The meeting began with approval of the prior meeting minutes, approval of claims and payroll claims.
Tim Ortman, Highway Department Superintendent, spoke about work that his team did after last week’s storms. Tim spoke about upcoming roadwork that is starting this week. Tim stated that the county has contracted with a tree trimming company to do work on HWY 421. He continues to explore Enterprise Rental Car contracts, adding that he is waiting for 2027 prices to come out for him to look at.
Doug Westerfeld presented and received approval for three Area Plan Commission petitions. He provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan stating that a draft should be coming available for the public to review. The steering committee continues to meet and discuss the plan and look at edits.
The commissioners approved an HWC Engineering invoice for the Comprehensive Plan. The funds for the invoice will be split between the edit fund and the OCRA grant funding.
The commissioners discussed their personnel policy that talks about per diem and travel. The commissioners stated that they would like staff to attend conferences that are available locally if they are available. Commissioners also voted to increase the per diem to $60 per day. Previously the county did not allow for paying tips, they have changed that and will allow 15% tips. The commissioners added that expenses will be paid as reimbursements with receipts provided.
Tom DeBaun, Duke Energy, presented a memorandum of understanding for Duke Energy of Indiana to use the fairgrounds in the case of an emergency event. The commissioners stated that they do not have any concerns with this agreement, however, they would like for their attorney to review it. The commissioners will bring this agreement up for additional discussion and vote at their next meeting.
The commissioners approved an invoice for Green Signs for the vinyl wording that will be installed on the water bin at the new Community Building. The funds to pay for the vinyl will come out of the donation that they received from a local business.
Foundations for Recovery came to the commissioners requesting use of the fairgrounds on August 29th for their annual firework show, food trucks, and event. The commissioners discussed the fairgrounds and their policy for providing 50% off for not for profits. Foundations for Recovery will be renting the Farm & Home Building and the Midway at 50% off the base price.
