The Decatur County Redevelopment Commission met on November 20, 2024 at 5:30 pm.
The commission approved its October meeting minutes.
Rob Dehoff, Parks & Recreation Department, came back to present his request for projects at the ball diamonds. Rob presented: Phase 2A- included putting new dirt and leveling out the four back diamonds, this included the equipment that would be needed. Estimate- $141,000. Phase 2B- Adding concession stand, new mats and redoing the mounds, fence, security cameras, wind screens on Diamond 1 to limit the amount of people sitting by road to avoid paying to see the game, air conditioning in the current concessions building. $204,500. Phase 3- Installing turf on the back four diamonds. Estimate-$676,000
Rob said that he received a quote from Globe Asphalt to blacktop the back parking lot for $102,000. He added that the department has received $50,000 of this from the county council which is included in their 2025 budget.
Rob said that he suggests that they at least install additional bathrooms and additional dirt and leveling of the back four diamonds. With Rob’s suggestion the commission approved 2A, 2B, and blacktopping of the back lot and agreed to give the project $400,000. Danny Peters wanted to approve only $200,000, he then voted nea on the $400,000 amount. The vote was 4 yea’s- 1 nea.
Rob added that the Parks Department applied for a $100,000 Honda Grant that would allow a walking path to be included at the property that would allow inclusion for individuals with disabilities and could also include a sensory aspect.
The second request came from the City of Greensburg. Mayor Josh Marsh and Street Commissioner Mark Klosterkemper received approval that the Redevelopment Commission would spend up to 50% of the total costs up to a maximum of $875,000 for the resurfacing of Michigan Avenue from I-74 to the edge of the TIF District. This is the portion of road that is front of Honda. According to the Honda Representative in attendance the road condition has become a concern for many associates. Mark said that it is his goal that this project will occur late spring/summer 2025. This vote was unanimously approved.
Brad Speer, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Executive Director, requested funding to build a pole barn structure behind the current County Annex building to house EMA’s equipment and PPE and the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department’s controlled evidence. The structure will be 100ft x 48ft and will be constructed with a metal roof and sides. The quote for the building, concrete, electric, and 2 gas furnaces is $317,804. He also received a quote on paving the current parking lot behind the annex during construction, which would be approximately 45 parking spaces, and another quote for paving the grass area beside of the current gravel lot which would allow for 30 additional parking spots. The current pole barn would remain and would be shared by several other departments. Brad stated that EMA currently has no funding in the budget for this building. Brad states that if funding is approved, he would like to move forward with construction as soon as possible. The commission agreed that they would like Brad to approach the commissioners about the project, receive approval, and then return to the Redevelopment Commission during their December meeting.
The commission approved their 2025 Annual Spending Plan that was drafted by Baker Tilly.
The commission approved an invoice submitted by Baker Tilly for $6,475.
The commission adjourned their meeting.
