HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING JANUARY 21, 2003

The Howard County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 (following the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday, January 20th), 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 January 6, 2003 were considered. There being no additions or corrections, Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Harbaugh 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. Maintenance Bond for Sugar Mill Subdivision, Section III was presented in the amount of $19,600.00. The developers agree to maintain the streets for the first three (3) years. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the bond. Seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, the motion carried.

2. The Howard County Highway Department Annual Operating Report was approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.

3. Road 400 North Project: (See page 1, December 16th 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of Highway Issues, Item 1, for related discussion)

a. In December 2002, a request for proposals was sent out for professional services for the rehabilitation of County Road 400 North. Only one response was received by the Friday, January 17th deadline, from Butler, Fairman & Seufert. Mr. Cain had reviewed and recommended acceptance of their proposal. Butler, Fairman & Seufert is currently working on engineering and purchasing some right-of-way along 400 North and are familiar with the project.

Mr. Raver made a motion to accept the Proposal for Professional Services for the Rehabilitation of

County Road 400 North, Phase I, in Howard County as submitted by Butler, Fairman & Seufert and authorize said company to perform the inspection. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

b. There are some situations that the County does not have to purchase some right-of-ways, but the property owners must be contacted about moving some items out of the existing right-of-ways. Mr. Cain will provide the names of those property owners at a later date when the County is ready to begin the process of purchasing the right-of-ways.

IN THE MATTER OF FLOOD MITIGATION PLAN AMENDMENT – PUBLIC DISCUSSION:

Plan Commission Director, Glen Boise, presented the following issues for information and approval:

Scheduled Public Discussion – Flood Mitigation Plan Amendment -- 8:30 a.m.

Several property owners were present for the discussion. Although the meeting was scheduled to discuss Flood Plan Amendment Issues (See Minutes -- December 16th, 2002, Page 2, In the Matter of Plan Commission Issues, Item 2, Howard County Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan Amendment) --The Federal Government upgraded the original plan request to an “All Hazardous Ordinance” to analyze the probability and accommodate other natural hazards such as hurricanes, ice storms, and earthquakes, etc. The “plan amendment” will also correct status changes in regard to properties located in the flood plain, (i.e. High Risk/Moderate Risk”). One property was removed. (Please see comments, page 2.)

At this meeting, the owners and other interested parties in attendance took advantage of the opportunity to express concerns in regard to many other issues relative to owning property in the flood plain.

Mr. Boise presented a summary of events leading to the composition and amendment of the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan addressed the following flood insurance issues:

a. Properties having claims on a repetitive basis; for example, more than two (2) flood damage claims in ten (10) years exceeding $1,000.00 in costs. Those properties are required to be a priority.

b. The process of response to flooding. Howard County’s Emergency Management Agency is up to date on the requirements.

c. What county infrastructures, such as bridges and roads, need to be considered.

d. Whether the county has critical facilities such as hospitals and schools located in the flood plain.

e. Whether there are any businesses storing large quantities of hazardous materials in the flood plain.

f. Impact on development and whether building is being discouraged in the flood plain.

The original plan was adopted in 2001 by the Commissioners, and was sent to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and then the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review. However, further action on the plan was delayed when SEMA misplaced FEMA’s comments. Recently the county received FEMA’s comments. Now the state and federal governments need to approve the final plan. When officially adopted, the plan will be reviewed every five years in order to bring it up to date. The “High-Risk” properties will be bought out and removed as funding becomes available and the owners volunteer for the buy-out.

Mr. Bagwell opened the floor for public questions and discussion.

Michael Gerig, 608 Ridge Road, wanted to know how homeowners can find out if their properties are classified as “High-Risk”. Mr. Boise replied that the owners may contact him at the Plan Commission Office.

James Hagaman, 604 Hillcrest Drive, stated his property is incorrectly listed as a “Moderate-Risk”. Mr. Hagaman explained there was an oversight in the original elevation of the property. Someone had failed to walk around to the rear of the house and notice it is a tri-level home. The garage floor at the front of the house was determined to be the lowest floor instead of the walkout basement at the rear of the home. Mr. Hagaman’s had five (5) claims for flood damage to his home and requested that the status of his property be changed to “High-Risk”. Mr. Boise supported the idea of amending the status of Mr. Hagaman’s property to “High-Risk” due to the repetitive risks involved. Mr. Harbaugh commended that the lowest elevation of the house is well below the flood level.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to modify the list to include 604 Hillcrest Drive on the “High-Risk” buildings list. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.

Mr. Hagaman asked about the issue of alternate properties being bought out, creating an “island” of the remaining properties. Mr. Boise explained the original High-Risk list includes properties that would leave a “gap-toothed” situation. These properties are at the lowest priority on the buy-out list. One solution would be that the owners on either side split the cost of purchasing the property, which would help improve the quality of their properties. Moderate-Risk properties may be able to resolve their 100-year flood issue by raising up the foundation an additional block or two.

Ray Freeman, 604 Ridge Road, questioned the financial information on the Flood Damage Analyses Results shown for his home. Mr. Boise said the consultant prepared cost estimates based upon formulas established by FEMA with regard to what damages that could be incurred with flooding.

Michael Gerig, 608 Ridge Road, felt 600 Ridge Road was erroneously listed as High-Risk. Mr. Boise explained his property is a “gap-toothed” property as discussed previously.

Mr. Gerig questioned if the engineering study took into account, the effects of restricted flow from bridges. Mr. Boise commented that the design of the flood plain area is based upon the existing conditions, which includes bridges. Mr. Gerig asked if the restrictions at the 300 East Bridge were considered while projecting the 100-year flood elevation. Mr. Boise said the bridge was in part of the study when the Army Corp of Engineers and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produced the base maps in 1981. The recent consultant did not revise the maps.

Jack Shepherd, 404 Ridge Road, contends that flooding problems intensified on his property in 1980 when a larger bridge was built at the dam and two 5-foot culverts were removed under the bridge at 300 East. Mr. Shepherd discussed these problems with the Army Corp of Engineers in 1981. According to Mr. Shepherd, the Army Corp completed a flow of volume under the new bridge but not the 300 East Bridge. Mr. Bagwell recalled previous conversations in the past about a significant difference in water level on either side of the bridge during flooding. Mr. Shepherd suggested computing the cubic feet per hour compared to the amount water being released down the road.

Mr. Shepherd asked how an owner could find out the amount offered to buy out a property. Mr. Boise explained that state law requires two (2) independent appraisals. The amount offered for a property is calculated by averaging the two appraisals. The procedure calls for letters to be sent out to the owners on the High-Risk list asking volunteers to be bought out. A priority will be set for the properties with the highest risk.

Mr. Shepherd asked if he could receive help with flood protection on his property instead of a buy-out. Mr. Boise said the flood protection program mainly focuses on Moderate-Risk properties.

Mark Watkins, 4368 West 00 North/South, felt that removal of the large log jams in the creek would improve the flow of water. Though his home had never been flooded inside, there were times it was an island in several acres of standing water. Mr. Watkins wanted to know how the elevations on the list are formulated. Mr. Boise replied it is an engineering process used by hydrologic scientists based upon the size of the area, shape of the valley, kind of range, amount of water flowing in the stream and various other considerations.

Mr. Watkins asked when the Low to Moderate-Risk properties will receive assistance. Mr. Boise explained the county would apply for grants to hire an engineer to complete an in-house study and determine what needs to be done to protect the house from damages caused by flooding. Once consultants are selected, letters would be sent to the homeowners to determine if they are interested in participating in the program. There would be a fee involved of about 12% of the actual cost of the program. Measurements would be taken of the first floor elevations, the property evaluated, and then a number of solutions would be proposed to mitigate the problem. Mr. Boise hopes to begin this process with the homeowners in the spring.

Marie Sosh, 408 Ridge Road, a High-Risk homeowner, wanted to know which properties were at the highest risks. Mr. Boise said the highest risks are the properties located in the floodway and the next, those homeowners having repetitive claims. Mrs. Sosh commented that she pays more than $1,000.00 per year for flood insurance. She does not know whether to invest more money for improvements to her home. She is tired of being in an indeterminate state.

Gina Fike, 500 Ridge Road, said flooding seems to have increased on her property in the past few years. Ms. Fike was adamant that the county follows through on the program. Mr. Bagwell informed Ms. Fike the Flood Mitigation issue is on the agenda for every Commissioners meeting for the past two (2) years to make watch for any updates.

Jolene Rule, Wildcat Creek Guardians, made the following suggestion on the second page, Item 4, of the Additional Information for the Howard County Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan, regarding “discourage construction of buildings” in the floodplains: Add a statement to prohibit filling of land in floodplains downstream. Filling in these areas displaces water and increases flooding upstream.

Joe Galloway, 2657 East 100 North, said the 100-year depth against his building is zero. He went through FEMA to have his property removed from the flood plain map and submitted the documents to the Plan Commission. Mr. Galloway wanted to know why his home still appears on the High-Risk list. Mr. Boise confirmed that the house was removed from the flood plain maps.

At the homeowners request, Mr. Raver made a motion to remove the property at 2657 East 100 North from the High-Risk list. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

Michael Gerig, 608 Ridge Road, came forward with an additional suggestion. He said if the county has money available; hire a surveyor to place permanent stakes on both sides of the bridge at 300 East to monitor the different water levels on either side. The Commissioners advised they would talk to the County Surveyor’s Office regarding this issue.

The Public Discussion concluded at 9:35 a.m.

Mr. Bagwell thanked everyone for their comments. He said the County would do everything possible to move forward with the Flood Mitigation Project, but keep in mind that the funds are dependent on the federal and state governments. If there are any questions regarding this project, contact Mr. Glen Boise at the Howard County Plan Commission.

IN THE MATTER OF MISCELLANEOUS PLAN COMMISSION ISSUES:

Plan Commission Director, Glen Boise, presented the following issues for information and approval:

1. There was no subdivision plats submitted for approval.

2. Flood Insurance Status: Work continues on the community rating system application.

3. Flood Proofing Status: A Request for Proposals was sent out for the flood mitigation activities last week. The proposals are anticipated to be presented to the Commissioners in February.

4. Status of County Comprehensive Plan: A contract for a consultant will be presented to the Commissioners in February.

5. Unsafe Building Issues: There was nothing new to report.

IN THE MATTER OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

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

1. Six (6) heaters need replaced in the emergency management building located at the County Highway Garage. A request for $1,600.00 will be submitted at the next Council meeting on January 28th, 2003 for replacing the first two (2) heaters. The cost of $3,200.00 to replace remaining four (4) heaters out of the CCD Fund will be presented to the Council on February 25th, 2003 The total amount of both requests for $4,800.00 will be paid out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve $1,600.00 in January and $3,200.00 in February for a total of $4,800.00 out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund as requested, subject to Council approval. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.

2. The cooling tower on the roof of the Government Building is leaking and beyond repair. Quotes to replace the tower were received from Siemens Building Technologies for $10,950.00 and Quality Plumbing & Heating for $9,000.00. Mr. Harrison recommended the lowest quote from Quality Plumbing & Heating.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the request for $9,000.00 out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund for Quality Plumbing & Heating to replace the cooling tower on the Government Building subject to Council approval. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

4. The maintenance service Contract with Siemens Building Technologies for 2003 in the amount of $33,000.00 was presented for Commissioner approval. The contract is basically the same as in previous years except for a price adjustment down of $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 because of the warranties in affect at the courthouse. It was commented that it is beneficial to have all the county owned buildings under one contract since it allows the contractors to transfer time to any of the buildings. The contract will be reviewed by the County Attorney and presented at the next Commissioners’ meeting on February 3rd, 2003.

5. The elevator in the Administration Center malfunctioned. The seals leaked oil into the basement and were replaced at a cost of $7,000.00. The elevator controls in the Administration Center and Government Building are more than 25 years old and repair parts are becoming obsolete. Mr. Harrison advised that the Commissioners may want to consider replacing the elevator controls in the next two years.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve $7,000.00 to be paid out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund to repair the elevator pending the approval of the County Council. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:

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

1. Drug & Alcohol Policy: On an order from the Howard Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray, Jan Weaver, Director of the Kinsey Youth Center requested that the Kinsey Youth Center Staff and Juvenile Probation Department be added to the current random drug testing policy. The policy would be effective February 1st, 2003 and the employees would be tested a minimum of two (2) times per year. The employees will be asked to sign a written acknowledgement regarding the change in policy.

Mr. Raver made a motion to amend the Howard County Employees Handbook as noted with reference to Sections 1.6.1, 1.6.1a, 1.6.1b and 1.6.1c. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and the motion carried.

2. PAC Committee Recommendations:

a. Revise Coroner Budget: The PAC favorably recommended Coroner Brad Bray’s request to revise his current budget. There will be no additional money or personnel and the revised positions will better serve the department.

Chief Deputy $3,100.00

Part-time Deputies (3) $2,400.00 each

Part-time salary $ 498.00 = $10,798.00

In place of current budget:

Part-time Deputies (2) $4,899.00 each

Part-time salary $1,000.00 = $10,798.00

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the revisions to the Coroner’s budget as requested and forward the request onto the Council for their consideration. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

b. E-911 Dispatch Budget: (Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-03) The additional position requested by Communications Director Tony Ramsey for the proposed budget for 2003 was not approved due to budget restraints. Mr. Ramsey has requested approval for the following changes:

i. Change Tony Ramsey’s title from Dispatch Supervisor to Communications Director in #001General Fund/Sheriff’s Budget.

ii. Change the IDACS Coordinator Steve Kline’s title to Assistant Communications Director and increase the salary by $500.00. (From $29,644.00 to $30,144.00) in the E-911 Fund #145.

iii. Promote a Dispatcher to a new position of Shift Supervisor and increase the salary by $500.00. (From $29,144.00 to $29,644.00).

Mr. Ramsey’s revised request coordinated with the PAC recommendation, which was to not add any new employees, change the salaries and titles as listed above, and allow $5,000.00 for dispatch training. Any additional personnel should be submitted with the 2004 budget.

Discussion ensued whether the PAC should make decisions concerning appropriations for training employees.

Mr. Raver made motion to approve the following title and salary changes presented for Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-03 out of the E-911 Fund as amended. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried:

REQUESTED: APPROVED:

145 HOWARD COUNTY 911 ENHANCEMENT SERVICES FUND:

1111 IDACS Coordinator Asst. Communications Director $ 30,144.00 $ 30,144.00

1113 Shift Supervisor $ 29,644.00 $ 29,644.00

1123 Dispatcher $ 29,144.00 -0- 1125 Overtime $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00

2330 Clothing Allowance $ 6,500.00 $ 6,500.00

3213 Travel and Training $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00

3216 Communication Systems Support/Phones $120,000.00 $120,000.00

4720 Equipment $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00

Total County 911 Enhancement Services Fund: $ 267,432.00 $ 238,288.00

3. Life Insurance Rate Increase: The Commissioners received a notice that Jefferson Pilot Voluntary Life Insurance rates will increase effective February 1, 2003. The new insurance rates were accepted on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

4. The Retiree Log for 2003 was presented for Commissioner information. Judy Maxwell will be added to the list.

5. COBRA Insurance Administration: There are approximately ten (10) employees that have COBRA Insurance. Three years ago COBRA Insurance was administered through the county’s enrollment clerk. Currently it has changed to a third party administrator named Anthem Benefit Administrators, Inc. The only thing the benefit administrators do for a 2% fee is send coupons to the employees and take the payment. Mrs. McKillip requested approval for the Personnel Department to take 100% charge of the COBRA administrations. The change would not create a hardship to the Auditor’s Office and would save the County at least $6,000.00.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the President to notify Anthem Benefit Administrators, Inc. that administration of COBRA Insurance will no longer be needed because the County will become the sole administrators, effective February 1, 2003. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

6. Mrs. McKillip requested a short recess to acknowledge Mr. Harbaugh’s 75th birthday. A motion to take a short recess was made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Bagwell vacated the chair and seconded the motion, which carried.

Recess at 10:10 a.m. for Birthday Celebration.

Mr. Bagwell congratulated Mr. Harbaugh on his 75th birthday.

The meeting reconvened at 10:25 a.m.

IN THE MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:

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

1. DOXPOP UPDATE: (Court Record Internet Publishing Agreement) The CSI and CSI/DOX POP Contracts for a total amount of $24,800.00 were submitted for Commissioner approval. The annual fee is for maintaining the software. Maintenance of the hardware will be performed by the Information Systems Department. Last week, the Judicial Tracking Server (JTS) and related equipment were moved to the new Communications Center on the first floor of the Courthouse. This system will replace the current dial-in communications. Once the contracts are signed, the next step would be to meet with them to discuss the roll-out and arrange a presentation of the program to attorneys and the general public. The program is available by subscription. The County Departments will already be set up for access to the records.

The Commissioners requested two (2) corrections to the Court Record Internet Publishing Agreement:

a. On page 1, strike the words, “the Courts of” from the last line in the first paragraph. The agreement is between Doxpop and Howard County.

b. On pages 3 through 12, remove the footnote at the bottom of each page referencing the Courts of Monroe County.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the CSI and CSI/DOX POP Court Record Internet Publishing Agreements in the amount of $24,800.00 and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

2. Howard County Website Update: The Commissioner and Council scheduled meeting dates in 2003 are now available on the website. The minutes of the meetings will be published up to date this week.

3. Wireless security duress buttons: Mr. Tribby met with Stop Tech LTD regarding their proposal in 2002 for wireless duress system for three (3) County owned buildings. The new system is still unavailable but scheduled to be released sometime in March or April 2003. Mr. Tribby will make inquiries to find out if other companies offer a similar type system.

IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:

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

· The new lift system and motor has been installed in the main passenger elevator. The elevator may be ready for operation in two weeks. Mr. Harrison reported there were problems with coordinating people and prisoners on the inmate elevator. Mr. Harrison employed a part-time person from his custodial budget to operate the elevator for two to four weeks.

· Work continues in the Probation Department and Drug Task Force areas in the basement. The contractors are working on the new courtroom area on the second floor. The area vacated by the Clerk’s Office is also being renovated.

· Mr. Bassett held a meeting with Mr. Raver to discuss furniture. The staff in the Voter Registration Office still uses typewriters for the majority of the work. Discussion was held with the employees regarding upgrading to data processing. It is anticipated that Voter Registration will move back into their area after April 2003. Mr. Bassett felt this would be an opportune time to evaluate Voter Registration’s future needs so their workspace can be designed to accommodate any equipment updates.

· Next month Mr. Bassett is scheduled to contact fire alarm companies to discuss installing a fire alarm monitoring system for the Courthouse.

· The water leaks in the south portion of the basement area have been sealed. A contractor is scheduled to make sure the drain lines on the roof and surrounding the building are not obstructed.

IN THE MATTER OF NEW LONDON / HONEY CREEK GRANT APPLICATIONS:

(See pages 3-4, October 7, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of New London/Honey Creek Grant Applications” for related discussion)

Grant Administrator Tina Mendenhall-Henderson presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. New London Grant Application: The January 31st Semi-annual report states there has been no funds expended to date. By March 2003, Ms. Henderson hopes to be 60% complete.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the report and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

2. Honey Creek Township Pumper Truck Grant Application: The proposal requesting a $150,000.00 grant from the Indiana Department of Commerce is due on Friday, January 24th. Honey Creek Fire Protection Fund will supply the local match. A public hearing is scheduled on Thursday, January 23rd 2003 at 6:30 p.m. The income survey came in at 48% (low to moderate), falling short of meeting one of the National criteria for approval of the grant application. To help Honey Creek Township qualify for the grant, Ms. Mendenhall proposes to combine an income survey for the Town of Russiaville to attempt to bring the number to 51%. The final application is due on April 4, 2003.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the President to sign the application for the Community Focus Fund Proposal with the understanding that Honey Creek Township will supply the local match. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF MAPPING DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

Assistant Draftsman Jessie Johnson of the Howard County Auditor’s Office presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Fly New Aerial Maps: (See page 5 of the December 16th, 2002 minutes, “In the Matter of New Aerial Maps”, Item a. for related discussion) Five (5) out of six (6) Requests for Quotes were received. Mr. Johnson reviewed the quotes with Schneider Corporation and recommended the lowest quote from Aerocon. The project manager from Aerocon was formerly with the company that flew the aerial photographs the last time. Aerocon’s proposal is $59,575.00 excluding planimetrics (road centerlines, bridges and water features).

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the proposal from Aerocon in the amount of $59,575.00 subject to approval of the County Attorney and funding approval by the County Council. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

2. Geographic Information System (GIS): Michael Condre from The Schneider Corporation presented the following issues for approval:

a. GIS Professional Services Agreement: This is an agreement with The Schneider Corporation setting the fees for hourly services and makes arrangements to submit detailed scopes of work as requested by the County. The contract also included a Designation of Owner’s Representative.

Mr. Raver made a motion to accept the GIS Professional Services Agreement with The Schneider Corporation and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

b. GIS Community Assessment / Implementation Plan: Based on the above agreement, this proposal aids the County’s GIS Task Force and focuses on training and educating on GIS issues. On January 16th 2003, several members of the GIS Steering Committee traveled to Huntington County to look at an implementation plan that arose from a similar kind of needs assessment and training process. The members were able to see an example of the plan and how it can affect different departments. The study helped identify the departments who would be involved and relative funding sources.

The above referenced Authorization to Proceed will be reviewed by the GIS Steering Committee on February 13th, 2003 and returned to the Commissioners for consideration.

IN THE MATTER OF E-911 DISPATCH ISSUES:

Communications Director Tony Ramsey requested approval for authorization to proceed with Request for Proposals mapping the E-911 portion (Phase 2 Wireless) of the GIS Information System. The GIS Steering Committee will review the proposals and make a recommendation to the Commissioners. The projected cost of the project is in excess of $75,000.00. Mr. Ramsey will prepare the specifications and present them to the Commissioners at the next meeting. After discussion, it was determined that the normal bidding process would not be practical in this particular case.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize Tony Ramsey to proceed with composing the specifications to be used for the Request for Proposals to be presented for Commissioners’ review at the next meeting on February 3rd, 2003 and find that the normal bidding process would not be practical in this case. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

IN THE MATTER OF JULY 4th CELEBRATION:

Democratic Mayoral Candidate Susan Alexander presented a proposal for an Independence Day Celebration in place of the Haynes Apperson Festival that was cancelled for this year. The event would consist of a car show, fireworks display, and a parade. Ms. Alexander contended that a fourth of July celebration would be an opportunity to commemorate our national and local citizenship and gather together to build on the quality of life. The event can help with marketing our community, an important part of economic development for the area. On Saturday, July 5th, she stated that the Kokomo Shrine Club proposes a parade from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and then the Pioneer Auto Club has agreed to partially fund and stage a car show around the Courthouse Square from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Engel Jewelers has agreed to sponsor trophies for the parade. In addition, a pyrotechnic show is being negotiated for a fireworks finale. The projected cost for the festival is $20,000.00. The Friends of Susan Alexander group is helping to solicit the funding that will be offered to a non-profit organization to implement the festival.

Ms. Alexander requested approval to use the Courthouse roof for a pyrotechnics show and asked for financial support of $5,000.00. Ms. Alexander plans to approach the City Council, businesses, labor unions, and several different groups about getting involved with this project. The tentative name for the event is the City of Firsts Freedom Festival.

The Commissioners were aware of other groups meeting to discuss similar ideas. There was not enough information available for the Commissioners to proceed with any decisions regarding this issue. Maintenance Superintendent Tom Harrison was skeptical about having further fireworks discharged from the Courthouse roof. Safety issues were a concern. There were questions about blocking off streets for the activities.

Ms. Alexander advised a meeting is scheduled on Thursday, January 23rd for further discussion and has invited Mr. Paul Wood, President of the Main Street Association to the meeting.

Mr. Bagwell was apprehensive about contributing County money to a political entity. Ms. Alexander assured the Commissioners that this was not a request to contribute to her political campaign. Because a nonpartisan organization is not involved in sponsoring the festival, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to not make any commitments on this issue.

Ms. Alexander proposed to have a sponsor present at the February 3rd Commissioners meeting and requested that this issue be placed back on the agenda.

IN THE MATTER OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

Sheriff Marshall Talbert presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the Preventative Maintenance Agreement in the amount of $680.80 with Buckeye Power Sales Co., Inc. for the generator at the Criminal Justice Center and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

2. Personal Contract Between the Howard County Sheriff’s Department and Sgt. Richard Ferguson: Sgt. Ferguson agrees to assume total responsibility and liability for the K-9 known as Duex to include the dog’s food, shelter, health care and any insurance that may be required. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the disposition of the K-9 known as Duex as per the written agreement as stated. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried. The dog’s value is determined to be less than $1,000.

3. The Sheriffs Department will be placed on all future Commissioner Agendas beginning in February 2003.

11:45 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: Paul J. Raver, Bradley J. Bagwell, John B. Harbaugh and Treasurer Ann Wells.

The meeting was called to order. Ms. Wells read the minutes of the last meeting held on January 22nd, 2002.

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.

Mr. Bagwell made a motion to re-elect Mr. Harbaugh as President of the Board of Finance for 2003 and re-appoint Ann Wells as Secretary. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

Mrs. Wells commented there was nearly $2 million in interest income in 2000 and 2001 compared to $527.00 in 2002.

There being no further business before the Board of Finance, Mr. Bagwell made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried. The meeting closed at 11:50 a.m.

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

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 December 16, 2002 in the amount of $159,902.53 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and carried.

2. Commissioners’ Salary Claims for hourly, salary, and overtime payable for January 24th and January 31st, 2002 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

3. The Howard County Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2002 was accepted on a motion made by Mr. Raver, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and carried.

4. Property Systems Contract Retainage: A claim was forwarded from the Howard County Assessor for the retainage on the Property Systems Contract in the amount of $115,362, which is 87% of the total retained amount ($132,600.00). The remaining 13% will be held in the account until the Completion of Support of Values as stated in the contract approved October 18th, 1999.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve disbursement from First National Bank, for the Property Systems Contract retainage in the amount of $115,362.00, which represents 87% of the retained amount. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

5. County Misdemeanant Fund: Notification was received from the Indiana Department of Corrections that the County will $66,500.00 from the County Misdemeanant Fund by approximately September 1, 2003.

6. The requests out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund and Economical Development Income Tax Fund to be heard by the Howard County Council on January 28th, 2003 were approved to be forwarded on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

7. Local Gaming Revenue Sharing: Howard County is scheduled to receive $537, 255.23 from gaming revenue for non-boat counties. However, the State Government proposes that the money may not be delivered. Auditor Martha Lake suggested that we need to keep tabs on our legislators and make sure Howard County gets the funding that was promised.

IN THE MATTER OF COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES:

County Attorney Larry Murrell did not have any issues to present.

IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER ISSUES:

1. The Commissioners were invited to a Sam’s Club Breakfast.

2. The issue of regarding where precinct Annexation No. 6223 belongs will be reviewed at a later date.

3. The Report from the Veteran’s Service Officer for the Months of December 2002 was accepted on a motion made by Mr. Bagwell. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

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 11:55 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, January 21, 2003