17 June 2014 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes

I want to thank Helen Kremer, who graciously agreed to cover the Commissioners meeting in my absence.
Christine Brauer Mueller

17 June 2014 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes 

 

All three commissioners were present as were the county attorney and administrator. 

Auditor, Gayle Pennington, was absent.

 

At 5 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Shane McHenry.   The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mike Burgess. 

Old Business

1.        Happy Hollow Road – Mr. McHenry suggested this item be tabled.  Art Little motioned that it should be tabled, and Kevin Lynch seconded the motion. 

New Business

1.       SIRPC  - update on projects – Jodi Comer, Mary McCarty not present.

 

2.       Veterans Service Officer – Mike Burgess – requested signatures for Grant for transportation for Dearborn County veterans.  Mr. McHenry said this was a very worthwhile project, and should be granted.  All ayes.

 

3.       Ratify OKI Proclamation – Mr. Lynch read the proclamation for the OKI Regional Transportation and Development Plan for the counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.  All ayes.  OKI is responsible for $40 million dollars of federal money in the region.  The Commissioners and others from Dearborn County were at the OKI luncheon today.  Kevin Lynch was very appreciative for the good representation from Dearborn County, and he believes that Dearborn County is a full participant in the OKI region.  Mr. McHenry congratulated Mr. Lynch for his efforts on the behalf of Dearborn County with OKI, and believes Mr. Lynch deserves credit for the county’s participation and success with OKI.

 

4.       Maxwell Construction Change Orders - Terri Randall, Administrator, spoke on behalf of a change on contract #2, having reviewed it with Maxwell and Eric Hartman.  Since there was a recent addition to contingency funds, they want to replace the heat pumps because there was a water source in the ceilings from the heat pumps, and it is only a matter of time before they will need to be replaced, and it will be more expensive.  The change order will be for $28,533.00 for four water heat pumps.  Mr. Lynch asked how complete was this project?  Ms. Randall said they expect people to be housed by August, and the project completed by the end of the year.  Ms. Randall said she will ask them to give a full update at the next meeting.  Mr. Lynch motioned to replace the four heat pumps, Mr. Little seconded—motion carried.

 

Administrator - Terri Randall thanked the County Commissioners for moving the meeting regarding the Courthouse Plan because they need more time, and when they reschedule they will be ready.

Auditor – Leah Bailey, staff person for Gayle Pennington, submitted Claims and Minutes for approval. The Commissioners approved the minutes—all ayes, and all ayes to approve accounts payable and allowance of payroll claims.

 

Attorney - Mr. Baudendistel explained that at the last meeting they thought it might be prudent to have a process in place regarding public records.  There is an Indiana statute, Indiana Code 5-14-3-1, and Lawrenceburg and Greendale also have forms which they use for access to public records.  The Auditor’s office will be responsible, and forward the requests to the departments that will have the information needed.  Depending upon the scope of the request, the response time can be anywhere from 24 hours, or 7 calendar days if a request was received by fax, mail, or e-mail.  Filling out a form for information will also leave a paper trail.  A discussion followed regarding what information  needs a form, and what is just a simple question of asking for information that is public knowledge or found on a website—if the website is in place and updated.  Terri Randall asked if the Auditor was okay with this role. 

 

Celeste Cavitto, and Denise Freitag of the local press had several concerns regarding access to information.  The question is what will not be able to be answered with a phone call?  Denise suggested the public be informed of this proposed change.  The fear is that someone could use this as a stonewall.  Mr. Baudendistel gave copies to the reporters of the proposed request for records.

 

The Commissioners suggested putting the form out and asking departments what is most requested, what are good reasons to deny records, if any, and find balance.  Mr. Baudendistel said a lot of these questions will be resolved when the website is up.  Terri Randall suggested they work on this by the next meeting and check with managers and department heads.

 

Commissioner  Comments    Mr. Lynch thanked all of the people who attended the OKI luncheon.  There were 450 people there and Dearborn County was well represented.  Commissioner Lynch continued he wanted to congratulate Terri Randall for being nominated for the 2015 Risk Manager of the Year by the county’s Insurance Company because of the county workers insurance compensation program.  She has done a fabulous job on everything she has done.  Ms. Randall thanked Mr. Lynch and said she saved a lot of money.  Mr. McHenry said it was also a team effort to get to that point to lower insurance and lower claims.

 

 Commissioner McHenry asked for a moment of silence to remember Maynard Barrett, a former councilman, and Lyle’s sister.

 

Late Arrival Information – The Lawrenceburg Public Library requested the Commissioners extend the appointment of Donald Siemers, to the Board of the Lawrenceburg Public Library until June 30, 2018.  His appointment expires June 30, 2014.  Commissioner Little motioned approval for Donald Siemers to continue on the Board of the Lawrenceburg Public Library until June 30, 2018.  Mr.Lynch seconded.  All ayes.

 

Public Comment - Commissioner McHenry asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

 

Helen  Kremer

Logan Township