The Decatur County Commissioners met on December 2, 2024, at 6 pm.
The meeting began with the approval of the November 18th and November 22nd meeting minutes. The commissioners also approved the claims and payroll claims.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent updated the commissioners that his department is working on seasonal maintenance including bridge and sign maintenance. Todd said that the county trucks are ready for winter. Todd said that he has reached out and is having a striping company re-stripe the roads in front of Love’s Truckstop in the next one to two weeks. Todd also updated the commissioners that Bridge 106 doesn’t meet the criteria for the NOFA Grant 2025. He received approval to move forward with the CCMG 2025 Grant.
Tim Kramer, Building Commissioner introduced himself and said that since starting in his position on November 21, 2024, he has assisted with 8 inspections, 6 new building permits, and 2 permit renewals.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose received approval to trade in a 2011 Transport Van with 99,000 miles towards a 2025 Voyager minivan equipped with a prison cage. After trading the total expense will be $34,505 and will be purchased utilizing commissary funds. The sheriff stated that he would like to leave the transport vans out of order with Enterprise and the expenses for the transport vehicles will come from commissary. The sheriff requested to sell a 2011 Dodge Ram Truck with 110,000 miles. The commissioners voted to retain this truck to be used when the Maintenance Person is hired.
Chad Smith, County Attorney presented a revamped Biosolids Ordinance 2024-14. After public comments and further research, he stated that the commissioners changed the course that they originally were going to take. The revised ordinance states the county is requiring testing of the substance for a maximum PFA level of 50 micrograms per kilogram for anything that will be spread on Decatur County property. The testing would be the expense of the owner/supplier. The ordinance will allow for no exceptions no matter whom the applier would be. When asked why the commissioners were not specifying how the substance will be spread it was explained that IDEM specifies and has regulations on the application process. This was the first reading of the ordinance and will be back for second reading and approval at the last 2024 commissioners meeting.
Danny Peters, Decatur County Council President came to the commissioners to request clarification on the two appropriations that came before the council in November. He questioned what happened with the Solar Eclipse and why the Fairground Budget was going to have to pay $3,037.57 after the Commissioners already paid $7,488 to The Power of the Past for their assistance. The Commissioners said that the $7,488 was profit at that time for the income vs. expenses that were related to the Solar Eclipse event. Tony Blodget said that recently they received a second invoice for insurance that was required for the event and that there was an accounting error that caused the fairgrounds to have to pay the $3,037.57.
The commissioners agreed to go under contract for the ARPA funding that will be used for the Blight Program. The commissioners needed to take action to ensure that the funding is appropriated since the Area Plan Director position is currently vacant. Once that position is filled, they will determine the next steps of the program.
Brad Speers, EMA Director, provided information on the building that he is hoping to have built for the EMA department. This information includes a large pole barn that would house all his department’s equipment. The total cost is $317,800. He went before the Tif board and received positive support; however, they asked that he come back and run it past the commissioners. The commissioners support the plans and if funded they would like to move forward with the building. The commissioners also supported the purchase of a 25kw generator for the 911 tower. ARPA has voted to approve funding for the generator and will be in front of the Council later this month.
The commissioners approved the 2025 Holiday schedule which includes 12 holidays which follow state holidays.
The commissioners approved the 2025 Commissioners meeting schedule which will be the 1st Monday of the month 6 pm meeting, and 3rd Monday of the month will be an 8 am meeting.
The commissioners approved Daren Covington to continue as one of their appointees on the Tourism Board.
The commissioners approved the full list of Fair Committee Members including
President- Kevin Crites- 4 years
Vice President- Mark Koors- 2 years
Treasurer- Mary Lou Davis- 4 years
Secretary- Barb Waechter- 2 years
Scott Best- 4 years
Scott Smith- 4 years
Mark Hirt- 2 years
Commissioner- Jeremy Pasel
Council- Danny Peters
At-Large- Chris Ramey
The meeting was adjourned.
