Issue 662                                                            May 26, 2016    
Franklin County Observer

News and Events from Franklin County, Indiana       
In This Issue
Commissioners Discuss Security Cameras for Courthouse
Ceremony Honors Those Who Serve
County Council
Franklin County Quilt Show Winners
More Quilt Show Awards
Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District Receives $500
16th Annual Family Fun Day
Around the County
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Commissioners Discuss Security 
Cameras for Courthouse
 
CAMERAS OR PANIC BUTTONS?
    At their Monday meeting, the commissioners discussed signing a contract with Communications Electronics to purchase security cameras for the courthouse. Commissioner Roberts wondered if installing panic buttons might be a better option than cameras, since panic buttons address the incident as it's taking place rather than after the fact as with the use of cameras. Both Commissioners Wilson and Linkel prefer cameras because they say cameras act as a deterrent. Three cameras were suggested, two in the hallways and one by the back door. However, Clerk Karla Bauman said that more were needed, noting, "We don't deal with just normal citizens." She pointed out that often, the people who visit the courthouse are angry because of a divorce or some legal problem. The system being proposed is limited to eight cameras. Commissioner Roberts asked if he should go back and get a quote for possibly 12 or 16 channels. No further action was taken.
 
ZONING CODE REVISIONS APPROVED
    The commissioners looked over proposed revisions to the Area Planning Commission's revisions to the CIC zoning code. Most were typos and clarifications. The commissioners asked Surveyor Joe Gillespie if the restriction on structures over 35 feet in height was still necessary since the Brookville Fire Department now owns a ladder truck.  Mr. Gillespie answered that if a company wanted to build a structure that exceeded 35 feet, they could obtain a variance. The commissioners approved all the revisions with the exception of the rule requiring fences around swimming pools, even fairly shallow above-ground pools. Mr. Gillespie said that the fenced swimming pool regulation was still being developed by the APC.
 
SIXTH STREET BRIDGE AND CAUSEWAY ROAD BRIDGE DELAYED
    County Engineer Ted Cooley said that he had requested a postponement of the two federally-funded jobs listed above until 2018. He noted that the repavement of US 52 through Brookville would take place in 2017 and that having two other large projects going on at the same time could be even more disruptive to traffic than is already expected.
    Commissioner Roberts said that he had been thinking about whether the money coming to the county from the state as a result of Senate Bill 67 could be used for chip and sealing roads rather than for bridge and culvert replacement. He thought that funding bridge projects using already available county funds would enable the county to chip and seal over 60 miles of county roads and make better use of the county's money. Mr. Cooley said that the pavement study expected to begin next week would answer that question.
    Mr. Cooley added that First Group Engineering, who will be doing the pavement study, offered to hold informational sessions for the three commissioners, the county engineer and the road foremen. Mr. Cooley said that the sessions, to be held after the results of the study are known, "would increase our knowledge base."
 
DIRECT DEPOSIT OF COUNTY EMPLOYEE PAYCHECKS TO BE OPTIONAL
    Commissioner Wilson said that because of concerns over "informational safety," he wanted to make direct deposit of county employee paychecks optional. Commissioner Linkel agreed, stating that he preferred the option to last "until things are cleared up on the auditor's office." Debbie Richardson, who was present as the auditor's representative, noted that direct deposit is recommended by the Indiana State Board of Accounts because it is more efficient and less costly than paper paychecks. Commissioners Wilson and Linkel voted to give county employees their preference of the two options while Commissioner Roberts voted against the proposal.
 
UNOFFICIAL DETOUR FOR US 52
   St. Peter's Road to State Route 1 will be the unofficial detour for travelers blocked by the roadwork going on in New Trenton this summer. The unofficial detour is for local residents and differs from the official detour established by INDOT.

Reported by
Monica Yane
Ceremony Honors Those Who Serve
 
     The Brookville Volunteer Fire Department's ladder truck hoisted the American flag above the May 23 Memorial Service for Police, Sheriff, Fire, EMS and Rescue Workers.
 
Honor Guard

    The service began with an opening prayer, Honor Guard, National Anthem and Roll Call of six individuals killed locally in the line of duty. In 1824, Constable Robert Murphy was stabbed and was the first law enforcement officer to die in the state of Indiana.
 
L-R: Retired Secret Service Agent Bill Stuckey, Brookville Chief of Police Tim Wilkerson and Blooming Grove Fire Department Volunteer Chuck Grimes. Mr. Stuckey helped guard five Presidents including Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan.
 
     Keynote Speaker Chuck Grimes spoke about the history of American patriotism and encouraged everyone to honor those who are deceased as well as those who presently serve our country.
    American Legion Bernard Hurst Post 77 gave a 21-gun salute followed by TAPS played as an echo by Gary Marmouze and Gary Marmouze Jr.
    In the final prayer, Rev. David Heinzelman suggested that the audience shake the hand of those in uniform, because that same hand might rescue them in their time of need. 

Reported by
Sara Duffy
County Council May 23, 2016
  • The Highway Department may be without a mechanic. The only job applicant wants $25 per hour.
  • Inconsistency on overtime pay was criticized.
  • EMS asked for $165,000 for its 2017 contract with the county.
  • The county is "going backwards" by returning to paper paychecks over direct deposit, said Councilman Keith Hall.
    On behalf of the entire county council, President Becky Oglesby started the meeting by thanking veterans and active military for their service.
 
NO MECHANIC AT HIGHWAY GARAGE
     Last month, council approved the commissioners' request to advertise for an additional and certified mechanic at the Highway Garage. This month, commissioners asked for $44,000 to cover the salary and benefits for a second mechanic.
    Commissioner Tom Linkel reported that they had only one applicant for the job and that person wanted a starting salary of $25 per hour or approximately $52,000 per year. The applicant currently works as a certified mechanic for a nearby city and was said to be taking a pay cut to accept $25 per hour. The pay cut would be offset by a shorter commute to work in Brookville. Commissioners Linkel and Eric Roberts said they were satisfied with the applicant and his references.
    To hire any certified mechanic would cost $25 to $28 per hour, said Commissioner Linkel.
     Councilman Hall asked Commissioner Linkel if he could justify a total of $80,000 in salary and benefits for a second mechanic by reducing the repair expenses at the Highway Department. Commissioner Linkel said, "I don't know."
    Commissioner Linkel went on say they may have no mechanic soon, because Shane Scalf, the current mechanic, has another job offer. Commissioner Linkel said that they must have a mechanic - certified or not - and he asked about offering Mr. Scalf more money to stay.
    Councilman Leffingwell took issue with paying $25 to $28 per hour for a mechanic when other county jobs are paid much less. He quoted that elected officials are paid $18.46 per hour and road foremen, $15.49 per hour. The top rate for a sheriff deputy is $17.90 per hour. He was against having two mechanics, one of which is certified and paid at a rate of $25 per hour.
    Commissioner Roberts noted that repair shops charge $75 per hour for labor. He pointed out that a certified mechanic is a skilled trade and cannot be compared to an office worker for hourly rate. Regarding money spent on repairs, Commissioner Roberts said that repair expenses have doubled over the last 5 to 7 years. The increase amounts to an additional $100,000 in costs to the county.
    From the audience, Jana Selke asked two questions. Does the state set criteria for a county mechanic? Can a mechanic be required to sign a contract? She was told "no" to both questions.
     Council voted to allow the commissioners to hire one mechanic at the current salary, if Mr. Scalf quits. Council tabled action on hiring a certified mechanic at higher pay.
 
ANOTHER $42,000 FOR ROADS
     Council approved six requests for additional funding above the 2016 budget amount. The requests ranged from $62 to $42,000. After they voted for the additional funds, Councilman Hall commented about the commissioners' request for another $42,000 for local roads. He said that the Highway Department has a budget of $290,000 available for local roads but has spent "zero" so far in 2016.
 
SOME EMPLOYEES SHORTCHANGED ON OVERTIME
     Council President Oglesby explained that several employees were underpaid for overtime due to complications in calculating the amount along with holiday pay or longevity pay.
    Councilman Hall noted that there is no consistency in overtime computed by the Sheriff Department, 911 Communications, Jail and the Highway Department. He asked who does the calculations? Payroll
Clerk Kim Robinson said that each department head figures the overtime.
    Commissioner Eric Roberts said that the same issue arose during his first term of office (2006-2010) and was resolved. He did not know how that information "was lost" by the Sheriff Department, 911 and the jail. He agreed with correcting the situation again. He stated that sheriff deputies do not qualify for overtime until they work over 171 hours in a 28-day period. He also explained that every employee has a different overtime rate. He suggested using a computer program to figure overtime.
    Councilman Daryl Kramer asked why the payroll clerk does not compute all of the overtime.
     Payroll Clerk Robinson replied that she does not the necessary information, because there are no punched time cards - only hand-written time sheets.
    With obvious sarcasm, Councilman Aaron Leffingwell commented, "It's the way it has always been done. You are not allowed to question it."
    From the audience Ms. Selke, suggested training for the department heads about payroll and overtime. To which Councilman Leffingwell replied, "That would make sense." He added that departments refuse to change what they are doing and follow guidelines from the payroll clerk.
    Payroll Clerk Robinson suggested the county hire an independent company to do payroll.
    Ms. Selke called the overtime inconsistency "ridiculous." Councilmen Hall and Leffingwell told her to complain to the commissioners who approve payroll and control the employee handbook.
    Council will ask consultant Ken Irwin to review the instructions about how to compute overtime. Afterward, corrections will be made to the employee handbook and the salary ordinance.
 
GOING BACKWARD TO SLEEPY HOLLOW
    Next, Councilman Hall asked why Commissioner Linkel supported direct deposit of paychecks as a safe method of paying employees and then "changed his mind" and went back to an option of paper checks. Councilman Hall said, "We are like Sleepy Hollow. We are going backwards. Everyone else is going forwards. We are going backwards in time." Paper checks are going to cost more money.
    Ms. Selke spoke in favor of direct deposit and said, "We need to advance and move forward as a county."
 
EMS ASKS FOR $165,000 NEXT YEAR
     Council received a letter from EMS President Roy Rosenberger officially requesting $165,000 for EMS services to the county in 2017. EMS asked to be paid from the new Public Safety Local Option Income Tax (PSLOIT). Currently, EMS is paid $150,000 per year.
    Councilman Leffingwell quoted from the Indiana Code and objected to EMS asking for a specific amount. He said that EMS should have asked for a "distribution" of PSLOIT without stating an amount.
    Councilman Hall replied that the dollar amount was up to the county commissioners, who will negotiate a new contract with EMS for 2017.
     If the contract amount is over $165,000, Commissioner Eric Roberts said that the difference could by paid by using property taxes from the county's general fund.
    Council authorized Councilman Leffingwell to consult with council's attorney Grant Reeves about the EMS request and report back at the June meeting. Council will take no action until the budget hearings in August.
 
MEETING MINUTES DIVIDED UP
    It took 10 minutes to decide what to do with the April meeting minutes. Councilman Keith Hall wanted Auditor Steve Brack to listen to the tape recording and make corrections to the minutes. However, Auditor Brack was at a training class and absent from the meeting. Councilman Hall motioned to table the minutes until next month.
    Councilman Daryl Kramer said that it was important to approve two paragraphs of the April minutes that authorized additional spending. He explained that the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) must verify that the additional spending was advertised and approved by a majority of council before the county could spend the money.
    Councilman Joe Sizemore recounted that once before council had approved an expense and the funding "was not there." As the result, DLGF denied the expenditure.
    Council unanimously approved two paragraphs of additional spending and tabled the rest of the minutes until next month. They continued discussing the matter until everybody understood specifically what was approved and what was tabled.
 
DORMANT FUNDS
    Council also voted to table action on what to do with dormant funds. Council President Oglesby will check with the state. Councilman Kramer had researched the issue and said the dormant funds could be moved to the rainy day fund.
 
LOAN FOR HEALTH DEPT. PAYROLL
    The Health Department has a cash flow problem and is unable to make payroll. Council voted in favor of a temporary loan of $5,000. The loan will be repaid after property taxes are distributed to departments and other taxing units.
    In a later interview, County Treasurer Veronica Voelker explained that on June 1 the spring 2016 property tax revenue will be divided among the taxing units including towns, townships, library, schools and the county. Information about the amounts will be sent to the state for approval. Once that approval is received, the tax money will be sent to the taxing units. Treasurer Voelker said that the money should be distributed a few days after June 1.
 
TWO NEW TRUCK DRIVERS
     Council approved hiring two new truck drivers at the Highway Department. Commissioner Eric Roberts explained that one person resigned and one will retire June 10.
 
UNANSWERED QUESTION
     When President Oglesby called for any other council business, Councilman Hall had questions for Commissioner Linkel, but he had already left the meeting. Councilman Sizemore quickly motioned to adjourn and the meeting was over.
    After the meeting, Councilman Hall said that he wanted to ask Commissioner Linkel how he intended to pay for the new Wolf Creek Bridge and what the total estimated cost will be. In April, council had approved only the cost of the steel structure, not the contractor, paving or other work.

Reported by
Sara Duffy
Franklin County Quilt Show Winners
 
    Peggy Ratz's winning quilt called "Autumn Flight" was made from many tiny pieces of fabric. It took 1st place in the miniature quilt contest of the Franklin County Annual Quilt Show on May 20 and 21. Photo provided.
 

    The story of several historical quilts was told during the "bed turning" exhibitions each day. Pictured is a modified Irish Chain Quilt made in the early 1900s and exhibited by Diane Coffey. Holding the quilt is Joan Lohrey (left) and Marilyn Robertson (right).

 
    A new feature this year was watching or helping with the making of a quilt. Carol Smith is ironing, Joyce Gesell is supervising and Jenny Vanmeter is sewing.
    Joann Koch explained the 20 Hoffman Challenge Quilts sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Council. The Hoffman Challenge is an international competition in which all quilters must create a wall hanging starting from the same type of fabric - pomegranate gold for 2015. The best 300 wall hangings were selected to travel for exhibition in groups of 20 items.
    The quilt show was sponsored by Quilt Batts Quilt Guild, which meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6pm at the Brookville Methodist Church, and by eight clubs of Franklin County Extension Homemakers, which have various meeting times. All groups raise money for local charities and/or scholarships.
    Next year, the Franklin County Quilt Show will feature a "Quilts of Valor" challenge in patriotic colors and designs. Quilts will be awarded to military personnel and veterans after the show on May 19 and 20, 2017.
 
Reported by
Sara Duffy
More Quilt Show Awards

    Pictured is one of the 143 quilts on display this year from 29 exhibitors from 20 communities in Indiana and Ohio.  The show also featured 20 Art Quilts from the Hoffman Fabric Company's International challenge. Over 500 people visited the show on Friday and Saturday.

Viewers' Choice Awards
Bed size quilt, hand pieced, hand quilted
Abby Curry - Floral counted cross stitch
 
Bed size quilt, machine pieced, hand quilted
Fred Chappelow - Blue counted cross -stitch  
                 
Bed size, machine pieced, machine quilted
Dotti Roleson - Feathered Star
                 
Youth - made by exhibitor 16 and younger
Kierstyn Kerr - Geometric brights on black
 
Lap Quilts, made any method
Charles E. Ratz -Prairie Window" Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright             
 
Baby or Crib Quilt
Tamara Rosenberger - Hand embroidered baby quilt
 
Wall hanging/art quilts
Melanie McDaniel - "Colorado Aspens"
 
Misc. - any other quilted item
Rosemary Fisher - Hand embroidered heart vest
 
Miniature Challenge:
First - Peggy Ratz - "Autumn Flight"
Second - Rosemary Fisher - "Glow in the Dark Star"
Third -Tonya Paddock - "Kindred"
Honorable Mention - Debbie Coleman- "Waste not, Want not"

Submitted by Peggy Ratz
Photo by Sara Duffy
Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District Receives $500 from Whitewater Valley REMC Community Trust
L-R: Michael T. Schwab receives check from Whitewater Valley Community Trust Board Member Kevin Smith.
 
    Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District received funds from Whitewater Valley REMC Community Trust, Inc. to help create 3.73 acres of native habitat at the Brookville Lake tailwater area. The habitat will be created with a combination of native grasses and wildflower seed and plants. The area will provide a habitat for the imperiled pollinators and specifically the Monarch butterfly whose population has seen a 95% decline in recent years. Additionally the habitat will be an outdoor educational area.
 
Submitted by Chris Fox, 
Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District

16th Annual Family Fun Day 
BVFD Family Fun Day 2013
    Stayin' Alive's 16th Annual Family Fun Day will be held on Memorial Day, May 30, from 10:00am until 1:00pm at the Brookville Town Park. There will be fun, food and prizes for all ages.
    Inflatables, Summer Reading Program Registration, Water Safety, Mascots, Health & Fitness, Fishin' for Nutrition, Cornhole, Face Painting, Animal Masks, Speed Pitch, Bicycle Helmet Giveaway, Balloon Artists, Photo Booth, Barrel Train, ATV Safety, Crafts.
* Indianapolis Colts in Motion 10:00 - 12:00
* Indiana Pacers Fan Van 10:00 - 12:00
* WRBI Radio Live Broadcast 10:00 - 12:00
* Vicki's Studio of Dance 11:00 - 12:00
* University of Cincinnati Air Care/Mobile Care 11:00 (weather permitting)
* Strolling Juggler 11:00 - 1:00
* The Magic Show 11:30
    For more information on Family Fun Day, please contact Stayin' Alive at 765-647-7272 or visit www.stayinalive24.org.
 
Submitted by
Melinda Brown

Around the County
 
Music Boosters' IGA Cookout: May 27-28
    Please join the Franklin County High School Music Boosters and Brookville IGA for their cookout on May 27th and May 28th from 11:00am - 2:00pm. Come have a great lunch while supporting the high school band, choir, and color guard.  Your support is greatly appreciated.  

Submitted by
Beth Beccaccio

Canal Guided Walking Tour - June 4  
    The Whitewater Canal Trail has rescheduled the Whitewater Canal Guided Walking History Tour to Saturday June 4th. Please meet at the parking area across from the aqueduct in Metamora. We will begin at 10:30 am and conclude at 12:30 pm.This tour will include history of the locks and the construction of the Whitewater Canal. Afterwards enjoy "Strawberry Days" in Metamora.  
      
Submitted by  
Shirley Lamb, Whitewater Canal Trail 
 
Safety and First Aid Class - June 9
    The First Years: Safety and First Aid class presented by the Pregnancy Help Center. Thursday, June 9 at 6:30 pm. Learn hands only CPR, Heimlich maneuver, when to call the doctor, when to call 9-1-1, baby proofing your home, what is a concussion and what to do, and much, much more! Learn how to earn a $50 gift card or car seat.
 
Submitted by Pregnancy Help Center
Lyn Weidner, RN, Client Education Director
 
New Trenton Chicken Fry-off - June 11
    1st Annual New Trenton Volunteer Fire Department Chicken Fry-Off on June 11. An $100 prize and a traveling trophy will be awarded to the 1st place winner. Registration at noon. $25 entry fee for each team. Contest starts at 1:00pm. Dinners will be served to the public 4-8pm. Adults $10. Children under ten years $5.
 
Submitted by
Keith Maucher
 
Indiana Legacy Dinner Dance - June 18
    Indiana Legacy Dinner Dance will celebrate Indiana's Bicentennial on June 18 at St. Michael Activity Center. Doors open at 5pm. Cash Bar. Dinner 6-7pm. Music by Western Union and Blue Stone Ivory Band until 10pm. Tickets for $20 will be available through June 15 from banks and merchants throughout Brookville.
 
Submitted by Barbara Vonderheide
For Main Street Brookville
 
Canoefest 2016 - June 24 & 25
CanoeFest 2014 Recreational racers  
    Canoefest begins Friday at 5:00pm with the Princess contest, followed by music from Main Sail, Justin Stone and Kid Quill. Saturday are the canoe races and festival begins at 5:00pm with music from My Brothers Keepers and Everyone from Nowhere. Famous fireworks at about 10:09! See brookvillecanoefest.com for list of all events.
 
Submitted by
Tara Keys
 
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