The Decatur County Commissioners met on August 5, 2024 at 6 pm.
The meeting began with the approval of:
-July 15th Regular meeting minutes
-July 22nd Executive Session meeting minutes- Employee Relations
-August 2nd Executive Session meeting minutes- Real Estate Property Transaction
-Payroll
While approving claims Commissioner Tony Blodgett questioned transport claims that were marked transport-cattle. All three commissioners questioned this as they stated that they were unaware of the cattle and asked questions. Animal Control Director Minde Myers said that around the same time as the case with the goats and horses she also had a farmer owner surrender 33 head of cattle to Animal Control. The commissioners asked why they had not been told about this. Ms. Myers explained that she had told them about this situation. Commissioners asked where the cattle were at this time. Minde said they went to a rescue in Rushville. Jeremy Pasel, Commissioner asked why they were not brought in on this situation and feels that they were blindsided by this. The commissioners asked what the animal rescue did with the animals and Minde stated she was not aware. Commissioner Blodgett and Pasel stated their concerns of the estimated worth of 33 head of cattle and the fact that they were given to someone. Also, this same farmer was paid to transport the cattle to their farm by the county. Commissioner Pasel told Animal Control Director Minde he wants to know where the cattle are, if they are not all still at the farm he wants to know where they went. Minde said she would need to talk to Dave Alvy who is the owner of the farm in Rush County that currently has all the animals housed and took possession of the cattle.
During this discussion Rushville Animal Shelter Director Kasey Hanna spoke on behalf of the shelter and animals. Jeremy Pasel asked her what her connection is and she said that her team assisted with the removal of the animals and helped Minde connect with the farmer that the animals went to and also get connected to the Humane Society of the US for the grant that they received. Jeremy Pasel asked her what her connection was to the property in which the cattle were sent to and that the current group of goats and horses are held. She said that they are her landlords and added that she doesn’t live on the property that they are at. Jeremy said this is concerning because we can’t be sure that the hay and items the county is paying for is only being used for the goats and horses and not the cattle. He is also concerned that the commissioners were not brought into the conversation about the 33 heads of cattle. The cattle do have value and he feels county property that had value may have been given away. Minde said that this would be no different then when she works with rescues for cats and dogs at the shelter. Jeremy said that it is different due to the value of the cattle.
The commissioners did approve the claims including the transport invoice.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent, provided an update on current projects. He reported that routine maintenance, including vegetation spraying, is underway, and the 2024-1 chip and seal project began today. The submission for 2024-2 was also completed for the remaining award. The commissioners signed a contract for the federally required inspection of all 180 bridges and four pedestrian bridges, with poor-rated bridges needing more frequent inspections. Houk mentioned a recent issue caused by a contractor’s work with the railroad and aims to resolve it promptly.
Houk requested a road cut permit fee increase from $35 to $350, reflecting the actual repair costs, which the commissioners approved. Commissioner Jeremy Pasel asked Houk to review the list of items and services from Cintas to explore potential cost-saving measures.
Kenny Beuning, the Building Inspector, could not attend the meeting but submitted a report through Commissioner Mark Koors. Beuning completed 68 inspections, issued 24 new permits, and followed up on two complaints. He noted that two homes in Burney have been demolished, with another slated for demolition. He plans to recheck properties at Lake McCoy for further action. Commissioners Blodgett and Pasel thanked Krista Duvall and Debbie for their help in developing new software to streamline the organization and legal processes.
The commissioners approved purchasing a used Ford Explorer from Court Services for $5,000 for the Building Inspection Department, funded by CumCap, to eliminate mileage expenses.
Sean Durbin, Decatur County Department of Health Director, updated the commissioners on the Health First Indiana Initiative. He praised his hardworking team and highlighted new services, classes, and certifications offered by the Health Department. Durbin emphasized the effective use of grant funding for additional services, training, and conferences, minimizing the need for county taxpayer funds.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose received approval for a compressor replacement to be done by Kochs and for seal coating the Detention Center parking lots, with the bid awarded to Chris’s Sealcoating. He also received permission to reinstall a law enforcement parking sign in front of the courthouse. Additionally, Meyerrose presented the Commissary report for the first half of 2024.
Bev Rivera, Washington Township Trustee, requested that the county take ownership of five sirens and a control system purchased by the Township, currently operated by the Decatur County Emergency Management Agency. She emphasized that the equipment is fully paid for and incurs no additional costs, except for one siren’s $40 monthly electricity fee. The commissioners agreed to accept ownership of the equipment.
The commissioners and their attorney, Chad Smith discussed the outcome of the goats and horses that were seized a few months ago by animal control. Attorney Chad Smith explained to the commissioners that at this time the county does have possession of all goats and horses that were seized. He did mention that they did preemptively give notice for all of the animals to be sent to an auction in Knightstown, IN on August 10, 2024. However, no votes had been taken at that time. This was just to be able to follow the 15 days notice that is required in this situation.
Commissioner Blodgett began the conversation by stating that they have spent nearly $15,000.On the keeping of these animals up to this point.He also pointed out that during the last meeting. The animal control director was asked to come back with a plan to where these animals would be.Moved or found new homes quickly after possession was granted. Commissioners asked both Minde Myers and Rushville Animal Control Director Kasey Hanna how the animals were. After much discussion it was found that the animals have increased their body score which means that the animals are making positive progress. One concern brought up was that the goats could have a disease called CL.Which would affect all of the goats. Commissioner Pasel asked how this diagnosis was found and it was stated that this diagnosis was not made by a veterinarian but that the animals do show signs.Of CL.
When the commissioners asked Minde Myers what her suggestion was to do with the animals, she happily replied, “Look for rescues for the horses and due to the possibility of CL, which is a contagious disease and some goats also have current abscesses on them. She would suggest selling them to a private buyer or if they are sick enough, possible euthanasia.” After approximately 30 minutes with back and forth discussion about whether to send them to a rescue, sale, private bids, or euthanize. Commissioner Mark Koors said that he would like to proceed with the auction of sending all animals to the auction as previously mentioned during the meeting. Commissioner Pasel then voted to second that motion. However he amended his vote that there is one horse.That has an injury and he wanted the horse seen by a veterinarian ASAP and if the veterinarian suggests euthanasia that they move forward with euthanasia to end the suffering for that animal. Commissioner Blodgett then concurred.
The commissioners made changes to the proposed Fair Committee bylaws to increase transparency, which were then approved. Jeremy Pasel announced plans to select new Fair Committee members by the end of December to prepare for the 2025 fair. Those interested in joining the committee should contact him with their qualifications or a resume. The Fair Committee will focus solely on the fair, while the commissioners will manage the fairgrounds, oversee maintenance, approve projects, and handle camper storage. All financials will go through the Auditor’s office.
Commissioner Mark Koors informed the public that Judge Day would discuss the opioid fund settlement at the next meeting.
The commissioners also discussed ongoing maintenance needs at the courthouse and other county facilities. They noted that Commissioner Coors has been handling various tasks, such as replacing light bulbs and fixing desks, which future commissioners might not want to do. The commissioners agreed to consider hiring a maintenance person or team to manage these duties and other responsibilities like mowing and property maintenance. Further discussions on this potential position will take place at the next meeting.
The commissioners discussed necessary repairs to be completed by the end of the year, including a new roof for part of the courthouse. They plan to request sealed bids in September for the Annex HVAC system, windows, and parking lot.
Commissioner Jeremy Pasel presented an updated agreement with Baker Tilly, reflecting a higher cost due to the additional financial forecasting requested by the commissioners. The updated agreement was signed.
Regarding the executive session on July 22, 2024, concerning employee relations, the commissioners decided that separation from employment was the appropriate action. Pasel made the motion, Koors seconded it, and Blodgett concurred.
The meeting was adjourned.
