The Decatur County Commissioners met on July 1, 2024, at 6pm.
The meeting began with the approval of the June 17, 2024, meeting minutes, claims, and payroll claims. During the review of claims it was mentioned that Tony Blodgett has received complaints about weeds around the War Memorial. It was said that they would need to follow up with the Lawn Care Company.
Todd Houk, High Department Superintendent, provided an update. He said that the Highway Department is working on grading roads, pothole patching, a mason is working on bridge 237, and Shoulder and ditch work. They have been working on 2025 budgets. The only fuel bid was Premier Ag. The commissioners approved the bid to Premier Ag. The lowest bid for CCMG was Pavement Solutions and the commissioners approved this bid. Chad Smith, Attorney, is working on a line-of-sight ordinance and will have this ready for review at the next commissioners meeting.
Kenny Beuning, Building Inspector, said since the last commissioners meeting, he has completed 28 inspections, and Krista Duvall completed 7 while Kenny was on vacation. He has had 15 new building permits, 1 permit renewal, and 1 red tag that was corrected. Kenny said that he went to Lake McCoy and properties are being cleaned up. While driving through he was speaking with someone and they pointed out that there had been a small sinkhole where a trailer had been cleaned up. Kenny was unsure of when the trailer had been buried and said he would look into it. The property at one point was owned by the Washington Township Trustee’s office. He added that he will be visiting Burney in the coming days to look at progress that is being made.
Philip Deiwert, Visit Greensburg, came to the commissioners to discuss the Summer Concert Series and what they need to do to abide by the new Alcohol Ordinance. The commissioners told him that he needed to provide an insurance document that includes alcohol, and that he must receive insurance coverage documentation from any vendor that participates. The commissioners also requested that Philip use the Request of Facilities form for request to use the park for the Summer Concert Series.
Minde Myers, Animal Control, came to the board to find out how to pay for the costs of the animals seized in May. She seized 81 goats and 4 horses due to neglect as outlined by the state veterinarian’s assessment. These costs are feeding, medical costs, and boarding these animals. Minde said that the costs are estimated at $7,900 for the last month. The court date was postponed due to the owners of the animals hiring an attorney on the day of their court date. The next court date is scheduled for July 22, 2024. The commissioners requested that she begin to look at markets and ways to get these animals sold asap if the court approves ownership to the county on July 22, 2024. Minde did point out that she applied for and received grant funding for $4,700 from the Humane Society of the US. The commissioners said that they have $4,950 left in the “sheep fund”. Minde said they also have a $500 donation left from the sheep situation. The commissioners approved her using the $4,700 grant plus the remainder from the sheep funds left over. Then they will revisit this at the next meeting to see what is going on with the court hearing.
Josh Tressler, IT, came to the commissioners to request them to enter into a lease agreement for the IT system and equipment. The commissioners approved and signed the contract for 3 years with semi-annual payments.
The commissioners presented the Fair Committee By-Laws and said that they have had no one reach out to any of the commissioners with any concerns with the new committee by-laws. Tony Blodgett asked that resumes be reviewed and possibly interviews conducted to make sure that they are choosing the right individuals to come on board. The Fair Committee by-laws will be voted on at the next Commissioners meeting.
The Annex was discussed and it was pointed out that several HVAC units need to be checked due to malfunction and rather to repair vs. replace. The discussion led into what else needs fixed at the Annex. It was discussed that they would like to replace broken down or malfunctioning HVAC units, increased parking in the front of the building, moving and having a new sign built that displays all departments within the Annex. Mark Koors is going to reach out to an engineering firm. Jeremy Pasel also asked that the windows be replaced as well.
The commissioners approved the payment of all proceeds above costs from the Solar Eclipse event in the amount of $7,844.91 plus $1,700 from Visit Greensburg.
Kim Carpenter, Power of the Past, asked for approval and what she needs to do to have an alcohol vendor at the Power of the Past. She pointed out that they have already taken out additional insurance to cover having alcohol. The commissioners told her to just complete all normal requirements and work with the Extension office.
Portalet bids for the 4-H Fair were opened with 2 companies submitting bids- Port-A-Let Sanitation $2,450, and Mozingo Sanitation $4,600. Port-A-Let Sanitation is the lowest bid, but did not include their insurance coverage. The commissioners approved Port-A-Let Sanitation as long as they produce the required insurance coverage.
Jeremy Pasel said that he is still waiting for final costs associated with Safe Streets 4-All. Tony Blodgett said that he did bring this up at ARPA and that there was some interest in helping but he needs the cost so he can request again at the next meeting on 7-23-24.
During the conversation speaking of ARPA funds Jeremy Pasel said of the funds that were not used for the pool he believes that it should be used for capital improvement projects, the animal shelter, and the Park road project. Tony Blodgett said that his first priority is to find something to go in place of the pool area. He said that his opinion is the money needs to go to Parks & Recreation in some form. Tony mentioned Pickleball as an opportunity. Tony said that ARPA money should go to something for the community.
The commissioners discussed what to do with the Pool property. Tony Blodgett asked Mark Koors to ask the person(s) that were interested in demolishing the pool that is already there so something else can be constructed such as a Pickleball Court, additional parking, or whatever is decided. They discussed if they would keep the building standing at the pool area. The commissioners said that they will discuss what to do with the property once they have more information.
The commissioners received County Financial Review presentations from Baker Tilly, Reedy Financial Group, and Peters Franklin. This review is being paid for with the ARPA funds that were pledged up to $30,000. The commissioners will review and discuss at their next meeting.
The Tree City Fall Festival received approval to use the Courthouse Lawn on September 19th-20th, 2024.