The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners
met in session this 19th day of July at 5:38 p.m. in the Room 307 of the
Civic Center Complex with President Bettye Lou Jerrel presiding.
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Introductions and Pledge of
Allegiance
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President Jerrel: I'd like to call
the Vanderburgh County Commissioners' meeting to order and present to you
the people you see before you. On my far right is Barbara Cunningham, the
Area Plan Director; next to her is Joe Harrison, Jr., the County Attorney;
Pat Tuley is unable to be with us this evening; on the far left, Charlene
Timmons, is the Recording Secretary; Suzanne Crouch, next to her, is the
County Auditor; Commissioner Richard Mourdock; and my name is Bettye Lou
Jerrel. I would like to invite you to join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Jerrel: The first item on
the agenda is the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move approval
of the minutes as submitted for the July 12, 1999 County Commission meeting.
President Jerrel: I'll second that
motion and say so ordered.
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Certification of Executive
Session
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President Jerrel: The next item on
the agenda is the certification of the Executive Session.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move approval
of the summary minutes and show that those minutes discussed matters of
pending litigation and also county personnel matters.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered.
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Jerry Bryan - City/County
Purchasing
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President Jerrel: The next item on
the agenda is the Purchasing Director.
Jerry Bryan: Tonight I would like
to bring before the Commission to request permission to award bid 99-23
which is a new pickup truck for the county to replace one damaged beyond
economical repair. Obviously, this is in addition to the one that I had
a couple of weeks ago, Bettye and Mr. Mourdock. Suzanne, I'm correct in
saying that the $14,000 insurance settlement, the check is in our hands,
correct?
Suzanne Crouch: Correct.
Jerry Bryan: Erik tells me that the
balance of the truck of $23,000 which would be about $9,800 is in the Road
Equipment Fund 216-4310, is that right?
Erik Bentle: That's correct.
Jerry Bryan: In the interest of brevity
I have, of course, the summary here of what happened, but this truck is
needed to balance out the fleet because they are in the heavy work schedule
right now and we request that the Commissioners allow us to purchase this
truck, please.
President Jerrel: Is there a motion?
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move approval
of the awarding of bid VC99-23 for the new pickup as requested.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
Jerry Bryan: Thank you.
President Jerrel: Thank you.
Public hearing
Ordinance amending Title 17, Off-premise
advertising signs
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President Jerrel: The next item on
the agenda is the public hearing on the ordinance amending Title 17 concerning
off-premise advertising signs. I do have a letter which I will include
in the minutes from Commissioner Tuley who had some comments to make on
the issue and we talked about how we could do that since he wasn't going
to be able to be here this evening and so we're including it. His comments
deal with the Highway Beautification Act and his feeling that we should
keep the minimum standards set forth in this Act and he is recommending
that the County Commissioners amend the current ordinance as per the following:
For billboards along any state or
federal highway we should follow the guidelines adopted by the State of
Indiana as per the Highway Beautification Act and two, all other places
not along a federal or state highway amend the ordinance as per the ordinance
adopted by Evansville City Council.
We'll enter this into the record for
Commissioner Tuley. To begin let me just make a comment that we followed...I
know Commissioner Mourdock, and Commissioner Tuley and I followed very
closely all of the hearings and discussions at the City Council level and
we feel like we're reasonably well informed. We've asked people their thoughts
and organizations, but we certainly would welcome any comments that anyone
wishes to make at this time concerning the ordinance and any recommendations
that may come forth, so if there is anyone here that would like to speak
please come forward.
Steve Miller: Thank you. I'm Steve
Miller and I am here representing Operation City Beautiful. We have been
involved in the process with the City of Evansville and have become very
familiar with the issues regarding off-premise signs and we would like
to strongly recommend that the county adopt the same restrictions and the
city has adopted and that we not follow the state recommendations. There
is a considerable difference in the two as I understand it. We would like
to recommend and hope that the County Commissioners would adopt the same
restrictions as the city has. Thank you.
President Jerrel: Thank you. Is there
anyone else that wishes to speak? Yes, sir.
Mick Murphy: My name is Mick Murphy,
Tri-Out Outdoor Advertising. I also agree. We've put many hours in as far
as the background and everything of what would work and what would not
work. What the city has adopted I, as a member of the outdoor industry,
would also recommend that we mirror the city in the county and I believe
it will work out for all of us. Thank you.
President Jerrel: Is there anyone
else that wishes to speak? Mrs. Cunningham, do you have any comments?
Barbara Cunningham: I can answer any
questions that you might have. I think what you have before you tonight
is the ordinance sent by the Plan Commission in May. You also have been
given a packet that explains the comparison between the city and the county
and the existing ordinance. If you have any questions I would be happy,
and my staff is here, too, to answer any questions that you may have.
Commissioner Mourdock: Let me ask
the question then jointly of Barbara and Joe. It is my understanding we
can essentially do one of several things. We could either obviously not
adopt any ordinance which would maintain the one that we presently have
in effect. We could adopt the ordinance that has been proposed by APC.
We could adopt the revised ordinance as done by the city or--
Barbara Cunningham: You have to amend
it to do that.
Commissioner Mourdock: Right, yeah,
okay, which I guess would be the same as what I was about to say the fourth
option would be to amend. So we would amend either by adopting what the
city has done or other amendments.
Barbara Cunningham: It needs to be
done today though.
Commissioner Mourdock: Right.
Barbara Cunningham: Because your 90
days is tomorrow.
President Jerrel: Right.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: Yeah, if you wish
to make any amendments they have to be done today.
President Jerrel: Well, for the purpose
of initiating this discussion there are some areas that I think we can
legitimately go along with that are exactly like the city, but I would
like to make a recommendation that perhaps we look at a few of these other
areas that are somewhat different.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, I think
certainly the efforts of the city and a lot of the advertising people and
everyone else involved, I think there were some beneficial comments added
from the original proposal that APC put forward, so I think many of those
can be added in. I'll start through the list if you like.
President Jerrel: Okay, that would
be fine.
Commissioner Mourdock: I guess we'll
ultimately do this in total, but at least for the purposes of discussion
I would suggest that under Section 17.27.010 of the proposed April 21,
1999 that we add as the city did the language, off- premise signs shall
not be included with on-premise signs in determining the total number of
signs...the total number of...I'm sorry, let me start over.
Off-premise signs shall not be included
with on-premise signs in determining the total number or size of signs
permitted on any site.
President Jerrel: And that would simply
be in addition to our current language.
Commissioner Mourdock: Right.
President Jerrel: Okay, do you want
to do these or do you want to go through everything?
Commissioner Mourdock: Why don't we...yeah,
that is probably the simplest solution.
President Jerrel: Is that in the form
of a motion?
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, let me
make that as a motion that we add that to the language of 17.27.010 Purpose.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: The second
one would be under the Maintenance and removal section, which is 17.27.030.
Under B 3 I would suggest a condition of dilapidation exists be amended
to read:
A condition of dilapidation or danger
exists.
President Jerrel: Right, I'll second
and say so ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: Under that
same section I would add a subparagraph D:
When relocation or removal of an
off-premise sign becomes necessary due to construction, expansion or other
development planned on the site where the sign is located the sign may
be moved by the sign owner to another location on that same site within
20 feet of the location of the original sign providing the location within
20 feet of the original sign does not increase the nonconformity of the
sign. Once the sign has been removed temporary approval shall be effective
for a period of 90 days. During that time an off-premise sign may be erected
after issuance of all required permits. Permit fees may be waived if the
off-premise sign structure is the same configuration and erected in the
same manner as the original sign, is of the same or smaller size than the
original sign and documentation is provided from the owner of the site
that the relocation of the sign is necessary due to construction, expansion
or other development planned for the site.
President Jerrel: I'll--
Barbara Cunningham: May I make...(inaudible)
I thought it was in the city. And a valid permit for this construction
has been issued instead of just a letter from the owner of the property.
That there be a valid permit in hand that this is going to be changed or
a parking lot is going to be added or the building is going to be moved.
Commissioner Mourdock: Ah. I understand
what you're saying with that, so I am trying to think where that would
be appropriate.
Barbara Cunningham: Just at the end
of the sentence, couldn't it be?
And a valid permit for this construction
has been issued.
It's implied, but I mean this really
ties it down. It's implied in the city.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll amend
my motion to include that wording for that provision.
Barbara Cunningham: Thank you.
President Jerrel: Again, let me repeat
that we just read in, except for that last sentence, the language of the
city's.
Commissioner Mourdock: Right, and
that would be from the city's paragraph D.
President Jerrel: Right.
Commissioner Mourdock: I think you
need to do a so ordered there, I think.
President Jerrel: And I'll say so
ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: Under that
same section then I would suggest we add a paragraph E that would read
as the city's paragraph G reads:
All off-premise signs must display
copy encompassing the entire display face at all times. If copy is not
displayed for a period exceeding 60 days the permit for the off-premise
sign may be revoked. A
President Jerrel: I'll second and say
so ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: Okay, my next
comment is somewhat of a question that I think we need to discuss here.
As submitted to us under Section 17.27.040 Prohibitions, the present paragraph
I reads:
Placement within 300 feet of the
edge of the right-of-way along the Ohio River Scenic Route or within 300
feet of the center of the Greenway Passage.
My question, I guess for the County Attorney
here, is what the heck does that mean given the Greenway Passage project
seems to me to be an ongoing project? There has certainly been maps drawn
that show the Greenway Passage to be more extensive than it presently is.
Is this language as drafted...would it be comprehensive in the sense of
those plans that have been submitted even though at this time there is
no right-of-way acquired?
President Jerrel: Well, I think their
language speaks to it over here.
Barbara Cunningham: It's H in the
city.
Commissioner Mourdock: You're right,
it does.
President Jerrel: Yeah, I think that
speaks to it.
Commissioner Mourdock: I've read this
five times and how I missed that I do not know.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: We do have a map
of the Greenway.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, and this
is different than the map in that the city's language in their paragraph
H says:
Placement within 300 feet of the
center of the Greenway Passage which has been purchased, leased or completed
and a legal description of said Greenway is on record.
I'm comfortable with that language so
I would move that language be a replacement for our language in paragraph
I.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: I believe the...maybe
Barbara would know. It was my understanding the city deleted paragraph
D, is that correct?
Barbara Cunningham: That's right.
Why they deleted it was kind of at my suggestion because I did not think
it would be enforceable.
Commissioner Mourdock: Which paragraph
D?
Barbara Cunningham: Placement where
the sign blocks visibility of any existing on-premise sign on adjacent
property.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: That was in the
ordinance passed by the Area Plan Commission.
Commissioner Mourdock: Why would you
argue to delete that?
Barbara Cunningham: Only because I
don't think I can enforce it. I mean, how do I determine what blocks visibility?
Joe Harrison, Jr.: And the city did
block that out.
President Jerrel: Well, we don't have
any action to take because that was--
Joe Harrison, Jr.: That was in the
one the Area Plan, so that will need to be deleted as well.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, that
is what they're saying. We need to take that one out.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: So the current
D, it would be 17.27.040 D.
Commissioner Mourdock: Okay, so for
the record I'll move that we delete the language in the section just referenced,
paragraph D, placement where the sign blocks visibility of any existing
on-premise sign on adjacent property.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: Under paragraph
17.27.060 Requirements, I would move that we add language from the city
ordinance that reads at the end of the paragraph as submitted to us by
APC:
The height of signs intended to
be read from raised roadways and advertising in C-4, M-1, M-2 and M-3 districts
located along raised roadways may exceed the height limit by an amount
equal to the height of the raised roadway, but may not exceed 65 feet.
This provision for height of signs exceeding 50 feet shall apply only to
those off-premise signs advertising to the raised roadway and erected within
100 of the right-of-way of the raised roadway. A
President Jerrel: I'll second and say
so ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: The next addition
to our language would be under the paragraph following B, Embellishments.
We would add the sentence, again from the city ordinance:
Aprons not exceeding two feet may
be utilized as embellishments providing the total area of the sign does
not exceed the maximum size permitted within the district in which it is
located.
President Jerrel: I'll second and say
so ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: Paragraph C
should read, under that same section, distance...I'm sorry, Distance from
certain districts and uses.
An off-premise advertising sign
may not be erected or placed within a 300 foot radius of a residential
dwelling (excluding detached residential accessory buildings) or within
a 300 foot radius of a property line of an undeveloped residential district.
In no circumstance shall any off-premise advertising sign be erected within
60 feet of any residential property line. An off-premise advertising sign
may not be erected or placed within a 300 foot radius of the property boundary
of a public park, church, school or museum.
President Jerrel: I'll second and say
so ordered.
Commissioner Mourdock: I believe that
is all the additions of language that I have.
President Jerrel: That's all of the
additional language and those items that were not included would be...the
language would maintain the language of the APC, correct?
Commissioner Mourdock: Correct.
Barbara Cunningham: Was there not...can
I say one thing real quick? Was there not a diagram added at the end that
you have for an explanation?
Commissioner Mourdock: The diagram?
Barbara Cunningham: Who has got that.
No, that's the chart, but then there was a diagram added as to how we...it
should be in the ordinance packet. Was that added at Plan Commission?
Unidentified: Yes.
Barbara Cunningham: Okay, well then
it's okay. It's in your ordinance packet. The one how we were explaining
how we did it.
Beverly Behme: Richard has it.
Barbara Cunningham: Okay, then it's
there.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, it's
in the packet we received. With those additions I would move approval of
the off-premise advertising ordinance.
President Jerrel: To be sent to the
Area Plan?
Joe Harrison, Jr.: And then it will
come back to this body after they enact it for a final reading.
Barbara Cunningham: No, unless it
is different than it is in the county. It goes to the Plan Commission and
Plan Commission can either approve it or deny it. If they approve it then
it becomes...it comes back to you, you're right, just to sign it. It doesn't
have to come back for a meeting if they approve it. If they deny it it
comes back for you to reaffirm it.
President Jerrel: But we do everything
in a public meeting, so it would come back.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: It will come back
and we'll advertise the final reading of it just to be safe.
Commissioner Mourdock: We need a roll
call.
President Jerrel: I'll ask for a roll
call vote for that motion. Commissioner Mourdock?
Commissioner Mourdock: Yes.
President Jerrel: And I vote yes and
say so ordered.
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DADS - Approval of contracts
for services
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President Jerrel: The next item on
the agenda is the DADS program, approval of contracts for services.
Commissioner Mourdock: Do we have
someone to speak on that one? I don't think we do, do we?
President Jerrel: I don't think there
is.
Commissioner Mourdock: I will...well,
let me--
President Jerrel: Wait until everybody
gets out.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah. Joe,
excuse me. As we resume here have you reviewed the contract with the DADS
program, Drug and Alcohol Deferral Service? I presume you have.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: Yes, yes.
Commissioner Mourdock: Okay.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: It's fine.
Commissioner Mourdock: You give it
your blessing?
Joe Harrison, Jr.: Yes.
Commissioner Mourdock: Okay, then
I'll move approval of the submitted Vanderburgh County Drug and Alcohol
Deferral Service contract for services with the county.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered. The next is any group or individual wishing to address
the Board.
Commissioner Mourdock: There was two
of those, Bettye Lou.
President Jerrel: Oh, I'm sorry.
Commissioner Mourdock: I would also
move approval of the Vanderburgh County Drug and Alcohol Deferred Service
for the Youth Adult Program.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
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John Stoll - County Engineer
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President Jerrel: We're ready to begin
the reports. County Engineer.
John Stoll: The first set of road
plans I've got up there is for Cambridge Subdivision. This is the large
subdivision with the golf course up off Volkman Road. I've reviewed the
plans and met with Bill Jeffers and he didn't have any additional changes.
The consultant on the project has made all the changes we've requested
at this stage of the game and I would recommend that the street plans be
approved subject to two things. One, they've got to provide some agreements
for the maintenance of the golf cart crossings that will pass underneath
the road and also they've got some decorative bridge structures with some
head walls on the bridge that is an item that we wouldn't maintain. Basically
they've got three culverts that they're going to put a stone head wall
on to make it look like a bridge, but since that's more decorative than
it is functional we're asking them to maintain that as well. The other
item, I met with Chris Weil who works with the developer and they're making
one more revision to a detail on plastic pipe installation that they are
going to fax to me as well. That may change some of the plastic pipe into
being concrete, but we can work out which pipes will be plastic and concrete
later, but the rest of it the street plans look fine. Bill Jeffers was
okay with it, so it is recommended that those plans be approved.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move approval
of Cambridge Phase 1 street plans.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered. I drove all over that last week. I had a two hour tour
of that area.
John Stoll: I can believe it.
President Jerrel: Whew, it's growing.
John Stoll: That's probably the biggest
set of subdivision plans I've seen since I have been here.
President Jerrel: Yeah.
John Stoll: The next set of street
plans is for Windemere Farms Section 3. This will tie into Section 2 of
Windemere Farms which the whole Windemere development is located off of
Kansas Road. Here again I met with Bill Jeffers regarding any changes needed
as a result of us getting the drainage plan approved subject to final street
plan approval. Bill was okay with all the changes that I had requested
and he didn't have anything else, so on that basis it's recommended that
these streets be approved as well.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move approval
of Windemere Farms Section 3 street plans as submitted and recommended.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered.
John Stoll: The final set of subdivision
plans I've got is for Bridlewood Subdivision. This is located at the corner
of Fisher Road and Boonville-New Harmony Road. Here again, after some changes
that were made by the consultant it is recommended that these plans be
approved. There is one additional item that they are going to have to provide
before the subdivision gets recorded and that is either an off-site easement
or a letter from the abutting property owners where this whole site discharges.
Basically they've got their retention pond in the northeast corner of this
site. It's going to drain through a box culvert and then into currently
vacant Fisher Road right-of-way and then tie into an existing ditch that
eventually gets to Schlensker Ditch.
Commissioner Mourdock: But what is
contingent? I know from the Drainage Board we had several neighbors who
were adjacent who didn't like a lot of this. Are you making something contingent
upon them?
John Stoll: No, this is the property
to the north.
President Mourdock: Fisher Road, the
Hornet's Nest is right there.
John Stoll: We've only got...there
is only a quarter mile of pavement that actually exists out here on Fisher
and according to our accepted road list and the INDOT road list they show
.36 miles, so the pavement actually ends right here and from here northward
there is just vacant right-of-way. They have since modified this. They
are going to put a new culvert in underneath this driveway that leads back
to this house and then cut a new ditch across the Fisher Road right-of-way
and tie into a new ditch up...I mean, an existing ditch that feeds Schlensker
Ditch out in this area. What the property owner needs to submit, and this
is something I discussed with Bill Jeffers earlier today, was the two property
owners on either side of this vacant Fisher Road right-of-way are going
to either petition to vacate the right-of-way or they're going to dedicate
an easement through here. If they petition to vacate the right-of-way the
thing that Bill Jeffers and I discussed was Bill had requested a letter
from the property owners on both sides of this new ditch that they would
acknowledge that they have maintenance responsibilities since this will
be a private ditch running across private property. So it's not contingent
on any of the people who were remonstrating against the project--
Commissioner Mourdock: Right.
John Stoll: --this is ground that
is north of those remonstrators.
Commissioner Mourdock: Neither of
these two people were remonstrators?
John Stoll: No. They were, according
to what the developer's engineer said, they were leaning towards the vacation
of the right-of-way and then either have an easement that defines who is
responsible or submit the letters, but he said probably they would submit
a letter saying they acknowledge maintenance responsibility of the new
ditch.
Commissioner Mourdock: Okay. Having
said all that, what is it they want? This is street--
John Stoll: Street plan approval.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move approval
of the street plan for Bridlewood Residential Subdivision as submitted
and recommended.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
John Stoll: Next I've got the cover
sheet for the Broadway Avenue Bridge No. 272 replacement. This is the timber
bridge that has been under design for some time. This is the cover sheet.
The plans are basically done. We've still got some coordination and some
relocations to work out with the utilities, but hopefully we'll have this
project ready to be out for bid within the next four to six weeks and it
is recommended to approve the plans through signing the cover sheet.
Commissioner Mourdock: Funding all
set and ready to go?
John Stoll: Pardon?
Commissioner Mourdock: Funding all
set and ready to go?
John Stoll: Yes.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move approval
as requested.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered.
John Stoll: The next two items are
recommendations to award the two contracts we opened last week. The first
one is for contract number VC99-06-02, the Virginia Street extension. It
is recommended this be awarded to J.H. Rudolph for the amount of $85,915.88.
Commissioner Mourdock: So moved.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
John Stoll: And the second contract
is contract number VC99-07-01, the First Avenue Bridge No. 611 repairs.
It's recommended that this be awarded to Naas Brothers Trucking for the
amount of $15,832.
Commissioner Mourdock: So moved.
President Jerrel: Second and so ordered.
John Stoll: Next I've got a street
acceptance request. This is for MIB Subdivision. This is located at the
northeast corner of Oak Hill and Lynch Road. The acceptance involves 676
feet of Mariner Drive. It's recommended this be accepted for maintenance
by the county.
Commissioner Mourdock: So moved.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
John Stoll: The next item is also
a
street acceptance. This is for 251 feet of Ridgeway Avenue. This picks
up the 31 feet of Ridgeway that was built as a part of our connection and
we also found that there was a gap in the previous acceptances and this
picks up that gap of 220 feet, so it's recommended that this be accepted
for maintenance.
Commissioner Mourdock: Are you saying
the gap where there was no asphalt was 31 feet?
John Stoll: Right.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'm going to
win the broad jump in the next Olympics because I swear I could do the
broad jump over that.
President Jerrel: I know it.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move acceptance
of the streets for Ridgeway as recommended by the County Engineer.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
John Stoll: And the final item I've
got is a change order on the Boonville-New Harmony Road bridge project.
This is contract number VC99-06-01. This is where we installed some culverts
adjacent to a bridge. The change order is for an increase of $1,391.85.
The contractor was TD & O, Limited Liability Corporation and it is
recommended the change order be approved.
Commissioner Mourdock: That was the
one just east of 65, between 65 and St. Joe Road?
John Stoll: Right.
Commissioner Mourdock: So moved.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
John Stoll: That's all I have unless
you've got any questions.
President Jerrel: I have something,
but I'll say it to you tomorrow. I've got a call to see about Campbell
Road and I'll send it to you, just a question. Before we move onto the
next just for the benefit of the audience and the media we did make some
changes by omission on this new ordinance, on the billboard ordinance.
They are in some cases somewhat more restrictive than the city's and we
had proposed some amendments and they will make it somewhat in the area
of development and the spacing primarily and the others were just cleanup
language, but that just for the record so if someone is confused about
what we did.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, I think
there is two main points there. One being the altruistic, if you will,
best image for the community as far as having something other than just
signs greeting folks and the other one, obviously, it's always the safety
issue, too. We've got some intersections that are filling up with signs.
President Jerrel: We've...for those
of you that have been to our meetings you know that we're experiencing
a tremendous amount of growth in the county and we've been very, very concerned
every time we take a step that we use the word planning. We've got northern
Green River Road, North Highway 41 and, of course, the Burkhardt/Lynch
and those corridors. We have tried to use planning for the future as one
of these important goals that we're trying to meet and this fits in with
what we feel is the best for the county growth.
Commissioner Mourdock: Before we leave
the County Engineer for a second, John, would you make a note again and
I think you've done this once or between you and Erik give the state highway
people one more call on cleaning the trees out of the state right-of-way
just north of Hillsdale at 41. The trees have grown up there in that ditch
and it is impossible to see if there is a train coming through there. I
have gotten three calls in the last couple of weeks about that one and
if they don't do it let's run the risk of trespassing on state property
and going out there with a chain saw and cutting down those trees because
it is definitely a hazard.
John Stoll: We have also contacted
CSX to have them look into it to get anything off their right-of-way as
well.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, I think
the worst of it is on the state right-of-way though.
John Stoll: Okay.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, please.
President Jerrel: You know, at the
end of Green River Road where the I-164 exit is?
John Stoll: Yeah.
President Jerrel: On their right-of-way
I don't think anybody has ever cleaned anything. It's just loaded with
cans and bottles and anything else. I know that is out of the way and out
of sight, but you know as long as you've got them on the phone.
John Stoll: Okay, I can give it a
shot.
President Jerrel: Tell them we need
a little cleanup out there.
Commissioner Mourdock: Tell them we're
getting ready to send Bettye Lou to Indianapolis!
President Jerrel: That's right, immediately.
|
Erik Bentle - Superintendent
of County Garage
|
President Jerrel: Okay, County Garage.
Erik Bentle: Okay, as of right now
we've got 54 percent of our paving done. We're still a little bit behind
where I would like to be right now, but hopefully within the next couple
of weeks we can get that caught up. We've got 66 percent of our ditching
done. We're just about where we should be right there. You've got my weekly
work schedule and the rest of the packet. I'm done.
Commissioner Mourdock: I did notice
something came through the other day from Jack Crawford on the--
Erik Bentle: Remediation.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, remediation.
He referenced some samples that came back that were still, I think, over
25 parts per million or something.
Erik Bentle: I have had him tilling
that stuff, turning it over and over and over and it just doesn't seem
to be airing out any. We've actually got it mounded up now. He is moving
the mound about every other day trying to air it out and it's just an ongoing
process.
President Jerrel: Yeah, because we
got the bill.
Erik Bentle: And it is outrageous,
I know.
President Jerrel: Yes, it is.
Erik Bentle: It's like they're bleeding
us to death out there.
Commissioner Mourdock: Which bill,
(inaudible)?
President Jerrel: Yeah, and its just...you
know, we need...I mean--
Erik Bentle: It's something we are
working on every week though.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, I was
just...it was odd--
Erik Bentle: The only way to do it
that guy told us is to keep moving the dirt and airing it out.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah. Well,
I had driven by there and made the mental note to bring it up and lo and
behold that afternoon or that evening when I came in I found his write-up
there, so I appreciate the update, but let's get that stuff out of there.
Erik Bentle: I know, it's a terrible
thing. I wish we could just get rid of the whole thing and get it over
with.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, absolutely.
President Jerrel: Okay.
|
Joe Harrison, Jr. - County
Attorney
|
President Jerrel: County Attorney.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: The only thing
I have this evening has to do with action that will be needed by this Board
concerning how the County Auditor will pay remaining construction payments
that the county has to make in connection with The Centre project and I
would ask that a motion be considered which would direct the County Auditor
to pay remaining construction payments for the facility first from the
county construction fund, secondly from the Aztar auditorium donation to
the county and thirdly from the auditorium fund and I would ask that a
motion be made to this effect. This is per the recommendation of the county
and the Building Authority's financial advisor in connection with the bond
issuance, H.J. Umbaugh & Associates.
Commissioner Mourdock: And as you're
recommending it we would draw down in order each of those accounts down
to zero?
Joe Harrison, Jr.: Yes, or there very
well could be a remaining balance at the end.
Commissioner Mourdock: In the last
one, right.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: But I doubt it
seriously.
Commissioner Mourdock: I'll move that
we use the accounts in the order as presented by the County Attorney and
draw down those funds accordingly.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: I would add that
it is my understanding that next month the county will be receiving the
$1.5 million donation from the Visitors & Convention Bureau and when
that particular amount is received by the county I would also ask that
those funds also be used to pay remaining construction payments in connection
with The Centre project.
Commissioner Mourdock: So moved.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: That's all I've
got. Thank you.
Commissioner Mourdock: One other question,
Joe, under your docket there. Have you had any further meeting with the
Sheriff regarding the contract and the SAFE House or how are you progressing?
Joe Harrison, Jr.: Yes, it is...I
have forwarded a draft ordinance to the Auditor's Office for publication
in the newspaper within the next several days concerning a first reading
amending the county ordinance that deals with the current jurisdiction
of the Community Corrections program, amending that particular ordinance
to put the control of that program in the hands of the County Sheriff.
So a first reading on that particular ordinance will be on the 26th, but
a public hearing and a final reading on that ordinance would be August
2nd, the final reading and public hearing. Following that particular reading
on August 2nd this Board will consider an agreement with the County Sheriff
concerning his operation of the Community Corrections program and I will
have a copy of the draft agreement to you within the next several days.
I have met with the County Sheriff and he is willing to undertake the task
and also the County Council would sign off on the same agreement. They
meet, I believe, August 4th. That's a Wednesday and he could then assume
jurisdiction over the facility the following day, August 5th. So that's
kind of the game plan right now.
President Jerrel: Okay.
President Jerrel: Superintendent of
County Buildings is not here this evening. That was all you had to offer?
Joe Harrison, Jr.: Yeah, the only
other thing is that I have drafted a model or a proposed ordinance for
the County Public Defender Board and I need to get a copy of that over
to you all and then to Charlene. I believe that you wanted to consider
that for a first reading on the 9th of August, so I will need to get that
to Charlene within the next several days, but I have drafted a proposed
ordinance. I think you approved that at the last meeting as far publication
of that ordinance.
President Jerrel: Right.
Joe Harrison, Jr.: That's all I have.
President Jerrel: Superintendent of
County Buildings isn't here and I spoke with Burdette today just as a little
note. They had 4,000 from Deaconess on Saturday. They had 2,000 with Christian
Life on Sunday.
Commissioner Mourdock: Christian Fellowship.
President Jerrel: Christian Fellowship,
pardon me. And they were lining up trying to get in this morning early
when I spoke with Gary, so this hot weather they are crowded. So they felt
good about it, but they were needing to be there this evening, so that
is the reason they are not here. We do have reports from Soil & Water
and the Ozone Officer, so is there a motion to accept those, all the reports?
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, I'll
move that we accept the report of the County Engineer, County Garage, Superintendent
of County Buildings, Burdette, Soil & Water and the Ozone Officer.
President Jerrel: And I'll second
and say so ordered.
President Jerrel: Under consent items
A through D...I would like to add--
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, I'll
move approval of the consent items with the one deletion that I know you
pulled one pink slip there.
President Jerrel: Yes.
Commissioner Mourdock: And then also
I would like to add in a travel request for Commissioner Jerrel to go to
Indianapolis later this week.
President Jerrel: Okay, I am going
Friday for the purpose of speaking to the legislative authors of the bill
that is going to cause us some more problems with our jail by letting them
send down people, so that's what the purpose of my trip is. And then when
you get to the Auditor has submitted Form 144's for the year 2000 budget
and has done some additional information. Would you want to speak to that
just a minute?
Suzanne Crouch: Oh, sorry. I speak
so seldom, I get so excited.
Commissioner Mourdock: I think actually
I stole yours if you need it.
Suzanne Crouch: No, I think that's
fine. We have submitted for you the projections on what the additional
employees that are being requested from the county departments. There are
17 additional employees and what that translates to within the budget requests
that have been submitted, the 17 new employees with their salaries and
their benefits add an additional $618,755 to the General Fund budget if
those were all fully funded and that does not include the $250,000 request
by the Sheriff for a salary adjustment in regards to the proposed SAFE
House changes, so that is a significant amount of money. There have been,
I don't have the exact number before me, but $41 million plus in budget
requests submitted that Council will have to address and our budget this
year is funded at $39--
President Jerrel: I thought there
was $43.
Suzanne Crouch: Forty-three, I'm sorry.
You're absolutely right.
President Jerrel: It's $43,909,000.
Suzanne Crouch: It's $43 million and
the County Council will have...is currently funding about $39 million,
a little over $39 million for the General Fund. Actually I think it's $39.9.
President Jerrel: Just an observation.
I appreciate this.
Suzanne Crouch: Uh-huh.
President Jerrel: I'm no longer on
Council and obviously we don't have anything to say about this, but I would
think that you could probably reduce this by about eight hundred and something
thousand if they want to get that $800,000 reduced from the...in the neighborhood
of their $39 million that they currently have. That would get them down
more into the ballpark figure.
Commissioner Mourdock: It's $868,000
right here.
President Jerrel: Uh-huh, right. Well,
do they have copies of this?
Suzanne Crouch: No, that will be submitted
in the budget overview packet that we will be sharing with them later,
but I thought since this pertains specifically to those 144's that you're
recommending...making recommendations to County Council on this information
might be helpful.
Commissioner Mourdock: Just to clarify
something so that this isn't misread, under The Centre it has five new
employees, but that is not truly five new employees. That is positions
that were previously defined there, correct?
President Jerrel: They weren't in
the `99--
Suzanne Crouch: They weren't in the
budget, that's correct.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yeah, they
were in and came out and now they're back in.
President Jerrel: Right. Those five
were in the `98, but not the `99. The others are all just new positions.
Okay, thank you very much. Is there a motion to accept this?
Commissioner Mourdock: I move that
we accept the Auditor's reports for the additional employees in the consent
items and, again, the consent items as filed with the one deletion and
the one additional for travel.
President Jerrel: And that includes
the Treasurer too, so I'll second and say so ordered.
President Jerrel: Is there any old
business?
Commissioner Mourdock: I don't think
so.
President Jerrel: Commissioner Mourdock's
laptop died.
Commissioner Mourdock: Yes, I am in
mourning.
President Jerrel: He doesn't know
when I said old business he could--
Suzanne Crouch: Is this new business?
Commissioner Mourdock: I don't know.
I had the calender in advance. I think I may be the first victim of Y2K.
Commissioner Mourdock: Under new business,
one item that we do need to deal with is for the Indiana Regional Economic
Development Commission. We have two new appointments. One would be to appoint
Jerry Ramsey to represent labor to that Board and Ms. Donna Bergman of
Ferro Plastics has agreed to serve also.
President Jerrel: Good.
Commissioner Mourdock: So I would
move we make those two appointments.
President Jerrel: I'll second and
say so ordered. Is there any other business to come before this Board?
Commissioner Mourdock: Motion to adjourn.
President Jerrel: So moved. Second
and so ordered.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:28
p.m.
Those in attendance:
Bettye Lou Jerrel Richard E. Mourdock
Joe Harrison, Jr.
Suzanne M. Crouch Charlene Timmons
Barbara Cunningham
Jerry Bryan Steve Miller Mick Murphy
John Stoll Erik Bentle Others unidentified
Members of the media
Vanderburgh County
Board of Commissioners
Bettye Lou Jerrel, President
Richard E. Mourdock, Vice President
Recorded and transcribed by Charlene
Timmons. |
