County Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Good morning, everyone. I'd like to call this meeting of the Hancock County Commissioners to order. Today is June 2nd of 2026. This meeting is being recorded and streamed for public viewing. By participating, you acknowledge that your image, voice, and comments may be captured and made publicly available. This meeting has been properly noticed in accordance with Indiana Code 5-14-1.5. Let the record show that there is a quorum of commissioners present. The commissioners are open for business. We will proceed with the agenda at this time. I'd invite all the attendants to stand and join the pledge of allegiance. Could I get a motion for the minutes, please?

I make a motion that we approve the minutes for the... 519. 519, 2026.

Commissioner's meeting. Second. We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve the minutes for 519 to 2026. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion approved. Motion to... We're going to take a second for recognition.

Permission to recognize someone. Come right ahead. Ms. Kaye Skaggs and Ms. Lisa Hawthorne. We're here by your tremendous help in our elections. We'd like to give you a letter recognition, so we're gonna read off what it says It says the Hancock County Commissioners along with County Clerk Lisa Lough green would like to recognize case gags for consistent Dedication and willingness to step up and support a critical election processes before during and after election cycles especially throughout the recent 2026 primary election He's continually demonstrated exceptional initiative by thoroughly researching issues, confirming details, and helping drive resolutions with professionalism, accuracy, and care. Position and staffing adjustments, she willingly assumed additional responsibilities to help maintain continuity and ensure daily operations continue smoothly. In addition to her regular duties, Kay played an important role in helping develop clear job responsibility divisions for new hire, while also contributing valuable insight toward training goals and onboarding efforts. Her knowledge, dependability, and team-focused approach proved invaluable during a time when experience with staff members was especially critical. Kay's dedication, adaptability, and commitment to doing what was needed made a meaningful impact on the success of the team and the integrity of the election process. She consistently went above and beyond expectations, and her steadfast service to Hancock County government is truly commendable. While the commissioners help ensure the County Clerk and Election Board have the resources and infrastructure to conduct elections effectively, we're especially grateful professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile help make those processes successful. Thank you, Kay, for all you do for Hancock County government. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated.

Now I would take a motion to recess our meeting for the drainage board.

I make a motion that we recess the Board of Commissioners meeting for the drainage board meeting.

Second.

I have a motion and a second on the floor to recess for drainage board meeting. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

I will call the June drainage board meeting to order. I guess approve, I would entertain a motion to approve the May drainage board meeting minutes. I move to approve the May drainage board minutes.

Second.

I move and second that we approve the May drainage board minutes. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes. Chad, I guess.

I guess. Good morning. I'll start with number three here. Let's go to the utility crossing. This is Centerpoint Energy. This is 550 West and Steinmeier Road, as you can see on the screen there. This will be in conjunction with the extension of Steinmeier, 550 West, My road from 550 West over to 600 Center point is going to be working there in the Northeast or Northwest quarter. They will be crossing the Frederick craft drain three different times as they go through there. I have confirmation from them in an email that they will be along with their application that they will be four feet below the regulated drain. and also 15 feet laterally from it in all locations. So I'm looking for approval of three crossings for the Centerpoint Energy at Steinmeier Road for the Frederick Craft.

Are they boring?

They're boring, yes. We are starting, which is something that was never required, but we are requiring them now to give us a drawing when they're done of actual shots of where their tile is as opposed to...

So we know they didn't hit it?

So we know that they have something on record of where they actually are for where they're at. We try to make it out to most of the crossings when they put them in. Most of them do a good job of giving us a call when they're going to be working. So it's one of those things that adds a little bit extra accountability on the back end.

A move we approve the utility crossing at 550 West and Steinmeier Road by Centerpoint Energy with a standard fine? Fees.

Sometimes it probably appears like a fine, doesn't it?

Second. I move and second that we approve the utility crossing for Centerpoint Energy at 550 West and Steinmeier Road with the standard feet. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

Next, let's go to number four. This was before us last month. They were asked to come back and bring more information once they had it. For completed drawings and for some changes that the board would like to see this is East logistics 70 East 70 logistics building 7 the extension of Enterprise Drive along with the relocation Reconstruction reduction of easement of the arm of the man for J drain along 700 West South of 500 north And they are going to be working in this area here. They have provided a new set of drawings they have Went with the recommendation of the board at the last meeting Their proposed easement for a 50-foot easement for the drain as it comes down through there so we have you were Rube will work on it. They're in their front yard, and it will be a 42-inch drain. It is all on one piece of property owned by GDI Holdings. They will be doing that at their own expense. Tie it back into the existing at the south end of their property.

Is red existing blue proposed?

Existing blue is proposed.

I can't quite make it out.

Yeah. Okay. I haven't. You can see the screen there. I've kind of made it a little bigger there for you on the screen so you can see it a little better.

And we can work in that.

We can work in that. Yes, sir. Along with the 50-yard setback where they're all kind of in theirs and separated there from the San Jerry sewer that runs through there as well west of us. Anything you want to add? Good. Okay.

I think that's what we asked them to do, and they did. I move we approve the relocation, reduction, and reconstruction of the East 70 Logistics Building as presented. Second.

I move and second that we approve the relocation and reduction and reconstruction of East 70 Logistics Building, 770 West 500 North. Any other discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes. All right, let's jump number five.

Let's go to number six here.

From Verizon, we have a utility crossing request for the Buck Creek Lower. This is along 700 West and at 100 North. In conjunction with the County Highway Department, they will be redoing the bridge on 700 West next year that goes over Buck Creek. Just north of 100 but there needs to be some utilities that are moved and Changed in that location, so they are going to be on the east side of the ditch they are going to be Five feet or seven feet below the bottom of the ditch as they come through there They will be boring as they get down to the ditch and then below the ditch.

No issues?

I don't have any issues with it, no.

I move we approve the utility cross scene for Verizon at 1047 North and 700 West with the standard county fee. Second.

We move and second that we approve the utility crossing for Verizon at 1047 North, 700 West under Buck Creek with the standard fees. Any other discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

All right, next one. Let's go to number seven, Andrew Weir. This is 50 West. This is actually between 234 and 700 West. I believe the drawing that was supplied in the packet shows it between 600 and 700 West. There's 600 and 700 North that's actually between 700 and 800 North. They are this property that is right here. I think their parents own the property to the north of them. Is that correct, Mike? Here.

Hold on a second, Eric.

Here on 50 West between 7th and State Road.

For number 7? Number 7. Number 8. It should be a number 8. This is 8, isn't it? Or not? We don't have any drawing. We don't have that that you've got right there. We've only got this. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay.

All right.

Oh, okay. Let's go down to 234. I can't get my bearings.

234 is up north. 234 is up here. Okay. There's 234. This is 700 north right here. Fortville Pike is here.

Okay. All right. I was too far east. Yep. Okay.

So. There's a six-inch tile that is running through that property presently. Good condition.

They're asking for a variance of tile under that.

That tile eventually runs into the Peter Thomas regulated drain. It's over here to the west, which has actually been redone here, I don't know, 10 years ago. Rick Lawrence redid it. 12-inch tile. 10 or 12-inch tile that runs north.

What does it mean to be uncovered? You haven't looked at it yet?

The tile in their field we have, it's a six-inch. It's in good shape. And the main that it runs to is fine. I'm the one who will collect for that. So that doesn't have to do with the board.

I think what he's asking is on this drawing it says to be uncovered. Yes. On the paperwork. That's what you asked? What does that mean?

Yeah. Does that mean you're going to look at it yet?

Yes. Yes. Our office will verify wherever they're going to make that connection to make sure the tile is working from that standpoint. Correct.

Do you see no problems? I don't see any problems.

So we're building a new place in that lot in the closest tile, six inch? Correct. To go to the main, okay. Yeah.

I would make a motion to approve the variance to use a six inch tile, Andrew Weir, North 50 West, East of Fort Mill Pike.

With a standard county fee.

Yeah, with a standard county fee. Thanks.

Been moved and seconded that we allow the variance to use a six-inch tile for Andrew Ware at 50 west east of Fortville Pike. Any other discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

While we're moving along here pretty quickly, let's go to number eight. This is Nine Star. They are looking to do a facility crossing of the farm of the Wesley Williams, which is the Austin Smith there. It runs on 600 East. It runs back there behind those houses there right along 600 East, just north of 40. 40 here, where our J-turn is going to go. Run those houses all the way to the north to that tree line. That last lot, Nine Star, is going to run a line that house back through there and they're going to cross that eight-inch tile that rose boring or yes they will bore under there are they what are they doing replacing that power line that overhead i believe that is what they're doing

I move we approve the utility crossing at 372 North at 600 East for nine star and waive the standard county fee.

Second. I move and second that we approve the utility crossing for nine star at 372 North 600 East on the Wesley Williams drain with waive the fees. Any other discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

All right, let's jump up to number two. We have claims from 5, 22, and 63. Some blowholes. We did a work on the Christian Kirkhoff, which was in the Foxco subdivision. Did Stansbury Schultz, some work out there. And then also did Thomas Miller and Charles Breyer some work along Doe Creek and the coon And take some things away so there's our

I make a motion to approve claims for 5-20-26 for the amount of $13,405.67 and for 6-3-2026 in the amount of $5,640.31. Second. I move and second that we approve the claims for 5-20-26 and 6-3-26

In the amount of $13,405.67 and $5,640.31. Any other discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

All right. And then number five, last month we brought before you the proposal for the resolution 2026-5-1 for the fees for the drainage board, regulated drain fees. It has been duly advertised for where it's at, and so now we're bringing it back to you for adoption.

Notice that you sent out.

What's that?

Is there a time on your notice? 8.30 or 8? Okay.

May not have it on us right now, but it was two consecutive Saturdays that we ran it.

I just want to make sure if we advertised it for 830, we didn't start. Or 9. Oh, you mean for the drainage fees resolution part of it? For when it was advertised? I think we just advertised it for the 8 o'clock meeting. Okay, that's fine. You're fine. Because you need to ask the public if they'd like to comment.

Right. I believe it was advertised that it would be at the 8 o'clock meeting. Then you're good.

I make a motion that we approve resolution number 2026-5-1, resolution designated drainage board fees per Indiana code.

Second. Move and second it. that we approve the Resolution Number 2026-5-1 under what? Per Indiana Code? Any other discussion?

I have one, well, two. And according to what you've looked at, Chad, these fees, they're not prohibitive in any way. They're where we need to be.

Yes, yes. They're actually still a little bit below some of the counties that are around us and things that we're at.

And we're not restricted to changing those fees? Like one of the new laws is going to take effect and planning restricts us to every five years. Is this one we can go back every year?

Yes, there is no restriction on this.

Do we still have the ability to waive that fee if we decide? Absolutely. I don't believe we've been included in any of that.

No, we haven't. We're under the radar on these fees right now. We wanted to make sure that if we set those fees, and it had to be every five years, we took that in.

Those are focused on housing and affordable housing right now.

No further discussion, sir.

All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

Is that all they need to do with it? I had one question. If you're done with all your agenda items.

I am done with all of my old business.

Go ahead with your new business.

I don't have any. The only new business I have is the next meeting, as a reminder, will not be the first Tuesday of the month because of a conference and budgets and things. It will be the July 21st. So just everybody understands that that's when the next. July 21st.

July 21st, not July 7th.

It will be July 21st, which was approved by this board a couple months ago. So I just wanted to make sure that that was reminded for where was that?

What's that? I won't be here.

I think you mentioned that I think last time.

I got a fishing trip.

All right, Steve, yes. On your agenda item number eight, you mentioned the turn at 40 and 6 East. Do you have a contact with NDOT? Are they going to mess with the regulated drain when they?

So they have been talking to my office a little bit about that on the south side and the north side when they bring official plans in. Yes, they'll get to there. But yes, they are, especially on the south side of 40 on both the east and the west sides. Bring up the drawing here Hopefully that'll help that They're really not doing much on this and Just a little bit here for where it's at. But yes, they are. They are going to be doing some work down here on this side.

So That it starts all the way west of that house on the south side on the south side outside

The regulated drain that we regulate is the only open part on the South side, so it's it's just on the east side of the road. There's a culvert that goes underneath the 40. So there's a field tile that comes out here, which we don't regulate, which a lot of people think that's the regulated drain, but it's not. But that comes into that side ditch, and then it connects into that arm of the Wesley Williams there, along with those that run on the backside of those houses. And then we have that part, that little open part that runs in the north side of 40, goes south. they're through the culvert that they have now, which they will be changing. Um, and then, uh, then it comes through this open here. And if you've been down 40 here in the last three weeks, you know, they're doing utility work and everything through there, um, uh, with the poles that are existing, uh, things like that. So, um, when are they, they're looking to put a J turn in there.

So, yeah.

I'll come down this way, and trucks will go this way, and then come back. So we have to make a right.

I just wanted to make sure they were aware that that was a regulated rule.

Yes, yes. We had very good conversations about it.

So they'll be over the top of it with all those turn lanes and everything, won't they?

So they're not really changing. They're not really going to have asphalt that's going to get out to where the actual drain is that's running down through here. There's not really changing that much from that standpoint. Just the crossing that they're doing and what they're adding and what they're doing. Handle it and then with all the utility contractors that are coming through there, making sure they all understand, which is pretty easy to see with the big... Just understanding it's not just a road right away. I mean a roadside ditch that runs through there. It actually is a... Yeah, let's be finished next year Or have anything else for me Motion to adjourn move to adjourn me second

Moving the second that we adjourn the June 2nd range more meeting all those in favor say aye aye motion passes Or you got some first sign don't you Well, Michigan, Michigan Never not. Thank you. That is?

You guys have a wonderful day. Bye, Eric. See you later.

Don't forget your thing.

Thank you very, very much. Manistee River.

See you later. See you, Eric. Okay. I can come in there.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning. I'll run through this fairly quick. I don't have too many updates. We do have a few signatures.

I mean, I think we usually get one here. I don't see it.

What are you looking for?

For the highway. Well, then just run through it. We'll be good one way or the other.

Okay.

We'll have you draw a picture if we need to.

All right, so the first thing I have is a contract amendment with GAI Consultants. This is for one of our roundabout designs. 700 West and I believe 500 North. So they presented a supplement for sidewalk design that we didn't have in the original scope. So that's for $26,000. That needs a signature.

Do we need to make a motion? Yes. I thought so, okay. I make a motion that we approve and sign off on project number R230454.00, amendment number one, project name, intersection reconstruction of a roundabout as number 2201629. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve project number R230454-00, amendment number 1, DES number 2201629. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion passes. Go ahead.

Next, I've got a contract with the same consultant, GAI Consultants, for right-of-way services on the same project, 2201629. And that is in the amount of 141,775. Thank you, Ryan.

I make a motion that we approve the LPA consulting contract effective June 2nd, 2026 between the Hancock County Board of Commissioners acting and by through its proper officials and GAI Consultants, a corporation of limited liability organized under the laws, DES number 2201629 in an amount not to exceed $141,775. Second. We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve

The intersection reconstruction roundabout at 700 West and County Road 500 North for GDI Associates. I think it was, yeah. G-I. G-A-I. G-A-I. So in the amount not to exceed, is that the 141? $141,775 as presented. All in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

Then next I've got several we have eight roadway reclassification Applications that we'll be submitting to through MPO and then in dot and these are Just to based on traffic volumes and road use and then to help these roadways be eligible for more funding federal grant funding So those need signatures as well Hey eight submissives and

So we just need to make a motion to include them all.

Motion to approve the road classification upgrades as presented. Second. Okay.

We have a motion and a second to approve the road classification checklist as presented. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion carries. Very simple. Okay, get them going. Here we go.

A lot of nice things about your cruise out in Shirley for that project. I want to drive by it at night, but I can't stay up that late. It is.

We will be working on an LWCF grant process this summer. We're getting ready to schedule a meeting with DNR to kind of judge the go-no-go decision on some property. This would probably be for just property purchase, very light development as far as like parking and stuff. So we have some properties identified. Miriam has been in contact with owners and we're just sort of in that process of making that decision. So we'll keep you updated on that. As Janine mentioned, the Shirley Trail construction is complete. We do have some landscaping and things like that that are getting ready to go in and some decorative asphalt in front of the Jane Ross Reeves house, the Octagon house. So that will be going in the next few weeks to wrap that project up.

Is the highway engineer going to put in his glowing night in the dark rocks? That has been installed. Yeah, there is.

Last week that was installed. I'm dying to see it. I just can't stand that. Okay. Got it. Let's see. The... The Jack and Sons property, a lot of this stuff he's gone through I think last week, but he just mentioned that he'll be needing Scott to get the lease done by the end of next week for the Jack and Sons property and that work is ongoing. The mower at the highway department, the robot mower that we're piloting has been running. I think they're kind of tweaking things and working out some bugs on that. So again, we'll keep you posted on that. I think there's, he's got on here, noted Mike, did you have any, or is Mike? NC Trail, do you have anything to mention on that?

The Benzie Trail of Hancock County is wanting to put a 8 by 13 concrete pad on 400 West to put for the portlet to sit on and are wanting to put a... All of your attention and up to you whether or not that put on the county's property.

Is that the same spot that they were going to put that?

Yes.

They're not going to put it now?

They're just going to put a pad on there. They're wanting to put a pad to set the portalette on with a privacy fence around it, kind of like the Parks Department has done for...

Okay. And at 8 foot by 14 feet, is that what the pad size was? Yes. Okay.

That's pretty big for a portalette, isn't it?

Yeah. Or it gives you a place to walk up to it as well, so you're not stepping in a bunch of mud or rocks or whatever. Right.

Do we need a motion on that?

Yeah, I don't have any issue with that.

Gary just wanted to be to your attention.

We can go ahead and make a motion.

I make a motion that we approve the concrete pad at 4 West and it's 40 and US 40 for the portalette and that's going to be paid for by the Pensy Trail. Pensy Trail of Hancock County. Second.

Second.

We have a motion and a second to approve a concrete pad at 400 West and 40 to be paid for by the Trails Committee. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion carries. You're welcome.

This week we've got crack sealing underway throughout the county. And the bridge on 300 South, west of New Powell, which is bridge 146, should be open by the end of this week. I think they've been behind on a few things, but it sounds like they're wrapping up.

That's good news.

And that is all I have. If you have any questions.

No. Thank you. Thanks, Ann.

Mike Gibson.

You been saving up or what?

Taking work my while. Good morning. Good morning. This morning, needing a re-signature of a plat that you guys have seen a couple of times. One in Drainage Board to vacate an easement for the hospital's property out on 600 West and Gateway. We revised the plat by adding a little bit more room. They needed something for a dumpster, and then we revised an easement. So after the fact that you guys had signed that plat, Harold made some changes, so I just need that plat re-signed, if you could.

Make a motion that we re-sign the plat.

But it has changed. So we'll need a new motion.

Okay. I make a motion that we resign the plat signatures for the Hancock County or Hancock Gateway Park Phase 1 Section 5. It's a replat of part of Block I in Hancock Gateway Park Phase 1 Section 4 and part of Block H and Block E Hancock County Gateway Park Phase 1 Section 1. and McCreek Township. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the way to sign and approve the Hancock Gateway Park Phase 1, Section 5 as presented. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

Go ahead, Mike. The second item is for a right-of-way acceptance or dedication for Bickel Miner Subdivision located at the northwest corner of County Road 500 East and 700 North at 0.527 acres.

make a motion that we approve the right-of-way at 500 East and 700 North at 0.527 acres. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve the right-of-way acceptance in Mount 0.527 at 5 East and 7 North as presented. Still looking.

Is this where you want us to sign, Mike?

I don't see anything. Not on the front.

What about back here? You've got... No. That's not it? Okay.

Sometimes they'll put it on the back of one of those.

You want us to sign the back of it or?

No, sometimes they put the block on the back.

Oh.

The front makes it easier to record. Right here?

Right here. All right, okay.

Go ahead The third and last one is Spiegel minor subdivision right away dedication for two Lots located approximately 875 north 1200 east the total dedication for the right-of-way is 0.7 6 4 acres Make a motion that we approve the right-of-way at 875 north 1200 east and

acreage at 0.764 for the Spiegel Miner Subdivision.

Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve the right-of-way acceptance on two lots equaling 0.764 acres at 875 North, 1200 East as presented. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion carries.

All right, you too. Thank you.

Okay, David Hine. Okay, there it is. Mr. Hines. Yes, sir. I think we have a proclamation for you. Yes, sir. For your group. We do have a proclamation for the Vietnam Veterans in Memory Week. Whereas the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund believes all those who served in Vietnam should be honored and remembered for their service. And their in-memory program enables the family and friends of those who come home and later died the opportunity to have them be forever memorialized. And whereas each honoree is honored with the in-memory plaque on the grounds of the memorial site, the plaque and a photo when the wall that heals visits your community and a dedicated webpage on the Vietnam Veterans Memory website. And whereas it is estimated that there were over 600 Greenfield and Hancock County men and women that served in the Vietnam War, but it is unknown how many of those Vietnam veterans have now passed away. And whereas in the 33 years since the creation of the In Memory Program, there have been only two Hancock County Vietnam veterans inducted into the Vietnam Veterans memory, Honor roll? Honor roll, yes. Okay. And whereas it is imperative that we publicly inform the families of our Vietnam veterans who have passed away that their loved one can be honored for their service at the memory ceremony overlooking the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Now, therefore, we, Gary McDaniel, Janine Gray, and Bill Spalding, Hancock County Commissioners, proclaim the week of June 4th June 14th to June 20th, 2026 as Hancock County Vietnam Veterans in Memory Week.

We have two county residents being honored this actual June 19th this year.

Jack Robertson from Greenfield and Russ Dowden from New Palestine We've only had eight total honored 33 years

Hey

Okay.

Heather Condren.

Okay.

Scott Williams. He's not here either. Okay.

He can't be here until 9.

Okay. Rudy Nodlin.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Chief Deputy Alex Barnes. I would like to just talk about our possibility of a full-time position being changed from a part-time position, and I'd like to go ahead and turn that over to Alex Barnes so he can explain that. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.

So I've kind of been working on this in coordination with Rudy. And just to refresh your memory, I'm sure you guys are aware, but just a little over a year ago, I think we came before you and the council in a joint meeting requesting a full-time position for what would have been this year. And we're grateful to receive your favorable recommendation for that. After a little more discussion, Rudy and I believed that in an effort to be a little more fiscally responsible and just to kind of have like a pilot year, because we've never had anyone in the office before, we've kind of taken this year to have a part-time position. And it has greatly been a positive impact for our office, not only with just availability for investigations, but just someone being in the office to answer phone calls and do projects that have been put on the back burner for way too long. So I know it's only been a little over a quarter of this year, but there's plenty of work to justify this full-time position, not only from the administrative standpoint of things, but just because of our growth and how many investigations that are coming in during the working day. So I know that there's been instruction from the council on new positions and everything, so we're aware of that. Um, we weren't sure If it would be any different since this is already a part-time position if it's any different transitioning it to full-time So kind of looking for some advisement on that from you all We're going to be on their agenda tomorrow as well to pitch this to them. So Just kind of hoping we can renew your favorable recommendation to them But if you have any other questions, we'd be happy to answer those Well, will your current employees step up to be a full-time position? That's Taylor. Yeah, that's the plan. And, and honestly, um, you know, without going into too much detail, part of why this is important is, um, the person that fills this role for us now has, you know, kind of told us that, um, without this going full time, she probably won't be able to continue that for us. And this is a specialized position and back trying to backfill that, um, would be very tough. And honestly, it would just set us back from the progress that we've made. And there's actually in this latest general assembly, I think it was. House and rolled back 1031 that says that anyone who commit or commits, performs a death investigation without the required training, performs or commits a Class B misdemeanor. So we can't really hire someone new that hasn't gone through the training either because they only hold the training course twice a year. So we really need to have someone in this position already trained.

I think by telling the council not only that, but showing them, too, what you found out since you brought in this part-timer, how you really do need that person in that role and then probably how burdened that person is just by only being part-time to take it to full-time. I mean, you need to be able to show them some statistics as far as the whys. I mean, we can tell everybody, yes, we do need people because we're the fastest growing community. Any way you look at it throughout the state of Indiana, you just have to have some numbers to be able to back that up. And then I'm, I still think we can probably offer you, at least in my opinion, a favorable recommendation to them that you need it, but I don't think they're going to accept it without those numbers to just back up your position.

And it looks like 50% of your calls have been during the hours of 8 to 5, so she's busy.

And the 26 salary and wages budget's already been approved at the 139.

that was this year's but i mean it yeah it was already approved for this year so that's our work was that to include a full-time no it was not that was a that was part-time okay that's just your overall budget okay yeah yeah i i do believe that we are

in line to grow even more. I've stated this before. We're not going to get any smaller. And since all the surrounding donut counties have got a full-time associate, we're in that market also. We are growing and we are definitely in need of a full-time person. So I think we could vote to give a favorable.

Well, I have a question. That administrative position, On a full-time basis would be fifty thousand nine hundred and sixty dollars. Is that correct? but the Increase is forty three thousand three hundred and seven.

Yep, so I realized on this little document that you have in front of you, so We're going to increase our part-time budget for our true part-time deputies because what we found out is it's getting to the point where we almost need to have two deputies go out on a run just because of the physical demands of the job too. So that's going to raise their wages that are due to them. But really the only additional on this position is 26. Plus benefits. Yeah, plus benefits, yeah. So if you take that 43 figure that you have there, subtract it from 26, that's just what's going to go up for the part-time staff. And I've got all those numbers prepared for...

And you're bringing this back to us tomorrow.

One thing that really has changed our budget is some of the new state laws where someone who unfortunately is transferred from this county by ambulance or helicopter to a surrounding county and pass away and have an autopsy done. A couple years ago, that was not the burden of Hancock County, but that has changed. So whenever there's a major incident that has happened and they go to Methodist or Eskenazi Hospital for trauma care and then they die, that burden of an autopsy is on Hancock County with the new law. So that's where a lot of that autopsy money has changed, where we didn't see that years ago. Now in the same situation, something comes in from Henry County to Hancock County, we can revert that bill back to Henry County. That doesn't happen near as much as our cases going to Marion County and even Hamilton County. That's about one case a month on the average.

Again, that's important information that you need to share to tell the whys.

And you've got a lot of information here. I mean, you've done your homework.

I move that we send it forward to the council and it will be in front of the budget hearing the council tomorrow. Gary and I will both be there with a favorable recommendation.

Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to send a favorable recommendation to council to fund a full-time position for the coroner's office as presented. All those in favor say aye.

Aye. Motion carries. Thank you very much.

Okay. 901.

Is 901 what?

For Scott.

Heather Condrey come in?

No, she hasn't.

Okay. Scott Williams.

Good morning. We're here to open bids for the demolition of a house at 2463 West 200 South, Susan Englebright's.

So here's the bids off Clayton.

Cut her ready.

You got what, four of them? Okay. This one is from Denny Companies of 2050 South Harding Street in Indianapolis. getting dull.

Total bid amount $21,826 includes asbestos. How much was that? $21,826 which also includes an asbestos inspection.

This one is from Kendred Excavating Group, LLC, located at 4231 South 800 West in New Palestine, Indiana. Total amount bid, $67,662. This one is from Casey Bertram Construction, located at 5780 East 25th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. This one is for $40,895.00. This one is from Brogan Brothers, doing business as Indianapolis Demolition Company, located at 916 East Westfield Boulevard, Suite 240 in Indianapolis, Indiana. And this bid is for $28,875.

Do you wanna take these bids and look through them, make sure that- Yes, absolutely. And then you can bring it back to us for an approval? Yep.

Perfect.

Heather just walked in.

Heather Condor. Don't get comfortable, come on up here.

Are you ready for me?

Yes, yes. You're fine, you're fine.

Good morning. Good morning. My name is Heather Contra. I'm executive director of Greenfield Main Street. This is our second year hosting our Market on Main event, which is a vendor artisan market that we host on the plaza behind the courthouse. It is 4 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month, and it has been so successful that we have run out of space on the plaza. So my request to commission would be to allow us to have some vendors up on the lawn of the courthouse. It would be a small 10 by 10 pop-up tent, a table, and they would be selling their items and it would be about four hours. There should not be any damage to the lawn.

I make a motion that we approve the use of the courthouse lawn for the Main Street Greenfield project, third Thursday of every month. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve Main Street to use the courthouse lawn on the third Wednesday?

Third Thursday.

Third Thursday.

It's May through September.

May through September for their art displays. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion carried.

Fantastic, thank you so much. You're welcome.

Have a great day. John Giaconis.

But he don't have a tie.

He's not asking for anything. The peanut gallery is back John.

Not asking for anything for 9-1-1 actually so it's other things. So just for clarification with the pollinator garden we will be starting that today or well we'll be telling them they can go ahead and start whenever they are prepared correct?

Eight. Yeah, they can. We had a discussion because we've already given them permission and we voted to approve this whole thing. So we don't need another motion.

All right. Then we're good to go on that. So we'll get that started. And then once we're ready, then obviously we'll do some media on it and everybody will be invited. So then my other item today is has been a lengthy one we want to get one what we need done for 123 east main for community corrections for the door access cameras door hardware this will finish that out and button up everything that we need to get buttoned up the quote Nelson Alarm has worked really well with us on this particular quote. We had some outstanding quotes. We combined everything. It saved us, I would say, a good amount of money to do it this way. But the total that we are requesting today is $28,250, and that is for door access controls, door hardware, and security cameras.

It know what about the 11? That's the total.

OK, yeah, that's subtotal for the door access and door hardware equipment and we can take this out of the 2021 bond.

There's still money left in there.

OK, OK, now make a motion that we approve quote 10635 from Nelson Alarm Equipment Sales Agreement. for Hancock County Community Corrections located at 123 East Main in Greenfield. This will be for cameras, alarms, and everything to finish up the project there. The amount to be paid from the 2021 bond, not to exceed $28,250. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve the equipment sales agreement with Nelson & Alarm and with 123 East Main to be taken out of the 2021 bond in the amount of $28,250 as presented. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion carries. Awesome.

Thank you. I know it's a little quick for me, but... We don't mind that. Thank you very much. Oh, okay.

Ellen Cougar.

Good morning. Good morning. For those of you that don't know me, I'm the Parks Director for the City of Greenfield. I'm here today to ask for permission to include the annex parking lot and a parking map that the Parks Department is creating to try to help educate concert goers for the upcoming Depot Street Park concert series this summer. We know we're going to have major challenges with parking. The two main lots that typically support parking for our concerts are both going to be under construction. That's the Wolf Lot and the Harvest Market parking lot that are east of the park. So park staff, we went out this spring. We walked around downtown Greenfield. We physically counted the number of on-street parking spots as well as identified some parking lots that we would like to include in the parking aerial. The annex parking lot was one of those parking lots that we identified that we'd like to include in the parking map. Just need your approval to do that. This map will go up on social media.

Now, we've already given your maintenance supervisor what he asked for. It was that same parking lot, wasn't it? You're my supervisor.

Josh? Josh. Yes, he said he had a conversation with you, but his takeaway was we needed to officially come and just ask to make sure it was okay to include it on the parking aerial before we get it on social media. Okay.

It's a Friday night series anyway. It's Friday and Saturday. Friday and Saturday, yeah. And liability goes to...

It would probably be on us. It would be. Because it's a public parking lot that the county covers. It's probably part of what's wrapped up in our liability insurance. It is. Okay. Vehicle traffic that parks on that.

I wouldn't have a problem with it because, I mean, we know they're going to be challenged with parking. I mean, that, I mean. Going to be.

It's going to be fun.

When you take out a whole city block, I mean.

Absolutely, yeah. And whether it's in the aerial or not, people are going to park there. Whether we direct them there or not, they're going to find your lot and park there. We just wanted to make sure you guys were okay that we included it in the aerial to try to educate people that are coming to our community where they can park.

And if you could add in there as well that there are certain groups of folks that get out of here at 3 o'clock on Friday or, you know, the end of work day is 3 and the end of work day is 4 for some, so probably post that.

Yeah. Our concerts start at 6. Right. We typically start seeing people about 4.30. But, yeah, we can try to educate that.

You want to let them know that way all our people are gone?

yeah to make sure that all the people here available for and after yeah okay yep we can include that okay i make a motion that we approve the use of our annex parking lot for greenfield parks and recreation for the friday and saturday uh concert series second

Got a motion and a second on the floor to approve Greenfield City Parks to use our annex parking lot for concert goers for the Friday and Saturday night series throughout the summer as requested. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

Awesome. Thank you guys.

You're welcome. Oh, we got a gun. Tabitha Davis. Good morning.

We are here to simply ask that our part-time field officer position be able to become a full-time position. Kerry Wall was our case manager that we had. We had two case managers. We are not looking to fill that case manager position. And instead, I would like to make our part-time field officer a full-time position in lieu of the case management position.

But it's already been funded. I mean, so you don't have the one. So it's more or less going to take that position anyway, isn't it?

We're not asking in next year's budget to, we've not filled it, the case manager position, second one, and we're not asking for one next year.

But what I'm saying, it's funded at this point in time.

Correct. It will not cost any additional funding or benefits from the county.

The 36.5 is in the field officer position.

Just move in to that. It's already done.

The budget, the full-time, excuse me, the parking field officer will go to be a full-time, and the second manager will not exist. I mean, the savings of money, yes, but it's not exactly.

But, I mean, more or less you're just taking the part-time, making it the full-time that already exists that you don't have anybody in.

I make a motion that we send forward with the approval to a county council. regarding taking your part-time field officer position to full-time.

Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to give a favorable recommendation to county council to allow the Field officer position be taken from part-time to full-time in which the full-time position already existed, just not occupied.

Full-time position of second case manager.

Case manager, yes. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you.

One of the field officers will be eliminated. Mark Elder. And the part-time will go full-time.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm asking for some direction from the commissioners. In regards to the siren, outdoor early warning siren in New Palestine, located at 3875 South 500 West. It is not functional at the current time. They got quotes to get it repaired. It can be repaired at the cost of between $4,500 and $7,500. The problem is the vendor for that has recommended not to spend that type of money on that siren because, as they refer to it, using their words, not ours, it's a civil defense siren that tells you how old it is. It's hard to tell how it's at least 50, 60 years old. The components that's wrong with it now can be replaced, but you fix it now. If something else goes wrong with it, they don't make parts and pieces for, like, other components that could go wrong with it. So it would be recommended to replace it. To replace it, and I included, should be in the packet, the cost of a siren itself is $13,947, but then you have to start adding in all the components that go with it. So then there's the transformer, the digital controller, which brings it all up for a total cost for a replacement siren of $42,545. That's just for the siren. And then there's a cost associated with having a local vendor, electrician, to make an electrical connection, which has been estimated between, depending where we have it located at, $3,000 to $5,000. The good thing about it is if we can replace this siren, it would have to be relocated because it's more efficient, it's louder, it would give us more coverage area, better coverage area in that area of the county. It would also have a battery backup. If we repair this current siren, if there's a power outage, which would be common in a storm, that siren is not functional once again. If we replace the siren, it would have a battery backup, power outage goes out, it still can be activated in case of a tornado warning. So I'm seeking direction. If we decide to repair it or we decide to replace it, the other thing is I don't have the funding in this year's budget to do either one.

So is there only one provider out there or what?

We've gotten quotes. I haven't gotten a formal quote from a second, but they are actually more expensive than what federal provided us in this quote.

uh... my question right when i looked at this uh... the twenty twenty five says for maintenance of buildings and i don't know that it actually says for a replacement of a siren yeah that's what i mean so and i didn't see any of the other bonds either so it's just maintenance to buildings and stuff so so we're i mean i'm thinking i mean

One of the vines says equipment. She's taking a look at it. Didn't one of them say something about equipment?

Let me see. Can I ask a question?

You know, like if, I don't know, maybe six or seven years ago, Misty replaced a lot of the sirens. Do you have a list of the sirens?

We have a list of them. That's not on that one. No. There's three sirens that were not replaced. This is one of them. And then there's one in Shirley and one in Wilkinson.

Gotcha. So Hancock County government buildings funds are required to build, renovate, remodel county buildings, including, but not limited to a new track facility for highway department to improve operation efficiency, safety, and long-term infrastructure reliability. Okay.

That 2025. All right. And that's, we can do that.

What was the, what was the quote on that? Was that the, the one 20.

That's for three sirens, so divide that by three. For one siren, it would be $42,545. That does not include the local vendor cost of having a connection made.

How are the other sirens? You said one in Shirley and where? Wilkinson. Wilkinson. Do they have one there at all?

And we're having the maps updated to show the coverage areas. So there is one that was installed last year, I believe, in Wilkinson, and there's one up in Shirley. So before we do anything with that, I want to see what the coverage area is on those before we would want to do anything on that.

And you want to pay for this out of 2025? 2025.

Okay.

And the amount was $40,225? Plus.

$42,545 plus whatever the local vendor cost. And they've estimated up to no more than $5,000 is what our vendor has, what they've ran into in the past. That's 47-something, isn't it?

Okay, I make a motion that we approve federal signal for a new emergency siren in the new Palestine area and that would be provided by federal signal in the amount of $42,525 plus the expense of up to $5,000 for the local vendor. Second.

Okay, I got one more thing. You said that's going to have to be relocated. Yes. Do we have a place to put it? Do we have to pay for land?

From my understanding, we don't have to pay for the land. It's on a utility pole. The federal vendor, because there are federal guidelines of how close they can be located to one another, that is part of their service that they do is they will tell us where it needs to be located at so that they don't overlap the decibel coverage.

Okay.

And Wilkinson has just the one, and then they've got a manual one. Correct. It's older.

Yes.

And 911 has to set that off manually every time it's needed. Correct.

Okay. We have a motion and a second on the floor for a new siren and installation costs, and that is through federal signal. In the amount of $47,525, is that it? Okay. And that total cost with the installation and local vendors and all that. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All to be paid for out of 2025. There we go. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

Thank you.

Now, Mark, which one of these need to be signed off on then?

I'll have them redo it for one siren.

Oh, okay, very good.

And do we need a motion for me to sign it once he gets it signed up?

I make a motion that once emergency management has the new contract and the amounts mentioned in the previous motion that we allow President McDaniel to sign off on that. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to allow Commissioner President McDaniel to sign the bid once we get the recalculated numbers produced. All in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay, we've got some housekeeping to do here.

I make a motion that we approve the claims and payroll. Second.

Motion on floor to approve claims and payroll. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries. Auditor business.

We have an email that was sent to us. You've got something from the stormwater that you need to sign. So I want to make sure you got that.

Yes. That come out. That was sent to me. And I forward that to the ladies there. All it is is allowing me to sign their construction stormwater certificate.

Make a motion that we approve the signing of construction stormwater certification through the IDEM Office of Water Quality. And this is for the Sheriff's Office. Auxiliary building.

Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to allow me to sign off on the construction stormwater certificate out at the sheriff's new building. And it has to take a wet signature and this has to be sent to them and we have to forward them a copy of this being signed. So all those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Motion carries.

And then the other was the fire and EMS study that's being done by Baker Tilly. I did talk to Bill about that. The motion was not to exceed $90,000, but it came in at $97,000. So Bill just said let's reach out to Baker Tilly to find out what the additional cost is. It might be something tomorrow that you may need to ask for some additional out of food and beverage to cover that invoice. So that's just put that on your radar. And then your self-insured liability insurance for your budget for next year. We appropriated $500,000 last year. We'd like to go ahead and do that. That's what we're planning on for next year. We haven't used that. Knock on wood. So we just thought we'd go ahead and use that same number. And as the year progresses in 2027, if you need more, you could just ask for an additional.

I know we have almost $500,000.

Yeah, we haven't spent a whole lot of it, but you know that one claim that comes in could wipe it out.

So we're going to ask for an additional $500,000.

Well, no, it's just for your budget for 2027. That's what we're going to do. Same number that we did, if you're good with that.

But we need how much for the additional Baker-Tilley?

Additional 7,000. We'll probably have an answer. So when you make that ask tomorrow, we'll know why that increased. I know they've been meeting an awful lot and you guys have been doing a lot of work.

So are we no longer have the additional 75,000 we just asked for? For additional... If you ask for 75,000... Was it contractual or was it...

Bill, it was contractual.

Well, this was 90 that was already, it was.

Yeah, it's a certain line for this contract. Oh, okay. And it said not to exceed 90. So no matter where you pay from it, we would need to probably redo something on that. Okay. And unless you have anything for me, I don't think we have anything else.

Proclamation. Men's health. Bill, you want this one?

Sure. Who sponsored this one? Who did this on our agenda? Was there a group that specifically asked for it? Who was it?

Yes, and then I discussed it with Gary. I have to find the email.

But they're not here? They're not here.

It's more of like the amateur radio that sends in theirs. They just wanted your support.

Okay, well, we will read this. into the record. So this is a proclamation for Men's Health Week in Hancock County. So it says, whereas Men's Health Month is a part of an ongoing international effort to educate men, boys, and their families about the importance of preventive health screenings, early detection, and healthy lifestyles, and whereas nationwide men have had a life expectancy that is approximately six years shorter than that of women and experience higher rates of chronic disease, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease, premature mortality and whereas men's health month provides an opportunity to recognize the mental and physical health needs of men and boys while encouraging fathers and caregivers to serve as positive role models through preventative care healthy living and help seeking behaviors and whereas the growing epidemic of deaths of despair including deaths related to suicide substance use disorders alcohol misuse and and homelessness underscores the urgent need to raise awareness of unrecognized and undiagnosed depression, mental stress, and emotional stress among boys and men. And whereas the centerpiece of Men's Health Month is National Men's Health Week, a special awareness period passed by Congress and signed into law on May 31st, 1994, and observed annually through the efforts of Men's Health Network to build health, empathy, recognition, and the understanding of the unique health needs facing men and boys. Now therefore, the Board of Commissioners, Hancock County, do hereby proclaim June 15 through 21 of 2026 as Men's Health Week in Hancock County, Indiana.

And then we will get this to them.

Out-of-state travel? Yep. Make a motion that we approve out-of-state travel for Hancock County Community Corrections. There will be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven individuals attending training in, it doesn't say where.

Conference, All Rise National Conference in Tennessee.

There you go. All Rise National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Lodging expense of $2,400.00. meals of $16.80, conference fees $5,220, and not to exceed $9,300.

Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve out-of-state travel for the community corrections. And it will include Alex Granados, Madison Delagrange, Geller Grange, Haley Matthews, Lamar Robinson, Nicole Raffaele, and Faith Sorrell, Courtney Dunnington as presented. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

The opioid to all the decision on the Eastern Hancock revised opioid proposal I Did I think it's good I also think that the earlier Criticism is not found well-founded that we had before that was So just to add that to it, but I think this definitely meets the criteria.

So.

And we can move forward with letting them know to go ahead and resubmit that request or not resubmit, but we can move forward with the request on the new format. And you guys are good with that.

Yeah. I'll make a motion that we approve the new decision on Eastern Hancock revised opioid proposal.

Second.

Motion and second on the floor to approved the decision on Eastern Hancock's revised opioid proposal as presented. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

And I would just like to say just for the public, they had $5,000 left over from what they had been given, so they're utilizing that for a new program that does qualify. So it's not that they're getting anything extra. They just want to make sure that they can take advantage of that.

Proclamation.

Is there anyone here from the amateur radio operators?

No?

This is a proclamation for amateur radio operators dated June 2nd, 2026. Whereas the County of Hancock has licensed amateur radio operators who have demonstrated their value in public assistance by providing emergency radio communications and whereas these amateur radio operators donate these services free of charge to the county in the interest of the citizens of the county as well as the world. And whereas these amateur radio operators are on alert for any emergency, local or worldwide, and practice their communication skills during the American Radio Relays League Field Day exercise. And whereas this year's Amateur Radio Field Day will take place June 27th through June 28th, 2026. And now therefore we Gary McDaniel, Janine Gray and Bill Spaulding Hancock County commissioners hereby declare the week of June 22nd through June 28th, 2026 amateur radio week in recognition of this important emergency preparedness exercise. We call upon all citizens to pay appropriate tribute to the amateur radio operators of Hancock County.

Hear, hear.

I don't know if they're doing it, but when they would have somebody come in and this proclamation would come out that they would set up a temporary site near St. Michael's. So it might be worth it to see if they have anything set up. They're always welcoming and wanting equipment.

Yeah, they do.

Yes, the library for those two days in the field next to the library.

OK, very for those on those days or on the dates 2728.

Okay, just for the public, they will be having a field day in the field behind the library. And that's June 27th and 28th. If anybody would like to go out, I know they enjoy having people out there, getting this out to the public, letting them know that they do serve the public in many different ways.

And it's very interesting too. Yeah.

Okay, you've got some disbursements.

This we have for Veritas Advisors, Amplify Certification of Completion.

We'd like to hear some progress, that's what it is. Good morning.

Progress, as you will see, one of the documents before you today is the substantial completion certificate for the project, which is a, it's really a contractual formality certifying that We've reached the stage in the project where the owner can actually use the building for its intended purpose. So it's a milestone, it's a great thing. It lists the outstanding items for Myron Agem to either complete or repair if there are any corrections needed to be made. So it basically says anything outstanding for them to complete their contract is itemized here with an associated cost value. and it then cites the turnover date which is planned for June 19th. So June 19th is when the keys are turned over to the county as the owner and the county gets control and will thereafter have complete control of the building. That means maintenance, security, utilities, insurance, the whole ball of wax.

I don't want to open it, but I'm going to. Where do we stand on the guardrails that were brought to our attention?

After we had our conversation, I followed up with a meeting with Gary Poole and Commissioner Spalding, and we discussed that. Everything meeting code, the intention is to move forward as designed, and then if we need to loop back and circle back and take another closer look at it, then we can do that. All right. Thank you. Sure thing.

So we'll make sure our insurance is ready to go, effective June 19th?

Yes, we actually have the insurance. We have Brian Brees coming to the board meeting next Tuesday to address the board. So everything's in motion.

So I can process off my list then?

Yes. Okay. Yeah, I think we can. Everything is in motion. So as far as progress goes, it's looking good. And Meyer and HM has done a fantastic job, as has Ratio, as the architect. It's been a great project. And as we near the end, there's still a lot to be done. But from a construction standpoint, we are getting very, very close.

Great. We're excited about that. That's going to add so much to our county. I really do believe it is.

It is an absolutely exciting project.

They're talking about it all over the state.

What do you see?

They're talking about it all over the state. I mean, I know that we had several administrators or superintendents at schools come out to see it.

They did, yes. Governor and all that. Yeah, it's been great. I love the high-profile nature of it. Hopefully we can maintain that and continue to generate that excitement.

And the folks at Work One would like a tour.

Was that right? Okay.

So if you can get with me, I'll get with David, and we'll get him through there.

We can make that happen.

Trying to kind of look like what they have at Maid over in the Plainfield where Work 1 is located in that building. Yes. Even though they've got a pretty sweet deal down here on South State Road 9, it makes a lot of sense just to have them within that building in the future.

Yeah, well, there's 20,000 feet upstairs.

So I make a motion that we accept the Amplify Hancock Certificate of Substantial Completion presented by Veritas Advisors. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve and accept the Certificate of Substantial Completion for the Amplify Hancock. to be completed. It's an exciting program. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

Do you have, I'm not expecting that you would, do you have any update on the user agreements as to those? I will be talking to Lisa Lee, but I don't know if you had any information on that.

That process continues. We did receive legal feedback from Ivy Tech, from one of the users. I think the other two users are pretty satisfied with things as they stand. I haven't heard any pushback or comment. With regard to the Ivy Tech, we received those comments. We've reviewed those at least on one point. That is in the court of Lisa Lee. I know that Commissioner Spalding had a conversation with Lisa last week. So these are all moving forward. Everything is moving forward well.

There was a termination clause in there that there was some language requested by the user. I spoke to Lisa, and she says, oh, yes, and on the county side and on Amplify's side, we need to work in. I haven't gotten anything. Just checked to make sure. I haven't gotten anything back from her.

I'll check with her, too. And then the insurance structure of that, that's going to get introduced.

Actually, that has been addressed by Brian Brees.

He ran Brian through the window on that. But I really do believe he's come up with something that covers everybody. Again, he's got some great insights from Ice Miller's legal insurance and a lot of that, a roadmap of who needs to be covered and what. I believe we're represented by Cincinnati insurance The person who serves that locally they came in with the most competitive overall bid and numbers that we needed Crack, you know, we could really if it wasn't right Brian would be just I mean all over the place.

Oh, he would be Friday night at five o'clock. Yeah, so

All right, I'll also check with her just to make sure Thank you sure thing we have an affidavit for construction fund reimbursement request number 27 27 In the Hancock County Redevelopment Authority and in the amount of it says under Schedule a but I've got two different numbers here, but the total is $894,034.64. Okay. Or is it the $54,242.44? I think we've got a total of $839,000. Both invoices together for the $894,000.

Right. Okay.

So that total again in the motion is $894,000. $894,034.64. Second.

There is a motion and a second on the floor to approve affidavit for construction fund disbursement, request number two, in the amount of $894,034.64. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

Okay, we also have from Veritas a change order, number nine, dated May 28th of 2026. Total amount to be drawn from owner contingency is $31,958 even. Second.

I have a motion and a second to approve the Hancock, Amplify Hancock change order number nine to total amount to be drawn from the owner contingency in the amount of $31,958 as presented. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries. Okay. And Scott Williams, or you got? Nope.

And just to say again, for the record, we are on or under budget and on time.

I like the way you say that. That's correct. Okay, thank you.

Yeah, thank you. Thanks Lance.

Scott Williams.

Okay, been through the bids and it looks like the Denny Companies has won the bid. The only thing in these bids that was common through there, they all have... A price to notify IDEM. Anytime we demolish something, you have to notify IDEM. So if there's asbestos present, then that'll be an additional cost to this. But we won't know until we test it.

Can we see it there? That way we can motion to approve? You want the what? The bid.

The Denny bid. Now wasn't theirs the one that included...

That was asbestos notification, wasn't it? Notification.

They all did notification. Okay.

Okay, very good. I make a motion that we approve the contractor's bid for the Hancock County Department of Planning for demolishing a house in the amount of not to exceed $21,826 unless there becomes a need for remediation of asbestos. Correct. Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve the bid for demolition cost excluding any asbestos remediation in the amount of $21,826. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries.

What was the name of that company?

Denny.

Denny Company. Denny.

D-E-N-N-Y. D-E-N-N-E-Y Excavating Inc. located at 2050 South Harding Street, 46221. Thank you.

Now, I'm on the agenda for the council next week to ask for funding for the unsafe building fund. Kind of curious what I should ask for in case of the asbestos.

What does remediation typically run? Do you have any idea whatsoever?

No clue. The houses I've demolished haven't had it, so I have no idea.

And how does this house, do we know?

I don't know. I could take a quick look at Beacon, but I don't know.

I just wouldn't know if they would actually use asbestos.

I think what one of the bids did say that his opinion that it was present in the siding. And that's usually where it is, is in the old siding on the outside of the house. So one of the contractors did say that he thought it was there.

Okay, that I don't, I have no idea.

I would ask them, you know, I would let the council know this is probably going to happen. You're going to have to remediate some asbestos, but probably ask for an additional appropriation once you find out what that value is.

I'll try to call her out between now and Wednesday to try to get something.

You probably won't have an accurate amount, but, I mean, you could just give them a heads up, hey, I'm going to be coming back if there's asbestos. Okay. All right, very good. Thank you.

All right, thank you. Do you need this back or does it need to go upstairs?

Deb, do I keep that or you guys keep that?

We need a copy of a signed contract. If you want to keep something for your records, we can scan it in and email it to you.

Do that.

Okay. Thanks.

We have a bond release from the highway department. The principal of that is JDH Contracting Inc. located at 8109 Network Drive in Plainfield, Indiana. This is a performance bond. The amount of that bond being released is $121,500. Second. This was for Hancock Regional Hospital Gateway conduit and fiber relocation along 200 north between 700 west and 600 west.

Second.

We have a motion and a second on the floor to approve the bond release for JDH Contracting Incorporated. in the amount of $121,500. Bond number would be 192828P, and it's for Hancock Regional Hospital Gateway Park Conduit and Fiber Relocation along 200 North between 700 and 600 West. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion carries. And that is it.

I just had a county farm invoice was in my overall packet. Did we pull that from the big?

Well, I think we're going to discuss that a little bit tomorrow because this is for the overall project, and I know the council's included on that. And this is their first invoice that they've sent us, and that's what MS Consultants. So for $7,758.53, I think at the budget meeting tomorrow, we'll go ahead and circle back on that to see where everybody agrees to pay that from. That was our only question. If you're good with that, we can do that. Good with that.

The last question I have is, I know the last time we had a solid waste meeting, DeeDee had mentioned we don't have recycle capability anymore. Best Way had said, hey, we're not doing recycle things. The sheriff has a lot of recycle need out at his facility. What do you think about just getting bids from local trash vendors on recycle only?

Are you just doing cardboard out there?

Doing only cardboard. I think there's some possibility for, do a lot of canned food stuff. It's mostly cardboard.

Are they accepting cans anymore? Dee Dee, is she? She's right there. Can you find a place for, are they taking anything but cardboard, plastics? They'll take all of it. Okay.

Because the only reason we did that away with is because our current provider quit doing it. So, I mean, it's already in the budget to do, so all we have to do is just start it back up.

But what I'm getting at is that some providers just don't take anything but cardboard anymore. Is that still correct?

Well, it depends on the waste hauler. Each one does things differently. So, yeah. So, I mean, there are places that you can recycle everything. But, yeah, I think there are some that only do cardboard. But you would have to get bids from individual waste haulers to see what they're willing to accept.

We could do that.

Do we need a motion to actually approve the auditor go ahead and pay that invoice if council approves it and says where to go for it?

You mean that $7,000 on MS? No, I think tomorrow at budget meeting we can take care of that.

Okay.

Probably best.

Okay.

I make a motion that we... What?

We can't adjourn.

I'm not adjourning. Okay.

That's all I had on my list. Go ahead.

That we put out for bids for recycling.

Don't they come from the waste boards?

No, not necessarily. Because it impacts all the county buildings. I don't think we've ever negotiated recycling through solid waste. What's normally happened is it's been as part of the package of the contract or contractual package that we've had. And this year, we signed the contract with Bestway. Shortly after, they said, hey, we're not going to provide recycle again. The problem is it's a three-year contract. So over the next two years, we'll just have to go out and try to get services for recycling only, which will probably be more expensive than if you had it combined in a contract for overall general trash pickup and recycling together. But there's such a need for it, at least where the sheriff is. I don't remember what other buildings we had recycle bins or things set up at. So we ought to at least look into getting that recycle back on track.

You had it at the pistol range, right? Did you have recycling out there, too?

Yes, we do. Sometimes it ends up being a trash bin more than recycling.

I'll bet it does, yeah.

You want to go ahead with your motion now?

I already did. Second.

Okay. Motion on second to have DD go ahead and start looking around for trash companies to do recycling.

This is ours. This would be on us to do. Oh, okay. Yeah, on the county to do that.

Okay. Then the county actually do it.

So we could have Sarah to start looking at it.

We'll have Scott put something together for the RFQ and then we'll put it out.

Yeah.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion carries. Is that it? Do we have any comment?

Well, let's just recess.

Okay, okay. Sounds good. I need a motion to recess.

Motion to recess. Second.

Motion on forward and second to recess. So all in favor say aye.

Aye. Good. And then we'll wait until our solid waste meeting's over. Do it out there.

Knock it out. We were...

Hey, did you ever figure out your mystery, Bill?

Thank you.

I will call to order the meeting of the Hancock County Solid Waste Management Board for Tuesday, June the 2nd. First item up on our agenda is to review the minutes from the May 4th, 2026 meeting. Can I get a motion?

Make a motion to approve the minutes from May 4th, 2026. Second it.

There's a motion and a second on the floor. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion passes. Director's report.

Approval of invoices. So for the month of May, we had the contract. We had two fuel purchases. The Verizon contract. Donuts for my collection event. We emptied the newspaper bin at the Daily Reporter, so we have a bill from Waste Management. advertising for the spring event through the Daily Reporter. I bought postcards this time rather than printing postcards to distribute for advertising for our spring event. And then I signed up for the Anastom Conference And then we did purchase insurance for our spring event, and so we started a new line item for that, and I transferred that from dues and subscriptions. And then we did get, under the event fund, we did get the Community Foundation of Hancock County grant for $6,000. We'll talk more about that in a little bit.

Can I get a motion to approve invoices as presented?

I'll make that motion.

Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we approve the invoices as presented. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion passes.

Okay, so right behind the budget is my timesheet for the month of May. I was able to use up some of my, uh, overtime from our extra minutes, extra time that I accumulated in the month of April. I had 19 and a half hours at the beginning of the month and I got it down to about seven hours, I think. So I use some of that. So, um, but that has my whole month worth of activities on it. And then I did use, um, have used up five days of vacation for the year so far. All right, before we go on to old business, I want to take a moment to recognize Dan Riley. He is at his last solid waste district board meeting. So he has been on my board since 2017, if I'm right. I think that's what I found in my notes. So I wanted to present him with this little plaque as a thank you for being on my board for so many years and I just want to take a minute to give that to you. Does it say former president of trash?

Is there any kind of speech the former president of trash would like to make?

Yes. But I won't. I appreciate this, and I've enjoyed working with you, and I've learned some things, so this was a good experience for me, and I've enjoyed it. I wish you all well. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. You too. All right, so on to old business. As I said earlier, we did get the Hancock County Community Foundation's grant for $6,000, and that is going towards our bins for the park. So I do have a question for you. So the total amount that we were wanting to get is $14,858 and we got six. So I talked to the Parks Department to see if they were interested in reducing the number of bins or if they really wanted, because I think we put in there for 10 bins, to find out if they really wanted the 10 or if they wanted to start smaller. They said if it's possible they would like to go ahead and start with the 10 bins and they already have it mapped out as to where they would like to put them. Some of them are at Depot Park. Some of them are at some of their other locations. I think Brandywine Park, I think for some of their sporting events. So I told them that I have an event fund that has some money in it and that money that I have collected from events, it has always been put in the back of my head that if we were able to do some, needed some additional funding for a project to promote recycling in our community, I felt like the event fund is the perfect place that that money should come from. And so I'm putting it out to you to see if, you know, we can help supplement this grant to help them get closer to the 10 bins that they were hoping to get. So I don't know how much or if you're willing to contribute to that. The total amount that we're lacking is $8,858.31. So I'm going to put that to you guys to discuss to decide what or if you would like to do something. And you've got that money? I have the $6,000. Yep, it's already deposited in the bank.

And you said you've got about $8,000?

$8,858 left for the total of 10 bins.

Did I understand you correctly when you said you had some money saved back?

Well, it's the event funds. Okay. So we allocated $30,000 to use from that event fund for this year. We don't typically use that event fund very often. So it is kind of growing each year because all of our money that we collected events goes right into that fund. So I was hoping that we could maybe use some of that money for this.

If you don't get the full 8,000, where do we get the other four?

Well, the Parks Department might be able to contribute some of that. So if you are interested in splitting it, they might be able to come up with the extra $4,400. But that's not guaranteed.

Would your Parks Department want to participate in this?

I hate to speak on them as they have their own board, but I couldn't see why they wouldn't if they have the funding. I mean, I think it's a great thing to do, the recycling and promoting that. I mean, that's what this whole board's about, you know, is recycling and promoting those kinds of things. However, I guess I hadn't known about this before, so.