HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING MARCH 17, 2003

The Howard County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, March 17, 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 Bagwell.

The minutes from the last regular meeting held on March 3, 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. Mr. Cain advised that he gone most of next week.

2. Markland Ave. and Highway 31: The Commissioners asked Mr. Cain to contact the State regarding pavement markings at the intersection of Markland Ave. and Highway 31. The right turn arrow on the pavement is worn and undecipherable. There is no sign to designate that the lane is for right turns only and vehicles cause a hazard when they go straight instead of turning. Mr. Cain said he would make a telephone call to the State Highway Department regarding this issue. If there is no quick response from the state, the matter will be referred to the Kokomo-Howard County Traffic Commission.

3. Dixon and Zartman Roads: A letter was received in regard to a Tort Claim filed due to tire and wheel injury resulting from potholes in the road. It was determined that the northbound side of the road is “city” and the southbound side is “county”. Though it is not the county’s responsibility, on occasion, the county department will cross the road and fix the city side in order to prevent a hazardous driving situation. It was also determined that this particular claim, since the potholes were located on the northbound side of the road, would be the responsibility of the city.

IN THE MATTER OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

Sheriff Marshall Talbert presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval: (Major Steve Rogers, Captain Harold Vincent, and Civilian First Sergeant Terry Sokol were also present for the discussion)

1. Changes in workforce:

a. Dick Sosbe, who maintains the locks at the Criminal Justice Center, is retiring as of March 31st, 2003. The job has been posted and applications are being accepted for the position. Sheriff Talbert hopes to have someone hired by the last week in March so that the new employee can quickly get orientated with the job.

b. Applications for a Work Gang Supervisor were closed on Friday, March 14th. Three (3) individuals will be interviewed for the position.

c. 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.

2. The State Board of Accounts audited records for the year 2002 at the Criminal Justice Center last week.

3. Prisoner Transport Module: (See page 2, February 17th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Sheriff Department Issues”, Item 3, and pages 1 – 2, March 3rd, 2003 minutes, Item 3, for related discussion) The prisoner transport van was ordered with no seats in the back. Sheriff Talbert requested approval to purchase an aluminum prisoner transport insert from Mavron, Inc. in Warsaw, IN. The cost of $10,268.00 would be paid from the Misdemeanant Grant Fund. The insert has three (3) separate compartments, having the ability to transport up to three classifications of prisoners.

Transport Officer Jon Zeck stated the insert can contain 12 to 15 prisoners at one time. Once the compartment is in place, the prisoners are secured as are the outside doors of the van. The insert will help eliminate the use of additional police deputies to transport prisoners. The insert is sealed so that the compartments can be easily washed out with a hose. The insert can be removed and installed in future vans.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to authorize the purchase of the transport module from Mavron, Inc. out of the Misdemeanant Grant Fund for $10,268.00 as presented. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

4. Purchase of Tires for Sheriff Department Vehicles: Mr. Chris Hale, of Fout’s Tire, stocks the tires and handles tire needs for the department. In the past, the tire needs of the department have been anticipated and quantities of tires have been purchased for each calendar year. Currently only eight (8) tires remain in the stock. The basic price for a tire is $57.55, plus $7.00 to balance, $1.50 for valve stem, and $1.50 for a disposal fee. The cost for each installed tire is $67.55. Sheriff Talbert requested approval to purchase 130 tires for a total cost of $8,781.50 out of Line Item 005-03252.00, Automobile Repair.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the Sheriff to purchase 130 all weather tires from Fout’s Tire as presented for a total of cost of $8,781.50 out of Account 005-03252.00, Automobile Repair. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

5. Service / Medical Contracts:

a. Sheriff Talbert, together with Jail Personnel Administrator Ree Moon, are working on composing a list of current service contracts, costs, and what they cover.

b. Integrator.com Service Contract: The contract for the security automation system at the Criminal Justice Center, which includes the door controls, intercom and paging software, expires on March 31st. Captain Harold Vincent stated the company has provided excellent service in the past. The contract price of $552.00 per month includes four scheduled on site preventative maintenance inspections, and four yearly, unscheduled service trips. The total yearly cost is $6,624.00. Currently, there is enough money in the Service Contract account to pay Integrator.com.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to authorize the service contract with Integrator.com in the amount of $6,624.00 per year and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

c. Health Professionals, LTD Medical Contract: Health Professionals, LTD sent a letter advising there is a 5% rate increase for the year-2003. This represents an additional $1,440.00 increase from last year, bringing the total cost to $30,240.00. The increase is retroactive to an effective date of January 1st, 2003.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to acknowledge the approval to proceed with the rate increase, retroactive to January 1st, 2003, as outlined in the letter from Health Professionals, LTD dated February 27, 2003. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

A service representative from Health Professionals, LTD will be visiting the Jail on Wednesday, March 26th, 2003. Sheriff Talbert will notify the Commissioners regarding the time.

d. Cintas Corporation Contract: The current floor mats at the Criminal Justice Center are not covered under a maintenance contract and have become dilapidated. Sheriff Talbert proposes using the Cintas service for floor mats at the Jail at $32.25 per month for 45 months to be paid out of the Commissary Fund.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the contract with Cintas Corporation for floor mat service at the Criminal Justice Center as presented and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

6. Purchase of Hand Held Radar Units: The Sheriff’s Department proposes to purchase four (4) hand held radar units (three cordless and one corded unit). Because they are relevant to traffic safety and reduction of accidents, the cost of the radar units would be paid out of Accident Report Fund 020. The following quotes were received:

Decatur Electronics $5,315.00

Galls $4,625.00

Mr. Raver made a motion authorizing the purchase of four (4) hand held radar units from Galls Company in the amount of $4,625.00, subject to Council approval and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. The motion was seconded by Mr. Harbaugh and carried.

7. Sheriff pension investments: A bill was perused from McCready and Keene, Inc. regarding sheriff pension investments. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that the Sheriff and Merit Board are responsible for this issue and the Commissioners signatures are not required.

8. Interface and Software Purchase: (See page 7 in the March 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Claims and Reports”, Item 6, for related discussion) During the book-in process, all of the prisoner’s information is entered into CISCO. When the prisoner is taken to be photographed and fingerprinted, duplicate information is entered into NEC Livescan fingerprint machine. Sheriff Talbert proposes to purchase software that will allow CISCO to communicate with the NEC Livescan fingerprint machine to eliminate duplication of information and work effort. The software is a one-time expenditure of $10,000.00 (which had been adjusted down from $12,000 due to an earlier interface purchase) and the money is available in the Misdemeanant Grant Fund.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the Sheriff to use $10,000.00 out of the Misdemeanant Grant Fund to purchase the software as presented, pending Council approval of funds. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSARY AGREEMENT FOR HOWARD COUNTY JAIL:

Captain Harold Vincent briefly described the commissary selection procedures for inmates. First Sergeant Terry Sokol spends approximately four hours to enter the data into the computer. Keefe Commissary Network offers a system where the inmates’ selections are scanned through Scantron then the order is immediately sent to the Keefe Company, all in about 30 minutes. Keefe offers a higher efficiency ratio, better product availability, and would save personnel time. First Sergeant Sokol said the Keefe Company can set up the reports for the State Board of Accounts, which will save at least two hours per day.

Problems have been encountered with the former vendor, Swanson, whose contract is believed to have expired. Captain Vincent would like to give a thirty (30) day notice to Swanson that their contract will not be renewed and enter into a commissary agreement with the Keefe Company.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to forward the agreement from Keefe Commissary Network to the County Attorney for review and further discuss the issue at the special called meeting scheduled on March 24th, 2003. The motion was seconded by Mr. Raver and carried.

IN THE MATTER OF ANNUAL FIRE ALARM INSPECTION REPORT:

Captain Harold Vincent presented the Simplex Grinnel annual fire alarm inspection report from 2002 for Commissioner review.

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 57-CP-02 – one (1) lot in Norma Jean Subdivision, located at 1565 East 2509 North was approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

2. County Comprehensive Plan: (See page 2, March 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Plan Commission Issues and Properties for Approval”, Item 6, for related discussion)

a. Mr. Boise formerly planned to send out invitations to community leaders to attend a meeting to express opinions regarding the County Comprehensive Plan. However, after a discussion with the County Attorneys, Mr. Boise found out that the proper procedure is for the Plan Commission to request the Commissioners and Council to set the date for a special called meeting. Mr. Boise asked the Commissioners to consider setting a special meeting on April 1, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 101 of the Government Building to hear about the planning process and to have an opportunity to express opinions on issues in Howard County. Mr. Boise will ask the Council, at their March 25th meeting, to schedule the same meeting date and time.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to set a Special Meeting for the Commissioners on Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 101 of the Government Building to receive information about the County Comprehensive Plan process and discuss public issues. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

b. Establish Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee: Mr. Boise requested that each Commissioner appoint a citizen member to serve on the steering committee in addition to one Commissioner. Each Council member has been asked to appoint a citizen member also. There will be twelve (12) members serving on the committee with three (3) spots remaining open for additional appointments. The Committee will meet once each month for approximately one year.

A series of meetings are scheduled on March 25th, 2003 for a Community Interest Group to express opinions regarding development and life in Howard County.

A series of public workshops are scheduled to be held in various rural schools in the county on April 15th and 17th, 2003. Notices will be distributed regarding the scheduled times.

3. Unsafe Buildings: There was no new information to report.

4. Flood Mitigation Issues: There was no new information to discuss.

IN THE MATTER OF OPENING OFFICE FURNITURE BIDS FOR COURTHOUSE:

One (1) bid was submitted by Beckley Office Equipment in the amount of $151,965.56. Mr. Raver made a motion, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh and carried, to take the bid under advisement, to be further discussed at the Special Called Meeting scheduled for March 24, 2003.

IN THE MATTER OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES - Water-cooling towers:

(See page 4, February 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Maintenance Department Issues”, Item 5, for related discussion)

Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison advised that the water-cooling tower system at the Criminal Justice Center needs replaced in addition to the cooling tower on the roof of the Government Building. The system has developed many pinhole leaks. Mr. Harrison contacted Quality Plumbing & Heating and Peerless Plumbing & Heating for quotes.

Mr. Harrison explained a dilemma exists with the time frame for replacing the cooling towers. The State has delayed approval of additional appropriations until a tax rate has been set for Howard County for this year. Once the units are ordered, it will take about 6 to 8 weeks to receive them. Mr. Harrison voiced concerns about having to shut down the air conditioning system during the summer for the installation of the cooling towers.

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:

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

1. Commissioner Appointments: An updated list of Commissioner Appointments was given to each Commissioner. The only forthcoming appointments are two members on the Howard Community Hospital Board of Trustees. Mr. Thomas Hilligoss and Dr. Lynette Hazelbaker have terms expiring on June 30th, 2003.

2. Medical Insurance Issues:

a. Report on HIPAA Seminar: Personnel Administrator Wanda McKillip and Administrative Assistant Vickie Hinkle attended a seminar sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield on February 26, 2003, regarding compliance with the new laws established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Howard County has until April 2004 to comply with the new privacy laws.

b. An Insurance Committee meeting was held last week. Mrs. McKillip hopes to have a settlement statement (Reserve Fund Balance) available in mid-April. A check has been received for $5,600.00 and a reimbursement check is anticipated to be received in excess of $100,000 from Anthem for Stop Loss, which should help the balance.

3. Howard County Website: The Personnel Department received Commissioner consent to have an HR page and place job postings and applications on the county’s website (co.howard.in.us). Mrs. McKillip and her assistant Vicki Hinkle will maintain the website with the assistance of Terry Tribby. Commissioner Harbaugh expressed concern regarding taking care of Howard County employees first. Ms. McKillip said she would keep in touch with the Commissioners to let them know what the Personnel Department might want to add.

IN THE MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:

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

1. Courthouse update: (Also see page 5, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations” for related discussion)

a. The Drug Task Force was moved on Friday, March 14th and Circuit Court is being moved today. Those are the last offices to move out of the areas to be remodeled. Mr. Tribby hopes to start removing all of the phone data and cabling by the end of today so the contractor can start the remodeling.

b. Heat Problems: The excessive heat issue in the new Server Room still needs to be resolved. The temperature continues to range from the middle to upper 80’s (degrees).

IN THE MATTER OF RIB FEST / PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY:

Frank Bellamy, Director of Carver Community Center, requested approval for Magic Stars to use the Courthouse Roof to shoot off a pyrotechnic display during the annual community Rib Fest on June 21st, 2003. Magic Stars obtained a $5 million insurance certificate for the event. The Commissioners specified that only those involved with the pyrotechnic display shall be permitted on the roof.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the use of the Courthouse roof for a pyrotechnic display on June 21st, 2003 as requested. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:

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

· The remodeling in the Drug and Alcohol area in the basement is nearly complete. The contractors are in the process of painting.

· Work is progressing on the third floor in the Juvenile area, Law Library and Conference Rooms.

· Work continues on the Superior Court II area and jury room.

· The main distribution room for data processing is in the final stages.

· The following bid change tabulations were presented for Commissioner approval:

Item No. Description Amount

24 Electrical Changes per Directive #7 $ 2,461.00

26 Repair 4” sanitary main, wall demolition & repair $ 2,653.00

27 Changes to Room 148 and 149 $ 1,466.00

28 Dutch Door for Voter Registration $ 1,458.00

29 Computer insets for counter in Clerk’s Room #115 $ 520.00

30 Removal & replacement of existing ductwork FCU #70 $ 3,146.00

TOTAL $ 11,704.00

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve changes numbered 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 for a total of $11,704.00 as presented by Mr. Bassett. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and the motion carried.

· Additional drainage problems are being addressed along the south wall of the building. Portions of the subsurface tile are blocked with mud. A contractor has been requested to submit a proposal to investigate and possibly remove the tile. Access to the tile may be difficult due to the concrete ramps along the east side of the building and the stairs on the west side. A video camera will be inserted at the corners of the tile to find out how much of the tile is open. The areas that are closed will be replaced with a new drainage system.

· The temperature in the new Communications Room has been fluctuating with excessive heat. There is no air conditioning or exhaust system installed in the room at this time. The contractor removed the door to the room to help the air flow. The temperature should improve once the new air conditioning is activated. The room may have to be supplemented with an exhaust system. This issue will continue to be monitored and reported back to the Commissioners.

Mr. Bassett received the furniture bid package from Beckley Office Equipment and stated he will return to the next meeting with a recommendation on March 24th, 2003

IN THE MATTER OF PERFORMANCE BONDS FOR THE GREENS AT WILDCAT S/D, SECTION 2:

Mr. William Bassett of William Bassett and Associates presented the following performance bonds The Greens at Wildcat Subdivision, Section 2:

· Performance Bond No. BCI1717902 in the amount of $90,032.00 was submitted from G & L Development, Bruce Gunstra Builders, and Mohr Construction for the stone base for streets, curbs, gutters, concrete driveway approaches, asphalt streets, street signs, and traffic control devices.

· Performance Bond No. 3-768-141 in the amount of $67,200.00 was submitted from Harvey Construction Co., Inc. for the storm sewers.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the performance bonds for The Greens at Wildcat Subdivision, Section 2. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF NEW LONDON CONSERVANCY DISTRICT GRANT:

(See page 6, January 21st, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of New London / Honey Creek Grant Applications”, Item 1, for related discussion)

Grant Administrator Tina Mendenhall Henderson furnished a file management ring binder containing copies of documents pertaining to the New London Conservancy District Grant. This log will be kept on file in the Auditor’s Office.

IN THE MATTER OF HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANT:

(See page 6, January 21st, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of New London / Honey Creek Grant Applications”, Item 2, for related discussion)

Grant Administrator Tina Mendenhall Henderson was pleased with the hard work that the volunteer fire department carried out in putting information together for the grant application. The public hearing was held on January 23rd and March 6th, 2003. The Commissioners signed the final documents and certifications. Ms. Henderson will submit the final application on April 4th, and report back the results to the Commissioners in June, 2003.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing applications, submission of local match commitment and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF MAPPING DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

Mapping/Property Records Coordinator & Drafts person Jamie Shepherd presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Authorization to Proceed with the Needs Assessment for the GIS Development Project: The most recent meeting of the GIS Steering Committee was held on February 13th, 2003. The plan is to go countywide with the project. The first step is to implement a Needs Assessment Plan that will provide all of the agencies throughout the community inside the system with understanding in regard to the scope of the project. Each agency and department that will be affected by the GIS System will be interviewed in order to find out their specific needs. The Steering Committee has reviewed the details of the process and has recommended approval for The Schneider Corporation to conduct the Needs Assessment, scheduled to be completed by July 2nd, 2003.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the Authorization to Proceed with the Needs Assessment with The Schneider Corporation and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners, pending Council approval of funding. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

2. New Aerial Photography / Professional Services Agreement: Dan Minor, Chief Deputy in the Surveyor’s Office, along with Jesse Johnson, Draftsman in the Auditor’s Office, will be painting the ground control points (crosses) that are needed to perform the photography. The ground points need to be located in order for Williams Aerial & Mapping, Inc. (WAM) to perform the Global Positioning Survey (GPS).

Randy Miller, President of Randall Miller & Associates and Surveyor, presented a Professional Services Agreement to perform the horizontal and vertical control to enable WAM to complete the photographs using the proper scale. The agreement states that the cost shall not exceed $10,000.00.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to take the Professional Services Agreement from Randy Miller under advisement for the County Attorney’s review. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF HOWARD HAVEN COUNTY HOME:

(See pages 3 – 4, March 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Howard Haven Home”, for related discussion)

Howard Haven Administrator Kim Kreig presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Administrator Contract: The County Attorney researched the issue and found that Superintendent / Administrator contracts for the County Haven Home expired on February 28th, 2003. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Harbaugh to appoint Kim Krieg for a four (4) year term, as per the statute, commencing on March 1st, 2003, subject to any future determination by the Board of Commissioners that the Howard Haven facility should close. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

2. Adult Day Care Program: Approximately one year ago the state stopped funding the ARCH Program (Assistance to Residents in County Homes) that supports some of the residents at Howard Haven. Several people, including the Administrator of the Tippecanoe Villa, who also serves as President to the Indiana County Home Association of Indiana, contacted Mr. Raver to express their interest in the home and in adult day care services. noe Villa, who is also President of the Association contacted Mr. Raver to express interest in adult day care services.

Commissioner Paul Raver, Councilman Dwight Singer, and Councilman Les Ellison visited the Howard Haven Home on March 13th to gain knowledge about the facility and operations. The facility has 16 rooms but only six residents. The group discussed the feasibility of starting an adult day care program in combination with the current residents. The Commissioners decided to give Kim and her staff an opportunity to research issues and costs pertaining to adult day care and report the information to the Commissioners.

3. Howard Haven Annual Report: The 2002 annual financial report prepared by Bernard Ampe, of Ampe Realty Management, Inc., was submitted for Commissioner information.

4. Application for Admission: An application for admission to Howard Haven received from Mr. William Boyle was considered. Mr. Raver made a motion to accept William Boyle to the Howard Haven Home for a 90-day probationary period and to authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF POOR RELIEF APPEALS FOR CENTER TOWNSHIP:

A Poor Relief Hearing was conducted on March 14, 2003 for Center Township on behalf of Rebecca Ann Roberts. Ms. Roberts failed to appear for the hearing. Commissioner Raver, Acting Poor Relief Hearing Officer, made a recommendation to uphold the written denial for assistance made by the Center Township Trustee on February 28, 2003.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to uphold the denial of the Center Township Trustee based upon the fact that the applicant failed to appear. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF VACATING EASEMENT IN BROOKSHIRE SUBDIVISION – ORDINANCE NO. 2003-BCC-12:

Attorney J. Conrad Maugans presented a petition to vacate two (2) eight foot utility and drainage easements between Lots 43 and 44 in Brookshire Subdivision, Section 5, on behalf of his clients, Kevin and DeAnna Holloway. The petitioners propose to use the two lots as a single building lot. The adjoining property owners were notified by certified mail and the request was legally advertised. Copies of letters from the utilities were submitted stating they did not have any objections to the vacation.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-12 as requested. The motion was seconded by Mr. Harbaugh and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS AND REPORTS:

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

1. Operating claims payable on March 17, 2003 in the amount of $69,731.73 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.

2. Commissioners’ Salary Claims for hourly, salary, and overtime payable for March 21st, March 28th and April 4th, 2003 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

3. The Howard County Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2003 was accepted on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.

4. A statement from Terstep Company, Inc. for Application No. 9 in the amount of $138,490.14 was presented for Commissioner information only.

5. Upon a letter of recommendation from Democrat Chairman Mike Kennedy, Darlene Elliott was approved to continue work as the Democrat Board Member in the Howard County Voter Registration Office on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

6. Reimbursable Grants: (See page 3, December 16th, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Personnel Administrator Issues”, Item 1.a, for related discussion) During discussion of the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Grant for the Soil and Water Conservation, the Commissioners requested written guidelines from the State Board of Accounts that the County will not be held in violation for reimbursable grants funds operating with a negative balance. Auditor Martha Lake spoke with Tammy White from the Indiana State Board of Accounts regarding this issue. Ms. White advised that the State Board of Accounts cannot provide this type of documentation because they are required, by law, to not allow any funds with a negative balance. The grant process and the State Statute are in conflict. She further remarked that we would not be in considered in violation, but a note would be placed in our annual report regarding the deficit and the reason. It was determined that the grant for Soil & Water will be arriving and the County will go ahead with the administration.

7. Tax Abatements: Tax Abatements must be keyed in before assessed values can be tallied. By law, personal property tax abatements are to be calculated by the state and submitted back to the county. The state is refusing to calculate the figures needed for 2002 pay 2003. These figures are complicated to put together and can significantly shake the tax base if done incorrectly. In order to ascertain accurate figures, the Auditor requested permission to seek help from Chris Johnston of Crowe Chizek. The Commissioners gave consent to do so and pay for the help out of the Commissioner Contract Services Line Item.

IN THE MATTER OF COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES:

1. County Attorney Larry Murrell presented a claim from Barnes & Thornburg in the amount of $76.50 for legal services through the month of January, 2003. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve payment of the claim. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER ISSUES:

1. Commissioner Harbaugh recognized and wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

2. The Veteran Service Officer’s Report for the month of February, 2003, was accepted on a motion made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

3. Invoices totaling $3,596.00 were received from the Kokomo Police Department for computers having the CAD System to be paid out of the E-911 Fund.

There being no further business before the Board at this time, Mr. Raver made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried. The meeting closed at 11:10 a.m.

THE HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

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BRADLEY J. BAGWELL, PRESIDENT

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JOHN B. HARBAUGH, VICE-PRESIDENT

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PAUL J. RAVER, MEMBER

ATTEST:

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MARTHA J. LAKE, AUDITOR

Commissioner Minutes, March 17, 2003