HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING JUNE 2, 2003

The Howard County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, June 2, 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 May 19th, 2003 were considered. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve the minutes with the following correction:

On page 8, “In the Matter of Commissioner Issues”, Item 1, change the spelling of Clay Township Trustee David Boise to David Boyce.

This was seconded by Mr. Raver, and duly carried:

IN THE MATTER OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONER REMARKS AND RECOGNITIONS:

1. Mr. Jerry Jenkins, Director of the City of Firsts Automotive Heritage Museum has requested that the County Commissioners prepare a proclamation regarding the “Great Race” event to be held on Sunday, June 22nd, 2003. County Attorney Larry Murrell will contact Mr. Jenkins about composing the proclamation.

2. Commissioner Bagwell stated that during the week of Monday, June 23rd, 2003, Delphi Delco Electronics Systems is planning an “Excellence Week” and has asked the Mayor of Kokomo for a proclamation. At the next meeting the Board of Commissioners shall confirm and acknowledge the Mayor’s proclamation and extend the celebration of “Excellence Week” to include Howard County.

IN THE MATTER OF HIGHWAY ISSUES:

Mr. Ted Cain, Howard County Highway Engineer/Superintendent was unable to attend the meeting due to his vacation schedule.

IN THE MATTER OF SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

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

1. Deputy/Lieutenant Don Howard is in the hospital recuperating from what appears to be two strokes, which he suffered on Friday, May 30th. He has been in ICU over the weekend. He is doing better, and is expected to be moved out of ICU soon.

2. 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.

3. Buckeye Power Sales serviced the generator at the Criminal Justice Center a short time ago. They suggested conducting a load bank test to make sure the generator is performing properly. Buckeye Power Sales wrote a proposal in the amount of $1,317.10. Sheriff Talbert said there is money in the service contracts account to pay for the test.

Mr. Raver made a motion to accept the contract from Buckeye Power Sales in the amount of $1,317.10 to perform a load bank test of the generator and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

4. Jail Report: The jail population is at 275. Two prisoners were hospitalized within the past week. One prisoner was injured and taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after jumping from the second story inside one of the pods. The other prisoner suffered a seizure and spent the weekend in Howard Community Hospital. Three correction officers are absent due to illness. Other officers have begun to take summer vacations. Some money may need to be transferred into the overtime account due to the high amount of overtime being used.

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 44-CP-01 – one (1) lot in Holguin Subdivision of Lot 2, Wyrick Acres Subdivision, Section 2, located at 4797 South 600 East was considered. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve Case 44-CP-01. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

2. Case 14-CP-03 – twenty (20) lots in Cloverdale Subdivision, located at 300 Shamrock Ave. was approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

3. Case 13-CP-03 – one (1) lot in DeWeese Subdivision of Lot 1, Katie Subdivision, located at 4903 South 870 West was approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and carried.

4. Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-21 - (Case 2-CZ-03) a request for a change in zone classification from R-1 (Residential) to C-1 (Light Industrial) for property located at 4802 West 250 South was considered. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-21 as requested. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

5. Unsafe Buildings:

a. 3904 South 350 West: There has been no response from the Bankruptcy Trustee regarding the Martin and Frieda Myers property. In a conversation with Greg Lake, Environmental Coordinator with the Department of Health, there is an issue with mosquitoes on the property. A number of discarded tires and an abandoned swimming pool are creating breeding spots for mosquitoes. The property also contains abandoned vehicles, mobile homes, construction material, and stacks of shingles. Mr. Boise suggested asking the Sheriff if the Inmate Work Crew could collect the material on the property, and then to possibly have the Highway Department transport it someplace for disposal. Mr. Boise reported there has been no response to the letters sent to the property owners. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to proceed with the next step, which would be to schedule a public hearing.

b. An unsafe building and property was inspected in Phlox. The building exterior was not in good condition but the building and property are being maintained. Mr. Boise will further investigate the property.

c. 1050 West: Letters were sent out to the property owners. The building is abandoned and has been condemned by the Health Department because children were using it to play in.

d. Mr. Boise contacted the Center Township Trustee for advice about qualified building inspectors. The individuals that inspect buildings for Trustee are not certified, however, they referred Mr. Boise to a fireman that has a certificate for building inspection. Mr. Boise is in the process of contacting the fireman.

6. Flood Mitigation Issues: Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.) requested some additional information on a form that they sent. Mr. Boise is working on filling out the form.

7. Visibility Complaints: Mr. Boise is the enforcement officer of an ordinance addressing vegetation growth. Any complaints about tall weeds at public intersections or obstructing traffic signs in the County right-of-way should be directed to Mr. Boise at 765-456-2330.

IN THE MATTER OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ISSUES:

Maintenance Superintendent Thomas Harrison was not in attendance due to his vacation. Mr. Raver reported on the following issues on behalf of Mr. Harrison:

1. Status of Missing Door: (See page 6, May 19th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Adult Community Corrections Issues”, Item 2, for related discussion) An accommodating door was found and re-installed in the Community Corrections Office in the Government Building.

2. Outdoor Electrical Boxes at Courthouse: (See page 3, May 19th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Maintenance Department Issues”, Item 3, for related discussion) The electrical boxes have been repaired as per OSHA’s recommendations.

IN THE MATTER OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES:

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

1. Crime Alert Bulletin: The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety Emergency Management Division distributed a bulletin regarding suspicious powder in envelopes that have been sent to numerous Government buildings throughout the United States. Official confirmation has been made that the substances tested are not toxic and no illnesses have been reported relating to any of those receiving the letters. The bulletin will be distributed to office holders and department heads.

3. The Family Medical Leave Log for 2003 was confirmed on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh, seconded by Mr. Raver, and carried.

4. Mrs. McKillip is proposing a seminar in Fall - 2003 about Family Medical Leave and American Disabilities Act (ADA) issues and how they work together.

5. Birthday Post Card: Mrs. McKillip asked if the Board would like to continue the practice of sending Birthday Cards to Howard County Employees for 2003. By consensus, the Board decided to continue the practice.

6. Mrs. McKillip and Administrative Assistant Vickie Hinkle attended the Association of Indiana Counties seminar on May 28th, 2003 in Indianapolis.

IN THE MATTER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER ISSUES:

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

1. E-911 Phase 2 Mapping Project: (See page 5, May 19th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of E-911 Mapping Quotes” for related discussion) A representative from WTH Engineering Inc. was present. A few minor changes were made to the contract. Once the changes have been implemented, the contract will be presented for Commissioner approval.

2. County Internet Website: Mr. Tribby will check over the website (www.co.howard.in.us) to make sure it is up to date. Auditor Martha Lake requested Mr. Tribby to post the new tax rates for 2003 on the website.

IN THE MATTER OF HUMANE SOCIETY ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT RENEWAL:

Mr. Beryl Geer, Executive Director of the Kokomo Humane Society, submitted a budget that coordinates with the renewal of the Animal Control Program Contract for 2004.

Fewer calls were made and the number of animals decreased from 40% to 35% last year, which reduced the budget for the 2004-year to $144,617.50. Mr. Geer felt this was due to the publicity of the new Animal Control Ordinance that permits animal control officers to write citations.

In December 2002, significant changes were made to Paragraph B in Section 2 of the 2003 Contract regarding the schedule of services. (See page 5, December 16th, 2002 minutes, “In the matter of Kokomo Humane Society Animal Control Contract” for related discussion) For the year 2003, the regular animal control service schedule excluded Wednesdays for the months of January through April and September through December. This schedule worked well in saving money for the County. In view of the County’s current budget situation, Mr. Bagwell asked if a similar plan would enable some money to be cut out of the budget for 2004. Mr. Geer was opposed to this suggestion. He said the Humane Society does not save money by cutting back service; the number of employees and other costs do not change due to the existing contract with the City of Kokomo. Mr. Geer said he only agreed to eliminate services on Wednesdays for 2003 to help the county work through budget issues.

IN THE MATTER OF GIS NEEDS ASSESSMENT UPDATE:

Mr. Andrew Harrison, Project Business Manager, and Mr. James “Jimmy” West, Project Technical Manager, from The Schneider Corporation presented the following issues for Commissioner information:

The GIS Task Force held their first project kick off meeting to discuss conducting the needs assessment portion of the project. The task force members were oriented and a preliminary contact list was created. Mr. Harrison emphasized that the Commissioners are welcome to attend the meetings. Mr. West has already started scheduling interviews with various departments to discuss their needs. Mr. Harrison encouraged the Commissioners to contact either Mr. West or himself regarding questions or comments about the project

An important goal of the Needs Assessment is to make sure the needs of multiple offices are addressed and not just design the system to meet the needs of one office. Mr. Harrison conducted a short video presentation of how sharing GIS information data works, using Huntington County as an example. The presentation gave examples of multiple layers of maps and showed how departments can share various types of data.

In designing the GIS System, emphasis is placed on are five (5) key points:

1. Design the system to be easy to use.

2. The system needs to be fast and deliver the information quickly.

3. The system needs to be relevant to the questions being asked.

4. The system must be accessible from various locations.

5. The accuracy of the data must be current.

Mr. Harrison said discussion was held about sending a letter to the people that are going to be interviewed in order to clarify what is taking place. The letter would create a more receptive response to the interviews. The Commissioners supported the idea of sending the letter.

IN THE MATTER OF COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS:

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

1. Upgrade to Court Recording Systems: (See page 6, May 19th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Courthouse Renovations”, Item 3, for related discussion) Mr. Bassett said numerous meetings were held with Ms. Kim Coble from Word Systems, Inc., her technicians, Information Systems Manager Terry Tribby and Commissioner President Paul Raver to discuss upgrading the court recording systems. Discussions were held with the Judges and court reporters to evaluate their needs. A walk-through assessment was conducted to assess the needs of the courtrooms. There are three (3) components in designing an efficient cost effective recording system:

i. The software supplier.

ii. The County will furnish the hardware.

iii. The general contractors will handle electrical rewiring for cabling.

Ms. Coble, in attendance today, presented a final proposal to upgrade all of the courtrooms at a total cost of $82,884.00. Payment will be 100% due upon completion of the installation with a 60-day warranty.

Ms. Coble gave a detailed description on how the Sony BM246 4-channel recording system operates. Instead of recording on 90-minute cassette tapes, the recording will go onto a 22-hour compact disc by the use of a computer. With installation of additional equipment, video recording may be installed.

Information Systems Manager Terry Tribby said the hardware is standardized with Dell Computer being the primary vendor. The multi-use computers will be able to access the Judicial Tracking System (JTS) and the internet. The cost for the computers is approximately $1,400.00 to $1,500.00 each for six (6) courtrooms (New Court, Circuit Court, Juvenile Court, Superior I, Superior II, and Superior III) A computer is not needed at the Jail location because it will be a stand-alone digital recording unit. Following the 60-day warranty on equipment there will be an annual maintenance agreement with Word Systems in the amount of $13,000.00, which will be paid out of Information Systems’ Budget.

The Request for Proposals Tabulation No. 34 addresses the new cabling for the recording equipment at a cost of $6,930.00.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the purchase of the recording equipment from Word Systems, Inc. for all Howard County Courts including the jail in the amount of $82,884.00 based on the fact that compatibility is a substantial consideration in purchasing the recording equipment and only one source meets those requirements and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the board. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve Request for Proposals Tabulation No. 34 and contract with Terstep Company, Inc. for the electrical and cabling updates in the amount of $6,930.00. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

A motion was made by Mr. Raver to authorize Information Management Systems to purchase the six (6) computers to update the recording systems in the Howard County Courts as discussed. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, which carried.

2. Courthouse Renovation Update:

· Contractors are in the process of finishing the cell area.

· The walls have been painted and new carpeting is being installed in the CASA area.

· Work on the new courtroom on the second floor is nearly completed.

· Work is progressing in the clerical area of Superior Court II.

· All construction trailers have been removed from the premises.

· Drain tile is being replaced around the south perimeter of the building. The old tile is 100% blocked by mud.

· The new furniture order was finalized last week and is in the process of being delivered.

IN THE MATTER OF ROAD 400 NORTH PROJECT – PURCHASE OF PARCELS:

(See page 6, May 5th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Road 400 North Project – Purchase of Parcels” for related discussion)

Mr. James Hamilton from Butler, Fairman and Seufert, did not have any parcels to submit for purchase at this time. Appraiser Melissa Ellis is working on issues that will lead to completion of the appraisals. Mr. Hamilton requested that this issue be placed on the agenda for the next Commissioner meeting scheduled on June 16th, 2003.

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

(See page 6, April 21st, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Phase II Storm Water Regulations MS4 Project”, for related discussion)

Mr. James Hamilton from Butler, Fairman and Seufert, presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Community Initial Assessment: One of the things put into place to facilitate public education and outreach is a series of incentives to be awarded to property owners for participating in a questionnaire. Some of the local business agreed to furnish the following incentives for a promotional giveaway:

True Green Chemlawn Two $100 valued lawn chemical applications

Newby Lawn Services Two $100 valued lawn chemical applications

Mike’s Sewer Service One 1000-gallon septic tank cleaning in year-2003

Don’s Sewer Service One 1000-gallon septic tank cleaning

The questionnaires will be available in upcoming issues of the Kokomo Perspective, the various government offices, the public library and at the Howard County 4-H Fair in July. The MS4 Advisory Committee meets next week at 1:00 p.m. on June 11th at which time they will assemble collection boxes for the questionnaires.

Mr. Raver made a motion to approve the incentives listed above for the MS4 promotional questionnaire and authorize the President to sign on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

2. Designate MS4 Operator: Mr. Raver reminded the Commissioners that it is getting close to budget time and a MS4 Operator and Contact person (one or two names) must be determined soon. In April the Commissioner discussed whether the Surveyor’s Office would be able to accommodate this position and decisions would need to be made whether the existing employees can absorb the responsibilities or it is necessary to hire a new person. A suggestion was made that a preliminary job description should be written to outline the responsibilities of the MS4 Operator. The issue will be addressed at the next MS4 Committee meeting and then returned to the Commissioners for review/approval at their June 16th meeting.

IN THE MATTER OF REQUEST TO VACATE ALLEY – MONROE TOWNSHIP:

Mr. Vincent McAninch, 7571 West 226 South, approached the Board with a preliminary request to vacate an alley. County Attorney Larry Murrell outlined the process of a Petition to Vacate and recommended that Mr. McAninch obtain legal counsel. Once all of the details have been worked out, the request must be submitted as a formal petition before the Commissioners may schedule a public hearing.

IN THE MATTER OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAYNES APPERSON DAY:

Chamber Director, Rick Hamilton presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Parking for Vendors: The Chamber requested approval for the concession vendors to park in the County parking lot at the corner of Mulberry and Buckeye Streets on Saturday, July 5th, 2003.

Mr. Raver made a motion to authorize the Chamber of Commerce and their sponsorship to use the County parking lot at the northeast corner of Mulberry and Buckeye Streets for Haynes Apperson Day on July 4th and 5th, 2003 with the parking to be supervised by the Chamber of Commerce. The motion was seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and it carried.

2. Emergency Management Agency: EMA needs permission to set up their area in the Courthouse on Thursday, July 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Set up will take approximately one hour. Then on Saturday, July 5th, EMS would occupy said area from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Commissioners were adamant that the Courthouse may only be used for emergency services and not for other uses such as public restrooms. Mr. Hamilton was certain that portable restrooms would be made available to the public.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to authorize the use of the Courthouse for emergency services only on July 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for setup and on July 5th for Haynes Apperson Day. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

3. County Personnel Request: The Chamber requested the availability of one employee from the Maintenance Department to open the Courthouse when needed and that the County might consider providing the employee’s pay as a donation to the event. The Commissioners discussed concerns that paying for the employee might set a precedent for future events. Based on the County’s standard policy, the Chamber of Commerce is responsible to pay for the services of the County maintenance person. Once the total amount of pay is determined, the Commissioners will consider making it a sponsorship fee to the Chamber of Commerce for the Haynes Apperson Day, at their next meeting on June 16th, 2003.

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

County Assessor Ann Harrigan explained that Indiana Code 6-1.1-28 states that the County fiscal body shall make two (2) of the four (4) appointments to the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTBOA). One appointment must be a Republican and the other a Democrat. Since a Republican has previously been appointed, Mrs. Harrigan recommended Mr. William W. Jones, 804 Woodcliff Drive for the Democrat opening. Mrs. Harrigan stated that Mr. Jones possesses the necessary qualities to serve on the Board.

Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to appoint Mr. William W. Jones to the PTBOA. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF HOWARD HAVEN COUNTY HOME:

(See page 5, May 19th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Howard Haven County Home” for related discussion)

Superintendent Kim Krieg and Deputy Auditor Delmo Lynch presented the following issues for Commissioner information and approval.

As the request of the Commissioners from the previous meeting, Mr. Lynch submitted a detailed report on revenues versus expenditures from the year 2000 through May 31st, 2003. The County supplements an average of $75,000.00 per year over and above the annual budget for Howard Haven. Thus far in the year-2003, the cost to the County is $36,891.57, which calculates to approximately $88,500.00 for the entire year.

Ms. Krieg said the freeze placed on the Assistance to Residents in County Homes (ARCH Program) is getting ready to be lifted but she did not have any information when it will happen. Purportedly, the Indiana Division of Family and Children’s’ Services has estimated the date to be July 1st, 2003. Howard Haven has the capability to house 16 residents. Currently there are six (6) residents; two (2) residents are self-pay at the rate of $33.62 per day and four (4) are funded by the ARCH Program at $27.90 per day. However, the ARCH rate is going to soon decrease to $27.00 per day.

The possibility of implementing an adult day care at Howard Haven was discussed. Several questions came up regarding:

Licensing Hours of service Additional costs and/or equipment

Available space Maximum number of clients Types of activities for the clients

Fee structure Number of employees required Management of the operation

Insurance liability costs Cost of additional meals Method of advertising/promoting services

Ms. Charlene Bolton was present to support the continued operation of Howard Haven. She has a sister that is a resident and asked what would it take to keep the home open? Mr. Bagwell said the County is concerned that overall the estimated revenue for the County General Fund is about $2 million less than the estimated budget. The County fiscal body is looking at where costs can be cut. As it stands, the County is facing an unfunded expenditure of approximately $90,000.00 over and above the income that is generated to keep Howard Haven operating. There are three (3) options: increase the revenue, decrease the costs, or close the facility.

Ms. Phyliss Croyle in the audience said her brother resides at Howard Haven. Should the facility close down, Ms. Croyle contends that her home is too small accommodate her brother and he would not have anywhere to live.

The Commissioners encouraged Ms. Krieg to research if there are any legal guidelines required to operate an adult day care facility. Mr. Raver suggested finding out if there is a need or demand for this type of facility in our community. County Attorney Larry Murrell said he would contact Mr. Phil Thatcher at Miles and Finch Insurance regarding insurance liability for operating an adult day care service. Mr. Bagwell said it is getting close to budget time in July and the Board needs to make a decision by the next meeting on June 16th. Ms. Krieg stated she would accrue information about adult day care requirements in the next two weeks.

IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS AND REPORTS:

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

1. Agreement for School Bus Turn Around: Eastern Howard School Corporation Transportation Director, Brad Schrock, submitted a written request that the Howard County Board of Commissioners approve a facility for a school bus turn around on property owned by Rodney and Tammy Eckart located at 11132 East 200 South.

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.

2. Operating claims payable on June 2nd, 2003 in the amount of $1,357,850.60 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver, seconded by Mr. Harbaugh, and carried.

3. Commissioners’ Salary Claims for hourly, salary, and overtime payable for June 6th and June 13th, 2003 were approved on a motion made by Mr. Harbaugh. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, which carried.

4. Indiana State Board of Animal Health Contract for Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Program (for animal testing) in the amount of $1,000.00 was approved on a motion made by Mr. Raver. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion and it carried.

5. Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-22 – additional appropriations of $40,000.00 out of the E-911 Enhanced Service Fund was considered. This issue was discussed earlier in the year regarding payment to Cerulean Company relating to mobile data terminals in police vehicles. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2003-BCC-22. Mr. Raver seconded the motion, and it carried.

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

MS4 Coordination $ 1,837.81

400 North Right-of-Way Project $ 516.68

7. Judge Douglass A. Tate submitted a letter to inform the Commissioners that a new Canon Copier has been purchased for Superior Court III. The cost of the copier was paid out of his discretionary fund Account No. 105-00000 in the amount of $3,240.00.

8. Indiana LTAP sent a letter requesting a list of bridges in Howard County having historical significance. James Hamilton stated the list would be outside of what Butler, Fairman and Seufert has already reported on Howard County’s behalf. The Auditor will pursue the request made by LTAP and contract others who may have pertinent information.

IN THE MATTER OF ATTORNEY ISSUES:

County Attorney Larry Murrell presented the following reports for Commissioner information and approval:

1. Attorney Murrell presented two claims from Barnes & Thornburg for a total amount of $360.00 for legal services through the month of April 2003. Mr. Raver made a motion to approve payment of the claim. Mr. Harbaugh seconded the motion, and it carried.

2. Attorney Murrell presented a claim for his monthly office allowance in the amount of $550.00 for June 2003 and $175.00 for reimbursement for the registration fee for the Municipal Law Association (IACT) Seminar in Indianapolis. Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to approve payment. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried.

IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER ISSUES:

1. Rib Fest pyrotechnic display: (See page 4, March 17th, 2003 minutes, “In the Matter of Rib Fest / Pyrotechnic Display” for related discussion) The Commissioners acknowledged a Certificate of Liability Insurance for a fireworks display from the Courthouse roof at the annual Ribfest to be held on Saturday June 21st, 2003.

2. The County Council approved the requests for additional appropriations at their recent meeting held on Tuesday, May 27th, 2003.

3. New London Conservancy District: Mr. Raver attended the New London Conservancy District meeting on Tuesday, May 20th, 2003. Hometown Engineering presented the 60% complete preliminary engineering report. There was a lot of positive participation in the meeting. The committee decided it would be best to take New London sewage to Russiaville. The Russiaville Town Board was agreeable and the committee decided to explore this possibility. The report also indicated that moving sewage from Green Acres and West Middleton to New London or Russiaville was not a feasible plan.

4. Darrough Chapel Sewer Issue: Mr. Raver reported that another meeting with the residents has not been scheduled at this time. The Department of Health has indicated they want to discuss taking some action at their next Board meeting.

5. Jail Study Committee: The committee has not commenced meetings yet.

6. Renovations to the Courthouse are nearing completion.

There being no further business before the Board at this time, Mr. Harbaugh made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Raver seconded the motion and it carried. The meeting closed at 11:37 a.m.

THE HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

___________________________________________

BRADLEY J. BAGWELL, PRESIDENT

___________________________________________

JOHN B. HARBAUGH, VICE PRESIDENT

___________________________________________

PAUL J. RAVER, MEMBER

ATTEST:

__________________________________

MARTHA J. LAKE, AUDITOR

Commissioner Minutes, June 2, 2003