County Commissioner Minutes - April 2013 ******************************************************************************
Gibson County Board of Commissioners
Regular Session
April 2, 2013
******************************************************************************
The Gibson County Board of Commissioners met on April 2, 2013, at 8:00 AM at the North
Annex Meeting Room.
Members Present: Gerald Bledsoe, President, Alan Douglas, Vice President, Steve Bottoms,
Commissioner, Kay Vore, Administrative Assistant, Jim McDonald, County Attorney and Sherri
Smith, County Auditor.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Welcome was recited and led by Gerald Bledsoe.
Minutes: The minutes from March 19, 2013 meeting were read and approved through a motion
by Steve Bottoms and seconded by Alan Douglas. Motion carried 3-0.
Commissioners also signed Official Pages for approved minutes from the 03/06/13 Regular
Meeting, 03/12/13 Joint Executive Meeting, and 03/14/13 Executive Meeting.
Claims:
County General —$89,173.29
Courts— S6,632.03
Highway—S139,673.62
Sheriff—S54,627.76
Alan Douglas made a motion to approve the claims and was seconded by Steve Bottoms.
Motion carried 3-0.
Department Reports:
- Veterans Affairs— Barb Shenks gave March report.
- Weights & Measures— Gary Dawson gave March report.
- Health Department—Jennifer Schatz gave report — Review of COOP Continuity of
Operations Plan. Adopted by the Gibson County Health Department 04/01/13. Steve
Bottoms said that he appreciates efforts of the Health Board's service to the County.
- EMS- Medical Leave - Alan Douglas made motion to approve medical leave, seconded
by Steve Bottoms. Motion carried 3-0. New ambulance arrives on Thursday.
Safety— Andy Schafer gave YTD report plus annual flow test and fire alarm test have
now been completed.
- Sheriff Ballard reported that trash pickup still underway, President Bledsoe asked about
both intersections on Hwy 41/64 and Hwy 41/164; they will be added to the list.
- Highway Superintendent Jerry Heldt presented a report, 2012 Annual Operational Report
for Local Roads and Streets—Requires Commissioners signature for the State. Also
Potholes are being reported and they will begin patching as soon as the weather breaks.
President Bledsoe asked about stoplight at Hwy. 64/65. Supt. Heldt has reviewed their
minutes, utilities have to be moved and he is waiting on plans and further details on the
Intersection.
- Extension—no report.
- Animal Services provided report to Commissioners prior to the meeting.
- EMA—Terry Hedges— Disaster Relief Grant was scheduled to go to the Governor
03/01/13, however Oakland City had some problems and re-submitted last week. The
State wants all parties involved submitted together in this packet, and delivered to the
Governor at the same time for approval. Approximately$300,000 requested from
Highway alone, total 5450,000, Highway expecting about $90,000.
He then presented Salary documentation to the Commissioners. This is a salary proposal
for EMA for full and part time employee. This proposal (Salary Sub-Grant Agreement
Emergency Management Performance Grant-Salaries Documentation) has been presented
to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Grant Management. State has accepted
this proposal and will fund a 50% matching grant. All Grants are to be presented to
Commissioners, Council, and signed copies given to Auditor. Alan Douglas made a
motion to approve the grant, seconded by Steve Bottoms. Motion carried 3-0.
Old Business:
- Bald Hill Lane— Mr. Wright and Mr. Hurst returned to address the Commissioners as to
the status of their request to have Bald Hill Lane maintained by the County. President
Bledsoe stated they have thoroughly reviewed the minutes and cannot find where the
County took over that road.
President Bledsoe stated that the county has been receiving gas tax money on this road
since 2003. A two lane gravel road, nets the County about S2500 per mile. They also
found out that there are about 20 roads that are 1/2 mile long or less and they have been
receiving gas tax monies on them as well and they are not planned roads. He has spoken
to the State, the County will create a list and present it to the State to remove them and
then they will not receive any more funding for these roads.
Mr. Wright said that as of 03/05/13 that INDOT did verify that 383 or Bald Hill Lane is a
County Road. Steve Bottoms confirmed that INDOT had it on their records as a County
Road.
Mr. Wright also spoke with Brian Hammond, a Senate Legal Aide. Mr. Hammond stated
that Mr. Wright would need IC 8-23-156 1-5; this is what governs the gas tax for
Counties. Mr. Hammond said that if it is on INDOT's records, it is a County road. The
burden of proof is on the County.
County Surveyor Michael Stevenson stated that current records show a deed and call this
a 20' easement. He also stated there was no evidence that the road/property was ever
dedicated by the land owners/Commissioners. Because of this, there was never a vacate
order issued.
President Bledsoe asked County Attorney, Jim McDonald to contact Brian Hammond, at
317/232.9523. Mr. Wright and Mr. Hurst will be contacted to attend the following
meeting, once the Commissioners have their information as a result of this call.
The Commissioners thanked Mr. Wright and Mr. Hurst - this is the first case that the
Commissioners have researched, opening their eyes to a list of problems.
President Bledsoe stated they are bound by law as Commissioners not to do anything on
private property. If it is determined that this is not a county road—there is a procedure
that can be followed to make it a county road.
Alan Douglas made motion to table indefinitely until this issue can be resolved, Steve
Bottoms seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
New Business:
- Old Somerville School Building—Jennifer Tuley— is requesting that the building be
secured, after observing asbestos, lead paint and lots of cats during her most recent visit.
County Attorney made request that Health Dept. notify property owners of hazards.
Revisit in 30 days. President Bledsoe stated this property sits within the Somerville City
Limits.
- Liberty National—Asking for Open Enrollment approval to speak with employees.
Commissioners approved visit. Kay to be notified of dates, and will speak with Dept.
Supervisors to schedule.
- Healthcare Amendment #4— Employee Benefit Plan—ADD, AD/HD, Autism, and
Asperger's Syndrome increased benefits in the Health Plan as a covered expense. Steve
Bottoms made motion, Alan Douglas seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
- Gibson County Bicentennial Proclamation— Read by Alan Douglas.
Proclamation
of
Gibson County Board of Commissioners
Whereas, the area that is now Gibson Count, Indiana was originally part of the Northwest
Territory. Gibson County came to be April 1, 1813.
Whereas, the County derives its name from General John Gibson, a gallant soldier of the
French and Indiana War and the Revolutionary War.
Whereas, the County records show that the first board of Commissioners met February 10,
1817, William Hargrove and Thomas Montgomery appeared with their credentials of
office. Then on May 12, 1817, James Stuart presented his credentials of office and took his
seat as such, thus composing the Board of Commissioners.
The Gibson County Commissioners hereby recognize Gibson County of Indiana on its
bicentennial Anniversary April 1, 2013.
Alan Douglas made a motion to recognize the proclamation, seconded by Steve Bottoms.
Motion carried 3-0.
Signed April 2, 2013, by Gerald Bledsoe, President County Commissioners
Alan Douglas, Vice-President County Commissioners
Steve Bottoms, County Commissioners
Kay Vore, Secretary County Commissioners
Sherri Smith, Auditor, Gibson County
There will be a joint dedication on April 26, 2013, 10 a.m. with Visitor's and Tourism to
dedicate the Barn Quilt Tours, Courthouse Tours with cookies and punch in the Gazebo,
weather permitting. The bicentennial will be recognized throughout the year.
- John Umpleby—Advertise Bridge 264—Request permission to advertise Bridge 264.
County Road beside Tri-state Speedway West. Steve Bottoms made motion to advertise
Bridge 264, Alan seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
- Steve Bottoms— Point of Information—Courthouse employees are in training for the new
phone system. New phone system to be turned on Wednesday. Dark Fiber project yet to
be completed.
- Mrs. House addressed the commissioner regarding the status of the Emge Plant.
Commissioners received a report dated 03/15/13 from the EPA regarding an air quality
test at the Plant site. The contractor unloaded and loaded several trucks, the EPA/IDEM
did not find any violations. Mr. Mounts had till the end of the year to clean up the
property. County Attorney stated that Mr. Mounts received/signed the letter but they
have had no response. President Bledsoe would like the County Attorney to send Mr.
Mounts another letter regarding security and safety on the property. Steve Bottoms made
a motion for a letter to be sent to the property owner, Alan Douglas seconded. Motion
carried 3-0.
- Paul Meyer addressed the Commissioners with an update regarding county roads in
Wabash Township. Some repairs have been made but property owners are concerned
that they will be able to go in and out of the roads. President Bledsoe commented on the
roads where there has been repair, they have never looked better. He asked that Mr.
Meyer discuss in more detail with Supt. Heldt the roads/areas he feels still need
addressed.
With no further business, Alan Douglas made a motion to adjourn meeting, Steve Bottoms
seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Gerald Bledsoe, President Alan Douglas, Vic -President
/7/./e Otto,C
-ve Bottou � C mmissio� -
�( 'in
ATTEST: Sherri Smith, Auditor