The Decatur County Commissioners met on August 19, 2024 at 8 am.
The meeting began with the approval of the July meeting minutes and payroll.
The commissioners discussed two claims, all were approved other than ABC Farms.
The commissioners discussed costs at the Highway Department. Also Mark Koors asked that they not approve the claim for ABC Farms for $4,700. Jeremy Pasel asked for the owner Dave Alvy to come to the meeting and explain the costs and what is included in that cost. Tony made a motion, Jeremy seconded that motion, and Mark Koors concurred.
The commissioners spoke about the weeds at the courthouse. They feel that things are getting worse. Mark Koors, Patty Hensley, and Jeremy Pasel reached out and have been told that they would get it taken care of. Instead they are not seeing any changes.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent, said that they continue to do maintenance throughout the county. All documents have been submitted for Bridge Inspections. They are doing chip sealing throughout the county. They spoke about a few complaints that have come in and they are following up with them and rectifying the situations.
Kenny Beuning, Building Inspector, stated that he completed 44 building inspections. 11 new permits, 2 permit renewals, and 2 complaints. He said he went and followed up on inspection of the pool and deck on the property line. This has been taken care of. He said he plans to reach out to Lake McCoy. Tony Blodgett asked about updates on the letters sent to Burney, IN residents and he asked that they stay on top of this situation. Tony went through the list of those that have been asked to clean up. Kenny provided updates for all of the homes.
Krista Duvall, Area Plan Executive Director, presented and received approval for an ordinance for for Jacob Johnson to take 2.99 acres from A1-A2 for the build of a home.
Chad Smith, County Attorney, presented an Ordinance 2024-11 defining visibility and obstructions which outlines line of sight. This is to provide more safety in the county. The commissioners approved unanimously.
Judge Tim Day, on the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council, came to the commissioners to discuss the Opioid Settlement Funds. He is asking that JRAC would oversee the funding and have a place to apply for funds. This would be an entity helping the Commissioners in making decisions on where funding is provided. Judge Tim Day also spoke about needing commissioner appointees for the various boards that he is a part of towards the end of the year.
Minde Myers, Animal Control came to the commissioners and provided a monthly and year to date list of what her department has been doing. There were 2 citations issued and both have been paid. Animal Control Calls responded to 11 county runs, 12 runs YTD 58 runs county, 81 city runs. Minde was very proud to tell the board that at this time the shelter’s live save rate is at 88% save rate.
Dog | Cat | |
July City Intake | 11 | 33 |
July County Intake | 17 | 21 |
YTD City Intake | 98 | 196 |
YTD County Intake | 98 | 138 |
Animal Control Picked up-City | 3 | |
Animal Control Picked up-County | 1 | |
July Finalized Adoption | 15 | 24 |
YTD Finalized Adoptions | 97 | 157 |
Currently in Foster | 86 | 79 |
Euthanized (for medical) | 0 | 5 |
Euthanized YTD | 19 | 27 |
July- Sent to Rescue | 6 | 3 |
YTD Sent to Rescue | 64 | 122 |
Returned to Owner | 12 | 0 |
Current Waiting List | 14 | 13 |
Tony discussed where the adoption fees are going and the possibility that they are going to utilize that money to pay the Shelter Veterinarian additional to do more spay/neuters either by animal or by hour. But first they have to have the ability to see those funds and where they are. Minde provided an update on the incinerator stating that she is finalizing the fence that will need installed and will be moving the shed that will be too close to the equipment.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose, came to represent the 911 board to discuss the Director position. At this time they have received 30 applications. Only 4 applicants meet the minimum requirements.
He also came to the commissioners to request that they enter into a contract to do a policy review for 911 and agree if funded to enter into a contract to hire an experienced 911 Director and to conduct an efficiency review of the center. The cost of this contract is $7,200. Final approval of the cost will need to be given by the council.