HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING APRIL 7, 2003

The Howard County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, April 7, 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 17th, the special meeting held on March 24th, and the joint Commissioner / County Council meeting held on April 1st, 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 was unable to attend the meeting due to bereavement of a family member. Five (5) Agreements for School Bus Turn Arounds were addressed later during the meeting under “In the Matter of Claims and Reports”. (See page 7 attached)

IN THE MATTER OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONER REMARKS AND RECOGNITIONS:

1. Resolution No. BCC-2003-07, A Resolution of the Howard County Board of Commissioners Proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month was read in full by President Bagwell. (See page 3, March 24th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Child Abuse Prevention Month”, for related discussion) The resolution proclaimed April 2003 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” and the week of April 14 – 18, 2003 as “Blue Ribbon Week”. Mr. Raver made a motion, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh to approve Resolution No. BCC-2003-07, and it carried. (Also see page 4, attached, “In the Matter of Personnel Administrator Issues”, Item 4, for related discussion)

2. Recognition of military service: Mr. Raver made the following motion: “Be it Resolved that we the Howard County Board of Commissioners recognize all men and women, especially those from Howard County, who are serving in the U.S. military and wish them a safe return from their dangerous missions. We unconditionally support and commend the efforts of our government and the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military”. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

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

1. The Monthly Jail Report for March, 2003 was presented for Commissioner information.

a. Inmate Report: The inmate population at the Howard County Criminal Justice Center is very high. As long as the inmates fit into certain designated classifications the maximum capacity is 310 inmates. An increase in drug activity has generated more drug related charges and many are female. On Friday, April 4th, the jail contained 286 inmates of which 44 were females. The facility is designed to hold only 25 female inmates. Special arrangements were made in the medical pod to house the additional female population. This morning the total number of inmates was reduced to 278 due to those who bonded out of jail. Though the jail has not exceeded its maximum capacity, the situation will get worse during the summer when crime activity increases.

Discussion ensued as to how to address the overcrowding issue. Would it help to establish a work-release program? The consensus concluded that the situation should be reviewed. Should additional space be constructed in the future, the Sheriff stated his preference of a linear pod instead of the current design, which is labor intensive. Sheriff Talbert mentioned if an expansion were constructed, the increased bed-space would not remain empty. The Indiana Department of Corrections continuously looks for and pays counties to house inmates.

The Commissioners asked the Sheriff to research and provide statistics on the number of inmates, ages and classifications that have been housed at the jail. Captain Harold Vincent is currently working on the annual report for 2002 and will compile this data for Commissioner information. Mr. Raver suggested forming a group which would include the Sheriff, a Commissioner, Council Member(s), plus others who work directly with the Jail and its operation, to study the population issue, statistics and trends at the jail.

Mr. Raver made a motion to consider appointment of a committee at the April 21st, 2003 meeting to review the jail population issue. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

b. New Communications Tower: (See page 5, November 11th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of

Commissioner Issues”, Item 1, for related discussion) Communications Director Tony Ramsey learned that Hoosier Project Safety (statewide radio system) is not interested in space on the proposed tower. Howard County would have to bear the cost of the entire system. Mr. Dan Minor, Chief Deputy in the Surveyor’s Office presented a site plan for a new tower. The Commissioners discussed available space and how the location of a new tower would fit in with a possible jail expansion.

2. Simplex Grinnell Service Contracts: The kitchen equipment service contract expires this month. There are three separate service contracts having various expiration dates within the year 2003:

a. Cameras, video system, and intercom.

b. Smoke detectors.

c. Kitchen Equipment.

The Sheriff’s Department is working with Simplex Grinnell to prorate the contracts to cover each calendar year from January 1st through December 31st.

3. Purchase of Tires for Sheriff Department Vehicles: (See page 2, March 17th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Sheriff Department Issues”, Item 4, for related discussion) The tire order arrived and was placed in the storage at Fouts Tire.

4. False Alarm Ordinance: The Sheriff’s Department is making dozens of false alarm runs each month. Sheriff Talbert is considering a false alarm ordinance similar to the one used by the Kokomo Police Department. Major Steve Rogers is collecting information from other counties having a false alarm ordinance in place. After a certain number of responses to a false alarm, the owner would be charged a fee. The ordinance would reduce the number of false runs and make people more responsible in the use and maintenance of their alarm systems.

5. Ordinance No. BCC-2003-16, An Ordinance of the Howard County Board of Commissioners Amending Ordinance No. BCC 1995-13 Providing for Medical Co-Payments by Howard County Criminal Justice Center Inmates: The state statute has been amended to allow the Sheriff to increase the current $10.00 co-payment for each medical service to $15.00. The current ordinance contains a statement that an inmate does not have to pay medical co-pay if he/she does not have funds in the commissary account within 30 days after the service is provided. The statute has been increased to 60 days.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve Ordinance No. BCC-2003-16, seconded by Mr. Raver, the motion carried.

6. Status of purchase of New Vehicles:

a. K-9 trucks: (See pages 1 - 2, March 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Sheriff’s Department Issues”, Item 3, for related discussion) The two (2) K-9 trucks have arrived at Brad Howell Ford. A truck topper will need to be purchased for one of the K-9 trucks.

b. Prisoner Transport Van: (See page 1, March 17th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Sheriff’s Department Issues”, Item 3, for related discussion) Sheriff Talbert anticipates the prisoner transport van to be delivered this week. Mavron, Inc. has the insert under construction

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 1-CZ-03 – A change in zone classification from R-1 (Residential) to B-1 (Local Business) for property located at 1220 S. Goyer Rd. was approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

2. Case 4-CP-03 – six (6) lots in R & K Subdivision, located at 2860 East 150 North was considered. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve Case 4-CP-03. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

3. Community Rating System Application: (See page 2, October 21st, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Plan Commission Issues and Properties for Approval”, Item 3, for related discussion) This system is used by the flood insurance program to reduce flood insurance rates by 5-10% for communities participating in the program. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the Community Rating System Application and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

4. Unsafe Buildings: A letter was sent to the owner of 5389 East 50 South but a response has not yet been received. (See page 1 and 3, February 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Plan Commission Issues and Properties for Approval – Public Hearing”, for related discussion).

5. Flood Mitigation Issues: (See page 2, February 17th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Plan Commission Issues and Properties for Approval”, Item 3, for related discussion) Mr. Boise has been working on re-writing the Request for Proposals and asked for approval to seek comments from Mr. James Hamilton of Butler, Fairman and Seufert.

IN THE MATTER OF NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELE-COMMUNICATORS’ WEEK:

In 1991 the United States Congress declared the second week in April as National Public Safety Tele-communicator Week. The Howard County Sheriff’s Department currently has ten (10) men and women dedicated to serving the citizens of our community as public safety dispatchers.

Communications Director Tony Ramsey presented a document proclaiming April 13 – 19, 2003 as National Public Safety Tele-communicator Week in honor of the public safety dispatchers of Howard County. Each dispatcher received a commemorative shirt. Mr. Ramsey thanked Damon’s Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, and the Texas Roadhouse for providing gift certificates to each dispatcher. Mr. Ramsey thanked the Board of Commissioners for their continued support of the E-911 Center so that dispatch can provide an excellent level of service to the community.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve proclaiming April 13 – 19, 2003 as National Public Safety Tele-communicator Week. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

The dispatchers, Sheriff Talbert and Tony Ramsey were photographed next to the Commissioners.

IN THE MATTER OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

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

1. Courthouse Renovation: (Also see page 5, “In the Matter of Communications Systems Manager Issues”, Item 2 and pages 5 – 6, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, for additional information regarding Courthouse Renovation Project)

· The Drug Task Force will be moved into their permanent office on Wednesday, April 9th.

· Beginning Thursday morning on April 10th, the Voter Registration will move from their temporary location in the Administration Center to their permanent office in the Courthouse.

Voter Registration Department Head Carol Shallenberger spoke earlier with Mr. Bagwell regarding computer issues. She was concerned as to whether the computers will be operating correctly to prepare for the Primary Election on May 6th. There was discussion about postponing the move for one week but the County Clerk needs Voter Registration in the Courthouse as soon as possible. SBC Communications is scheduled to move the telephone service on Thursday, April 10th. Information Systems Manager Terry Tribby explained that Voter Registration’s server located in the Administration Center is only a temporary setup. The County Clerk needs reliable access to the server, therefore it will be moved on the evening of April 9th. The computers are anticipated to be set up and running between 10:00 am. to 12:00 noon on April 10th. Mr. Tribby has a back up plan in case there are any problems after moving the computers. The Information Systems staff will continue their diligent work to assure a smooth transition of the computer equipment.

The Voter Registration computer systems are very old and Information Systems does not have a budget to replace them. It is the Voter Registration’s responsibility to request money from the Council for new computers. Mr. Raver said the money in the Courthouse Renovation Fund is reserved for a few high priority items such as installing the duress system and upgrading the recording /sound systems for the courts not provided for in the original contract.

2. Outdoor Lighting at Criminal Justice Center: The facility has 4 outdoor lights encased in cement pillars that provide lighting at the front of the facility. These lights filled up with water and have not been working for several months. Huston Electric provided a verbal quote of $1,650.00 to repair, seal, and guarantee the lights will not fill up with water. Mr. Harrison will be receiving a written quote soon and requested the money out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund (CCD), whenever it becomes available from the state.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the request of $1,650.00 from Cumulative Capital Development Fund to repair the in-ground light fixtures as requested. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

3. Power Disruption at Courthouse: At the request of the electric utility company, electricity was shut off to the Courthouse in conjunction with several downtown locations for safety reasons following a storm on Friday evening. The emergency lighting at the Courthouse was working properly. The electricity was restored by 12:40 a.m.

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:

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

1. Paycheck stuffers: Mrs. McKillip requested approval to distribute the following printed information with employee paychecks:

a. 2002 Flower Sale: Ms. Jill Early, 4-H Extension Purdue Coordinator, said the 4-H Junior Leaders are taking orders until April 30th their annual flower sale.

b. A Gigantic Garage Sale is scheduled at the Johanning Civic Center on May 3 – 4, 2003.

In October 2002, the Commissioners decided that paycheck stuffers should be limited to County related issues. However, the Commissioners passed a resolution that such advertisements and information promoting activities in the community may be placed in the employee break areas. (See page 2, October 21st, 2002, minutes, “In the Matter of Personnel Administrator Issues”, Item 6, for related discussion)

The Commissioners decided, by consensus, that the above referenced information should be distributed to individual departments for posting in employee break areas instead of distribution with the paychecks.

2. The State of Indiana Deferred Compensation Plan: Mr. Jeff Kachmar, Plan Representative, will conduct several group education meetings to discuss the deferred compensation benefit plan on April 24th and 25th, 2003. A memorandum listing the scheduled meeting and times and locations was provided. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve distributing copies of the meeting schedule with the employee paychecks. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

3. Howard County Economic Development Commission (Bona Vista) Appointment: The Kokomo City Council nominated Mr. Thomas Harrison to serve on the Howard County Economic Development Commission for a four (4) year term. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the City Council’s recommendation and appointed Mr. Thomas Harrison to the Howard County Economic Development Commission for a four (4) year term, effective on February 1st, 2003. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

4. Blue Ribbon Campaign: In conjunction with Resolution No. BCC-2003-07 proclaiming the week of April 14 – 18, 2003 as County Blue Ribbon Week for Child Abuse Prevention, the week of April 21st – 25th is National Blue Ribbon Week for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Blue Ribbons will be distributed to employees to wear at their discretion.

5. Anthem Health Insurance: The annual settlement was received. Though there was an increase in claims for the month of February 2003, the fund balance is in good shape. Receipt of an additional $146,000 has been received due to the Stop Loss agreement.

10:05 a.m.

The Board of Commissioners called a recess to hold a Board of Finance Meeting by consensus.

BOARD OF FINANCE MEETING WITH HOWARD COUNTY TREASURER ANN WELLS:

The Howard County Board of Finance Committee consists of the following Members: Chairman John B. Harbaugh, Paul J. Raver, Bradley J. Bagwell, and Treasurer and Secretary to the Committee Ann Wells.

The meeting was called to order. Ms. Wells read a memorandum to the Board of Finance Committee as follows:

“I am adding a new authorized depository to our list of banking institutions available to Howard County.

Community First Bank of Howard County has been approved as a depository of public funds by the State of Indiana and its political subdivisions by the Indiana State Board of Finance.”

Ms. Wells plans to contact several banks in Howard County to find the best interest rate for investing in a money market. Mr. Raver feels the County needs to proceed with investing, but with caution. The Commissioners would like to see an annual report before investing money in a financial institution. Ms. Wells said she would be able to obtain quarterly and annual reports from Community First Bank since they are a newcomer.

Money has not been invested in Certificates of Deposits recently because of putting them in for a specified time. The interest rates are higher when the money is invested for a longer time.

This report was for information only and no action was necessary. According to statute, the main function of the Board of Finance is to de-list any financial institution. Otherwise, the Treasurer has the authority to invest in any bank listed subject to any investment policies set by the Board of Commissioners.

There being no further business before the Board of Finance, Mr. Raver made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion, which carried. The meeting closed at 10:12 a.m.

The Howard County Board of Commissioners meeting re-convened at this time.

IN THE MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:

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

1. There are continual p roblems with the Recorder’s software package after switching from the DOS based version over to the new windows version. Since September 2002, there have been 21 instances when it was necessary to reboot the server. Since March 2003, there have been 53 instances of lock ups and various issues with the workstations. Recorder Linda Koontz stated that when the server has to be shut down, it affects more than just the workstations in her office. It affects other offices such as the County Auditor and Abstractors that are trying to get their work done.

The software vendor, Lowe, recommends rebuilding the server and installing the software from scratch. Lowe offered to loan or lease a server but since that time Lowe claims a server is not available and recommends the purchase of a new one for $10,000. The existing server is only two years old and Mr. Tribby feels that it is fully functional. He recommends upgrading the existing server, installing additional memory, and adding new hard drives at a cost of $1,500. The old hard drives will be retained in the event of problems with the setup. The old hard drives contain data from several years of work. Mr. Terry does not want to spend money for a new server if the same software problems would be experienced. If problems continue after upgrading the existing server, Mr. Tribby suggested that the county should consider selecting a different software vendor.

Lowe suggested the anti-virus software might be causing the problems. Mr. Tribby uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus Protection in November 2002 but the server still has to be rebooted once or twice each week. Mr. Tribby does not want to leave the server without anti-virus protection, especially with what is going on in today’s world. Mr. Bagwell said the server at E-911 Dispatch experienced similar problems. Their server would get real slow and accumulate errors until it was rebooted again. Mr. Bagwell offered a suggestion to shut down the Recorder’s server on the weekends and start it back up on Monday mornings. Considering all of the efforts to trouble shoot the problems, Mr. Tribby believes the problems could possibly originate from the Lowe software.

In order to rule out electrical issues, a quote from Stelko Amber Electric Inc. to investigate the voltage in the Recorder’s Office was prsented. The price consists of a four-hour block of time during normal working hours at a base price of $240. Mr. Tribby stated he would advise the Commissioners regarding of any electrical issues. Mr. Bill Bassett also presented suggestions in regard to checking the electrical system. Maintenance Superintendent Tom Harrison commented that the use of portable electric heaters have often caused problems with electrical energy. The Commissioners requested that an initial voltage check be conducted by the maintenance department as soon as possible.

2. Heating Problem Update: (See page 5, March 17, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, for related discussion) A portable cooling unit was brought in to cool the room on a temporary basis. Due to the amount of heat generated by the computer equipment, plans are being made to install an independent air conditioner.

3. Purchase of New Computer Equipment: For Commissioner information, the following departments requested the following items:

a. Captain Napoleon Leal requested Information Systems to order six (6) laptop computers to be used in their cruisers. The Sheriff’s Department has funds available for the units.

b. Community Corrections requested an order for three (3) computer systems to replace their older systems. Mr. Tribby needs to check whether the department has money available to pay for the equipment.

4. Doxpop Update (Court Record Internet Publishing): There are 33 registered users and the service is going well. Mr. Tribby felt ample time has been given for people to register before the modem lines are disconnected from the server. He requested authorization to disconnect the lines in 45 days and the Commissioners agreed, by consensus. Mr. Tribby has a list of attorneys that will be notified of the termination.

5. Jury Selection Process Update: (See pages 2 – 3, October 7, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Information Systems Manager Issues”, Item 1, for related discussion) The work is in progress, which brings Howard County into compliance with State regulations. Mr. Tribby commended Technician John Templin’s excellent job working with the courts on this project. Mr. Tribby also commended the efforts put forth by the employees of the courts.

6. Wireless Duress Alarm System: A presentation was given at an earlier date by a vendor of Mobile Radio of Kokomo, Inc. The component is Windows based system that can be controlled by a computer. Quotes from Mobile Radio of Kokomo, Inc. and Stop Tech LTD will be available soon.

7. Reassessment Update: The reassessment is a work in progress. Mrs. Marilyn Beroshok in the Center Township Assessor’s Office worked over this last weekend and turned over six townships and all of Kokomo to the Auditor’s Office. Auditor Lake estimated the project would be completed in two weeks with one additional week for clean-up. This project has gone well due to the great working relationship and team effort of all the people involved.

IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:

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

Mr. Bassett extended condolence to Mr. Ed Heffelmier, Project Manager of Terstep,

whose mother passed away.

· Change Order No. 7 (See page 5, March 17th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, for previous discussion) Mr. Raver made a motion to approve Change Order No. 7 in the amount of $11,704.00 as presented and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

· The Drug and Alcohol Task force has moved into their area. The protective paper on the ceramic floor tile will be removed in approximately one week.

· Mr. Harrison briefed the Commissioners earlier in the meeting regarding the Voter Registration and Drug Task Force moves (See page 3, “In the Matter of Maintenance Department Issues”, Item 1, attached)

· Contractors are putting up drywall in the new area for the Public Defender. The walls will be painted this week.

· New walls are being installed on the second floor for the new evidence room of the new court and restroom areas.

· Work continues on the third floor in the Circuit Court Clerk’s area.

· The Juvenile Court was in session this morning. People were able to sit in the new waiting room instead of out in the rotunda. The seating was constructed from benches salvaged from the former Commissioners’ meeting room. There is space for one more bench but it is not certain if one will become available. Mr. Raver said the Circuit Court jury room is getting new chairs and suggested moving the old heavy oak chairs into the Juvenile Court waiting room on a temporary basis.

· Mr. Bassett has been working with Communication Systems regarding the cooling issue in the new Communication Room. Mr. Bassett and Mr. Tribby identified each piece of computer equipment and anticipated additional equipment in order to calculate what temperature will be generated in the room. A Request for Proposals was submitted to Terstep Co. Inc. for an independent air conditioning system above the ceiling. In the interim, a portable air conditioner is being used to cool the room between 72 and 74 degrees.

· Mr. Bassett felt the proposal for preventative containment of leaks in the penthouse area was excessive. In order to bring the costs down, Mr. Bassett asked Terstep Co. Inc. to refigure the proposal.

· Maintenance Superintendent Tom Harrison is working with Mr. Bassett to select a contractor to install and maintain the new fire alarm system. Mr. Bassett commented that Simplex Grinnell has service agreements for equipment at the Jail and is the manufacturer of the equipment being installed in the Courthouse.

· Tom Harrison contacted Huston Electric about doing some electrical work. However, Huston Electric will not do any further work without an order because they have not been paid for some electrical work in the Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Bassett had requested Huston Electric to submit “as built” drawings but they did not want to submit them until the end of the project. Mr. Bassett anticipates this issue to be resolved by the next Commissioners’ meeting.

· The new jury room will be used by a judge pro-tem on Monday April 14th. Three of the old brown Commissioner’ chairs currently on the fourth floor of the Administration Center will need to be moved to the new court area at the Courthouse. This could be done at the same time as the Voter Registration Office move.

· Mr. Bassett said plans need to be made to start the work on the new recording / sound systems. It was the consensus of the Board to purchase new systems for Superior Courts I, II and Circuit Court and to tie this into the existing contract as a “Change Order”, duplicating what exists in Superior Court III and will be used in the new court. There is possibility that Juvenile Court will also need a new recording / sound system. Judge Murray will be contacted as to the Juvenile Court need. Mr. Bassett will work with Huston Electric and Word. He will also talk with Terstep and come back to the Board with a “Change Order”.

IN THE MATTER OF PROPERTY TAX BOARD OF APPEALS (PTBOA) APPOINTMENTS:

Indiana Code 6-1.1-28-1 states the County Executive appoint two members to the appeals board. County Assessor Ann Harrigan recommended the reappointment of William Sahm, 3137 Enclave Ct., Kokomo, IN. Mr. Sahm is a retired executive from Delco, is interested in serving on the board, and brings an inquiring mind and sound judgment to the board.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to reappoint Mr. William Sahm to the Property Tax Board of Appeals. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF SEIBERLING MANSION RENOVATION PROJECT:

(See February 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Seiberling Mansion – Designer Show Home Program”, for related discussion)

Executive Director Kelly Thompson made the following presentation:

The renovation project is a sponsorship program that will fund approximately $200,000.00. The total project cost is $500,000. Several of the rooms in the mansion have already been sponsored. The total cash and pledged donations to date are $97,000.00.

As the kitchen area was being remodeled, the contractor came across some unexpected electrical work. The estimate for the electrical upgrade in the kitchen was originally $3,500 but the actual work came to $14,055.72 plus $8,200.00 for plaster restoration. This resulted in $22,255 of additional unexpected costs.

The total plaster restoration for the entire mansion of $29,000 has already been paid. Up to now, a total of $108,000 has been spent for the project and only $97,000 in donations has been received. The remainder of the costs was paid out of operating expenses. The project is anticipated to be completed in May 2003. Mrs. Thompson requested financial help from the County out of Economic Development Income Tax Fund (EDIT) or any other appropriate fund.

The Commissioners discussed funding sources. The were unsure how much money would be available due to the priorities of existing projects already lined up. Ms. Thompson was asked to present a formal written request detailing the amount of money needed at the next Commissioners’ meeting.

IN THE MATTER OF POOR RELIEF APPEALS FOR HARRISON TOWNSHIP:

A Poor Relief Hearing was conducted on April 4, 2003 for Harrison Township on behalf of John Townsend. Commissioner Raver, Acting Poor Relief Hearing Officer, made a recommendation to uphold the written denial for assistance made by the Harrison Township Trustee on March 17, 2003.

Mr. Raver made a motion to uphold the denial of the Center Township Trustee based upon the finding that the Township Trustee followed the Eligibility Standards and Guidelines for Poor Relief applicable to the case. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, 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. Agreements for School Bus Turn Arounds:

a. Northwestern School Corporation: Superintendent Ryan A. Snoddy submitted written requests that the Howard County Board of Commissioners approve facilities for three (3) school bus turn arounds on real estate of the following properties as follows:

Holly Corwin 921 West 600 North

Jerry Yager 4180 North 300 East

Wayne Miller 7631 West 500 North

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the school bus turn around pending Mr. Cain’s review and approval. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.

b. Eastern Howard School Corporation: Transportation Director submitted written requests that the Howard County Board of Commissioners approve facilities for two (2) school bus turn arounds on real estate of the following properties as follows:

Brent A. & Tammy L. Gulla 8172 East 300 North

Jeff Craner 8155 East 600 North

2. Operating claims payable on April 7, 2003 in the amount of $751,640.97 were considered. The Commissioners first discussed the following claims:

Coca-Cola Bottling – Kok Inc. $31.55 Superior Court III – beverages for office

Rabb/Kinetico Water Systems $31.70 Recorder’s Office – bottled water

Ice Mountain Spring water $15.73 Prosecutor’s Office – bottled water

Recently the State Board of Accounts established a policy that money in the General Fund should not be spent for employee refreshments or benefits. The Commissioners stated that claims for money spent for juror food and beverages must be specifically identified. Auditor Lake said some offices do purchase water for their employees.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to withhold payment of the above listed claims until they find out what the money was used for. Mr. Raver seconded the motion.

After a discussion, the Commissioners decided to implement a policy that the county funds will not be approved to pay for food and beverages for employees. Mr. Harbaugh and Mr. Raver withdrew their previous motions. Mr. Raver made a motion to proceed with paying the beverage claims at this time and set a policy that food and beverage claims for office use will no longer be approved for payment from any funds except as related and specifically identified for jury use; and send a memorandum to elected officials and department heads stating such. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

The Commissioners had questions and deliberated on the following claims:

Sherwin Williams Co. Inc. $297.57 County Surveyor

Ubik’s Painting & Contracting $1,200.00 County Recorder

Kokomo Glass Shop Inc. $730.96 County Recorder

The claim from Sherwin Williams Co. Inc. pertains to painting crosses on the roads for flying new aerial photography. The claim from Ubik’s Painting & Contracting and a portion of the claim ($231.15) to Kokomo Glass Shop Inc. occurred when the Recorder’s Office was recently painted without authorization.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve payment on the claims as listed except deny a portion of the claim for Kokomo Glass Shop Inc. in the amount of $231.15 and the claim from Ubik’s Painting & Contracting in the amount of $1,200.00 due to the fact that the painting in the Recorder’s Office was unauthorized. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

3. Commissioners’ Salary Claims for hourly, salary, and overtime payable for April 11th, and April 18th, 2003 (payable on the 17th), were approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

4. Resolution No. 2003-BCC-006: The request for a transfer in the Howard County E-911 Enhancement Services Fund to be heard by the Howard County Council on April 22nd, 2003 was approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

5. Battery Backup for Greentown Repeater: (See page 4, March 3rd, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Maintenance Agreements from Mobile Radio of Kokomo, Inc.”, Item 2, for related discussion) The contract was approved by the Commissioners at their March 3rd meeting pending approval by the Council. On March 25th, the Council approved funding from the EDIT Fund in the amount of $575.00. The Commissioners’ signatures were executed on the contract.

6. The County received $146,669.86 from the aggregate insurance company (stop loss). Auditor Martha Lake spoke with Council President Richard Miller regarding whether keep the money here or keep it in the insurance fund at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. A decision was made to keep the money in the insurance fund in order to protect the funds and make sure the money remains designated for insurance. The reserve fund balance on January 31st, 2003 was $1,680,512.05. The Auditor reported that claims in February were $321,920.95. Hopefully, with the changes made a budget time last year, monthly claims costs will level off.

7. The following statements from Butler, Fairman and Seufert were presented for Commissioner information only:

MS4 Coordination $2,068.10

400 North Right-of-Way Project $1,110.98

8. Howard Community Hospital Annual Report: A dinner and meeting will be held at Howard Community Hospital on April 15th, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria conference room in regard to their annual report for 2002.

IN THE MATTER OF COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES:

County Attorney Larry Murrell presented a claim from Barnes & Thornburg in the amount of $910.00 for legal services through the month of March, 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. The Commissioners received copies of the following letters addressed to Highway Superintendent Ted Cain from Butler, Fairman and Seufert referencing:

a. The bridge inspection report.

b. Tuesday, April 15th at 9:30 a.m. – regarding the bridge on 200 South at 500 East.

2. A letter was received from Insight Communications stating their contract expires on February 3rd, 2006.

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 12:10 p.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, April 7, 2003