The Decatur County Commissioners met on October 21, 2024, at 8 am.
The meeting began with the approval of October 7, 2024, meeting minutes and October 16, 2024, Executive Session meeting minutes. The commissioners approved claims and payroll claims.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent provided an update stating that the department is working on grader patching. He is planning to get with the county attorney to discuss and start drafting the maintenance agreement with the city for the areas around the park road project. Todd added that he attended an INDOT meeting in Shelbyville and said they are planning to do a 3 phase HMA overlay which will include the St. Paul exits. Todd said he is going to get important festival and event dates to INDOT so that they can attempt to schedule around those dates. An opportunity for a new bridge has become available. The work would not begin for 7 years but the process would begin now. Todd stated that the bridge that he is considering securing a grant for is Bridge 90 on 180 E which the nearest crossroad is 500 S. This bridge was built in 1900. The commissioners agreed that bridges are a concern and if we have the opportunity we should move forward.
Kenny Beuning, Building Inspector, stated since the last commissioner meeting, he has completed 38 inspections, 11 new permits & plan reviews, and 1 permit renewal. He stated that he spoke with the county attorney this morning and plans to get Burney letters and additional documents turned over. He thanked the commissioners for purchasing the vehicle for his office. Jeremy Pasel asked if he had any updates on the Smith property. Kenny told him that he is keeping a close eye on them, and they are complying.
Minde Myers, Animal Shelter Director, provided her monthly report including an update that they have not had to euthanize internally. They have assisted owners with euthanasia 2 cats, and 10 dogs.
September Shelter Report:
| INTAKES | City | County |
| Cat | 20 | 35 |
| Dog | 13 | 12 |
| Year to date Intakes | City | County |
| Cat | 174 | 250 |
| Dog | 128 | 122 |
Minde added that they have sent 123 cats and 73 dogs to rescue this year. They currently have 69 cats and 35 dogs in the foster. Minde also reported that they are doing several Trap-Neuter-Release’s due to the Rachel Ray Save Them All Grant. Minde updated the commissioners that the incinerator is good to go with a new fence that has been installed with ARPA funds. Tony Blodgett, Commissioner asked Minde about concerns that he found posted on Facebook by one of the kennel technicians that works at the shelter. He states that the post stated that HVAC had not been working for a long time. Also, the council and commissioners do not support the shelter the way they should. Minde explained that she has the HVAC work under contract, as well as the plumbing work that is for the troughs. Tony said that the money had been allotted for some time and was concerned that nothing had been done. Minde explained that she was not aware that she could move forward and begin spending that money until just recently. Minde explained this was just a lack of communication from the ARPA committee.
Minde also explained to the commissioners that she cannot stop staff from posting things on their personal Facebook pages. Tony also spoke about the post stating that they are cluttered and crowded at the shelter. Minde said that they are cramped for space and are currently full. She repeated that they had outgrown the current building. Minde asked that this discussion be handled in an Executive Session. Tony mentioned that ARPA purchased a shed that was to help with overcrowding. Jeremy Pasel, Commissioner, began to speak about all the good things the shelter has going for it and the new methods they are working on to move forward and to reduce intakes. Mark Koors, Commissioner, stated that they were moving on and went to the next topic.
Sean Durbin, Decatur County Health Department Director came to the commissioners to provide an update on his department. Sean said that his team is working very diligently on vaccine clinics and getting individuals vaccinated. He said that vaccinations are up 9.2% from last year. Dr. Lindsay Weaver, State of Indiana Health Commissioner, will be visiting the Decatur County Health Department in the coming weeks.
Sean was given approval to move forward with creating a community garden that will be located at the Annex. The approximate size is 50’x100’. The garden will have raised garden beds for handicap accessibility.
Teresa Kovacich, Parks Director, came to the commissioner to discuss the fire alarm system that is located at the Armory building. She said that the system has been malfunctioning for some time. She did receive a quote on replacing the system and having it monitored. The estimate was $7,700. Brian Wenning spoke up and asked if this was necessary since the school is no longer located in the building. He suggested that Teresa reach out to the Greensburg Fire Department Fire Inspector. The commissioners agreed that if the Fire Inspector decides that it isn’t needed then they can disconnect the current system.
The commissioners discussed where the new Fairgrounds Event Building will be located on the fairgrounds. They said that they wanted to avoid taking the green area in the middle of the property. The commissioners agreed to have the building built where the current Optimist Booth is. They said that they would get a new area constructed for the Optimist Booth. The Extension office will be torn down and used for parking.
Centerstone was on the agenda but had no one in attendance to represent them.
The commissioners voted unanimously to hire Leigh Ann Dashiell as the Decatur County 911 Executive Director. This change was made effective today.
The commissioners also voted unanimously to terminate two current county employees following an October 2, 2024, Executive Session.
Mark Koors reminded everyone that the winter indoor rental for boats and campers at the fairgrounds will take place on November 2, 2024, at 8 am. If anyone has questions, they can contact Patty Hensley by calling 812-222-0588.
Diane Wenning reminded everyone that this year’s second installment is due on November 12, 2024.
Leigh Ann thanked the commissioners for installing security lighting outside of the 911 center.
Bryan Robbins, EDC Director, stated that they are awaiting the state to release the READI 2.0 funding, which includes the fairground project.
Dawn Lowe, Greensburg & Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director let the commissioners know that they will release more information on the Community Clean-up Day on November 9 ,2024 12p-3p.
The meeting was adjourned.
