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County Commissioners - June 13, 2016
- County Engineer Ted Cooley is having "sleepless nights" about the Wolf Creek Bridge.
- Commissioner Wilson and Auditor Brack debate the treasurer's access to payroll data on the LOW computer system.
- Commissioner Tom Linkel was on vacation.
"SLEEPLESS NIGHTS" OVER BRIDGE
County Engineer Ted Cooley is having "sleepless nights about that bridge - Wolf Creek." He said, "It is hard for me to image a bridge can be supported by those stones." He is unsure what is supporting the stone abutments that hold up the bridge. He is also questioning whether the new 62-foot steel bridge will be long enough. The current bridge is 45-feet long.
Mr. Cooley said there is no information about bridge repairs done 25 years ago. He will ask former Highway Foreman Dave Lanning about the original bridge, which was likely made of wood at one time and may have concrete behind the stones. Mr. Cooley also planned to personally inspect the bridge and stone abutments that day.
Commissioner Eric Roberts and Tom Wilson debated what to do next. Commissioner Roberts asked about demolishing the existing stone abutments and starting over with the design. He complained that they should not have bought a steel bridge and then designed around it; they should have approved a design and then bought the right size of bridge.
Commissioner Wilson said the project is too far along to change now. Mr. Cooley agreed with him, saying that work is due to start August 1. It would be difficult to remove the old stone abutments - further delaying the project and adding to the total cost. Commissioner Wilson said the stone abutments were "good" and Mr. Cooley agreed that he saw no signs of "scour."
Mr. Cooley will report back after his inspection. Buying a longer bridge or removing the stone abutments would increase the project cost estimated at $250,000.
WHICH ROADS FOR REPAIR?
Next week, the commissioners will select the roads for which they want to request state grant money for repairs. Mr. Cooley prepared a list of 27 roads, which included nine roads in each commissioner's district. Each commissioner has responsibility for roads in his portion of the county - east, central or west. Commissioner Roberts pointed out that cost is the critical factor when making decisions, not the number of roads. The commissioners are waiting on data from a pavement study before setting their priorities.
Mr. Cooley reported that First Group Engineering will complete the pavement study shortly. The fieldwork is finished and the traffic counts and crash statistics are compiled. Mr. Cooley will consult with the Highway foremen about individual county roads gaining a higher priority, because they provide access to a fire station, school, church, grain mill or fertilizer plant.
In other roadwork, Mr. Cooley asked the commissioners if two verbal price quotes from Baxter Welding and Smith were sufficient. Commissioner Eric Roberts said there was no rush to install the new culverts and he wanted to know if the Highway Department could do the work.
CODE OF ETHICS
Commissioners' attorney John Worth said that the Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA) is proposing that all counties adopt their "code of ethics" by early July. Mr. Worth commented, "I think a code of ethics is needed." The commissioners will receive the proposed document soon.
PUBLIC COMMENT - ACCESS TO LOW SYSTEM DEBATED
From the audience John Estridge quizzed Auditor Steve Brack about his administration of the LOW computer software system that the county uses for various accounting functions. Auditor Brack acknowledged that he turned off Treasurer Veronica Voelker's access to some data last August after conferencing with LOW.
Commissioner Wilson said that LOW has no authority over the county's computer system. He added that the treasurer needs access to payroll data to do her job.
Auditor Brack answered, "They have everything they need to do their job."
Commissioner Wilson continued that he wanted the commissioners to have access to review everything in the LOW system except personal information. He stressed for review only. He said, "We have to fill out a claim for something, we have no clue how much money is there. We can't operate in the dark." Commissioner Wilson went on, "The auditor's office and the treasurer's office have got to work hand in hand together. They have to balance. They have to talk to each other. We can't have this conflict between offices."
Commissioner Wilson said that a citizen may also request any public information such as the Highway Department budget.
From the audience, Betty Lecher said that she would like to see how the Highway Department is spending its budget. She said that she had requested that information and was told it was not on a computer and to go another office to get the information. Auditor Brack offered to provide her with the information.
From the audience, County Clerk Karla Bauman said that citizens can use a "public terminal" in the auditor's office.
Commissioner Wilson said that, next week, he may decide to make Treasurer Voelker co-administrator of the LOW system.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Tom Linkel was on vacation. The other commissioners approved minutes and signed the Franklin County Public Transportation's annual report.
The next meeting is Monday, June 20, at 10am.
Reported by
Sara Duffy
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Verifying Registered Voters
Sample postcard
Registered voters in Indiana received post cards in 2014, and again in 2016, in an attempt to verify their residency status.
Franklin County Clerk Karla Bauman oversees local elections and she explained the background behind the postcards. Clerk Bauman said that about five years ago "an election watch group" threatened to sue Indiana for having "too many registered voters" when compared to other data. The Indiana legislature established a review process starting in 2014.
In even numbered years, the Indiana Election Division screens for "inactive voters" who should be removed from voter registration. First, a postcard is mailed to each voter. The United State Postal Service, or a new resident at the address, can return the postcard with information that the voter no longer lives there. If the first postcard is returned to the state, a second mailing is done. If the second postcard is returned to the state, that voter is considered inactive.
Clerk Bauman said that voters who were identified as inactive in 2014 will be removed from the voter registration after the 2016 general election. Her office makes the changes with data from the state.
Back in 2013, Clerk Bauman was concerned about the threatened lawsuit and she took the initiative to start a local "voter maintenance" program. Her mailings showed about 2,900 inactive voters, but no one was removed from the voter lists at that time. The state mailings confirmed Clerk Bauman's work and added some additional inactive voters. The current number of inactive voters in Franklin County is 3,113 out of a total of 18,631 registered voters as of May 2016 primary election.
If one of those "inactive" registered voters shows up at the polls in the general election this fall, they will be able to vote, said Clerk Bauman. Their status will be updated to "active".
Clerk Bauman said that some states exchange voter registration data to look for voters who are active elsewhere. Indiana does not participate.
Postcard data collected in 2016 will not be used to update voter status until after the 2018 general election.
Watch for upcoming articles about voting and plans for future changes.
Reported by
Sara Duffy
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Zika Update for Hoosiers
The Indiana State Department of Health's mosquito surveillance program is now in full swing and has detected one mosquito pool testing positive for West Nile Virus in Marion County.
In Indiana, there have been 10 travel related cases of Zika, resulting from travel to Haiti (5), Honduras (2), Puerto Rico, the Jamaica and St. Martin/St. Barthelemy. There have been two cases of imported Dengue documented this year, from travel to Jamaica and East Timor.
Thus far in 2016 in the continental US, there have been 691 documented cases of travel related Zika, in 45 states and the District of Columbia. There has been NO local transmission documented in the U.S. at this point. Of these cases, 11 have been sexually transmitted and 2 have resulted in Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Also, nationally, there have been 206 pregnant women with lab evidence of Zika virus infection.
Hoosiers traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America should be aware of this ongoing situation and make every effort to avoid mosquito bites.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites through use of an approved repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, or simply staying indoors when mosquitoes are biting. In addition residents should be encouraged to examine their property for any containers or rain gutters, which are holding water and could be breeding mosquitoes. These actions will help prevent West Nile virus disease as well as Zika.
Submitted by
Indiana State Department of Health
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Huntersville Road Closing in Batesville
On or after Monday, June 27, C.R. 800 South/Huntersville Road at Interstate 74 will close for bridge repairs northwest of Batesville near the high school. Motorists will be directed around the closure via Pocket Road, State Road 229 and S.R. 46. Traffic count on C.R. 800S is 760 vehicles per day.
Indiana Department of Transportation officials estimate work should take two to three weeks-weather permitting-to complete.
This project includes patching bridge piers that stand adjacent to I-74 lanes at mile marker 147.6. There will be closures of eastbound and westbound I-74 shoulder areas when workers are onsite.
Submitted by
Indiana Department of Transportation
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Community Foundations
To many, Community Foundations are a mystery. You know they exist, but you may not really know much about them. Although the Franklin County Community Foundation has been in existence since 1998, many people still do not really understand who we are and what purpose we serve.
In very simple terms community foundations exist to promote and facilitate charitable giving within a particular geographic area. In our case, we exist to promote philanthropy in Franklin County. Specifically, we provide the service of accumulating, investing, and distributing charitable contributions to support the needs of our community both now, and in the future.
Community foundations are tax-exempt, nonprofit, self-directed and publicly supported. We are one of the fastest growing segments of charitable giving in the United States. In fact, every county in Indiana is represented by one. Regardless of the location, all community foundations share the common goal of serving donors and improving the quality of life where we live, work, and raise our families. Community foundations work closely with individuals, families, estate planners, organizations, and professional advisors to assist donors in fulfilling their charitable passions. Donors may establish a fund to support a charitable purpose of their choice, or they can give to one of the many existing charitable funds.
Contributions of cash, stock, real estate and insurance may be accepted. Charitable giving can occur during a donor's lifetime or through a "planned gift" that continues a donor's intent even after his or her passing.
All in all, community foundations serve a unique role...they provide a vital link between the financial resources in a community and the community's charitable needs.
Submitted by Shelly Lunsford, Executive Director |
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Sheriff Department Monthly Report
Franklin County Sheriff Ken Murphy has released the May 2016 report of monthly activity. Sheriff's Deputies responded to 833 calls for service, which is a 5% increase over the 790 calls in 2015. Among the calls for service investigated were:
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Property Damage Accidents
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40
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Personal Injury Accidents
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8
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Burglary/Theft
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32
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Residential/Business Alarms
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27
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Domestic Battery/Battery
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21
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911 Hang Up/Accidental Dial
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74
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Suspicious Persons/Vehicles
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68
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Traffic Stops
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211
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A total of 41 arrests were made by Sheriff's Deputies on the following charges:
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Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
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10
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Possession of a Controlled Substance
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2
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Possession of Marijuana
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3
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Minor Consumption/Possession of Alcohol
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1
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Sales of a Cocaine
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1
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Criminal Recklessness
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1
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Possession of Paraphernalia
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1
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Theft/Receiving Stolen Property
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5
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Domestic Battery
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3
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Warrants
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14
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There was an average of 46 prisoners housed in the Security Center throughout the month of May. The maximum capacity of the Security Center is 75 inmates. Deputies drove a total of 21,941 miles. The Transport Officer drove an additional 2,545 miles, for a total of 24,486 miles. The Transport Officer conducted 13 prisoner transports to and from the Department of Corrections facilities throughout the States of Indiana and Ohio. Additionally, Deputies conducted four prisoner transports to various medical facilities for conditions that could not be treated by the jail doctor. No real estate was sold at Sheriff's auction. There were 127 civil process papers served.
Franklin County Sheriff's Department K-9 Lito had a total of 17 deployments. Among the deployments, K-9 Lito assisted in the search of eight vehicles leading to three arrests on various drug related charges, four search warrant services, and one felony arrest warrant service. K-9 Lito conducted two searches for articles, as well as two K-9 demonstrations for the public.
SUMMER REMINDERS
With the arrival of the summer months, Sheriff's Deputies would like to remind citizens of the increased vehicular traffic on Franklin County roadways, and remind everyone to buckle up for safety. Sheriff's Deputies also would like to remind citizens to wear life vests while enjoying the summer on the water, whether it is on a lake, river, or private pond. With graduation parties throughout the community, the Franklin County Sheriff's Department sees an increase in alcohol violations involving minors. The Franklin County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with Stayin' Alive LLC, would like to remind parents that "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most."
Citizens wishing to report illegal drug activity and/or other crimes may do so by calling 765-647-0755. Callers can remain anonymous. Citizens may also email the Franklin County Drug Task Force at taskforce@yahoo.com. For real time weather related emergencies and crime information sign up for free text messaging at www.nixle.com. Like us on Facebook at Franklin County Sheriff's Department.
Submitted by
Officer Jason Lovins
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Class of 1961 55th Reunion
The 55th reunion of Brookville High School Class of 1961 will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the K of C Hall, Main Street, Brookville. The cost will be $15 per person for the evening. Arrive at 5:30-6pm for meal and visiting. Other optional meeting times and places for Friday through Sunday are being planned. For any questions, please call Charles Volk 336-413-8270 or Ed Roberts 765-647-4504.
Submitted by
Dotti Roleson
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Around the County
Whitewater Valley Railroad Events
June 17, 18, 19 24, 25 and 16 - A Day out with Thomas ™ July 4 - The American Limited Civil War Train. Tickets are on sale now online at www.whitewatervalleyrr.org or by calling (765) 825-2054.
Submitted by
William Gray, WVRR
Legacy Dinner Dance Cancelled- June 18
Submitted by
Main Street Brookville
Joe Codiano Golf Tournament - June 18
Saturday, June 18. 12:30 registration - 1:30 shotgun. Four person scramble - bring your own team. Hole Sponsor: $50 donation. Please join us for smoked pork chop dinner at approximately 6:00pm. Reservations requested. Tickets $10. All proceeds donated to the "Joe Codiano Memorial Scholarship. Brook Hill Golf Club 647-4522.
Submitted by
Barb Cooper
Bluegrass Night - June 18
East Fork Junction will be the featured band for June's Bluegrass Night at the MPA Opry Barn. East Fork Junction was formed in 2008 and has a style ranging from the most traditional bluegrass to newgrass. Doors open at 5:30pm, house band plays at 6pm, East Fork Junction at 7pm. $8 donation at the door. Good food available for purchase on site. The MPA Opry Barn is located at the west end of Metamora at 19189 Pennington Road, where US 52 meets the Whitewater Canal and the Whitewater Valley Railroad.
Submitted by
Metamora Music
Historical Society Picnic - June 20 The public is invited to the Franklin County Historical Society annual summer picnic on June 20 at the Old Brick Church on 10th Street in Brookville. Pitch-in dinner at 6 PM with drinks provided. Program at 7 PM----History of 200 years of Methodism in Franklin County by Rev. Curtis Bond. Submitted by Martha Shea
Canoefest - June 24 & 25
Pre-register to make sure you get in the races and get a t-shirt. Visit the website for complete details: http://brookvillecanoefest.com. Late fees apply after June 22. Cannot guarantee rental boats and t-shirts will be available on race day. Canoefest begins Friday, June 24, 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.
Eagle Fire Co. Festival - June 24-25 Eagle Fire Co., Fri. 4pm to midnight. Smoked pork chop dinner, lunch stand, games for all ages. Music by Renegades 8pm to midnight. Saturday parade begins at 1pm. Cruise In Car Show 4 p.m. to ? Fried chicken and roast beef dinners 2pm - 8pm, lunch stand. Music by Inner Soul 8pm to midnight. Contact: (812) 934-5856. Submitted by
Willie Ronnebaum
Go Ivy Days - June 24, 28 Ivy Tech Community College Richmond's Go Ivy Days at the Franklin County Brookville Library will be Friday, June 24, 2 - 6pm and at the Laurel Library, Tuesday, June 28, 1-4pm. Information about applying for admission and financial aid, using high school dual credits, and enrolling in classes. For additional information, contact Stephanie at 765-966-2656, ext. 1245 or salexand@ivytech.edu.
Submitted by
Stephanie Hill Alexander, MA Ed.
Dancing in the Streets, Free Concert
- July 2 Join the Block Party on Court Street (on the street
between the Pioneer Restaurant and Franklin County Courthouse) 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Outdoor Garden at The Pioneer Restaurant. Entertainment by the Big Band, Squeeze Play. Plan your family reunion and enjoy free entertainment compliments of Main Street Brookville Inc. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes!
Submitted by
Barbara Vonderheide, Main Street Brookville
LEARN ABOUT OPEN DOOR LAW - July 14
The Indiana Public Access Counselor will give a presentation about the Open Door Law on July 14 at 1:30pm at the Government Center. The meeting is open to the public and to elected officials serving on local boards.
Information provided by John Worth
Chamber's Annual Golf Outing - Aug. 4 Start getting your teams together now. Submitted by Chamber of Commerce
Class of 1966 50th Reunion
Brookville High School Class of 1966 announced their 50th reunion. On Saturday, September 10, there will be tours of the former high school with special focus on the Memorabilia Room at the Government Center, 1010 Franklin Avenue. Dinner will follow at 6:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Main Street. On Sunday, September 11, classmates will meet at the Brookville Lake Overlook for a box lunch at 12noon. Cost of $30 covers all events. Invitations have already been mailed. If you have not received yours, please call Chuck Oglesby at 765-647-3623. Submitted by Chuck Oglesby
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