The Decatur County Commissioners met on September 3, 2024 at 6 pm.
The meeting began with the approval of the August 19, 2024, meeting minutes, approval of the claims, and approval of payroll claims.
Jeremy Pasel, Commissioner, asked if anyone had heard from ABC Farms in reference to the commissioners denying the claim that was presented at the August meeting. The commissioners agreed that no one had heard from Mr. Alvey or any representatives. Jeremy said that he welcomed ABC Farms to come to the meeting and provide details on the fees presented and to speak with commissioners.
Todd Houk, Highway Department Superintendent stated that they are continuing to perform routine maintenance and sign maintenance. He said that tree trimming for the year is completed. He did say that the chip and seal is completed. He said that starting tomorrow they would begin HMA overlay. He let the commissioners know that he has had to order new first aid kits for all trucks to align with OSHA requirements. He asked the commissioners about next steps as it pertains to County Road 350W, he said that he has reached out and spoken with the contractor that was responsible for the work that caused the damage. He said that he has sent a few emails with no response. This has been ongoing for two years. The commissioners asked Todd to please send over his correspondence and contact information to Chad Smith, Commissioners Attorney to review and they would ask him to draft a letter.
Tony Blodgett, Commissioner, asked Todd how things were going with the Chip and Seal company that they are working with and Todd stated that things were going well. Tony stated that he had received several complaints including a complaint about 14 broken windshields in one business parking lot in the county. Todd said that this did happen but that the company went straight out to the business to take care of it and provided insurance information. Tony and Jeremy both stated that they had received complaints about chips in yards. Tony stated that he spoke with a motorcyclist who stated that he almost laid his bike down due to the loose chips and this was 7 days after the work had been completed. Tony asked that these be documented in meeting minutes so that next time they open bids it will be noted.
Todd also presented estimates for additional electrical work that he has been told needs completed in the Cold Storage building which would allow each truck to be plugged into its own circuit. There were two estimates that ranged from $9,200-$25,000. The commissioners agreed that they would need to review this and look into the legal requirements before spending additional funds on a building that was just built.
Kenny Beuning, Building Inspector stated that he has completed 48 building inspections, 23 new plans reviews, and 3 permit reviews. He states that he is working with the engineers for the Adams Township Fire Department to get things finalized. He states that he is scheduled to complete the final inspection at 313 E. Mulberry Street Westport where the owner remodeled 3 units to 2 units. Once the inspection is completed this should clear the complaint up. He states that clean up is progressing in Lake McCoy with 3 properties that are greatly improved. He states that there are another 7 properties that have had no changes. He has sent those 7 properties to the county attorney. He states that he will be checking on Burney properties and the Smith residence in the coming days. He has sent a letter via USPS and certified to the owner of the trailer park at Lake McCoy. They received the certified copy back unsigned but the copy sent via USPS was not returned.
Krista Duvall, Area Plan Director received commissioner approval on Ordinances 2023-12 and 2024-14. Krista wanted to remind everyone of the APC meeting tomorrow at 6:30p and the BZA meeting at 7p located at the Greensburg High School Auditorium.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose came to the commissioners to notify them that his medical contract expiration is upcoming but that it will just roll over into a new contract. He states that he has been happy with this contract and wishes to keep it the same. He also received signatures for the contract that allows a third party to help with the hiring of the 911 Director position.
The Annex HVAC bids were opened at 6:30 pm. Those bids were as stated below. The commissioners took these under advisement and said they would vote at the next commissioners meeting.
| Names | Option 1-All equipment replaced and relocated to the ground | Option 2- Replace & leave splits on ground and other equipment on roof | Option 3- Replace and keep equipment in same place |
| Stier’s Heating & Cooling | $245,634 | $220,409 | No quote |
| Koors Heating & Air | $278,741 | $244,400 | No quote |
| Koch Mechanical | $514,200 | $436,000 | No quote |
| Wallpe | $237,000 | $275,621 | $188,644 |
Request for use approvals:
-FCA- See you at the pole 9/25 7a-8a National time of prayer. All community members are welcome
-Right to Life- 10/6-10/12 Lawn Display
The meeting was adjourned.
