PORTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2006
6:00 P.M.

The regular meeting of the Porter County Board of Commissioners convened at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 in the Commissioners’ Chambers of the Administration Center.

Those present were: Commissioners Robert Harper, John Evans and Carole Knoblock, County Attorney Gwenn Rinkenberger, Melissa Hartig and Vi Wagner.

CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE

President Harper called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF PAYROLL

Com. Evans moved to approve the payroll of October 2, 2006, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

Com. Evans moved to approve the claims of October 3, 2006, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Com. Evans moved to approve the minutes of September 5, 2006, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY MENTAL WELLNESS
Mary Hodson, Porter Co. Mental Health Association

Ms. Hodson, “We were asking that the Porter County Board of Commissioners accept and sign off on this proclamation. This is Mental Health Awareness, it is National Mental Health Awareness Week and in collaboration with the Mental Health Association, National Health on Mental Illness, the depression by (inaudible)… as well as the Midwest Youth and Family Services and Porter Starke Services, we have collectively come together and this will be presented to you and explained in a proclamation. And I will read the proclamation.”

Com. Harper, “Yes, go ahead.”

PROCLAMATION

Whereas, severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorders affect one in every five families annually;
Whereas, severe mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes and heart disease and are the number one reason for hospital admissions nationwide;
Whereas, severe mental illnesses have been scientifically proven to be highly treatable illnesses of the brain;
Whereas, scientific research is producing tremendous breakthroughs in the understanding of mental illnesses, resulting in more effective treatments that allow people to reclaim full and productive lives,
Whereas, severe mental illnesses continue to be shrouded in stigma and discrimination from prejudice causing those who are affected to be cast as second-class citizens;
Now, therefore resolved, We, Robert P. Harper, John A. Evans and Carole Knoblock, the Board of Commissioners of Porter County, Indiana do hereby proclaim October 1 through October 7, 2006 as:

Mental Illness Awareness Week

in Porter County, Indiana to increase public awareness of mental illness, and invite all citizens to recognize and appreciate the efforts of mental health organizations, and to realize the importance of mental health in their lives.

Dated this 3rd day of October, 2006 Board of Commissioners
s/Robert P. Harper
s/John A. Evans
s/Carole Knoblock

Com. Evans moved to approve the proclamation, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

Com. Harper, “Are you going to explain the kit to us and tell us a little bit about it. It’s real interesting.”

Unidentified man, “Hi, how are you?”

Com. Harper, “Good, are these going to be passed out at various locations?”

Unidentified man, “Yes, what we are doing at this time is the association is going to schools and we’re giving out this packet, it’s a tool kit for the community. And in your packet there’s (inaudible)…. There’s some more information about some of the additional tools in there about mental health as well as some of the local providers that we have included in the packet. So we are there handing out these packets primarily to the schools and the school corporations.”

Com. Harper, “Thank you for providing us with one.”

Unidentified man, “I don’t know if I should say anything else on this. Thank you for (inaudible)…. My name is Mike Ayers, I am the CEO from Midwest Center in Kouts.”

Com. Harper, “Do you have any extras with you?”

Ms. Hodson, “Well, what we can do is we’ll get this part and anyone that would like an additional packet, I’ll be happy to give them one.”

Com. Harper, “I just mentioned that the press might want one of these packets. We have three representatives from the press here so you might want to talk to them. Thank you very much. Did either one of you want to add anything?”

Com. Evans, “No, I thank them very much for coming.”

OFFICE HOLDERS/DEPARTMENT HEADS

Open bids for storage building
John Thorstad, Expo Center Director

Com. Harper, “Next thing we have is John Thorstad and this is set for open the bids for the storage building and I understand what you’re getting.”

Mr. Thorstad, “Through my investigation with some of the builders, it was suggested that we review what our plan was and talk to the powers that be with Mr. Thompson and possibly with Mr. Breitzke and review exactly what we want to do and how we want to do it. I may chalk it up to a freshman mistake, I though I had done the bid very well myself, but looking at somewhat the business and feedback from some of the businesses, it may not have been what they would have suggested to make the project go forward. So, I will do that here in the near future and bring it back to you. I do have two other issues. One, during the Oz Fest and for the prep for Oz Fest my scissor lift, the motor blew completely and it was a total loss. It’s not worth replacing, the gentleman that looked at it said “I wouldn’t give you a hundred bucks for the metal in it.”

Com. Evans, “How old is it?”

Mr. Thorstad, “22 years old. We actually received it used when we bought it. I did give Melissa some bids, I don’t know if you have received those, they should be in the packet.”

Com. Evans, “Do you use that for maintenance?”

Mr. Thorstad, “It’s such a tall building, we use it for everything above ten feet high. It’s the only way we can get above ten feet high. For example, when we get set for a wedding, we stretched Christmas lights, and you know, spent fifteen hours thirty feet up in the air just using this piece of equipment. But the two bids I received to try to keep them the same, one was from a company in South Bend who gave us a bid on a used unit, its actually reconditioned, and a new unit and then one from the local company through Randle Rents that has a new unit that has a new unit. It is the exact same unit the Sheriff’s Department has. We’ve actually borrowed the Sheriff’s Department to get through this wedding we’ve got and the Mayor’s Ball. To try and get through that in that time period, the Sheriff’s Department wants their lift back.”

Com. Harper, “I suggest we do take this from the Center District CEDIT. Capital Improvement?”

Atty. Rinkenberger, “Yes.”

Mr. Thorstad, “I would suggest accepting Randle Rents with a new unit.”

Com. Harper, “So you are suggesting who?”

Mr. Thorstad, “I am suggesting Randle Rents for the new unit, I believe it was $1,500.00 or so more than the reconditioned unit that the other company had plus it had…”

Com. Harper, “Well, for as much work as this gets.”

Mr. Thorstad, “It’s a local company here.”

Com. Harper, “Where is that? Where’s this one?”

Mr. Thorstad, “The one that says Bendorider and the other one is Randle Rents.”

Com. Evans, “Did the reconditioned one have a warranty at all?”

Mr. Thorstad, “No, they wouldn’t guarantee it.”

Com. Harper, “Okay, how do you pronounce it again?”

Mr. Thorstad, “Randle Rents.”

Com. Harper, “Do I hear a motion?”

Com. Evans moved to accept the recommendation for Randle Rents,

Com. Harper, “We will be taking it from Center District?”

Com. Evans, “From Center District CEDIT funds.”

Com. Harper, “Fund 251, from what year, Melissa?”

Atty. Rinkenberger, “2004?”

Com. Harper, “No, that’s used. It looks like 2005 has enough in it, correct?”

Ms. Hartig, “Yes.”

Com. Harper, “All right, then 2005.”

Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

New sign for Expo Center

Mr. Thorstad, “The last thing is to just get your verbal approval on one of the projects that we’re probably going to start on here. This is to replace the signage out front with a more modern sign, a more modern lighted sign. And one of the areas that we would use is where it says tenant, we would seek out corporate sponsorship to pay for their portion of the sign. I am hopeful we can probably recoup 80 or 90 percent of the sign and it’s cost. Basically, I brought this to you to seek your verbal approval and to get the corporate sponsorship. And to see what our cost would be at that point.”

Com. Harper, “Do I have a motion?”

Com. Evans moved to proceed with signage,

Com. Evans, “I think it’s a great idea, the design is excellent, it matches the motif of the building. It’s nice visibility and I think you will have people scrambling to buy the advertising.”

Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

E-911 2007 Budget, 2nd reading

Com. Evans moved to approve the E-911 budget on 2nd reading, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

Center District:

1. Turtle Run Subdivision, Performance Letter of Credit #ILS201574, FROM Fifth Third Bank in the amount of $290,000.00. Expiration date is June 30, 2008. Recommend approval.

Com. Harper moved to approve, Com. Evans seconded, motion carried.

2. Autumn Oaks Subdivision Performance Letter of Credit #00765 from Centier Bank in the amount of $40,000.00. New expiration date is September 3, 2006. Recommend approval.

Com. Harper moved to approve, Com. Evans seconded, motion carried.

South District:

1. Rogness Subdivision Road Agreement, located on the south side of CR 100 South between CR 600 West and CR 675 West. Offer to contribute $750.00/lot for a total of $750.00.Owners and subdivider is Marty Rogness. Recommend approval.

Com. Knoblock moved to approve, Com. Evans seconded, motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

Clerk’s monthly report for August 2006 is on file.
Weights and Measures monthly report for September 2006 is on file.
Court Security Activity Report for September 2006 is on file.
Juvenile Detention Inspection Report for 2006 is on file.

Approval of official bond for David Schelling, Porter County Engineer

Com. Evans moved to approve the bond for David Schelling, Porter County Engineer in the amount of $8,500.00, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

Approval of Animal Shelter services contract with Beverly Shores

Com. Evans moved to approve the contract with the Town of Beverly Shores for animal shelter services for 2007 in the amount of $558.00, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

Approval of quote from Dodrill Electric to replace surge suppressor at JDC

Com. Evans moved to accept the quote from Dodrill, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

Request to move precinct polling place

Com. Harper, “We have a request, but it is not from Voter’s Registration, but a request to move Boone 104 from the Gathering Place to the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department. I was contacted about this, they voted at the Fire Department for 30 years, but apparently a year ago, they didn’t have the road paved so they couldn’t do it there. The town of Chesterton went out and paved this road, Hebron rather, and they are now requesting from the Hebron Council to be moved back.”

Com. Knoblock moved to put the polling place back to the fire department,

Com. Harper, “Do I have a second?”

Com. Harper seconded, motion carried with Com. Evans voting against.

Request for Transfer of Funds-Commissioners

01.30 $1,000 from 3120 Consultants
Into 2250 other supplies

To purchase flags for county buildings.

Com. Evans moved to approve, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

Request for Transfer of Funds—Commissioners

01.30 $40,000 from 3510 power
Into 3950 contractual services

To assist the Opera House with royalty payments and other contractual obligations through the end of 2006.

Com. Evans moved to approve, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

Request for Transfer of Funds—Commissioners

01.30 $10,000 from 3510 power
Into 1230 PERF

01.30 $8,734.12 from 3120 consultants
Into 1230 PERF

To cover shortage.
Com. Evans moved to approve, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

APPOINTMENT TO WEST PORTER TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT

Com. Knoblock moved to appoint Mike Hamady to the West Porter Township Fire District, Com. Evans seconded, motion carried.


WEIGHT CAPACITY STUDY FOR CLERK’S OFFICE FILES

Com. Harper, “We have, just for public knowledge, because we had started working on this, the Clerk’s office had made the request for rolling files on the second floor of the courthouse, which we had approved, and we approved the purchase of these because it’s a great saver of space. Then, the clerk mentioned to us that she felt that there may be, at least we should do it an analyze the weight bearing capacity of that floor. We had DLZ do an analysis of that and we have that analysis here, we just got it, which finds that apparently during the remodeling of that building, the floor was never strengthened or replaced and there is a major issue of whether that floor can handle these shelves. I think we are going to have to consider it a future meeting. We just got it today, we do have it on file here, the report from DLZ if anyone so desires. So if it’s fine with everybody, we will just put it on hold. Is that all right with you?”

Com. Evans, “Yes, and I think we could tell the clerk to maybe start looking for some space in the basement.”

Com. Harper, “Somewhere else to put them because it doesn’t look good.”

COMMENDATION TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR STORM CLEAN UP

Com. Harper, “The other thing we have today is a commendation for the clean up work performed by the North Highway Department employees, South Highway Employees and the Center Highway Employees and also to the Bridge Department. I would just like to read one of these. This is from the Commissioners and we would like to recognize the outstanding effort performed by the Porter County Highway Department in the wake of the August 23, 2006 wind storms that hit northern Porter County. The Highway Department and several crews, as soon as the storm hit, and immediately began working to re-open the county roads. By daylight on August 24, 2006, areas that required heavy equipment were assigned crews from districts throughout the county. The only roads that were not open to traffic by night were those that had power lines across them. This was an example of all the Highway Department districts working together to accomplish a huge task. The long hours working under dangerous conditions should show the citizens of Porter County that the Highway Department will respond to any situation and give 100% effort to accomplish the task. The other thing that our Safety Committee talked about also, I would like to mention, that all of this was done and it was sort of dangerous work and there were no injuries that I know of to any of the employees. In fact, which continues a long time going by the Highway Department without a Workman’s Comp claim. I probably shouldn’t say or I will jinx it, but things have been going good there which helps our insurance. So I would like to have a motion that we sign this and send it out to all these people.”

Com. Evans moved to approve the commendation for the Highway Department, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

REPLACE PARKING GARAGE GATE DISCUSSION

Com. Harper, “I think Melissa wanted us to discuss this, right? Is replacing the parking garage gate. Apparently we have a fund from fees that have been collected down there, right?”

Ms. Hartig, “We have a fund just for repairing or upgrading the parking garage and it currently has $12,000.00 in it.”

Com. Harper, “Here’s what I am told. I, at first was a little reluctant on this. I don’t know if you noticed, but the one down at, they never use the one down at the hospital because there is a lot of repair compared to the perks. Apparently, other organizations are using our garage and at some point it is going to be a problem for employees parking so maybe we need to do it just for …”

Com. Evans, “I know for a fact that there are a lot of people that park there and go to their other jobs, either around the courthouse or the Administration Building and leave their cars there all day. There are many times I have gone through there or stopped to do something and looked on a weekend or holiday and some people are even storing their vehicles here, I believe. It is something we need to do. It will probably get worse.”

Com. Harper, “Should we make a motion on this then?”

Com. Evans, “I will make the motion to go ahead. She’s only got one decent bid, is that right?”

Ms. Hartig, “This is the only place that Charlotte could find.”

Com. Evans, “That’s what I thought because there is only one outfit that does it and I make a motion we get it. It falls within there. I mean, there would still be money left, the bid is for $7,292.00.”

Com. Harper, “What fund is this?”

Ms. Hartig, “It’s fund 109. This could go up as much as $70.00 because we will probably have to order extra tokens.”

Com. Evans, “This is going to create a little more work for you because you are the one that is going to have to pass out the tokens.”

Atty. Rinkenberger, “We used to have plastic cards.”

Ms. Hartig, “It comes with 250 cards and that should cover this building and for the employees that work at the courthouse and park here.”

Com. Evans, “Can we get the eye so that they don’t have to, I mean, especially in the winter months, it is difficult a lot of times the way they plow the snow to be able to drive right up there and put your card in, where if we have the electronic eye where you just wave it in front of the little eye, it would certainly make it a lot easier.”

Ms. Hartig, “I am going to have to ask them.”

Com. Harper, “Why don’t you check on that and if it’s more, come back and tell us. I think John is right that card, I had problems with that card.”

Com. Evans, “Well, what happens is many times in the winter time to get that in there because of the snow packed and the elevation of somebody’s vehicle they’re either doing this or they open the door, you know…”

Ms. Hartig, “It’s best to find something for the sides of the gate because there used to be room there and when the gate used to work, people would just drive around it.”

Atty. Rinkenberger, “I know I did before when my card wouldn’t work. All you have to do it pull around on the sidewalk and out you go.”

Com. Evans, “You can do that going out but it is not so easy coming in.”

Com. Harper, “Thank you, Gwenn.”

Atty. Rinkenberger, “Well, we need a longer gate.”
Com. Evans, “Maybe we need an intercom hooked up to the front desk if somebody can’t get out.”

Com. Harper, “Why don’t you check on all those things, Melissa. Anything else?”

Com. Evans, “No, just the only thing when we were talking about Highway, and nothing ever got done with my sign ordinance so I just would like to let you know and I am going to encourage Highway that since the political season has started and all these signs are going up all over the place already, that they better be put legally and that doesn’t mean in easements and right of ways because I am going to ask Highway to pick up all the improperly placed signs.”

Atty. Rinkenberger, “For both parties?”

Com. Evans, “All parties.”

Com. Harper, “Carole, do you have anything else? Do I hear a motion?”

Com. Evans moved to recess, Com. Knoblock seconded, motion carried.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PORTER COUNTY, INDIANA


Robert P. Harper
John A. Evans
Carole M. Knoblock

Attest: Sandra K. Vuko, Auditor