adjacent office. The cost to move into the new area will be minimal. The benefits of moving are added security, separate heating/cooling, and temperature controlled environment.

Auditor Martha Lake said she appreciated the room being available to do the special work on the assessed values out of the flow of the usual Auditor’s Office work. By separating four employees from the normal interruptions, the assessed values were completed in more than half the time that it would have originally taken. She requested that some space be left available to accommodate special projects, etc. The Commissioners agreed that the old Information Systems Department Room would be left vacant.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the transfer of the Information Systems Department to the raised floor computer area. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

5. Wireless Duress System Update: Message Net Systems provided Mr. Tribby with an on-site demonstration of how their software works. Mr. Tribby commented that their system was very impressive; however, a bare bones system is all that is currently needed. The basic concept is to have a duress button to send a signal to law enforcement. The component must be a Windows based system that can be controlled by a computer. The system is estimated to cost about $25,000. Mr. Larry Sparks of Mobile Radio of Kokomo, Inc. was present for the discussion. Mr. Sparks said he could meet with Mr. Tribby to try to crunch the figures in order for the quote to come in under $25,000.

Mr. Raver made a motion to proceed with a request for quotes for a wireless multi-side unified messaging and alerting system, with the number of needed alert systems to be determined by Mr. Tribby. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Tribby congratulated Mr. Raver on his 40th year anniversary in working with Howard County.

IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:

Mr. William Bassett of William Bassett and Associates presented the following issues for Commissioner information:

· First Floor: Work is progressing in the Public Defender’s area and the new CASA Office. Floor covering and windows are being installed.

· Second Floor: Work continues on the new court and clerical area. The new ceiling is being put up today. Several cases were heard in the Juvenile Court and it went very well.

· Third Floor: A wall was demolished to relocate the Juvenile area. Contractors propose to begin work in Superior Court II and Circuit Court areas this week. The administrative personnel will temporarily relocate to the jury room during renovations to their area.

· Court Recording Systems: A representative from Word Systems met with the Judges last week regarding the recording system. Mr. Bassett said he would contact the representative today. The new courtroom was equipped with a new sound system only. A recording system will be factored in with the review of what the Commissioners want to do. Only the recording system equipment has been discussed which does not include any of the cabling or wiring. Cabling and wiring will need to be installed also.

There was some brief discussion about updating the recording systems in all of the Courtrooms, plus the juvenile courtroom and the courtroom located at the Criminal Justice Center. Mr. Bagwell stressed that all of the recording systems must be compatible.

· A meeting has been scheduled with Mr. Bassett, Mr. Raver, the Auditor, and Deputy Auditor Konny Zurcher on Monday, April 28th, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 338 to review and discuss the status of financial issues and projections of the Courthouse Renovation Project.

IN THE MATTER OF PHASE II STORM WATER REGULATIONS (MS4 PROJECT):

Ms. Amy Moore, Environmental Engineer with Butler, Fairman & Seufert, presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. The MS4 Advisory Committee has been working on a Community Initial Assessment (survey) to meet the requirements of Rule 13 regarding public education and public outreach. The Committee came up with an idea to hold a drawing as an incentive for people to return the surveys. Vendors are being contacted about donating items and services for the promotional giveaway. Examples of the prizes are a free septic tank cleaning or some lawn care service. Ms. Moore talked about distributing and collecting the surveys at the Howard County Fair this year and other collection points that are yet to be determined.

2. An MS4 Operator and Contact person (one or two names) must be determined and listed on the Notice of Intent (NOI) form by October 2003. The Commissioners discussed whether the Surveyor’s Office would be able to accommodate this position. Surveyor Beryl Grimme stated that he has additional space in his office and is willing to become the MS4 office point of operation. He would have room for an additional employee if determined necessary, or possibly his existing employees could absorb the additional responsibilities.

3. Being inundated with meetings and committees, Mr. Bagwell invited one of the other Commissioners to serve in his place on the MS4 Advisory Committee. Mr. Raver gave his consent to serve on the committee. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to remove Mr. Bagwell and appoint Mr. Raver to the MS4 Advisory Committee. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried. The next MS4 Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14th, 2003, at 12:00 noon, in room 338, at the Administration Center.

IN THE MATTER OF JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT ASP GRANT:

Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Don Travis presented the following issue for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Juvenile Drug Court Program: Approximately 50% of the candidates for the drug court are kids that are out of school for “whatever reasons” their addiction has caused. A grant proposal is available through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for an Alternative School Program (ASP). The grant funds $75,000.00 each year for a three-year term. The county would need to come up with a 50% in-kind (not cash) match of $37,500.00. The in-kind match will be the staff provided by the Kokomo Center School System. Most of the expense is the software and licensing, which costs $46,500.00. The money is used to develop a computer assisted educational program transmitted over the internet. Kids experiencing expulsion or pending expulsion will be able to contract with Kokomo Center Schools to attend this alternative program. The location for the program has not been established at this time. The deadline to apply for the grant is May 1st, 2003.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the grant application for the Alternative School Program and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS AND REPORTS:

Howard County Auditor Martha Lake presented the following reports for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Auditor Lake thanked the Commissioners for the position they have taken on the payment of claims from the previous meeting, and backing the Auditor’s Office regarding future problems with claims. In addition, Ms. Lake expressed appreciation for the use of the room on the fourth floor in the Administration Center to expedite the calculation of the 2002-2003 NAV’s.

2. Policy Regarding Claims and Purchase Approval: No requests for purchases over $10,000 will b e considered unless the information is submitted to the County Auditor for review 10 days prior to the meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Other pending claims/purchasing issues were also discussed. A directive letter will be drafted and distributed to all department heads and elected officials.

3. Operating claims payable on April 21st, 2003 in the amount of $54,458.24 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.

4. Commissioners’ Salary H ourly, and Overtime Claims payable for April 25th and May 2nd, 2003 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

5. Humane Society Animal Control – 2004: For Commissioner information, the Kokomo Humane Society sent a letter regarding their submission to renew the budget for the year-2004 in the amount of $144,617.50.

6. Outstanding Ameritech Statements: The County received two outstanding bills from SBC Communications/Ameritech totaling $50,376.00. The Auditor traced the bills and discovered they were for the video arraignment equipment installed in Superior Court III in 1999. The bills were originally sent to the Court and copies were not forwarded to the Auditor’s Office. $74,500 was appropriated out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund, but there were no bills submitted for the final two payments. Approximately $24,000 was paid, leaving a balance of approximately $50,000. There was no encumbrance. The Auditor will check with Carol Harbaugh to verify that there are no grant funds available.

Mr. Raver made a motion to request additional appropriations of $50,376.00 out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund to pay the SBC Communications bill for the video arraignment equipment, subject to Council approval. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

7. For Commissioner information, a letter was sent to First National Bank requesting the final retainage payment of $21,452.59 on the Escrow Agreement entered into on January 20th, 1999 between the Howard County Board of Commissioners, Property Systems Co., LLC, and First National Bank of Kokomo.

8. Howard Community Hospital sent a card thanking the Commissioners for their support and a copy of the Power Point Presentation shown at the April 15th presentation of their annual report.

IN THE MATTER OF ATTORNEY ISSUES:

County Attorney Larry Murrell had no issues to present at this time.

IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER ISSUES:

1. The Weights and Measures Monthly Report for the month of February 15 to March 15, 2003, was accepted on a motion made by Mr. Raver, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and carried.

2. The Commissioners felt it was time to act on the following issues that were discussed at previous meetings.

a. Howard County Historical Society’s request for $25,000.00 to help pay for the unexpected electrical upgrade during the renovation project at the Seiberling Mansion. (See page 7, April 7th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Seiberling Mansion Renovation Project”, for related discussion)

b. Make a contribution to Kokomo Technology Center’s business high-tech incubator that allows entrepreneurs to start a business in a facility without so many of the usual start up costs associated with new business. (See page 6, November 4th, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Commissioner Issues”, Item 2, for related discussion) The Commissioners consented to contribute $50,000.00.

c. Contribute to the U.S. 31 Coalition, a group of Indiana Counties providing a unified voice to the legislature in regard to INDOT plans for the US 31 Corridor/By-Pass. The Commissioners agreed to contribute $6,000.00.

Mr. Raver made a motion to request $25,000.00 for the Howard County Historical Society; $50,000.00 for the Kokomo Technology Center Business Incubator Program; and $6,000.00 for the U.S. 31 Coalition; for a total of $81,000.00 out of Economic Development Income Tax Fund (EDIT), subject to approval by the County Council. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY GRANT APPLICATIONS:

(See page 3, March 24th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Emergency Management Agency Issues”, for related discussion)

Mr. Larry Smith, Director of Emergency Management, received partial payment for the two (2) sub-grant applications approved last month by the Commissioners:

a. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Sub-grant Agreement in the amount of $2,798.60

b. Local Emergency Planning Sub-grant Agreement in the amount of $17,888.62

For Commissioner information, Mr. Smith has a vendor who will agree to enter into a contract to complete the analysis of the different types of hazards in Howard County in the amount of $11,000.00.

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 11:30 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, April 21, 2003